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alexandra_ninelives's review against another edition
3.0
I waited so long for this book and this is what I got???
I’m trying to start this review by mentioning the things I liked about this book but it’s pretty hard to find one.
The only part I enjoyed were the scenes where Jude and Cardan were mentioned. But they weren’t enough to make me like this book.
First off, the characters. Oak and Wren were a good idea in theory. The execution was where it all fell apart. We had 2 flashback scenes with them as children. It wasn’t enough to develop a friendship between them or to make me care about their relationship.
In the present, they barely talked to each other. They had no meaningful dialogue, no bonding scenes, no development in their relationship. I don’t even believe they know each other enough to help each other with their goals.
They were unlikeable, idiotic and most of all, truly boring. They both had one character trait and that was used throughout the whole book.
The plot. Nonexistent. Hundreds of pages of traveling and fights but neither was exciting. They were written in the most mind numbingly boring way possible.
This story did not make me want to read the next book. I know it’s not out yet but this rarely ever happens with me.
The only reason I’m not giving this one star because I just can’t give it because of my love of Cardan and Jude. This book does not deserve stars. This book should not exist. I am mad and so so disappointed.
I’m trying to start this review by mentioning the things I liked about this book but it’s pretty hard to find one.
The only part I enjoyed were the scenes where Jude and Cardan were mentioned. But they weren’t enough to make me like this book.
First off, the characters. Oak and Wren were a good idea in theory. The execution was where it all fell apart. We had 2 flashback scenes with them as children. It wasn’t enough to develop a friendship between them or to make me care about their relationship.
In the present, they barely talked to each other. They had no meaningful dialogue, no bonding scenes, no development in their relationship. I don’t even believe they know each other enough to help each other with their goals.
They were unlikeable, idiotic and most of all, truly boring. They both had one character trait and that was used throughout the whole book.
The plot. Nonexistent. Hundreds of pages of traveling and fights but neither was exciting. They were written in the most mind numbingly boring way possible.
This story did not make me want to read the next book. I know it’s not out yet but this rarely ever happens with me.
The only reason I’m not giving this one star because I just can’t give it because of my love of Cardan and Jude. This book does not deserve stars. This book should not exist. I am mad and so so disappointed.
blurrypetals's review against another edition
4.0
I really need 2023 to be my comeback year for reading, so what better book to kick the year off than Holly Black's follow-up to The Cruel Prince books!
I had a lot of fun with this one, but in comparison to the three Tithe books and The Cruel Prince books, this is probably my least favorite of the books Holly has set in this world (though I'll admit I haven't read The Darkest Part of the Forest and that it's been quite some time since I read the Tithe books). I just didn't fall in love with the characters the way I did with Jude and Cardan or even Val or Kaye.
That all said, it was really fun and comforting to return to Holly's faerie tales and I'll be excited to read the sequel when it's here! I can always consistently count on Ms. Black for a good, thrilling time and I doubt she'll disappoint next time!
I had a lot of fun with this one, but in comparison to the three Tithe books and The Cruel Prince books, this is probably my least favorite of the books Holly has set in this world (though I'll admit I haven't read The Darkest Part of the Forest and that it's been quite some time since I read the Tithe books). I just didn't fall in love with the characters the way I did with Jude and Cardan or even Val or Kaye.
That all said, it was really fun and comforting to return to Holly's faerie tales and I'll be excited to read the sequel when it's here! I can always consistently count on Ms. Black for a good, thrilling time and I doubt she'll disappoint next time!
jnbollin98's review against another edition
5.0
i love love loved this book & cannot wait for the next one. seeing Oak & Wren have their own storyline (after reading about them as children in The Cruel Prince series) is so fulfilling
i have such a soft spot in my heart for Wren. she deserves so much more than she has suffered through. excited to see how her character develops
i have such a soft spot in my heart for Wren. she deserves so much more than she has suffered through. excited to see how her character develops
__sincerelyashlee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
angelica_ap's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
alan6382926's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I really liked this book and how there are links to the other books that Holly Black has produced. This book shows us so much emotional baggage the main character can hold and contain in it. The twists at the end of Holly Black's books always have me enticed more into the plot and this book has sent me on a rollercoaster, I am so glad that I picked up this book, I would definitely recommend.
skyeson2187's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sylvanskezelene's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0