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bibliophilicjester's review against another edition
4.0
I half listened to the audiobook, half read the physical book. And sometimes I listened and followed along, like for action scenes and emotional stuff. Seriously, Kim Mai Guest is such an amazing narrator. All the stuff when Archer died was so fucking sad bc of her narration. I don't think it would've had as much of an emotional impact on me if I'd just been reading. The twist(??) was definitely hinted at since the first book and therefore expected, and I liked that Sefia couldn't really change where they all ended up. I suspected in the beginning Reed might've been the boy with the scar either as well as or instead of Archer, and I liked how their stories and deaths paralleled each other. I absolutely adore Reed, and I loved how he died and what he died for. I love how he lived on as even more of a legend than he was when he lived, and so he got what he wanted in the end. Sefia and Archer were frustrating sometimes with their selfishness, and sometimes Reed was selfish as well but really just wanted to do something worth remembering.
A few random notes...idk if this will come out right, but I wanted to note it. First, I don't think I fully understood the whole thing with Frey's capture and whether that friend was trying to save her until this book when she'd been captured and stubble had grown on her face and I was like OHHHHH. Maybe it just went over my head in the beginning? That's what I'm leaning toward since the diversity was largely effortless in all the ways that mattered. In general, I was continually impressed by how distinct each character's personality was, given how many characters appear in this series. Another thing is how my brain doesn't always adjust to individuals who use they/them pronouns if it's not mentioned. Usually I'll snag on the first use and my brain will be like, okay, I've adjusted. But this time, the way it was written sometimes confused me. I couldn't tell whether "they" referred to the ship's captain specifically, or if it was "they" as a whole crew/ship. I had to reread sentences often. I think it was just confusing because at the time we were following Ed, Lac, and Hobs (referred to as they) and sometimes the captain did something (also referred to as they) and the writing was just unclear. I don't think characters necessarily need to announce which pronouns they use, but in this case, the lack of obvious statement was really jarring. A character noticing someone and being unable to identify a specific gender is different than that person claiming neither gender (or both genders) and using them/they. Maybe I was just tired when the trio boarded the ship. Either way, the captain was badass and terrifying in a way I very much enjoyed haha. AND I appreciate how these characters were included and accepted by their friends and peers. I was just annoyed that the writing made it confusing. Or maybe my brain had been turned to mush by that time from Sefia and Archer proclaiming their love and desire to save each other on every fucking page. Omg. Enough 🙄🙄
I also want to throw out there that in my largely useless opinion, I think Chee is definitely an author to watch. I can't wait to see what she thinks of next!! I hope whoever advised her to up the romance in this series will disappear into the shadows next time around, though lol
marteslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Once there was, but it would not always be. This is the ending of ever story.
The final book in [b:The Reader|25064648|The Reader (Sea of Ink and Gold, #1)|Traci Chee|http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1448040202s/25064648.jpg|44748620]-trilogy (previously named The Sea of Ink and Gold-trilogy) has officially confirmed it as one of the most underrated and diverse YA fantasy series I have ever read.
For the last time, we are transported to the land of Kelanna – where books, writing and reading are non-existent (aka. every booklover’s worst nightmare)
We are immediately reunited with our main protagonists from the previous two books, Sefia and Archer. Together with them we begin this final lap of the journey, directly where the previous book left off.
Throughout the series we have, obviously, been gradually expanding on the cast of characters, which by the end of this book contains several different genders, sexualities and ethnicities. I would have difficulties naming all names, but each character still feels essential for his, hers or their part in the story.
The most notable character, apart from Sefia and Archer, still remain Captain Reed in my opinion. During the span of this trilogy he goes from being a legendary figure to an actual human being – with insecurities, faults, hopes and dreams. Following his quest for immortality is as compelling as it is heart-breaking.
Despite the vast array of characters, it is with Sefia and Archer we stick to the bitter end. Yes, you should take note of that: bitter end.
