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fishface's review against another edition
4.0
This book (3-4) was probably better than 1-2 because it felt less like a prologue and more like a conclusive story. I also appreciated reading it because it provided backstory for the characters that feature in “Tales of the Otori”, however for the same reason, this series should be avoided until you have read than one.
Lian Hearns writing has a wonderfully refreshing descriptive aspect, managing to be both vivid and concise, which enhances the experience of reading.
Lian Hearns writing has a wonderfully refreshing descriptive aspect, managing to be both vivid and concise, which enhances the experience of reading.
pearseanderson's review against another edition
4.0
After a disappointing second book, I'm starting to see where the Tale of Shikanoko is going. I enjoyed all the smaller plots and developments, especially once the big movers and shakers get involved and after we spend so much both in the world and in the series. It answered questions and didn't have much conflict, just conspiracy. I'm really not loving how some women are represented in the series, but it's hard to parse if that's the fault of the setting or the characters or the author. I'm seeing where the hidden feminism shines through and really loving those places in the writing. And the tengu! Let's finish this series off!
alexreadsboooks's review against another edition
4.0
After losing Akihime, Shikanoko has disappeared into the Darkwood, meanwhile the true emperor is living his life as an acrobat, quite content with it. But the country needs its rightful ruler, and only Shikanoko can restore him to his throne.
If you read my review of Emperor of the Eight Islands, you will probably remember that I loved it, and I am glad to say that Lord of the Darkwood lived up to its predecessor.
The world remains interesting and magical, and I still love how easily Hearn incorporates the magical aspects into her story, while still making them seem completely realistic.
I also still love the style these books are written in. It fits the story so well, and unlike the first book, I was just able to dive into this one immediately without being thrown off by anything for the first few pages. I guess there’s somethign about refamiliarising myself with an author’s style.
The Tale of Shikanoko as a whole just works really well as an epic tale that gives more dimension to the world of Tales of the Otori, a connection it took me until late in the second book to realise. It’s possible that it was intended that way, and I thought it was great, but I’m also wondering a little if it wouldn’t have been more interesting to know about it a little earlier. (In case it was clear earlier, I hope you guys can excuse it, it’s been almost ten years since I read the Tales of the Otori series).
The one thing I thought as a bit weird was the love story between Hina and Shikanoko. I like both of them but their age difference made me side-eye the romance a little.
Lord of the Darkwood is a great sequel and finale to Emperor of the Eight Islands, and the whole series is just a great read all around. If you like Japanese culture this is definitely a good series to pick up. It feels like a lot of love went into the world building and the writing of it, and I think that really shows.
________
This review also appears on my blog alexreadsboooks
If you read my review of Emperor of the Eight Islands, you will probably remember that I loved it, and I am glad to say that Lord of the Darkwood lived up to its predecessor.
The world remains interesting and magical, and I still love how easily Hearn incorporates the magical aspects into her story, while still making them seem completely realistic.
I also still love the style these books are written in. It fits the story so well, and unlike the first book, I was just able to dive into this one immediately without being thrown off by anything for the first few pages. I guess there’s somethign about refamiliarising myself with an author’s style.
The Tale of Shikanoko as a whole just works really well as an epic tale that gives more dimension to the world of Tales of the Otori, a connection it took me until late in the second book to realise. It’s possible that it was intended that way, and I thought it was great, but I’m also wondering a little if it wouldn’t have been more interesting to know about it a little earlier. (In case it was clear earlier, I hope you guys can excuse it, it’s been almost ten years since I read the Tales of the Otori series).
The one thing I thought as a bit weird was the love story between Hina and Shikanoko. I like both of them but their age difference made me side-eye the romance a little.
Lord of the Darkwood is a great sequel and finale to Emperor of the Eight Islands, and the whole series is just a great read all around. If you like Japanese culture this is definitely a good series to pick up. It feels like a lot of love went into the world building and the writing of it, and I think that really shows.
________
This review also appears on my blog alexreadsboooks
clicheisreading's review against another edition
3.0
Dużo gorszą od pierwszej części. Połowa bohaterów mnie nie interesowała. Interesowali mnie tylko Shikanoko, Hina i Mu, a bohaterów jest dużo więcej. No i historia też mniej interesująca niż w 1. części
3.25
3.25
yammonite's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
mattburris's review against another edition
3.0
Blazed through this one. Really well executed development of formerly background characters from the other two books. Looking forward to the final book.
dianchie's review against another edition
4.0
This book was much slower paced with a whole lot of nothing going on. That said, it set up the final book quite well. I'm hoping the last book has some action or something going on in it because otherwise I'll be very disappointed with the ending of this series.
It was interesting that this book hardly featured Shikanoko. He was in less than a third of the whole book. He's frequently mentioned by characters but makes few appearances. The spider children are key characters in this book and the majority of the plot seems to revolve around them and Hina (each doing their own separate things).
I'm bittersweet about this book. Sweet because it was just as well written as the other ones. Bitter because there's only one more left in the series. I've come to love and care about the characters in this world and will hate having to say goodbye next book. Thankfully I can always re-read if I want to visit with them again.
I'll give the same recommendation most people seem to with this series: Start with Book 1 and don't leave too much gap between reading sessions. If a person starts reading with any book besides #1 first, they'll be totally lost. Also each book picks up right after the other ends and there's no background given in the beginnings of the book. So unless blessed with an excellent memory, it's easy to forget events if to much time passes between each book.
It was interesting that this book hardly featured Shikanoko. He was in less than a third of the whole book. He's frequently mentioned by characters but makes few appearances. The spider children are key characters in this book and the majority of the plot seems to revolve around them and Hina (each doing their own separate things).
I'm bittersweet about this book. Sweet because it was just as well written as the other ones. Bitter because there's only one more left in the series. I've come to love and care about the characters in this world and will hate having to say goodbye next book. Thankfully I can always re-read if I want to visit with them again.
I'll give the same recommendation most people seem to with this series: Start with Book 1 and don't leave too much gap between reading sessions. If a person starts reading with any book besides #1 first, they'll be totally lost. Also each book picks up right after the other ends and there's no background given in the beginnings of the book. So unless blessed with an excellent memory, it's easy to forget events if to much time passes between each book.