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mehtahussain's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. A really great sequel with a riveting, and oftentimes emotional plot. I loved seeing Rune and Brand's interactions again.
Despite that, I don't think I'll be continuing this series any longer.
Though I genuinely appreciate seeing the kids' development in this book, I feel kind of apathetic towards them as a whole and I'm not interested in seeing them become a more significant part of the story in future instalments of The Tarot Sequence. It's a 'me' problem.
I also have mixed feelings on the whole dynamic between Rune, Brand and Addam.
I like Addam a lot, he's a really nice character, but that's about it. It feels a bit strange to read about Rune and Brand, the iconic main duo from the very beginning having to include Addam in the middle of everything that happens between Rune and Brand. Them as this pseudo-romantic (I don't know what to call, it's not poly but there are strong feelings?) relationship doesn't work for me personally. Sometimes it feels like a forced attempt to convince the readers that Rune is, in fact, in love with Addam instead of Brand.
It feels like whenever Rune is assuring Addam about his love for him, it's the author's attempt to assure the readers as well so that we don't get our hopes up. I just think it's a shame that we had two characters with such phenomenal chemistry and banter in previous books, and that the spark in that relationship has become somewhat muddied.
Also, the revelation at the end of How Brand apparently had a crush on Lord Tower felt haphazardly thrown in just to convince readers that Rune and Brand could never be romantic. Which is fine, I just wish this narrative was made more convincing by... I don't know. Making Addam a bit more interesting or having a more interesting dynamic with Rune? Rune and Brand's chemistry was something so special—and it's still there, I want to make that clear—but I miss seeing it just be them, when other people didn't have such an impact on how they are together.
All that aside, I still had a great time reading this and I'm really glad that this series exists.
Despite that, I don't think I'll be continuing this series any longer.
Though I genuinely appreciate seeing the kids' development in this book, I feel kind of apathetic towards them as a whole and I'm not interested in seeing them become a more significant part of the story in future instalments of The Tarot Sequence. It's a 'me' problem.
I also have mixed feelings on the whole dynamic between Rune, Brand and Addam.
Spoiler
Rune and Brand's dynamic was absolutely to die for in [b:The Last Sun|36466732|The Last Sun (The Tarot Sequence, #1)|K.D. Edwards|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517437940l/36466732._SY75_.jpg|58174811] and [b:The Hanged Man|38224713|The Hanged Man (The Tarot Sequence, #2)|K.D. Edwards|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523219986l/38224713._SX50_.jpg|59902859]. It's still has its spark in this instalment but... something feels missing. I can feel the [platonic] love they have for each other, but I wish the overflowing chemistry we saw between them before was still visible to the same degree.I like Addam a lot, he's a really nice character, but that's about it. It feels a bit strange to read about Rune and Brand, the iconic main duo from the very beginning having to include Addam in the middle of everything that happens between Rune and Brand. Them as this pseudo-romantic (I don't know what to call, it's not poly but there are strong feelings?) relationship doesn't work for me personally. Sometimes it feels like a forced attempt to convince the readers that Rune is, in fact, in love with Addam instead of Brand.
It feels like whenever Rune is assuring Addam about his love for him, it's the author's attempt to assure the readers as well so that we don't get our hopes up. I just think it's a shame that we had two characters with such phenomenal chemistry and banter in previous books, and that the spark in that relationship has become somewhat muddied.
Also, the revelation at the end of How Brand apparently had a crush on Lord Tower felt haphazardly thrown in just to convince readers that Rune and Brand could never be romantic. Which is fine, I just wish this narrative was made more convincing by... I don't know. Making Addam a bit more interesting or having a more interesting dynamic with Rune? Rune and Brand's chemistry was something so special—and it's still there, I want to make that clear—but I miss seeing it just be them, when other people didn't have such an impact on how they are together.
All that aside, I still had a great time reading this and I'm really glad that this series exists.
dawnie777's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
shifo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
louloureadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this and finished it quite a while ago but needed time to let it sink in. It still hasn't really. There's so MUCH.
