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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I don't think I liked this as much as the first one, but I loved the expansion of the magic and how the religious system became more important. I also liked that Adare played a bigger role. This one did end pretty abruptly to me. I'm really curious to see where everything will lead in the last book though!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really loved the first one, and this one isn't bad, but I feel like I'm forcing myself to read it and I'm so frustrated with everyone. There are a lot of compelling elements and some really great characters, but Adare is so stupid and I hate her. I am really disgusted by Balendin and the Ishien. I just don't know, it's all treachery and double crossing and dumbass decisions and I know technically they are kids (most of them), and I love Valyn and Kaden, but I just cannot continue.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I dedicated some time to making a much longer review on books 1 and 2 of the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne! Let me know what you think about it!
https://aristeainwonderbooks.blogspot.de/2016/09/the-emperors-blades-and-providence-of.html
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Oh wow this was a treat.
I am still a bit confused about the end - well not confused I just need to connect all the dots really.
Some quick points: this is the first book in which I am liking the female characters way better than the male characters.
Gwenna, Annick, Pyrre, Nira, Triste are just the perfect character at all times. They all have their own personalities and they work so well in the environment they are put into!
Besides Pyrre (a character I really grew attached despite being a cold-hearted killer deep down), I felt immensely happy to learn about Nira. I would love to read the book about her story, I think that would be just breathtaking.
As for the main characters, Kaden is really starting to show his amazing skills. Valyn gets from the frying pan into the fire and makes it out with a new version of himself. Adare was the character mostly used as a vehicle to introduce others really. She is possibly the weakest character of all.
And I love that the bad guys are always in sight and they change (add or really change I cannot say at this point).
The world building is still extremely strong in the book and we also see a more extended used of the locations on the map - which I always like.
I am looking forward to finish the trilogy. I am definitely enjoying this book - also in its audio version!
https://aristeainwonderbooks.blogspot.de/2016/09/the-emperors-blades-and-providence-of.html
- - - - -
Oh wow this was a treat.
I am still a bit confused about the end - well not confused I just need to connect all the dots really.
Some quick points: this is the first book in which I am liking the female characters way better than the male characters.
Gwenna, Annick, Pyrre, Nira, Triste are just the perfect character at all times. They all have their own personalities and they work so well in the environment they are put into!
Besides Pyrre (a character I really grew attached despite being a cold-hearted killer deep down), I felt immensely happy to learn about Nira. I would love to read the book about her story, I think that would be just breathtaking.
As for the main characters, Kaden is really starting to show his amazing skills. Valyn gets from the frying pan into the fire and makes it out with a new version of himself. Adare was the character mostly used as a vehicle to introduce others really. She is possibly the weakest character of all.
And I love that the bad guys are always in sight and they change (add or really change I cannot say at this point).
The world building is still extremely strong in the book and we also see a more extended used of the locations on the map - which I always like.
I am looking forward to finish the trilogy. I am definitely enjoying this book - also in its audio version!
Mr. Stavely can you pls stop putting all the best action in only the last 20% of the novel, thank you.
Edit: lowered to 2 stars; this book was very frustrating and boring up until the last little bit. The only character worth a damn in this series seems to be Gwenna, and she starts getting her own POV about halfway through this installment.
Edit: lowered to 2 stars; this book was very frustrating and boring up until the last little bit. The only character worth a damn in this series seems to be Gwenna, and she starts getting her own POV about halfway through this installment.
These books are awesome. Especially love Staveley's depiction of the Kettral because it's such a spot-on comparison to special forces teams (you know, if an A-team flew on a giant bird and had their own magician). Can't wait for the last one!!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
The Emperor's Blades: 3/5
The Providence of Fire: 3/5
Maybe I was in a bad mood but this sucked and I gave both books 3 stars because they were good enough and maybe it would get better but it didn't and the more I think about them the less I like them. Might read book 3 just to see if I've been unfair in retrospect but might not.
The idea of evil buddhism was pretty cool and I dig the lore surrounding the early history of man but the plot was lame and monk boy was a cool idea and weak in practice and edgy bird man and worthless princess were not fun either conceptually or in practice.
The Providence of Fire: 3/5
Maybe I was in a bad mood but this sucked and I gave both books 3 stars because they were good enough and maybe it would get better but it didn't and the more I think about them the less I like them. Might read book 3 just to see if I've been unfair in retrospect but might not.
The idea of evil buddhism was pretty cool and I dig the lore surrounding the early history of man but the plot was lame and monk boy was a cool idea and weak in practice and edgy bird man and worthless princess were not fun either conceptually or in practice.