Scan barcode
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The strongest, most unique parts of this book came down to the characters and meta elements. The characters are just so complex. Sefia is trying to figure out how to battle destiny itself, and whether she can stomach sacrificing others for Archer. Archer is in fear and denial over being "the Chosen One". Reed is trying to leave a legacy that will grant him immortality, while making sure it is one that he can be proud of. Ed is finding his footing in the world as a new man, figuring out what his duty is and trying to untangle his emotions regarding Arc. As well as the characters, the meta elements were taken to another level. Chee gives the reader some super trippy concepts to think about. It was absolutely gut-wrenching to see Sefia interact with this part of the book.
The plot was gripping and fast-paced, meaning I raced through this instalment and enjoyed my time with it. There are battles, fights, and life-threatening situations all the way through, so there is no slog like there was in book 2. However, the plot complexity was not really there. In previous books, it felt like there was a lot happening in that there were lots of threads woven together. There is still lots happening in this book, but there isn't the same "woven web" vibe to it. It basically comes down to travelling and battling.
Another issue I had was again with the world-building. Aside from the Book - and even here the details are hazy regarding how it came into existence - the WB feels generic. For example, the only thing Chee uses to differentiate the five islands is their geography. Aside from that they seem politically and culturally identical. I also wish the Guard as a villain was more compelling.
And then I found the ending to be disappointing. We get these prophecies in previous instalments that predict the future, and then in this instalment,they come exactly true. I was hoping for a twist or a surprise (beyond the one we got) instead of everything happening exactly as predicted. It was just anticlimactic, even if it was heartbreaking.
So all in all I really don't know where I stand with this book, or the series overall now. There are parts that don't recommend it and parts that do. What I do know is that I'm super interested in reading more from Traci Chee.
The plot was gripping and fast-paced, meaning I raced through this instalment and enjoyed my time with it. There are battles, fights, and life-threatening situations all the way through, so there is no slog like there was in book 2. However, the plot complexity was not really there. In previous books, it felt like there was a lot happening in that there were lots of threads woven together. There is still lots happening in this book, but there isn't the same "woven web" vibe to it. It basically comes down to travelling and battling.
Another issue I had was again with the world-building. Aside from the Book - and even here the details are hazy regarding how it came into existence - the WB feels generic. For example, the only thing Chee uses to differentiate the five islands is their geography. Aside from that they seem politically and culturally identical. I also wish the Guard as a villain was more compelling.
And then I found the ending to be disappointing. We get these prophecies in previous instalments that predict the future, and then in this instalment,
So all in all I really don't know where I stand with this book, or the series overall now. There are parts that don't recommend it and parts that do. What I do know is that I'm super interested in reading more from Traci Chee.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Death of parent, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, and Suicide
Minor: Sexual content, Fatphobia, Excrement, Torture, Trafficking, Colonisation, Ableism, Kidnapping, Pandemic/Epidemic, Vomit, Alcohol, Animal death, Confinement, Child death, and Body shaming
Moderate: PTSD, loss of a loved one, explosions Minor: fainting, menstruationettegoom's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully flawed characters and a fascinating examination of the concept of predestination. I really enjoyed this series
emsee33's review against another edition
4.0
In a series that started with the simple tale of a girl discovering the magic of books, The Storyteller concludes, appropriately, as a web of stories as intricate and interwoven as the Illuminated World Sefia inhabits.
I enjoyed the way the books themselves grew in complexity as the world expanded, culminating in some tricky metafiction that earned an ‘Ooh!’ from me. There are some places that feel a bit glossed over in the rush toward the end, but by that point I was swept up in the story just like the characters.
What’s most interesting to me is that while I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I’m not sure how I feel about the two main characters. I don’t dislike them, but I think Chee populated these books with so many fascinating side characters that I became more invested in them. While Sefia and Archer’s struggles with guilt and grief are realistic, they suffer and inflict so much suffering that after awhile it just feels like weight, regardless of the outcome. Now, after the end, I want to read everyone else’s stories.
I enjoyed the way the books themselves grew in complexity as the world expanded, culminating in some tricky metafiction that earned an ‘Ooh!’ from me. There are some places that feel a bit glossed over in the rush toward the end, but by that point I was swept up in the story just like the characters.
What’s most interesting to me is that while I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I’m not sure how I feel about the two main characters. I don’t dislike them, but I think Chee populated these books with so many fascinating side characters that I became more invested in them. While Sefia and Archer’s struggles with guilt and grief are realistic, they suffer and inflict so much suffering that after awhile it just feels like weight, regardless of the outcome. Now, after the end, I want to read everyone else’s stories.
bonkersbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
I'm crying. What a fantastic conclusion. Thank you.
fatime_rezaei's review against another edition
5.0
I had never ever cried on a book... yes i felt emotional and broken and sad and depressed and everything but never shed a tear... well i admit for last 50 pages my eyes were filled with tears...
