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bec_wheels's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In this book, we see how Kelsea is settling into her role of Queen while still facing challenges as well as the consequences from her decision to end the census. We're also introduced to Lily, who is from the pre crossing time period, and we learn how The Tealing came into creation. Overall, this was a gripping book with dark twists, more character development, and intrigue. However, I personally preferred the first book.
congressbaby143's review against another edition
2.0
I think I've rolled my eyes so many times while reading this. I don't know what made me continue reading this sequel in the first place. Was it for closure? Probably. One thing I'm sure of is that this did not bring me any closure at all. If anything, it only brought so many questions caused by so many loose ends and five hundred plot holes. I'm plain confused at the end of this book. There's so much written in it that I think didn't serve the story well—in the grand scheme of things. I don't know, it was just confusing. My favorite character, Father Jonathan, what of him? He couldn't have just gotten through that grand heist with his limp and vanish without a trace with a price on his head. What kept me going through this in the first half was Lily's storyline, but it became bland and too horrendous going towards the end I just wish I could close my eyes when reading a book and open them again when all the violence, rape, misogyny, sexism, epistemic violence, homophobia are gone and done. The whole Red-Queen-was-a-harrassed-bastard plot was just so weak and honestly feels like it was done in bad taste and overall just a bad decision on why an antagonist would turn into a VERY problematic character and spend a century to be cruel only for the desire prove herself as someone who's in control. It gets tiresome. 2.5/5 rating for this book because of the confusing intertwined genres, but 10/10 would read a zine of what happens to Father Jonathan and to the Fetch.
bookaddictpnw's review against another edition
Takes a weird turn into modern America?
sparksofkell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Murder, Gore, Death, Sexual violence, Rape, Domestic abuse, Blood, Torture, and Misogyny
Moderate: Gun violence, Trafficking, Medical trauma, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, Abortion, Pedophilia, and Trafficking
kaytland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
butterflymilkweed's review against another edition
4.25
In "The Invasion of the Tearling," Erika Johansen continues the epic tale she began in "The Queen of the Tearling," delving deeper into the intricacies of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. Building upon the foundation laid in the first installment, Johansen expands the world of the Tearling and further develops its compelling cast of characters.
At the heart of the novel is Kelsea Glynn, now firmly established as Queen of the Tearling. However, her struggles are far from over as she faces the daunting task of defending her kingdom against the relentless forces of the Red Queen of Mortmesne. Johansen deftly portrays Kelsea's internal conflict as she grapples with the weight of leadership and the moral ambiguity of war.
Supporting characters such as the enigmatic Fetch and the loyal Lazarus continue to play integral roles in the narrative, their own arcs intertwining with Kelsea's in unexpected ways. Johansen further explores their motivations and backgrounds, adding layers of complexity to their characters and deepening the reader's investment in their fates.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the consequences of power. As Kelsea makes difficult decisions in the face of war, the ripple effects of her actions reverberate throughout the Tearling and beyond. Johansen masterfully weaves together political intrigue, personal drama, and elements of magic to create a gripping narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The world-building in "The Invasion of the Tearling" is as rich and immersive as ever, with Johansen expanding upon the mythology of the Tearling and introducing new realms and cultures. From the desolate landscapes of Mortmesne to the hidden depths of the Tearling's own history, the novel is filled with vivid imagery and tantalizing glimpses of a larger world waiting to be explored.
While the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections of the book, the strength of Johansen's storytelling ultimately carries the reader through. As the novel builds towards its climactic conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional payoff is equally powerful.
In conclusion, "The Invasion of the Tearling" is a worthy successor to its predecessor, expanding upon the themes and characters introduced in "The Queen of the Tearling" while forging its own path forward. Johansen's deft prose and skillful world-building make for an engaging and thought-provoking read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you're a fan of epic fantasy that challenges the conventions of the genre, look no further than "The Invasion of the Tearling."
gabbylaw22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0
laurasauras's review against another edition
4.0
I should have reread the first book.
I made the mistake of thinking that all the events would be recapped, and decided that whitling down my enormous "to-read" pile was more important than rehashing an old book. But I missed so much, and the discoveries that I could tell were built up well just didn't have the same impact.
The thing I enjoyed about this book is that the protagonist and Queen is very capable. She's trying to correct the wrongs of the rulers before her and sticks to a firm moral code, but she's not naive, and she's a good ruler. I also found that the flashbacks were handled very well, and they broke up the main story nicely.
I made the mistake of thinking that all the events would be recapped, and decided that whitling down my enormous "to-read" pile was more important than rehashing an old book. But I missed so much, and the discoveries that I could tell were built up well just didn't have the same impact.
The thing I enjoyed about this book is that the protagonist and Queen is very capable. She's trying to correct the wrongs of the rulers before her and sticks to a firm moral code, but she's not naive, and she's a good ruler. I also found that the flashbacks were handled very well, and they broke up the main story nicely.