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namulith's review against another edition
5.0
Oh yes. Amazing continuation of the trilogy. I am so glad I happened upon these books, because I am enjoying them so much. Again, my only complaint is that the trilogy is not yet finished.
In this book Auric shares the stage with his daughter Agnes. It is mostly about them, their journey and how it affects them. There is a lot of development and pain, both physical and of the mind. Nobody in this broken, battered world is whole and unharmed. And yet they do great things, very hard things to do. We get to learn more about the world, their history and the Djao. Not quite pleasant, but interesting nonetheless. I can't wait for the final book!
In this book Auric shares the stage with his daughter Agnes. It is mostly about them, their journey and how it affects them. There is a lot of development and pain, both physical and of the mind. Nobody in this broken, battered world is whole and unharmed. And yet they do great things, very hard things to do. We get to learn more about the world, their history and the Djao. Not quite pleasant, but interesting nonetheless. I can't wait for the final book!
adherrling's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A little weaker than the previous installment. An afterword by the author mentions that this series was originally a pathfinder module; this makes a lot of sense in hindsight, as the character archetypes and set pieces are very familiar to that medium of storytelling. The author also mentions his work as a clinical psychotherapist and his desire to explore a character with anxiety and PTSD, which I appreciate, but I don't know that it does much to the story here. Not sure if I'll continue to the third one
tallblondehandsome's review
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ladyvictoria's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
hall0wnest66's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
esop's review
5.0
Sin Eater expands on the strengths of the first book, raising the stakes in this creepy, fantastical world while bringing us--and its cast of characters--closer to the truth that we'll have to face in the trilogy's finale.
Once again, Shel has created a story filled with fascinating characters and locales. Those who had issues with the pacing of the original novel will probably not find this one an improvement (we still spend a majority of the book either in one place or traveling, with only the last bit of the book taking place in its destination), but this structure never bothered me in either book. Just like in Aching God, Shel brings us and the party through wildly interesting and varied places. Nothing felt like a retread of the first book, and we got to experience new sights and learn about aspects of the world and its cultures that were either briefly or not at all touched on in the previous book. It expands the world in a great way, showcasing Shel's world-building skills; every detail feels real, every place and ritual and belief feels rich and lived-in and believable.
The characters were similarly unique and interesting. Returning from the last adventure are Auric and Sira, while Auric's daughter Agnes (who's also a new POV character), fellow Syraiec knight Kennah, a broken sorcerer named Qeelb, and an actor/versatilis named Chalca join the party this time around. I was most intrigued by Qeelb and his history/power, though everyone gets their moment in the story's spotlight. Naturally Auric and Agnes get the most development, being POV characters, but Shel does a good job of juggling a fairly large cast of characters.
I don't want to get into the plot much, as its developments routinely surprised and excited me, so I don't want to spoil that experience for anyone else. But rest assured it's just as strange, interesting, creepy, and thrilling as Aching God, once again telling its own complete tale while tying into the larger narrative and setting up what's sure to be a grand finale.
Once again, Shel has created a story filled with fascinating characters and locales. Those who had issues with the pacing of the original novel will probably not find this one an improvement (we still spend a majority of the book either in one place or traveling, with only the last bit of the book taking place in its destination), but this structure never bothered me in either book. Just like in Aching God, Shel brings us and the party through wildly interesting and varied places. Nothing felt like a retread of the first book, and we got to experience new sights and learn about aspects of the world and its cultures that were either briefly or not at all touched on in the previous book. It expands the world in a great way, showcasing Shel's world-building skills; every detail feels real, every place and ritual and belief feels rich and lived-in and believable.
The characters were similarly unique and interesting. Returning from the last adventure are Auric and Sira, while Auric's daughter Agnes (who's also a new POV character), fellow Syraiec knight Kennah, a broken sorcerer named Qeelb, and an actor/versatilis named Chalca join the party this time around. I was most intrigued by Qeelb and his history/power, though everyone gets their moment in the story's spotlight. Naturally Auric and Agnes get the most development, being POV characters, but Shel does a good job of juggling a fairly large cast of characters.
I don't want to get into the plot much, as its developments routinely surprised and excited me, so I don't want to spoil that experience for anyone else. But rest assured it's just as strange, interesting, creepy, and thrilling as Aching God, once again telling its own complete tale while tying into the larger narrative and setting up what's sure to be a grand finale.
saraishelafs's review
5.0
A great second book of a three book series
The MC's of book one return and continue a quest to bring order to their world and clarify the roles of their pantheon. Violence ensues.
The MC's of book one return and continue a quest to bring order to their world and clarify the roles of their pantheon. Violence ensues.
grimm_raven's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault