waclements7's review against another edition
5.0
So much happens here! The Irises really tick me off. Yay for Gujerat and Lucy for telling Tom the truth about how backwards they are. Yay for Sam for telling the truth. Boy, people really don’t like the truth. They can’t _handle_ the truth. I so feel for Cathy. Boo to Will. Yay to Oliver. ???? Beatrice. Boo to Eleanor, too. Cathy saved her. I am so, so glad I am reading these when they are all out. I would be going bonkers otherwise. It’s a great gift to find an awesome series that’s already completed.
cozy_books_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe how much I didn't like the first half of this book and how much I loved the second half.
Cathy is a great main character. I love her passion and everything she's fighting for. I want her to succeed. Sometimes she can be a little reckless (she threatens people without thinking of what the repercussions might be. Not just for her but for others too), but it's understandable.
Will... I like his character, but only because he makes me so angry. He has good intentions, but every single thing he does is wrong. I just want him to do the right thing once.
Max is a good character, with so much potential, but I feel like it's wasted most of the time. He's just there to fix things in the end.
Sam. I don't like Sam. I just don't. He's boring and his pov is boring. He trusts random people and he's just as reckless as Cathy. It really bothers me how much I'm supposed to believe he's changed in this book; in book 1 I imagined him as a plain man, maybe with e beer belly, who doesn't take care of himself. Now I'm supposed to believe he's super handsome with muscles and power. I just can't see it.
One issue: I hate love triangles. I hope this is not where the series will go.
Cathy is a great main character. I love her passion and everything she's fighting for. I want her to succeed. Sometimes she can be a little reckless (she threatens people without thinking of what the repercussions might be. Not just for her but for others too), but it's understandable.
Will... I like his character, but only because he makes me so angry. He has good intentions, but every single thing he does is wrong. I just want him to do the right thing once.
Max is a good character, with so much potential, but I feel like it's wasted most of the time. He's just there to fix things in the end.
Sam. I don't like Sam. I just don't. He's boring and his pov is boring. He trusts random people and he's just as reckless as Cathy. It really bothers me how much I'm supposed to believe he's changed in this book; in book 1 I imagined him as a plain man, maybe with e beer belly, who doesn't take care of himself. Now I'm supposed to believe he's super handsome with muscles and power. I just can't see it.
One issue: I hate love triangles. I hope this is not where the series will go.
amandacole's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted on Desert Island Book Reviews
This is book four in The Split Worlds series. If you haven't read the first three, don't read this review!
I've been anxiously waiting to read this book since I read the first one last month. I'm so glad I didn't have to wait very long between books because of my good timing, but I have to say that I was a little disappointed. This series has been pulling me along with good momentum and with interesting characters and plot, but for me, this installment didn't measure up.
For starters, not much happened to advance the story. Yes, there's Cathy's ongoing battle for women's rights in the Nether, but not much came of it, aside from angry men. This book had quite a lot of angry men in it, as well as women who were victimized in one way or another. The gender dynamics in the Nether have been this way since the first book, but they've never been as obviously displayed as they were here. Even characters that had seemed like they might be decent are misogynistic, and women who had seemed to be very meek are suddenly all about standing up for themselves. It was frustrating to read.
And Will — ugh! He really has turned into the villain for me. Most of the things that he'd done weren't great before, but there were glimmers of hope for him. I'd thought that maybe he was redeemable, but nope. This book really showed Will for who he really is, and that's not someone I can support in any way. I'm sad that he didn't turn out to be a revolutionary, and I hope Cathy manages to change things in spite of his dedication to the status quo.
The Elemental Court is weird and I'm not sure I can see how it plays into the larger story anymore. I can definitely see how Sam is relevant, and there were a few inklings of how he's going to continue to play a big role in the evolution of the Nether, but the rest of them just seem like corporate bullies. I'm not sure they're necessary at all. I still like Sam, and aside from Max, I think he's the only male character that doesn't drive me totally crazy.
This book was still enjoyable, but I wish a lot more had happened, or at least that something big with a real impact had happened. I think that the end of this book foreshadows something very interesting, but the earlier bits were uncharacteristically dull. It was a lot of men doing something stupid, or Cathy doing something reckless, and that just isn't interesting enough for a full book. I'm excited to read the next book (whenever it comes out), but for me, this one just wasn't up to scratch. I gave it three stars.
