Reviews

Warmaidens by Kelly Coon

kleonard's review against another edition

2.0

I really enjoyed Coon's Gravemaidens, the first book in this series, so I eagerly anticipated this sequel. It was, however, a disappointment. The plot is a a bit of a retread of the first book--remove the evil despot--and the characters are universally flat. They've all been saddled with new abilities as well as each now having a more significant flaw, but it feels like these attributes have been added as if the characters leveled up, like in D&D. The characters experience failure after failure, and while failure is great for plot, the characters need to be learning from those failures--and these never seem to do that, which is enormously frustrating. While it's good to see that the feminist ethos of the first book is still very present, it feels much more self-conscious in this volume, often expressed through interior character monologues rather than by actions and actual conversations between characters. In addition, readers will not be able to understand what's happening in this book, from plot to character development and relationships, without having read the first book.

racshael's review

I liked the first one and it wrapped up so nicely. It felt like this was another arc and I wasn't attached enough to the world to stay for it. 

sabrimata's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

3.0

ameserole's review against another edition

4.0

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Warmaidens was so much fun to dive into! Luckily for me, I didn't forget much from [b:Gravemaidens|44291755|Gravemaidens (Gravemaidens, #1)|Kelly Coon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552357109l/44291755._SY75_.jpg|58403130] and it was pretty easy to get back into this world. It's mostly because of the characters. They are just so freaking lovable and my feelings for Dagan and Kammani grew so much while reading this book.

They are my ship and everything. All I wanted was for them to be protected at all costs and to eventually become a thing towards the end. Ya know.. like a couple couple. Marriage and all that jazz. I JUST WANTED THEM TO LIVE DAMMIT!

That being said, Kammani was somewhat okay in this book. Don't get me wrong I still love the crap out of her. She was just annoying and a little dumb this time around. Not sure what happened between the first and second book but it was so hard for her to make a decision or to trust someone. I mean, obviously you should listen if and when someone has a message for ya... but what do I know?

There was also a scene that ALMOST broke my heart. Meaning I almost threw my phone at the wall and screamed at it for lying to me. I didn't think I would have trust issues with a damn ebook but apparently I can and did.

In the end, it was really cute and I felt like an emotional mess. Mostly from all the battle scenes and then that last damn chapter. Ugh, I am so happy that I got to dive into this.

singsthewren's review against another edition

This was a satisfying follow-up to Gravemaidens, although I didn't like it quite as much. It was missing the central mystery that made the first book so engaging, and instead of focused a lot on the evils of war, which felt a bit exhausting after a while. The characters face a lot of defeats over and over. But I enjoyed seeing where their lives went, and I liked the conclusion a lot.

illborrowthisone's review against another edition

4.0

I was so excited to dive back into this world by Kelly Coon. I absolutely love the main character as a healer. It was refreshing to see things through her eyes of avoiding destruction. There is just hint of romance and I love the independence that is balanced in the story line. Things in this story are perfect. They go wrong and watching the characters to come together and solve the problems was exciting. It has a found family feel and sacrifice as they journey back home. I would definitely recommend you pick up this duology! I cannot wait to see what Kelly has up her sleeve next. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eARC.

cassmuhr's review against another edition

4.0

So glad Kammani has finally stopped resisting Dagan!

laineann91's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mythicalreadsreviewer's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

"Warmaidens," the sequel to "Gravemaidens," takes us back to the fantasy world of Kammani and her companions, but this time with a narrative that struggles to match the emotional depth and coherence of its predecessor. Set in the backdrop of impending war and political turmoil, the book aims to deliver a dark, action-packed conclusion but falls short in execution.

The story resumes months after the events of the first book, with Kammani now a respected healer in the city-state of Manzazu. While this setup promises an intriguing continuation, the narrative quickly becomes a victim of its own pace. The rushed development robs the plot of the richness and detail that could have made it more compelling.

A significant disappointment is the transformation of Nanaea, whose character becomes almost unrecognizable from the first book. The loss of the complex and emotionally charged sister relationship, a cornerstone of "Gravemaidens," leaves a void in the story. This shift not only undermines the continuity of the characters but also detracts from the overall impact of the narrative.

The book misses several opportunities to deepen its thematic exploration, particularly in the portrayal of the female warriors and feminist themes. While these elements had the potential to add a powerful dimension to the story, their underdevelopment results in a narrative that feels lacking in depth and substance.

Dagan remains a highlight, his steadfastness providing some continuity and emotional grounding amidst the disjointed storytelling. However, Kammani's character arc is problematic, with decisions and actions that seem inconsistent with her established personality, further contributing to the book's disjointed feel.

In summary, "Warmaidens" struggles to live up to the expectations set by "Gravemaidens." While it attempts to conclude the duology on a high note, the lack of character depth, rushed pacing, and missed thematic opportunities result in a sequel that is ultimately unsatisfying. Fans of the first book may find some closure in this conclusion, but it may not be the gratifying end they hoped for. 

kerasalwaysreading's review against another edition

4.0

3.75 stars

Spoiler free review (full review to come)

I was so excited to get an eGalley of this one since I enjoyed Gravemaidens so much. I was provided this e-arc from NetGalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

The maidens have found refuge and believe themselves to be safe. But when an assassin kills who they believe to be Kammani, the idea of safety is shattered. They have been discovered... Now Kammani has to take down the dastardly ruler of Alu to ensure the future for herself and everyone she cares about.

I adored Dagan so much in this book! He was just the ray of sunshine I needed. I loved Kammani’s strength and the lengths she goes to protect the people she loves. She is one kick butt healer!