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jlreadstoperpetuity's review against another edition
4.0
"Arms of the Sphinx" by Josiah Bancroft is a rollercoaster of a sequel to "Senlin Ascends." If you loved the first book, you won't be disappointed. Bancroft's world-building remains top-notch, and his prose keeps you hooked.
The characters, especially Thomas Senlin, continue to evolve, and their journeys are both captivating and relatable. The Tower of Babel is a fascinating setting, and Bancroft delves even deeper into its mysteries, unraveling layers of intrigue.
However, here's the thing: this book is not without its flaws. It's a bit slower in pace compared to its predecessor, and some readers might find themselves longing for more action. Plus, some plotlines meander a tad too much, making you wish for more focus.
Also, while the prose is beautiful, it occasionally gets overly poetic, making it a bit of a chore to decipher. It's like trying to solve a puzzle while enjoying the scenery.
Overall, "Arms of the Sphinx" is a solid follow-up, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea due to its slower pace and occasional narrative detours. Still, it's worth the read for those who want to continue their journey through Bancroft's imaginative world.
The characters, especially Thomas Senlin, continue to evolve, and their journeys are both captivating and relatable. The Tower of Babel is a fascinating setting, and Bancroft delves even deeper into its mysteries, unraveling layers of intrigue.
However, here's the thing: this book is not without its flaws. It's a bit slower in pace compared to its predecessor, and some readers might find themselves longing for more action. Plus, some plotlines meander a tad too much, making you wish for more focus.
Also, while the prose is beautiful, it occasionally gets overly poetic, making it a bit of a chore to decipher. It's like trying to solve a puzzle while enjoying the scenery.
Overall, "Arms of the Sphinx" is a solid follow-up, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea due to its slower pace and occasional narrative detours. Still, it's worth the read for those who want to continue their journey through Bancroft's imaginative world.
staciarain's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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
4.5
mishawn's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
bookishwillowdusk's review against another edition
5.0
Oh I simply cannot wait for the third!! another incredible book in this series!
hieronymusbotched's review against another edition
5.0
This is swiftly turning into a legendary quartet. Bancroft carries the narrative from the first book with aplomb and doesn't miss a trick as we continue to ascend the tower. You've got Borges-style libraries, Futurist zoos, and about a bajillion other things it would spoil to so much as mention.
Plot-wise, it's as electric as the first, and formally more ambitious. It's a terribly difficult thing to bounce between multiple perspectives in a way that feels natural, exponentially so if you want to enjoy your time equally across each character - this book manages just that. Everyone gets a turn in the spotlight and no time feels wasted whatsoever.
Book Three, The Hod King, is now my most anticipated book of the year.
I've toyed with giving this 4*, just because it by definition can't be the revelation that was the first, but that logic doesn't track. Some things you just feel in your bones.
Plot-wise, it's as electric as the first, and formally more ambitious. It's a terribly difficult thing to bounce between multiple perspectives in a way that feels natural, exponentially so if you want to enjoy your time equally across each character - this book manages just that. Everyone gets a turn in the spotlight and no time feels wasted whatsoever.
Book Three, The Hod King, is now my most anticipated book of the year.
I've toyed with giving this 4*, just because it by definition can't be the revelation that was the first, but that logic doesn't track. Some things you just feel in your bones.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
The more I read of this series, the more that I love it. The world just keeps getting bigger, the characters more intriguing, the adventures more bombastic, and the surprises more thrilling. I am ready for more!
The sequel to SENLIN ASCENDS ups the adventure and action, yet still retains all the charm and character that made it stand out in the first place. Senlin continues his hunt for his wife while battling his own demons—and enemies—along the way. While there is plenty more action, there is also a fair amount of conspiracy and intrigue in this sequel.
Senlin and his allies are great. He continues to be an easy-to-relate-to man you just can’t help root for. Adam and Edith struggle with their own burdens. Iren is a gentle giant looking for her place. And Voleta? Voleta is just the perfect blend of humour and chaos. While Senlin remains the primary character, the addition of perspectives from the side characters really adds to the world and the plot.
The tone and atmosphere is darker and creepier than what I expected, but Bancroft’s excellent prose really elevates the story and visualizes it. There were a few sections with spiders that left me more than a little freaked out, and all it took was a sentence or two.
And of course, the ending. The ending! Way to entice me to read even more and thrill me about what could happen in the significantly longer third book. I am absolutely in love with this series and can’t wait to see where Senlin and his crew’s adventures take us next.
The sequel to SENLIN ASCENDS ups the adventure and action, yet still retains all the charm and character that made it stand out in the first place. Senlin continues his hunt for his wife while battling his own demons—and enemies—along the way. While there is plenty more action, there is also a fair amount of conspiracy and intrigue in this sequel.
Senlin and his allies are great. He continues to be an easy-to-relate-to man you just can’t help root for. Adam and Edith struggle with their own burdens. Iren is a gentle giant looking for her place. And Voleta? Voleta is just the perfect blend of humour and chaos. While Senlin remains the primary character, the addition of perspectives from the side characters really adds to the world and the plot.
The tone and atmosphere is darker and creepier than what I expected, but Bancroft’s excellent prose really elevates the story and visualizes it. There were a few sections with spiders that left me more than a little freaked out, and all it took was a sentence or two.
And of course, the ending. The ending! Way to entice me to read even more and thrill me about what could happen in the significantly longer third book. I am absolutely in love with this series and can’t wait to see where Senlin and his crew’s adventures take us next.
adamborst's review against another edition
5.0
What the actual F was that ending!? Very good book, better that #1. Probably more like 4.5 stars but I'll round up because oh baby I cannot wait for what comes next!
hayleewhalee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
saistewart's review against another edition
5.0
Some questions are answered and some continue to loom. The Tower and the Sphinx and the world building was so well done that any steampunk nerd would be satisfied.
thebigness's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0