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tobin_elliott's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was honestly, truly hoping I would enjoy this second volume in the trilogy more than the first.
I know the first book in a series carries a lot of weight. It has to not just introduce the reader to the world and characters, but it has to bring a dire change to that world and kick the story into gear, all while still telling a satisfactory story in its own right.
The second has slightly different demands. The world is established. Most of the characters are as well, as is the central conflict. Now the challenge becomes the act of deepening the characters and not just maintaining the conflict, but making it even worse, all while setting up the final (hopefully epic) events to come in the final installment.
I will say that in this one, Thompson does definitely deepen the characters and fill them in more, however (and yes, I am oversimplifying a bit here) the story feels very much like it's a collection of characters meeting, then essentially saying, "we have the time, let me tell you all that I remember up until we met," and then doing so.
I guess I was hoping for a little more forward movement and less looking back.
Once again, it felt a little too far into Anne Rice territory for me. The characters are truly complex, but I just wish they'd actually do more. It's not a bad book, it's just not my cup of tea.
I will also say I'm quite saddened that the author has now blocked me from all social media accounts for both her and Quill and Crow, as I truly respect her for all that she's doing for horror, for publishing, and also because she seemed like an incredible person. I'm going to miss her posts.
I know the first book in a series carries a lot of weight. It has to not just introduce the reader to the world and characters, but it has to bring a dire change to that world and kick the story into gear, all while still telling a satisfactory story in its own right.
The second has slightly different demands. The world is established. Most of the characters are as well, as is the central conflict. Now the challenge becomes the act of deepening the characters and not just maintaining the conflict, but making it even worse, all while setting up the final (hopefully epic) events to come in the final installment.
I will say that in this one, Thompson does definitely deepen the characters and fill them in more, however (and yes, I am oversimplifying a bit here) the story feels very much like it's a collection of characters meeting, then essentially saying, "we have the time, let me tell you all that I remember up until we met," and then doing so.
I guess I was hoping for a little more forward movement and less looking back.
Once again, it felt a little too far into Anne Rice territory for me. The characters are truly complex, but I just wish they'd actually do more. It's not a bad book, it's just not my cup of tea.
I will also say I'm quite saddened that the author has now blocked me from all social media accounts for both her and Quill and Crow, as I truly respect her for all that she's doing for horror, for publishing, and also because she seemed like an incredible person. I'm going to miss her posts.
junglewriter's review
5.0
With her second novel Cassandra Thompson proves once again how masterful of a storyteller she truly is.
Liminality is a mix of historical fiction, ancient mythology, dark fantasy and gothic horror. All written in a lyrical prose that's almost poetic.
Dont worry though not everything in the book is dark and macabre. Where the Ancient Ones was gothic horror Liminality steers more into gothic romance.
It's the perfect book to make our dark hearts bleed.
Liminality is a mix of historical fiction, ancient mythology, dark fantasy and gothic horror. All written in a lyrical prose that's almost poetic.
Dont worry though not everything in the book is dark and macabre. Where the Ancient Ones was gothic horror Liminality steers more into gothic romance.
It's the perfect book to make our dark hearts bleed.
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