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shona_reads_in_devon's reviews
457 reviews
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
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Fancy not discovering this until now.
What an introduction to the world of Brandon Sanderson. Mistborn: The Final Empire is everything an epic fantasy should be. Driven by huge themes like faith, religion, power and friendship this novel has real warmth. Characters that you can fall in love with, root for and be disappointed by. And my favourite sort of plot - where you hold on for the ride and delight in the reveals when they come.
I could quibble. While I was delighted to discover a new word - caliginous - some language veered into repetitiveness - and while I enjoyed the slightly more unusual vocab here - when it was repetitive it was noticeable because of that very fact.
I found some of the more action packed scenes slightly clumsy - the pushing and pulling scenes, while the in-depth descriptions of the Pushing and Pulling enabled me to picture the scenes almost like a film, it didn't always feel smoothly written and slowed the pace of, what should have been, faster scenes.
But I really am being picky here because I've been led to expect incredible things from this novel - and incredible things I found. Sanderson is about to become a new obsession.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Fancy not discovering this until now.
What an introduction to the world of Brandon Sanderson. Mistborn: The Final Empire is everything an epic fantasy should be. Driven by huge themes like faith, religion, power and friendship this novel has real warmth. Characters that you can fall in love with, root for and be disappointed by. And my favourite sort of plot - where you hold on for the ride and delight in the reveals when they come.
I could quibble. While I was delighted to discover a new word - caliginous - some language veered into repetitiveness - and while I enjoyed the slightly more unusual vocab here - when it was repetitive it was noticeable because of that very fact.
I found some of the more action packed scenes slightly clumsy - the pushing and pulling scenes, while the in-depth descriptions of the Pushing and Pulling enabled me to picture the scenes almost like a film, it didn't always feel smoothly written and slowed the pace of, what should have been, faster scenes.
But I really am being picky here because I've been led to expect incredible things from this novel - and incredible things I found. Sanderson is about to become a new obsession.
The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this in exchange for my thoughts.
An unknown woman on the run. A mysterious man by the riverside. A fortuitous meeting in the night that provides a cover for both their secrets.
The premise of The Ravenswood Witch is full of spooky potential - the setting, the secrets, the suspicious villagers full of superstition. Witchcraft and the occult. If a classic cosy autumn spooky read is what you're after this October then this delivers in spades.
For me though, I wanted something a bit more original and it's a shame that this novel couldn't deliver the road less travelled with this starting point. What follows is a largely predictable plot, cardboard cut-out characters and nothing strikingly original to set it apart from other novels of this kind.
The dual POV was a nice touch and the little twist with these that I did not see coming was absolutely refreshing and jogged me out of the viewpoints I was harbouring about certain characters.
The writing was nice enough but the pacing was uneven - the first two thirds quite slow and all the action in the last third. It didn't need to be this long. The final reveal was anti-climatic at best and did nothing new or exciting and the tying up of loose ends was rushed and badly developed.
Overall it was fine, but I was hoping for something less run-of-the-mill.
An unknown woman on the run. A mysterious man by the riverside. A fortuitous meeting in the night that provides a cover for both their secrets.
The premise of The Ravenswood Witch is full of spooky potential - the setting, the secrets, the suspicious villagers full of superstition. Witchcraft and the occult. If a classic cosy autumn spooky read is what you're after this October then this delivers in spades.
For me though, I wanted something a bit more original and it's a shame that this novel couldn't deliver the road less travelled with this starting point. What follows is a largely predictable plot, cardboard cut-out characters and nothing strikingly original to set it apart from other novels of this kind.
The dual POV was a nice touch and the little twist with these that I did not see coming was absolutely refreshing and jogged me out of the viewpoints I was harbouring about certain characters.
The writing was nice enough but the pacing was uneven - the first two thirds quite slow and all the action in the last third. It didn't need to be this long. The final reveal was anti-climatic at best and did nothing new or exciting and the tying up of loose ends was rushed and badly developed.
Overall it was fine, but I was hoping for something less run-of-the-mill.
