Scan barcode
karingforbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
Loved seeing Maerad find herself, though in some dire circumstances. Enjoyed how things started to come together. A certain event did not evoke the feelings I thought it should have, and I think because it felt abrupt and I knew it wasn’t real. Bit of a flaw, that. But I liked the twists and getting deeper at the history of Maerad and the world at large. I love how much music means in this world; it’s fun and unique
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
mallorypen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another enjoyable read! The plot is interesting and I am enjoying the way it unfolds - I can never guess what will happen next, which is a nice surprise.
The pace of these books can be a little vexing - we seem to spend a lot of time on things that don’t feel that important, and hardly any time on moments that feel crucial. There is something pleasing about that, even as I find it frustrating - that mirrors life and makes me feel like I’m experiencing events exactly as Maerad does.
I’m struggling to really like Maerad as a character. There are times where she doesn’t feel like she has much personality beyond being powerful and being burdened with this bigger-than-life purpose. Other times, she’s petulant or petty or vicious, and I’m reminded she’s a teenager with trauma.
I just about threw the book across the room when Cadvan and the horses appeared to have died. I’m very glad they’re all alive, but also kind of disappointed because it was a great plot twist to kill off the main supporting character in book two!
I also don’t get or buy into the love story between Maerad and Arkan. There didn’t seem to be any evidence why she should love home, aside from a bizarre Stockholm syndrome.
The pace of these books can be a little vexing - we seem to spend a lot of time on things that don’t feel that important, and hardly any time on moments that feel crucial. There is something pleasing about that, even as I find it frustrating - that mirrors life and makes me feel like I’m experiencing events exactly as Maerad does.
I’m struggling to really like Maerad as a character. There are times where she doesn’t feel like she has much personality beyond being powerful and being burdened with this bigger-than-life purpose. Other times, she’s petulant or petty or vicious, and I’m reminded she’s a teenager with trauma.
I just about threw the book across the room when
I also don’t get or buy into the love story between Maerad and Arkan. There didn’t seem to be any evidence why she should love home, aside from a bizarre Stockholm syndrome.
nerdyher's review against another edition
3.0
This book is... difficult. I liked it, but I’m not sure I’d read it again...
The characters weren’t overly... well, likable... and I can’t tell if it’s something with me or the writing itself. I am glad that the romance didn’t go in the way it first seemed to lead, but I am disappointed in the path it followed. The message, though, is a relatable one. If this book where deeper and more involved in discussing one’s psyche, then whooooooa that would be so cool and a compelling arc.
The plot twist? Called it. I mourned and like, literally grieved— I couldn’t look at the book for a few days, but in the end, I saw it coming.
I, uh, feel like everyone BUT Cadvan and Arkan either dislike, hate, or look down upon Maerad?? The interactions seem forced and shallow, and while I love it when the characters lead the plot, it feels as though the plot is leading the characters.
I’m definitely reading book #3, but while this certainly wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, it’s definitely not the best.
The characters weren’t overly... well, likable... and I can’t tell if it’s something with me or the writing itself. I am glad that the romance didn’t go in the way it first seemed to lead, but I am disappointed in the path it followed. The message, though, is a relatable one. If this book where deeper and more involved in discussing one’s psyche, then whooooooa that would be so cool and a compelling arc.
The plot twist? Called it. I mourned and like, literally grieved— I couldn’t look at the book for a few days, but in the end, I saw it coming.
I, uh, feel like everyone BUT Cadvan and Arkan either dislike, hate, or look down upon Maerad?? The interactions seem forced and shallow, and while I love it when the characters lead the plot, it feels as though the plot is leading the characters.
I’m definitely reading book #3, but while this certainly wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, it’s definitely not the best.
riyket75's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
disreputable_cog's review against another edition
5.0
In The Riddle, the Pellinor series really hits its stride. The world of Edil-Amarandh expands into new and ever more atmospheric landscapes, as Maerad and Cadvan find themselves hunted by agents of both the Dark and the Light after the treachery at the heart of the Light in Norloch is revealed. (A very Saruman-betraying-Gandalf moment; the LOTR parallels aren't quite as rampant in this sequel, though they're still there). The story picks up right where The Naming left off: on a boat fleeing Norloch in search of sanctuary on the island kingdom of Thorold.
