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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Complicated
The second installment didn't disappoint! Enjoyed the compelling character development and excited to see where the third installment goes!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
adventurous
emotional
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:
Complicated
"you are my unbreakable armor. And you will not die." Let me go cry in a corner.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
Cassandra Clare has once again proven why she is one of my favourite authors. This sequel exceeded all my expectations and solidified my love for her storytelling.
From the moment I stepped back into Castellane, I was completely immersed. The world is richly detailed, vibrant, and layered with intricate cultures that make it feel incredibly real. I particularly loved delving deeper into Ashkar culture and the criminal underworld of Castellane—every detail felt meticulously crafted, bringing the setting to life.
This book was packed with twists and turns, keeping me on edge from start to finish. Betrayals, court intrigue, high stakes—it had everything an epic fantasy needs. Every character had their own agenda, making the political maneuvering unpredictable and thrilling. The last 100 pages were pure chaos, and I could not put the book down!
What makes this series stand out is how we follow two equally compelling protagonists, Lin and Kel. Their individual storylines and growth kept me fully invested, and I truly can’t pick a favourite.
Lin is easily one of my favourite heroines—her resilience, patience, and determination make her unforgettable. I especially enjoyed her dynamic with Connor; their slow-building tension was palpable, and every interaction between them left me desperate for more.
Kel’s internal struggle with secrets, especially those involving Connor and Antonetta, added another layer of intensity to the story. Also his and Connors relationship still remains one of my favourite aspects of this series. I think this book really shows you how much these two care for each other and it makes all the events that transpire even more emotional.
I was also surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Antonetta. I initially wasn’t attached to her in Sword Catcher, but this book completely changed my perspective—I loved getting to see the real Antonetta beyond the facade she presents to the world.
I also found the Ragpicker King and his crew utterly fascinating. Merren, in particular, added some well-placed humor, balancing out the tension with his witty remarks.
While the romance remains a subplot, the slow burn, forbidden love, and pining were perfectly executed. Cassie is one of the few authors who can capture raw, complex emotions across multiple characters so effectively. Even the morally ambiguous ones are impossible not to get attached to!
This book gave me everything I love in adult fantasy—intricate politics, unpredictable twists, deep character arcs, and stunning world-building. The pacing was incredibly effective; I constantly found myself itching to pick it up whenever I was busy.
I cannot wait to see where the next book takes these characters. If this instalment is any indication, it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.
“And my Sword Catcher is right. You see he is not just my guardian, but my conscience.”
Return my sons back to their rightful positions as beside one another forever
Return my sons back to their rightful positions as beside one another forever
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
THIS IS TEXTBOOK “I didn’t say it was perfect, I said it was a 5 star read” AND I FEEL CURED
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A little disappointed in this one. It was fine but never really hooked me that much. I was annoying in the beginning with the narration constantly repeating things that happened in the first book. I felt like Lin and Kel both had less character development than the last book. The ragpicker king's crew really fell flat for me this book too. There's so much stuff that I think was done to make them likeable that just makes me think they would be really bad at their jobs. They feel like they would be way more at home in a YA.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated