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bzliz's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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? No
3.0
This sequel falls squarely into the “middle book” slump. Rose and Wren are starting their rule as twin queens but Wren cannot shake her worry for their grandmother who was captured and taken to Gevra at the end of the previous book. Wren escapes during the night to attempt a rescue, leaving Rose to deal with the mounting threat of anti-magic rebels.
A few writing conventions made themselves more apparent here than in the first book and made me want to start a drinking game every time I noticed them. For one- people always show up just in time before something catastrophic happens and thanks to the alternating perspectives, we never see the lead up to the rescues. Second- if I had a dollar for every time one of these girls passes out, I could’ve paid for the book twice over. Third- side characters change personalities at the drop of a hat. I really dislike the arc of the Sunkissed Kingdom for how much Shen Lo changes and then the conflict resolves in about fifteen minutes because it was a cheap plot device.
On the flip side, I did enjoy most of Wren’s time in Gevra. Her flirtation with the dark side of magic was the most interesting plotline even if I had to tolerate the “Beauty and the Beast” side plot of her complicated relationship with Alarick.
The twists are generally predictable and the ending was dissatisfying to me. I hope the third book will explore the growing darkness Wren is facing more so there can be a proper resolution.
Content warnings:
Violence:general war like violence, battle between witches and non-witches, etc.
Murder:attempted murder of Shen Lo by his cousin and uncle, murder of Banba by Oonagh Starcrest after she is freed by Wren
Death:general death as would be seen in battles and in revolutions, see Murder for a specific death
Grief:Wren witnesses the grief of the Gevran royal family for Ansel, leads them to extreme acts. Wren deals with her own grief, see Murder for details
Blood:Wren dabbles in blood magic to fulfill her agreement with Alarick, leading to several instances of injury and blood description.
Body horror:As a result of Wren’s deal with Alarick, Ansel is brought back to life but his body is falling apart, losing fingers, toes and teeth until he is laid to rest once more
Animal cruelty:As Rose escapes the Sunkissed Kingdom, Kai follows to attack and he deliberately injures her horse. During the attack on the castle, animals are injured as the Arrows attempt to breach the gates. No animal death is ever mentioned.
Alcohol:Some mentions of an alcoholic beverage in Gevra. There is one scene where Celeste seems to be deliberately getting Anika drunk so she can secretly speak with Wren.
A few writing conventions made themselves more apparent here than in the first book and made me want to start a drinking game every time I noticed them. For one- people always show up just in time before something catastrophic happens and thanks to the alternating perspectives, we never see the lead up to the rescues. Second- if I had a dollar for every time one of these girls passes out, I could’ve paid for the book twice over. Third- side characters change personalities at the drop of a hat. I really dislike the arc of the Sunkissed Kingdom for how much Shen Lo changes and then the conflict resolves in about fifteen minutes because it was a cheap plot device.
On the flip side, I did enjoy most of Wren’s time in Gevra. Her flirtation with the dark side of magic was the most interesting plotline even if I had to tolerate the “Beauty and the Beast” side plot of her complicated relationship with Alarick.
The twists are generally predictable and the ending was dissatisfying to me. I hope the third book will explore the growing darkness Wren is facing more so there can be a proper resolution.
Content warnings:
Violence:
Murder:
Death:
Grief:
Blood:
Body horror:
Animal cruelty:
Alcohol:
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Body horror, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death
Minor: Animal cruelty and Alcohol
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