tldhuett's review against another edition
3.0
I did not anticipate things getting so much more sinister in this one. I felt the pace was slow and unbelievable to the point where at one point I thought to myself, when have they had time to go pee? Lol. Every second was nearly accounted for and this made things move slowly and unbelievable. I hated how vulnerable and docile Kate was in this one. I wanted to see her be the powerful, stubborn girl I know her to be. I love Silas still. Edgar... Keep on trucking. ;) I'll look for the next one hoping it's better paced and not a cliff hanger like this one.
funsizelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good sequel. Of course, it totally stopped at a cliffhanger, but as middle-of-trilogy books go it was good.
mackle13's review against another edition
3.0
While this book suffers from the mid-trilogy slump, I do think that there are certain aspects of it which improves on the first book - namely the writing. There weren't nearly as many info-dumps and expository chunks as there were in the first book. Not that there weren't a few, and I'd still like to get info without quite so much telling, but it was an improvement.
On the other hand, it didn't seem like a lot actually happened. The whole book follow both Kate/Edgar and Silas as they are trying to void capture, and get captured, and escape, and get captured, and escape, and so on and so forth. While captured, there's some exposition. Oh, and there are some nifty fights and things, too.
That said - the story that's being set-up in the next, and final, book really has be interested. I'm officially hooked into this world and these characters, and am really looking forward to the big climax and to see how everything comes out. (It doesn't help that they're well-paced reads, so even when not a lot was happening it never felt all that slow.)
Here's hoping for a great conclusion.
***
ETA: There was one world-building issue which I wanted to comment on, which actually came up in another book I was reading recently - the issue of daylight.
There are people in this world who live entirely, or at least mostly, underground. This would be very unhealthy for people, both physically and mentally. Sunlight - actual sunlight, not artificial light or even firelight - is necessary for people to live properly.
There's some grumbling about the class segregation which forces people to live in the City Underneath, but there's never any real discussion of the healthy issues.
It didn't ruin the story for me, or anything, but it did kinda bug me a bit.
(And don't anyone said "it's not our world so it could be different", because these people are clearly meant to be humans, not aliens, and that would just be a cop-out, imo.)
3.5 on Subsequent reading
On the other hand, it didn't seem like a lot actually happened. The whole book follow both Kate/Edgar and Silas as they are trying to void capture, and get captured, and escape, and get captured, and escape, and so on and so forth. While captured, there's some exposition. Oh, and there are some nifty fights and things, too.
That said - the story that's being set-up in the next, and final, book really has be interested. I'm officially hooked into this world and these characters, and am really looking forward to the big climax and to see how everything comes out. (It doesn't help that they're well-paced reads, so even when not a lot was happening it never felt all that slow.)
Here's hoping for a great conclusion.
***
ETA: There was one world-building issue which I wanted to comment on, which actually came up in another book I was reading recently - the issue of daylight.
There are people in this world who live entirely, or at least mostly, underground. This would be very unhealthy for people, both physically and mentally. Sunlight - actual sunlight, not artificial light or even firelight - is necessary for people to live properly.
There's some grumbling about the class segregation which forces people to live in the City Underneath, but there's never any real discussion of the healthy issues.
It didn't ruin the story for me, or anything, but it did kinda bug me a bit.
(And don't anyone said "it's not our world so it could be different", because these people are clearly meant to be humans, not aliens, and that would just be a cop-out, imo.)
3.5 on Subsequent reading
withthebanned's review against another edition
3.0
Originally reviewed here.
Blackwatch begins with Kate on trial because she has been falsely accused of murdering one of the leaders of the Skilled. Kate learns who she truly can and cannot trust while on trial and she is disheartened to find that those she believed loyal to her, those she risked her life for, are really not as loyal to her as she believed. Kate and Edgar escape from the Skilled into the underground caverns only to be caught by the Blackwatch, the Continent’s most elite warriors. Across the sea, Silas is also being hunted by Blackwatch and it is through Silas and Kate’s blood tie that they are both captured and forced to try both Silas’s patience and Kate’s power.
