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xragex3's review against another edition
3.0
I was hoping for more horror and gender discussions. Will finish the trilogy but not too keen anymore.
pegasusjones's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Better than the first. Increased complexity in both character and plot are deftly handled by the author.
sdscattergood's review against another edition
4.0
Following up to the story in the Bone Doll's Twin, Tobin continues dealing with the knowledge that Skala awaits her rise to power, or dies as a country.
anchaliel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
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
1morepaige's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the first book, and was happy to start this one right away.
I'm so glad I did because this book was even stronger than Bone-Doll's Twin, with fewer (imo) of the slower parts that dragged a bit.
Well plotted, well characterized, not exactly ground-breaking as far as world-building goes, but that's not too much of an issue with me. Especially if you can get me with a good character. I really love Ki and am growing quite fond of Tobin as well, though that is taking longer for me.
I'm so glad I did because this book was even stronger than Bone-Doll's Twin, with fewer (imo) of the slower parts that dragged a bit.
Well plotted, well characterized, not exactly ground-breaking as far as world-building goes, but that's not too much of an issue with me. Especially if you can get me with a good character. I really love Ki and am growing quite fond of Tobin as well, though that is taking longer for me.
geldauran's review against another edition
3.0
Like Alanna, only full of more complicated and twisty gender roles and politics.
lifeisacharade's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
cnapple's review against another edition
4.0
So I just got done writing my review of book one and how I found the premise interesting, but it never *grabbed me*. Now here I am one day later reviewing book two. Consider me grabbed.
A lot of my quibbles with "Bone Doll" were cleared up in this second, much more polished novel. Overall the pacing was much better than in the first book. There were still a few odd character jumps which I felt tripped up the narrative a bit, particularly in the climax sequence, but overall the progression of the plot arc felt smooth and logical. The progression of the character arcs was similarly improved.
In "Bone Doll" Tobin's identity crisis is disappointingly abbreviated, and I was left wanting *more* of their reactions and inner thoughts. Without getting too spoilery, I'll simply say that the main character gets a huge information bomb regarding their identity dropped on them about 3/4 through the book, and while I was expecting some major emotional ramifications it's left largely unexplored. In "Warrior" we get a much more personal look at how our lead is feeling about the situation and how it affects their view of themself and their relationships with those closest to them. I was slightly disappointed by what seems to be a rather cliche romantic subplot, but I suppose it may prove to provide a decidedly un-cliche examination into gender identity and sexuality. Tobin's character overall is much more well developed in this installment and I finally found myself really relating to them. Some of the secondary companions - Tharin, Lhel, even "brother" - also get a chance to shine and I'm really starting to like some of them.
The only character I really unenthused about is the primary villain who seems rather comically, over-the-top evil to me. It's like Lewelling pondered over what villainous deeds to lay at his door, rape, kidnapping, child-murder, religious genocide, dark magic, and was like F-it! let's include all of them so that the readers will know that this is one bad dude. I tend to like my villains a little more complicated than that, but there are enough layers to the other characters that I can forgive one case of black and white morality.
All in all I did really enjoy this book. The plot was tightly woven and full of tension, the characters were well fleshed out and complex, and most of all it's just really nice to read some epic fantasy that is brimming with well-written, interesting, courageous, and flawed female characters. I'm eager to see where the conclusion will leave us as there's still a lot of mystery to be resolved.
A lot of my quibbles with "Bone Doll" were cleared up in this second, much more polished novel. Overall the pacing was much better than in the first book. There were still a few odd character jumps which I felt tripped up the narrative a bit, particularly in the climax sequence, but overall the progression of the plot arc felt smooth and logical. The progression of the character arcs was similarly improved.
In "Bone Doll" Tobin's identity crisis is disappointingly abbreviated, and I was left wanting *more* of their reactions and inner thoughts. Without getting too spoilery, I'll simply say that the main character gets a huge information bomb regarding their identity dropped on them about 3/4 through the book, and while I was expecting some major emotional ramifications it's left largely unexplored. In "Warrior" we get a much more personal look at how our lead is feeling about the situation and how it affects their view of themself and their relationships with those closest to them. I was slightly disappointed by what seems to be a rather cliche romantic subplot, but I suppose it may prove to provide a decidedly un-cliche examination into gender identity and sexuality. Tobin's character overall is much more well developed in this installment and I finally found myself really relating to them. Some of the secondary companions - Tharin, Lhel, even "brother" - also get a chance to shine and I'm really starting to like some of them.
The only character I really unenthused about is the primary villain who seems rather comically, over-the-top evil to me. It's like Lewelling pondered over what villainous deeds to lay at his door, rape, kidnapping, child-murder, religious genocide, dark magic, and was like F-it! let's include all of them so that the readers will know that this is one bad dude. I tend to like my villains a little more complicated than that, but there are enough layers to the other characters that I can forgive one case of black and white morality.
All in all I did really enjoy this book. The plot was tightly woven and full of tension, the characters were well fleshed out and complex, and most of all it's just really nice to read some epic fantasy that is brimming with well-written, interesting, courageous, and flawed female characters. I'm eager to see where the conclusion will leave us as there's still a lot of mystery to be resolved.
lordseregil's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0