The Night Raven by Sarah Painter
The Night Raven is an urban detective fantasy. Think Ben Aaronovitch without the police procedural. And nowhere near the quality.
This could have been good. Lydia is the niece of a London 'family' - brought up in the suburbs, away from the criminal element of her family she grows up with stories of their legend and history - a history of magic and a truce which maintains the peace between the four feuding magical families of London. After a professional problem has her running away from her job in Aberdeen, Lydia finds herself looking for help from the very family she needs to stay away from.
Sound great, yeah? And it really could have been. The Crowes, Foxes, Silvers and Pearls are the families - literally ripe for cool fantasy storylines. Shame we see almost nothing of any of them.
These magic powers they all have? On the wane, so we don't see any of that either apart from some ghost whispering, and a bit of persuasive speech.
But, really strong FMC to carry it all yeah? Ah... No. Lydia is a 27 year old dimwit. For a PI the woman has absolutely no curiosity at all. She can see ghosts, but couldn't be less bothered about understanding why or how to use it. She is a total brat, really rude all the time for no reason and just kind of unpleasant.
The plot was slow and focused on the most boring things - I don't really care what happened to Maddie.
Possibly this is all going to be developed as I see this is a full series. But I am struggling to understand how Lydia Crowe could possibly carry the weight of an entire series of novels.
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The Night Raven is an urban detective fantasy. Think Ben Aaronovitch without the police procedural. And nowhere near the quality.
This could have been good. Lydia is the niece of a London 'family' - brought up in the suburbs, away from the criminal element of her family she grows up with stories of their legend and history - a history of magic and a truce which maintains the peace between the four feuding magical families of London. After a professional problem has her running away from her job in Aberdeen, Lydia finds herself looking for help from the very family she needs to stay away from.
Sound great, yeah? And it really could have been. The Crowes, Foxes, Silvers and Pearls are the families - literally ripe for cool fantasy storylines. Shame we see almost nothing of any of them.
These magic powers they all have? On the wane, so we don't see any of that either apart from some ghost whispering, and a bit of persuasive speech.
But, really strong FMC to carry it all yeah? Ah... No. Lydia is a 27 year old dimwit. For a PI the woman has absolutely no curiosity at all. She can see ghosts, but couldn't be less bothered about understanding why or how to use it. She is a total brat, really rude all the time for no reason and just kind of unpleasant.
The plot was slow and focused on the most boring things - I don't really care what happened to Maddie.
Possibly this is all going to be developed as I see this is a full series. But I am struggling to understand how Lydia Crowe could possibly carry the weight of an entire series of novels.
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Really torn with this rating.
I was drawn to Daughter of No Worlds because I just loved the first two Crowns of Nyaxia and had to see what else Carissa Broadbent could offer, and I can't help but compare.
Tisaanah is no less powerful and compelling than Oraya as FMC. They are forged from the same relentless drive to achieve. Maxantarius is pure cinnamon roll. The trope here is mentor/pupil romance rather than enemies to lovers but that slow burn still burns.
These are all things that I enjoy. And yet. Around 35-40% into this, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. I think it was something to do with the pacing. While the plot overall seems to contain a fair bit of action, it feels drawn out in places unnecessarily.
I wasn't as drawn in by Tisaanah's voice as I was Oraya's. I can't pin down why - but I ADORED Oraya so I think she is hard to match. And as Tisaanah developed I began to feel more intrigued by her - and by the time her relationship with Reshaye started, I was all in.
I like the duel POV; it doesn't always work, but when it does, it really just amps up the unspoken desire and tension. It also works here because of the relationship between Max, Tisaanah and Reshaye and the elements of experience that they share.
And here I am, having finished it, still thinking about it, and wondering how it's all going to play out.
I can't deny that this is cracking Romantic Fantasy - emphasis on the romance. I think this one needed time to settle in. I'm not amazed by the world building - it's fairly sparse and patchy. But the love story, the relationships, and the emotional drive of the story is well explored and developed and is what is going to keep me coming back for more
I was drawn to Daughter of No Worlds because I just loved the first two Crowns of Nyaxia and had to see what else Carissa Broadbent could offer, and I can't help but compare.
