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nopeynope369's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
subparcupcake's review
5.0
Like with book one, I'm bumping this from 4 to 5 stars based on a recent re-read. I couldn't put this down. I would read it until my eyes hurt and I fell asleep with it on my lap, and then wake up and immediately start reading it again. Definitely getting added to my favorites shelf.
And now I finally get to read book three! Squee!
And now I finally get to read book three! Squee!
cjburright's review
5.0
I love Brent Weeks' writing and The Blinding Knife did not disappoint. Colorful characters who wriggle their way into your heart, whether they're good or bad or all shades in between. Amazing action and world building and a cliffhanger end. I hope he hurries with the sequel.
williamcornish's review
5.0
Gripping, thrilling and driven through a character you can get behind. Despite some times where Kip seems like he is diametrically opposed to success and then a plot device pulls him out of it, it doesn’t go too far. Key book would recommend
aleccjohnston's review
4.0
I still haven’t figured out how well I gel with Weeks’ writing style and character work, but any reticence I have with those two areas are MORE than made up for by an incredible magic system and one of the most compelling plots I’ve read in a while.
The only big criticism I have for this entry (which very well may be my own fault as an easily distractible audiobook listener) is that sometimes it feels like there isn’t as much explanation for things as they’re happening in the world and plot. I barely understand the Banes, and they were one of the largest developments in this book.
That being said, one of the biggest endorsements I can give a series is that it has created a craving in me for more. And though I don’t know when, I have no doubt that I will be finishing this series. There is just so much to discover, and the curiosity is killing me.
The Blinding Knife builds wonderfully on the base that The Black Prism created, and leaves so much room for growth.
The only big criticism I have for this entry (which very well may be my own fault as an easily distractible audiobook listener) is that sometimes it feels like there isn’t as much explanation for things as they’re happening in the world and plot. I barely understand the Banes, and they were one of the largest developments in this book.
That being said, one of the biggest endorsements I can give a series is that it has created a craving in me for more. And though I don’t know when, I have no doubt that I will be finishing this series. There is just so much to discover, and the curiosity is killing me.
The Blinding Knife builds wonderfully on the base that The Black Prism created, and leaves so much room for growth.
noranne's review
4.0
I am loving this series and so upset at myself for it because I have to wait until next summer for the next one!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me is Kip. He is consistently the weakest point in the novels, and sometimes I think the only good thing about his POV sections is advancing the plot involving all the other characters who are actually interesting.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me is Kip. He is consistently the weakest point in the novels, and sometimes I think the only good thing about his POV sections is advancing the plot involving all the other characters who are actually interesting.
augustinmiller's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
capincus's review
4.0
The only reason I enjoyed these books at all was because Kip is such a likable character. Fantasy tropes, passable writing, but a very solid main character.
mathiassteenjensen's review against another edition
4.0
A worthy continuation in a every way.
4/5
The Blinding Knife is the second book in Weeks'Lightbringer series, and I often see people mention it as their favorite.
After the success that was The Black Prism Weeks continues his story set in The Seven Satrapies. All the major positives of the first book continue in the second installment. Highly interesting plot, a captivating magic system, and interesting twists and turns. Everything of top-tier quality.
The plot. Just wow. This book contains without a shadow of a doubt some of the most interesting plot developments I've ever read. Weeks is a master of creating engaging tension that is a constant backdrop to the entire story. Besides, this book contains a magic school, which everyone loves. However, be warned, the ending is quite a cliffhanger.
Once again, the magic system is one of the main draws of the series. It's just visual and easy to imagine. Besides what we already know, the magic system is further developed in this second story, in some interesting ways, that once again tie into the plot and characters. Weeks is a master of creating a magic system that goes beyond magic for magic's sake, but directly creates conflict with characters.
The standout characters in this book, as much the same as the first one. Kip and Gavin, and their relationship is further developed in this book, which is both wholesome and yet...
Another standout character in this book is Teia, who is the main POV for our developing magic system. She is also ranked lower in society, which helps bring in a new perspective opposite Kip and Gavin.
The only major downside of the book (and quite a big one) is Liv, as others have also mentioned. Her character and story just aren't as engaging as the others. Her conversion just seems a tad abrupt, which makes her character, IMO, a bit less compelling.
However, by far my favorite thing about this book is the political meetings between the leaders. The fact they all represent different Satrapies and colors, and therefore character traits, makes for some incredibly engaging discussions.
Weeks' prose remains much the same as the first book. Enjoyable, but not poetic or flowery. Perfectly fit for the story.
After reading the second book, which is often regarded as the best. I'm excited to see where the third book takes the story. The cliffhanger at the end the book makes sure I'm picking up the third one right after
4/5
The Blinding Knife is the second book in Weeks'Lightbringer series, and I often see people mention it as their favorite.
After the success that was The Black Prism Weeks continues his story set in The Seven Satrapies. All the major positives of the first book continue in the second installment. Highly interesting plot, a captivating magic system, and interesting twists and turns. Everything of top-tier quality.
“You're a great man, but only when seen from afar.”
The plot. Just wow. This book contains without a shadow of a doubt some of the most interesting plot developments I've ever read. Weeks is a master of creating engaging tension that is a constant backdrop to the entire story. Besides, this book contains a magic school, which everyone loves. However, be warned, the ending is quite a cliffhanger.
“He wasn’t afraid of death, but he was afraid of dying before he accomplished his purposes.”
Once again, the magic system is one of the main draws of the series. It's just visual and easy to imagine. Besides what we already know, the magic system is further developed in this second story, in some interesting ways, that once again tie into the plot and characters. Weeks is a master of creating a magic system that goes beyond magic for magic's sake, but directly creates conflict with characters.
The standout characters in this book, as much the same as the first one. Kip and Gavin, and their relationship is further developed in this book, which is both wholesome and yet...
Another standout character in this book is Teia, who is the main POV for our developing magic system. She is also ranked lower in society, which helps bring in a new perspective opposite Kip and Gavin.
The only major downside of the book (and quite a big one) is Liv, as others have also mentioned. Her character and story just aren't as engaging as the others. Her conversion just seems a tad abrupt, which makes her character, IMO, a bit less compelling.
“Because audacity is a young man’s sword.”
However, by far my favorite thing about this book is the political meetings between the leaders. The fact they all represent different Satrapies and colors, and therefore character traits, makes for some incredibly engaging discussions.
Weeks' prose remains much the same as the first book. Enjoyable, but not poetic or flowery. Perfectly fit for the story.
After reading the second book, which is often regarded as the best. I'm excited to see where the third book takes the story. The cliffhanger at the end the book makes sure I'm picking up the third one right after