I am obsessed with basically every part of this book: (1) sea battles with really cool supernatural creatures; (2) the Mediterranean vibes of Thorold/the School of Busk; (3) Maerad's intriguing powers of transformation that are first discovered on Thorold and expanded on later in the book; (4) the evidence of alternate forms of Barding, that is, people who choose not to learn in the traditional system of Bardic schools, or have different cultural approaches to educating those with the Gift; (5) the interlude in the Gwalhain Pass; (6) the Pilanel settlement in the north and the subsequent (7) DOG SLEDDING (!) and arctic survival (!!); (8) the WINTER KING'S CASTLE and escape therefrom (!!!); etc.
For me the quest for the Treesong (connected to Maerad's destiny to defeat the Nameless One) is almost incidental to all the other great stuff that happens in the story, though this book does further elucidate the mystery of the split song and the Nameless One's corruption.
This book sees Maerad confronting a lot of challenges alone, without the guidance or support of her mentor(s). She grows a lot as a character as a result. I find Croggon's depiction of the interior lives of her characters very credible, especially in her depiction of Maerad as a person who has had to grow up and shoulder a weighty burden at a very young age, and is yet still a teenager in terms of her emotional control and interpersonal experience.
I am obsessed with basically every part of this book: (1) sea battles with really cool supernatural creatures; (2) the Mediterranean vibes of Thorold/the School of Busk; (3) Maerad's intriguing powers of transformation that are first discovered on Thorold and expanded on later in the book; (4) the evidence of alternate forms of Barding, that is, people who choose not to learn in the traditional system of Bardic schools, or have different cultural approaches to educating those with the Gift; (5) the interlude in the Gwalhain Pass; (6) the Pilanel settlement in the north and the subsequent (7) DOG SLEDDING (!) and arctic survival (!!); (8) the WINTER KING'S CASTLE and escape therefrom (!!!); etc.
For me the quest for the Treesong (connected to Maerad's destiny to defeat the Nameless One) is almost incidental to all the other great stuff that happens in the story, though this book does further elucidate the mystery of the split song and the Nameless One's corruption.
This book sees Maerad confronting a lot of challenges alone, without the guidance or support of her mentor(s). She grows a lot as a character as a result. I find Croggon's depiction of the interior lives of her characters very credible, especially in her depiction of Maerad as a person who has had to grow up and shoulder a weighty burden at a very young age, and is yet still a teenager in terms of her emotional control and interpersonal experience.
magalis's review against another edition
3.0
Did I enjoy it? Yes. It picked up directly where The Naming left off, and was a satisfying continuation of the story.
Would I read it again? Possibly. I wouldn't rule it out. It's one that I would probably go in and read sections of again.
Who would I recommend it to? Fantasy fans, if you like Tamora Pierce, Mercedes Lackey, Tolkein, or other authors along those lines you'll probably like this, it's got a somewhat similar feel to it.
Any other thoughts? This started out slowly again. I predicted that since this was the second book in the series the plot would pick up, since the first book was a lot of world building. I did find that was the case, but it also seemed like it took about 200 pages before that plot actually began to pick up. I enjoyed the second half of the book quite a bit. Now that the basic premise is established the plot has begun to deviate from the standard fantasy tropes and grow into its own being. The series as a whole so far hasn't been the best fantasy series I've ever read, but it's been an easy and engaging read. I look forward to seeing what Hem and Saliman have been up to in the next book.
Would I read it again? Possibly. I wouldn't rule it out. It's one that I would probably go in and read sections of again.
Who would I recommend it to? Fantasy fans, if you like Tamora Pierce, Mercedes Lackey, Tolkein, or other authors along those lines you'll probably like this, it's got a somewhat similar feel to it.
Any other thoughts? This started out slowly again. I predicted that since this was the second book in the series the plot would pick up, since the first book was a lot of world building. I did find that was the case, but it also seemed like it took about 200 pages before that plot actually began to pick up. I enjoyed the second half of the book quite a bit. Now that the basic premise is established the plot has begun to deviate from the standard fantasy tropes and grow into its own being. The series as a whole so far hasn't been the best fantasy series I've ever read, but it's been an easy and engaging read. I look forward to seeing what Hem and Saliman have been up to in the next book.
abiofpellinor's review against another edition
4.0
Still an amazing read! I'm adoring being back in this world I know so well and I can't wait to read Hem's book next!
mischa3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
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
carrie_grace_doss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0