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myleejmiller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
In The Speaker by Traci Chee, Sefia and Archer are on the rub from the Guard: a force of magical protectors who want them dead for defeating one of their own and making off with the book. While fleeing for their lives, Archer seeks relief from bloodshed while Sefia seeks purpose through the Book. When their drive to discover themselves and a future where they aren't driven apart, Sefia and Archer undergo perilous adventures and darker threats than the Guard: themselves.
I really wish I'd finished this book sooner. Holy crap, it was good. Vivie prose, masterful storytelling, and deliberate characterization. Every aspect of this book came like a movie to my mind, drawing me in with popcorn in hand. I couldn't set it down, couldn't stop thinking about it. It definitely makes my top five reads of the year so far. Chee has a wonderful skill with building a world that draws readers in and never lets them go.
I rated this book five stars because, like The Reader, it was a masterful and so well done it felt like a fever dream to read. But there were issues with the book, as with all stories. For me, the biggest oddity was the way in which the book's finale contrasted much of the buildup. It wasn't a bad ending, but it did feel a tad opposite of what I expected as I progressed through the novel.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this trilogy to any and all looking for immersive YA fantasy! This is a story you won't want to miss.
I really wish I'd finished this book sooner. Holy crap, it was good. Vivie prose, masterful storytelling, and deliberate characterization. Every aspect of this book came like a movie to my mind, drawing me in with popcorn in hand. I couldn't set it down, couldn't stop thinking about it. It definitely makes my top five reads of the year so far. Chee has a wonderful skill with building a world that draws readers in and never lets them go.
I rated this book five stars because, like The Reader, it was a masterful and so well done it felt like a fever dream to read. But there were issues with the book, as with all stories. For me, the biggest oddity was the way in which the book's finale contrasted much of the buildup. It wasn't a bad ending, but it did feel a tad opposite of what I expected as I progressed through the novel.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this trilogy to any and all looking for immersive YA fantasy! This is a story you won't want to miss.
smateer73's review against another edition
4.0
This book was enjoyable but not as much as the last book I read, but was still good. It is an interesting tale of fate, life, love, adventure, and more, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
jnishi's review against another edition
5.0
Holy crap! I inhaled that book. I will buy and read anything Traci Chee writes and I am beating myself up that I put off reading these books until now.
abbyyy03's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
wesleyslibrary13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
veroer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
rakoerose's review against another edition
5.0
I find myself surprised by just how stunning this sequel is and the world Chee has crafted that feels so immersive!
My love, oh love, give me a sign
If you can hear my song.
Archer and Sefia’s bond is one I really like following through this series. Their individual conflicts still twine them together in a way that’s really stellar to see on the page. That they experience so much doubt, yet are each other’s homes.
I loved the inclusion of more gay and sapphic romances, and the inclusion of a trans character! It was naturally brought into the fold and made me so happy to see. Pirate wives? A king and his closest aid? Beautiful, talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, etc. I was shocked by how much I was captivated by Ed and Arc’s story - it’s not often side characters become just as in focus for me as the main ones! All the romances are just so beautifully written.
This series’s portrayal of male affection is just also something so beautiful. These boys love each other and are devoted to keeping each other safe, they’re vocal about their feelings. It’s such a stark contrast to the typical toxic masculinity of our own world that it makes me sad how I wish these things were more normal. Kaito and Archer’s bond is truly a brotherhood forged in flame and I’m grateful for its representation on the page.
Learning more of the history of Sefia’s parents, the Guard, and the truly incredible things one can do with the Sight... this world is really, truly fascinating. Bringing some interesting new abilities into Sefia’s fold makes me very excited to see what happens next.
Whew, I’m so glad I found this series! Here’s hoping the end will be just as great.
My love, oh love, give me a sign
If you can hear my song.
Archer and Sefia’s bond is one I really like following through this series. Their individual conflicts still twine them together in a way that’s really stellar to see on the page. That they experience so much doubt, yet are each other’s homes.
I loved the inclusion of more gay and sapphic romances, and the inclusion of a trans character! It was naturally brought into the fold and made me so happy to see. Pirate wives? A king and his closest aid? Beautiful, talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, etc. I was shocked by how much I was captivated by Ed and Arc’s story - it’s not often side characters become just as in focus for me as the main ones! All the romances are just so beautifully written.
This series’s portrayal of male affection is just also something so beautiful. These boys love each other and are devoted to keeping each other safe, they’re vocal about their feelings. It’s such a stark contrast to the typical toxic masculinity of our own world that it makes me sad how I wish these things were more normal. Kaito and Archer’s bond is truly a brotherhood forged in flame and I’m grateful for its representation on the page.
Learning more of the history of Sefia’s parents, the Guard, and the truly incredible things one can do with the Sight... this world is really, truly fascinating. Bringing some interesting new abilities into Sefia’s fold makes me very excited to see what happens next.
Whew, I’m so glad I found this series! Here’s hoping the end will be just as great.
eyleen's review against another edition
4.0
4,5 Sterne.
Die erste Hälfte war mir ein wenig zu kampflastig, aber trotzdem gut. Die Einführung des neuen Handlungsstrangs hat mir gut gefallen.
Die zweite Hälfte war extrem spannend und ich konnte kaum aufhören zu lesen!
Ich bin schon ganz gespannt, wie es in Band 3 weitergeht.
Die erste Hälfte war mir ein wenig zu kampflastig, aber trotzdem gut. Die Einführung des neuen Handlungsstrangs hat mir gut gefallen.
Die zweite Hälfte war extrem spannend und ich konnte kaum aufhören zu lesen!
Ich bin schon ganz gespannt, wie es in Band 3 weitergeht.
justicepirate's review against another edition
3.0
I felt most of this book was somewhat slow but I understand why. I have read several biography/autobiography books about child soldiers and this fictional story reflects some of those very well. I honestly did not enjoy the first half of this book but I loved the end! It was so good and I look forward to finishing this series soon.