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hematitesoul's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pandorasxbox's review against another edition
2.0
I love this series, but this is without a doubt the weakest book in the series. As I was reading them, I tried to figure out exactly why I wasn't as into the story. In the end, I came up with the following two reasons.
First of all, the characters in this book aren't as dynamic as they were in the past two books. I'm probably one of the only people who wasn't crazy about Rook's character. Thom I was quite fond of, but the change in dynamics and setting and all that just didn't quite work for me. As for the new characters, I have to admit I pretty much adored Madoka, and she has a lot to so with what I enjoyed about the book. I would love to see more of her and Badger. Malahide, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. I dreaded coming to the sections she narrated. So, all in all, it's not a good sign when only one quarter of characters are appealing.
The other thing that bothered me was a vague sense of inconsistency and contradiction. What makes it worse is that there really isn't anything I could point to and say "there: there's an example!". I feel as though it was a lot of smaller things that just left me off kilter and kept me from truly getting into the story. Thom saying for that for the first time he was thinking and not doing... and then proceeding to try to deconstuct Rook's character. Characters saying one thing on one page and another on the next. I don't know if it's a fair assessment, or if it's just me, but it did bother me a lot.
On other thing that bothered me slightly (while I'm ranting), is the simplicity of the antagonists. Only one of the two is even given a name, and we don't even get much of a backstory on the one who does beyond the fact that his loyalties lay with the Ke-Han, which is a shame, cause there was quite a bit to work with there. Their motives were really undefined. In the past two books, the stakes were simplistic but clear. Here
Also, while I'm at it, what was with Malahide? I like that it wasn't her sole defining character trait, but it did sort of come out of left field, and felt totally unnecessary. It was almost like someone came up with the idea at last minute and they decided to just throw it in there.
Not every book in a series can be perfect, and so my distaste for this one is forgivable. I can't wait to read Steelhands, which so far promises to deliver some fantastic characters, which is really all I need.
First of all, the characters in this book aren't as dynamic as they were in the past two books. I'm probably one of the only people who wasn't crazy about Rook's character. Thom I was quite fond of, but the change in dynamics and setting and all that just didn't quite work for me. As for the new characters, I have to admit I pretty much adored Madoka, and she has a lot to so with what I enjoyed about the book. I would love to see more of her and Badger. Malahide, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. I dreaded coming to the sections she narrated. So, all in all, it's not a good sign when only one quarter of characters are appealing.
The other thing that bothered me was a vague sense of inconsistency and contradiction. What makes it worse is that there really isn't anything I could point to and say "there: there's an example!". I feel as though it was a lot of smaller things that just left me off kilter and kept me from truly getting into the story. Thom saying for that for the first time he was thinking and not doing... and then proceeding to try to deconstuct Rook's character. Characters saying one thing on one page and another on the next. I don't know if it's a fair assessment, or if it's just me, but it did bother me a lot.
On other thing that bothered me slightly (while I'm ranting), is the simplicity of the antagonists. Only one of the two is even given a name, and we don't even get much of a backstory on the one who does beyond the fact that his loyalties lay with the Ke-Han, which is a shame, cause there was quite a bit to work with there. Their motives were really undefined. In the past two books, the stakes were simplistic but clear. Here
Spoiler
two random guys decide to build a dragon, for power and glory and all. Because one cobled together dragon is going to defeat all of Volstov when Volstov still has the Basquiat. Not to mention the fact that Xi'an managed to hold out against fourteen dragons over an extended period of time. I get that the magician is crazy, but it doesn't makes sense. Maybe a dragon would restart the war, and maybe shift the odds in Xi'an's favor, but in the long run- it's not as big a threat as it seemed like. Maybe that's one example of clear cut inconsistency. Or maybe it's just me.Also, while I'm at it, what was with Malahide? I like that it wasn't her sole defining character trait, but it did sort of come out of left field, and felt totally unnecessary. It was almost like someone came up with the idea at last minute and they decided to just throw it in there.
