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hugobluue's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
_rowantree_'s review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Colonisation
the_wistful_word_witch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me a little bit longer to delve back into Jazmyne and Iraya's story, but it was one worth finishing.
The back and forth between perspectives was a bit dizzying this time, as was the war in which the characters are embroiled. Just like with the first book, there are plenty of twists and turns, lots of intrigue, and a smattering of spiciness.
Poor Jaz got shafted throughout most of the book, considering how much more everyone else had to work with. But ultimately, it made her into a better version of herself.
I really liked the way that Ms Smart ended the duology on a hopeful note, letting us readers imagine how life continues for the enemies turned unlikely allies, united by the one thing they love most: Aiyca.
The back and forth between perspectives was a bit dizzying this time, as was the war in which the characters are embroiled. Just like with the first book, there are plenty of twists and turns, lots of intrigue, and a smattering of spiciness.
Poor Jaz got shafted throughout most of the book, considering how much more everyone else had to work with. But ultimately, it made her into a better version of herself.
I really liked the way that Ms Smart ended the duology on a hopeful note, letting us readers imagine how life continues for the enemies turned unlikely allies, united by the one thing they love most: Aiyca.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, War, Violence, Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief
cg1256's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pretty good considering that I didn’t read the first book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and War
mjscooke's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I received an advanced reading copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an epic follow up to Witches Steeped in Gold that does what every great sequel should do, more of the same mixed with fresh elements and expansive vision. Empress Crowned in Red takes us on a wild journey for the fight for Aiyca with more allies, more enemies and higher stakes than before. Smart weaves the dual perspective story with complex characters in a lyrical way that thrusts you into their world so deeply I wasn't sure who I was ultimately rooting for because I was emotionally invested in all the characters journeys. While this is professed as a conclusion to the witches story I can't help but hope there will be more stories set in this world because there is so much depth to the world building or maybe just a killer adaptation in the future. Either way I enjoyed the novel I'd love to see more.
This is an epic follow up to Witches Steeped in Gold that does what every great sequel should do, more of the same mixed with fresh elements and expansive vision. Empress Crowned in Red takes us on a wild journey for the fight for Aiyca with more allies, more enemies and higher stakes than before. Smart weaves the dual perspective story with complex characters in a lyrical way that thrusts you into their world so deeply I wasn't sure who I was ultimately rooting for because I was emotionally invested in all the characters journeys. While this is professed as a conclusion to the witches story I can't help but hope there will be more stories set in this world because there is so much depth to the world building or maybe just a killer adaptation in the future. Either way I enjoyed the novel I'd love to see more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and War
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