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sarmckay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Sexual assault
kabrahams's review against another edition
4.75
Definitely my favorite of the Rain Wild Chronicles so far. Alise, Thymara, and Rapskal explore the abandoned Elderling city Kelsingra. Alise is worried that it will soon be pillaged. Rapskal and Thymara are more concerned with re-awakening its magic and learning how to live as Elderlings. Leftrin heads back to square one to report the completion of their mission and to get their reward, but faces much distrust and greed. Selden's life is in mortal danger because the Duke of Chalced is anxious for dragon parts to heal him and Elderling parts are pretty close. Malta is also captured at one point and manages to kill a man right after giving birth. Chalced is on the brink of a revolution led by Chassim, the duke's daughter. Leftrin is followed by many ships on his way back to Kelsingra. Alise's nasty husband is probably among them. The dragon Tintaglia decides to return to the Rain Wilds at the very end. I anticipate an action-packed sequel as there was quite a bit of buildup. I'm excited that more of the dragons are flying now and think we might see some fighting in the last book of the quartet. As always, Robin Hobb is a master at characters, world-building, and intrigue.
Graphic: Violence, Cannibalism, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Pregnancy
Minor: Slavery
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