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alphabetseeds's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The second book in this series establishes the found family aspect, and the plot really meanders for a long time. The characters and plot remain intriguing but sometimes nonsensical. I didn't find myself fully invested until the last half, but this feels like a satisfying conclusion, so what is going to happen in the next two?
lenahe's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
5.0
This one was such a wonderful read. I could clearly see the development of the author, compared to the first book of the series.
We are closer to the characters, and there's an undercurrent of humor that makes you giddy to read more and more.
We are closer to the characters, and there's an undercurrent of humor that makes you giddy to read more and more.
tigerb99's review against another edition
5.0
The Elemental Logic books are difficult for me to understand, but also entirely enjoyable to read. I can't always comprehend how the characters come to the conclusions they do, or why they take the actions they do, but they are so well drawn and the dialogue feels so real that I'm perfectly willing to stumble along in their wake.
lhk's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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
4.5
waclements7's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent séries
These are, so far, amazing books with a complete world and wonderful characters. It’s a very unique world, and absolutely fascinating. I look forward to reading the next installment.
These are, so far, amazing books with a complete world and wonderful characters. It’s a very unique world, and absolutely fascinating. I look forward to reading the next installment.
beefthedwarf's review against another edition
3.0
I will preface this by saying that I love the Elemental Logic series for multiple reasons. I like how realistic the timelines are, and how a large cast of characters' lives interweave with one another. I'm also a sucker for symbolism.
My biggest gripe, though, is Laurie J Marks' overuse of "show, don't tell". While this concept is great, it only really works when character responses, emotions, symbolism, etc speak for itself. I found myself wishing Marks had explained a scene or a concept a little more, because I was constantly lost and unable to really grasp what was happening. Especially when it came to logic and magic.
I know that logic is supposed to be pretty mysterious and difficult to understand, especially fire logic. But if logic is going to be such a core part of Marks' story, and if logic is going to be a core part of all the symbolism, then the readers need to be able to understand it.
However, this really does give the book series re-read value. Once you've read enough to understand something, it really pays off to go back and finally see what it all meant.
My biggest gripe, though, is Laurie J Marks' overuse of "show, don't tell". While this concept is great, it only really works when character responses, emotions, symbolism, etc speak for itself. I found myself wishing Marks had explained a scene or a concept a little more, because I was constantly lost and unable to really grasp what was happening. Especially when it came to logic and magic.
I know that logic is supposed to be pretty mysterious and difficult to understand, especially fire logic. But if logic is going to be such a core part of Marks' story, and if logic is going to be a core part of all the symbolism, then the readers need to be able to understand it.
However, this really does give the book series re-read value. Once you've read enough to understand something, it really pays off to go back and finally see what it all meant.
grid's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this if anything slightly more than the first one in the series. The warmth of the characters, the messages of kindness, the glimpses of interesting magic sprinkled throughout, and especially the very satisfying conclusion... all of this I really appreciated. I’m on to the next one.
snapdragonfly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
3.0
Set five years after Fire Logic, but very little has happened since the events of that time. That's part of the point of this book: it's about the pain of inaction, and how inaction can be the bravest course. We open with the four main characters of Fire Logic, Emil, Medric, Karis and Zanja, trying to figure out how they can end the wars in Shaftal and bring peace to their country. We're also introduced to Clement, a Lieutenant General of the invading Sainnite army. As in Fire Logic, Marks' characters are wonderful, and she has a great sense of place and creates believable and complex situations, dealing with trauma, loss, and hope. I loved the new character, Garland, a cook, and the way Marks writes about the importance of bodily sustenance and pleasure, whether it comes from food, physical affection, or nature. I also love the way she includes children and child-rearing in the story. So overal, there's a LOT I like here, but I was also frustrated by this book, because it feels over-long, and it lacks the tension and drive of Fire Logic. One of the major plot points () didn't really make sense to me, and I felt like a lot of this story ended up being an epilogue to Fire Logic rather than working as a narrative in its own right. That being said, I'll definitely look for more by this author.