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jennieartemis's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.25
TL;DR: A darker and more magical followup, but one that still doesn't quite make the most of setting or characters
The Impossible Contract goes to some more interesting places in plot and in concepts than book 1, so it was overall more enjoyable for me, but still fell a little flat. Although there are some heavier stakes, I didn't feel the full emotional impact of them nor any particular thematic resonance. The characters all have potential, but their relationships, both romance and antagonism, didn't really hook me. Not clear where the final book will go, but there is groundwork for a very meaningful finale.
5/10 in personal rating system
The Impossible Contract goes to some more interesting places in plot and in concepts than book 1, so it was overall more enjoyable for me, but still fell a little flat. Although there are some heavier stakes, I didn't feel the full emotional impact of them nor any particular thematic resonance. The characters all have potential, but their relationships, both romance and antagonism, didn't really hook me. Not clear where the final book will go, but there is groundwork for a very meaningful finale.
5/10 in personal rating system
pirate_frog's review
3.75
i liked the first better, this one felt slower at the start but did pick up pretty well, kind of a lot with how it delved deeper into the magic and spiritual aspects of it but still very enjoyable
vaderbird's review against another edition
3.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of The Impossible Contract through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Impossible Contract is the second novel in K.A. Doore’s Chronicles of Ghadid series. And it is just as bright and brilliant as the first novel – if not more so. Set in a fantasy world full of assassins, lose spirits, and magic, this series is one to spark your imagination.
Thana is the daughter of the Serpent, though she wants to become known for something more than her parentage. So when she is given the opportunity to take upon a contract of her own – her very first – she doesn’t even hesitate. Even though it is going to be the most difficult contract known to her guild.
One thing is for certain, whether she completes or fails this contract, she’s going to become a legend. And that is worth all the risk in the world to Thana. Now she can pave her own path and create a name for herself.
The Chronicles of Ghadid is described as being perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Sarah J. Maas, and S.A. Chakraborty. Being a particular fan of the latter, I can’t agree with this recommendation enough. It is a lush and brilliant world – one that gives ample time for us to fall in love with its characters.
“In the next few moments, they'd either become legends in her family's history or cautionary tales of future. Despite the tension of the moment, she couldn't help but feel a spark of jealousy. If they succeeded – and they would, they had to – all the credit would go to Amastan.”
The Impossible Contract was nothing like what I expected – it was a hundred times better. When I’m reading the next novel in a series, I tend to avoid the description of the novel – weird, I know. Because of that, I was sort of expecting this tale to be more about Amastan. So I was delighted to learn that it was going to be about Thana and her first contract ever.
I immediately latched on to Thana and her dominant personality. This is a girl who knew what she wanted out of life, and she wasn’t afraid to take the risks required to get there. Yet her determination only made her read as more human, rather than less. It’s clear that K.A. Doore excels at writing dynamic characters.
Speaking of, there are two other characters of interest in this novel. First, there’s the obvious: Thana’s contract. The man she’s been hired to kill. He was also nothing like what I expected, but I imagine I’m not the only one in that boat.
Then there was the love interest. Oh, how I adored her character. She was everything that Thana was not, and was the perfect complement to her character. I would happily read about these two all day, every day, given the opportunity.
Okay, now it’s time to talk about the plot. Wow. The Impossible Contract left me shook. I knew that it was probably going to up the ante from The Perfect Assassin, but there was no way I could predict everything that K.A. Doore through at us in this novel. It was amazing, breathtaking, and harrowing to read it as it all unfolded.
If I could have one wish; it’d be that I could read The Impossible Contract for the first time all over again. I wish I had savored it more, for it was as intense as it was brilliant. I actively enjoyed trying to read between the lines; trying to see what K.A. Doore was just shy of telling us. That made the read much more exciting, for obvious reasons.
While I am sad that I’ve already finished The Impossible Contract, I do have some good news! There’s already a title and cover for the next book in The Chronicles of Ghadid. The Unconquered City. And wow, that title is giving me the chills. Anyone else?
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Impossible Contract is the second novel in K.A. Doore’s Chronicles of Ghadid series. And it is just as bright and brilliant as the first novel – if not more so. Set in a fantasy world full of assassins, lose spirits, and magic, this series is one to spark your imagination.
Thana is the daughter of the Serpent, though she wants to become known for something more than her parentage. So when she is given the opportunity to take upon a contract of her own – her very first – she doesn’t even hesitate. Even though it is going to be the most difficult contract known to her guild.
One thing is for certain, whether she completes or fails this contract, she’s going to become a legend. And that is worth all the risk in the world to Thana. Now she can pave her own path and create a name for herself.
The Chronicles of Ghadid is described as being perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Sarah J. Maas, and S.A. Chakraborty. Being a particular fan of the latter, I can’t agree with this recommendation enough. It is a lush and brilliant world – one that gives ample time for us to fall in love with its characters.
“In the next few moments, they'd either become legends in her family's history or cautionary tales of future. Despite the tension of the moment, she couldn't help but feel a spark of jealousy. If they succeeded – and they would, they had to – all the credit would go to Amastan.”
