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smashley_rr's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I was not as much of a fan of this one as the first one. The writing is still beautiful, but this felt like an unnecessary addition to the first one, which could have been a standalone and been great on its own. It was nice to get more of their story, but it also felt unnecessary. Hoping Capetta will write other stories in the future, because the writing itself really is lovely!
saucy_bookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed seeing Teo and Ceilo's relationship develop and the world building expanded. However, the plotline of this felt messier than book one making it a bit difficult to tell what is going on and I don't think this was the best ending we could've given to Teo and Cielo.
Overall, it's a good sequel and I would recommend this duology.
Also that was really some SJM weird smut huh. Didn't expect that.
Overall, it's a good sequel and I would recommend this duology.
Also that was really some SJM weird smut huh. Didn't expect that.
mihrreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
SUCH A GOOD READ! It's so fun and genderfluid and has a classic breakneck YA fantasy pace that I love. Definitely one I will come back to and reread gladly.
abbyb23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- 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
The sequel to The Brilliant Death, a book I loved for the lush writing style and queer romance, is just as beautiful as I hoped. It’s been a while since I read the first book (making the plot slightly confusing for me), but it was still a lovely reading experience. The Storm of Life is so emotionally impactful, it rings so true to real life, in spite of the fantasy setting. In particular, the way Teo’s relationship with her abusive older brother is explored is very well handled. It draws parallels both in the text and beyond it, which I find to be really meaningful to read. Capetta is amazing at conveying emotion in her writing style, which is both earnest and beautiful. The main draw of this duology was the genderfluid representation, which I found really validating to read, as a person with my own complicated gender identity. Teo is not only introduced to the world of being a stregha by Cielo, but also the possibilities of gender expression. I loved the in text parallels between these aspects of both of their identities, and I especially appreciated the ways Capetta expressed queer identity and family. My only real issue with this book is the way Teo’s actions in a certain pivotal scene are treated. I think there should have been much more of an apology, but I am glad that there was a happy ending despite it. All in all, I loved this story and I’m so glad I found it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Death
Minor: Transphobia
genya_safin8's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ravenlily's review against another edition
adventurous
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
alexa_ayana's review against another edition
5.0
" Give a man nowhere to look but your face, and he will have nothing else to trust. "
bookyogi's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounding to 5. I loved The Brilliant Death and the many original ways the story is told. Book 2 is no different; the author tells this gender fluid story in a beautiful, interesting and creative way, I can’t help but fall in love more with Teodora and Cielo. The magic is new and the romance and twists worth a slow read. I loved this book and is a great follow up and completion to the story.