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automne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
aruktai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
broet's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
stankovic1402's review against another edition
5.0
Noo, I most definitely did not cry while reading this book
solar_writer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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
lia_trn's review against another edition
4.0
Oh Tom ・(つД`)ノ・゜・please be safe and sound~
And by the way, it's pretty funny to see Alice getting jealous of the new girl around Tom, AND it means that she still cares for Tom!!!! (￣▽￣)
And by the way, it's pretty funny to see Alice getting jealous of the new girl around Tom, AND it means that she still cares for Tom!!!! (￣▽￣)
amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
3.5 stars
While this book does not feel as magical first few books in the Last Apprentice series, it was a big improvement on the latter books.
What worked for me? Several things. First I liked that this wasn't simply a plot driven novel. While there is plenty of action, there was also some character development going on with my favorite spook, Tom. Additionally, I enjoyed that the majority of this book took place inside the County. For me, it made for deeper world building which is always a good thing. Finally, I love the idea of a female spook apprentice. It just feels right.
What didn't work for me? Despite having a few chapters told from Jenny's point of view, I didn't really form a connection with her. She does not come across as a dynamic character in any way and as the apprentice she should be the one growing the most. I also think the pacing of this novel was a bit off. I wish a little more time had been spent on the relationship between Tom and Jenny. As the book stands I don't feel like they're very connected to each other at all: Jenny appears to be only using Tom for her own future benefit while Tom seems to be using Jenny to fill the void left in his life by the death of John Gregory and Alice's betrayal.
Finally the incredible cliff hanger at the end of the novel felt a like a cheap shot. Delaney hasn't resorted to this sort of tactic in the past which makes me grumble quite a bit.
Still, over all, this is a good read and I found myself quite caught up in A New Darkness. I hope the next installment proves even better.
3.5 stars
While this book does not feel as magical first few books in the Last Apprentice series, it was a big improvement on the latter books.
What worked for me? Several things. First I liked that this wasn't simply a plot driven novel. While there is plenty of action, there was also some character development going on with my favorite spook, Tom. Additionally, I enjoyed that the majority of this book took place inside the County. For me, it made for deeper world building which is always a good thing. Finally, I love the idea of a female spook apprentice. It just feels right.
What didn't work for me? Despite having a few chapters told from Jenny's point of view, I didn't really form a connection with her. She does not come across as a dynamic character in any way and as the apprentice she should be the one growing the most. I also think the pacing of this novel was a bit off. I wish a little more time had been spent on the relationship between Tom and Jenny. As the book stands I don't feel like they're very connected to each other at all: Jenny appears to be only using Tom for her own future benefit while Tom seems to be using Jenny to fill the void left in his life by the death of John Gregory and Alice's betrayal.
Finally the incredible cliff hanger at the end of the novel felt a like a cheap shot. Delaney hasn't resorted to this sort of tactic in the past which makes me grumble quite a bit.
Still, over all, this is a good read and I found myself quite caught up in A New Darkness. I hope the next installment proves even better.
thefletchhh's review against another edition
5.0
The cliffhanger is insane, love the plot and continuation of characters with new ones. Brilliant start to the second series
lustucru1700's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
kaycee_k's review against another edition
3.0
I read this back around Halloween and found it really enjoyable. Even though it's more for middle school ages and was a bit board at times; I liked it. The lead Tom Ward is a strong lead for the story that brings out the action and mystery. Jenny brings such a lightness and helps developed a more dangerous side to the story; as she's just fifteen. During the last few chapters was hard to put down not know how it was going to end. Throughout the book there's parts that I held my breath and 'biting my nails' as I wasn't sure who was going to live or die. The creatures in the book are described so well that I could see they in my head. The writing style is full of description and action. I think that if I was younger I would of liked this book so much more. There was a few parts that I loved and others that I didn't, I just felt that this book could have more to it in a way of getting to know the characters and world better. This is a book for readers who enjoy more action and creatures.