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sreddous's review
4.0
This is really cool! Everyone's personalities are unique and easy to understand and the landscapes are described in a lovely way. I like the way characters work together, and especially Evie's challenges as she tries to be a leader are really realistic and make it easy to see the complex choice that go into being a leader during wartime.
I think what would make this more emotionally-engaging as a whole is: the different timelines/POVs aren't too confusing, but it'd help to have a better picture of HOW the big/overall picture affects each timeline. The bigger-picture threat/stakes aren't always clear as it affects each set of characters, and while I really do want characters like, as an example, Lexi, to escape their current/unique torturous situations, I also don't always really know how the bigger-picture war affects her. So I'm not sure for most of the book where her role fits in to all the other characters' goals, and it's sort of hard to stay engaged in that way sometimes. Clarifying the stakes throughout the book would make things easier to follow.
But otherwise this is a lot of fun! Definitely a good fantasy novel that...doesn't NEED a ton of magic/fantasy elements for its worldbuilding, so if you're in the mood for some low-level fantasy stuff that focuses more on action, this is cool.
I think what would make this more emotionally-engaging as a whole is: the different timelines/POVs aren't too confusing, but it'd help to have a better picture of HOW the big/overall picture affects each timeline. The bigger-picture threat/stakes aren't always clear as it affects each set of characters, and while I really do want characters like, as an example, Lexi, to escape their current/unique torturous situations, I also don't always really know how the bigger-picture war affects her. So I'm not sure for most of the book where her role fits in to all the other characters' goals, and it's sort of hard to stay engaged in that way sometimes. Clarifying the stakes throughout the book would make things easier to follow.
But otherwise this is a lot of fun! Definitely a good fantasy novel that...doesn't NEED a ton of magic/fantasy elements for its worldbuilding, so if you're in the mood for some low-level fantasy stuff that focuses more on action, this is cool.
ajbrunner's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
eflind's review
5.0
A powerhouse of a follow-up to last year's Savage Legion, Savage Bounty more than delivers on the promise of its predecessor, offering plenty of twists and turns while adding depth and growth to characters the reader has come to know and love. Matt Wallace continues to explore repressed and marginalized characters, exploring the personal and societal ramifications of a ruling and middle class that have fooled themselves into believing that they are egalitarian and just. The characters feel real, the world lived-in, and the representation thoughtful and intentional, rather than tokenized.
Dyeawan is now leading the Planning Cadre following the death of Edger. But while she wants to use her position to change things, she faces challenges from enemies new and old. Lexi is being held prisoner by Burr, the woman who wants to overthrow the bureaucracy of the Crache and bring back rule by noble blood, who has a plan to use the Gen leader to win the loyalty of the lower citizens. Evie finds herself (somewhat unwillingly) becoming a folk hero of sorts as The Sparrow General, leading a rebellion of escaped Savages and assorted others that could bring the entire Crache empire tumbling down. Meanwhile, Taru has been captured and forced to serve in the Savage Legion.
Wallace does a great job balancing these separate threads, as each story gets deepened and explored with ever growing complications, dangers, and personal losses. Sadly, as they were one of my favorites in the first book, we spend the least time with Taru. But while their story is less explored than the other characters in this one, the developments they do make are important ones, with major repercussions for the next book.
It's a deftly woven story that explodes many epic fantasy tropes, without ever being insulting of the genre, or turning into fantasy. These are well-drawn, complicated characters with goals and hopes and flaws, which makes them impossible not to care about. There are losses along the way that make the stakes feel real, but without relying on the relentless cruelty that bogs down grim dark novels. Wallace is as at home writing battle sequence as he is writing political intrigue, which keeps everything moving at a breakneck speed.
This is a solid second book in a trilogy, moving every storyline forward, while adding new complications and intrigues. The ending a satisfying blend of conclusions and cliffhangers that leaves me eager for the final book.
Dyeawan is now leading the Planning Cadre following the death of Edger. But while she wants to use her position to change things, she faces challenges from enemies new and old. Lexi is being held prisoner by Burr, the woman who wants to overthrow the bureaucracy of the Crache and bring back rule by noble blood, who has a plan to use the Gen leader to win the loyalty of the lower citizens. Evie finds herself (somewhat unwillingly) becoming a folk hero of sorts as The Sparrow General, leading a rebellion of escaped Savages and assorted others that could bring the entire Crache empire tumbling down. Meanwhile, Taru has been captured and forced to serve in the Savage Legion.
Wallace does a great job balancing these separate threads, as each story gets deepened and explored with ever growing complications, dangers, and personal losses. Sadly, as they were one of my favorites in the first book, we spend the least time with Taru. But while their story is less explored than the other characters in this one, the developments they do make are important ones, with major repercussions for the next book.
