gardens_and_dragons's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a great follow up to the first book. It expands on the magic, politics and mystery of the series.
Loved having the main character Lin Sukai becoming emperor and feeling the constraints of becoming a leader after being constrained by her father for so long. The lack of privacy, her every act being scrutinised, of having the weight of the nation on her shoulders - it’s a lot but she shoulders it well.
I enjoyed Jovis and his internal struggles with will he won’t he help Lin with her empire. Plus the budding romance was actually fairly sweet.
It’s not a perfect book, I’d say the side characters do not get as much page time and therefore stay less important to me, but that’s ok. They contributed to the story and were not intrusive enough to be bothersome.
Loved having the main character Lin Sukai becoming emperor and feeling the constraints of becoming a leader after being constrained by her father for so long. The lack of privacy, her every act being scrutinised, of having the weight of the nation on her shoulders - it’s a lot but she shoulders it well.
I enjoyed Jovis and his internal struggles with will he won’t he help Lin with her empire. Plus the budding romance was actually fairly sweet.
It’s not a perfect book, I’d say the side characters do not get as much page time and therefore stay less important to me, but that’s ok. They contributed to the story and were not intrusive enough to be bothersome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and War
Moderate: Death of parent and Body horror
Minor: Xenophobia
booksthatburn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As the middle book of a trilogy, THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR moves several things to new stages but doesn't completely close off anything. Mephi and Jovis's bond is getting stronger. Phalue and Ranami are newly married and figuring out what kind of governor Phalue will be. Sand now calls herself Nisong and has begun invading the other islands with her fellow constructs. Lin is traveling to several of the islands in order to obtain promises of aid and loyalty from the various governors. The Shardless Few are more of a threat, with their leader pulling strings to destabilize Lin's reign. Lin now has a companion of her own, and a Cloud Tree monk has appeared to help her learn about the Alanga. There's a much stronger focus on information about the Alanga, since it appears they're coming back. I like the reveal of what they are, and I'm very intrigued by some late-book answers about their reemergence and connection to shard magic.
Nisong's conquest of the nearby islands is introduced and resolved. Technically she appeared in the first book, but the actual invasion and her tactics don't show up until this one. This isn't the last book, and it leaves open a bunch of interesting things. This include but are not limited to Jovis and Lin's relationship, further steps from the leader of the Shardless Few, the orphan girl Phalue and Ranami are helping, and Lin's next moves as emperor. The narrators are the same as the first book and (with the major exception of Nisong/Sand) are generally consistent with their earlier appearances. I highly recommend the audiobook. Having three narrators helped me keep track of the story and characters more easily, even though there are slightly more than three point-of-view characters.
Early on, Lin is exploring the rooms and items her father left behind by his death, trying to find a balance between getting information and holding on to herself. Later, Lin and Jovis begin moving around the islands on a tour of governors. This is in keeping with Jovis's wanderings in the first book, but it does make it feel a bit unmoored. The various plot threads are woven together expertly, with the common threat that more islands may sink. The romance between Jovis and Lin is a bit strange. There are the obvious issues, like how he entered her service as a spy and isn't sure yet where his loyalties lie. There's also a bit of fridge horror associated with Lin's identity which seems like it ought to trouble Jovis personally, but even once he figures it out he isn't dissuaded. I think I would have been more distressed in the same position, but I guess I'm not very much like Jovis.
A solid continuation of what's shaping up to be an amazing trilogy, don't miss this one if you like betrayal, fridge horror, and multilayered politics of an empire in crisis.
Nisong's conquest of the nearby islands is introduced and resolved. Technically she appeared in the first book, but the actual invasion and her tactics don't show up until this one. This isn't the last book, and it leaves open a bunch of interesting things. This include but are not limited to Jovis and Lin's relationship, further steps from the leader of the Shardless Few, the orphan girl Phalue and Ranami are helping, and Lin's next moves as emperor. The narrators are the same as the first book and (with the major exception of Nisong/Sand) are generally consistent with their earlier appearances. I highly recommend the audiobook. Having three narrators helped me keep track of the story and characters more easily, even though there are slightly more than three point-of-view characters.
Early on, Lin is exploring the rooms and items her father left behind by his death, trying to find a balance between getting information and holding on to herself. Later, Lin and Jovis begin moving around the islands on a tour of governors. This is in keeping with Jovis's wanderings in the first book, but it does make it feel a bit unmoored. The various plot threads are woven together expertly, with the common threat that more islands may sink. The romance between Jovis and Lin is a bit strange. There are the obvious issues, like how he entered her service as a spy and isn't sure yet where his loyalties lie. There's also a bit of fridge horror associated with Lin's identity which seems like it ought to trouble Jovis personally, but even once he figures it out he isn't dissuaded. I think I would have been more distressed in the same position, but I guess I'm not very much like Jovis.
