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nighttgarden's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Oh my god. The ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gore, Murder, Torture, Trafficking, Violence, War, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Death, and Emotional abuse
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The strongest, most unique parts of this book came down to the characters and meta elements. The characters are just so complex. Sefia is trying to figure out how to battle destiny itself, and whether she can stomach sacrificing others for Archer. Archer is in fear and denial over being "the Chosen One". Reed is trying to leave a legacy that will grant him immortality, while making sure it is one that he can be proud of. Ed is finding his footing in the world as a new man, figuring out what his duty is and trying to untangle his emotions regarding Arc. As well as the characters, the meta elements were taken to another level. Chee gives the reader some super trippy concepts to think about. It was absolutely gut-wrenching to see Sefia interact with this part of the book.
The plot was gripping and fast-paced, meaning I raced through this instalment and enjoyed my time with it. There are battles, fights, and life-threatening situations all the way through, so there is no slog like there was in book 2. However, the plot complexity was not really there. In previous books, it felt like there was a lot happening in that there were lots of threads woven together. There is still lots happening in this book, but there isn't the same "woven web" vibe to it. It basically comes down to travelling and battling.
Another issue I had was again with the world-building. Aside from the Book - and even here the details are hazy regarding how it came into existence - the WB feels generic. For example, the only thing Chee uses to differentiate the five islands is their geography. Aside from that they seem politically and culturally identical. I also wish the Guard as a villain was more compelling.
And then I found the ending to be disappointing. We get these prophecies in previous instalments that predict the future, and then in this instalment,they come exactly true. I was hoping for a twist or a surprise (beyond the one we got) instead of everything happening exactly as predicted. It was just anticlimactic, even if it was heartbreaking.
So all in all I really don't know where I stand with this book, or the series overall now. There are parts that don't recommend it and parts that do. What I do know is that I'm super interested in reading more from Traci Chee.
The plot was gripping and fast-paced, meaning I raced through this instalment and enjoyed my time with it. There are battles, fights, and life-threatening situations all the way through, so there is no slog like there was in book 2. However, the plot complexity was not really there. In previous books, it felt like there was a lot happening in that there were lots of threads woven together. There is still lots happening in this book, but there isn't the same "woven web" vibe to it. It basically comes down to travelling and battling.
Another issue I had was again with the world-building. Aside from the Book - and even here the details are hazy regarding how it came into existence - the WB feels generic. For example, the only thing Chee uses to differentiate the five islands is their geography. Aside from that they seem politically and culturally identical. I also wish the Guard as a villain was more compelling.
And then I found the ending to be disappointing. We get these prophecies in previous instalments that predict the future, and then in this instalment,
So all in all I really don't know where I stand with this book, or the series overall now. There are parts that don't recommend it and parts that do. What I do know is that I'm super interested in reading more from Traci Chee.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Death of parent, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, and Suicide
Minor: Sexual content, Fatphobia, Excrement, Torture, Trafficking, Colonisation, Ableism, Kidnapping, Pandemic/Epidemic, Vomit, Alcohol, Animal death, Confinement, Child death, and Body shaming
Moderate: PTSD, loss of a loved one, explosions Minor: fainting, menstruation
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