*ARC from NetGalley
This is book four in The Split Worlds series. If you haven't read the first three, don't read this review!
I've been anxiously waiting to read this book since I read the first one last month. I'm so glad I didn't have to wait very long between books because of my good timing, but I have to say that I was a little disappointed. This series has been pulling me along with good momentum and with interesting characters and plot, but for me, this installment didn't measure up.
For starters, not much happened to advance the story. Yes, there's Cathy's ongoing battle for women's rights in the Nether, but not much came of it, aside from angry men. This book had quite a lot of angry men in it, as well as women who were victimized in one way or another. The gender dynamics in the Nether have been this way since the first book, but they've never been as obviously displayed as they were here. Even characters that had seemed like they might be decent are misogynistic, and women who had seemed to be very meek are suddenly all about standing up for themselves. It was frustrating to read.
And Will — ugh! He really has turned into the villain for me. Most of the things that he'd done weren't great before, but there were glimmers of hope for him. I'd thought that maybe he was redeemable, but nope. This book really showed Will for who he really is, and that's not someone I can support in any way. I'm sad that he didn't turn out to be a revolutionary, and I hope Cathy manages to change things in spite of his dedication to the status quo.
The Elemental Court is weird and I'm not sure I can see how it plays into the larger story anymore. I can definitely see how Sam is relevant, and there were a few inklings of how he's going to continue to play a big role in the evolution of the Nether, but the rest of them just seem like corporate bullies. I'm not sure they're necessary at all. I still like Sam, and aside from Max, I think he's the only male character that doesn't drive me totally crazy.
This book was still enjoyable, but I wish a lot more had happened, or at least that something big with a real impact had happened. I think that the end of this book foreshadows something very interesting, but the earlier bits were uncharacteristically dull. It was a lot of men doing something stupid, or Cathy doing something reckless, and that just isn't interesting enough for a full book. I'm excited to read the next book (whenever it comes out), but for me, this one just wasn't up to scratch. I gave it three stars.
*ARC from NetGalley
leticiatoraci's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best book series I've read in a very long time.
Emma Newman is an awesome writer and her audiobook narration of this series is perfect too!
Emma Newman is an awesome writer and her audiobook narration of this series is perfect too!
kate_in_a_book's review against another edition
5.0
The story still centres on Cathy – one of the “fae-touched” humans, whose life is controlled by the Fae – and Max, whose job is to protect innocent humans from magical misdeeds, such as being disappeared. Cathy must now live in the Nether, a magical reflection of the human world, known as Mundanus. Though she theoretically inhabits a powerful position in fae-touched society, she is frustrated by the confines of an extremely patriarchal system. Her experience in Mundanus exposed her to feminism and women’s rights – thoroughly foreign concepts in the Nether. But the resistance to her proposed changes is so extreme that she wonders if something else is going on.
Cathy’s trust in her husband is tested over and over again. He pays lip service to supporting her, but he is under pressure from Lord Iris to have a child and that is where his efforts really lie. Meanwhile, Sam is learning what his new job entails, and – like Cathy – that having money and power does not necessarily make it easier to make the world a better place. At least not while there are other people with money and power who think things are fine as they are. Max and the Gargoyle continue to provide light relief, but they too have depth and history woven into their story.
Read my full review: http://www.noseinabook.co.uk/2017/06/08/the-delicacy-and-insight-of-a-cat-with-its-head-stuck-in-a-box/
Cathy’s trust in her husband is tested over and over again. He pays lip service to supporting her, but he is under pressure from Lord Iris to have a child and that is where his efforts really lie. Meanwhile, Sam is learning what his new job entails, and – like Cathy – that having money and power does not necessarily make it easier to make the world a better place. At least not while there are other people with money and power who think things are fine as they are. Max and the Gargoyle continue to provide light relief, but they too have depth and history woven into their story.
