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tagoreketabkhane31's review against another edition
3.0
The second installment in the trilogy, As the Shadow Rises continues the story of Anton, the last Prophet, Jude, Beru, Hassan, Ephyra, along with Hector and Illya as they become involved in the fight to prevent the Age of Darkness.
The second book will require a reread of the first book before continuing - the book picks up immediately from where it’d predecessor left off, and the reader does not get a reminder from the characters about where they were left off. However, the characters do take central stage, and Pool also continues the world building, blending Ancient Greek, Roman, Syrian and Phoenician cultures to create her world, while also using ships, trains and fashion to balance out her world with a little more modernity.
However, I felt that the second book did not live up to the excitement and pace of the first book. The balancing of the various narratives did not seem as varied in comparison to the first book, with only Anton and Jude having significance in their adventures and also the character growth, compared to the other four characters who did not show that much in their changes. I also felt that the end, while climatic, went about resetting the trilogy to where the conclusion would have a new setting for the characters.
Perhaps suffering from middle book syndrome, the story is still interesting, and the cliff hanger as the ending serves to remind readers that there is an amazing story to read and enjoy in the finale that I will be looking forward to enjoying.
The second book will require a reread of the first book before continuing - the book picks up immediately from where it’d predecessor left off, and the reader does not get a reminder from the characters about where they were left off. However, the characters do take central stage, and Pool also continues the world building, blending Ancient Greek, Roman, Syrian and Phoenician cultures to create her world, while also using ships, trains and fashion to balance out her world with a little more modernity.
However, I felt that the second book did not live up to the excitement and pace of the first book. The balancing of the various narratives did not seem as varied in comparison to the first book, with only Anton and Jude having significance in their adventures and also the character growth, compared to the other four characters who did not show that much in their changes. I also felt that the end, while climatic, went about resetting the trilogy to where the conclusion would have a new setting for the characters.
Perhaps suffering from middle book syndrome, the story is still interesting, and the cliff hanger as the ending serves to remind readers that there is an amazing story to read and enjoy in the finale that I will be looking forward to enjoying.
doritobandito's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
3.75
dounia_1999's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
mandeye'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
4.0
fionadesantis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
The follow up to TWCAD remains deeply character-driven, which is what I love most about this series. Each character finds themself in surprising challenges and journeys. My favorites are still Anton and Jude, but I really enjoyed seeing each character's respective struggles. And unlike TWCAD, I definitely didn't see anything coming!
So glad I waited and can read the final book ASAP!
So glad I waited and can read the final book ASAP!
cayliem's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.75
runaps's review against another edition
3.0
I’m ashamed to admit that I did something this time that I avoid. Normally I never skip chapters or povs, but this time I did it. I skipped most of a certain character’s pov. This pov in special was beyond boring for me, and yet I still really wanted to read the book so I broke my rule and skipped.
And I’m glad I did, because I adored the other povs.
This book was super entertaining, and while I could guess most of the plot before the 50% of the book, I enjoyed the ride and will soon continue to the third book.
And I’m glad I did, because I adored the other povs.
This book was super entertaining, and while I could guess most of the plot before the 50% of the book, I enjoyed the ride and will soon continue to the third book.
katinova's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
3.75
mushytoads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25