So many reveals. My eyes were bugging out. They probably still are. Though I hope they're not cos it'll look a bit weird.
The fall of the Sun Throne, Kieron, Lord Tower, Anna, Corbie - Flynn to the rescue - Quinn, Time! With a capital T. Argh.
I'm glad Anna and Rune had their talk, it was a good talk. Anna was the one character in the family I've been struggling to like, but in usual KD Edwards' fashion not all was as it first seemed and I sighed with relief.
More please, more, more, more with another rebel yell on top!
So many reveals. My eyes were bugging out. They probably still are. Though I hope they're not cos it'll look a bit weird.
The fall of the Sun Throne, Kieron, Lord Tower, Anna, Corbie - Flynn to the rescue - Quinn, Time! With a capital T. Argh.
I'm glad Anna and Rune had their talk, it was a good talk. Anna was the one character in the family I've been struggling to like, but in usual KD Edwards' fashion not all was as it first seemed and I sighed with relief.
More please, more, more, more with another rebel yell on top!
devilsduo's review against another edition
5.0
What an absolute TRIUMPH of storytelling. Just wow. The depiction of such nuanced and complex, yet universal relationships and characters is unparalleled. I am absolutely thrilled this saga is going to continue. Until then, I shall return for many rereads.
invisibleninjacat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This series has so many things happening all the time. The battle against Lady Jade was intense and interesting, including the pursuit and investigation. Rune and Brand keep acquiring more resources, and everyone keeps finding out that Rune can do so much with so little (and now A Lot with his new resources) because he spent so long with next to nothing.
redcerise's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scarletcat13's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite moment of this book:
There was a moment of deep, suspicious silence. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Brand glaring at me. He said, "You told me we wouldn't go further back than twenty-five."
"I know. No one does. I was just asking."
"Rune, hear me now. If you ever rejuvenate me to a skinny teenager with acne, and undo everything I've put my body through to get in this shape-"
"I didn't say-"
"No, I need to finish the threat, because you need to understand I would make your life a living hell."
Favorite Brand quote "This is the sort of weird shit that always happens around Rune. It's like he puts personal ads in Weird Shit magazine."
There was a moment of deep, suspicious silence. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Brand glaring at me. He said, "You told me we wouldn't go further back than twenty-five."
"I know. No one does. I was just asking."
"Rune, hear me now. If you ever rejuvenate me to a skinny teenager with acne, and undo everything I've put my body through to get in this shape-"
"I didn't say-"
"No, I need to finish the threat, because you need to understand I would make your life a living hell."
Favorite Brand quote "This is the sort of weird shit that always happens around Rune. It's like he puts personal ads in Weird Shit magazine."
kenzie_f's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-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
3.75
virone11's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and by extension, trilogy. I've been looking for a while for a fantasy series that feels more mature with a realized, lived in world and an interesting magic system, and The Tarot Principle brings that in spades.
Edwards's character writing is very well done (and is arguably my favorite part of his writing style). Every character feels real with motivations that make sense and are relatable. The interpersonal relationships between Rune, Brand, Addam, and by extension the rest of the cast are very fun to read, with the romantic relationship between Rune and Addam being a highlight to continue to watch evolve from the foundation that was laid in The Last Sun.
I'm very excited to see where Edwards takes the world and the characters, especially with The Eidolon on the horizon. The Tarot Principle has solidified itself to be one of my favorite series by far!
Edwards's character writing is very well done (and is arguably my favorite part of his writing style). Every character feels real with motivations that make sense and are relatable. The interpersonal relationships between Rune, Brand, Addam, and by extension the rest of the cast are very fun to read, with the romantic relationship between Rune and Addam being a highlight to continue to watch evolve from the foundation that was laid in The Last Sun.
I'm very excited to see where Edwards takes the world and the characters, especially with The Eidolon on the horizon. The Tarot Principle has solidified itself to be one of my favorite series by far!