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craftyhilary's review against another edition
4.0
A top-notch follow-up to Melusine.
Spoilers are impossible to avoid in any discussion of the plot, so I'll say:
1. I stayed up most of the night reading it.
2. It's just as gut-wrenching and dark as Melusine; you've been warned.
3. It introduces some great new characters, and fleshing out of older ones.
4. The labyrinth storyline was more beautifully rendered than I could have hoped.
5. The world-building, especially explanations of different magical theories and practices, is as outstanding as ever.
I had a couple of quibbles, but nothing I can say without spoilers, and honestly nothing that would prevent me from immediately heading out to find the next one in the series.
Spoilers are impossible to avoid in any discussion of the plot, so I'll say:
1. I stayed up most of the night reading it.
2. It's just as gut-wrenching and dark as Melusine; you've been warned.
3. It introduces some great new characters, and fleshing out of older ones.
4. The labyrinth storyline was more beautifully rendered than I could have hoped.
5. The world-building, especially explanations of different magical theories and practices, is as outstanding as ever.
I had a couple of quibbles, but nothing I can say without spoilers, and honestly nothing that would prevent me from immediately heading out to find the next one in the series.
jillyfae's review against another edition
3.0
I am conflicted about these books, because I frequently don't like the main characters, either in and of themselves or the way they are treated by the people around them, and YET I cannot stop reading them. The world is fascinating and messy and disastrous and lyrical and horrifying, all at once, which is very impressive. I may have to wait 'til I finish all four of them in order to decide what I think.
rogiercaprino's review against another edition
5.0
Meduse, this world we're in grows bigger this time around. You already feel how big it was in Melusine but the magic system, the wizarding school of thoughts and the politics are seen more clearly . The sequel is a traveling fantasy book as was it's predecessor. This time time traveling back to Melusine to mend the Virtu and letting our characters heal , fall and heal again along the way physically and metaphorically. We meet new characters, old ones and the hideous monster of a man returns.
The touchstones of magic and the wizardry school of thoughts are introduced in book 1 but not a lot if explained and you figure some out by context. Monette gradually explains the magic in the second one. The way different academic ways of study conflict in our society so do they as well with the Meduse. These are wizards who follow different theories of magic in a very scholarly way. I loved reading about these theories as Felix inevitably tries to get a grasp on each new concept of magic he comes across. The book show some knowledge is forgotten by time or destroyed on purpose. And why the series title is Doctrine of Labyrinths becomes known. I've never read about a magic system using mazes and labyrinths and this was so interesting to read. I loved how the magic was shown to be academic . I also loved learning about Felix ' connection with the dream realm and how it strengthened with the help of wizard he has grown close to and call friend. This mentoring and interacting is only possible in this realm because of his mentor 's state in the waking world. He is a huge part with the way Felix changes as a person for the better.
The sequel begins a few weeks after the occurrences in Melusine. We meet Mildmay and Felix again in the Gardens of Nephele. That magical order healed Felix from the magical trauma and mind . They care for each other and their brotherly bond grows stronger but it remains strained because even after year on the road Mildmay and Felix still know so little of each other. And Felix being selfish wizard with a huge ego doesn't help. Felix was often surprised to see Mildmay angry. Come on dude your at fault most of the time. You are really a more selfish, cruel and egotistical Howl lol. But I love how Felix shows more in actions and words how much he cares for Mildmay and the small group of loved ones trough out this book. But I know he'll screw it up somehow . Society in the garden , in Melusine and everwhere else sees Mildmay only as a thug. Felix doesn't understand how this hurts Mildmay. And the tension remains through out the book.
On their travel back home they meet known people, rescue some and fight others. We meet new characters of which Mehitabel is probably the biggest. She's an actress turned governess also running from her past, what we don't know yet when we meet her. I really appreciate how Mehitabel sees Mildmay as a person and not the scar faced thug most see. I admire how she doesn't make fun of Mildmay , which makes her the exact opposite of Felix's thoughtlessly cruel conversations with Mildmay.
She tries to be a proper friend towards Mildmay and notices the subtle changes that occur between Felix and Mildmay on the way home in ways others don’t. Mildmay needed someone desperately needed a friend like her that worries about him and doesn’t want to see him trod on by other people. She respects Mildmay more than he respects himself. She not afraid stand on even footing with strong characters and imposing figures Felix. He's said to unnaturally tall - I picture a 7 feet tall gorgeous redhaired man with brilliant arm and hand tattoos
But without Mildmay the story wouldn't have happened and he's the glue with these group of people. He's not as talented as Mehitabel to influence people with her acting or charming and does not have a presence like Felix. Mildmay is freaking intelligent , what he needs to believe he is. He's so funny with his dry wit , he's caring and loves the people he loves immensely. No other person would go to go underground into the ruins of an ancient death cult to rescue a rich young boy they met in their travels and no one would travel with a half-mad Felix , he just met, to the Gardens of Nephele . What Felix saw in a dream. Who knows if it would exist and were to find it. He trusted Felix to find the way in his half-mad state. Mildmay has seen so many friends burned to dead, get murdered or die in someway. I enjoy seeing his worldviews through his beautiful green eyes and dangit love him so much. The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other. And I hope Felix shows Mildmay how deeply he cares, that huge ego is in the way. Just show it you silly.
