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jennieartemis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
TL;DR: A more tightly written finale, but still with underwritten characters and fantastic elements
Compared to the slightly wobbly first two books, Shadebloom gets some things right - the style has much greater consistency, and the places the plot takes the magical powers are interesting. However, I still dislike Thiyo, who gets so much attention, and so I just can't get on board with the poly elements (not because they are poly, but because this particular set of relationships doesn't feel right to me). Iriyat, a fascinatingly complex character in book 1, gets a pretty rough deal in the narrative, which is disappointing. As we reach the climax, it is evident that the day/night world really didn't matter, nor did the magical medusas. For me, worldbuilding cannot merely be decorative, but needs to have some kind of significance. Ultimately, what I liked about this series was Alizhan, Iriyat, and to an extent Ev, but apart from the latter, none of these elements felt particularly fulfilled.
4/10 in personal rating system
Compared to the slightly wobbly first two books, Shadebloom gets some things right - the style has much greater consistency, and the places the plot takes the magical powers are interesting. However, I still dislike Thiyo, who gets so much attention, and so I just can't get on board with the poly elements (not because they are poly, but because this particular set of relationships doesn't feel right to me). Iriyat, a fascinatingly complex character in book 1, gets a pretty rough deal in the narrative, which is disappointing. As we reach the climax, it is evident that the day/night world really didn't matter, nor did the magical medusas. For me, worldbuilding cannot merely be decorative, but needs to have some kind of significance. Ultimately, what I liked about this series was Alizhan, Iriyat, and to an extent Ev, but apart from the latter, none of these elements felt particularly fulfilled.
4/10 in personal rating system
bookwyrmed's review
5.0
I am SO pleased by how everything in this book went. So very extremely pleased. Davin has a phenomenal grasp of how to pace a story, both in terms of the plot and in terms of the emotional arcs of the characters, and I'm LOVE Ev and Alizhan and Thiyo.
snatsnoc's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ejimenez's review
5.0
This book is amazing - the whole series is amazing. I love the unique and yet recognizable setting, the wonderful characters, and the story Davin tells. This series is one of my favorites, and I would recommend it to everyone. It's just a delight through and through.
theheartisawaffle's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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
5.0
janlhill's review
4.0
A satisfying ending although it got a bit “and then another twist happened” as we raced to the end.
schneefink's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the Ev&/Thiyo h/c, and seeing yet more different places/cultures, and the characters showing up/showing up again, and Iriyat being scary and completely convinced she is doing the right thing, and the relationship developments. The writing style was still a bit blunt, and spelled out things I did not need spelled out, but it was fine. One major side character's story just cuts off, which makes more sense after I found out that they get their own book, which I look forward to but I still wish it hadn't been so abrupt.
annastarlight's review against another edition
4.0
Very satisfying conclusion to a lovely queer fantasy trilogy. I hope the author releases more books set in this world