Scan barcode
A review by emfiander
The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I did not enjoy this installment as much as the first one. While I think this author has a real talent for coming up with interesting worldbuilding ideas, I struggled with the actual storytelling aspects in this book. I was fine with the focus switching to a different main cast/storyline, but I had a much more difficult time getting invested in this particular plot. While this is partially just because I found the characters and concepts less interesting, which is obviously more of a personal preference than a real critique, I think a major part of the issue was the way the story was told.
Generally, I think although the flaws of this book were similar to the flaws of the first one—major pacing issues and a focus on worldbuilding to the detriment of storytelling, both of which contribute to the ultimate sin of not feeling connected to the stakes (there were several big reveals and twists that were clearly very big deals to the characters, but left little emotional impact on me as a reader. Same with the general plotline of what they were trying to accomplish)—I was able to overlook those flaws in the first book because I was having a lot of fun. I can't really say the same for this one—for the most part. I did start to enjoy it more in the latter half.Maybe I just don't like Jorat? That was also where Janel's and Qown's stories diverged, which I think was for the better.
Despite all that, I am sufficiently hooked on the series. That ending definitely left me wanting more. The author clearly has a plan, and I'm excited to see how it all plays out.
Generally, I think although the flaws of this book were similar to the flaws of the first one—major pacing issues and a focus on worldbuilding to the detriment of storytelling, both of which contribute to the ultimate sin of not feeling connected to the stakes (there were several big reveals and twists that were clearly very big deals to the characters, but left little emotional impact on me as a reader. Same with the general plotline of what they were trying to accomplish)—I was able to overlook those flaws in the first book because I was having a lot of fun. I can't really say the same for this one—for the most part. I did start to enjoy it more in the latter half.
Despite all that, I am sufficiently hooked on the series. That ending definitely left me wanting more. The author clearly has a plan, and I'm excited to see how it all plays out.