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the_discworldian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
4.25
hollyollyoxenfree's review
4.0
So here's the thing. I know this is the third book in the series, and I know that they need to be read in order. HOWEVER. I really only wanted to read the following novellas, and not this whole series, so I skimmed the first two. My whole goal was to understand the relationship between Asmodeus and Thuan, not to get into the plot of the main trilogy. So, TECHNICALLY I have read the others, but more in a skimmed through the ebook using the search to take me to mentions of these two characters.
That said, this book had a LOT more of Thuan and Asmodeus, so I read a LOT more of this one than the others. Between the three books, I probably read what amounted to the length of this book specifically, which is why I'm only adding this one.
Now that that's out of the way, my review. This series is the type of series I would have been all over back when I was going through my angel/fallen angel phase of reading. The politics and the world-building are really interesting, and I found myself getting drawn into the story, especially since so much of it revolved around House Hawthorn, Asmodeus, and Thuan. I really enjoyed their character development, and getting to learn more about them/their relationship. I think it really set the stage for [b:Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders|53349060|Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders (Dragons and Blades, #1)|Aliette de Bodard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646119412l/53349060._SY75_.jpg|82150404], which was the whole reason I picked it up in the first place.
That said, this book had a LOT more of Thuan and Asmodeus, so I read a LOT more of this one than the others. Between the three books, I probably read what amounted to the length of this book specifically, which is why I'm only adding this one.
Now that that's out of the way, my review. This series is the type of series I would have been all over back when I was going through my angel/fallen angel phase of reading. The politics and the world-building are really interesting, and I found myself getting drawn into the story, especially since so much of it revolved around House Hawthorn, Asmodeus, and Thuan. I really enjoyed their character development, and getting to learn more about them/their relationship. I think it really set the stage for [b:Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders|53349060|Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders (Dragons and Blades, #1)|Aliette de Bodard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646119412l/53349060._SY75_.jpg|82150404], which was the whole reason I picked it up in the first place.
azu's review
4.0
So many things I enjoyed about this book, including:
- how it discusses about colonialism, power, the nature of kindness etc.
- Thuan, dragon prince of my heart
- the relationship between Thuan & Asmodeus: can't wait for the release of Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders because I need more of Bookish Husband/Murder Husband duo
- everyone is queer in a casual way
- the worldbuilding!!
- Ai Nhi was my fav and her interactions with Asmodeus were Gold
- how it discusses about colonialism, power, the nature of kindness etc.
- Thuan, dragon prince of my heart
- the relationship between Thuan & Asmodeus: can't wait for the release of Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders because I need more of Bookish Husband/Murder Husband duo
- everyone is queer in a casual way
- the worldbuilding!!
- Ai Nhi was my fav and her interactions with Asmodeus were Gold
henrymarlene's review against another edition
4.0
The great magic houses of Paris have just been torn apart. And once again I enter a fabulous story without reading the previous books! What a fascinating read: magic and lives torn apart, alliances tested, power growing all things mysterious and scary.
I will try to not give away spoilers here: I was so taken by Thuan, the Dragon head of House Hawthorn, and the descriptions of his scaly body and magical aura. It took a lot of concentration to stay focused in the middle of characters protecting each other, and trying to understand how everything was being ripped apart and by whom. I really, really should have read the first two books; I kicked myself as each relationship was tested in 'The House of Sundering Flames' as I just didn't know enough of their back story, but dearly wanted to! It was also emotional to read how far some of the characters were pushed to their limits, not protected, and in some ways sacrificed for the story.
The magic in this book was exceptional. The fact that so many were having to learn about how to use the khi elements (of which I was enthralled by) was a stroke of genius by #aliettedebodard. I loved the Vietnamese and French influences throughout the magic, the culture, the names and the magical houses. I wondered about how deliberate the author was in describing the conflicts between the Houses and, as the themes akin to the involvement of the French in Vietnamese culture. What a surprising book!
I will try to not give away spoilers here: I was so taken by Thuan, the Dragon head of House Hawthorn, and the descriptions of his scaly body and magical aura. It took a lot of concentration to stay focused in the middle of characters protecting each other, and trying to understand how everything was being ripped apart and by whom. I really, really should have read the first two books; I kicked myself as each relationship was tested in 'The House of Sundering Flames' as I just didn't know enough of their back story, but dearly wanted to! It was also emotional to read how far some of the characters were pushed to their limits, not protected, and in some ways sacrificed for the story.
The magic in this book was exceptional. The fact that so many were having to learn about how to use the khi elements (of which I was enthralled by) was a stroke of genius by #aliettedebodard. I loved the Vietnamese and French influences throughout the magic, the culture, the names and the magical houses. I wondered about how deliberate the author was in describing the conflicts between the Houses and, as the themes akin to the involvement of the French in Vietnamese culture. What a surprising book!
joy6ish's review
4.0
Highlights: Asmodeus and Thuan.
I was quite worried about the tragedy unfolding around them all.
I was quite worried about the tragedy unfolding around them all.
cybergoths's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0