Not every book in a series can be perfect, and so my distaste for this one is forgivable. I can't wait to read Steelhands, which so far promises to deliver some fantastic characters, which is really all I need.
siriface's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
silquesoleil's review against another edition
5.0
I can't be objective with these books anymore so I'll keep this short:
I loved reading how Thom and Rook were doing, the chemistry between the two boys was just amazing. I especially loved the fact that one could anticipate the improvement of Rook's mood by counting the "fuck"s on one page. (Less cursing = more content ex-airman.)
Best fictional brothers ever. Of course, that depends on whether one can accept Rook as the character that he is or not because he is one of those guys who show their affection by acting like a complete jerk - because acting like a real jerk is an improvement to his usual behavior.
With Malahide and Madoka the authors have created two female characters who could not possibly be more opposites, though I must confess that I liked Malahide more because the choices she made in the past are so... hardcore.
It was also interesting to find out more about the dragons, how they work and the process of her making. And, well, meeting Sarah Fleet was a real treat.
"Oh, my mistake," said Fleet. "I was under the impression that I was speaking to Airman Rook of the Esar's famous Dragon Corps, not Sissy-man Sal of Miss Petunia's Flower-Farting School for Pansies. You got a problem with that?"
I. LOVE. THAT. WOMAN.
So, I had fun reading this, as usual. And I'm absolutely looking forward to part 4 because I got a reading sample with my kindle edition, so I know there will be Adamo and the Margrave (though Royton will not be one of the narrators) and there will be Balfour and so the awesomeness is guaranteed. Actually, I wouldn't mind reading an entire novel about Royston and Adamo during their 'Versity days, plot or no.
I loved reading how Thom and Rook were doing, the chemistry between the two boys was just amazing. I especially loved the fact that one could anticipate the improvement of Rook's mood by counting the "fuck"s on one page. (Less cursing = more content ex-airman.)
Best fictional brothers ever. Of course, that depends on whether one can accept Rook as the character that he is or not because he is one of those guys who show their affection by acting like a complete jerk - because acting like a real jerk is an improvement to his usual behavior.
With Malahide and Madoka the authors have created two female characters who could not possibly be more opposites, though I must confess that I liked Malahide more because the choices she made in the past are so... hardcore.
It was also interesting to find out more about the dragons, how they work and the process of her making. And, well, meeting Sarah Fleet was a real treat.
"Oh, my mistake," said Fleet. "I was under the impression that I was speaking to Airman Rook of the Esar's famous Dragon Corps, not Sissy-man Sal of Miss Petunia's Flower-Farting School for Pansies. You got a problem with that?"
I. LOVE. THAT. WOMAN.
So, I had fun reading this, as usual. And I'm absolutely looking forward to part 4 because I got a reading sample with my kindle edition, so I know there will be Adamo and the Margrave (though Royton will not be one of the narrators) and there will be Balfour and so the awesomeness is guaranteed. Actually, I wouldn't mind reading an entire novel about Royston and Adamo during their 'Versity days, plot or no.
lautir's review against another edition
3.0
While this book had more of a unique plot line than the previous books in the series it fell flat in the character and writing departments for me.
One of the new characters was interesting enough to hold her own, and it was nice see get some female narrators but the story was so drawn out that all of the characters just started to ramble. By the time I got to the last 50 pages I just wanted it to end already, which is a shame because there were some big reveals in those last few pages that lost their impact because I had checked out of the story already.
One of the new characters was interesting enough to hold her own, and it was nice see get some female narrators but the story was so drawn out that all of the characters just started to ramble. By the time I got to the last 50 pages I just wanted it to end already, which is a shame because there were some big reveals in those last few pages that lost their impact because I had checked out of the story already.
galleytrot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
andreabrownriley's review against another edition
5.0
Just as good as the previous two! I really enjoyed watching the fleshing out of Rook and Thom's relationship, and the new characters in this was were nice to follow along with. I'd definitely say that Malahide was one of my favorites, and would love to read more about -- hopefully she'll make an appearance in the next one.
kaje_harper's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This series started strong, but for some reason this third book failed to grab me in the same way. Part of the problem is that the authors introduce 2 new female POV characters, both with 3-sylable fantasy names beginning with "Ma..." This is mildly confusing at first, and one of the two has a very cool emotional style, which is totally fitting for her character but which made me feel less engaged in her story. I enjoyed Thom's sections a lot, but found a few of the plot details hard to follow. There is still a lot of imagination here, but the way the emphasis shifts around between POVs pulled me out of the story more than I prefer. I may still read the next one - there is a fascinating world created here.
