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camerontrotter's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
invisible_universes's review
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
4.75
Unusually the second book in a fantasy series sort of lags. The fresh excitement of a new world has worn off, the big climax is still far in the future, everything kind of feels like biding time.
That was not the case with this novel.
This book was filled with intense, smart conflicts that felt like they played into the overarching plot. The peril was always believable, and the characters always acted in ways that felt right for who they are. There is a strong sense in this novel that everyone is doing their best, and that makes the victories feel hard won and the defeats gut-wrenching. Quite simply, nothing here felt like filler.
I've been very impressed with this series so far. It remains expansive in scope and yet approachable in tone. It also feels complete-- I know that's a weird thing to say part way through a series, but something about the way it's written just makes me feel certain there's going to be a satisfying resolution and a closed loop for the story. At this point in a fantasy series I'll often be wondering if there's even a way to tie everything together neatly, but Islington has built my trust so solidly that I'm not doubting it for a second.
That said, I'm not totally clear on the moral here. There's a weird throughline with choice vs pre-destination that I can't quite figure out what the takeaway should be, and I think it might be anti-religion? Or staunchly pro-religion? Idk, hopefully book 3 will clear that up for me.
That was not the case with this novel.
This book was filled with intense, smart conflicts that felt like they played into the overarching plot. The peril was always believable, and the characters always acted in ways that felt right for who they are. There is a strong sense in this novel that everyone is doing their best, and that makes the victories feel hard won and the defeats gut-wrenching. Quite simply, nothing here felt like filler.
I've been very impressed with this series so far. It remains expansive in scope and yet approachable in tone. It also feels complete-- I know that's a weird thing to say part way through a series, but something about the way it's written just makes me feel certain there's going to be a satisfying resolution and a closed loop for the story. At this point in a fantasy series I'll often be wondering if there's even a way to tie everything together neatly, but Islington has built my trust so solidly that I'm not doubting it for a second.
That said, I'm not totally clear on the moral here. There's a weird throughline with choice vs pre-destination that I can't quite figure out what the takeaway should be, and I think it might be anti-religion? Or staunchly pro-religion? Idk, hopefully book 3 will clear that up for me.
le_d_green30's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
morgob's review against another edition
4.0
If I had read this book all in one go, I think I would probably give it five stars. But this took me four months to get through! That normally never happens. It's probably not due to any fault of the book, it is just hard to do epic fantasy novels during the school year. I read a lot of shorter books in between February and now, but this one I just couldn't settle into. Compared to the first book in the series, I would say this one was not as great. Even though I blame part of it on my job, it didn't hold my attention like the first one. There was a lot more behind-the-scenes type stuff going on in this book compared to the first one, which was very action-heavy. This one was filled with lots of flashbacks, between Caeden and other perspectives that we get past information from, like Wirr's dad, the library at Deilannis, and a few other minor characters. There were a ton of flashbacks. Totally necessary from Caeden's perspective. We finally get the whole--I think--story from him. The gaps are filled in. Asha's character was good; she kind of went in the direction I expected. There are just still a large handful of questions that need answering! Also, I'm a little confused as to what the point was of having that one augur character towards the beginning, the one who took over the town. Maybe I missed that point (somewhere in these four months).
Other than the fact that this was a bit difficult because I couldn't remember everything that had happened in both the first book and the beginning of this one (character names are often tough for me to remember, so this was especially confusing to follow (thank god for the character index!!)), I really enjoyed this. I mean, I blew through the last three hundred pages of it just today. I'm excited to get to the next one, especially with the huge spoiler that was at the end of this book! Totally took me by surprise.
Other than the fact that this was a bit difficult because I couldn't remember everything that had happened in both the first book and the beginning of this one (character names are often tough for me to remember, so this was especially confusing to follow (thank god for the character index!!)), I really enjoyed this. I mean, I blew through the last three hundred pages of it just today. I'm excited to get to the next one, especially with the huge spoiler that was at the end of this book! Totally took me by surprise.
qjbrown96's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars* This book turned out pretty good but it was by no means easy to get through for me. There was constant flashbacks which helped build a back story for Caeden but there was just so many of them it really messed with my momentum. There was several times I had to reread stuff because I couldn’t remember what I just read. All that being said the ending was fantastic and it really builds tension for the war that’s about to come. I was really impressed with some of the monsters that were described in the book. Very unique and creepy! There was also a lot more magic in this one which was as well. I have a feeling the last book is going to be amazing!
rwatkins's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked it. Overall: 3.5/5 (17.5/25)
An epic time manipulation fantasy with raised stakes, political intrigue and a mystery centered around fate and choice. The plot and themes are strong, while the character work and setting are a bit lackluster. If you like moral ambiguity, mage politics, or time traveling prophets, then give this series a try.
Minor Spoilers Below.
Plot: 4/5
The main plot takes awhile to get going, as it transitions from the last book into this new story. The dangers from the north ramp up, while everybody kind of ignores the invasion that just happened, and have no interest in stopping further incursions. But eventually, each plot thread gets the MC's moving north to the Boundary, where tension builds as it weakens and threats become real.