The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other.
I can't wait to follow these brothers in the two concluding novels.
The touchstones of magic and the wizardry school of thoughts are introduced in book 1 but not a lot if explained and you figure some out by context. Monette gradually explains the magic in the second one. The way different academic ways of study conflict in our society so do they as well with the Meduse. These are wizards who follow different theories of magic in a very scholarly way. I loved reading about these theories as Felix inevitably tries to get a grasp on each new concept of magic he comes across. The book show some knowledge is forgotten by time or destroyed on purpose. And why the series title is Doctrine of Labyrinths becomes known. I've never read about a magic system using mazes and labyrinths and this was so interesting to read. I loved how the magic was shown to be academic . I also loved learning about Felix ' connection with the dream realm and how it strengthened with the help of wizard he has grown close to and call friend. This mentoring and interacting is only possible in this realm because of his mentor 's state in the waking world. He is a huge part with the way Felix changes as a person for the better.
The sequel begins a few weeks after the occurrences in Melusine. We meet Mildmay and Felix again in the Gardens of Nephele. That magical order healed Felix from the magical trauma and mind . They care for each other and their brotherly bond grows stronger but it remains strained because even after year on the road Mildmay and Felix still know so little of each other. And Felix being selfish wizard with a huge ego doesn't help. Felix was often surprised to see Mildmay angry. Come on dude your at fault most of the time. You are really a more selfish, cruel and egotistical Howl lol. But I love how Felix shows more in actions and words how much he cares for Mildmay and the small group of loved ones trough out this book. But I know he'll screw it up somehow . Society in the garden , in Melusine and everwhere else sees Mildmay only as a thug. Felix doesn't understand how this hurts Mildmay. And the tension remains through out the book.
On their travel back home they meet known people, rescue some and fight others. We meet new characters of which Mehitabel is probably the biggest. She's an actress turned governess also running from her past, what we don't know yet when we meet her. I really appreciate how Mehitabel sees Mildmay as a person and not the scar faced thug most see. I admire how she doesn't make fun of Mildmay , which makes her the exact opposite of Felix's thoughtlessly cruel conversations with Mildmay.
She tries to be a proper friend towards Mildmay and notices the subtle changes that occur between Felix and Mildmay on the way home in ways others don’t. Mildmay needed someone desperately needed a friend like her that worries about him and doesn’t want to see him trod on by other people. She respects Mildmay more than he respects himself. She not afraid stand on even footing with strong characters and imposing figures Felix. He's said to unnaturally tall - I picture a 7 feet tall gorgeous redhaired man with brilliant arm and hand tattoos
But without Mildmay the story wouldn't have happened and he's the glue with these group of people. He's not as talented as Mehitabel to influence people with her acting or charming and does not have a presence like Felix. Mildmay is freaking intelligent , what he needs to believe he is. He's so funny with his dry wit , he's caring and loves the people he loves immensely. No other person would go to go underground into the ruins of an ancient death cult to rescue a rich young boy they met in their travels and no one would travel with a half-mad Felix , he just met, to the Gardens of Nephele . What Felix saw in a dream. Who knows if it would exist and were to find it. He trusted Felix to find the way in his half-mad state. Mildmay has seen so many friends burned to dead, get murdered or die in someway. I enjoy seeing his worldviews through his beautiful green eyes and dangit love him so much. The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other. And I hope Felix shows Mildmay how deeply he cares, that huge ego is in the way. Just show it you silly.
The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other.
I can't wait to follow these brothers in the two concluding novels.
jkh107's review against another edition
4.0
Second in a series featuring a tortured wizard and his former-assassin half-brother, as they go around causing trouble, being exploited, destroying magical artifacts and restoring them, and exploring all the magical implications of labyrinths.
In this book, Felix and Mildmay return to Melusine on a mission to repair the Virtu and make things right; unfortunately, Mildmay's still a wanted man, and Felix isn't so popular either.
I really enjoyed the world-building in this series, the characters (I'm a sucker for a tortured hero, and Felix and Mildmay are literally and figuratively tortured), the adventure, the intrigue and the way the author doesn't yield to temptation to make the magical systems all neat and tidy. I recommend this series highly.
