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astraia_sun's review
3.0
I wanted to give this book five stars, because it was well written and I liked most of it a lot. But I can't give it that because I can never, ever get over the fact that apparently it's okay to rape someone who's unconscious if they're a man and it's "for the good of the kingdom." It not only smacked of being horribly contrived, but the rape was never brought up, whether in a negative light or to be explained. If this had been a woman who'd been unconscious and raped, I'm pretty sure it would have been "worse" in the eyes of the author... maybe. Otherwise, I can never, ever like Estora for doing what she did (no matter how hard Ms. Britain is trying to get the reader to like her, the fact that she raped Zachary while he was on death's door is absolutely repugnant, whether it was her "choice" or not). If the characters had ever brought it up, with Zachary asking why, or even forgiving her, I might have been a lot more okay with how things ended up. But they all just ignored it, and apparently no one cared beyond the fact that the conspirators betrayed him in general. Nothing was said about Estora's actions, I suppose because she was manipulated. She still had choices, and in my firm opinion she made the wrong ones. Of course, this is a fantasy kingdom, but that doesn't mean it's okay for a character to behave that way and not have it dealt with accordingly.
Absolutely disgraceful.
As for the rest of the novel, I really enjoyed walking through Blackveil, Karigan's reactions and choices, getting to know the Eletians better, and Estral's and Alton's little romance. I'm giving the book three stars for all of that.
Absolutely disgraceful.
As for the rest of the novel, I really enjoyed walking through Blackveil, Karigan's reactions and choices, getting to know the Eletians better, and Estral's and Alton's little romance. I'm giving the book three stars for all of that.
connie_gatzke's review
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? Yes
3.75
noranne's review
3.0
Aaargh this book. On the one hand, I read it almost entirely in one sitting, which is no small feat for an almost 700-page book (good-bye, Nora's Saturday!). So it obviously wasn't terrible. But also--aargh!
Good: engrossing, tension, genuine doubt about the course of certain storylines, political intrige.
Bad: overly long, unnecessary new storylines that I don't care about, frustration with regards to certain relationships, somewhat repetitive climax, blatant cliffhanger ending, and a big ol' rape scene.
That last part really brought down the whole book for me. I am somewhat relieved to see that others have pointed this out, because as I was reading I was thinking "this is totally a rape scene, right? am I missing something?" and no, no I was not. It really lends a whole different light to certain characters and makes me wonder how anything approaching a satisfactory conclusion can be reached.
Also, with that cliffhanger, how can I not keep reading?! Ugh. Also I know the next one is the last published book...I've been drawn into this stupid unfinished-series net and I hate that!
Good: engrossing, tension, genuine doubt about the course of certain storylines, political intrige.
Bad: overly long, unnecessary new storylines that I don't care about, frustration with regards to certain relationships, somewhat repetitive climax, blatant cliffhanger ending, and a big ol' rape scene.
That last part really brought down the whole book for me. I am somewhat relieved to see that others have pointed this out, because as I was reading I was thinking "this is totally a rape scene, right? am I missing something?" and no, no I was not. It really lends a whole different light to certain characters and makes me wonder how anything approaching a satisfactory conclusion can be reached.
Also, with that cliffhanger, how can I not keep reading?! Ugh. Also I know the next one is the last published book...I've been drawn into this stupid unfinished-series net and I hate that!
eroviana's review against another edition
3.0
The story was a bit slow at the beginning but the pace changed as I entered the triple digits in the pages. A nice enough sequel, and now we wait...again! How I loathe the waiting in series of fantasy!
cooki3_monst3r's review
5.0
So many tears. Just so many …
Mapstone’s manipulation of Karigan? Tears.
The night before Karigan enters Blackveil? Tears.
Zacharys stupid marriage? Tears.
Last but not least: I will never recover from Yates’s death. I’m convinced he would have become my favorite character had he been allowed to live and taken on a greater role in future books. But, alas, Sacoridia, Karigan, and I have been robbed of his charm, loyalty, and courage.
Mapstone’s manipulation of Karigan? Tears.
The night before Karigan enters Blackveil? Tears.
Zacharys stupid marriage? Tears.
Last but not least: I will never recover from Yates’s death. I’m convinced he would have become my favorite character had he been allowed to live and taken on a greater role in future books. But, alas, Sacoridia, Karigan, and I have been robbed of his charm, loyalty, and courage.
ladybocknite's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
I am not completely convinced that the author actually likes our main character. She seems to enjoy taking anything good away from her and forcing her onto an island alone even when she is with others. Now she has to trek into the evil forest to see if she can complete a task given to her by a "mythical" queen. What could go wrong with that? Oh I don't know? Maybe add in some murder, magic, betrayal, and subterfuge as icing on the trauma cake.
wannabebard's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25