The Impossible Contract was nothing like what I expected – it was a hundred times better. When I’m reading the next novel in a series, I tend to avoid the description of the novel – weird, I know. Because of that, I was sort of expecting this tale to be more about Amastan. So I was delighted to learn that it was going to be about Thana and her first contract ever.
I immediately latched on to Thana and her dominant personality. This is a girl who knew what she wanted out of life, and she wasn’t afraid to take the risks required to get there. Yet her determination only made her read as more human, rather than less. It’s clear that K.A. Doore excels at writing dynamic characters.
Speaking of, there are two other characters of interest in this novel. First, there’s the obvious: Thana’s contract. The man she’s been hired to kill. He was also nothing like what I expected, but I imagine I’m not the only one in that boat.
Then there was the love interest. Oh, how I adored her character. She was everything that Thana was not, and was the perfect complement to her character. I would happily read about these two all day, every day, given the opportunity.
Okay, now it’s time to talk about the plot. Wow. The Impossible Contract left me shook. I knew that it was probably going to up the ante from The Perfect Assassin, but there was no way I could predict everything that K.A. Doore through at us in this novel. It was amazing, breathtaking, and harrowing to read it as it all unfolded.
If I could have one wish; it’d be that I could read The Impossible Contract for the first time all over again. I wish I had savored it more, for it was as intense as it was brilliant. I actively enjoyed trying to read between the lines; trying to see what K.A. Doore was just shy of telling us. That made the read much more exciting, for obvious reasons.
While I am sad that I’ve already finished The Impossible Contract, I do have some good news! There’s already a title and cover for the next book in The Chronicles of Ghadid. The Unconquered City. And wow, that title is giving me the chills. Anyone else?
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
cupiscent's review against another edition
5.0
Highly enjoyable. The world remains rich and intriguing and fulsome, and with this second book we get out and explore even more of it, stretching the bounds of magic and myth. Thana is a great character, capable but yearning, and going on this journey with her was just an emotional rollercoaster. Very much looking forward to the third book now!
thiefofcamorr's review against another edition
5.0
Thana is the main character of book two. We saw her first book, often mentioned and seen here and there, but the focus was on Amastan as we saw him do his final trial and become an assassin, then stumble across a murder mystery. Here, the roles are reversed; Amastan is now often mentioned and seen here and there, but Thana, daughter of the most infamous assassin Ghadid has ever known, is the star of the show.
Now old enough to be an assassin in her own right, big things are expected of The Serpents' daughter. Kept hidden for most of her life (acting as though her uncle was in fact her immediate family, so those who are aware The Serpent is more than a scary story don't take out any past grievances on her) Thana is finally given her first contract. She immediately turns to Amastan to partner for such an important job, and from there they start what they're best at. Gaining intel, sneaking into places in the dark, and wielding their lethal skills.
Only the mark is an incredibly powerful (and magical) right-hand man of the Empress - we didn't see much of her in the first book, but we soon learn she believes that she rules over Ghadid. Usually her palace is too far away from Ghadid for her rule to really matter; it's just the occasional stirrings over who thinks they own what part of sandy map; and... initially, that's why Thana has been given this job, she thinks. To send a powerful message to the Empress. War is said to be coming soon anyway... it may as well be on Ghadid's own terms.
Usually I hate a character POV change; I get attached to a character over the passage of a whole book, and if it isn't obvious that it's going to happen I get really cranky that I have to leave a favourite behind. Only Doore does this really, really well, and pulls it off flawlessly. We see enough of Amastan at the start and get to see him from another POV who cares about him like a brother that it's just as good to see him. Then, we get to care for Thana more and more, and don't miss Amastan as much as I'd expect when the plot naturally focuses on Thana and mentions of Amastan, though still constant, are less.
Kudos to Doore; very few have managed to pull that one off so well on me (and I realise there's never anything wrong with a character POV change from book to book... it's just my own preference), I just want to nail it down how well Doore pulls this off.
Also, thank you for giving us a gay main character again, and how this doesn't matter in the slightest. Nor a mention or grimace to be seen. It's simply attraction.
Our other main characters are Heru; the mark, and Mo; a healer who heals Thana after something goes awry and then sticks around through her own set of steadfast morals and belief in her G-d given powers that she is to play a part in the protection of Ghadid and their people. And this explores much of what it means to rely on water, waste water, and a whole lot about power, the rights of animals, honouring the dead, and countless others.
Doore's study of both political and power weighing too far or too little to either side, character study in how you can take such an annoying character and both show what drives them and how they come to make their decisions (trying not to give too much away here, but it's not Thana... Thana is a little blind to her own limits at times but gosh is her heart in the right place!)
Both books stand alone, really; but they're so good you want to read them all. I can't wait for the third one, The Unconquered City. Possibly coming out in June 2020 currently.
