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crimsoncor's review
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. Much more than the first book, which was already excellent. The subversion of expectations that goes on by remapping the POV characters is exceptional. . There are a bunch of POV characters and Leicht lays out all sorts of breadcrumbs on how their paths are going to collide and yet We expect these beats because that is how stories work but better storytelling is to show how often these roads do not terminate where expected. Blackthorne is just an incredible character. In some ways, reminds me of Fitz from [a:Robin Hobb|25307|Robin Hobb|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1397885202p2/25307.jpg]'s novels, with how broken his past has made him. But still with that heart of compassion underneath all the pain.
Spoiler
The reader is primed to like Nels, because he was something of a hero character from the first book. He was the first POV character we had and really it was his journey that drove so much of that book. But here, he's really an antagonist to Blackthrone and we're shown such a different side of him. You really can't root for him in the same way.Spoiler
she always manages to subvert that expectation. You can see a world where Davis and Caius are dragged into helping the kainen because of their personal connections, but neither ever actually goes down that road. The will they/won't they relationship between Ilta and Blackthrone that is pushed so hard never actually culminates.marmot28's review
3.0
I wish this book did not suffer from middle-of-the-series-itus. I loved Cold Iron, but this sequel lacks focus. As is typical of contemporary, fat-fantasy novels, it jumps from character to character, never giving you any satisfying depth. Still, I really like certain characters—Nels and Suvi return from the first book, along with the new title character Blackthorne. I just wish the plot had been tighter and more coherent.
orbitingpluto's review
5.0
Earlier this year, I was looking for a proper fantasy book, and ended up picking up 'Cold Iron'. And I ADORED it. Honestly, I loved the plot, the characters, the writing...
Upon finishing the book, I immediately raced to my nearest bookseller and asked them when the sequel would be out, and, oh my god, it was going to be out in less than a month! Imagine my excitement!
Sadly, lots of stuff happened since then (including moving to two different countries), and even though I got the book the day it came out, I just finished it yesterday.
Every time I start a book with expectations as high as they were, I'm terrified. Because how can this book live up to them? I expected it to be as good as the first one, while (at the same time) it would have to be different from it. So, as you can imagine, I was half-excited, half-terrified.
But, thankfully, there was absolutely no need to worry! I devoured every single page of this gorgeous book, loving every second of reading it. Even though it's massive (thank god for that), for me, it could be twice the size.
The first thing I've got to say is that I love how this book throws you right into the action. There's no slow build-up - immediately, you're immersed. For me, at least, that means a fair bit of confusion during the first couple of chapters, until I've completely sorted out what's going on, but I loved it!
'Blackthorne' follows the three main characters from the first book, in addition to giving you the POVs of a couple of other characters (some from the first book, some completely new). Two plotlines (New Eledore and Acrasia) run in parallel for the first part of the story, before merging in the end. The new characters (and their unknown backstories) add something new to the book, while (ever so often) you return to the familiar faces.
While the first book only brushed the 'malorum gates', the malorum threat becomes more dominant in this story, starting to overshadow the wars between the kingdoms. While the countries are on the brink of a second war, the military focus of the first book isn't as profound in 'Blackthorne' (sadly - I loved that part of book 1), but instead you're getting the slow rebuild of New Eledore and the entirely new POV from the inside of Acrasia. This book manages what all sequels try - being incredible, without being the same as the first book.
Another thing I love about Stina Leicht's writing is the representation. It's a fault of many high fantasy book that they are whitewashed/inherently and unreflectedly racist/straight... Not so here! While problematic behaviours still occur, it's always reflected and commented upon, with struggling characters and great dialogues. This book honestly does it so well - the only comparable example I can think of (in fantasy, at least) is 'All the Birds in the Sky'. So, massive thumbs up!
As you can probably tell, I could talk about this book for AGES, but I'll try to leave it here. 'Blackthorne' is an incredible, well-researched, wonderfully written book with great characters and a plot that will keep you on your toes the entire way through. I definitely cannot wait for the next book!
Upon finishing the book, I immediately raced to my nearest bookseller and asked them when the sequel would be out, and, oh my god, it was going to be out in less than a month! Imagine my excitement!
Sadly, lots of stuff happened since then (including moving to two different countries), and even though I got the book the day it came out, I just finished it yesterday.
Every time I start a book with expectations as high as they were, I'm terrified. Because how can this book live up to them? I expected it to be as good as the first one, while (at the same time) it would have to be different from it. So, as you can imagine, I was half-excited, half-terrified.
But, thankfully, there was absolutely no need to worry! I devoured every single page of this gorgeous book, loving every second of reading it. Even though it's massive (thank god for that), for me, it could be twice the size.
The first thing I've got to say is that I love how this book throws you right into the action. There's no slow build-up - immediately, you're immersed. For me, at least, that means a fair bit of confusion during the first couple of chapters, until I've completely sorted out what's going on, but I loved it!
'Blackthorne' follows the three main characters from the first book, in addition to giving you the POVs of a couple of other characters (some from the first book, some completely new). Two plotlines (New Eledore and Acrasia) run in parallel for the first part of the story, before merging in the end. The new characters (and their unknown backstories) add something new to the book, while (ever so often) you return to the familiar faces.
While the first book only brushed the 'malorum gates', the malorum threat becomes more dominant in this story, starting to overshadow the wars between the kingdoms. While the countries are on the brink of a second war, the military focus of the first book isn't as profound in 'Blackthorne' (sadly - I loved that part of book 1), but instead you're getting the slow rebuild of New Eledore and the entirely new POV from the inside of Acrasia. This book manages what all sequels try - being incredible, without being the same as the first book.
Another thing I love about Stina Leicht's writing is the representation. It's a fault of many high fantasy book that they are whitewashed/inherently and unreflectedly racist/straight... Not so here! While problematic behaviours still occur, it's always reflected and commented upon, with struggling characters and great dialogues. This book honestly does it so well - the only comparable example I can think of (in fantasy, at least) is 'All the Birds in the Sky'. So, massive thumbs up!
As you can probably tell, I could talk about this book for AGES, but I'll try to leave it here. 'Blackthorne' is an incredible, well-researched, wonderfully written book with great characters and a plot that will keep you on your toes the entire way through. I definitely cannot wait for the next book!
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