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questionablechilli's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
atsumeri's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
juniperluvie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
3.0
A good example of a second-book-in-a-planned-three-book-series that falls kind of flat. Lots of clunky and unnatural dialog between the characters, whose sole purpose seems to be to dump necessary information onto the reader so that the next action sequence can occur.
Many readers enjoy Chokshi’s flowery writing style. I like it in small doses, but you can expect a lot of passages like the following as you read:
Séverin. A silhouette of silk and night, a boy with a mouth made for kisses and cruelty. A boy who had once conjured wonder and came too close to touching her heart. Laila reached for her hate like armor, but he was too fast.
Chokshi creates a beautiful world inspired by 19th century Europe, and this bridge to the final installment in the series was passable, but doesn’t stand well on its own merits.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the digital ARC.
Many readers enjoy Chokshi’s flowery writing style. I like it in small doses, but you can expect a lot of passages like the following as you read:
Séverin. A silhouette of silk and night, a boy with a mouth made for kisses and cruelty. A boy who had once conjured wonder and came too close to touching her heart. Laila reached for her hate like armor, but he was too fast.
Chokshi creates a beautiful world inspired by 19th century Europe, and this bridge to the final installment in the series was passable, but doesn’t stand well on its own merits.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the digital ARC.
sherrinford's review against another edition
3.0
Nearly 3 weeks after reading the first book, we get into the second book with Julie and Manon. Unfortunately it was again a big meh for me :/ It manages to be better than the first one but I didn’t find it particulary interesting. Some characters are boring or unlovable, like Séverin (a pity because he was one of the very few I liked in the first book) and I still didn’t understand the usefulness of Laila… There are some good points like a good story, good riddles (too far-fetched), some romantic tension and a very good surprising ending ! So, in the end, I’m gonna read the last one but not very soon :D
maris_tattoo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
caspersbody's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 CAWPILE
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Writing style: 10
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 9
Logic/relationships: 9
Enjoyment: 10
It took me a while to get around to reading this book, and oh my goodness, it is so amazing! Each character has so much depth. Even the minor ones contribute so much to the plot at hand, whether it's a personal plot or story driven. The whole book is both stunningly beautiful and infinitely frustrating. No one is without flaws, hopes, and aspirations, even if they are misguided. I can not recommend this book enough!
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Writing style: 10
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 9
Logic/relationships: 9
Enjoyment: 10
It took me a while to get around to reading this book, and oh my goodness, it is so amazing! Each character has so much depth. Even the minor ones contribute so much to the plot at hand, whether it's a personal plot or story driven. The whole book is both stunningly beautiful and infinitely frustrating. No one is without flaws, hopes, and aspirations, even if they are misguided. I can not recommend this book enough!
_annabanana_'s review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
rosepetalsandpaperbacks08's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.75