Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - A Venom Dark And Sweet

Finally read the second volume of this amazing duology! I don't know why it took me so dang long to read this one; maybe I was worried it wouldn't live up to its predecessor. But it did for the most part! My only complaint is that this second volume is significantly darker than the first, but that honestly was not surprising considering how A Magic Steeped in Poison ended.

The quality of writing remained the same, though. Lin's colorful scenes are full of wonderful imagery and captivating detail. I enjoyed the character development too, although I felt it took a backseat a tiny bit to the action scenes. There were enough twists and turns and magical moments to keep me invested in the story, and I felt the conclusion was rather satisfying. I would love to read more books set in this universe if Lin decides to write them, but if not, I look forward to picking up anything else she writes.

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kemikemi's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

the first half of the book was quite slow, but it really picked up in the second half. the mythology of this world was so interesting and the author described the magical elements and events so beautifully and vividly; the plot elements amd resolution were also very clever and well done. it was a little brutal, but it added to the ‘creation of a new myth’ that was happening.

and even though i knew it was going to happen the loss of brother huang still hurt so much

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aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

I liked this one more than the 1st in the duology (I read the 1st one a year ago and don't remember too much of it to be fair tho). I think it was a good ending to the story/world. I loved all the magic. I was a little disappointed by the twist but not because it was a bad twist but because the resolution was a bit quick after a semi-slow build up.

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catherinedsharp's review

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

An interesting conclusion to the duology. I certainly preferred the first text as this one seemed less experimental and fell more into stereotypes.

I did enjoy it but I found it less good in comparison and therefore gets a lower rating.

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gatorademachinegun's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? N/A

5.0

Holy shit what a ride. Amazing read, the switch from 1st person to 3rd when changing character perspectives is something I’ve never read before but Judy I Lin, does it so well.

Absolutely loved this book, the characters are so real and the medium to fast pace kept me on the edge of my seat.

10/10 stunning cover, stunning contents

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