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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Eh, same as the first. My biggest issue with this one was the seemingly random ways the pieces clicked together for Deka. I felt myself comparing it to throne of glass - when the puzzle comes together for Aelin, the reader is called back to all the previous moments that make the epiphany make perfect sense, and the reader feels the epiphany too. In this book, the explanations of the “epiphanies” feel forced and overexplained and there aren’t always little pieces of the story to make them make sense. They’re either too obvious or out of the blue. I think I’m going to end my time with this series here lol
I don’t think I was really a fan of the first book, but I finished. The deeper I got into the second one, it became clear to me that I wasn’t a fan of the world building or the big reveal at the end of the first book. It was just lackluster all around
LOVE THIS BOOK COVER TO COVER! Book 2 was much less predictable compared to book 1, which I appreciated. So much that I just never saw coming and the ending was the perfect set up as I prepare to dive into book 3. I love how this book also continued to touch on controversial real life topics. Some amazing symbolism and lessons in humanity, inclusion of the battles society constantly fights for equality AND equity (mainly from a male vs female as well as gender identity and sexual preference perspective), and so much more. Main takeaway: just be a good ass human (or deity for the book’s sake) and let folks enjoy their life choices the same you want them to let you enjoy yours, without imposing on one another.
Rating: 3.5
An example of YA for others to follow. Slow burn romance (truly YA relationships), found family, so much representation, moral dilemmas. I love the plot, the twists, the characters, and the themes.
I struggled at parts of this book due to how often the main character, Deka, internally monologues the plot twists (no spoilers will be given). At times, it is necessary, though often Deka puzzles through things and then we're told that she explains it to her friends, instead of puzzling through it in dialogue.
Also, the themes were so clearly stated and repeated that, by half way through the book, I felt like I was just being beaten over the head with them and I started skimming through long paragraphs. Somewhat ties in with Deka constantly monologuing the plot and twists.
However, none of this was enough to stop me from tearing through the last 40% of this book in one night.
Highly recommend this and the first in the series. I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out!
An example of YA for others to follow. Slow burn romance (truly YA relationships), found family, so much representation, moral dilemmas. I love the plot, the twists, the characters, and the themes.
I struggled at parts of this book due to how often the main character, Deka, internally monologues the plot twists (no spoilers will be given). At times, it is necessary, though often Deka puzzles through things and then we're told that she explains it to her friends, instead of puzzling through it in dialogue.
Also, the themes were so clearly stated and repeated that, by half way through the book, I felt like I was just being beaten over the head with them and I started skimming through long paragraphs. Somewhat ties in with Deka constantly monologuing the plot and twists.
However, none of this was enough to stop me from tearing through the last 40% of this book in one night.
Highly recommend this and the first in the series. I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out!
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5⭐️ I like the story- the pace and detail are just too much for me personally. I didn’t realize there was going to be a 3rd, so things were left up in the air at the end. I think it’s an interesting take on feminism, equality, religion and power. I think it may resonate with high school more than middle for sure- and would be helpful to have it as a book group so kids can dive deeper into the themes.
I should have reread The Guilded Ones before reading this.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated