Reviews

The Riddle by Alison Croggon

elemenoreed's review against another edition

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3.0

All I can say is: thank goodness for the Winterking. He made this novel much more interesting and saved it from receiving a possible 2 or 2.5 star rating. The book starts off immediately following the events of the previous book. And it goes on much as the first book did. Travel, interesting respite, travel. Even though interesting things would crop up every now and again, the book seemed to be following the same formula as the first and it was hard for me to stay interested. But then, about halfway through, something actually happens and Maerad is left on her own. This makes for some very interesting character development for Maerad. It was nice to see her put on her big girl pants on purpose, rather than by accidentally stumbling into them in the midst of a disaster she doesn't understand. She ends up making it to her goal on her own, through a new setting of beautiful white snow (which was a refreshing change from forest after forest after forest...). She encounters an odd mix of people and allows her instincts to guide her through a myriad of strange circumstances. And then she is caught by the Winterking, who knows quite a lot about the Treesong and about Maerad herself. He has the Matrix-like ability to create an illusion that is believable and pleasing to those on whom he exerts said ability. Their relationship is quixotic and, regrettably, too short. It is hoped that he will play a role in the next book. By the end of the book, her quest is given a fresh direction and I was left feeling more respect for Maerad as a leading lady than I had been previously. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition

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4.0

Amazing! This series just gets better and better. I love it! However, I could do without all the references to urinating and menstruation. Is that really necessary? REally?

katyjean81's review against another edition

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2.0

Again, in desperate need of an editor. But there was one gasp out loud on a Japanese train moment as well as a desire to figure out what happened to Maerad. The author has certainly built a complicated world and I like learning about it as it grows, but some things were just too heavy handed, and I can’t like it.

All that said, epic fantasy fans will find a lot to enjoy here.

brookepalmer796's review against another edition

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3.0

More like 3.5. I really like the characters in this series and the whole history that Croggon has made up is amazing.

skyepieonthefly's review against another edition

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4.0

Still really liked the plot and the atmosphere, but Maerad was much more annoying in this one. She was just over dramatic to inject conflict where it wasn't really needed. Also the love interest bit close to the end made no sense and really came out of left field.

sixofravensreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

reena's review against another edition

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3.0

Very nice. It's exactly as I expected after the first one. Seems to play more on Maerd's feelings then her actual powers but other then that it is good. The only complaint is that Croggon seems to only introduce her cousin and fathers family just to take them away from her and to find out the the other half of the treesong is in her lyre. All that sacrifice for something they always had. The series is very nice and magical.

purplespecslms's review against another edition

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4.0

Fantastic! Not as good as the first book, but still excellent.

allycat0928's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

caileenay's review against another edition

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5.0

Love this series! One of the best SERies EVER!