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tanninsandtales's review against another edition
5.0
I love how the Dark Gifts series is a YA trilogy that does not understimate the reader. It is a complex story with nuanced characters, and that has lots of parallels with the world we live in. A lovely combination of "I can't put it down" and "I don't want it to end". I will be rereading the first too installments in preparation for the release of [b:Bright Ruin|33206899|Bright Ruin (Dark Gifts, #3)|Vic James|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|53909011]
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
rhapsodyrebecca's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A little slower/more technical, but so many cool insights into the magic system. The ending was really big and VERY cool.
saeverra's review against another edition
5.0
Solid 4.5 for me :) I absolutely love all the references to the French Revolution!
Just finished this delightful read on this blustery day! I absolutely loved all the nods to the French Revolution in this book, especially Bouda's Office of Public Safety and the Blood Fair and the Committee of Public Safety and the Reign of Terror in France. My history teacher side is very happy!
Just finished this delightful read on this blustery day! I absolutely loved all the nods to the French Revolution in this book, especially Bouda's Office of Public Safety and the Blood Fair and the Committee of Public Safety and the Reign of Terror in France. My history teacher side is very happy!
kelseysej's review against another edition
3.0
Ugh, I have such mixed feelings about Tarnished City and the Dark Gifts trilogy generally. The premise feels unique and different from the thousand and one other dystopian/science fiction/fantasy books that have hit the shelves in recent years. Tarnish City (and the series) does not take place in the future, which is refreshing. None of the characters are cast in the role of "chosen one", which is refreshing. The roving viewpoint provides readers with a panoramic view of the unfolding plot line, which is refreshing.
But still.
Ugh.
The first two books were frustrating to read--I want to love Tarnished City and it's predecessor Gilded Cage because of all the refreshing elements both have. But I can't love them. Both feel very, very surface level. As a reader, I want MORE. When three fairly major characters die within the span of fifty pages, I want to feel my insides ripped out and stomped on. I want to feel the pain and immensity of those deaths. I want to know that the character's lives were more than a throwaway plot device. I don't want to feel like I'm being held at arms length.
This--the holding the reader at arms length thing--is the biggest issue with Tarnished City . James does a great job of correcting a lot of the issues I (personally) had with the first book. The plotting is tighter, the roving viewpoint makes a lot more sense, but the reader is still held at arms length.
So, three stars. While reading, I remained interested. However, this book (and series) aren't going to be ones that I think about six months from now when I'm reflecting on the stand out books of 2018. In the end, Tarnished City is a good but unmemorable read.
But still.
Ugh.
The first two books were frustrating to read--I want to love Tarnished City and it's predecessor Gilded Cage because of all the refreshing elements both have. But I can't love them. Both feel very, very surface level. As a reader, I want MORE. When three fairly major characters die within the span of fifty pages, I want to feel my insides ripped out and stomped on. I want to feel the pain and immensity of those deaths. I want to know that the character's lives were more than a throwaway plot device. I don't want to feel like I'm being held at arms length.
This--the holding the reader at arms length thing--is the biggest issue with Tarnished City . James does a great job of correcting a lot of the issues I (personally) had with the first book. The plotting is tighter, the roving viewpoint makes a lot more sense, but the reader is still held at arms length.
So, three stars. While reading, I remained interested. However, this book (and series) aren't going to be ones that I think about six months from now when I'm reflecting on the stand out books of 2018. In the end, Tarnished City is a good but unmemorable read.
booksandlemonsquash's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Gilded Cage and was thoroughly looking forward to reading this - it picks right up where Gilded Cage leaves off, and answers quite a lot of questions! Though not without bringing up loads more 😉
I found the beginning a little slow as it sort of reintroduces the world and the characters, but overall I really enjoyed getting to see more of everyone - especially Luke, Abi, Gavar and Silyen!
Seeing Abi gain more confidence and learn a wider view of the world, in particular, was great. I like Luke throughout, and am intrigued as to what he’ll do next. But Gavar and Silyen are almost my favourites - not because of who they are, but because they’re intriguing and we see so much more about the reasons behind all their actions. Obviously, I’m hoping for more of that with Silyen in Bright Ruin!!
I also want to see more of Daisy and Libby, as well as Renie.
The one thing I will say is that I didn’t massively care about the deaths in this, which feels sort of bad. Though I did find the first one brilliantly shocking. I also didn’t care too much about the politics of Crocan’s house, though I loved Coira. And I’m hoping she also has a big part to play in the final installment.
I found the beginning a little slow as it sort of reintroduces the world and the characters, but overall I really enjoyed getting to see more of everyone - especially Luke, Abi, Gavar and Silyen!
Seeing Abi gain more confidence and learn a wider view of the world, in particular, was great. I like Luke throughout, and am intrigued as to what he’ll do next. But Gavar and Silyen are almost my favourites - not because of who they are, but because they’re intriguing and we see so much more about the reasons behind all their actions. Obviously, I’m hoping for more of that with Silyen in Bright Ruin!!
I also want to see more of Daisy and Libby, as well as Renie.
The one thing I will say is that I didn’t massively care about the deaths in this, which feels sort of bad. Though I did find the first one brilliantly shocking. I also didn’t care too much about the politics of Crocan’s house, though I loved Coira. And I’m hoping she also has a big part to play in the final installment.
emmamoss3538's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
bookswithemmelie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
blogan27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.25
weaverl13's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
"Better to wear a collar you could see. That way you never forgot."
Now I've read it and stop to think, this is a really dark book! But when you're reading it, it doesn't feel like it. Which I guess is how the characters feel who are living in it.
I'm torn on this book. The plot was really good and so clever. The way human nature is explored is really unique. But some of the action seemed a bit thrown away. There would be a biog explosive last sentence in a chapter, and then the next chapter would move to another character somewhere completely different, so you never got to see the aftermath of the climax which disappointed me.
I'm mixed on the characters. I dislike Bouda (but I think we are supposed to dislike her!) and absolutely adore Silyen! He is so complex and unique and I want more time with him in the final book. Abi seems bland though, and it annoys me how she feels like she is to blame for everything that goes wrong.
Overall an enjoyable read, I just wish the climaxes were done a bit more.
"Better to wear a collar you could see. That way you never forgot."
Now I've read it and stop to think, this is a really dark book! But when you're reading it, it doesn't feel like it. Which I guess is how the characters feel who are living in it.
I'm torn on this book. The plot was really good and so clever. The way human nature is explored is really unique. But some of the action seemed a bit thrown away. There would be a biog explosive last sentence in a chapter, and then the next chapter would move to another character somewhere completely different, so you never got to see the aftermath of the climax which disappointed me.
I'm mixed on the characters. I dislike Bouda (but I think we are supposed to dislike her!) and absolutely adore Silyen! He is so complex and unique and I want more time with him in the final book. Abi seems bland though, and it annoys me how she feels like she is to blame for everything that goes wrong.
Overall an enjoyable read, I just wish the climaxes were done a bit more.
litandlayne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0