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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
If I hadn’t absolutely loved Margaret Owen’s other series, I’m not sure I would have stuck with this but I’m glad I did. The messages got a little repetitive at times but I did love the story and the world. I can see how far her writing has come between the two series though
This was an easy read, but I enjoyed it alot, it had all the parts in books I like a journey on horse back two people from different cast systems getting to understand where the other is coming from a Plaugue. you know all the good stuff :) to be honest the book took me by suprise I was not expecting to like it as much as I did.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Not me going back to chapter 2 to confirm why the cat's name is Barf =). This was good, will finish the duology.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
What an amazing book.
I loved every single character, which is rare for me as I always have at least one that I just don't care for. Owen has a way of writing everyone with subtlety even if the entire book is just from one person's point of view, leading too a deeply engaging work that I had a thrill reading.
Voice: I loved the voice. Owen has a way with words that I both envy and hope to learn from. From the descriptions to the unique slang/verbal tics of the Crows and the other castes, I never once came across a phrase or sentence that I found boring.
Pacing: The pacing was neat and smooth, and I never found myself wanting for information -- indeed, Owen makes it clear that if we don't know something yet, we'll learn it soon enough. Sh does this a few times in the second half of the book which stood out to me, but overall the pacing was well done.
Characterization: I love all of the characters, but I was surprised at how quickly Tavin grew on me. Normally, male characters that start out annoying remain annoying to me, but both he and Jasimir were written with a complexity that I realize I often find/found lacking in other male co-protags or side characters. Tavin....Idk I'm obsessed with him. Through Fie's eyes, we can piece together why he was so much quicker to befriend the crows, accept certain changes, and make certain concessions. The romance between him and Fie was one of my favorites, and I don't normally favor romance. Fie as well deeply intrigued me as a character for her loyalty, resilience, and natural reactions/fears as a leader thrust all too quickly into her positin. Jasimir was entertaining as well. I loved see where Jas and Tavin's strengths and weaknesses played out, where Jas might know or consider something that Tavin would not, and vice versa. The jealousy between the two was multi-layered and amazing to read through.
Plot: I also liked the plot (duh).
Worldbuilding: The magic system in this is impeccable. While it was a bit confusing for me at times, there was a strong logic to the world's inner workings, so I never once felt truly lost or confused. I loved the history, the cultural clashes, the caste system, and the way Owen was able to write about discrimination without making it seems as though there was any justification in the Crows' treatment. I liked the nomenclature and the worldbuilding through staple foods (maize, dried pork, panbread, and the mention of grilled shark or something). I also like the way relationships and reproduction/etc work in this world.
Downsides: Fie is clever. So is Tavin most times and Jasimir most times. The writing is dense and the prose a little tricky at times, so there were a few instances where I'd have to reread a passage because I didn't quite understand what was being implied or what was happening. It's only a half-star deduction, though because everything else is so strong.
I loved every single character, which is rare for me as I always have at least one that I just don't care for. Owen has a way of writing everyone with subtlety even if the entire book is just from one person's point of view, leading too a deeply engaging work that I had a thrill reading.
Voice: I loved the voice. Owen has a way with words that I both envy and hope to learn from. From the descriptions to the unique slang/verbal tics of the Crows and the other castes, I never once came across a phrase or sentence that I found boring.
Pacing: The pacing was neat and smooth, and I never found myself wanting for information -- indeed, Owen makes it clear that if we don't know something yet, we'll learn it soon enough. Sh does this a few times in the second half of the book which stood out to me, but overall the pacing was well done.
Characterization: I love all of the characters, but I was surprised at how quickly Tavin grew on me. Normally, male characters that start out annoying remain annoying to me, but both he and Jasimir were written with a complexity that I realize I often find/found lacking in other male co-protags or side characters. Tavin....Idk I'm obsessed with him. Through Fie's eyes, we can piece together why he was so much quicker to befriend the crows, accept certain changes, and make certain concessions. The romance between him and Fie was one of my favorites, and I don't normally favor romance. Fie as well deeply intrigued me as a character for her loyalty, resilience, and natural reactions/fears as a leader thrust all too quickly into her positin. Jasimir was entertaining as well. I loved see where Jas and Tavin's strengths and weaknesses played out, where Jas might know or consider something that Tavin would not, and vice versa. The jealousy between the two was multi-layered and amazing to read through.
Plot: I also liked the plot (duh).
Worldbuilding: The magic system in this is impeccable. While it was a bit confusing for me at times, there was a strong logic to the world's inner workings, so I never once felt truly lost or confused. I loved the history, the cultural clashes, the caste system, and the way Owen was able to write about discrimination without making it seems as though there was any justification in the Crows' treatment. I liked the nomenclature and the worldbuilding through staple foods (maize, dried pork, panbread, and the mention of grilled shark or something). I also like the way relationships and reproduction/etc work in this world.
Downsides: Fie is clever. So is Tavin most times and Jasimir most times. The writing is dense and the prose a little tricky at times, so there were a few instances where I'd have to reread a passage because I didn't quite understand what was being implied or what was happening. It's only a half-star deduction, though because everything else is so strong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, Blood
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Body horror, Sexual content
That was false. The thought rolled round her head like a tooth in her hand. It wasn’t that she wanted to burn the world down, no. She just wanted the world to know that she could.
God this was such a good read. I absolutely adore Fie, and Tavin and Jas and the Crows and this world. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the sequel this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more.
God this was such a good read. I absolutely adore Fie, and Tavin and Jas and the Crows and this world. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the sequel this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more.
adventurous
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:
No
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Author confirmed Prince Jasimir is gay.