Tisaanah is no less powerful and compelling than Oraya as FMC. They are forged from the same relentless drive to achieve. Maxantarius is pure cinnamon roll. The trope here is mentor/pupil romance rather than enemies to lovers but that slow burn still burns.
These are all things that I enjoy. And yet. Around 35-40% into this, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. I think it was something to do with the pacing. While the plot overall seems to contain a fair bit of action, it feels drawn out in places unnecessarily.
I wasn't as drawn in by Tisaanah's voice as I was Oraya's. I can't pin down why - but I ADORED Oraya so I think she is hard to match. And as Tisaanah developed I began to feel more intrigued by her - and by the time her relationship with Reshaye started, I was all in.
I like the duel POV; it doesn't always work, but when it does, it really just amps up the unspoken desire and tension. It also works here because of the relationship between Max, Tisaanah and Reshaye and the elements of experience that they share.
And here I am, having finished it, still thinking about it, and wondering how it's all going to play out.
I can't deny that this is cracking Romantic Fantasy - emphasis on the romance. I think this one needed time to settle in. I'm not amazed by the world building - it's fairly sparse and patchy. But the love story, the relationships, and the emotional drive of the story is well explored and developed and is what is going to keep me coming back for more
Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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Unsurprisingly Time Shelter is a tricky book to get a handle on. It's not one thing or another. To describe it as a story about the opening of a clinic for Dementia is to both minimise the audacity of this novel and also to assign it with a more conventional plot structure than it possesses.
This novel is endlessly thought provoking. I spent the first half scribbling down evocative passages and parts that made me pause and say 'yes that's just rightly expressed!'
Despite my confident fervour, I felt utterly lost reading this book. I am somewhat mollified as I see, in the epilogue, that this appears to be the intent.
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This book is a masterful exploration of memory, time and identity. Identity of a personal, political and historical nature that is both universal and utterly unique to the individual.
Did I think it was readable? Difficult to say. From the off it was clear that we were going to be provided no anchor, no harbour or moments of clarity to hold on to to orient ourselves. This is a book where I had to hold on for the ride, take the moments that gleaned meaning for me as I grabbed hold of them.
It's really a beautiful piece of literature and I think it would benefit visiting more than once - but I'm not sure I will.
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Unsurprisingly Time Shelter is a tricky book to get a handle on. It's not one thing or another. To describe it as a story about the opening of a clinic for Dementia is to both minimise the audacity of this novel and also to assign it with a more conventional plot structure than it possesses.
This novel is endlessly thought provoking. I spent the first half scribbling down evocative passages and parts that made me pause and say 'yes that's just rightly expressed!'
Despite my confident fervour, I felt utterly lost reading this book. I am somewhat mollified as I see, in the epilogue, that this appears to be the intent.
π¨ πππππ πππππ ππππ, π πππππ πππ ππππππππππππ ππππ, πππππ ππ πππ ππ πππππ πππ πππππππ, πππ ππππππππ πππ πππ ππππππππππ , πππππ ππππππ ππ ππ πππ πππππππ πππ πππππ
This book is a masterful exploration of memory, time and identity. Identity of a personal, political and historical nature that is both universal and utterly unique to the individual.
Did I think it was readable? Difficult to say. From the off it was clear that we were going to be provided no anchor, no harbour or moments of clarity to hold on to to orient ourselves. This is a book where I had to hold on for the ride, take the moments that gleaned meaning for me as I grabbed hold of them.
It's really a beautiful piece of literature and I think it would benefit visiting more than once - but I'm not sure I will.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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Scythe is a post - mortal world. AI technology has created the perfect utopia and humanity has moved beyond mortality. A select few are called upon to train to become scythes and their purpose is 'glean' the population to control population growth. Rowan and Citra are thrust into the world of scythedom and, through their training, we unearth the politics and corruption still inherent in the system.
Power still corrupts it seems.