Read my full review: http://www.noseinabook.co.uk/2017/06/08/the-delicacy-and-insight-of-a-cat-with-its-head-stuck-in-a-box/
snowteddie's review against another edition
5.0
I have been hooked on this series since the first page of book one.
beckylej's review against another edition
5.0
Things are getting tense in Londinium. Will is under pressure to secure his lineage, per orders from Lord Iris himself, while also trying to keep the truth about Margritte under wraps. Cathy's drive to change things for the women of the Nether isn't helping. Even though he agrees on most counts, the other men of Londinium are none too pleased about the prospect of their wives being more than arm candy.
Up in Mundanus, Max has started a new investigation into a rash of missing people, including his own father. As his case progresses, his path crosses once again with Sam, the new Lord Iron, who faces challenges similar to that of Cathy. Turns out the Elemental Court is about as eager for change as the folks of the Nether!
I love this series! With an undying passion! I seriously want everyone to discover the fabulousness of the Split Worlds and am so very, very glad that Newman has had the opportunity to bring us more installments!
As I'd mentioned in my release/what I'm reading post a few weeks ago, there are currently plans for a fifth installment to be released next year. I am dying to see how things will turn out for Cathy, Will, Max, Sam, and the others.
A Little Knowledge has started to address some of the questions of the Elemental Court and their purpose. We've also returned to the Sorcerer issue (no spoilers) and maybe a bit more insight into the plot there. But the true goals of the fae are still in question. What does Lord Iris envision for Will and Cathy's son? Why is Lord Tulip so interested in Cathy's "full potential?" And when will the people of Albion catch on to the progress that seems to be passing them by!?
Emma Newman's series is filled with fabulous characters, intricate detail, and tons of political intrigue. And of course magic and fae. The combination alone is appealing but paired with Newman's fabulous prose, the series is a serious stand out!
Up in Mundanus, Max has started a new investigation into a rash of missing people, including his own father. As his case progresses, his path crosses once again with Sam, the new Lord Iron, who faces challenges similar to that of Cathy. Turns out the Elemental Court is about as eager for change as the folks of the Nether!
I love this series! With an undying passion! I seriously want everyone to discover the fabulousness of the Split Worlds and am so very, very glad that Newman has had the opportunity to bring us more installments!
As I'd mentioned in my release/what I'm reading post a few weeks ago, there are currently plans for a fifth installment to be released next year. I am dying to see how things will turn out for Cathy, Will, Max, Sam, and the others.
A Little Knowledge has started to address some of the questions of the Elemental Court and their purpose. We've also returned to the Sorcerer issue (no spoilers) and maybe a bit more insight into the plot there. But the true goals of the fae are still in question. What does Lord Iris envision for Will and Cathy's son? Why is Lord Tulip so interested in Cathy's "full potential?" And when will the people of Albion catch on to the progress that seems to be passing them by!?
Emma Newman's series is filled with fabulous characters, intricate detail, and tons of political intrigue. And of course magic and fae. The combination alone is appealing but paired with Newman's fabulous prose, the series is a serious stand out!
effusionsofwit's review against another edition
3.0
I have so many conflicting feelings on this book! I never loved this series, like I do with Newman's sci-fi, but I enjoyed it enough to feel invested.
At points, this series feels impossible; Cathy is beating her head against the wall, trying to make a difference, but rarely making any progress. I realize that conflict is important to stories, but when everything a character stands for feels futile, it's not as compelling. Middle books are always difficult, and although it's obvious that this book is ramping up to the conclusion, it still felt like a bit of a struggle.
One thing that I really appreciate about this book is how it delves deeper into why the worlds were split, and how the Elemental Court and the Fae work and are connected. Emma Newman really shines in world building. I am fully immersed in the Split Worlds, despite any frustrations related to the progress of the story.
Nevertheless! I really enjoy these characters, particularly Sam. I'm still rooting for Cathy, and I hope that she succeeds. Looking forward to the final book in the series, and finally finding out how on earth any of this could be resolved.
At points, this series feels impossible; Cathy is beating her head against the wall, trying to make a difference, but rarely making any progress. I realize that conflict is important to stories, but when everything a character stands for feels futile, it's not as compelling. Middle books are always difficult, and although it's obvious that this book is ramping up to the conclusion, it still felt like a bit of a struggle.
One thing that I really appreciate about this book is how it delves deeper into why the worlds were split, and how the Elemental Court and the Fae work and are connected. Emma Newman really shines in world building. I am fully immersed in the Split Worlds, despite any frustrations related to the progress of the story.
