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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I'm really loving this series! This one had a lot of twists and turns, and deaths that I didn't expect. I can see why this has been called a Japanese-version of Game of Thrones (though for clairity, the author is a white woman who has studied and lived in Japan). I really like Shilanoko as a character, and can't wait to see where the rest of the story takes him.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very similar thoughts to the first book. The plot threads with the female characters are not particularly fun to read, namely Aki and Hina.
Again, I have to wonder which character(s) I’m supposed to be rooting for. Shikanoko is arguably the protagonist but it’s hard to feel invested in his journey or connect with him whatsoever.It doesn’t help that he, whether under the Prince Abbott’s influence or not, raped Akihime. Even if he feels remorseful and ashamed after. Even if he got stomped on by horses after and abandoned by his menagerie of animal companions.
Again, I have to wonder which character(s) I’m supposed to be rooting for. Shikanoko is arguably the protagonist but it’s hard to feel invested in his journey or connect with him whatsoever.
Not feeling this one at the moment, stuck at the point where Shikanoko is experiencing his redemption montage in the forest
A good followup to the first volume. Everything I said about it remains true.
adventurous
medium-paced
I can't really judge how faithful Hearn is to her Japanese mythic sources, but there's no doubt this is a masterful story, full of gorgeous description, dreamlike settings, fast-paced action, and unforgettable characters (human and otherwise). The balance between epic scale and intimate emotional scenes is perfect. Can't wait for the next installment!
I DIDN'T LIKE THIS AS MUCH AS THE FIRST BUT...
I am hooked towards the end over where does it'll take me. This instalment feels a bit slow than the first book that I was tempted to DNF but I'm not a quitter. It also contains the wildest line like "I love her like a father and soon like a husband" (or something of the sort). Yeah, I get that it's a different time period but still.
I actually like the demon children, they have so much personality that contrasts the austerity of all the politicians in their midst. Shika from a teenager is now a grown man and maybe I just noticed his character feels dull. That face off with the uncle was unsatisfying. I mean, he got Mufasa'd by his own uncle I'd expect an epic showdown only for the uncle to die from "allergies".
Maybe I'm missing something but it also feels weird that Akihime "loves" Shika after what he did to her. Yes, he was under the influence of Prince Abott's magic but it feels weird how she's like "maybe I should've reciprocated". Is this Lian Hearn's commentary about r-word? Perhaps.
I am hooked towards the end over where does it'll take me. This instalment feels a bit slow than the first book that I was tempted to DNF but I'm not a quitter. It also contains the wildest line like "I love her like a father and soon like a husband" (or something of the sort). Yeah, I get that it's a different time period but still.
I actually like the demon children, they have so much personality that contrasts the austerity of all the politicians in their midst. Shika from a teenager is now a grown man and maybe I just noticed his character feels dull. That face off with the uncle was unsatisfying. I mean, he got Mufasa'd by his own uncle I'd expect an epic showdown only for the uncle to die from "allergies".
Maybe I'm missing something but it also feels weird that Akihime "loves" Shika after what he did to her. Yes, he was under the influence of Prince Abott's magic but it feels weird how she's like "maybe I should've reciprocated". Is this Lian Hearn's commentary about r-word? Perhaps.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No