In this book, Felix and Mildmay return to Melusine on a mission to repair the Virtu and make things right; unfortunately, Mildmay's still a wanted man, and Felix isn't so popular either.
I really enjoyed the world-building in this series, the characters (I'm a sucker for a tortured hero, and Felix and Mildmay are literally and figuratively tortured), the adventure, the intrigue and the way the author doesn't yield to temptation to make the magical systems all neat and tidy. I recommend this series highly.
xterminal's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Monette, The Virtu (Ace, 2006)
Monette returns to the rich, detailed world she created in her first novel, Mélusine, for a sequel. And while it's a bit slow out of the gate, a fine sequel it is indeed. Monette expands on some of the stuff that seemed, in the first book, as if it had been for worldbuilding and color more than anything, giving this a more cohesive feel with its predecessor than many sequels. I like that in a book. Quite a lot, actually.
We open not long after the conclusion of Mélusine, with Felix and Mildmay still overseas and still not liking each other too much. Felix's research has led him to the possibility that he may, in fact, be able to undo the shattering of the Virtu, the central event of the first book, and one in which he was an unwitting participant; Mildmay is just plain homesick. In any case, the two of them decide to head back to the City of Wonders, as perilous a journey as that may be. But Felix's recently-shed madness is always sitting in the back of his head, waiting to be roused, and his fear of deep water means that crossing the ocean this time is going to be even worse than it was before. And then, of course, there's the fact that pretty much every wizard in Mélusine would be more than happy never to see Felix again...
That tells you almost nothing, but I can't get into a lot of it without hitting spoilerville. (I implore you not to read the jacket synopsis before reading the actual book, as it reveals what I'd consider a major spoiler.) Monette's world holds up for another novel, and is just as detailed and fantastical, in the classical sense of the term, as it was the first time. She also employs techniques that usually drive me up the wall (such as character A not saying something that, were it said to character B, would avoid a lot of mess) in subtle enough ways that they actually work here. As for the characters themselves, my only real problem is that a bit more of a refresher on some of the characters from the earlier novel would have been welcome (though I know all too well how easy it is to go overboard with that sort of thing, viz. Terry Goodkind's last seven Sword of Truth novels). Can't fault Monette for her character-writing abilities, however. For two guys who probably moonlight in romance novels, Felix and Mildmay are engaging characters, and Monette gets the balance of similar and different between the half-brothers dead on. The minor characters are for the most part three-dimensional as well, though a few of them do seem to exist just to advance plot points (Shannon, in particular, has struck me this way in both novels). As for the plot, well, Monette keeps her foot on the gas the same way she did with the last book, and “exciting” is the least enthusiastic word I can come up with for what all goes on on this book. It is a touch episodic, though all road novels have that feel to them by definition, but that's a minor thing at best. This is fun, fun stuff, and if you haven't picked up Mélusine yet, I urge you to do so pronto, and then continue on to this one. *** ½
Monette returns to the rich, detailed world she created in her first novel, Mélusine, for a sequel. And while it's a bit slow out of the gate, a fine sequel it is indeed. Monette expands on some of the stuff that seemed, in the first book, as if it had been for worldbuilding and color more than anything, giving this a more cohesive feel with its predecessor than many sequels. I like that in a book. Quite a lot, actually.
We open not long after the conclusion of Mélusine, with Felix and Mildmay still overseas and still not liking each other too much. Felix's research has led him to the possibility that he may, in fact, be able to undo the shattering of the Virtu, the central event of the first book, and one in which he was an unwitting participant; Mildmay is just plain homesick. In any case, the two of them decide to head back to the City of Wonders, as perilous a journey as that may be. But Felix's recently-shed madness is always sitting in the back of his head, waiting to be roused, and his fear of deep water means that crossing the ocean this time is going to be even worse than it was before. And then, of course, there's the fact that pretty much every wizard in Mélusine would be more than happy never to see Felix again...
