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laraloops's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Since the story did not have to spend as much time introducing characters the pace was nice and fast and it was a fun book with lots of treachery and running and fighting - all good fighting stuff. The twists could be a bit predictable but it was all very entertaining. The ending wasn't as crazy as the first book but I bet it's the placement in the book series - I am very interested to see how all of the prophecies play out. There were some satisfying parts when
A good viking fantasy read.
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Rape
isi__1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Although I do have to say that I don‘t think that the ending of book one was topped by the ending of book two, I do think that the pacing of this sequel was a lot more consistent. I couldn‘t stop reading!
Even though this book isn‘t short, it is a breeze to get through. This is definitely made easier by the very short chapters, which manage to make any book go by way faster.
There‘s a few new POVs added, but it wasn‘t hard to keep track of these new characters, because I was already familiar with the world, general direction of the plot, and the other characters.
The only reason why it‘s not a perfect 5-star book is because I can see some improvements to be made in the pacing. Although I was never bored for long, there were certain scenes or subplots that did drag on a tiny bit, in my opinion. Don‘t get me wrong, this really wasn‘t a glaring issue & didn‘t happen most of the time. All I‘m saying is that I do feel like there‘s some room for growth.
In any case, I can‘t wait to read the third and fourth book. Especially because people do seem to like these the most.
Graphic: War, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Slavery
Minor: Torture, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
dani_reis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Murder, Abandonment, Gore, Violence, and War
Minor: Rape
Rapexta_07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
While both the beginning and the end of the book were very exciting and fun to read, I had trouble maintaining my momentum through the middle. What truly carried me through were the characters. They shine in this story; they all feel incredibly real. I really particularly enjoyed
John Gwynne has a knack for taking a tangled spider web of a plot and weaving it all together in a beautiful tear stained tapestry. I am both exited and scared to pick up book 3!
Graphic: War, Blood, Violence, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Rape, Torture, and Confinement
josiah17's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
The plot for this series is just so digestible and captivating, even in its simplicity. It's very much a "God vs Satan" or a "Good vs Evil" conflict, but it still feels fresh and unique in it's own ways.
The character work is also an improvement in this book over Malice as this book builds on the groundwork that was laid in the previous one. Gwynne is masterful at making you feel attached to his characters.
This book also explores a really interesting portion of the world, and it gives some insight into the differences between giant clans and humans.
I'm really a huge fan of Gwynne's writing. I love it. And as I said after Malice, this series is certainly on it's way to becoming an all-time favorite.
Edit 9/8/23: 4.5 stars now. Still fantastic, but not quite 5 stars like I initially thought.
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
surdiablo's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
He thought of the cauldron, the black cloud rising from it, the tainted Jehar ripping men limb from limb, Nathair sitting on the dais steps, and finally the old man that he had fought, who had killed his mam. Calidus, Meical had called him. One thought circled in his head like the black birds swirling about the mountain peaks.
They must be stopped.
They must be stopped!
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Confinement, and Rape
russelmcq's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
A violent, emotional upheaval that grabs you and shakes you.
As a newer fantasy reader and having gone from Tolkien to this, I can appreciate both sides immensely.
Graphic: Torture, War, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Suicide attempt, Violence, Animal death, Blood, Death, Grief, Murder, Death of parent, and Gore
sorrel29's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Death
Minor: Sexual assault
dryhop's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Likewise, I find Gwynne's handling of description much more to my liking. Jordan can paint a scene but after pages of livery and architecture, I get it. I've probably already forgotten most of it. Gwynne sets his scene quickly and leaves it to the reader to fill in. There's a feast hall, a fire, benches, and warriors. Now let's talk plot and characters. Brilliant. Let's move right into the meat of it.
Additionally, Gwynne handles time skips well. There's a siege, it's been a couple weeks. How does Gwynne describe that? Chapter break and a couple moons later. Perfect. Need to walk somewhere. Good work everyone, you did it. I feel with Jordan that we would have a chapter for each day of the siege, each pang of hunger dragged on interminably between descriptions of the now ill-fitting silk whatever that everyone is wearing. Again, it sets a scene, but is it ultimately necessary? Gwynne keeps the action going and the important parts front and center. It's fast paced, especially for an epic fantasy, but I'm all in.
I don't mean to say that Jordan or the Wheel of Time is bad. I don't think that. But it creates a great counter to The Faithful and The Fallen. They both do things well and in their own way. I enjoy the Wheel of Time or else I wouldn't be doing a reread. But I must say I have a great deal of respect for how Gwynne moves his story along. The characters are engaging, the story interesting, and you're basically never dropped into a chapter that's there to explain something to you. Keep up; there's a war happening and it waits on no one. Coming from Wheel of Time where I may glaze over the stitching on the sleeves of noble Whoever's sleeves, I have to stay riveted to the page here because things are happening. It's a very engaging reading experience. All in all, this book was great and I highly recommend it. (Lots of gore and violence for those that aren't into that by way of content warning).
Graphic: Violence and Gore
ripxw's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Violence, Gore, and Torture
Minor: Sexual violence