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sazzyrazzy's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
3.75
anne_marie_samp's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ngallion's review against another edition
3.0
I really, really want to like this series. There’s a lot going for it on paper that seems like it could be a winner. Political intrigue, a mysterious magic system, a lost heir, an enigmatic wizard, etc. It never feels, though, like it all comes together to be equal to the sun if it’s parts. Of the three books I’ve read in this series, this is certainly the best, but it still feels slight - like a middle grade book that desperately wants to be more. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s something that’s consistently underwhelming.
In this book, some interesting things happen, but the reason for characters moving from one place to another isn’t clearly developed or pressing enough to give the book a sense of direction or purpose. It’s explained, but it’s clearly just an excuse to move the characters so the story can happen. That’s how all books work, of course, but really good books do a better job of fleshing out story, character, and motives in such a way that travels and choices feel organic.
It’s certainly not bad. It’s almost worthy of four stars. It’s just too slight to feel excited about, which is why I’m only giving it three.
In this book, some interesting things happen, but the reason for characters moving from one place to another isn’t clearly developed or pressing enough to give the book a sense of direction or purpose. It’s explained, but it’s clearly just an excuse to move the characters so the story can happen. That’s how all books work, of course, but really good books do a better job of fleshing out story, character, and motives in such a way that travels and choices feel organic.
It’s certainly not bad. It’s almost worthy of four stars. It’s just too slight to feel excited about, which is why I’m only giving it three.
samuraibunny's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
admiralfrancis's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
bedwinnjamin's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
I had fun with this book. The characters and world are fun to explore together and enjoy as a reader. The adventures they get up to and endure, the stories they tell as characters. It's a classic fantasy series with political intrigue, backwater plots, and everything in between. But that also makes it blend in with a lot of other stories on the market.
mrbear's review against another edition
4.0
Similar to the last book - solid but not overwhelming. Still not a series I'd recommend outside of fantasy buffs, and even then only as something to read while we wait for Rothfuss to finish up his next book...
This sounds more bleak than it is, and I really have nothing against Sullivan, I just feel like the plots are a bit too obvious, the characters a tad too fake, and the storyline just not quite deep enough for my liking. I do like that this has the epic feel of Game of Thrones where you really wonder how it's all going to end though.
This sounds more bleak than it is, and I really have nothing against Sullivan, I just feel like the plots are a bit too obvious, the characters a tad too fake, and the storyline just not quite deep enough for my liking. I do like that this has the epic feel of Game of Thrones where you really wonder how it's all going to end though.
jojo159's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
artomizer'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jessrussellthenerd's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another fun installment with Royce and Hadrian. If you like old school fantasy, this is perfect. The addition of Princess Austria to the pair balances them out well and we get more magic in the action as a result. Such an easy read, they are no reasons not to keep reading this series.