I loved the premise of this. Such an interesting concept. And the ideas that are raised by it are treated thoughtfully and reflectively. What are the implications of immortality on art, creativity, ambition, empathy. When humanity is so altered there is little to fear, when the world is so perfect there is nothing to want? What does that do?
It was refreshing to see AI treated as an actual benefit - the Thunderhead has created a utopia and appeared to be a benevolent kind of God - like overseer.
The idea of inevitable corruption of humanity is well explored - that power does corrupt. The scythes live outside of the general human race and are not subject to the same rules that govern the rest of the world - the novel explores both sides of this - the striving for compassion and ethical practices, and the inevitable corruption of the idea and the power plays and god - complexes of such unbridled power.
Where this novel didn't hit the spot for me, sadly, is that I didn't really connect to anyone particularly. Towards the end I was invested and didn't want either Rowan or Citra to die, but I didn't really feel much for either of them. I wanted a bit more world building too - the whole Tonist cult thing was a bit odd and I wanted to understand it more. The world building felt complete only where it served the plot, which I always find troublesome because I just like to be involved in the whole world premise.
I think there are 3 of these novels. I'm not decided if I would read anymore of them.
Solid enough, made me think, but didn't deliver a whole package sadly.
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Scythe is a post - mortal world. AI technology has created the perfect utopia and humanity has moved beyond mortality. A select few are called upon to train to become scythes and their purpose is 'glean' the population to control population growth. Rowan and Citra are thrust into the world of scythedom and, through their training, we unearth the politics and corruption still inherent in the system.
Power still corrupts it seems.
I loved the premise of this. Such an interesting concept. And the ideas that are raised by it are treated thoughtfully and reflectively. What are the implications of immortality on art, creativity, ambition, empathy. When humanity is so altered there is little to fear, when the world is so perfect there is nothing to want? What does that do?
It was refreshing to see AI treated as an actual benefit - the Thunderhead has created a utopia and appeared to be a benevolent kind of God - like overseer.
The idea of inevitable corruption of humanity is well explored - that power does corrupt. The scythes live outside of the general human race and are not subject to the same rules that govern the rest of the world - the novel explores both sides of this - the striving for compassion and ethical practices, and the inevitable corruption of the idea and the power plays and god - complexes of such unbridled power.
Where this novel didn't hit the spot for me, sadly, is that I didn't really connect to anyone particularly. Towards the end I was invested and didn't want either Rowan or Citra to die, but I didn't really feel much for either of them. I wanted a bit more world building too - the whole Tonist cult thing was a bit odd and I wanted to understand it more. The world building felt complete only where it served the plot, which I always find troublesome because I just like to be involved in the whole world premise.
I think there are 3 of these novels. I'm not decided if I would read anymore of them.
Solid enough, made me think, but didn't deliver a whole package sadly.
The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
You know what you're getting with an Agatha Christie. I haven't read lots of them but I sink into the tone and the time easily every time. Christie always feels like she captured a quintessential Britishness that didn't actually exist but is how Britishness at this time was perceived to be.
This is another one that was so-so for me. I'm not likely to remember it, the ending was rather sudden and over in a breath. Of course I didn't guess it, I never do!! I really liked Ariadne Oliver and Ginger. There are often fun female voices in a Christie novel - she does that no nonsense, resilient woman well. But Mark was dull I'm afraid. Osbourne wonderfully cast but I wanted more of him.
All in all, it was a fun offering.
This is another one that was so-so for me. I'm not likely to remember it, the ending was rather sudden and over in a breath. Of course I didn't guess it, I never do!! I really liked Ariadne Oliver and Ginger. There are often fun female voices in a Christie novel - she does that no nonsense, resilient woman well. But Mark was dull I'm afraid. Osbourne wonderfully cast but I wanted more of him.
All in all, it was a fun offering.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
'There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King - a shepherd by his crook - who reigned over magic and wrote the old book...'
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I am very late to the party with this.
We all know the deal with Fourth Wing I think? Military style academy, dragons, magic, spicy spice, broody broody MMC and the 'fragile' but intelligent and powerful FMC. It's got all the good stuff of a romantasy.