It's a deftly woven story that explodes many epic fantasy tropes, without ever being insulting of the genre, or turning into fantasy. These are well-drawn, complicated characters with goals and hopes and flaws, which makes them impossible not to care about. There are losses along the way that make the stakes feel real, but without relying on the relentless cruelty that bogs down grim dark novels. Wallace is as at home writing battle sequence as he is writing political intrigue, which keeps everything moving at a breakneck speed.
This is a solid second book in a trilogy, moving every storyline forward, while adding new complications and intrigues. The ending a satisfying blend of conclusions and cliffhangers that leaves me eager for the final book.
kateofmind's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
shmadsie's review
5.0
ugggggh, what a bleak place to leave everyone!!!!! i could've used a lot more taru, but i feel like that will always be true of them though, but holy shit did lexi really get to shine this book!! evie continues to seem like a very real character to me, thrust into this leadership position with no idea how she got there and doing her best to own it. i'm super happy dyeawan and nia are on the same side now - even if their truce is resting on a wobbly foundation - and i'm hoping they'll bring the planning cadre around into...... less evil. can't wait to see what will happen in book two! this did a great job of moving everybody forward!
seairra's review
5.0
Matt Wallace does it again! As always the world building is phenomenal. In Savage Bounty the reader gets an even deeper look into the inner workings of Crache: from the power struggles in the planning cadre, to the unease in the bottoms, to the ex-savage's rebellion - everything is beautifully explained. Wallace provides plenty of details to bring the reader farther into the world of Crache while still maintaining a comfortable pace.
Normally when a book has multiple POVs it is difficult to be invested in all of them; however, that is not the case with Savage Bounty. Evie, Dyeawan, and Lexi all had compelling storylines that make you not want to put the book down so you can find out what happens next. Throughout the book there is this slow build of tension that leaves the reader yearning for the point when all three storylines intersect. Fingers crossed it happens in the final installment!
Savage Bounty ended with some mighty cliffhangers. While I don't love cliffhangers, I'm glad that Matt Wallace decided to leave the fates of our beloved characters hanging in the balance because it means that these particular storylines will get the attention that they deserve in the next book. I'd much rather have to wait for the third book than have these plots rushed through in the second.
Overall, I enjoyed Savage Bounty so, so much. I'm honestly a bit sad that the next book will will be that last because I'm not ready to leave this world or these characters. If political fantasy, I highly suggest you check out Savage Legion & Savage Bounty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Normally when a book has multiple POVs it is difficult to be invested in all of them; however, that is not the case with Savage Bounty. Evie, Dyeawan, and Lexi all had compelling storylines that make you not want to put the book down so you can find out what happens next. Throughout the book there is this slow build of tension that leaves the reader yearning for the point when all three storylines intersect. Fingers crossed it happens in the final installment!
Savage Bounty ended with some mighty cliffhangers. While I don't love cliffhangers, I'm glad that Matt Wallace decided to leave the fates of our beloved characters hanging in the balance because it means that these particular storylines will get the attention that they deserve in the next book. I'd much rather have to wait for the third book than have these plots rushed through in the second.
Overall, I enjoyed Savage Bounty so, so much. I'm honestly a bit sad that the next book will will be that last because I'm not ready to leave this world or these characters. If political fantasy, I highly suggest you check out Savage Legion & Savage Bounty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
karireads's review
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
meetyouineveryplace's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
annarella's review
5.0
A good epic fantasy, gripping and entertaining.
Good character development and world building, a multi-POVs plot that kept me turning pages.
I loved Savage Legion and loved this follow up.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good character development and world building, a multi-POVs plot that kept me turning pages.
I loved Savage Legion and loved this follow up.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
errantreads's review
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.0
Fantasy, but light on the fantastical, this series is a real breath of fresh air. Fantasy for adults, one might say. It has a narrative that evokes Asimov to me for some reason. I really enjoy this series and hope that book 3 is not too far behind. Recommend.
Criticism of the publisher: really wish the publisher would produce hardcovers for books 2 and 3 and not just for book 1. It's just unprofessional. Commit or don't commit, not something in between. Or hell, give the author self-publishing rights to the hardcovers if you won't follow through.
Oh! Not that it matters all that much, but the covers are just bitchin'!
Criticism of the publisher: really wish the publisher would produce hardcovers for books 2 and 3 and not just for book 1. It's just unprofessional. Commit or don't commit, not something in between. Or hell, give the author self-publishing rights to the hardcovers if you won't follow through.
Oh! Not that it matters all that much, but the covers are just bitchin'!