Excellent buildup after the first quarter, working towards an eventful and enjoyable climax.
Characters: 3/5
There are several pov characters, each with their own adventure, but not all get arcs and there is little internal change or struggle.
Davian is still the moral compass, always trying to do what's right, and doesn't get much complication beyond that.
Wirr deals with politics and family drama but doesn't get any internal arc.
Asha is researching the Shadows, uncovering secrets galore, and she becomes more like Davian, but there is no self-reflection or authorial outlook on this, it just sort of happens in the background.
Caeden is where the character work comes into play, haunted by past and present as memories return to him while carrying out his mysterious plans. There is a morality question at his core, hindering on if his actions are in the right or the wrong, reliant on belief and faith.
The character work is relatively basic, but there is improvement from the first book and I hope to see this improve.
Setting: 2.5/5
One of the weaker elements of this series so far.
The Boundary and a glimpse behind it, with some cool monsters, is the saving grace here.
Andarra and a jaunt back to Deilannis offer some more development of already familiar locations, but not much.
Most kingdoms on the map are still mostly ignored. With returning memories, portals, lore dumps, and time jumps, as much time is spent in the past and there isn't much reference for where any of those places are or were.
Style: 3/5
Another slow start to this one, the slog through the first quarter was rough. Once things picked up though, despite the constant relapses in time, the story felt more coherent and flowed forward. There is a long buildup in getting to the Boundary that never felt stale and with a wonderful payoff at the end.
There is less repetition compared to Book 1 in the series, but there are still some clunky action words and handholding explanations of just-described actions. Lots of showing/summarizing info/lore dumps still detract as well.
I see improvements, the prose was serviceable, and hope to see continued advancement in Islington's style.
Themes: 4/5
The clarity and level-up in thematic work between the first and second books was noticeable and commendable.
Careful and articulate exploration of good and evil, ends and means, fate and choice, right and wrong all get developed. These were philosophical in tone at times and one of the highlights of this installment.
Familial and political entanglements, progress vs conservatism, trust and betrayal are all here as well. One of the most impactful themes centers around faith, who to put faith in, and what is deserving of faith. The consequences of certain beliefs, especially negative ones, are on full display.
An epic time manipulation fantasy with raised stakes, political intrigue and a mystery centered around fate and choice. The plot and themes are strong, while the character work and setting are a bit lackluster. If you like moral ambiguity, mage politics, or time traveling prophets, then give this series a try.
Minor Spoilers Below.
Plot: 4/5
The main plot takes awhile to get going, as it transitions from the last book into this new story. The dangers from the north ramp up, while everybody kind of ignores the invasion that just happened, and have no interest in stopping further incursions. But eventually, each plot thread gets the MC's moving north to the Boundary, where tension builds as it weakens and threats become real.
Excellent buildup after the first quarter, working towards an eventful and enjoyable climax.
Characters: 3/5
There are several pov characters, each with their own adventure, but not all get arcs and there is little internal change or struggle.
Davian is still the moral compass, always trying to do what's right, and doesn't get much complication beyond that.
Wirr deals with politics and family drama but doesn't get any internal arc.
Asha is researching the Shadows, uncovering secrets galore, and she becomes more like Davian, but there is no self-reflection or authorial outlook on this, it just sort of happens in the background.
Caeden is where the character work comes into play, haunted by past and present as memories return to him while carrying out his mysterious plans. There is a morality question at his core, hindering on if his actions are in the right or the wrong, reliant on belief and faith.
The character work is relatively basic, but there is improvement from the first book and I hope to see this improve.
Setting: 2.5/5
One of the weaker elements of this series so far.
The Boundary and a glimpse behind it, with some cool monsters, is the saving grace here.
Andarra and a jaunt back to Deilannis offer some more development of already familiar locations, but not much.
Most kingdoms on the map are still mostly ignored. With returning memories, portals, lore dumps, and time jumps, as much time is spent in the past and there isn't much reference for where any of those places are or were.
Style: 3/5
Another slow start to this one, the slog through the first quarter was rough. Once things picked up though, despite the constant relapses in time, the story felt more coherent and flowed forward. There is a long buildup in getting to the Boundary that never felt stale and with a wonderful payoff at the end.
There is less repetition compared to Book 1 in the series, but there are still some clunky action words and handholding explanations of just-described actions. Lots of showing/summarizing info/lore dumps still detract as well.
I see improvements, the prose was serviceable, and hope to see continued advancement in Islington's style.
Themes: 4/5
The clarity and level-up in thematic work between the first and second books was noticeable and commendable.
Careful and articulate exploration of good and evil, ends and means, fate and choice, right and wrong all get developed. These were philosophical in tone at times and one of the highlights of this installment.
Familial and political entanglements, progress vs conservatism, trust and betrayal are all here as well. One of the most impactful themes centers around faith, who to put faith in, and what is deserving of faith. The consequences of certain beliefs, especially negative ones, are on full display.
dumbeldab934's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0