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bookish_satty's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Really enjoyed this one especially the interaction between Royce and Esrahaddon.
We got a tiny glimpse at the history of this world which I liked a lot. The action scenes were awesome and the introduction of Thrace was done well in my opinion even though the first half of the story was very slow paced introducing Thrace and her world which ultimately did help me to sympathize more with her at the end after that shocking turn of events which leads to one of the main plot points in the next book.
Plot wise nothing much grander happened here and the story just revolved around neutralizing the threat that the beast at Avempartha posed to the villagers living near the tower.
As usual Royce and Hadrian and their unbreakable bond was the main reason I enjoyed this story so much as well as the audio production by Graphic Audio. To be honest I think reading the books in Chronological order would have been much more interesting than Publication order. After I finish all the series in this world I'll try to reread in Chronological Order and see if I like it best.
We got a tiny glimpse at the history of this world which I liked a lot. The action scenes were awesome and the introduction of Thrace was done well in my opinion even though the first half of the story was very slow paced introducing Thrace and her world which ultimately did help me to sympathize more with her at the end after that shocking turn of events which leads to one of the main plot points in the next book.
Plot wise nothing much grander happened here and the story just revolved around neutralizing the threat that the beast at Avempartha posed to the villagers living near the tower.
As usual Royce and Hadrian and their unbreakable bond was the main reason I enjoyed this story so much as well as the audio production by Graphic Audio. To be honest I think reading the books in Chronological order would have been much more interesting than Publication order. After I finish all the series in this world I'll try to reread in Chronological Order and see if I like it best.
nimhelith's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
pala_untamed's review against another edition
3.75
(I read the first two books together in a joint omnibus edition - which did confuse me!)
This second book - or second half of my double edition - was definitely better than the first as it truly embraces the 'fantasy' element of its genre, and we get significantly less stuffy medieval castle drama. I enjoyed what is effectively LOTR-lite, an exciting albeit unoriginal world conveyed without the flowery language, in a simple and accessible manner. I enjoyed the explanation of the magical system and its long history, Esra's character, and the theme of Church-sponsored empire building.
The church's scheming makes for a really compelling enemy/'bad guy' although we're not really yet sure if/why it's bad. Royce and Hadrian are equally compelling, again, and I enjoyed the fleshing out of both characters - plus, what a reveal at the end!!
I was less keen on the village 1-a-night plot because I wasn't particularly sold on the farm characters. The only ones seemingly imbued w much depth are Theron and Thrace and the former is dead boring while the latter is, although overall a good character, irritatingly willing to put up w her father's bs. Also please can we talk about how the author seems to revere Theron's characteristics when this man never once told his wife he loved her, nor his daughter and even went so far as to wish his daughter dead because she'd be an economic burden?? What's up w that? Someone please explain why Thrace travelled with her life savings and paid to save him - and was willing to give up her life for his?!?! Ughh
I also remain unconvinced by Arista's characterisation - sometimes she'd down to earth, other times conceited and self-obsessed. I'm interested to see how the author develops her in book 3 and if we get a fully decent female character or not?
A good read - this plot is quite gripping.
This second book - or second half of my double edition - was definitely better than the first as it truly embraces the 'fantasy' element of its genre, and we get significantly less stuffy medieval castle drama. I enjoyed what is effectively LOTR-lite, an exciting albeit unoriginal world conveyed without the flowery language, in a simple and accessible manner. I enjoyed the explanation of the magical system and its long history, Esra's character, and the theme of Church-sponsored empire building.
The church's scheming makes for a really compelling enemy/'bad guy' although we're not really yet sure if/why it's bad. Royce and Hadrian are equally compelling, again, and I enjoyed the fleshing out of both characters - plus, what a reveal at the end!!
I was less keen on the village 1-a-night plot because I wasn't particularly sold on the farm characters. The only ones seemingly imbued w much depth are Theron and Thrace and the former is dead boring while the latter is, although overall a good character, irritatingly willing to put up w her father's bs. Also please can we talk about how the author seems to revere Theron's characteristics when this man never once told his wife he loved her, nor his daughter and even went so far as to wish his daughter dead because she'd be an economic burden?? What's up w that? Someone please explain why Thrace travelled with her life savings and paid to save him - and was willing to give up her life for his?!?! Ughh
I also remain unconvinced by Arista's characterisation - sometimes she'd down to earth, other times conceited and self-obsessed. I'm interested to see how the author develops her in book 3 and if we get a fully decent female character or not?
A good read - this plot is quite gripping.
elliespn's review against another edition
3.0
Leider war dieser Teil seltsam stressig. Der main plot nimmt an Fahrt auf und es war alles nicht mehr so lighthearted wie der erste Band. Ich habe die sehr (sehr) langen Schwertunterrichtsstunden größtenteils geskippt aber ansonsten war es wie zuvor sehr unterhaltsam. Allerdings gab es dann doch ein paar zu viele Zufälle, die auch nicht von Esrahaddon eingefädelt wurden, wie zum Beispiel dass der eine Typ praktischerweise ein Katapult quer durchs Land geschleppt hat. Und Arista… niemand ist wirklich so naiv. Ich hoffe mal das ist ne Taktik. An sich würde ich 3,5 Sterne sagen
javier_71's review against another edition
4.0
Como el libro anterior, me ha gustado mucho.
Es una historia de lectura ligera, divertida y entretenida. Los personajes se dividen claramente en buenos y malos, a diferencia de otras series como Canción de hielo y fuego, pero precisamente por eso me ha gustado tanto.
Es una historia de lectura ligera, divertida y entretenida. Los personajes se dividen claramente en buenos y malos, a diferencia de otras series como Canción de hielo y fuego, pero precisamente por eso me ha gustado tanto.
aejohnson621's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thecorioliseffect's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this, I guess, but it wasn't as good as the Crown Conspiracy. I was kind of bored at parts, but I just LOVE Royce and Hadrian. Their friendship is awesome, their banter is hilarious, and I definitely enjoyed every time they were the focus. But there was a lot going on with other characters, and it got boring at times.
So, for once in my dang life, I'm probably not going to IMMEDIATELY continue the series. I'm thinking I'll break it up with a cute contemporary or two, then dive back into this world. Because I'm still a binge reader at heart!
So, for once in my dang life, I'm probably not going to IMMEDIATELY continue the series. I'm thinking I'll break it up with a cute contemporary or two, then dive back into this world. Because I'm still a binge reader at heart!