I didn't think I was going to like this at the start. I found some of Violet's internal dialogue a bit annoying and it took me (and Violet's voice) a minute to settle in.
But once it kicked off, I was totally invested. I enjoyed Violet and Xaden's relationship. I'm suitably annoyed with Dain like everyone else! I've become fond of the side characters (at my peril!)
The world building is great - I want more, but I think the nature of the plot is going to bring that out more in the next book.
The dragons? Oh the dragons. Please can I bond to a dragon now?
The balance of battles/fighting/strategy with plot/character development is perfect - I can't get on board with endless fighting and the battle scenes are, at times, quite long - but well staged and really well described so you don't get lost and can picture the action really well.
The main relationship is central to the plot - it's a large part of the focus and it's integral to other plot developments - but it isn't the only facet to the story and it's weaved in nicely with the overarching political bent of the plot. The spice isn't overwhelming which is perfect for me and it develops organically and isn't just shoved in there for the sake of it.
I'm very annoyed that I don't yet own the next one!
We all know the deal with Fourth Wing I think? Military style academy, dragons, magic, spicy spice, broody broody MMC and the 'fragile' but intelligent and powerful FMC. It's got all the good stuff of a romantasy.
I didn't think I was going to like this at the start. I found some of Violet's internal dialogue a bit annoying and it took me (and Violet's voice) a minute to settle in.
But once it kicked off, I was totally invested. I enjoyed Violet and Xaden's relationship. I'm suitably annoyed with Dain like everyone else! I've become fond of the side characters (at my peril!)
The world building is great - I want more, but I think the nature of the plot is going to bring that out more in the next book.
The dragons? Oh the dragons. Please can I bond to a dragon now?
The balance of battles/fighting/strategy with plot/character development is perfect - I can't get on board with endless fighting and the battle scenes are, at times, quite long - but well staged and really well described so you don't get lost and can picture the action really well.
The main relationship is central to the plot - it's a large part of the focus and it's integral to other plot developments - but it isn't the only facet to the story and it's weaved in nicely with the overarching political bent of the plot. The spice isn't overwhelming which is perfect for me and it develops organically and isn't just shoved in there for the sake of it.
I'm very annoyed that I don't yet own the next one!
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a welcome return to Elfhame. Following on about eight years after the Battle of the Serpent, the little queen, Suren is our FMC here, and Oak is a teenager on a quest.
Holly Black does great FMCs. Suren/Wren is every bit as complex and interesting as Jude was before her and it is the FMCs that keep me coming back to these novels. Wren's story is a heartbreaking one of neglect and trauma and reading her navigation of moving through that is, at times, painful. The rules of Faerieland don't lend easily to trusting relationships.
Oak is a fun character - it's easy to see how Wren is drawn in, against her better judgement. Watching Wren and Oak tease out the best and worst of each other was enjoyable to read.
I found the plot slightly slower, and the various machinations harder to keep track of this time - I didn't fall into this one as quickly as The Cruel Prince - Wren is no less compelling as an FMC I don't think, but this one felt immediately darker and heavier than The Cruel Prince.
In true Black fashion though, it's end is spectacular and left me needing to pick up the next one immediately - luckily I have it right here!
Holly Black does great FMCs. Suren/Wren is every bit as complex and interesting as Jude was before her and it is the FMCs that keep me coming back to these novels. Wren's story is a heartbreaking one of neglect and trauma and reading her navigation of moving through that is, at times, painful. The rules of Faerieland don't lend easily to trusting relationships.
Oak is a fun character - it's easy to see how Wren is drawn in, against her better judgement. Watching Wren and Oak tease out the best and worst of each other was enjoyable to read.
I found the plot slightly slower, and the various machinations harder to keep track of this time - I didn't fall into this one as quickly as The Cruel Prince - Wren is no less compelling as an FMC I don't think, but this one felt immediately darker and heavier than The Cruel Prince.
In true Black fashion though, it's end is spectacular and left me needing to pick up the next one immediately - luckily I have it right here!