Reviews

The Buried World by Jeff Wheeler

drearyletters's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

petebooksreadalongtheway's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.5

undeadwookieebooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

3.5

lostinagoodbook's review against another edition

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5.0

I could kick myself, honestly. I thought I had already written a review for this book a long time ago. I’m seriously annoyed with myself, because Jeff Wheeler has become such a favorite author and I love getting ARC’s of his books. I hate to think I didn’t treat this one with the respect it deserves.

This being the second book in the series you can find my review of the first book, The Killing Fog at the link.

I have been enjoying this series. It’s a little different from his other series because it is asian inspired. It is reminiscent of a wuxia type movie. As with other Jeff Wheeler books it features some very strong female characters, and absolutely flies by. The second half of this book in particular was a wild ride. If you enjoyed the first book, you will not be disappointed with this second installment.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley.

draculaura21's review against another edition

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4.0

I like it best when trilogies have a middle installment that just knocks the wind out of you. Promises broken, back turned, lives lost. This is no exception. Honor is the big theme in this book and all the little subtleties of life that come with it. Can you be deceitful, yet honorable? Is your word your bond or are your actions? Is it selfish to want to live?

I am continually flabbergasted at the intricate world Jeff Wheeler has created. It is rich in history and culture, but feels as fleeting as a sandcastle. The characters remain just as layered and sincere as in The Killing Fog, for which I am very grateful, since that was Book 1's biggest draw for me. I was a little worried about the budding romance between Rowan and Bigmei, but that's only because I will ship Quingmei until my last breath. 

I already have The Immortal Words downloaded and cannot wait to find out what becomes of the Phoenix-chosen. The night is darkest just before the dawn and the Dragon of Night has indeed come. 

ellyrarg's review against another edition

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4.0

Mm. This was quite a meandering book, but I guess relevant as Bingmei is finding her own way. There are still many things unexplained, but there are a few things being revealed.

I’m annoyed that she’s going to the wall out of guilt and doubt, rather than decisively choosing it as the right thing with a clear conscience. I get she’s a young heroine who is still figuring it out, but she’s stumbling across it with trial and error, rather than learning/being taught, which makes the path feel indecisive and a lot of her decisions folly like, as if the cost is too high. Very blah.

Still, I’m glad we ended up where did, there was definite movement and growth for several characters, so that’s a win.

Looking forward to the final book.

michellehenriereads's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Buried World picks up right after the first book. Bingmei continues to struggle with the demands others put on her to sacrifice herself. Echion is ever vigilant over the kingdom, squashing insurrection and the nobility, promoting those who will enforce the martial laws, and constantly chasing Bingmei. His rule cannot be complete without his dragon queen.

Bingmei continues in her moral struggles. These are some of my favorite scenes as she grows into the person she becomes by the end of the book. She is driven and relentless in wanting to do right. She has to know who she is to know how to best help others and defy Emperor Echion. Sometimes, her choices seem like they'll make everything worse - and they do, but she has to trust herself and take action.

If I were to hypothesize on a moral lesson from this series, I would take the themes of forgiveness and knowing who you are. In that way, The Buried World is a coming of age story at its heart - and we all need a little forgiveness.

By the midpoint in the novel, hang-on to your seat for the rest of the ride. The tension ramps up even more in this adventure series. Friends are discovered, betrayals hit forgiveness is found, love is a driving force, evil is overwhelming, the odds are stacked against our hero. Is death really the only answer?

If you enjoy fantasy novels with interesting worlds, you won't want to miss The Immortal Words. Even though this one ends on a cliffhanger - which I liked since it's full of intriguing possibilities - the next in the series, The Immortal Words is scheduled to come out on September 22, 2020.

You can check out more book reviews and author interviews at www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com

raquelreadsalot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad 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? No

4.0

cturn's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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jaybirdt's review against another edition

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4.0

Thrilling Saga

Oh, the difficulty in making a penultimate book engaging and intriguing... Thankfully, the author nailed this arc wonderfully. Cannot wait to read the Final Chapter!