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katharine2k's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tinydonats's review against another edition
3.0
The pacing in this book was very fast, things happened quickly and all within the span of 1 month. I read it in maybe 3 or 4 hours so it was really quick. I also appreciate starting the book exactly where we left off, that's my jam.
This was more interesting than book 1. However, I find that the synopses of the books in this series on Goodreads are more exciting than the actual books. The big plot points pointed out in the synopsis of this book were not as big in the books. The little girl mentioned is barely in the book and, though she did add to the story, it wasn't till the end of the book that she appears and only in the epilogue do we see her importance. To have such a "big" plot point pushed to the edge of the epilogue? Why? Also, this competition we keep hearing about is no where in the book. I don't feel any competition between the two of them. They are reluctant roommates at worst. The only time competition comes up is when the characters try to distance themselves from each other. But there really isn't any maliciousness or active competing going on.
The book didn't feel substantial. There was a lot of telling, not a lot of showing. The most frustrating thing is there are these good leads that the characters find, but we never expound on them. This is true of both books in the series so far. There are too many almost truths, too many hints, and not enough revelations. It's annoying because there aren't any good reasons why we can't follow those leads. They are simply dropped or dragged on and ultimately we learn nothing. It's unsatisfying but it does make the more determined reader want to continue in hopes of finally getting that satisfying truth despite their frustrations with the writing. It's me. I'm the determined reader.
This was more interesting than book 1. However, I find that the synopses of the books in this series on Goodreads are more exciting than the actual books. The big plot points pointed out in the synopsis of this book were not as big in the books. The little girl mentioned is barely in the book and, though she did add to the story, it wasn't till the end of the book that she appears and only in the epilogue do we see her importance. To have such a "big" plot point pushed to the edge of the epilogue? Why? Also, this competition we keep hearing about is no where in the book. I don't feel any competition between the two of them. They are reluctant roommates at worst. The only time competition comes up is when the characters try to distance themselves from each other. But there really isn't any maliciousness or active competing going on.
The book didn't feel substantial. There was a lot of telling, not a lot of showing. The most frustrating thing is there are these good leads that the characters find, but we never expound on them. This is true of both books in the series so far. There are too many almost truths, too many hints, and not enough revelations. It's annoying because there aren't any good reasons why we can't follow those leads. They are simply dropped or dragged on and ultimately we learn nothing. It's unsatisfying but it does make the more determined reader want to continue in hopes of finally getting that satisfying truth despite their frustrations with the writing. It's me. I'm the determined reader.
emskiewings's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
unapologetic_romantic's review
4.0
Haunts damn this is a good story!
Forget what I said before, I’m really loving that each book doesn’t do a lengthy recap of terminology and backstory but jumps RIGHT IN with the tale which is so dang delicious I can’t even!
—————————————————————————————————
Again I’ve got the feeling like this whole book was just a chapter. Likes it’s a ‘to be continued...’ episode of a tv series. I like what’s happening, I like where it’s going and I LOVE the bad guys!
I don’t know, I just wish more happened, or happened quicker? That there was more resolution? Or that each book felt more like it’s own story than one big book split into smaller one? I can’t tell you, but something is bugging me.
Forget what I said before, I’m really loving that each book doesn’t do a lengthy recap of terminology and backstory but jumps RIGHT IN with the tale which is so dang delicious I can’t even!
—————————————————————————————————
Again I’ve got the feeling like this whole book was just a chapter. Likes it’s a ‘to be continued...’ episode of a tv series. I like what’s happening, I like where it’s going and I LOVE the bad guys!
I don’t know, I just wish more happened, or happened quicker? That there was more resolution? Or that each book felt more like it’s own story than one big book split into smaller one? I can’t tell you, but something is bugging me.
small_alex's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Really enjoyed this! Solid sequel. The pacing was pretty consistent, though maybe a little slower than the first book. I didn't particularly love the portions where the MCs were separated, but it served its purpose for sure. The characters are slowlyyyy but surely traveling down the enemies to lovers route. Very slow burn. I love it. All of the secret puppeteering is making me anxious lmao I just want all the mysteries to be revealed. So many locked memories. We got more info about the world and magic systems, but I still need more. Def excited for the third book!!
licensetoshelbs's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Blood
auora1484's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
angelaann88's review
5.0
I am thoroughly enjoying this new world that Sylvia has created. The way she uses magic and the possessions is interesting and makes me want to know more and more about this world. I love that it's something I haven't read about before.
I enjoyed getting to know Terryn and his past. By seeing a little more from his perspective, I'm starting to warm up to his character.
I love Ayleth. I love her strength and determination. I love that she is independent and has her own way of seeing things. She may experience doubt, but she is learning and growing stronger with each obstacle she encounters. I couldn't ask for anything more with this heroine.
I enjoyed getting to know Terryn and his past. By seeing a little more from his perspective, I'm starting to warm up to his character.
I love Ayleth. I love her strength and determination. I love that she is independent and has her own way of seeing things. She may experience doubt, but she is learning and growing stronger with each obstacle she encounters. I couldn't ask for anything more with this heroine.
thehamsterreads's review
5.0
The second book in the Venatrix Chronicles is as good as, or possibly even better than the first one! It picks up right where Daughter of Shades left off. Ayleth and Terryn meet the remaining venator of Wodechran borough and continue to piece together the events that lead up to Nane’s death. This book is full of action from beginning to end as they battle shade-taken and witches. The mystery kept me intrigued, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series!
I received and ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received and ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
simply_sam's review
4.0
Enjoyed this even more than the first. My biggest complaint is that everything happens so quickly. I think that there's just a few days between the start of the first book and the end of this one. It makes it hard to develop meaning relationships between characters if they only know each other for a week across the series. The shades are cool. I'm ready to learn more about them. Using music to control them is also pretty cool. The lore is interesting though a little confusing. Who made all these rules anyway? It even made me tear up a little towards the end. If you read it you'll know where I mean. Looking forward to the next one!