This story delves deeper into the tie between Silas and Kate and the powers that Kate has inherited as one of the Skilled. One of the reasons I adored Shadowcry was because of how dark it was as a young adult novel, and Blackwatch was no different. Jenna Burtenshaw delves deeper into what the veil represents and how it affects both Kate and Silas as well as how Edgar’s role as Kate’s only confidant will affect her power over the veil. The novel also provides the reader with glimpses into past which assists the reader in understanding both how Wintercraft came to be and how easily one can be consumed by darkness.
A new character, Dalliah Grey was introduced in this novel and she was a nice addition after the absence of Da’ru, though it is still a little unclear if her motives are going to be detrimental to Kate or not. It is no question that she does not have Kate’s best interests at heart and only wants to use her to accomplish her own (less than godly) goals. The shift in POV between Kate and Silas also offers a nice addition so the reader is able to glimpse some of Silas’s inner turmoil as he starts to gain a conscience. That being said, the last few pages of the novel were probably my favorite as they really gave the reader a more solid view on the man that Silas is growing into, no word yet on the romance but one can only hope (okay, pine for.)
Like in Shadowcry, Jenna Burtenshaw uses impeccable descriptions to describe the world Silas and Kate travel through. As I was reading about the caverns underground and the city housed in them I was amazed at how vivid they were in my mind. The climax of the novel was also brilliant in my mind and I found myself feeling a range of emotions as Kate struggled with the situation she was thrown into. I am thrilled to say that my copy of the conclusion to this trilogy, Wintercraft: Legacy, just arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to find out the extent of Kate’s power and Silas’s strength.
This series comes highly recommended!
Blackwatch begins with Kate on trial because she has been falsely accused of murdering one of the leaders of the Skilled. Kate learns who she truly can and cannot trust while on trial and she is disheartened to find that those she believed loyal to her, those she risked her life for, are really not as loyal to her as she believed. Kate and Edgar escape from the Skilled into the underground caverns only to be caught by the Blackwatch, the Continent’s most elite warriors. Across the sea, Silas is also being hunted by Blackwatch and it is through Silas and Kate’s blood tie that they are both captured and forced to try both Silas’s patience and Kate’s power.
This story delves deeper into the tie between Silas and Kate and the powers that Kate has inherited as one of the Skilled. One of the reasons I adored Shadowcry was because of how dark it was as a young adult novel, and Blackwatch was no different. Jenna Burtenshaw delves deeper into what the veil represents and how it affects both Kate and Silas as well as how Edgar’s role as Kate’s only confidant will affect her power over the veil. The novel also provides the reader with glimpses into past which assists the reader in understanding both how Wintercraft came to be and how easily one can be consumed by darkness.
A new character, Dalliah Grey was introduced in this novel and she was a nice addition after the absence of Da’ru, though it is still a little unclear if her motives are going to be detrimental to Kate or not. It is no question that she does not have Kate’s best interests at heart and only wants to use her to accomplish her own (less than godly) goals. The shift in POV between Kate and Silas also offers a nice addition so the reader is able to glimpse some of Silas’s inner turmoil as he starts to gain a conscience. That being said, the last few pages of the novel were probably my favorite as they really gave the reader a more solid view on the man that Silas is growing into, no word yet on the romance but one can only hope (okay, pine for.)
Like in Shadowcry, Jenna Burtenshaw uses impeccable descriptions to describe the world Silas and Kate travel through. As I was reading about the caverns underground and the city housed in them I was amazed at how vivid they were in my mind. The climax of the novel was also brilliant in my mind and I found myself feeling a range of emotions as Kate struggled with the situation she was thrown into. I am thrilled to say that my copy of the conclusion to this trilogy, Wintercraft: Legacy, just arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to find out the extent of Kate’s power and Silas’s strength.
