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alysonkent79's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for providing an ARC.
I was a little nervous going into Dream Magic because I loved Shadow Magic so much. It can be difficult to follow up a great first book and still meet expectations, but Dream Magic didn't disappoint.
I absolutely love this world and the characters that inhabit it (especially Hades). I love how Thorn is a dose of practicality amongst some of the crazy that happens, and Lily is still the sweetest Princess of Darkness I've ever met.
The world building is solid, and Lily is a wonderfully strong, yet flawed, character. She's learning as she goes, she admits to being afraid and unsure of her steps, but she's determined to do what's best for the people of her country. I've enjoyed watching her grow through the first two books.
Anxiously awaiting the third book, as I can't help but suspect certain things might be in the works and I would love to see them come to fruition. Already recommended that my library purchase it for their collection, and I have every intention of owning my own personal copy as soon as I can.
I was a little nervous going into Dream Magic because I loved Shadow Magic so much. It can be difficult to follow up a great first book and still meet expectations, but Dream Magic didn't disappoint.
I absolutely love this world and the characters that inhabit it (especially Hades). I love how Thorn is a dose of practicality amongst some of the crazy that happens, and Lily is still the sweetest Princess of Darkness I've ever met.
The world building is solid, and Lily is a wonderfully strong, yet flawed, character. She's learning as she goes, she admits to being afraid and unsure of her steps, but she's determined to do what's best for the people of her country. I've enjoyed watching her grow through the first two books.
Anxiously awaiting the third book, as I can't help but suspect certain things might be in the works and I would love to see them come to fruition. Already recommended that my library purchase it for their collection, and I have every intention of owning my own personal copy as soon as I can.
prophetofguillotines's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of familial betrayal...seems like the revolutionary thing would be a family not out to kill each other. I love this world and I love Thorn and Lily was even better developed. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Castle Gloom...barring it's not a long lost cousin who deems they are best fit to rule, etc..
mn_nikki's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 2nd book in a series started from a BYL crate and it was available from my library right away so I checked it out. I thought the story continued on smoothly and yet was also different enough from the first that it was really good. There was adventure and anticipation and way too many spiders for my liking! ;)
Turns out I enjoy fantasy (ya at least!) and I look forward to finishing the series.
Turns out I enjoy fantasy (ya at least!) and I look forward to finishing the series.
mudder17's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this even better than the first one and although in hindsight maybe I should have predicted some of the things that occurred at the end, I didn't and that made it more fun. I'm really liking these characters, and even Gabriel, who is as pompous an idiot as ever, adds something to the story. It was interesting to see how Lilith and Thorn are developing in their own paths and I like that they are equally important characters. This is a great series for anyone looking for adventure, fantasy, and not only a good strong female protagonist, but also some decent male characters, especially in a world where women are not treated with equal respect. I love the addition of the giant girl and I also like how the series deals with prejudice and betrayal and forgiveness. This is really turning into a very interesting series for me. I can't wait to read the third book!
persychan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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
4.0
cathyolibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the world built and the characters we met in Shadow Magic well enough to pick up this second book, but I wasn't overly impressed with it. Overall, ok.
cimorene1558's review against another edition
3.0
Seemed a much quicker and less interesting read (and more disturbing because spiders! Way too many of them, way too large).
saphsel's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, nice story! You barely notice they are just 13 years old.
driedfrogpills's review against another edition
4.0
Dream Magic returns readers to the land of Gehenna, where things aren't going so well for the new Lady Gloom. Trolls threaten war, zombies are overrunning the castle and people are disappearing. In order to solve all these mysteries, Lily Shadow and her friend Thorn will have to set out from Castle Gloom and investigate the local towns. But there's a great threat on the horizon, and Lily will need all her allies and use all of her secret magic if she wants to save her people.
This second installment of the Shadow Magic series is definitely an improvement on an already good story. The characters are stronger here, the action tighter and the plot more exciting than its predecessor, hinting that the series will only continue to get better with each new book. I ended up loving Lily so much more in this book than in the first; she's really coming into her own as a queen and a magician and it's a joy to see her progression. Khan doesn't shirk on the darker elements, either. There are absolutely lovely bits of unsettling creepiness that helps balance out the action and the humor in other parts of the book.
And the illustrations continue to be amazing.
If you read the first book, definitely read the second. If you've never read either but enjoy a book with complicated characters, strong world-building and a mix of humor, horror and action, you should check out the Shadow Magic series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for a free e-ARC of the book in exchange for a review.
This second installment of the Shadow Magic series is definitely an improvement on an already good story. The characters are stronger here, the action tighter and the plot more exciting than its predecessor, hinting that the series will only continue to get better with each new book. I ended up loving Lily so much more in this book than in the first; she's really coming into her own as a queen and a magician and it's a joy to see her progression. Khan doesn't shirk on the darker elements, either. There are absolutely lovely bits of unsettling creepiness that helps balance out the action and the humor in other parts of the book.
And the illustrations continue to be amazing.
If you read the first book, definitely read the second. If you've never read either but enjoy a book with complicated characters, strong world-building and a mix of humor, horror and action, you should check out the Shadow Magic series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for a free e-ARC of the book in exchange for a review.
teacher2library's review against another edition
4.0
The whole family betrayal thing is getting a bit repetitive, but overall the story was still relatively interesting. Curious to see what fantastical adventures Thorn and Lily will get up to in book 3!