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jaydoncornell's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mwplante's review against another edition
3.0
With this third, tiny entry in the series, Tchaikovsky is just showing off his ability to get things done. He carries forward the war in the lowlands while opening new fronts in the fringes of the Spiderlands and a tiny smuggling town called Jerez, (one that conceals a fascinating secret beneath its neighboring lake). A fun book but not quite as exhilirating as its predecessor. Still, Mr. Tchaikovsky lays a ton of groundwork here that I have no doubt will pay off in future volumes.
misterwisp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It's an epic sequel. Some new characters are introduced, more time is given to previously very minor characters, and you can tell characters and plot arrangements continue to be moved into place for intense conflicts and other big happenings in the next book. Much of this book feels like setup for the next book so the pace slows down in parts. But even so, later on in it there are still scenes that provide some satisfying payoff. The world and it's factions continue to be developed in a compelling way. The point of view keeps shifting to different character groups and more time with certain characters would have been nice, but the book overall is definitely more about setting up a bigger picture than any one character's single arc. It's a good read overall and continues the saga in an enjoyable way. Everyone gets some good action to some extent, and it will be interesting to see where things go from here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, War, Violence, Slavery, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Death, Mental illness, and Blood
helenamt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-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
cloudsinthecupboard's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
awoodalla's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
vickerstaylor's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely felt like part of a larger book (and makes sense considering books 3 and 4 appear to be the shortest in the series). Lots of set up. Lots of new characters. Lots of maneuvering. Where will this first arc go?
Will say that doing this series on audio can sometimes be a little difficult in keeping up with everything going on, but in terms of pure enjoyment, I'm shocked this series isn't talked about more. Each group has it's own distinct lore, attitude, abilities, and personalities. Each area in the world the same.
In terms of narration, Ben Allen is absolutely fantastic in giving each character a voice and personality that makes them stand out. It's a shame he hasn't done more fantasy series. Through 3 books I'd put him in the top tier group of narrators.
Excited to see where Tchaikovksy takes us in book 4!
Will say that doing this series on audio can sometimes be a little difficult in keeping up with everything going on, but in terms of pure enjoyment, I'm shocked this series isn't talked about more. Each group has it's own distinct lore, attitude, abilities, and personalities. Each area in the world the same.
In terms of narration, Ben Allen is absolutely fantastic in giving each character a voice and personality that makes them stand out. It's a shame he hasn't done more fantasy series. Through 3 books I'd put him in the top tier group of narrators.
Excited to see where Tchaikovksy takes us in book 4!
sherrybomb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
Thoroughly enjoying this series. I usually prefer scifi to fantasy but this has definitely changed my mind.
semajluap's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mikehex's review
4.0
Best of the series so far, with the scene at the auction being very intense and well done. It still dragged in the middle but ranked up to the ending much quicker than in the first two.