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anna_rebeccas's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
jlblumenfeld's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This took some turns I wasn't expecting but I loved it. I really hope Fforde follows through on his first promise of it being a trilogy, cause I really can't wait to see what happens next.
zor's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sklepia's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thefragranthand's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Just as with the first book the premis to this book sounds more intriguing than it is in actuality. The characters aren't much likeable, the story is tedious, and the payoff/conclusion wasn't worth the two book investment. Jasper Fforde is one of my favorite authors but this one didn't land for me.
lgaddy's review against another edition
5.0
US edition. I'm so happy to have this book. I adore Jasper Fforde and everything he's written. I had some issues with how some things related to the first book, and was sad over some plot lines not being brought back into play...but there was no way i wouldnt love this book. This one goes somewhere unexpected at the end and I nearly cried. Can't wait to see what happens in the third and final book, whenever it happens. I'll wait, Mr Fforde, anything for you.
Full transparency: I was appalled by the editing in this US version. They did NOT do right by the book, and while I am ever so grateful to Soho Press for publishing a book I've waited so long for, I am not impressed. Do better by your authors.
Full transparency: I was appalled by the editing in this US version. They did NOT do right by the book, and while I am ever so grateful to Soho Press for publishing a book I've waited so long for, I am not impressed. Do better by your authors.
timinbc's review against another edition
5.0
That was worth waiting ffor. I can't really remember #1, but the setting here at least ffelt ffamiliar.
It's a big book, and that's what made me notice how well it's written. It stays ffocused on the key characters, limits the number of side characters and never gives them too much time on stage.
The naming of things and people. with colours is ffun. The what's-actually-going-on-here is worked in gradually and deftly, without telling us too much, and in the end we are fforced to nod and say, "Dammit, that actually makes sense."
The development of rebelliousness is ever so slowly nurtured; we see people questioning the rules, each at their own pace. If you wanted to go all lit'ry you could fforce an allegorical, sociopolitical ffilter on this book - but it's perfectly happy if you just want to read it ffor ffun.
The development of Violet is particularly well done.
I suspect there are many more references to other books than the few I noticed. Especially "These aren't the travellers you're looking for."
Good ffun, indeed, but also meticulously crafted.
I hope some future historian ffinds a trove of the scrap papers from Fforde's night table, where we have to assume there have been hundreds of "what if a certain hue could make people ..." ideas ffizzing out of the ffireworks ffactory of Fforde's brain.
It's a big book, and that's what made me notice how well it's written. It stays ffocused on the key characters, limits the number of side characters and never gives them too much time on stage.
The naming of things and people. with colours is ffun. The what's-actually-going-on-here is worked in gradually and deftly, without telling us too much, and in the end we are fforced to nod and say, "Dammit, that actually makes sense."
The development of rebelliousness is ever so slowly nurtured; we see people questioning the rules, each at their own pace. If you wanted to go all lit'ry you could fforce an allegorical, sociopolitical ffilter on this book - but it's perfectly happy if you just want to read it ffor ffun.
The development of Violet is particularly well done.
I suspect there are many more references to other books than the few I noticed. Especially "These aren't the travellers you're looking for."
Good ffun, indeed, but also meticulously crafted.
I hope some future historian ffinds a trove of the scrap papers from Fforde's night table, where we have to assume there have been hundreds of "what if a certain hue could make people ..." ideas ffizzing out of the ffireworks ffactory of Fforde's brain.
emmajcross's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Having waited for this for over 10 years, I can say it was worth the wait 😊 loved how much more of Chromatatia it introduced and can't wait for the next (which there had better be because it can't just all end there!)!
mcbenzie's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
greysonk's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25