Reviews

The Golden Specific by S.E. Grove

rmpiano's review

4.0

Really interesting middle book of a trilogy. Lots of questions left unanswered, I immediately checked out the next one!

nssutton's review against another edition

3.0

I’d been so looking forward to this, but it was a rough reading experience. My daughter’s naps went haywire and I fell asleep early every night. When I could grab a few pages, it just felt so large in my hands. Such silly things to hold you back from a story you like so much.

Overall, this one was interesting but still felt a little over my head at times. I wish I had read this series pre-mommy brain. I totally ship Erroll and Goldenrod and would follow them through so many pages. And Theo! Oh Theo, we gotta get you out of that war. I liked the new addition of characters – Winnie, Nettie, and the gang. There is so much going on in just one book and all of it just made me that much more excited for the conclusion.

holl3640's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.0

mbomersheim's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. The world-building was phenomenal as usual and the plot was interesting. It was easy to read, and I enjoyed seeing the character of Sophia develop. I feel like there was less conflict in the plot than in the first book in The Mapmakers Trilogy since it was more of a journey novel. I do wish, though, that there weren't two plot lines going on in this book; however, I understand what S.E. Grove was doing when they decided to write the book in this way. The book left off in a good place for the final book in the trilogy to start off from and I'm intrigued to read it.

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.

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

---

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