Take a photo of a barcode or cover
dickvinci's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
cjgillen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
squishysnail's review against another edition
4.0
A satisfactory ending to the first arc of Alec and Seregil's adventures.
The pacing was just right and the action picks up in the second book. More dramatic events happen and there is less exposition which allows the story to flow faster.
I love that the story is not dragged on over multiple volumes. Yes, there are more books to this series, but there was a conclusion in the second book and it was suitably dramatic.
It was a little confusing when I started seeing more narrative from the perspective of other characters but I suppose that is the standard nowadays for fantasy: POVs from multiple views.
I found myself uninterested in the point of views of the other characters and had to stop myself from willfully skipping over narratives, especially Beka's narrative which I found boring.
There is more relationship development between Alec and Seregil in this book, but it is written charmingly. If you do not like ANY mushy elements in your fantasy, you might be put off by this.
That being said, I am one of those readers who really hates reading fantasy novels that are heavy handed with the romance elements. I definitely did not get that impression from this book. A lot of the story is focused on the adventure that the main characters embark upon to defend their monarchy/country and the romance between the characters complements the story.
There are no real surprise twists to this story and the plot was predictable. This is not a bad thing. A good fantasy does not need to be original or unique. It can be good, rollicking fun even when it follows a tried and tested formula.
This book was definitely an enjoyable read.
The pacing was just right and the action picks up in the second book. More dramatic events happen and there is less exposition which allows the story to flow faster.
I love that the story is not dragged on over multiple volumes. Yes, there are more books to this series, but there was a conclusion in the second book and it was suitably dramatic.
It was a little confusing when I started seeing more narrative from the perspective of other characters but I suppose that is the standard nowadays for fantasy: POVs from multiple views.
I found myself uninterested in the point of views of the other characters and had to stop myself from willfully skipping over narratives, especially Beka's narrative which I found boring.
There is more relationship development between Alec and Seregil in this book, but it is written charmingly. If you do not like ANY mushy elements in your fantasy, you might be put off by this.
That being said, I am one of those readers who really hates reading fantasy novels that are heavy handed with the romance elements. I definitely did not get that impression from this book. A lot of the story is focused on the adventure that the main characters embark upon to defend their monarchy/country and the romance between the characters complements the story.
There are no real surprise twists to this story and the plot was predictable. This is not a bad thing. A good fantasy does not need to be original or unique. It can be good, rollicking fun even when it follows a tried and tested formula.
This book was definitely an enjoyable read.
aduqu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
I actually liked this book a lot better than the first in the series! It's definitely darker, and there are some things that haven't aged well.
I am creeped out by the age gap in the romance, especially when Alec's character seems a lot older than he is and could easily be an adult instead of a teenager. It just seems like a weird choice on the part of the author to make him so young.
I am creeped out by the age gap in the romance, especially when Alec's character seems a lot older than he is and could easily be an adult instead of a teenager. It just seems like a weird choice on the part of the author to make him so young.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Pregnancy, and War
mordygo's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
kingamongknights's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
inthecrease77's review against another edition
4.0
Re-reading the series. I enjoyed this book the second time around as much as the first time.
Seregil and Alec are two great characters. A lot happens in this book. Necromancer, dark magic objects, battles, death and new life. I feel that the series really takes off after the events at the end of this book.
Seregil and Alec are two great characters. A lot happens in this book. Necromancer, dark magic objects, battles, death and new life. I feel that the series really takes off after the events at the end of this book.
vcrisfield's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.75
nanizet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? No
3.75
3.5 - 3.75⭐: enjoyable contribution to its genre and /or literature overall
asparklingzombie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0