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tamtamslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
4.5/5🌟
So much to say.
First, I LOVED how this world was given to us. The characters showed us the world, explained it through their own interaction with it, and we learned with them as they discovered new things about it.
There is a lot going on, and so much to understand about the world, but aside from the first 40 or so pages (which I’d argue is standard for epic fantasies like this) where there’s this dump of information to understand, it’s revisited and explained in seamlessly ways (like dialogue or from the POV of another character) throughout the rest of the book.
The authors do an incredible—and fascinating—job of keeping the tension woven through each scene, each character POV, and setting. How it’s all interconnected is beautifully crafted.
As for the mystery—just wow. I typically find myself growing frustrated when there aren’t more clues or insights, but this story had me on the edge and stringing things together in my mind—and second guessing those strings—all throughout the 630 pages.
I especially admired the way the reveals happened. The only thing I wish we’d gotten a bit more clarity on was the magic system, but I suppose that’s to come in books 2 & 3. (That’s the reasoning behind my .5🌟 markdown from 5🌟).
So much to say.
First, I LOVED how this world was given to us. The characters showed us the world, explained it through their own interaction with it, and we learned with them as they discovered new things about it.
There is a lot going on, and so much to understand about the world, but aside from the first 40 or so pages (which I’d argue is standard for epic fantasies like this) where there’s this dump of information to understand, it’s revisited and explained in seamlessly ways (like dialogue or from the POV of another character) throughout the rest of the book.
The authors do an incredible—and fascinating—job of keeping the tension woven through each scene, each character POV, and setting. How it’s all interconnected is beautifully crafted.
As for the mystery—just wow. I typically find myself growing frustrated when there aren’t more clues or insights, but this story had me on the edge and stringing things together in my mind—and second guessing those strings—all throughout the 630 pages.
I especially admired the way the reveals happened. The only thing I wish we’d gotten a bit more clarity on was the magic system, but I suppose that’s to come in books 2 & 3. (That’s the reasoning behind my .5🌟 markdown from 5🌟).
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
4.0
This was a well built, YA fantasy with plenty of worldbuiding integrated smoothly into the story. The very fast paced plot kept my attention despite this being over 600 pages. While the main arc does wrap, there is definitely a setup to the next books in the series. I enjoyed the characters, even those who started a little cliche. I especially liked being first suspicious and then slowly trusting new characters right alongside the main character.
After finishing I found out that many of the areas that I found interesting (but didn't need for the story) are actually fleshed out in the author's web page. I love that they've made their world so completely accessible and immersive. Also, if you're listening, there is a map that is worth finding!
After finishing I found out that many of the areas that I found interesting (but didn't need for the story) are actually fleshed out in the author's web page. I love that they've made their world so completely accessible and immersive. Also, if you're listening, there is a map that is worth finding!
ckerin's review against another edition
Library loan lapsed. Not sure I was entirely focused on the audio book. Maybe I'd enjoy it more to read vs listen?
spacedout_vy'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? No
5.0
bakingwithconfidence's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elizabethvail13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-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
ororoboreal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.75
zibra03's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It takes time to draw you in but the world building is equally brilliant, necessary and ...meaty. I had to revise down my rating slightly about half way through book 2 because book 2 is just another level, but this book is excellent!