Reviews

The Golden Specific by S.E. Grove

geldauran's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars. For me, a little bit of middle book syndrome. Between the parallel plots for Sophia and Theo the book somehow managed to feel a bit too slow and altogether too crowded at the same time. The world of the series remains interesting and unique, though some of the concepts introduced in these books, particularly the "old ones" are vague and don't feel quite at home in the lore to me. I'll still eagerly read the next book because the characters and world are still fantastic, this just had some odd spots.

fortunesdear's review against another edition

3.0

*3.5

willowshelter's review

adventurous challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Slavery

itabar's review against another edition

3.0

I'd forgotten so much from the first book. It started slowly and didn't engage me until half-way in. I should have waited till the series was finished.

That said, we are introduced to some great new characters and the world-building expands with fabulous new concepts.

katelynv234's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sarahfaith_822's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Really enjoyed this sequel, it wasn't as good as the first one for me just because it felt a little slower for me personally. I didn't love that Theo and Sophia were split up from the beginning of the novel but I did like the side characters that we were introduce to in this book. And as before I am amazed at how everything is so intricately connected and it's so satisfying when it all starts to make sense 😌 

mbhoppe13's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

annelienvan's review against another edition

5.0

Even better than the first installment!

Sophie is still looking for her parents in their time-torn world. Adventures with maps and really cool planty characters and politics ensue.

I have no idea what is going to happen in the next book... I can't wait to find out!

kiramke's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent. I find the worldview captivating and the writing balances clarity and subtlety. Book marketing categories are worthless in general and I think anyone old enough to follow a longer story could enjoy this. Suffers slightly from middle-of-a-trilogy syndrome, but only slightly.

thehamiltonhufflepuff's review against another edition

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? No

4.0