Reviews

The Cerulean by Amy Ewing

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

4.0

4.5/5

I really enjoyed this book as well as the plot and concept. My only problem is that I wanted more from the characters which I am hopeful to get in the sequel.

bellaso's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? No

4.0

ambeesbookishpages's review against another edition

I’m still thinking on the rating for this one. Quite honestly I was bored and there wasn’t much that kept me intrigued. :/

harryjordan42's review against another edition

adventurous 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? Yes

4.5

cylen's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

naquare's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

ominouslilraven's review against another edition

2.0

This had so much potential but damn did it just fall flat. The idea was so unique and there was potential but overall, I feel that it was just really boring. I'm not even going to touch on the controversy this book has caused.

This book is a great example on why you should never judge a book by it cover.

eloohna's review against another edition

3.0

The universe in which the story is set is absolutely amazing and the concept could have been amazing too BUT the execution was poor and the queer part fairly disappointing...

roan_stars's review against another edition

2.0

Waaaaay less queer than i thought it would be. Also, her straightness didn't make any sense seeing as she came from a society where everyone is biologically and psychologically female

bhprice's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

 "The Cerulean" by Amy Ewing offers a captivating tale with commendable character development and a promising world. The narrative unfolds with a good pace, and the relationships, particularly between Sera and Leela, are a highlight, creating a sense of camaraderie that readers can appreciate.

The strength of the characters and their growth is evident, and the potential for a richly developed world is apparent. However, the world-building felt somewhat lacking, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of the religious aspects that play a significant role in the story. The intentional vagueness about the history of the City in the Sky creates a sense of mystery, but it also leaves gaps in understanding that could have been filled to enhance the overall experience.

As the story progresses, the anticipation builds towards the end, where major tension and intriguing plot points emerge. It's this last quarter of the book that truly grabs the reader's attention, making it clear that the real substance lies in the latter part. The earlier portions of the book, while not without merit, could have been more succinctly summarized to maintain a consistently engaging pace.

While the prospect of a sequel is exciting, there's a lingering feeling that the first and second books could have been seamlessly combined. The narrative doesn't necessarily require excessive exposition, and some sections felt like they were included to meet a word count rather than to advance the plot.

Despite these observations, the potential for an enthralling continuation is undeniable. The hints of an uprising and the mysterious developments with Sera's purple mother and Leo and Agnes meeting their grandmother promise an engaging second installment. If the sequel delivers on the potential established in this book, it could elevate the overall experience, making the series a cohesive and compelling read.

In conclusion, "The Cerulean" sets the stage for an intriguing saga, with room for improvement in world-building and pacing. With high hopes for the sequel, readers may find the combined narrative of both books to be a more satisfying and cohesive experience.