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btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
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
3.0
I liked this a lot more than book 1. I still found some things were lacking in terms of characters learning their dang lesson (not me screaming at them to stop going into danger alone every other chapter), but I found I really enjoyed Brigon and getting into the groove of the found family we made in Blood Heir.
I found Linn gave Toph vibes, and Sorcha gave Azula energy. Both characters were great additions to the cast, I loved seeing more of Linn after her introduction at the end of Blood Heir. I did find Linn's devotion to Ana a bit strong for what transpired in Blood Heir, but past that, she's a strong character. I didn't think I'd read the final instalment halfway through, but now I'm so curious about our three MCs as we reach the finale of the series.
This instalment had a better and stronger climax than Blood Heir, and I found myself rooting for the characters more than rubbing my temples in frustration. Definitely didn't suffer from second book syndrome! I'm also glad that we tied up some story lines in this one, thus setting the stage for Crimson Reign.
All in all, a strong sequel, and a great setup for the finale of the series! I'm really loving the crew we've put together and I'm excited to see how their story ends.
TW: blood, murder, injury detail, torture, alcohol consumption, violence, child abuse, fire/fire injury, death; mentions infidelity, death of a parent, death of a child, kidnapping
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Delacorte Press via Random House Children's in exchange for an honest review.
I found Linn gave Toph vibes, and Sorcha gave Azula energy. Both characters were great additions to the cast, I loved seeing more of Linn after her introduction at the end of Blood Heir. I did find Linn's devotion to Ana a bit strong for what transpired in Blood Heir, but past that, she's a strong character. I didn't think I'd read the final instalment halfway through, but now I'm so curious about our three MCs as we reach the finale of the series.
This instalment had a better and stronger climax than Blood Heir, and I found myself rooting for the characters more than rubbing my temples in frustration. Definitely didn't suffer from second book syndrome! I'm also glad that we tied up some story lines in this one, thus setting the stage for Crimson Reign.
All in all, a strong sequel, and a great setup for the finale of the series! I'm really loving the crew we've put together and I'm excited to see how their story ends.
TW: blood, murder, injury detail, torture, alcohol consumption, violence, child abuse, fire/fire injury, death; mentions infidelity, death of a parent, death of a child, kidnapping
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Delacorte Press via Random House Children's in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Torture
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
r1vana's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
In this empire, if I am not the hunter, then I become the hunted.
I did not enjoyed this book as much as the first one.
Unfortunately, the only parts I’ve enjoyed were the beginning and the prologue.
I did not enjoyed this book as much as the first one.
Unfortunately, the only parts I’ve enjoyed were the beginning and the prologue.
Ana
The path to becoming a ruler is painted in blood.
I liked her but it seems that her character growth has slowed a lot in this one. But I do like the fact that she is flawed. In this book, Ana is in a stances where she has to protect her people or test her powers for the best? Or the worst? "Your wish to protect this empire will come at a cost. You will need to choose between two paths, for there are two Anastacyas now, my love: the girl you once were, and the ruler you will become. A day will arrive when you will be asked to sacrifice that which you hold dearest for the good of your empire. That is the choice you must make: which of the
Anastacyas you shall be."
I liked her but it seems that her character growth has slowed a lot in this one. But I do like the fact that she is flawed. In this book, Ana is in a stances where she has to protect her people or test her powers for the best? Or the worst? "Your wish to protect this empire will come at a cost. You will need to choose between two paths, for there are two Anastacyas now, my love: the girl you once were, and the ruler you will become. A day will arrive when you will be asked to sacrifice that which you hold dearest for the good of your empire. That is the choice you must make: which of the
Anastacyas you shall be."
Ramson aka conman.
Did monsters and men who made bad choices have the capability to love? And did they deserve love in return?
He didn’t grow as a character. He now realizes that Love can be a weakness when he started to have feelings for Ana.
Linn Ana’s bestfriend? I like her pov’s. We get to see her getting close to Kais. A Yeager. Unfortunately for them, their interactions seem repetitive.
Kais he does not grow as a side character. He is really confused on where he wants to put his loyalty to. I don’t like how he decided to be on Ana’s side at one point and the next he betrays them all. But the thing is that it confuses me. Did he betray them? Want to?
Sorsha Ramson’s stepsister may become a reason to his character growth or redemption.
The epilogue makes me want to read the third book asap.
He didn’t grow as a character. He now realizes that Love can be a weakness when he started to have feelings for Ana.
Linn Ana’s bestfriend? I like her pov’s. We get to see her getting close to Kais. A Yeager. Unfortunately for them, their interactions seem repetitive.
Kais he does not grow as a side character. He is really confused on where he wants to put his loyalty to. I don’t like how he decided to be on Ana’s side at one point and the next he betrays them all. But the thing is that it confuses me. Did he betray them? Want to?
Sorsha Ramson’s stepsister may become a reason to his character growth or redemption.
The epilogue makes me want to read the third book asap.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Trafficking, Misogyny, and Death
Minor: Drug use and Kidnapping
booknerdbetty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Violence, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Blood
Moderate: Racial slurs, Mental illness, Sexism, Physical abuse, and Misogyny
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