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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.
thefool's review against another edition
5.0
This author needs more attention.
The writing style is absolutely, unbelievably addictive. I couldn't get enough of it! I mean. Really. I couldn't. I forgot my mom at the grocery store because I got caught up reading this book.
There is not one character I hated. Even those that are villains, designed to be hated!! Everyone has some underlining reason why they behave the way they do, and I can't bring myself to pit my feelings against them for that reason. Because, I'm not sure I would act differently if our situations were somehow reversed.
There's a quote in Dragon Age that is so relevant in this book and of others and the world we live in reality as well.
"Change is coming to the world. Many fear change and will fight it with every fiber of their being. But sometimes, change is what they need most. Sometimes, change is what sets them free."
People claim they can be spontaneous and go with the flow of the world. But when something drastic descends to shake up routine, even they falter.
Max is my favorite, though. Since the beginning, man *pounds chest*
The writing style is absolutely, unbelievably addictive. I couldn't get enough of it! I mean. Really. I couldn't. I forgot my mom at the grocery store because I got caught up reading this book.
There is not one character I hated. Even those that are villains, designed to be hated!! Everyone has some underlining reason why they behave the way they do, and I can't bring myself to pit my feelings against them for that reason. Because, I'm not sure I would act differently if our situations were somehow reversed.
There's a quote in Dragon Age that is so relevant in this book and of others and the world we live in reality as well.
"Change is coming to the world. Many fear change and will fight it with every fiber of their being. But sometimes, change is what they need most. Sometimes, change is what sets them free."
People claim they can be spontaneous and go with the flow of the world. But when something drastic descends to shake up routine, even they falter.
Max is my favorite, though. Since the beginning, man *pounds chest*
lizshayne's review
4.0
I am so glad this series is finally back (and available in print again because I've been waiting years to give it to people to read).
This seems to be the weekend for 4th book cliffhangers. Anyway, I'm pleased to say that I enjoyed reading this series as much as I enjoyed listening to the earlier versions and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Well, obviously, I can. But you know.
This seems to be the weekend for 4th book cliffhangers. Anyway, I'm pleased to say that I enjoyed reading this series as much as I enjoyed listening to the earlier versions and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Well, obviously, I can. But you know.
matthewdaniels's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
kittyg's review
5.0
THIS BOOK! :O
I am SO happy this series was continued becuase this was by far my favourite one (and I read them all back-to-back). What I felt this book had over the others was more experience and depth. Emma Newman took a break from this to write Planetfall and After Atlas and so when she returned it was as though there was so much passion and fire coming out of the page. So many scenes within this book (despite it being fantasy) resonated with me, made me smile, laugh and RAGE along with her characters. I really, really think this is her best book (that I have so far read - I'm yet to read After Atlas still!) I genuinely loved every page of this, and I would so, so highly recommend this one!
In this book we return to the characters of Cathy and Will and Sam and Max. This is set just after the ending of book #3 and although some things do resolve in that book, this one tied up and opened up some of the bigger, wider-world things I still wondered about.
I LOVE seeing Cathy's development over the course of the books, in book 1 I liked her, but by this point I am so thoroughly on her team and rooting for all she believes in that it's horrible when things get in her way.
Will...........My goodness, he is a super hard character for me becuase I want to like him (much like Cathy) but he has so, so many problems and does things that I could just never condone. He's a complicated character as he's backed into many tricky spots by more influential people and Fae, but although he does try to do his best, he also gives in...AND THAT MADE ME MAD.
Max's story and Sam's story got a lot more personal and interesting to me in this book. I really feel like they are both thier own characters and have their own big parts to add to the plot now. I think seeing the way that Cathy and Will's story fits with Max and Sam's makes them a lot more likeable and exciting, and I cannot wait to find out what will happen next for them all.
Genuinely, the most impressive thing for me about this book is the links to suffragettes and feminism which I truly connected to. I don't often see feminism represented in fantasy books, and when I do sometimes I don't agree with it or it feels forced. This book had it all and made me feel all riled up and ready for action. I just LOVE the themes Newman discusses here, be they feminist, independence, power, corruption, manipulation, rape, abuse, or LGBTQ+. It's as if every topic is beautifully handled and also really captivating. She just wow-ed me :)
Overall I think this was a brilliant continuation and I hope the fifth book isn't the final one (is it? Please let there be more). In the meantime, whilst I wait for the next one to come out I plan on reading/listening to all the short fiction Newman has written in the Split Worlds as she has recorded many short stories as podcast episodes. Can't wait for the next book, but this one is my first 5* read of the year and still hugely deserved. She may even be my number #2 female author now, right behind Robin Hobb...mainly becuase she makes me both love and hate her character as if they are real. Fantastic!
I am SO happy this series was continued becuase this was by far my favourite one (and I read them all back-to-back). What I felt this book had over the others was more experience and depth. Emma Newman took a break from this to write Planetfall and After Atlas and so when she returned it was as though there was so much passion and fire coming out of the page. So many scenes within this book (despite it being fantasy) resonated with me, made me smile, laugh and RAGE along with her characters. I really, really think this is her best book (that I have so far read - I'm yet to read After Atlas still!) I genuinely loved every page of this, and I would so, so highly recommend this one!
In this book we return to the characters of Cathy and Will and Sam and Max. This is set just after the ending of book #3 and although some things do resolve in that book, this one tied up and opened up some of the bigger, wider-world things I still wondered about.
I LOVE seeing Cathy's development over the course of the books, in book 1 I liked her, but by this point I am so thoroughly on her team and rooting for all she believes in that it's horrible when things get in her way.
Will...........My goodness, he is a super hard character for me becuase I want to like him (much like Cathy) but he has so, so many problems and does things that I could just never condone. He's a complicated character as he's backed into many tricky spots by more influential people and Fae, but although he does try to do his best, he also gives in...AND THAT MADE ME MAD.
Max's story and Sam's story got a lot more personal and interesting to me in this book. I really feel like they are both thier own characters and have their own big parts to add to the plot now. I think seeing the way that Cathy and Will's story fits with Max and Sam's makes them a lot more likeable and exciting, and I cannot wait to find out what will happen next for them all.
Genuinely, the most impressive thing for me about this book is the links to suffragettes and feminism which I truly connected to. I don't often see feminism represented in fantasy books, and when I do sometimes I don't agree with it or it feels forced. This book had it all and made me feel all riled up and ready for action. I just LOVE the themes Newman discusses here, be they feminist, independence, power, corruption, manipulation, rape, abuse, or LGBTQ+. It's as if every topic is beautifully handled and also really captivating. She just wow-ed me :)
Overall I think this was a brilliant continuation and I hope the fifth book isn't the final one (is it? Please let there be more). In the meantime, whilst I wait for the next one to come out I plan on reading/listening to all the short fiction Newman has written in the Split Worlds as she has recorded many short stories as podcast episodes. Can't wait for the next book, but this one is my first 5* read of the year and still hugely deserved. She may even be my number #2 female author now, right behind Robin Hobb...mainly becuase she makes me both love and hate her character as if they are real. Fantastic!
imyril's review
4.0
My favourite Split Worlds novel to date, as the action barrels along and the characters begin to face the consequences of their actions. I still want to up-end a barrel of cold water over Will Iris, but I'm finally seeing some positive development in Sam and I want to hug Max and Cathy. Well-played, Emma Newman. Well-played.
Full review
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.