readwithde's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.25
I really enjoyed this book. Having the characters split gave them some extra time for progression (both character and plot).
While I get why Mare would be kept prisoner for so long, I would have preferred more interactions with the court, if not with Maven.
Cameron was an interesting POV for the Scarlet Guard/red side of things, which again left much of the political machinations off the page, but at least gave the basics. Even Kilorn would have been a better choice, in my opinion.
I feel like the final third of the book dragged a bit, at least up until the climax, It just felt like the pacing was off after I think there was too much build up in the beginning that didn't leave enough room for the three bigger battles.
Finally,
Overall, this was a strong sequel, and I was surprised by a few things; I'm very excited to read the final book and the short stories.
While I get why Mare would be kept prisoner for so long, I would have preferred more interactions with the court, if not with Maven.
Spoiler
Even bringing in Evangeline's POV chapters earlier would have helped that section fill out a bit more, even if it tipped her family's hand a bit.Cameron was an interesting POV for the Scarlet Guard/red side of things, which again left much of the political machinations off the page, but at least gave the basics. Even Kilorn would have been a better choice, in my opinion.
I feel like the final third of the book dragged a bit, at least up until the climax,
Spoiler
the second battle at Corvium.Spoiler
Mare was rescued by the Scarlet Guard.Finally,
Spoiler
I know we should want Cal to choose Mare, but I don't think he's wrong to ask Mare to choose him instead. I'm hoping there is a way for compromise in the final book, but I'm happy that each of them are actually dealing with what they want instead of throwing away their convictions, training, or lives.Overall, this was a strong sequel, and I was surprised by a few things; I'm very excited to read the final book and the short stories.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/injury detail, Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Torture, and Vomit
jasmine_0206's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This one is soooo much better than the Glass Sword. It is crazy of the development of all the characters. It started off really slow but after that it got a lot better and the different pov’s made the story of all the characters a lot better.
Graphic: Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Torture
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Death, and Death of parent
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