That tells you almost nothing, but I can't get into a lot of it without hitting spoilerville. (I implore you not to read the jacket synopsis before reading the actual book, as it reveals what I'd consider a major spoiler.) Monette's world holds up for another novel, and is just as detailed and fantastical, in the classical sense of the term, as it was the first time. She also employs techniques that usually drive me up the wall (such as character A not saying something that, were it said to character B, would avoid a lot of mess) in subtle enough ways that they actually work here. As for the characters themselves, my only real problem is that a bit more of a refresher on some of the characters from the earlier novel would have been welcome (though I know all too well how easy it is to go overboard with that sort of thing, viz. Terry Goodkind's last seven Sword of Truth novels). Can't fault Monette for her character-writing abilities, however. For two guys who probably moonlight in romance novels, Felix and Mildmay are engaging characters, and Monette gets the balance of similar and different between the half-brothers dead on. The minor characters are for the most part three-dimensional as well, though a few of them do seem to exist just to advance plot points (Shannon, in particular, has struck me this way in both novels). As for the plot, well, Monette keeps her foot on the gas the same way she did with the last book, and “exciting” is the least enthusiastic word I can come up with for what all goes on on this book. It is a touch episodic, though all road novels have that feel to them by definition, but that's a minor thing at best. This is fun, fun stuff, and if you haven't picked up Mélusine yet, I urge you to do so pronto, and then continue on to this one. *** ½
jambery's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, I think I liked Felix better when he was crazy. The addition of Mehitabel is a good one, and Mildmay continues to be delightful. I love the seemingly endless world-building Monette has done behind the scenes, to make each new place they travel to effortlessly fit in with what has come before.
chelseab's review against another edition
5.0
Better than the first, and painful in an entirely different way.
dee2799d's review against another edition
4.0
We slowly reread the Doctrine of the Labyrinth series--although I can't say I'm slow tbh, I'm tearing through these books like I used to when I had more time and less distractions.
Sarah Monette still doesn't shy away from taking us to the darker parts of the labyrinth--honestly, if things could go wrong just expect them to go wrong in the worst way possible, but this time we got a prophecy at the start care of Thamuris. And I honestly expected the whole prophecy for Mildmay to happen over the course of the other books, but nope! All those shitty things Thamuris saw in the patterns of the future were all events in this one book. Poor Mildmay.
World building and magic system are getting even more robust, and I really love how Sarah Monette establish the world here?
Another thing I love is how she allows the characters to act like the selfish and petty humans that we are. One of the most memorable things for me is when Felix joins Ingvard and Florian to look at the ruins, and he admits that he feels well, happy because he was finally away from Mildmay's presence. The same man who saved his life and stuck with him through the journey to Troia, and he's like 'Yes, the atmosphere is better without Mildmay'. And it's understandable: Felix hates how Mildmay has seen him in his most vulnerable, Felix is attracted to Mildmay (who is still very much his half brother), and well, Mildmay is not like the shining people from the court that Felix is used to. It's such a shitty way for Felix to feel and I respect that the author allowed him to feel it, no matter how much he actually loves Mildmay.
Honestly, Felix and Mildmay's relationship is the biggest draw here.
Sarah Monette still doesn't shy away from taking us to the darker parts of the labyrinth--honestly, if things could go wrong just expect them to go wrong in the worst way possible, but this time we got a prophecy at the start care of Thamuris. And I honestly expected the whole prophecy for Mildmay to happen over the course of the other books, but nope! All those shitty things Thamuris saw in the patterns of the future were all events in this one book. Poor Mildmay.
World building and magic system are getting even more robust, and I really love how Sarah Monette establish the world here?
Another thing I love is how she allows the characters to act like the selfish and petty humans that we are. One of the most memorable things for me is when Felix joins Ingvard and Florian to look at the ruins, and he admits that he feels well, happy because he was finally away from Mildmay's presence. The same man who saved his life and stuck with him through the journey to Troia, and he's like 'Yes, the atmosphere is better without Mildmay'. And it's understandable: Felix hates how Mildmay has seen him in his most vulnerable, Felix is attracted to Mildmay (who is still very much his half brother), and well, Mildmay is not like the shining people from the court that Felix is used to. It's such a shitty way for Felix to feel and I respect that the author allowed him to feel it, no matter how much he actually loves Mildmay.
Honestly, Felix and Mildmay's relationship is the biggest draw here.
alarra's review against another edition
3.0
I am fascinated with this world, though I still have quibbles about some of it. I have to admit I like it so much more when Felix and Mildmay are back in Melusine; such that the pace dragged at the start but the story became really involving in the second half, a reverse of how I found the first book. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series though, a good sign.
kimberlybea's review against another edition
4.0
This was the book that convinced me I actually liked this series. Like I said in my review of Melusine, the two books really feel like they should have been one, and this installment does tie up many of the loose threads from the previous volume. It also adds a few of its own, including one character whose reason for being I really couldn't tell. Felix is newly restored to sanity, and he and Mildmay journey from the Gardens of Nephele (love that name!) back to Melusine, hopefully to repair the Virtu which Felix unwillingly destroyed in book I. Aside from the two protagonists, there are some interesting new characters, such as the mute Gideon and the governess Mehitabel, who joins the two as a narrator in book 3. There is some mild incest in this volume, which some may find offensive, and it has also been described as "slashy," but I really think those are elements best assessed within the context of the novel.
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