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abbyschalupa's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Besides personal views and preferences, this is a well done sequel. The writing is atmospheric and descriptive, the plot slows at times but makes up for it with quick bursts of action. Plot continues to carry tension and builds up to the big reveals at the end. The last 1/3 flew by with action and reveals while the first 2/3 had slower areas.
3 POVs though one of them was rather difficult to like, the other two had me completely engaged. New side characters are introduced- some are likeable, others not so much, with one of them having their own POV. I couldn’t find myself connecting to the side characters suddenly brought in, with one having spotlight that I found boring and irritating.
A queer normative society is fantastic to see in fantasy. While I enjoyed this read, I wasn’t as deeply enthralled as I was with The Helm of Midnight. I wasn’t as invested with the characters. The last 1/3 did, however, keep me glued until I finished the book. The tension, stakes, and massive reveals were happening all at once.
There’s some symbolism used for a person or soul being split and needing to unite. The description of the writing makes it so visceral and vivid. Truly, the prose is finished and beautiful.
Absolutely dark fantasy, branching into darker territory. Trigger/content warnings: One POV is centered on a child cult, emotional abuse, and child abuse. One scene where a character almost commits suicide though not of their own volition. Murder, death, blood, gore. Cult using manipulation and various form of abuse, with many left implied. Without spoiling close to the end, off page you realize a character will be tortured.
3 POVs though one of them was rather difficult to like, the other two had me completely engaged. New side characters are introduced- some are likeable, others not so much, with one of them having their own POV. I couldn’t find myself connecting to the side characters suddenly brought in, with one having spotlight that I found boring and irritating.
A queer normative society is fantastic to see in fantasy. While I enjoyed this read, I wasn’t as deeply enthralled as I was with The Helm of Midnight. I wasn’t as invested with the characters. The last 1/3 did, however, keep me glued until I finished the book. The tension, stakes, and massive reveals were happening all at once.
There’s some symbolism used for a person or soul being split and needing to unite. The description of the writing makes it so visceral and vivid. Truly, the prose is finished and beautiful.
Absolutely dark fantasy, branching into darker territory. Trigger/content warnings: One POV is centered on a child cult, emotional abuse, and child abuse. One scene where a character almost commits suicide though not of their own volition. Murder, death, blood, gore. Cult using manipulation and various form of abuse, with many left implied. Without spoiling close to the end, off page you realize a character will be tortured.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Death, Grief, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Blood, Child abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Torture
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