I loved it and hated it at the same time... it wasn't fair for it to end that way...
I loved it and hated it at the same time... it wasn't fair for it to end that way...
jessicaz's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't remember enough of the first two books to really understand what was happening, but my undying love of metafiction carried me through!
whimsical_wonder's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.5
dolodoming's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Comentarios a medida que voy leyendo que pueden contener spoilers:
Me lo estoy leyendo en ingles por lo que la experiencia comparado con los primeros dos libros va a ser distinta.
Algo que me molestó en el primer capítulo es que la mina repetía varias veces que Sefia no se podía teletransportar si no conocía bien el lugar o si no tenía una visión clara de este, ya se entendió!!! Quizas es exagerado de mi parte que eso me moleste pero bueno me chupa un huevo.
Recién empieza y creo que Ed es mi personaje favorito.
Ed y Lac? i like it.
Lo bueno de la autora es que con el paso de cada libro hay más diversidad en cuanto a género y orientación sexual.
Griegi y Keon <3
Es medio loco el concepto del narrador.
"Ella" es la autora no?
Los found family's son lo mejor.
Como le habrá quedado la cara a Sefia cuando el boludo de Archer se puso el collar y literalmente cumplió con lo que estuvieron evitando todo este tiempo.
Igual ella así como cambió una parte de la magia del collar también podría haber cambiado el "costo" de usarlo. Digo yo.
Lac es re tierno <3.
Reed siempre en nuestros corazones.
Me hubiese gustado que existiese un 4to libro, ver a Sefia vivir a pesar de la muerte de Archer. Ver al mundo reconstruirse.
Me lo estoy leyendo en ingles por lo que la experiencia comparado con los primeros dos libros va a ser distinta.
Algo que me molestó en el primer capítulo es que la mina repetía varias veces que Sefia no se podía teletransportar si no conocía bien el lugar o si no tenía una visión clara de este, ya se entendió!!! Quizas es exagerado de mi parte que eso me moleste pero bueno me chupa un huevo.
Recién empieza y creo que Ed es mi personaje favorito.
Ed y Lac? i like it.
Lo bueno de la autora es que con el paso de cada libro hay más diversidad en cuanto a género y orientación sexual.
Griegi y Keon <3
Es medio loco el concepto del narrador.
"Ella" es la autora no?
Los found family's son lo mejor.
Como le habrá quedado la cara a Sefia cuando el boludo de Archer se puso el collar y literalmente cumplió con lo que estuvieron evitando todo este tiempo.
Igual ella así como cambió una parte de la magia del collar también podría haber cambiado el "costo" de usarlo. Digo yo.
Lac es re tierno <3.
Reed siempre en nuestros corazones.
Me hubiese gustado que existiese un 4to libro, ver a Sefia vivir a pesar de la muerte de Archer. Ver al mundo reconstruirse.
leahsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
CONTENT WARNING: death, grief, violence, blood, trauma, gore, murder
I’ve loved each book in this series more than the last, and we reach the culmination in this book. There’s also some easter eggs in this book, including a note to Sefia within the pages of the Book within the book, ink spreading across the pages, words fading as characters teleport, and a secret message if you collect the words scattered next to various page numbers throughout the story (which I have) and it spells out this ominous message:
“This is a story as vast as the sea, but on its waves, you’ll never be free. No matter your course, your future is set, and destiny laughs as she tightens the net. Words to Kelannans are breath on a glass, but if it is written, it will come to pass. Is your sight growing clearer, the closer you look? The book is a world, for the world is a book.”
Sefia and Archer are back along with some of my favorite (and least favorite) characters from earlier books, prepared for the final showdown. Sefia, Archer, the bloodletters, Captain Reed and the crew of the Current of Faith, and the rest of their misfit allies are prepared to do what it takes to defeat the Guard if they have to, but in the meantime, Sefia wants to do whatever she can to avoid the battles altogether so that she can save Archer’s life. She is working her hardest to subvert the prophecy, but every effort so far has shown her that what is written always comes to pass.
Sefia is torn between two conflicting emotions, and vacillates between them for much of the story. There’s a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, since she’s prophesied to be the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever known, and so far she’s shown that to be true. Everything that she’s done has been for a positive reason, yet she struggles with how quickly it turns to being harmful. Mainly because the future is already written in the Book and can’t be changed. And what’s written is that no matter what she does, it’s not going to be enough to save Archer. So she struggles with not being able to be a savior, especially now that she’s let people get close to her heart.
“After Nin died, she’d closed herself off. She told herself she’d done it to protect other people from getting hurt, but now she knew she’d done it to protect herself. If you don’t love anyone, you don’t get hurt when they’re taken from you. But Archer had changed her. Archer had cracked her armor, and now she loved so, so many people.”