A solid continuation of what's shaping up to be an amazing trilogy, don't miss this one if you like betrayal, fridge horror, and multilayered politics of an empire in crisis.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Infertility, Racism, Confinement, Animal cruelty, Child death, and Genocide
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This kind of adult fantasy book feels like it was curated exactly for me. Incredible worldbuilding, moving interpersonal dynamics, political intrigue, little-to-no spice, and courage to confront grey areas of morality. Cannot wait for book 3!!
CW: death, gore/blood, war
CW: death, gore/blood, war
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I felt like this book was better than book one in some ways and worse in others.
The expansions of the lore were fascinating, and I can't wait to see where things go with the Alanga in book three. The animal companions were just as wonderful and charming. Jovis and Lin's dynamic was compelling and complicated. Phalue and Ranami were wonderful, and I liked the overall development of their relationship and storyline a lot. And all of the politics felt very realistic, especially the disputes over natural resources and such. And overall, I'm really glad that the different plots were properly interconnected in this one.
But a lot of things just didn't quite work. I have conflicted feelings about Ranami's whole "suspicious of other orphans" thing. The main plot with the construct army felt weirdly underdeveloped because Nisong got so few POV chapters while also taking up far too much of the book. And there were quite a few plotholes. Also, I know I said the politics felt realistic, but what is up with the political messaging of this book? Are we just cool with inherited wealth and power now because we like Lin and Phalue? Not sure. Book three is going to need to spend a lot of time working through that particular issue.
The expansions of the lore were fascinating, and I can't wait to see where things go with the Alanga in book three. The animal companions were just as wonderful and charming. Jovis and Lin's dynamic was compelling and complicated. Phalue and Ranami were wonderful, and I liked the overall development of their relationship and storyline a lot. And all of the politics felt very realistic, especially the disputes over natural resources and such. And overall, I'm really glad that the different plots were properly interconnected in this one.
But a lot of things just didn't quite work. I have conflicted feelings about Ranami's whole "suspicious of other orphans" thing. The main plot with the construct army felt weirdly underdeveloped because Nisong got so few POV chapters while also taking up far too much of the book. And there were quite a few plotholes. Also, I know I said the politics felt realistic, but what is up with the political messaging of this book? Are we just cool with inherited wealth and power now because we like Lin and Phalue? Not sure. Book three is going to need to spend a lot of time working through that particular issue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Death
Moderate: Body horror, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Grief, Animal cruelty, Child death, and Death of parent
dreareads_'s review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
3.75
4 ⭐️ because I love the characters and parts of this world are amazing.
3.5⭐️ because this book is full of plot holes and is clearly confused about the political message it is trying to send.
I’ll try to keep my thoughts brief but we’ll see.
The good:
1) Ranami and Phalue shine in this story. We see how strong and vulnerable are in different ways. They’re also the only characters that have some sense of a clear political perspective (and even then it is muddled)
2) PROTECT MEPHI AND THRANA AT ALL COSTS
3) The magic continues to be engaging, and the political maneuvering (despite it being extremely frustrating) was interesting.
4) Jovis and Lin are great
The Bad: SPOILERS
1) Confusing politics: this story began as an anti imperialistic in book one to now being like “Emperors are good because Lin is good”. This is further highlighted by the making of the shardless few (the fully anti imperial group) as self centered and extremists (even though we never SEE them being extreme). I wanted to scream the entire time.
2) Plot holes galore! No explanation for the memory drinking. Lin being Alanga even though she wasn’t born?? I do not understand. Ranami becoming so jaded she didn’t trust a fellow orphan came out of left field. Phalue’s dad having spies and collaborating with the shardless few?? What!? Why???
3) Regan was such a dumb addition whose turn was absolutely obvious and did nothing to add to the story.
4)GIO BEING AN ALANGA AND ALSO HAVING A SELFISH AGENDA MAKES NO SENSE AND IM ANGRY.
5) Nisong was an interesting character who’s turn made sense but was also rushed.
Honestly probably a 3 but I could never do that to Mephi 💕
3.5⭐️ because this book is full of plot holes and is clearly confused about the political message it is trying to send.
I’ll try to keep my thoughts brief but we’ll see.
The good:
1) Ranami and Phalue shine in this story. We see how strong and vulnerable are in different ways. They’re also the only characters that have some sense of a clear political perspective (and even then it is muddled)
Spoiler
I want them to build their wonderful family with Ayesh2) PROTECT MEPHI AND THRANA AT ALL COSTS
Spoiler
and poor Lozhi too3) The magic continues to be engaging, and the political maneuvering (despite it being extremely frustrating) was interesting.
