Scan barcode
sirkeili's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed this book, and it was a nice break after reading a very heavy, in depth duology. It's very reminiscent of a retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream, reminding me of the Iron King and another novel I read as a child (which escapes me at this time).
I found this book improved upon the lore of the world, but suffers from the author's previous problem of not giving me enough to work with, this time it is character-wise. In A Sorcery of Thorns, I found the characters compelling, but the story only picking up in the latter half. This one seems to do the reverse, and leaves me wanting more from our leads.
I do enjoy Isobel and Rook, and think they're quite interesting as both protaganists and as a pair, but I felt they could have grown a lot more. They seemed stunted, in some way, and I didn't find myself connecting to either.
However, the world building was quite lovely, and reminiscent of more recent reinterpretations of the faerie world. I loved the idea of "Craft" and how faeries cannot create, but rather create illusions to maintain their possessions. Their use of contracts and trickery, and the ways Isobel has to carefully word and request payment for her works, is a nice touch and something I'd like to see more of in true faerie-centred novels.
I think this is a nice pallette cleanser for those wanting a cute fae romance, and a solid happy ending for both characters.
I found this book improved upon the lore of the world, but suffers from the author's previous problem of not giving me enough to work with, this time it is character-wise. In A Sorcery of Thorns, I found the characters compelling, but the story only picking up in the latter half. This one seems to do the reverse, and leaves me wanting more from our leads.
I do enjoy Isobel and Rook, and think they're quite interesting as both protaganists and as a pair, but I felt they could have grown a lot more. They seemed stunted, in some way, and I didn't find myself connecting to either.
However, the world building was quite lovely, and reminiscent of more recent reinterpretations of the faerie world. I loved the idea of "Craft" and how faeries cannot create, but rather create illusions to maintain their possessions. Their use of contracts and trickery, and the ways Isobel has to carefully word and request payment for her works, is a nice touch and something I'd like to see more of in true faerie-centred novels.
I think this is a nice pallette cleanser for those wanting a cute fae romance, and a solid happy ending for both characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Terminal illness
More...