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hebberelle's review
3.0
This still reads like a D&D game someone is running, but this time someone split the party and we all know how irritating that is to keep track of. Maybe Hugh has an inherent affinity for luck, since he keeps covering himself in glory at every turn. Also, the long winded descriptions of how the magic is working are rather pedantic. Despite all that, the book was a fun look at this world again and has a good plot.
shazbot3000's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Now it's getting good. The author is starting to spread his wings with this series.
songwind's review
4.0
(Warning: it's not really possible to avoid spoiling part of [b:Into the Labyrinth|42267952|Into the Labyrinth (Mage Errant #1)|John Bierce|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539137096l/42267952._SX50_.jpg|65888004] when discussing this book.)
The second installment of the Mage Errant series picks up not long after the first one ends. Hugh's magical troubles are far from over, despite becoming a warlock and contracting with a powerful entity in the first book. For one, he is having trouble getting comfortable with his new affinities, and for another, he's strictly forbidden to use 2/3 of them.
This doesn't stop Alustin from taking Hugh, Sabae, Talia and Godrick on a field trip/vacation/mission to the Jewel of the Endless Erg, Theras Tel. Much of the book is spent aboard a sand ship, and then exploring a new place.
There's a lot of progress in this book. Hugh grows as a mage and a person, as do the others. We learn more about Alustin and what he does. The relationships and politics between the Great Powers come more to the fore. The idea that the three misfit mages will actually be battle mages one day becomes less farfetched as we see what they can accomplish with ingenious applications of their limited skill sets. Godrick continues to be the equivalent of a magic St. Bernard, all good natured protectiveness until riled. We do learn more about him and what makes him tick, but there's not as much evidence of his growth as the other 3.
The Labyrinths play very little role in this book, which was a bit odd considering how important the one under Skyhold was in the first book, but there are some glimpses of things to come.
A notable absence from the first book was a paper-thin antagonist. I was pleased to see this aspect had improved. The antagonists of this book were more fully fleshed, and even the less present ones had a well established and believable motive. For the most part, though, the conflicts in this book were of the "humans vs. environment" and "humans vs. self" variety.
All in all, a great follow up and I look forward to book 3.
The second installment of the Mage Errant series picks up not long after the first one ends. Hugh's magical troubles are far from over, despite becoming a warlock and contracting with a powerful entity in the first book. For one, he is having trouble getting comfortable with his new affinities, and for another, he's strictly forbidden to use 2/3 of them.
This doesn't stop Alustin from taking Hugh, Sabae, Talia and Godrick on a field trip/vacation/mission to the Jewel of the Endless Erg, Theras Tel. Much of the book is spent aboard a sand ship, and then exploring a new place.
There's a lot of progress in this book. Hugh grows as a mage and a person, as do the others. We learn more about Alustin and what he does. The relationships and politics between the Great Powers come more to the fore. The idea that the three misfit mages will actually be battle mages one day becomes less farfetched as we see what they can accomplish with ingenious applications of their limited skill sets. Godrick continues to be the equivalent of a magic St. Bernard, all good natured protectiveness until riled. We do learn more about him and what makes him tick, but there's not as much evidence of his growth as the other 3.
The Labyrinths play very little role in this book, which was a bit odd considering how important the one under Skyhold was in the first book, but there are some glimpses of things to come.
A notable absence from the first book was a paper-thin antagonist. I was pleased to see this aspect had improved. The antagonists of this book were more fully fleshed, and even the less present ones had a well established and believable motive. For the most part, though, the conflicts in this book were of the "humans vs. environment" and "humans vs. self" variety.
All in all, a great follow up and I look forward to book 3.
themoonreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
winterwisteria's review
adventurous
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
lux_klara's review
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This sequel is just as satisfying as the First.
I really feel like this series is a gem and I am lucky to have discovered it.
The characters are lovely and so well written and the world and magic system very intriguing.
I really feel like this series is a gem and I am lucky to have discovered it.
The characters are lovely and so well written and the world and magic system very intriguing.
tootiredforthis's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75