Scan barcode
jstilts's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Considering this is the second book in a series and absolutely does not stand on it's own, I'm surprised to find myself enjoying it even more than the first, which isn't like me at all!
Whereas the first book struck me as a Jane Austen novel gone deliciously wrong with a streak of somewhat unnecessary fantasy trappings to give it pizzazz, this continuation of the story leans much more heavily on the fantasy in that you would be very hard pressed to tell the story without it - and it's a very compelling tale that justifies the slow setup.
Briefly, Ophelia now finds herself very much out of the shadows as she thrusts herself fully into court life, grabbing the impossible-to-hold attention of this societies ruler-come-deity, a prospect as useful as it is dangerous. While we explore this new world and Opehlia's ever-changing status within it, mysteries sneak up unexpectedly (rather neatly done) as the book unfolds.
This sequel has a more satisfying, less rushed ending than the first book - although this time it's one more of plot than emotional journey, although my goodness Ophelia develops massively over this volume.
Bring on the next one!
Whereas the first book struck me as a Jane Austen novel gone deliciously wrong with a streak of somewhat unnecessary fantasy trappings to give it pizzazz, this continuation of the story leans much more heavily on the fantasy in that you would be very hard pressed to tell the story without it - and it's a very compelling tale that justifies the slow setup.
Briefly, Ophelia now finds herself very much out of the shadows as she thrusts herself fully into court life, grabbing the impossible-to-hold attention of this societies ruler-come-deity, a prospect as useful as it is dangerous. While we explore this new world and Opehlia's ever-changing status within it, mysteries sneak up unexpectedly (rather neatly done) as the book unfolds.
This sequel has a more satisfying, less rushed ending than the first book - although this time it's one more of plot than emotional journey, although my goodness Ophelia develops massively over this volume.
Bring on the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Confinement, Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Police brutality
Minor: Violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicide, Murder, Dementia, and Forced institutionalization
More...