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amachonis's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: War and Gun violence
jayburding's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This sits around a 3.5 but I rounded up because I'm willing to be generous for a writer I enjoy. And I did enjoy this book, but unfortunately it suffers from prodigy sibling syndrome. What Moves the Dead was a creeping horror that sank into your bones and wouldn't be moved. What Feasts At Night seems to be walking that road initially but stumbles and never really regains its footing. The What in this book simply doesn't command the same fear as its predecessor, too slow in its approach, too easily dispatched.
Also, I must confess, I have a violent hatred of the trope where characters don't communicate and then react poorly when other characters try and fail to interpret their vagueries. I lost patience with the Widow quickly, which takes some doing in a book this short, and while the ending somewhat redeemed this character choice, the frustration still lingered. Alex's slowness to pick up on supernatural shenanigans, especially after what happened in the previous book, felt mildly farcical and too drawn out, and kan being treated as the resident idiot outstayed its welcome. I was disappointed at how little Miss Potter got to contribute this time, and honestly you could have removed her and called this book a prequel and it might have worked better.
I enjoy Kingfisher's writing, and Alex's character really appeals to me. I'm not a fan of first person so getting me to read it is a victory in itself, and unquestionably enjoy it even more so. I would happily read more of Sworn Soldier, and I hope there is more coming, I just think Kingfisher has a real talent for body horror that could have gone a lot harder in this book, and it would have hit like it did in WMTD. I enjoyed what was here but I wanted more.
Also, I must confess, I have a violent hatred of the trope where characters don't communicate and then react poorly when other characters try and fail to interpret their vagueries. I lost patience with the Widow quickly, which takes some doing in a book this short, and while the ending somewhat redeemed this character choice, the frustration still lingered. Alex's slowness to pick up on supernatural shenanigans, especially after what happened in the previous book, felt mildly farcical and too drawn out, and kan being treated as the resident idiot outstayed its welcome. I was disappointed at how little Miss Potter got to contribute this time, and honestly you could have removed her and called this book a prequel and it might have worked better.
I enjoy Kingfisher's writing, and Alex's character really appeals to me. I'm not a fan of first person so getting me to read it is a victory in itself, and unquestionably enjoy it even more so. I would happily read more of Sworn Soldier, and I hope there is more coming, I just think Kingfisher has a real talent for body horror that could have gone a lot harder in this book, and it would have hit like it did in WMTD. I enjoyed what was here but I wanted more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Gore, Animal death, Gun violence, and Death
not_another_ana's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Had I imagined it? Would it be better or worse if I had?
Everyone's favorite Gallacian sworn soldier is back! And this time in their own country. Alex and Angus head down to Easton's old hunting lodge, as a favor to Miss Potter who is keen to study the local mushroom population. But the lodge is in a state of disarray and there's rumours in town of a deadly figure from local mythology haunting the area and robbing people of their breath. Rumours that might have a grain of truth to them.
This was fun, charming, fast paced, however I will say that the first book was better. While What Moves the Dead had a developing mystery that ends up in a big confrontation this one is more of a slow burn with less high stakes and a more introspective vibe. Read this if you enjoyed the narration of the first one and grew attached to Alex Easton and their peculiarities. It was still quite enjoyable and I ate it up, it just could have delivered a bit more. Loved learning more about Gallacia and its costumes, same as hearing about Easton's past in the military. I could easily read another in this series, it's like eating a big bucket of popcorn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gun violence, and War
aileron's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Gore
Moderate: War, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
amaranth_wytch's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Gore, Death, Alcohol, War, and Gun violence
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Animal death
maryellen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Gore, Body horror, and Injury/Injury detail
harpoonholly's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Audiobook. Read by Avi Rogue who is a fine reader, if a little stiff in places.
This is the second in the Swor Soldier Series and follows Lt. Alex Easton's travels and experience with "innocent monsters," as Easton kaself put it.
The story is fast-paced, which is at odds with how late the real gothic horror action takes place, as opposed to What Moves the Dead, which got into the creep-factor right from the getgo.
Once the first-hand horror starts, it is very well done and is an amazing concept; there just wasn't enough of it and earlier in the plot.
I don't know if Kingfisher will continue the series, but I will be on the lookout. While "Feasts" doesn't have the same punch as "Moves," it's still enjoyable and one I will listen to again.
This is the second in the Swor Soldier Series and follows Lt. Alex Easton's travels and experience with "innocent monsters," as Easton kaself put it.
The story is fast-paced, which is at odds with how late the real gothic horror action takes place, as opposed to What Moves the Dead, which got into the creep-factor right from the getgo.
Once the first-hand horror starts, it is very well done and is an amazing concept; there just wasn't enough of it and earlier in the plot.
I don't know if Kingfisher will continue the series, but I will be on the lookout. While "Feasts" doesn't have the same punch as "Moves," it's still enjoyable and one I will listen to again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Medical trauma, Animal death, and Body horror
ilaxaria's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Gore
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Vomit, Blood, and Rape
keen's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Gun violence and Alcohol
Minor: War
I noted the diversity as "complicated" because I'm unsure of the exact races of the characters, aside from one being British, but the main character is a lesbian. She does not get involved in any relationship and it's only mentioned briefly.schnaucl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.25
I'm so glad we got more Alex Easton. I hope there's more after this.
We also got to see Gallacia, which was fun.
I enjoyed seeing Ms. Potter and her phrasebook.
Good times all around.Except for the sleep apnea monster. She was probably was less fun for the characters involved.
We also got to see Gallacia, which was fun.
I enjoyed seeing Ms. Potter and her phrasebook.
Good times all around.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Gore
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and War