Reviews

The House of Binding Thorns by Aliette de Bodard

acupofcyanide's review against another edition

5.0

YES THUAN YOU GET YOUR HUSBAND!! Asmo in a more protagonist role is much less scary than Asmo in an antagonist role. Still scary though. Antagonist/protagonist roles are certainly much more defined in this book and I think that's largely to do with the fact that we don't get as intimate of a look on the antagonist's grievances. Overall great story!

katymm's review against another edition

4.0

Just as absorbing and wonderful as The House of Shattered Wings. Need I say more than "queer Asian dragon Prince"? Cannot wait for book #3.

kdotsart's review against another edition

4.0

I wish I hadn't read the first one before it came out. I had a hard time with characters and back stories in this book. The more I read, the more I remembered. I did enjoy this book. It's like an angel version of Game of Thrones. So much political back-stabbing, deception, etc.

eliasbouchard's review against another edition

4.0

asmodeus and thuan.............asmodeus and berith.........asmodeus and madeline...........asmodeus and everybody..............just asmodeus........what a fascinating character :) like dang the second half of the book was so good, would have given it five stars just for that.

this world of in-house politics + dragon kingdom + a rotten paris is as always such a fascinating combination id NEVER say no to more of that. i liked the subtle shift in writing style in this book, i was expecting to grit my teeth through this book over it as well as i did in book 1 but surprise teeth are intact!

i also liked the subplots (esp madeline's) and how it all wove together and drew a satisfying conclusion? would always be in awe of the author's ability to maintain the tension without losing threads despite a few hiccups in pacing here and there.

sahibooknerd's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After finishing the first book in the series yesterday, I decided I was gonna binge this trilogy because why not. It’s been a while since I’ve done it and it’s always fun, just like this sequel turned out to be. 

I can’t believe that I’m saying it but this series is turning out to be one where I don’t always understand what is happening, but it doesn’t bother me much and I’m still enjoying the experience. This plot is truly full of political machinations and intrigue where every word spoken is a double edged sword, most of the characters are morally ambiguous and there is a looming dark vibe throughout which threatens to engulf the world whole. The pacing remains slow, the author’s writing perfectly capturing the decaying nature of both the Houses in Paris as well as the underwater dragon kingdom, and just when we think we have predicted something, we get an unexpected twist that delights us. 

I did like that we get to explore more of Madeleine’s and Philippe’s storylines even though the proceedings mainly shift to House Hawthorn and the dragon kingdom. Madeleine’s fear and addiction is palpable in every thought of hers, her grief making us feel so much more empathetic towards her and I just wanted her to finally have some peace. Philippe on the other hand is haunted by the consequences of the choices he made in the first book, and is trying to undo them even if the results might be disastrous. Asmodeus and Thuan play other significant roles and it was so fascinating to see these two powerful beings who have a deep loyalty to those they consider theirs, face off against each other initially and then see the shifting dynamics. There was another subplot which took up a significant page time but I somehow didn’t feel attached to those new side characters at all, but I have a feeling they might play prominent roles in the finale. 

In the end, this was as much of a dark and compelling read as the first book, just with more betrayals and devastation. I’m definitely excited to read the finale, but that ending has made me so much more interested in Thuan and Asmodeus’s relationship and I hope we get to explore that next along with whatever life threatening dangers the author decides to throw at us readers. 

yoda32's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this. It was interesting to see House Hawthorn at the forefront and I can’t help it- I Adore Asmodeus. He’s sarcastic and cruel but his dynamic with Berith- his fall sister, and someone he actually cares about( I know I was shocked all so)- and Thuan- I won’t spoil it- were brilliant. After that ending I am very curious to see what’s in store for them.

Madeline is a character I’ve grown to care about more than I expected, I really want to see how her character arc ends.

Philippe is as boring as ever. I still don’t get why he even has chapters.

I missed Selene and house Silverspires but the new characters- Thuan( bisexual dragon prince), Berith, and Françoise made up for it!

kelsiehahn's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious

4.0

bachaboska's review against another edition

2.0

2.5*

I get it. Asmodeus smells of orange blossom and bergamot. Let it go.

suukasi's review against another edition

5.0

This book shifts to House Hawthorn. It was interesting to see more dragon politics and of course the overarching theme of this series: the struggle to survive in a harsh environment.

entazis's review against another edition

5.0

It was amazing. I have no words. Only one objection - to little Phillipe, althought new characters are so interesting I'll forgive it.

Also, I can't believe how the book made me care for Hawthorne and Asmodeus. Not fair.