This series comes highly recommended!
bitchburgerbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Just as fast paced and exciting as the first!
serendipity_viv's review against another edition
5.0
Jenna Burtenshaw has a very dark mind! And I for one, LOVE IT!
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
bibliosini's review against another edition
4.0
As its predecessor, this book did really well! As before, the ending was amazingly climatic and Burtenshaw clearly shows Kate's deterioration as the veil disappears. I really hate Dallilah; the ending had me cursing her! I love the relationship that is building up between Kate and Edgar, and it's never too late for Silas to make an appearance!
I can't wait to read the sequel to this! Burtenshaw has done it again!
I can't wait to read the sequel to this! Burtenshaw has done it again!
feona's review against another edition
5.0
I loved everything except the ending. It took everything in my willpower not to yeet it out my window. also Silas and Kate shoulda been endgame.
library_brandy's review against another edition
2.0
Following the events of Shadowcry, Kate is on trial for murder--and found guilty by the very people she trusted. Her friend Edgar helps her break out of the prison she's been held in, and in escaping the Skilled they are picked up by the Blackwatch. Meanwhile, Silas Dane has also been hunted by the Blackwatch, and it is his link to Kate that may save--or doom--them both, as it's Kate's rare powers to cross into the veil that interest the mysterious Dalliah.
This probably would have made a lot more sense had I read the first one, but I wasn't enjoying this enough to go back and fill in the blanks. The prose leaves little to the imagination, spelling out details that were shown perfectly clearly, and the characters are spectacularly unengaging. Also, I never got a clear idea on their ages; I think it was mentioned somewhere, but Edgar seemed very young and yet adult-like at the same time.
I could see some teens really enjoying this series, but if it's the ability to cross in and out of the veil, and the veil's possible destruction, that interests them, maybe pass on this and hook them up with Sabriel instead. Garth Nix did it first, and Garth Nix did it way better.
This probably would have made a lot more sense had I read the first one, but I wasn't enjoying this enough to go back and fill in the blanks. The prose leaves little to the imagination, spelling out details that were shown perfectly clearly, and the characters are spectacularly unengaging. Also, I never got a clear idea on their ages; I think it was mentioned somewhere, but Edgar seemed very young and yet adult-like at the same time.
I could see some teens really enjoying this series, but if it's the ability to cross in and out of the veil, and the veil's possible destruction, that interests them, maybe pass on this and hook them up with Sabriel instead. Garth Nix did it first, and Garth Nix did it way better.
venpyre's review against another edition
2.0
Hm. That was not very enjoyable.
This was....super boring. I didn't expect that because for all it's fault at least the first book had a lot going on. This book's entire story is just Kate and Edgar hiding/running and Silas being expositioned at by the new antagonists. I wanted to continue this series to observe the development of Kate and Silas's relationship...but they were separated for the entirety of the novel?? Character development also really does not exist in this series (beyond Silas maybe gaining an inch of humanity).
And my god am I sick of Edgar. He is such a stock YA companion, just there for witty one-liners and a reason for Kate to act. I'm not convinced Silas and Kate will get a lot of time to talk or get to know each other in the next book considering the ending of this one... but I guess I'll be reading it since I've come this far. :/
This was....super boring. I didn't expect that because for all it's fault at least the first book had a lot going on. This book's entire story is just Kate and Edgar hiding/running and Silas being expositioned at by the new antagonists. I wanted to continue this series to observe the development of Kate and Silas's relationship...but they were separated for the entirety of the novel?? Character development also really does not exist in this series (beyond Silas maybe gaining an inch of humanity).
And my god am I sick of Edgar. He is such a stock YA companion, just there for witty one-liners and a reason for Kate to act. I'm not convinced Silas and Kate will get a lot of time to talk or get to know each other in the next book considering the ending of this one... but I guess I'll be reading it since I've come this far. :/