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gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This was a good xianxia with a tragic romance that’s accessible to a western YA audience.
I thought that the magic system was well thought out. the characters of Lan and Zen were so bright and pop off the page, so different in how they approached the same goal, and their romance that is doomed from the start is still very engaging even though the writing is on the wall.
I thought that the magic system was well thought out. the characters of Lan and Zen were so bright and pop off the page, so different in how they approached the same goal, and their romance that is doomed from the start is still very engaging even though the writing is on the wall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, and Grief
Moderate: Colonisation and Xenophobia
caidyn's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Still a very good book, but not as explosive as the first book. I did like the conclusion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, and Death
abby_can_read's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
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
📖
This was wonderful book. I enjoyed reading it. There were tears of sadness and tears of happiness.
This was wonderful book. I enjoyed reading it. There were tears of sadness and tears of happiness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, and Blood
Moderate: Violence, Colonisation, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent and Murder
taroroot's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Xenophobia and Body horror
Minor: Colonisation and Death of parent
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
5.0
The breathtaking conclusion to Amélie Wen Zhao’s Xianxia- based, fantasy duology was an exquisitely detailed, emotional rollercoaster of a read that had me utterly hooked!
The prose was masterfully wrought with emotion that had me in a chokehold the entire time! And, the world-building, multifaceted characters and Qi-based magic system was all gloriously rich in detail too— allowing us to delve ever deeper into the history of The Last Kingdom; including the gods, demons and many generations of magic practitioners who fought not only to free their homeland from oppressors, but also save their cultural heritage from total eradication.
Given the shocking turn of events at the end of Book 1, neither Lan nor Zen are in the best place emotionally as their opposing views, (Lan’s to destroy the Demon Gods and Zen’s to use their power for vengeance) lead them in very different directions. I was particularly intrigued in how they navigated this newfound dynamic and it’s affect on the swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance that’s been simmering between them for some time.
The pacing was quicker than I anticipated too, but did help in conveying the panicked sense of urgency that spurred Lan and Zen into action. I was a little surprised at the brand new villain we are introduced to, though their presence does make a lot of sense plot-wise and closes up a few loose ends that I’ve been wondering about since the first book.
I can’t really say anything more without spoiling the plot, but I will say I did NOT see that ending coming.
Overall, a marvellously immersive and action packed read that lovers of epic fantasy (or poignant tales of triumph and resistance) will definitely want to add their TBRs ASAP.
Also, a thanks to Insta Book Tours & Harper Voyager Uk for the finished copy & my spot on the blog tour.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Death
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Genocide, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, and Colonisation
lauraslittlebooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so won’t go into too much detail, BUT
In the second part of this Duology, Zhao has continued to develop and expand on the utterly magical world building, and the intricate cultures and traditions she wove into Silver Flame. The imagery is so vivid and enticing, settling the reader into a rich and vibrant story. This story is one of strengthening friendships, intense battles and devotion and loyalty, with a pinch of tender love and romance. There is honestly something for everyone to enjoy.
I don’t say this often but, for me, book two has surpassed book one. I loved it!
In the second part of this Duology, Zhao has continued to develop and expand on the utterly magical world building, and the intricate cultures and traditions she wove into Silver Flame. The imagery is so vivid and enticing, settling the reader into a rich and vibrant story. This story is one of strengthening friendships, intense battles and devotion and loyalty, with a pinch of tender love and romance. There is honestly something for everyone to enjoy.
I don’t say this often but, for me, book two has surpassed book one. I loved it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Colonisation, and War
fantasy_voyager98's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
I loved how each chapter had it's own unique quote that went perfectly with the events associated in the story. I recommend reading the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition. There's a bonus chapter told from the pov of the male main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Death
jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“It had always come down to this: choices in a conquered land.”
This was a little underwhelming. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book but I enjoyed it nonetheless and I will miss these characters.
This was a little underwhelming. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book but I enjoyed it nonetheless and I will miss these characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Colonisation, Murder, Blood, Death of parent, Death, and War
flavi's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Violence, War, Xenophobia, and Blood
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-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
3.0
Song of the Last Kingdom duology comes to a conclusion with Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White and after days of trying to finish it I finally manage to do it and I have mix feelings about it.
I was struggling the 1st half part of the book, the pacing is too slow. The last part also seems too rushed but I prefer that where I got to know more about the origins of the Four Demon and more action scenes with a new villain introduced here.
I also feel slightly disappointed of what to become of the previous villain on the 1st book since he didn’t get to appear often and seems to be pushed aside with this new villain character.
I had a feeling this one won’t have an entire happy ending for all the characters. I have to admit I shed a couple tears while reading the last few chapters when everything was coming to an end.
While I wish things are different, this ending is a fitting end to the story.
I gave this one a higher rating because of the action scenes and also the bittersweet ending which makes this book more memorable compare to the 1st book.
While this duology didn’t work for me, but you’re welcome to give it a try if you like YA fantasy with demons, magic and slow burn romance.
I was struggling the 1st half part of the book, the pacing is too slow. The last part also seems too rushed but I prefer that where I got to know more about the origins of the Four Demon and more action scenes with a new villain introduced here.
I also feel slightly disappointed of what to become of the previous villain on the 1st book since he didn’t get to appear often and seems to be pushed aside with this new villain character.
I had a feeling this one won’t have an entire happy ending for all the characters. I have to admit I shed a couple tears while reading the last few chapters when everything was coming to an end.
While I wish things are different, this ending is a fitting end to the story.
I gave this one a higher rating because of the action scenes and also the bittersweet ending which makes this book more memorable compare to the 1st book.
While this duology didn’t work for me, but you’re welcome to give it a try if you like YA fantasy with demons, magic and slow burn romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War