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jedbird's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This represents the series in idle, which I didn't mind. A lot happens, but it's kind of the same old things happening. I enjoyed the addition of Mehitabel's POV, as she is a comparatively reasonable person. Felix is still only intermittently likeable. Mildmay is still, by far, the most loveable POV, though he remains reduced from his first-book self. Everyone is haunted by memories and ghosts. The brothers barely talk, which is a bit aggravating.
I enjoy the world, and I guess I must enjoy the dysfunction. I'm looking forward to the final book!
I enjoy the world, and I guess I must enjoy the dysfunction. I'm looking forward to the final book!
hissingpotatoes's review against another edition
3.0
The addition of a third point-of-view brought back some life after the flagging of the second book. It was also a good decision to remove most of the pointless incestuous feelings from the last book. However, this book still flagged quite a bit until the very end, a combination of too much detail and unclear direction. Felix's abusive actions are irredeemable and I don't understand why any of the characters continue to stay with him. The open ending for the various characters does leave me still wanting to read, or at least skim, the final book to see what happens.
ginnikin's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, the beautiful brokenness just keeps on coming. The tone and feel remain consistent while continuing on from the completed story - no mean feat. If you liked the first two, read this one.
elenajohansen's review against another edition
3.0
This entry in the series appears to be a jumbled mess for the first 90% of the book, with subplots springing out of every hinge and joint and dovetail, but then, at the end, everything comes together in one fantastic crash that resolves the vast bulk of the previously unrelated story threads.
I can admire the masterful plotting as a writer, juggling so many things at once, but as a reader, I was more often frustrated than not. I honestly couldn't see much in the way of foreshadowing that would let me put together some of the clues myself, and the slow-as-molasses pacing coupled with story threads being dropped and picked up again a hundred or more pages later made this a more challenging read to follow than either of its predecessors.
One thing I'm pleased that was dropped, though, was the will-they-won't-they incest angle between Mildmay and Felix. Rumors of that twist to their relationship are mentioned in passing by other characters, mostly as part of the complex court intrigue that carries most of the plot--but as far as Mildmay and Felix themselves are concerned, it seems to be entirely in the past for them. Felix's tumultuous relationship with Gideon was something I was glad to see carried over from the end of the previous book--given Felix's nature, I had no idea if that was going to last, especially when it became clear how much time had passed since.
And I did like how Mildmay's relationship with Mehitabel, in some key ways, mirrored Felix and Gideon. Mehitabel herself was a fine addition as a POV character, leading to some of my favorite bits of dialogue and twists of intrigue, and her absolute inability to take shit from people was a nice contrast to Mildmay, who basically does nothing but.
The end really does make the book, and I'm glad I stuck with it, though I would have preferred if the insane complexity of the plot that led me there had been toned down some.
I can admire the masterful plotting as a writer, juggling so many things at once, but as a reader, I was more often frustrated than not. I honestly couldn't see much in the way of foreshadowing that would let me put together some of the clues myself, and the slow-as-molasses pacing coupled with story threads being dropped and picked up again a hundred or more pages later made this a more challenging read to follow than either of its predecessors.
One thing I'm pleased that was dropped, though, was the will-they-won't-they incest angle between Mildmay and Felix. Rumors of that twist to their relationship are mentioned in passing by other characters, mostly as part of the complex court intrigue that carries most of the plot--but as far as Mildmay and Felix themselves are concerned, it seems to be entirely in the past for them. Felix's tumultuous relationship with Gideon was something I was glad to see carried over from the end of the previous book--given Felix's nature, I had no idea if that was going to last, especially when it became clear how much time had passed since.
And I did like how Mildmay's relationship with Mehitabel, in some key ways, mirrored Felix and Gideon. Mehitabel herself was a fine addition as a POV character, leading to some of my favorite bits of dialogue and twists of intrigue, and her absolute inability to take shit from people was a nice contrast to Mildmay, who basically does nothing but.
The end really does make the book, and I'm glad I stuck with it, though I would have preferred if the insane complexity of the plot that led me there had been toned down some.
rebeccalynn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
redheadbeans's review against another edition
5.0
Another great entry in the series. It felt a bit slow at times because for a while I felt like Mehitabel's sections kind of detracted from Felix and Mildmay's stories, and I found their stories more interesting, but it all leads up to a really great 3rd part (seems to be a bit of a thing) and overall, a lot of great character development and good plot stuff.
ejimenez's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating plot, well-written, compelling characters -- I'd give it 5 stars if it wasn't so damn depressing. Should I continue to hope that any of these characters will find lasting happiness? The sequel (the 4th book in the series) is on my list to read, so we shall see.
bahnree's review against another edition
3.0
I was doing fine until the scene with Gideon's books and then I was just ugly crying all over the place
codenamerogue's review against another edition
3.0
...his only allegiance was to Felix, making them a separate kingdom of two, with Felix as king and Mildmay as ministers, army, and populace all combined in one. A stormy little kingdom, I thought, with periodic flare-up of civil war and a magnificently unstable government. And I was glad I wasn't a citizen of it.
Is it just me or is this series kind of losing steam? Spinning its wheels? Can't quite put my finger on why though...
Is it just me or is this series kind of losing steam? Spinning its wheels? Can't quite put my finger on why though...
lunaratu's review against another edition
4.0
I felt like the first two books of this series really took some chugging along to get started. However, starting with this third book I felt like the series had finally hit its stride. With true court intrigue, spies, magic, and left-over historical/arcane riddles we finally see our characters challenged and personalized at the same time.