4) Jovis and Lin are great
The Bad: SPOILERS
1) Confusing politics: this story began as an anti imperialistic in book one to now being like “Emperors are good because Lin is good”. This is further highlighted by the making of the shardless few (the fully anti imperial group) as self centered and extremists (even though we never SEE them being extreme). I wanted to scream the entire time.
2) Plot holes galore! No explanation for the memory drinking. Lin being Alanga even though she wasn’t born?? I do not understand. Ranami becoming so jaded she didn’t trust a fellow orphan came out of left field. Phalue’s dad having spies and collaborating with the shardless few?? What!? Why???
3) Regan was such a dumb addition whose turn was absolutely obvious and did nothing to add to the story.
4)GIO BEING AN ALANGA AND ALSO HAVING A SELFISH AGENDA MAKES NO SENSE AND IM ANGRY.
5) Nisong was an interesting character who’s turn made sense but was also rushed.
Honestly probably a 3 but I could never do that to Mephi 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, Animal cruelty, Genocide, Murder, Torture, Cursing, Child death, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Violence
allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love sinking into a sequel, my investment already high and connections with the world and characters well-established. In my opinion, a great sequel rewards you for that investment by taking you deeper and showing you more. This sequel more than delivers on that promise. I am satisfied that I came to understand more about Lin, Jovis, Phalue, Ranami, and Sand, as well as some crucial side characters. Their motivations and goals are clarified for readers and for themselves. Sometimes they clash. They struggle. Their revelations raise new questions and create new problems. Relationships grow and shift.
One thing I especially admire about this book is the true morally grey situations. The characters try to make the best decisions for not only themselves but the world at large and sometimes disagree or directly argue about the best path. In some cases, a character's personal blind spots are clearly at work; in others, it's a horrible choice with alarming ramifications either way. The journey is so well-executed with all perspectives on view for the reader whether you ultimately support them or not. Lin is a particular standout for me as she navigates her father's legacy and unforeseen responsibilities, but I don't say that to diminish my deep affection for all the character POVs in the book.
I lingered at the end, drawing out my read because I feared the end, the inevitable wait for the trilogy's finale. This coping mechanism is reserved for the strongest fantasy series on my shelf-- the ones I struggle to let go of.
PS Jovis' mom is a treasure
PPS Long live the ossalen
Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
One thing I especially admire about this book is the true morally grey situations. The characters try to make the best decisions for not only themselves but the world at large and sometimes disagree or directly argue about the best path. In some cases, a character's personal blind spots are clearly at work; in others, it's a horrible choice with alarming ramifications either way. The journey is so well-executed with all perspectives on view for the reader whether you ultimately support them or not. Lin is a particular standout for me as she navigates her father's legacy and unforeseen responsibilities, but I don't say that to diminish my deep affection for all the character POVs in the book.
I lingered at the end, drawing out my read because I feared the end, the inevitable wait for the trilogy's finale. This coping mechanism is reserved for the strongest fantasy series on my shelf-- the ones I struggle to let go of.
PS Jovis' mom is a treasure
PPS Long live the ossalen
Thanks to Orbit for my copy to read and review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, and Murder
caseythereader's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks to Orbit Books for the free advance copy of this book.
- Okay okay okay. I feel like I can't get too much into the plot of THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR because not only will it spoil some of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER but also OMG SO MUCH HAPPENS. Questions answered! More questions raised!
- This book has a lot more political maneuvering than I typically enjoy in my fantasy books, but I'm so invested in not only Lin but the world of the Empire as a whole that I was hooked on every word. And then, aside from the politics, there are some truly epic battle scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
- We also see a lot more of Phalue and Ranami, sapphic power couple of your dreams, in this book and I am here for it.
- Please just read these books already and come talk to me about the new developments in this book, and please @orbitbooks_us let's get the third book quickly!
- Okay okay okay. I feel like I can't get too much into the plot of THE BONE SHARD EMPEROR because not only will it spoil some of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER but also OMG SO MUCH HAPPENS. Questions answered! More questions raised!
- This book has a lot more political maneuvering than I typically enjoy in my fantasy books, but I'm so invested in not only Lin but the world of the Empire as a whole that I was hooked on every word. And then, aside from the politics, there are some truly epic battle scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
- We also see a lot more of Phalue and Ranami, sapphic power couple of your dreams, in this book and I am here for it.
- Please just read these books already and come talk to me about the new developments in this book, and please @orbitbooks_us let's get the third book quickly!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual harassment
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