The other thing that she struggles with is that she isn’t strong enough to change things. And that the fact that she isn’t strong enough is going to get people killed. As if she would be able to change the Book if only she knew more, or was stronger. And while I understood her internal conflict, and watching it play out externally was intriguing, the internal monologue, and the dialogue that she had about it did grow a bit tiresome since it was so repetitive for so much of the story. As usual, Archer was the voice of reason, constantly reassuring her of how much she meant to him, regardless of her powers and her abilities, simply because of who she was.
“‘I didn’t follow you because you were strong. I followed you because you were brave and smart and kind. I didn’t believe in you because you had magic. I believed in you because you were compassionate and resourceful and too stubborn to give up.’ He kissed her hair. ‘I don’t love you because you’re powerful. I love you because you’re a good friend and a better partner and by far the best person I have ever met.’”
This story had great action and pacing. While there were so many characters, it felt like there was a lot of growth for many of them. Archer felt a little stagnant in this story, trapped in his trauma without a lot of resolution for him, but Sefia, the bloodletters, Captain Reed, and even more of the minor characters from earlier books who played a larger role in this story showed so much growth in this one. However, I have to admit that I was absolutely let down by the ending! After going through so much with these characters through three full books, I was heartbroken by how it ended, and I must admit that I feel personally victimized to some degree by Chee. But even so, I’m even sadder about letting this story go, and it’s definitely getting added to my list of book series that I kind of wish had another book to follow up later on.
I’ve loved each book in this series more than the last, and we reach the culmination in this book. There’s also some easter eggs in this book, including a note to Sefia within the pages of the Book within the book, ink spreading across the pages, words fading as characters teleport, and a secret message if you collect the words scattered next to various page numbers throughout the story (which I have) and it spells out this ominous message:
“This is a story as vast as the sea, but on its waves, you’ll never be free. No matter your course, your future is set, and destiny laughs as she tightens the net. Words to Kelannans are breath on a glass, but if it is written, it will come to pass. Is your sight growing clearer, the closer you look? The book is a world, for the world is a book.”
Sefia and Archer are back along with some of my favorite (and least favorite) characters from earlier books, prepared for the final showdown. Sefia, Archer, the bloodletters, Captain Reed and the crew of the Current of Faith, and the rest of their misfit allies are prepared to do what it takes to defeat the Guard if they have to, but in the meantime, Sefia wants to do whatever she can to avoid the battles altogether so that she can save Archer’s life. She is working her hardest to subvert the prophecy, but every effort so far has shown her that what is written always comes to pass.
Sefia is torn between two conflicting emotions, and vacillates between them for much of the story. There’s a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, since she’s prophesied to be the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever known, and so far she’s shown that to be true. Everything that she’s done has been for a positive reason, yet she struggles with how quickly it turns to being harmful. Mainly because the future is already written in the Book and can’t be changed. And what’s written is that no matter what she does, it’s not going to be enough to save Archer. So she struggles with not being able to be a savior, especially now that she’s let people get close to her heart.
“After Nin died, she’d closed herself off. She told herself she’d done it to protect other people from getting hurt, but now she knew she’d done it to protect herself. If you don’t love anyone, you don’t get hurt when they’re taken from you. But Archer had changed her. Archer had cracked her armor, and now she loved so, so many people.”
The other thing that she struggles with is that she isn’t strong enough to change things. And that the fact that she isn’t strong enough is going to get people killed. As if she would be able to change the Book if only she knew more, or was stronger. And while I understood her internal conflict, and watching it play out externally was intriguing, the internal monologue, and the dialogue that she had about it did grow a bit tiresome since it was so repetitive for so much of the story. As usual, Archer was the voice of reason, constantly reassuring her of how much she meant to him, regardless of her powers and her abilities, simply because of who she was.
“‘I didn’t follow you because you were strong. I followed you because you were brave and smart and kind. I didn’t believe in you because you had magic. I believed in you because you were compassionate and resourceful and too stubborn to give up.’ He kissed her hair. ‘I don’t love you because you’re powerful. I love you because you’re a good friend and a better partner and by far the best person I have ever met.’”
This story had great action and pacing. While there were so many characters, it felt like there was a lot of growth for many of them. Archer felt a little stagnant in this story, trapped in his trauma without a lot of resolution for him, but Sefia, the bloodletters, Captain Reed, and even more of the minor characters from earlier books who played a larger role in this story showed so much growth in this one. However, I have to admit that I was absolutely let down by the ending! After going through so much with these characters through three full books, I was heartbroken by how it ended, and I must admit that I feel personally victimized to some degree by Chee. But even so, I’m even sadder about letting this story go, and it’s definitely getting added to my list of book series that I kind of wish had another book to follow up later on.