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susibee's review against another edition
4.0
The Memory of Fire brings us back to the rich world of political intrigue and magic created in The Waking Land . Even though this is a sequel, it really reads more like a companion book as the view of that world comes from a new lens, switching the first-person narrative from Elanna to a different character, Jahan. Exploring a world you’ve come to know from a different point of view adds extra texture and layers to that world but also risks changing the engagement of the reader depending on how they feel about the new narrator. Since Jahan was a bit of an aloof and enigmatic character in the first book, I was not sure how the new point of view would play out. But the exploration of family dynamics and the unique style of magic as well as the unfolding reasons for Jahan’s secretive nature kept me interested even if the tone of the book is a bit darker than the first book.
sparklingpastures's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good novel the magic was fun and the story was interesting but the pacing of the book was action after action after action. There wasn't
eloisebell's review
4.0
Having read the first book in the series 'The Waking Land' I was desperate to jump straight into this one.
The first book was so fast paced and this one didn't disappoint.
I did have some of the same problems as the first... mainly the overly complicated plot. But I loved that it was from Jahan's perspective this time and honestly.... I think I preferred it
This book was a brilliant example of when the sequel exceeds the first in the series!!
It was magic and violent with high stakes and plenty of political intrigue.
Great continuation of the series!!
The first book was so fast paced and this one didn't disappoint.
I did have some of the same problems as the first... mainly the overly complicated plot. But I loved that it was from Jahan's perspective this time and honestly.... I think I preferred it
This book was a brilliant example of when the sequel exceeds the first in the series!!
It was magic and violent with high stakes and plenty of political intrigue.
Great continuation of the series!!
rcpope's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Child abuse, Death of parent, Addiction, and Confinement
quesara's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I first read The Waking Land and was so-so on it. It wasn’t my absolute favorite but I really enjoyed it. BUT THIS SECOND BOOK WAS SO WORTH IT!! I’m now extremely invested in this series!
I really love that we get to see this universe through Janan’s eyes and how he’s really not as put together and grounded as he appeared in the first book. I loved seeing him be vulnerable and break down when he encountered those of his past. and I’m so glad that he and Elanna are going to be together!!!! I really love the build-up throughout their relationship and how we’ve seen them come to terms with some of their differences but push past them for each other. I really hope they do get married!!!<\spoiler> I’m so ready for book three!
I really love that we get to see this universe through Janan’s eyes and how he’s really not as put together and grounded as he appeared in the first book. I loved seeing him be vulnerable and break down when he encountered those of his past.
columnclub's review
4.0
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as [b:The Waking Land|34610036|The Waking Land (The Waking Land, #1)|Callie Bates|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489700759s/34610036.jpg|53244644], but it really picked up after page 200 or so and became much stronger in terms of both pacing and character development. Before then it would have received three stars, but it became four for the strength of the latter half of the book and what it added to the series.
Jahan as the narrator was promising, but I found his motivations a little unclear at times, and I was really frustrated with a lot of the choices he made until that halfway point. His issues with commitment and with acknowledging who he really is were frustrating to me even in the first book, and I got irritated with him a fair bit in this one. But the second half of the book really made up for this: we see him confront what has made him into who he is, and grow as a character, which was really satisfying to see. His character arc was well written and believable, so huge props to the author for that.
I liked a lot of the new characters: Leontius and Rayka were particularly interesting, though a consequence of setting this book in Jahan's country rather than Elanna's meant that some prominent characters of the first book were completely missing. I'm assuming they'll come back in the next book, which I think is to be narrated by Sophy.
On the whole, this book had issues that probably stemmed from the challenge of giving it a wholly different narrator and setting, but the second half definitely overcame these, and it managed to become an entertaining and valuable novel.
Jahan as the narrator was promising, but I found his motivations a little unclear at times, and I was really frustrated with a lot of the choices he made until that halfway point. His issues with commitment and with acknowledging who he really is were frustrating to me even in the first book, and I got irritated with him a fair bit in this one. But the second half of the book really made up for this: we see him confront what has made him into who he is, and grow as a character, which was really satisfying to see. His character arc was well written and believable, so huge props to the author for that.
I liked a lot of the new characters: Leontius and Rayka were particularly interesting, though a consequence of setting this book in Jahan's country rather than Elanna's meant that some prominent characters of the first book were completely missing. I'm assuming they'll come back in the next book, which I think is to be narrated by Sophy.
On the whole, this book had issues that probably stemmed from the challenge of giving it a wholly different narrator and setting, but the second half definitely overcame these, and it managed to become an entertaining and valuable novel.
wealhtheow's review
3.0
Elanna's love interest and only magical ally from [b: The Memory of Fire|2104355|Memory of Fire|Eduardo Galeano|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331154801l/2104355._SY75_.jpg|8351624] gets his own pov to tell the next stage in the rebellion against the Paladisan Empire. Jahan underwent terrible experiments as a child to increase his innate magical powers, and since then has spent a great deal of time and effort weaving subtle magics and machinations in order to further his interests and avoid scrutiny. But his participation in Elanna's rebellion puts him back in the spotlight, and this time the crown prince will not defend him.
I liked seeing what Paladis is like--it's this great sorta Renaissance, sorta Roman Empire society, with lots of stories and traditions of its own. The Empress was so close to being my favorite type, if only she hadn't been quite so unremittingly evil. I love ambitious, competent, socially manipulative ladies like her, but I need just a bit of heart to them. Plus it would've made the choice whether to ally with her or not at the end an actual choice, rather than an obvious no.
I liked seeing what Paladis is like--it's this great sorta Renaissance, sorta Roman Empire society, with lots of stories and traditions of its own. The Empress was so close to being my favorite type,
theespressoedition's review
3.0
Do you ever have moments while you’re reading a book where you just pause and think, “wow, this has been one long battle and I’ve processed practically none of it,” or is that just me?
The Memory of Fire is written from Jahan’s perspective after Elanna wakes the land. There are a lot of flashbacks from his terrible childhood and you feel the weight on his shoulders as he tries to fight the voices in his head, help win a revolution, and keep his brothers safe.
However, rather than feeling uplifted or stirred to keep reading, I found myself getting more and more bored as the story went on. This one felt repetitive and unnecessarily informational (as in, you had a lot of information tossed at you without feeling as though you were retaining any of it because it had little purpose in the first place).
I really adored Jahan in The Waking Land, but maybe I only liked him from Elanna’s perspective? I’m not entirely sure now. It could just be that this book had “middle book syndrome” and was necessary in order to lead up to a banger of a finale? Here’s hoping…
The Memory of Fire is written from Jahan’s perspective after Elanna wakes the land. There are a lot of flashbacks from his terrible childhood and you feel the weight on his shoulders as he tries to fight the voices in his head, help win a revolution, and keep his brothers safe.
However, rather than feeling uplifted or stirred to keep reading, I found myself getting more and more bored as the story went on. This one felt repetitive and unnecessarily informational (as in, you had a lot of information tossed at you without feeling as though you were retaining any of it because it had little purpose in the first place).
I really adored Jahan in The Waking Land, but maybe I only liked him from Elanna’s perspective? I’m not entirely sure now. It could just be that this book had “middle book syndrome” and was necessary in order to lead up to a banger of a finale? Here’s hoping…