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lizshayne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book improved dramatically when encountered in print rather than audio because no one on the page is doing a French accent, which...was a choice made by the narrator in the audio book. Also I spent less time absolutely howling at the main characters for their choices, which is an improvement. If you enjoyed the first book (or even if you were on the fence about it), this book definitely improves and raises the stakes in a way that is super interesting. Part of me still feels like this story is messy and I keep thinking of the wizles rule that we are skeptical of books that posit that queer desire is the revolutionary force. But I'm still curious where this book chooses to go.
princessraya's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
5.0
Oh wow! I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one took all the good parts of that one and made them even better! The tension and longing and violence were all perfectly balanced to have me literally sweating at the edge of my seat. I will be very anxiously awaiting the next book!
allisongravez's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Oh holy fuck
diveintobooks's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.25
infyria's review
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? Yes
4.25
virgilsinferno's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rileyreviews's review against another edition
5.0
CL Clark has done it again folks, I am reeeaaalllyyy interested in seeing which direction they take this story.
distraughtplant's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
4.5
After digesting the first book long enough to approach the second with less rose-tinted glasses, I can state firmly I love the series more than I did when I finished The Unbroken; however I have one large and two small complaints that dock this from a 5 to a 4.5.
1. The biggest major event of this book, the definite climax, leaves several pieces of information unclear. I cannot say much more without revealing spoilers, but decisions are made and processes are undergone which I just can't wrap my head around. A line or two of explanatory text or a few lines of dialouge in those critical moments at the end of the climax, or in the chapters after could have entirely removed this issue. I'm left feeling as if I missed something, and as if some of the events during and immediately following the climax are unjustified. Some of my friends who've also read this book agree, the reasoning behind why the climax advances the way it does in those most critical moments feels convoluted.
2. I also have the much smaller peeve that the condition of a certain individuals injury is not clarified when they appear later. This implies they were healed, but we never see how. The last time they were seen, there was talk of some serious lengths they may have to go to in order to survive the wound. This too, could have been solved with a simple observation from one of the other characters.
3. Beyond all that, a couple small parts of the ending text feels almost like it was part of a draft that was meant to be elaborated on and clarified in the final version, but wasn't. Specifically in the final chapter or two I see this.
Of course, I still absolutely adore this book. Clark's ability to portray characters inner and interpersonal conflicts as they navigate systemic injustices and power-constructs that perfectly capture real-world racism, colonialism, white supremacy, and exploitation is awe-inspiring, and definitely an even stronger point in this book than in the last.
When it comes to character relationships, I adore that the inevitable political power dynamic between our protagonists is never once forgotten, and the complexity and strife of attempting to navigate a relationship that is more than simple business never falters.
Finally, I love and hate that this is a series that continues to so perfectly *convince* the audience things are going to be okay. I love that Clark is unafraid to walk the line, and does so wonderfully when it is so easy for these repeated tragedies to turn into something too expected, and therefore less impactful. I often predicted things weren't going to turn out ideally, but I never once guessed properly how exactly it would happen.
I am at the edge of my seat waiting for The Sovereign to release in 2025. I have faith in Clark and their team to ensure this story is done it's justice, and look forward to learning more about Masidrān and the Taargens.
1. The biggest major event of this book, the definite climax, leaves several pieces of information unclear. I cannot say much more without revealing spoilers, but decisions are made and processes are undergone which I just can't wrap my head around. A line or two of explanatory text or a few lines of dialouge in those critical moments at the end of the climax, or in the chapters after could have entirely removed this issue. I'm left feeling as if I missed something, and as if some of the events during and immediately following the climax are unjustified. Some of my friends who've also read this book agree, the reasoning behind why the climax advances the way it does in those most critical moments feels convoluted.
2. I also have the much smaller peeve that the condition of a certain individuals injury is not clarified when they appear later. This implies they were healed, but we never see how. The last time they were seen, there was talk of some serious lengths they may have to go to in order to survive the wound. This too, could have been solved with a simple observation from one of the other characters.
3. Beyond all that, a couple small parts of the ending text feels almost like it was part of a draft that was meant to be elaborated on and clarified in the final version, but wasn't. Specifically in the final chapter or two I see this.
Of course, I still absolutely adore this book. Clark's ability to portray characters inner and interpersonal conflicts as they navigate systemic injustices and power-constructs that perfectly capture real-world racism, colonialism, white supremacy, and exploitation is awe-inspiring, and definitely an even stronger point in this book than in the last.
When it comes to character relationships, I adore that the inevitable political power dynamic between our protagonists is never once forgotten, and the complexity and strife of attempting to navigate a relationship that is more than simple business never falters.
Finally, I love and hate that this is a series that continues to so perfectly *convince* the audience things are going to be okay. I love that Clark is unafraid to walk the line, and does so wonderfully when it is so easy for these repeated tragedies to turn into something too expected, and therefore less impactful. I often predicted things weren't going to turn out ideally, but I never once guessed properly how exactly it would happen.
I am at the edge of my seat waiting for The Sovereign to release in 2025. I have faith in Clark and their team to ensure this story is done it's justice, and look forward to learning more about Masidrān and the Taargens.
landofkait's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
This is a solid second book in a trilogy. It moves the story along and introduces new challenges that I am excited to see develop in the final installment. Luca and Touraine are ridiculously into each other and dealing with the reality that their goals might not align as easily as they hoped they would. I was charmed by Sabine—really, less brushes with death for this woman. The stakes were high and we dealt with some uncomfortable truths, but Clark did a great job setting up the next stages of this story in a way that it didn’t feel like this was just pulling the story along for the sake of pulling it. I can’t wait for the final piece.