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melthomp13's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
i genuinely can’t wrap my head around how good this series is and what a bomb ass sequel this was
i genuinely can’t wrap my head around how good this series is and what a bomb ass sequel this was
dasrach'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
noellepb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
This thrilling second book added even more depth and dimension to these characters. Each of them is finding their way in the world and often finding what it means to stand alone in their missions. The fierceness and passion of each character is highlighted through their choices. Their characterization felt unwavering and true. Radu and Lada feel dimensional and complicated while remaining human and fallible. This book is well crafted and sprinkled deliciously with true friendships, sexual pleasure for women, violence against rapists, actually moral greyness, and ✨gayness✨ (all great things lol).
aivbeenreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
cactusjuicer's review against another edition
5.0
Don't touch me I'm a basket case of emotions right now. I don't even know where to begin with this book at the moment, so review to come!
elisabeth_julia's review against another edition
3.0
No other book series makes me feel more torn than the Conqueror's Saga. In theory I really like it, in reality I don’t enjoy these books, but I can’t put my finger on it why that is. I’m unable to immerse myself in the story. Something about the writing makes me bored. The only thing I feel is detachment. I think part of the problem is that there is just too much going on all the time. The characters jump from one place to the next, are constantly busy fighting, killing and generally keeping themselves busy. What the books need more of is inner monologue, but also dialogue and relationship development. Instead, the characters are just a bunch of figures speedily being moved across the playing board.
The world-building is also lacking. It might be a strange thing to say considering that the series is set in the real world, but there is still the need to set the scene properly. The author throws in some sentences when a character arrives at a new place, but it’s just not enough or done well.
However, I still love the premise of these books and the story really isn’t bad. Plus, some of the issues I had with the first book “And I Darken” were solved in Now I Rise: I criticised that the focus was so much on a silly, annoying romance without it even being romantic. I didn’t get the point of that. The intention behind this becomes clear in this sequel. Also, romance isn’t the main focus anymore which is just fine with me.
Nevertheless, this book contains a romance that I actually really enjoyed
Overall, despite all my problems with Now I Rise, I like the direction the story is headed in and I can still see myself reading the third book in the end, not just because I need to find out what will happen (and I badly want to know!).
Plus, Now I rise has some really great stuff going for it:
- Diversity
- An atypical female heroine
- Feminist values
- An interesting story
- Real historical elements and locations and a great setting
The world-building is also lacking. It might be a strange thing to say considering that the series is set in the real world, but there is still the need to set the scene properly. The author throws in some sentences when a character arrives at a new place, but it’s just not enough or done well.
However, I still love the premise of these books and the story really isn’t bad. Plus, some of the issues I had with the first book “And I Darken” were solved in Now I Rise: I criticised that the focus was so much on a silly, annoying romance without it even being romantic. I didn’t get the point of that. The intention behind this becomes clear in this sequel. Also, romance isn’t the main focus anymore which is just fine with me.
Nevertheless, this book contains a romance that I actually really enjoyed
Overall, despite all my problems with Now I Rise, I like the direction the story is headed in and I can still see myself reading the third book in the end, not just because I need to find out what will happen (and I badly want to know!).
Plus, Now I rise has some really great stuff going for it:
- Diversity
- An atypical female heroine
- Feminist values
- An interesting story
- Real historical elements and locations and a great setting
ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
“Mercy is the one thing I cannot afford. Not yet. When Wallachia is stable, when we have rebuilt, then yes. What we do now, we do so that someday mercy will be able to survive here.”
I loved everything about this book! I am in love with Lada even more! God, she is such a savage and a complete bad ass who doesn't take anyone's shit. She definitely stands up for herself and kills anyone and everyone who is against her. I can't tell who is the bigger bitch, her or karma. But hot damn! is she awesome.
Radu was annoying me the entire time. His love for Mehmed was just ugggghhhhhhh and frustrating to read about. Can't he love anyone else?!?! ANYONE?!?! Mehmed knew about his love and he doesn't care about it. He just says pretty things to Radu and he's like instantly hooked on him again. I would probably like him if he grew a pair, left or killed Mehmed, and went back home to his sister OR anywhere else in the world...but no, he does nothing but being Mehmed's little bitch.
Mehmed...I hate you. I hope you die. Unfortunately for me that didn't happen at all in this book. He has conquered Constantinople and sends a request for Lada to be by his side. HA! Like that is going to happen. Which is why I love what she wrote in her letter back to Radu.
I wonder how I'm going to spend my time while waiting for the next book to come out. I can't wait to get my hands on it! I need to know what's going to happen next!!
Spoiler
OH MY FREAKING GOD!I loved everything about this book! I am in love with Lada even more! God, she is such a savage and a complete bad ass who doesn't take anyone's shit. She definitely stands up for herself and kills anyone and everyone who is against her. I can't tell who is the bigger bitch, her or karma. But hot damn! is she awesome.
Radu was annoying me the entire time. His love for Mehmed was just ugggghhhhhhh and frustrating to read about. Can't he love anyone else?!?! ANYONE?!?! Mehmed knew about his love and he doesn't care about it. He just says pretty things to Radu and he's like instantly hooked on him again. I would probably like him if he grew a pair, left or killed Mehmed, and went back home to his sister OR anywhere else in the world...but no, he does nothing but being Mehmed's little bitch.
Mehmed...I hate you. I hope you die. Unfortunately for me that didn't happen at all in this book. He has conquered Constantinople and sends a request for Lada to be by his side. HA! Like that is going to happen. Which is why I love what she wrote in her letter back to Radu.
I wonder how I'm going to spend my time while waiting for the next book to come out. I can't wait to get my hands on it! I need to know what's going to happen next!!
lysswedge's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely liked this one a lot more than the first! The plot felt a little slow at some points, as well with the politics but the characters really kept me invested.
3.75
3.75