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bootrat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved Tes and Kosika so much, their characterisations and their storylines really helped to draw me back into the world. I also really loved seeing where the original characters have ended up 7 years later, and how that time has helped them change and grow. The story and the mystery itself wasn't too complex, and didn't feel particularly sinister or pressing, but I expect that will develop more in the next book.
Overall I just really loved this book.
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death and Child abuse
kathrynok's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Homophobia
missmali's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Blood, Violence, and Self harm
barda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Death, Child abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual content
shadowspinner's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death
Minor: Child abuse
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
- 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
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, because if it's anything like the previous Shades of Magic trilogy, the story is just going to get better and better!
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Child abuse
CW not listed under the storygraph choices: mentions of terrorism and terrorist attackslittletiramisu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Self harm, Blood, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
stormeno's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gore, Torture, Blood, and Child abuse
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
deedireads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Homophobia and Child abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
kari_f's review against another edition
- 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
You know how when you find a series you adore, you can come back to it over and over and find new things to love about it each time? And you wish that there was more to devour, but you also worry that any continuation might not live up to the magic of the original?
I’ll admit I felt just a smidge of that, because The Shades of Magic trilogy was my gateway into fantasy and has remained my favorite fantasy series. With each read I love it even more, and diving back into this world of four Londons felt a bit like coming home. When I found out there would be a continuation series in this world, I felt all of the above. That tiny, niggling worry was pretty much immediately squashed once I started reading, though, and I was sucked into just as I had been before!
The world-building Schwab is known for continues to blow my mind, as well as the layered cast of characters, plot stories, and threads (see what I did there?) that will tie into the upcoming books. Not only do we get more of our favorite characters from the previous series, but we are treated to several new ones across the Londons, who will become important as we continue. I was a bit worried that our favorite four would be relegated to side character status in the new adventures of this series, and I was so glad to see that each of them plays an important role throughout the book. Each new character perfectly complements the storyline, and the addition of new people in no way diminishes the storytelling. In fact, I think that since we got the opportunity to know each one of the original four so well in the original series, adding new characters to the cast was a perfect writing choice here. I love that Schwab trusts her readers to think and remember instead of spoon feeding us character details like many other fantasy authors tend to do.
There are several references and nods to the first three books, with allegiances and rivalries of the past becoming important plot points in the present. I’m not sure if this continuation was always a plan, or if the idea for it came much later, but the way the two parts have come together feels altogether seamless.
The magical system is as whimsical and complex as always. I really love the blending of technology, science, and magic that was explored through this book. I’m very excited to see how this progresses down the line, especially considering the ethical dilemmas that tinkering with magical limits will pose.
All in all, the only complaint I have is that I’ll have to wait who-knows-how-long for the next installment! If you loved the Shades of Magic series, you’re going to want this book for your collection!
Moderate: Murder, Violence, Chronic illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Trafficking