Nevertheless! I really enjoy these characters, particularly Sam. I'm still rooting for Cathy, and I hope that she succeeds. Looking forward to the final book in the series, and finally finding out how on earth any of this could be resolved.
coolcurrybooks's review against another edition
4.0
A Little Knowledge is my favorite yet in Emma Newman’s Split Worlds series. The series follows a large cast of characters to present a picture of the Split Worlds – the mundane human world, the fey world, and the Nether, the in between space filled with a fey controlled society reminiscent of a bygone age. Each book in the series is a chapter in a greater ongoing story and cannot be read independently. If you are unfamiliar with the series, you need to start with the first book, Between Two Thorns. Spoilers for the preceding three books will follow.
Max is trying to protect the innocents without the backup of a chapter. He’s also come across some information relating to his own past. Cathy is trying to live out her dreams of changing society for the better, but she feels like she’s having no effect at all. Will is thinking that Cathy’s causing too much of a stir and wondering how best to manage her. Sam continues to grow into his role as Lord Iron and to try and make changes to the ethics of his newfound business empire.
I really loved the insight into Max’s backstory, and I think his character arc may be my favorite. He and the gargoyle have really grown on me, and I’m still hoping that Max will be reunited with his soul before the end of the series.
The thing I’ve been most worried about this series is that Will’s actions – particularly using a potion on Cathy to get her to have sex with him – would be ignored or excused. Especially with last book’s assertions that he completely supported Cathy, I was worried that this apparent change of heart would cause everything he’s done to be overlooked. As it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried. Within the very beginning of A Little Knowledge it becomes clear (to the reader at least) just how genuine Will’s change was, and it’s clear that he and Cathy’s relationship isn’t being romanticized.
I’m still not a huge fan of Sam or his plot line. Besides the fact that it’s based off of his wife being frideged, I’m tired of his constant desire to rescue Cathy. It’s like he’s constructed this narrative where he’s the hero rescuing Cathy, the damsel in distress, from Will, the evil villain. To give him some credit, he will remind himself that Cathy’s capable of making her own decisions. I just really hope this isn’t turning into a love triangle.
It was fairly obvious that All Is Fair‘s ending of optimism would face some serious impediments in A Little Knowledge. And, boy, does that come true. There’s so many plot pieces whirling that I’ve got no idea how Emma Newman’s going to wrap everything up in just one book. I can’t wait to find out.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC of A Little Knowledge from the Diversion Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Max is trying to protect the innocents without the backup of a chapter. He’s also come across some information relating to his own past. Cathy is trying to live out her dreams of changing society for the better, but she feels like she’s having no effect at all. Will is thinking that Cathy’s causing too much of a stir and wondering how best to manage her. Sam continues to grow into his role as Lord Iron and to try and make changes to the ethics of his newfound business empire.
I really loved the insight into Max’s backstory, and I think his character arc may be my favorite. He and the gargoyle have really grown on me, and I’m still hoping that Max will be reunited with his soul before the end of the series.
The thing I’ve been most worried about this series is that Will’s actions – particularly using a potion on Cathy to get her to have sex with him – would be ignored or excused. Especially with last book’s assertions that he completely supported Cathy, I was worried that this apparent change of heart would cause everything he’s done to be overlooked. As it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried. Within the very beginning of A Little Knowledge it becomes clear (to the reader at least) just how genuine Will’s change was, and it’s clear that he and Cathy’s relationship isn’t being romanticized.
I’m still not a huge fan of Sam or his plot line. Besides the fact that it’s based off of his wife being frideged, I’m tired of his constant desire to rescue Cathy. It’s like he’s constructed this narrative where he’s the hero rescuing Cathy, the damsel in distress, from Will, the evil villain. To give him some credit, he will remind himself that Cathy’s capable of making her own decisions. I just really hope this isn’t turning into a love triangle.
It was fairly obvious that All Is Fair‘s ending of optimism would face some serious impediments in A Little Knowledge. And, boy, does that come true. There’s so many plot pieces whirling that I’ve got no idea how Emma Newman’s going to wrap everything up in just one book. I can’t wait to find out.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC of A Little Knowledge from the Diversion Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.