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manjala's review against another edition
3.0
I could've finished this within a week, if not for the fact that I got into another reading slump....
I had a lot of fun with the whimsical, magical vibes in this series. For me, though, this whole trilogy was sadly unable to reach the greatness that was Strange the Dreamer . Even though this last book managed to improve upon things, (mainly the writing and the focus of the story on different aspects than the last ones) it still didn't "do" it for me. Maybe it's because of the mood I'm in currently, maybe it's the fact that the story tried to do so many different things, I don't know.
The start of this book was great, it was so different than I'd gotten used to from Laini Taylor, and it set my expectations for this last book quite high. The pacing still felt a little bit off, but I was prepared to deal with a shift in that, because the story had to be tied up at the end, right?
Regrettably, the ending and everything leading up to it had so many disjointed and random moments for me, that it took me out of the story multiple times. New characters and parts of the world got introduced at a time that felt very unlogical to me, and that made me feel like the author also didn't really know what to do with the ending. It was like she put three different endings in one.
All in all, I feel quite confused as to how to feel about this book. On one hand, I feel like I'm being too critical for what this series is, on the other hand I feel like this series just wasn't for me (although it should've had everything I like!).
I had a lot of fun with the whimsical, magical vibes in this series. For me, though, this whole trilogy was sadly unable to reach the greatness that was Strange the Dreamer . Even though this last book managed to improve upon things, (mainly the writing and the focus of the story on different aspects than the last ones) it still didn't "do" it for me. Maybe it's because of the mood I'm in currently, maybe it's the fact that the story tried to do so many different things, I don't know.
The start of this book was great, it was so different than I'd gotten used to from Laini Taylor, and it set my expectations for this last book quite high. The pacing still felt a little bit off, but I was prepared to deal with a shift in that, because the story had to be tied up at the end, right?
Regrettably, the ending and everything leading up to it had so many disjointed and random moments for me, that it took me out of the story multiple times. New characters and parts of the world got introduced at a time that felt very unlogical to me, and that made me feel like the author also didn't really know what to do with the ending. It was like she put three different endings in one.
All in all, I feel quite confused as to how to feel about this book. On one hand, I feel like I'm being too critical for what this series is, on the other hand I feel like this series just wasn't for me (although it should've had everything I like!).
odin45mp's review against another edition
4.0
Wow.
This book surpassed the first two in the trilogy. The writer and the characters have matured. The adolescent will-theys have developed more nuance, and the characters' inner thoughts grew in complexity even as the world around them expanded - with less force than the Big Bang, but no less brilliantly.
I love what the author did to the setting, and I love the journey she took us on. I loved the moments of laughter that interspersed the serious, world-changing events throughout the book. Every character was given a chance - or three - to shine in ways that made me love them more. They became real to me, regardless of their physical form.
The first two books in the series were hit and miss for me, coming out average in aggregate. I was nervous starting this book because the last two had let me down in places. This book made the journey worthwhile, and delivered on the promises made in the first two books.
This book surpassed the first two in the trilogy. The writer and the characters have matured. The adolescent will-theys have developed more nuance, and the characters' inner thoughts grew in complexity even as the world around them expanded - with less force than the Big Bang, but no less brilliantly.
I love what the author did to the setting, and I love the journey she took us on. I loved the moments of laughter that interspersed the serious, world-changing events throughout the book. Every character was given a chance - or three - to shine in ways that made me love them more. They became real to me, regardless of their physical form.
The first two books in the series were hit and miss for me, coming out average in aggregate. I was nervous starting this book because the last two had let me down in places. This book made the journey worthwhile, and delivered on the promises made in the first two books.
auzlynjones's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
widgetygrub's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
A spectacular ending to the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy that I regret not finishing sooner. This would have been a 5* read for me however I wish it was two books instead of one! The story was perfect but I wish the final act, which comprised about 100 pages, could have been fully fleshed out better.
anigirl524's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ladygeekface_'s review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this series. The characters were lovable. I especially loved "neek neek." :]
The ending left me wanting more. I really hope she doesn't plan to leave us with that crazy cliffhanger. I'd read many more of these.
The ending left me wanting more. I really hope she doesn't plan to leave us with that crazy cliffhanger. I'd read many more of these.
justjeanettelee's review against another edition
5.0
Taylor has always been a masterful storyteller. I absolutely love her work and Dreams of Gods and Monsters is absolutely perfect.
It is the most beautiful conclusion to a trilogy (aside from ACOWAR) that I have ever read.
But I hunger for more. I want more! How fairs the excavation of Loramendi? Does Akiva finally learn to control sirithar? How do Scarab and the “godstars” fair against the Nithilam? What happens with Esther and Razgut? How’s Jael doing? DO LIRAZ AND ZIRI GET TOGETHER?!
So many unanswered questions! (I want another trilogy lol)
It is the most beautiful conclusion to a trilogy (aside from ACOWAR) that I have ever read.
But I hunger for more. I want more! How fairs the excavation of Loramendi? Does Akiva finally learn to control sirithar? How do Scarab and the “godstars” fair against the Nithilam? What happens with Esther and Razgut? How’s Jael doing? DO LIRAZ AND ZIRI GET TOGETHER?!
So many unanswered questions! (I want another trilogy lol)
heavyhearts's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
rachachisaur's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Adding in a third plot line was questionable, and a little jarring. The book comes to what feels like a natural ending a little over halfway through, then the third plot line kicks in and adds a second story almost. It didn’t quite mesh with the previous two books.
rubycoalbolt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5