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cakt1991's review against another edition
4.0
A Reaper at the Gates continues in a similar vein to the prior book, continuing to expand on the world Sabaa Tahir has created over the prior two books. While I think the two middle books have varied in quality compared to the strong first installment, they’re still all fairly solid.
The characters were a bit of a mixed bag, as once again the main/POV cast expands. I feel like Helene really shined the most in this book, and as she was also a favorite of mine in the prior book, that’s no surprise. I loved seeing her doing more, especially as she’s newly married to the emperor (while trying to plot his downfall) and trying to protect her sister. I definitely feel like Laia and especially Elias were sidelined, with him in particular having the least to do and the least page time. Laia at least has major conflict with the Nightbringer driving her personal arc this time around, and having the Nightbringer’s perspective as a counterpoint also furthered the intrigue in this department.
The story picks up pretty much just after the last left off, and I was intrigued by how things developed from there. The villains continue to grow more complex and layered, and the stakes rise with it. The pacing is pretty even, being relatively quick, but also taking time to build tension as the story progresses, making the resolution worth it.
I continue to enjoy this series, and remain hopeful of it all coming together epically in the final book. I strongly recommend this series to readers looking for a crossover YA epic fantasy series with strong world building and character development.
maria928's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
savsturg's review against another edition
this series started off so strong. the premise had me in a chokehold. but the story has taken a turn in a direction I don't care for. maybe it was my own fault for getting too attached to the idea I had in my head how it would all work out, or maybe I'm not entirely crazy in thinking where I now see the story going is a bit too outlandish. I also made the mistake/fortunate decision to read some reviews to see if others felt the same...and yeah I'm not alone. maybe I'll return to this series one day though!
tinehelen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was boring in so many ways. And Shrike made mistake after mistake, nothing she did was the right move but 1. Elias got boring. But Laia was growing in this book. She has learned and are trying to do better. She makes me give this book 3 star.
kdsmoove's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
samants's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The tension keeps getting amped up, and every chapter ends in a cliffhanger, and the character development is entirely "love or duty" and the characters oscillating between them. Every character is connected. Every single one. It's getting a little tiresome. I'm going to finish it anyway, but I'm kind of most interested in what happens with Keris and the Nightbringer rather than our protagonists.
erwikka's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
3.25
I really love this series but did my favorites really have to go through all of this! This was definitely a build up book so I feel like it drug on a bit in places. I loved the new POV added. Also definitely was broken by the end and I’m very nervous to read the finale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Pregnancy and Abandonment
gauriraut's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
chloesheasby's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
4.5