Spoiler
Turning Madoka loose with the compass, and in fact implanting it in a way that meant she might keel over somewhere along the way, when it was such a vital part, just didn't work logically for me.christycorr's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lostinabookbrb's review against another edition
2.0
I think my frustration with this book was the authors' constant need to point out things that don't need to be.
-SOME SPOILERS; NOT REALLY BIG ONES-
Such as, when a character says something and it is followed up my "I explained the relationship between such and suchs." I know you explained it, you don't have to repeat yourself. It's like the author's don't really trust the readers to get it. This happened in Havemercy, too. I don't know why it bothered me even more here.
I also had a problem with liking most of the main characters (excluding Malahide). Madoka seemed to be a more female and not a jackass version of Rook. Thom was a complete pansy and I don't know exactly how that came to be the reader is constantly reminded that he is from the ghetto named Molly. You'd think that spending your life in a not-very-good-at-all neighborhood and being raised by working ladies, he'd have the know how to sleep with a knife on him. I get that he was at the University but surely there was something he took away from Molly.
And then there is Rook.
I think the reason I don't like Rook is because he seems to miss the bullseye of being a badass. Maybe I am missing something. He's written like he's supposed to be intimidating, a bit sociopathic, and with the capabilities to rip people limb from limb if he needs to. However, I don't think that was pulled off effectively.
There are characters I read where I completely believe that they could tell a King to kiss their ass and get away with it. Rook is not one of those people. I was half expecting him to get beat up by those more capable. In fact, I think it would have been more interesting.
Pros?
A female character who gets the interest of a prince and doesn't swoon. In fact, she wants to look after his safety and her interests which I think is awesome.
Plus, no full out romantic plot. I think there's a thing between Madoka and Badger. Then there's the weird fixation that Rook has with Havemercy: Much like he wants to have a love thing going on. BUT OVERALL, no real romance to go on. I know some people will think it's bad form not to have a couple in a story like this but I'm glad there wasn't one.
-SOME SPOILERS; NOT REALLY BIG ONES-
Such as, when a character says something and it is followed up my "I explained the relationship between such and suchs." I know you explained it, you don't have to repeat yourself. It's like the author's don't really trust the readers to get it. This happened in Havemercy, too. I don't know why it bothered me even more here.
I also had a problem with liking most of the main characters (excluding Malahide). Madoka seemed to be a more female and not a jackass version of Rook. Thom was a complete pansy and I don't know exactly how that came to be the reader is constantly reminded that he is from the ghetto named Molly. You'd think that spending your life in a not-very-good-at-all neighborhood and being raised by working ladies, he'd have the know how to sleep with a knife on him. I get that he was at the University but surely there was something he took away from Molly.
And then there is Rook.
I think the reason I don't like Rook is because he seems to miss the bullseye of being a badass. Maybe I am missing something. He's written like he's supposed to be intimidating, a bit sociopathic, and with the capabilities to rip people limb from limb if he needs to. However, I don't think that was pulled off effectively.
There are characters I read where I completely believe that they could tell a King to kiss their ass and get away with it. Rook is not one of those people. I was half expecting him to get beat up by those more capable. In fact, I think it would have been more interesting.
Pros?
A female character who gets the interest of a prince and doesn't swoon. In fact, she wants to look after his safety and her interests which I think is awesome.
Plus, no full out romantic plot. I think there's a thing between Madoka and Badger. Then there's the weird fixation that Rook has with Havemercy: Much like he wants to have a love thing going on. BUT OVERALL, no real romance to go on. I know some people will think it's bad form not to have a couple in a story like this but I'm glad there wasn't one.