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bex_knighthunterbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A solid sequel with a standalone plot - I really enjoyed being back following Ropa Moyo. Ropa is an unpaid intern, but still needs to pay the bills so is investigating a mysterious illness at the healing house 'Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments' and also working for an American trying to follow a paper trail to restore his family fortune. I love how much personality comes across in the writing style, and Ropa's distinctive vernacular. The world is also really distinctive and feels expansive - like we just get to see a glimpse but there is a lot more going on, which is exactly as it should be. I am still very intrigued to find out more about the 'catastrophe' and was slightly disappointed we didn't find about more in this novel, but I enjoyed seeing more of the Library of the Dead and other magical institutions (although I would have liked a little more development of the magic systems). The characters are also really good fun although there is so much action that it doesn't feel like we get much time for them to just 'be' together (not really a criticism because others will love how action-packed this is but doesn't match my personal taste). I wasn't able to follow the mysteries enough to predict any of the twists and got some names mixed up (could be my fault for multitasking while listening to this on audio), but the plot seemed a little clearer than in the first book which I appreciated. Will be continuing this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Gore, and Classism
Minor: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Cursing
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