Reviews

The Hourglass Throne by K.D. Edwards

virone11's review against another edition

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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!

faerieprincen's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

princesse_paillettes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.5

spetestar's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

ugh just so good, and also, all the tears

Spoiler also I'm so curious to see how Edwards wraps up the plotline around Rune's prophecy/quest for vengeance. IBUT am so excited knowing more books in this world are coming!

teresab78's review against another edition

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5.0

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I don't even know what to say... I loved it as much as I hated it. I bawled (literally) and raged and hurt. I laughed and celebrated victories even though they came a steep price. I've always said the best books make you feel, but this was almost too much.

I'm still not really feeling the romance between Adamm and Rune. Maybe if I read it rather than listening to the narrator's interpretation, I would feel it more right now, despite the words, I don't feel the depth of Rune's feelings. I believe Adamm loves Rune though. There are hints at developing things in the future that will be interesting if it plays out that way. Adamm is also so perfect if it wasn't for evidence that he is in no way a bad guy, I would think he was positioned to betray Rune.

My other problem was Rune's voice always seems so unsure and immature at times and he does stupid things in the name of protecting others when, if he entrusted them to help it would work out better. I know some of that is from his past trauma but I wanted to shake him.

This is book 3 in a series the author has said will be 9 in total - he has it all planned - but his speed of writing mean the end will be a long time coming. I hope it has a truly satisfying conclusion as this leaves things very precariously.

I did like the narrator overall. His voice is pleasant to listen too and I always knew who was speaking.

In the end I have to give this 4.5 stars - it is great fantasy with interesting characters, action, and heartache. Terrible, terrible heartbreak....

And though I haven't mention him until now - Brand is my favourite character
Spoiler I hate what Rune's secret revealed, I almost abandoned the book and series at that point

arewefalling's review against another edition

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5.0

yeeeeEEAAAAHHH that’s the good stuff babeeeeyyyy!!!!

jpdubs's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars. I absolutely love this series, but this entry, for me was not as perfect as the others. Of course, I loved the world and writing and the main characters. Now I know a little bit more about tarot cards and their meaning, so I felt like I had another layer of understanding. The villain, this time, was cool and felt just as dangerous as the others.

A couple of things brought this book down for me. One was that there were so many kids and names that I could not remember who was who. I cannot remember if they were introduced in the last book, and I simply forgot who they were or if they were from an in-between story I must have missed. I wish that there was a reintroduction of who these people were so I felt less lost. Maybe I should have reread the previous books, but I still think a series book should remind a reader of side characters. The other thing was the book mentions Covid-19. As someone who loves fantasy and reads it as escapism, this took me right out. I don't want to think about real-world issues in my fantasy books.

I will continue to love this series and keep recommending it to friends, but this one took me a while to finish because of those couple of issues. I cannot wait to explore more of this world and learn more about Old Alantaits, the future, and these wonderful characters.

januaryreads's review against another edition

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4.0

Not quite as good as I’d hoped after book two (which was fantastic), mostly because Jade didn’t have the level of bad guy appeal that the Hanged Man did. Also, Corbie annoys me so damn much, gaaaah. Cannot stand him.

Also, tears, sad, reminded of Moiraine and that red doorframe, team Brand forever, love Rune, love Lady Death, love Ciaran, and Layne, basically love everyone but Corbie, when is the next book dropping?

farid's review against another edition

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5.0

Utterly amazing conclusion to the first trilogy in this series.

I have to admit that I had some trouble recognizing everyone at the beginning since I couldn't remember who they were but I easily picked that up and then it was an enjoyable ride again.

rads_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

Frick man.

I stayed up far too late reading this and cried far too much.

This book is evil. I love all of these goobers too much to watch them suffer.