She would demolish her enemies with a wave of her hand. She would watch men burn on the sea. And she would lose everything
The Storyteller is similar to the previous two books – both in writing and format. As any good continuation it expands and unravels, but still within the boundaries set by the previous instalments. Personally, I found the changes in format to be the most interesting and creative.
Traci Chee has never shied away from poking at the fourth wall, which separates the reader from the story. However, in The Storyteller, she picks up a sledgehammer and crumbles this wall to dust – hitting us with what is, in my mind, the series most heartbreaking and emotional scene.
Spoiler
I will admit I felt slightly uncomfortable sitting wrapped up in my blanket, while a character on the page literally begged me to stop reading… (I’m sorry, Sefia).They remembered the dead with their voices and bodies, repeating names and deeds and dizzying loves in the desperate hope that the dead would not disappear from the world all together.
The deduction of half a star in my final rating is entirely because of pacing-issues. I have seen other reviewers complain about the lack of action in the previous books, resulting in the books feeling slow. However, I think Traci Chee is an expert at creating tension rather than pure action – I never found myself bored reading.
In this final book there is a lot more action happening, which results in some rather abrupt pacing. Hours, days and weeks pass in the blink of an eye, making it feel like the story is rushing in certain parts. It was never a big issue for me, but it was noticeable enough for me to deduct that half-star.
It had been written, so it had come to pass. …They’d run.
They’d lost, in the end, but oh, how they’d fought.
Getting the ending of any book right is difficult. As we so often see finishing off series/trilogies can be even trickier.
I have rarely, if ever, read a final book to any series as satisfying and fulfilling as The Storyteller – answering the questions it asked, while keeping the stakes high.
[a:Traci Chee|6567825|Traci Chee|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1440457682p2/6567825.jpg] had the guts to end this trilogy the way she started it, with lives lost, pieces missing and a glimmer of hope.
Just read these books, dammit!
meganreadsitall's review against another edition
4.0
addiethereader's review against another edition
5.0
I sobbed all night :)
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coffeebooksorme's review against another edition
5.0
midnightbookgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I do regret wearing mascara though.
I listened to the entire series on audio, which was delightful, but I'm planning on buying the trilogy in print as well. Mostly because I want these gorgeous covers on my shelves, and partly because that means more money to Traci Chee which will hopefully fund her future writing projects that will also tear out my heart.
So, yeah, read this series. It's awesome. It's pretty much got everything in it, so no excuses that there's nothing in it that interests you. Why fight your destiny to read this book, what is written will come to pass.
mvlee's review against another edition
5.0
What I love about this last installment is that not everything was concluded in the last few pages; the Red War, the climax and ending to the story, took up half the book so you feel like the War actually happened and wasn't just a single battle. Everything came together so well and one of the things I like about this series is the change I perspective. From the main characters to supporting characters to the omniscient voice, it was done well and wasn't there for no reason.
I knew, I just knew that the end would happen and they wouldn't be able to change it. I just knew! The ending was one of the most tragic I've read but I was also prepared for it because of the constant foreshadowing but it still hurt when it came!! Archer and Sefia are now one of my ultimate OTPs; they were there for each other since the beginning and stayed together - no angsty miscommunication or thrown-in drama. Their love broke the world. And Captain Reed! Oh Captain. His death was foreshadowed too but I was still sad when it happened. He's one of the best characters I've ever read and I wouldn't mind having a spin-off of more of his adventures! Especially with Lady Delune and Tannin and meeting Sefia's parents. And Lac! The best boy! I just love him and I'm so glad he survived. I wouldn't have minded having more of him in the book. I just love these characters so much!
My least favorite part was Ed and Arc. In this book and the previous one. I love Ed with Lac and Hobbs but Arc is just "urgh." Is it terrible to say I wish he died? I'm just going to assume he did because the ending is pretty much open. Ed deserves better.
All in all, I love this series and this book and I'm currently heartbroken as I've just finished it but, I would recommend to anybody!!!! READ THIS BOOK!!
sockielady's review against another edition
5.0
caitlin_caswell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caitlindee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0