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mrbear's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely worse than the first book in the series. Too many characters in this novel acted at a level of intelligence far below the first book (notably Miel, Valens, and even Ziani). The plot was also a bit of a mess, with lots of tangents and people disappearing at random and reappearing with no one having really cared. That said, it was still solid and worth reading. Parts of the beginning and middle of the book were legitimately hilarious, and I know I will read the third. So in that sense, as the second book of a series, it was a success.
aspeng's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
jimmacsyr's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book very much. Seeing the protagonists schemes coming together. Some of the ... connections in the scheme are more stated than demonstrated, so they appear a little contrived. Overall, fast paced and enjoyable. Looking forward to the concluding book.
hagbard_celine's review against another edition
3.0
Engrossing, despite the author's recurring habit of loudly shouting "something important is happening off camera, but I'm not going to tell you!!!" Lots of secret letters being read by characters while you the reader are left to wonder why they're so upset by the news, or whatever.
caseysw's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty much more of the same stuff that was in Devices and Desires, except all the characters became much less likable, to the point that it soured the whole book. The most interesting parts were the parts in Mezentine.
mellomorissa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
_b_a_l_'s review against another edition
3.0
Melancholy fantasy with a dash of fairly smart social commentary.
tempse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
winters's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
The pluses are the tricksy ways Parker reveals more about characters' motivations as he goes along (there are layers upon layers), how the bigger picture is slowly coming into focus, the multiple points of view. The biggest drawback is that some of the most important characters, like Orsea, are never fully realized. He tells rather than shows, over and over. But the intricate workings of the plot are compelling, so on I go to the last in the trilogy.