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wardenred's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
...but this was Nadežra. Its foundations were built of lies as much as stone.
I read the first book in the series what feels like absolute ages ago, way before this one was even out yet, and I absolutely loved it to bits. Still, once The Liar's Key came out, I've spent ages being weirdly intimidated to start it. I can't even explain it, it just felt like an intimidating read somehow? And I guess it turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy, because for about 1/4 of a book, I didn't have an easy time. I very much appreciated the "Story so far" section at the beginning and various hints at past events and outright reminders scattered throughout the first chapters. That sure made it easier to get reacquainted with this fantastic world and its characters. However, it still took me way too long to find my footing in it as a reader.
Looking back, I think I would've had a very different impression if I binge-read the books back to back. Because what apparently caused me difficulties was that the status quo here was very different from the get-go, compared to the first book (understandable!). But still, the characters seemed to be kind of... emotionally a step behind the changes, still embroiled in the pre-change events to some extent even as they were already plotting their actions going forward. And similarly, the narrative/structure/the book itself kind of played by the old rules despite the situation being so different, some of the secrets that drove the plot of the previous books being out for the reader to see, etc. Then gradually everything came back together and the plot once again turned into this intricate mechanism where all the details were in sync. If I read the books back to back, I think this transitional period would have felt like a cool feature, really helpful for characterization in particular. But the big gap between books caused me to feel mildly disoriented instead.
Overall, this is very much the second book in a trilogy: halfway dealing with the fallout of the previous events, halfway setting up the stakes and the game pieces for the conclusion. Of course, there are still a lot of developments and changes that are interesting to follow on their own, not just as part of the big whole. I adored getting to know the city of Nadezra even better, in all of its ugliness and splendor. The more small worldbuilding details are revealed, the richer this place becomes. The character arcs are top-notch; I especially loved reading Grey's chapters. His arc gets more and more fascinating as it develops. Ren also continuously held my interest and never stopped being fascinating, and there were so many other characters who continued to capture my heart, especially Tess and Donaia. I also loved how all the themes of secret vigilante identities were handled, and the layered politics and mysteries. In terms of complaints, I'm maybe a tad disappointed with some aspects of the romance storyline / how it played out once the beautiful slow burn phase was through, and I still harbor hopes for my OT3. Still, overall, after the rocky start, this was a great experience.
Now, note to self: don't wait THIS long before reading the third book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Drug use
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, and Xenophobia
cardanrry's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Classism, and Murder
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Cursing
ok7a's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood, and Body horror
Minor: Child abuse and Kidnapping
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