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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
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
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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
I know some think the first book was better, but I'd argue for the 2nd. Less romance which I prefer, and more tactics, war, battle scenes and intensity.
The world building was better in this book, the character relationships were underdeveloped and the lack of real plot for 60% of the book was frustrating, the last four chapters were where 90% of the actual plot took place- the pacing could’ve been better. Was this entertaining? Yes. Will I read the next one? Yes. Does this compare to other fantasy writers as true epic fantasy? Not really. Will you binge read it despite it lacking? Yes.
adventurous
dark
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
# of mentions of Dane & Violet climbing trees as children: 4
(definitely skewed because I started counting on P.460)
I knew going into this that it was 1) going to be so much fun to read and 2) it was not going to be amazing! A solid 3/5 stars because I liked it, but we had some problems folks. And yes, I am quaking in my boots waiting for Onyx Storm to come in at the library.
This book was kind of laughable. Violet loves her toxic relationship. The mind-fighting KILLED ME. I was screaming when they would make out or argue in their minds in front of god and everyone. HOW EMBARRASSING!! As a reader, I was here for the spice, but the secondhand embarrassment killed me. I got the ick thinking about them basically undressing each other in front of their friends and family.
I am not a fan of the "he can't feel that type of emotion" (love) trope. But at the same time, we love Shadow Xaddy in this house.
We all knew Zombified Jack Barlowe was not going to be right. He has a change of heart? Sure. And what exactly spurred Evil Guy Whose Name Starts With V to task Mender (Nolon?) to bring Jack back to life rather than the other students who perished? Was it because Barlow become a venin and they knew? Did they want to study him? Why unleash him amongst the students if he's exactly the type of person they're trying to hide from the students and general public? Maybe because he is venin, the mountain couldn't have killed him.
I was super frustrated at Violet and Crew for not translating the full journal texts at the start. They only focused on ONE part to speed the process, but that slowed them down in full.
Also, this book continues to be predictable; of COURSE Andarna is so special. I called it the second I read the "and the one" prophecy.
I love how much muscle is thrown around in this book just to make multiple grown men apologize. I also really like Violet's arc through jealousy, and the people supporting her through it. Genuinely made me feel good.
I am continually thrown off by the poor world building. I appreciated getting a glimpse at more landscape, but am immediately taken out of the story every time we mention the months by Gregorian calendar or our normal days of the week. What is the source of these names of days and months in this world? It feels incomplete.
ALSO there's a random throwaway side-character named Hollyn who opens a gate on P.790. I squealed.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this and devoured it. This is a great book for people getting into fantasy as a genre. BUT- I will not be purchasing these books. I will not remember their plots in a few years.
I'm not sure how exactly we are going to get 6 books out of this series as it feels more like a trilogy or 4-book collection. However, I'm going to be along for the ride as long as people keep making funny animated recap videos to catch me up again.
(definitely skewed because I started counting on P.460)
I knew going into this that it was 1) going to be so much fun to read and 2) it was not going to be amazing! A solid 3/5 stars because I liked it, but we had some problems folks. And yes, I am quaking in my boots waiting for Onyx Storm to come in at the library.
This book was kind of laughable. Violet
Spoiler
denies her feelings but doesn't at the same time because she feels betrayed, butSpoiler
Cried tears of joy when Mira tells her "'unhealthy is the first word that comes to mind.'"I am not a fan of the "he can't feel that type of emotion" (love) trope. But at the same time, we love Shadow Xaddy in this house.
We all knew Zombified Jack Barlowe was not going to be right. He has a change of heart? Sure. And what exactly spurred Evil Guy Whose Name Starts With V to task Mender (Nolon?) to bring Jack back to life rather than the other students who perished? Was it because Barlow become a venin and they knew? Did they want to study him? Why unleash him amongst the students if he's exactly the type of person they're trying to hide from the students and general public? Maybe because he is venin, the mountain couldn't have killed him.
I was super frustrated at Violet and Crew for not translating the full journal texts at the start. They only focused on ONE part to speed the process, but that slowed them down in full.
Also, this book continues to be predictable; of COURSE Andarna is so special. I called it the second I read the "and the one" prophecy.
I love how much muscle is thrown around in this book just to make multiple grown men apologize. I also really like Violet's arc through jealousy, and the people supporting her through it. Genuinely made me feel good.
I am continually thrown off by the poor world building. I appreciated getting a glimpse at more landscape, but am immediately taken out of the story every time we mention the months by Gregorian calendar or our normal days of the week. What is the source of these names of days and months in this world? It feels incomplete.
ALSO there's a random throwaway side-character named Hollyn who opens a gate on P.790. I squealed.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this and devoured it. This is a great book for people getting into fantasy as a genre. BUT- I will not be purchasing these books. I will not remember their plots in a few years.
I'm not sure how exactly we are going to get 6 books out of this series as it feels more like a trilogy or 4-book collection. However, I'm going to be along for the ride as long as people keep making funny animated recap videos to catch me up again.