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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
I sort of slogged through this one, but think the fact that I read through all three books in the series back-to-back might be to blame. I found the capers and plots less charming, and the whole storyline of them as actors was often difficult to follow - we have the four Gentlemen Bastards using cover names, then being cast in a play where they have a third set of names. And every other actor also has a secondary name due to their part in the play. And the author occassionally switches between using characters' first and last names.
And frankly I did not care to read the parts where they act out the play within a book.
Theatrical greivances aside, it was fun to revisit a storyline in which Calo and Galdo are still alive. On the flip side, the whole political intrigue and manipulation also got a bit convoluted, and I felt like the development of the relationship between Sabetha and Locke also felt clunky. And the big reveal at the end was very... huh?! Confusing and not as impactful as I suspect it was meant to be. Whereas at the end of the first two books, I couldn't wait to pick up the next, this one didn't end with that level of suspense.
I'm going to sound like a jerk when I say this is the first fantasy series that I'm glad the author has taken forever to keep writing, because I need a break - forgive me if you are one of the people who has been waiting for book #4 for the last decade
And frankly I did not care to read the parts where they act out the play within a book.
Theatrical greivances aside, it was fun to revisit a storyline in which Calo and Galdo are still alive. On the flip side, the whole political intrigue and manipulation also got a bit convoluted, and I felt like the development of the relationship between Sabetha and Locke also felt clunky. And the big reveal at the end was very... huh?! Confusing and not as impactful as I suspect it was meant to be. Whereas at the end of the first two books, I couldn't wait to pick up the next, this one didn't end with that level of suspense.
I'm going to sound like a jerk when I say this is the first fantasy series that I'm glad the author has taken forever to keep writing, because I need a break - forgive me if you are one of the people who has been waiting for book #4 for the last decade
once again, you get dinged for being a creep, thanks for your participation in A Society
Hard to finish. Not as good as the first one. Sabetha was cool and complicated (esp when you got to read from her perspective), but I felt like she was mostly there to give Locke man-pain. Didn't like that Locke's orphan unknown past was kinda magically (literally) explained away. Some things should just stay unknown.
3.5? I love this series. The world, the characters, all of it. Was this the best book? No.
Books 1 & 2 are some of my new favourites of all time, I think unfortunately that put a lot of pressure on this one and sadly it fell flat.
While I was still invested in the story it just felt like it ran out of energy about halfway through. The twists toward the end were entirely underwhelming and I’m left waiting for book 4 in hopes it brings the storyline back to its former glory.
Books 1 & 2 are some of my new favourites of all time, I think unfortunately that put a lot of pressure on this one and sadly it fell flat.
While I was still invested in the story it just felt like it ran out of energy about halfway through. The twists toward the end were entirely underwhelming and I’m left waiting for book 4 in hopes it brings the storyline back to its former glory.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
As far as the story goes, I would give this book a 3/5. It doesn’t really feel like anything happens. And then it just kind of ends. I wouldn’t say it was unsatisfying, but it just wasn’t memorable.
The characterizations, however, are an easy 5/5. The things that were teased through the first two books come to fruition here in near perfection. The psyche of Lock Lamora is explored in a fresh way that feels so natural. It was another entry of a book series that just feels like I’m hanging out with my friends. And that will always be what Lynch does best.
After Red Seas Under Red Skies, it was nice to have a return to quality flashbacks. I actually preferred them to the main story in this entry.
I’m not sure how I feel about the twist, but we’ll see how that all plays out in future installments (if they ever come).
The lackluster story mixed with the incredible characters evens this book out to a 4/5 for me. And you can bet I’ll have The Thorn of Emberlain preordered as soon as I can!
The characterizations, however, are an easy 5/5. The things that were teased through the first two books come to fruition here in near perfection. The psyche of Lock Lamora is explored in a fresh way that feels so natural. It was another entry of a book series that just feels like I’m hanging out with my friends. And that will always be what Lynch does best.
After Red Seas Under Red Skies, it was nice to have a return to quality flashbacks. I actually preferred them to the main story in this entry.
I’m not sure how I feel about the twist, but we’ll see how that all plays out in future installments (if they ever come).
The lackluster story mixed with the incredible characters evens this book out to a 4/5 for me. And you can bet I’ll have The Thorn of Emberlain preordered as soon as I can!
love this talented writer! one of my very favorite series!!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes