Scan barcode
heidimei's review against another edition
4.0
Political intrigue, violent battles between two cultures and an intricate network of spies.
Each side seeming to have good intentions for their own people. But in the midst of chaos, there’s always personal gains to achieve. I really enjoyed the writing style, some battle scenes felt a little drawn out. Overall I would recommend reading this very underrated fantasy, when in the mood for violence and politics.
Each side seeming to have good intentions for their own people. But in the midst of chaos, there’s always personal gains to achieve. I really enjoyed the writing style, some battle scenes felt a little drawn out. Overall I would recommend reading this very underrated fantasy, when in the mood for violence and politics.
la_libreria_chula's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
(Jumbled thoughts, because I didn't write an notes..)
My thing with these books is that it takes a bit to get into it, but once you get into the flow, it just goes. I enjoyed this one (despite my favorite character dying). The reason I gave it a lower rating from the first was because Roper's judgment on a certain character and how everyone he trusted told him to stay away from them but he didn't listen and then the consequences of that was obvious later in the book. Then again, he's still new to his role and he hasn't even been that long in it. It was a very bold move of his to decide to takeover (or try to) the Sutherners, again, because of him being new to his role. But his reasoning for it made sense yet it seemed risky.
And then with the mystery of the killer in the hiskoli, I thought that was pretty interesting as well. I can't wait on this series will conclude.
My thing with these books is that it takes a bit to get into it, but once you get into the flow, it just goes. I enjoyed this one (despite my favorite character dying). The reason I gave it a lower rating from the first was because Roper's judgment on a certain character and how everyone he trusted told him to stay away from them but he didn't listen and then the consequences of that was obvious later in the book. Then again, he's still new to his role and he hasn't even been that long in it. It was a very bold move of his to decide to takeover (or try to) the Sutherners, again, because of him being new to his role. But his reasoning for it made sense yet it seemed risky.
And then with the mystery of the killer in the hiskoli, I thought that was pretty interesting as well. I can't wait on this series will conclude.
brief_n_bold_book_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
Book 2 in the Under the Northern Sky Trilogy, which for me, is one of the most underrated series. While I did enjoy The Spider just as much as The Wolf, for a second book in a trilogy, I was expecting more in terms of overall plot development and there was a little decrease in pace, particularly in the middle section of the book. As in the first book, the writing was a highlight, so well executed and the world building had you engaged throughout. You also really got an appreciation for each individual character because the dialogue was so well done. Overall, another polished novel from Leo Carew.
steveneu's review against another edition
4.0
I am really enjoying this series so far but for me this story was not quite as good as the first book. The cast of characters continue to be engaging and easy to follow along with, but I found this one was missing a lot of the political intrigue (within the houses) of the first book in favour of a more overall war/battle story between the two opposing sides. The battle scenes are great however and really create a grand visual especially the ending too, which left me we wanting to read more. I'll be moving the final book in the series up my 'to read' list as I am really curious now how it all ends.
clayjd's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.0
annamash's review against another edition
5.0
Love to read a sequel that maintains continuity with the original story and expands on the original world building rather than recycling it. This book is heavy on the politics of conflict and “climbing the ladder” so to speak, so not for every fantasy reader I’ll say. Interesting, intelligent characters with strong motives, you may not agree with their choices but it’s clear why they are making them. I always appreciate conflict where it is never clear who will have the upper hand in the end, if I’m not genuinely afraid for my favorite characters, I don’t want it. I also love the expression of the romantic and platonic relationships in this book, subtle, and only add to the characters and the story. They are never a distraction from the plot, but rather a result of it. And of course the battle/fight scenes are again some of the best I’ve read. I’m always on the edge of my seat and never have to go back to figure out who is doing what/where. They read as energetic and fast paced as the conflict itself.
nightmareeve's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mhedgescsus's review against another edition
4.0
While a clear step down from the first entry in this series - this book was still very fun and I look forward to reading the conclusion to the trilogy soon.
Watch my video review by clicking here.
Watch my video review by clicking here.