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A review by shelbyfayy
A Cage of Crystal by Tessonja Odette
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Even more fun, exciting sequel to an already good book! This time around, the world feels bigger, the magic feels a little more concrete, and the stakes feel way higher. I was a bit bummed the villain is recycled, but it sort of made sense in the context, so I couldn’t be too mad at it.
I’ll be honest, in the beginning of this one, I was worried. I thought I might have to DNF because my all-time most hated trope, the misunderstanding/miscommunication nonsense, was in full force. Then it was cleared up with good communication—only to come back in another issue. And then be cleared up again. I was about ready to throw the book out the window. Let the characters just talk for gods sake!! But luckily, after the first probably 30%, this horrendous trope never resurfaces. This is most of the reason why this book is 4 stars and not 4.5. Far too much miscommunication shenanigans and I’m simply not here for it.
Teryn and Cora also spend the vast majority of the book apart. First while Teryn recovers from his injuries after the first book for months, then when he’s trapped inside the crystal. I personally don’t mind separation of main love interests too much, but especially in this book, because it gave me more time to focus on Mareleau and Larylis, and gave raise to a certain horrible conclusion I’ve drawn and hope I’m wrong. I have a gross feeling that the prophecy doesn’t even mean Cora, and that all she’s been through has been for nothing. Please let this just be one of my waaaaay-off conclusions.
Anyway, it was definitely a fun read. Here’s hoping to a bit more romance-focus in the next one.
I’ll be honest, in the beginning of this one, I was worried. I thought I might have to DNF because my all-time most hated trope, the misunderstanding/miscommunication nonsense, was in full force. Then it was cleared up with good communication—only to come back in another issue. And then be cleared up again. I was about ready to throw the book out the window. Let the characters just talk for gods sake!! But luckily, after the first probably 30%, this horrendous trope never resurfaces. This is most of the reason why this book is 4 stars and not 4.5. Far too much miscommunication shenanigans and I’m simply not here for it.
Teryn and Cora also spend the vast majority of the book apart. First while Teryn recovers from his injuries after the first book for months, then when he’s trapped inside the crystal. I personally don’t mind separation of main love interests too much, but especially in this book, because it gave me more time to focus on Mareleau and Larylis, and gave raise to a certain horrible conclusion I’ve drawn and hope I’m wrong. I have a gross feeling that the prophecy doesn’t even mean Cora, and that all she’s been through has been for nothing. Please let this just be one of my waaaaay-off conclusions.
Anyway, it was definitely a fun read. Here’s hoping to a bit more romance-focus in the next one.