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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
3,5 stars
- not a final review -
I really enjoyed the first part of the book, of how deeply and final consequences are, of how Eugenides is troubled by them. The decision of writing this sequel in third perspective can also be seen as a way of Eugenides becoming an adult, while I finally realized how young he is. It also aids in partly (or possibly) misleading the reader.
At the same time I didn't enjoy a big part of this story. Probably because it reminded me of "Assassin's Apprentice" in some parts and therefore I kind of expected a longer, more detailed telling, whereas "The Queen of Attolia" felt too much like a summary. Several times I wanted to make sure that this audio book is not an abridged version. I liked the political parts, the intrigues and everything (you can notice how much historical and polical, impressive knowledge the author has), the backstories and the tale of the gods, the sprinkle of a fantasy element, but at the same time it wasn't enough for me and even though I understood what was happening it felt too random sometimes (I can't really describe it right now - maybe some twists and turns are too much? Too much in such a way that nothing feels surprising, that everything can just happen as if it wasn't the plan from the beginning on). I don't know what to think of the love story, because as it is I like it, but even though there are hints when you think back, it feels more like something that was added in the end and doesn't fit, like a red thread through a black sweater - it works, it is woven into it, but it poks out.
But then again, I listened to this book while doing some tedious and more and more annoying work and it might have been better to not listen to it in almost one session. Additionally, Eddis and Attolia are words better read than listened to, as they sounded like they both begin with an A (English with its different pronounciations of the same letter), so I got confused of hearing either of them in the first seconds (I read a summary afterwards, which is why I can say that I still understood the story and was able to follow it without problems).
I can't shake of the feeling that I skipped some scenes, in spite of listening carefully. Everything happend so fast with showing the most important scenes only, making me not feel the characters, making me not feel the impact and danger and seriousness and consequences of the war. I saw, but I didn't feel, as if there was no actual time to feel - especially in regards to the first chapters, which just hit.
- not a final review -
I really enjoyed the first part of the book, of how deeply and final consequences are, of how Eugenides is troubled by them. The decision of writing this sequel in third perspective can also be seen as a way of Eugenides becoming an adult, while I finally realized how young he is. It also aids in partly (or possibly) misleading the reader.
At the same time I didn't enjoy a big part of this story. Probably because it reminded me of "Assassin's Apprentice" in some parts and therefore I kind of expected a longer, more detailed telling, whereas "The Queen of Attolia" felt too much like a summary. Several times I wanted to make sure that this audio book is not an abridged version. I liked the political parts, the intrigues and everything (you can notice how much historical and polical, impressive knowledge the author has), the backstories and the tale of the gods, the sprinkle of a fantasy element, but at the same time it wasn't enough for me and even though I understood what was happening it felt too random sometimes (I can't really describe it right now - maybe some twists and turns are too much? Too much in such a way that nothing feels surprising, that everything can just happen as if it wasn't the plan from the beginning on). I don't know what to think of the love story, because as it is I like it, but even though there are hints when you think back, it feels more like something that was added in the end and doesn't fit, like a red thread through a black sweater - it works, it is woven into it, but it poks out.
But then again, I listened to this book while doing some tedious and more and more annoying work and it might have been better to not listen to it in almost one session. Additionally, Eddis and Attolia are words better read than listened to, as they sounded like they both begin with an A (English with its different pronounciations of the same letter), so I got confused of hearing either of them in the first seconds (I read a summary afterwards, which is why I can say that I still understood the story and was able to follow it without problems).
I can't shake of the feeling that I skipped some scenes, in spite of listening carefully. Everything happend so fast with showing the most important scenes only, making me not feel the characters, making me not feel the impact and danger and seriousness and consequences of the war. I saw, but I didn't feel, as if there was no actual time to feel - especially in regards to the first chapters, which just hit.
I'm still not quite convinced about these two. This is the weakest of the four.
I love the way this series is written. It's the style of prose where they could be talking about their groceries and I would be content - but there are no groceries in this book. Both The Thief and The Queen of Attolia have really nice pacing and plotting, with very satisfying moments when everything comes together. But with the Thief I didn't care about the characters at first, it didn't draw me in immediately - in this book though I know these characters so I was immediately excited to see what would happen. And boy does it hit the ground running.
I don't really want to talk about plot because I think it's too easy with this series to spoil things. What I will say is that I love Attolia, I love Gen, I love Eddis, and they are all the main players here. I also really like how there continues to be bits of mythology thrown in here and there.
This series is excellent, I can't wait to continue.
I don't really want to talk about plot because I think it's too easy with this series to spoil things. What I will say is that I love Attolia, I love Gen, I love Eddis, and they are all the main players here. I also really like how there continues to be bits of mythology thrown in here and there.
This series is excellent, I can't wait to continue.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow! The middle was a little slow, but the end totally made up for it. It threw a total curve ball I was not expecting! It was also well written and fascinating with charismatic and dynamic characters.
adventurous
tense
4.5 stars.
Still such a fantastic read! It's such a different experience rereading these books and seeing all the clues along the way that were missed upon the initial read. I loved it. And now I can't wait to go on to the King of Attolia. I remember that one being one of the best books I've ever read.
Original Review
Pretty dang good. I liked this book a bit more than the first. It was interesting and I enjoyed the story. It's such a satisfying read in the end. It's amazing how Turner is able to withhold important information until the very end and then blow you away (in a good way). She keeps you guessing and wondering. I'll definitely reread this book.
Still such a fantastic read! It's such a different experience rereading these books and seeing all the clues along the way that were missed upon the initial read. I loved it. And now I can't wait to go on to the King of Attolia. I remember that one being one of the best books I've ever read.
Original Review
Pretty dang good. I liked this book a bit more than the first. It was interesting and I enjoyed the story. It's such a satisfying read in the end. It's amazing how Turner is able to withhold important information until the very end and then blow you away (in a good way). She keeps you guessing and wondering. I'll definitely reread this book.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes