Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Genuinely had no idea this was the second book in a series until just now. Wack.
Anyway, this made a stab at being interesting. It's billed as "dark" and most of the not-boring parts are indeed not boring because they're grisly and harrowing. I enjoy a decent amount of that, myself, but I do wish the rest had been less boring. The only real point of interest was Silyen Jardine. Love a useless, all-powerful, amoral teenager.
Still, though, the only one I liked was Gavar, and even Silyen did nothing. This book was very, very weird plotwise. The only person who accomplished anything was the evil Jardine patriarch as he furthered his megalomaniacal plot. This might be explained by the fact that this is a middle-series book, but seriously the extent to which literally nobody could get anything done almost got comical. The moment anyone threatened to concoct a plot or make a risky move to throw a wrench into Jardine's works, they instantly got capped. I'm serious, it happened like three or four times. No buildup. They were just dropping like flies.
Okay, Luke did escape from prison. That was the one thing someone else accomplished, and his storyline was the most interesting, though sadly the one we spent the least time on. The rebels' was the least interesting, because it was pointless and they just sat around making doomed-to-fail plans and losing members.
The third book might be better, when Silyen finally shows his cards and we find out what's up with Croven and his daughter, but there's no way it's going to be worth tracking down book one first.
Anyway, this made a stab at being interesting. It's billed as "dark" and most of the not-boring parts are indeed not boring because they're grisly and harrowing. I enjoy a decent amount of that, myself, but I do wish the rest had been less boring. The only real point of interest was Silyen Jardine. Love a useless, all-powerful, amoral teenager.
Still, though, the only one I liked was Gavar, and even Silyen did nothing. This book was very, very weird plotwise. The only person who accomplished anything was the evil Jardine patriarch as he furthered his megalomaniacal plot. This might be explained by the fact that this is a middle-series book, but seriously the extent to which literally nobody could get anything done almost got comical. The moment anyone threatened to concoct a plot or make a risky move to throw a wrench into Jardine's works, they instantly got capped. I'm serious, it happened like three or four times. No buildup. They were just dropping like flies.
Okay, Luke did escape from prison. That was the one thing someone else accomplished, and his storyline was the most interesting, though sadly the one we spent the least time on. The rebels' was the least interesting, because it was pointless and they just sat around making doomed-to-fail plans and losing members.
The third book might be better, when Silyen finally shows his cards and we find out what's up with Croven and his daughter, but there's no way it's going to be worth tracking down book one first.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I like this series, I really do. But there’s so many things that is missing that can make it better, I’m not sure what it is, but it’s like I’m not passionate about this book. Ugh, it sucks, because I feel like this have so much potentials, all of the characters could be so much more. But guess what everyone? Gavar Jardine is my new favorite character of this series. I feel like not a lot of things happened, but also like a lot? Does that make sense? But I’m still planning on to continue this series, crossing my fingers that it gets better.
I won Tarnished City from Del Rey Books in a Goodreads giveaway. I really liked Gilded Cage and was anxiously anticipating Tarnished City.
Here are my thoughts with the intention of avoiding spoilers.
It exceeded my expectations. The story wasn't surprising, but it didn't go in the direction I thought it was going to. It didn't answer all the questions I had from the first book and left me with even more. However, my excitement for book 3 has only been heightened after the reading of this one. I loved getting to know the characters more, which has led me to love some more and despise others more.
In conclusion, read Gilded Cage and then read Tarnished City.
Here are my thoughts with the intention of avoiding spoilers.
It exceeded my expectations. The story wasn't surprising, but it didn't go in the direction I thought it was going to. It didn't answer all the questions I had from the first book and left me with even more. However, my excitement for book 3 has only been heightened after the reading of this one. I loved getting to know the characters more, which has led me to love some more and despise others more.
In conclusion, read Gilded Cage and then read Tarnished City.
Well, this was devastating in every way (and some good ways, too). Vic James, you wrecked me.
As with "Gilded Cage," the world, characters, and plot are all amazing. The characters make this series for me. I can't really say anything more specific without massive spoilers, except ... Coira was a fantastic addition. I can't get enough of Luke. I loved seeing more of Abi. Gavar developments ftw. And Jenner. !!!! That is all.
I need "Bright Ruin" immediately, and I am pretty gutted I have to wait until October to finish this series.
Omg the ending.. What just happened? I need time to process.
This book was a crazy ride that picks up immediately after the first. It's definitely a middle book which ends on another cliffhanger but it's a thrilling adventure. This installment in the series was darker and grittier than the first and full of shocking developments, which left me stunned on multiple occasions. I can't wait to see how the developments and surprising new alliances from this book are wrapped up in the conclusion. I still have no idea what Silyen's plans or motivations are but that just seems to make him more intriguing. I can't wait for the conclusion to this amazing series!
So good.
This is building on everything that was laid out in the first instalment and Vic James raises the stakes for everyone.
The scary thing is we don’t feel very far from this at all.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This is building on everything that was laid out in the first instalment and Vic James raises the stakes for everyone.
The scary thing is we don’t feel very far from this at all.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I loved this book!!! There is no figuring out where it is going. So many twists and turns. Super intriguing with a side of "what just happened?" Absolutely amazing!!! I love books that keep me guessing and make me not want to put them down.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes