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lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
It's not often that I like the second in a series better but this is the case. Perhaps it is the theme of personhood that I like in this book or even the fact that it ends (spoiler alert) with a lesbian love interest but really I think it is that there is more adventure in the story.
themanfromdelmonte's review against another edition
3.0
The plot was a bit thin and the language started to grate. Dragons talking like toffs and all. For such a slight book I found it hard to finish
ink_and_fury's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maggie6832's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
What fun! I really enjoyed this book, and the appearances of characters from this first book was well balanced.
I figured that Sakti and Muna were the same person, and then the True Queen, pretty easily, but I do think it’s meant to be obvious and the real fun is in how long it takes Muna to realize this. Bless her. Also, all the female relationships in this book!!! There are like four guys in the whole thing, two of which are basically married to each other, another of whom is a father who learns to support his daughter’s magical interests, and the last of which is the husband to the Sorceresss Royal. Loved that the focus was so heavy on women, and I was so excited that Henny and Muna ended up together!! I wasn’t sure that was the route things were going, but I had high hopes! And the sister relationship, and discussions of colonial violence and prejudice, and the humor! I had a good time.
bassgirl456's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
3.5
patchworkbunny's review
4.0
In the Malaysian village of Janda Baik, two girls awake with no memories of who they were, just their names; Muna and Sakti. Sakti possesses magic but Muna does, yet the witch Mak Genggang takes them both in. When they become desperate to learn the truth, the girls go against their mentor's wishes and are sent off to England to make amends at the Sorceress Royale's academy for female magicians.
It's been a long wait since we last saw Prunella and Zacharias I loved the different direction The Last Queen took, whilst still revisiting beloved characters from the first book. I instantly warmed to Muna, her love for her sister and her willingness to march into danger to save her.
The English magiciennes are still battling with the prejudice of the patriarchy. Among the upper class, ladies doing magic is pure scandal. Harriet plays a bigger part in this story, resigned to marriage in order to help her family, she can go on one last adventure. When the Queen of Fairy accuses England of stealing a powerful artefact, someone needs to venture into the Fairy Court to sort things out.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable sequel and Zen Cho's storytelling has only got better. I did work it all out well before the characters but it was still a delight. I hope there won't be too long until the next one!
It's been a long wait since we last saw Prunella and Zacharias I loved the different direction The Last Queen took, whilst still revisiting beloved characters from the first book. I instantly warmed to Muna, her love for her sister and her willingness to march into danger to save her.
The English magiciennes are still battling with the prejudice of the patriarchy. Among the upper class, ladies doing magic is pure scandal. Harriet plays a bigger part in this story, resigned to marriage in order to help her family, she can go on one last adventure. When the Queen of Fairy accuses England of stealing a powerful artefact, someone needs to venture into the Fairy Court to sort things out.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable sequel and Zen Cho's storytelling has only got better. I did work it all out well before the characters but it was still a delight. I hope there won't be too long until the next one!
kristinecanwrite's review against another edition
5.0
A sweet, fun book the focuses on character and explores more of the fantasy elements of the world. This one, for me, was even better than the first one.
book_gremlin42's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.5
nmorin's review against another edition
4.0
Not as good as the first one for me, and wish that the had been more developed, that kind of came out of left field for me honestly, but still charming and fun! Love a sisterhood story.