Now old enough to be an assassin in her own right, big things are expected of The Serpents' daughter. Kept hidden for most of her life (acting as though her uncle was in fact her immediate family, so those who are aware The Serpent is more than a scary story don't take out any past grievances on her) Thana is finally given her first contract. She immediately turns to Amastan to partner for such an important job, and from there they start what they're best at. Gaining intel, sneaking into places in the dark, and wielding their lethal skills.
Only the mark is an incredibly powerful (and magical) right-hand man of the Empress - we didn't see much of her in the first book, but we soon learn she believes that she rules over Ghadid. Usually her palace is too far away from Ghadid for her rule to really matter; it's just the occasional stirrings over who thinks they own what part of sandy map; and... initially, that's why Thana has been given this job, she thinks. To send a powerful message to the Empress. War is said to be coming soon anyway... it may as well be on Ghadid's own terms.
Usually I hate a character POV change; I get attached to a character over the passage of a whole book, and if it isn't obvious that it's going to happen I get really cranky that I have to leave a favourite behind. Only Doore does this really, really well, and pulls it off flawlessly. We see enough of Amastan at the start and get to see him from another POV who cares about him like a brother that it's just as good to see him. Then, we get to care for Thana more and more, and don't miss Amastan as much as I'd expect when the plot naturally focuses on Thana and mentions of Amastan, though still constant, are less.
Kudos to Doore; very few have managed to pull that one off so well on me (and I realise there's never anything wrong with a character POV change from book to book... it's just my own preference), I just want to nail it down how well Doore pulls this off.
Also, thank you for giving us a gay main character again, and how this doesn't matter in the slightest. Nor a mention or grimace to be seen. It's simply attraction.
Our other main characters are Heru; the mark, and Mo; a healer who heals Thana after something goes awry and then sticks around through her own set of steadfast morals and belief in her G-d given powers that she is to play a part in the protection of Ghadid and their people. And this explores much of what it means to rely on water, waste water, and a whole lot about power, the rights of animals, honouring the dead, and countless others.
Doore's study of both political and power weighing too far or too little to either side, character study in how you can take such an annoying character and both show what drives them and how they come to make their decisions (trying not to give too much away here, but it's not Thana... Thana is a little blind to her own limits at times but gosh is her heart in the right place!)
Both books stand alone, really; but they're so good you want to read them all. I can't wait for the third one, The Unconquered City. Possibly coming out in June 2020 currently.
herfleurs's review
slow-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
2.0
Esse livro me irritou demais, quase um mês com ele aberto. Me deu um bloqueio terrível e não conseguiria pegar outro porque ainda não consigo abandonar muitos livros, enfim.
No primeiro livro é compreensível a gente não vê tanta morte porque somos introduzidos ao universo justamente com a formatura de Amastan, todas as dúvidas deles e tudo mais.
Nesse aqui não tem essa margem sabe, Thana já tem contratos feitos e tudo mais. Todos eles tiveram um treinamento incrível e o fato dela repetidamente não conseguir fazer nada é MAÇANTE.
Nesse aqui não tem essa margem sabe, Thana já tem contratos feitos e tudo mais. Todos eles tiveram um treinamento incrível e o fato dela repetidamente não conseguir fazer nada é MAÇANTE.
Era óbvio também que a gente ia ter um mommy issues, já tava esperando isso mas fica num nível que não dá. O rolê é que a Serpente nem sequer aparece no livro, nem em memórias dela colocando pressão em Thana nem nada sabe mas o TEMPO TODO, Thana tá trazendo que filha da serpente isso e filha da serpente aquilo. E óbvio que não precisa a mãe aparecer pra a gente simpatizar com a situação da filha mas não rolou porque em nenhum momento foi tratado como um problema que ela desenvolveu sobre essa pressão e tal.
Os únicos momentos que ela fazia o mínimo do rolê dos assassinos era com um Amastan mental falando com ela, essas cenas ficaram horríveis.
Os únicos momentos que ela fazia o mínimo do rolê dos assassinos era com um Amastan mental falando com ela, essas cenas ficaram horríveis.
Ela e Mo foi muito bleh. Eu não consegui gostar, ela sente essa atração (que a autora não sabe escrever por sinal) e aí sente um apego sem motivo nenhum mesmo e fica adiando coisas óbvias e aí o livro sendo dirigido pelo plot deixa tudo tão óbvio é um saco. O conflito delas duas não dá pra se importar também, tanto porque a autora usa uns saltos de tempos só pra colocar ação e tal, tanto porque a gente não vê muito da personalidade dela, é dito que ela busca muito mais do que só curar mas nada é mostrado e aí Thana tem na cabeça dela os porquês de Mo e tal, então não se torna legal não.
A escravidão apareceu bastante nesse livro e eu não gostei do jeito que rolou, me deixou incomodada.
Com certeza não vou ler o próximo, tanto porque o universo nem sequer é mais interessante pra mim quanto porque não vou arriscar perder um mês de leituras por um bloqueio por causa de livro parado e maçante.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Animal death, and Death
tebi's review against another edition
4.0
3,5* I really enjoyed this book but there's something about the romance and the emotional beats that doesn't work for me. Apart from that this book is a great read!