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atrailofpages's review against another edition
5.0
And of course the second book did not fail me! It’s been a long time since I ripped through books as fast as I did with this duology.
I enjoyed the world and seeing how they accomplished to end the king’s rule.
I did get a bit frustrated with Lu at one point, but then again, depression does that to people and I appreciated how she was able to dig herself out of it and become the Lu I loved in the first book!
Vex seemed to really be portrayed as a coward and insignificant, but if you went through what he did, I don’t blame him for feeling the way he did. I’m just glad he was able to redeem himself in the end and show everyone he’s not a coward. He’s waiting for the opportune moment to use his skills.
I just loved this duology so much! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves books at sea, adventure, “pirates”(more like raiders), and a unique magic system.
I enjoyed the world and seeing how they accomplished to end the king’s rule.
I did get a bit frustrated with Lu at one point, but then again, depression does that to people and I appreciated how she was able to dig herself out of it and become the Lu I loved in the first book!
Vex seemed to really be portrayed as a coward and insignificant, but if you went through what he did, I don’t blame him for feeling the way he did. I’m just glad he was able to redeem himself in the end and show everyone he’s not a coward. He’s waiting for the opportune moment to use his skills.
I just loved this duology so much! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves books at sea, adventure, “pirates”(more like raiders), and a unique magic system.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
A fitting ending to a duology that I really enjoyed with characters I will genuinely miss. I really loved this book's take on magic and it's complex characters. The story focused a little more on character drama, as everyone, no matter how relevant they were to the story, was faced with at least one difficult choice that ultimately changed them.
The action was still solid and nail-biting, thanks to Raasch's quick, in-the-moment writing. The character journeys were quite compelling, even though at times they reacted in ways that made me ask "Wait, why are you doing that?" This was most evident with Vex, who definitely spiralled into a self-deprecating spiral that I rooted for him to get out with. Of all the plot lines, while I found all of them engrossing and riveting, Ben was my favourite in this finale. His character grew and changed and morphed into a powerful presence. Lu continued to be strong and empowering, even as her world began to collapse. And though he lost some of his snarky charm due to the circumstances surrounding him, I still adored Vex.
All in all, I was very happy with this finale. It was exciting, romantic, and satisfying. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an epic series to read!
The action was still solid and nail-biting, thanks to Raasch's quick, in-the-moment writing. The character journeys were quite compelling, even though at times they reacted in ways that made me ask "Wait, why are you doing that?" This was most evident with Vex, who definitely spiralled into a self-deprecating spiral that I rooted for him to get out with. Of all the plot lines, while I found all of them engrossing and riveting, Ben was my favourite in this finale. His character grew and changed and morphed into a powerful presence. Lu continued to be strong and empowering, even as her world began to collapse. And though he lost some of his snarky charm due to the circumstances surrounding him, I still adored Vex.
All in all, I was very happy with this finale. It was exciting, romantic, and satisfying. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an epic series to read!
eggbois_gf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
amym84's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
It’s been two weeks since King Elazar of Argrid’s forces have stormed the shores of Grace Loray with the intention of controlling the island once more. His presence has caused a division between the free people and the raider syndicates. While trying to form a cohesive stand against King Elazar, Devereaux “Vex” Bell is still reeling from his cousin Ben’s capture and Lu’s death. All he can think about is to keep moving forward and the first step in his plan is to free Lu’s mother Kari the Wave from captivity. Kari was instrumental in the success of Grace Loray’s rebellion six years ago and Vex is hoping she can work the same magic this time around.
Meanwhile, Ben and a not-really-dead Lu are being held captive by Ben’s father King Elazar and forced to work on a magic that will ensure his triumph over the “evil” the permeates Grace Loray.
The stakes are high and while in the heart of the conflict, Vex, Ben, and Lu also represent different sides within said conflict. They’ll have to reconcile the parts they each have to play in order to ensure Grace Loray’s survival.
These Divided Shores was kinda tough to get through, starting out anyway. There is little to none as far as recapping goes. The story picks up two weeks after the end of These Rebel Waves and it starts running and pretty much doesn’t stop. It’s in the little bits and pieces of information thrown out that I was able to remember everything that occurred previously. If possible, I highly recommend a reread of the first book beforehand.
I think it’s in this constant state of go go go that the story loses the most momentum in terms of development and deepening the characters.
There is so much division between all the different groups who have a stake in Grace Loray’s success, or failure, and none of the groups can manage to speak to each other for the majority of the book. While I understand the bigger commentary going on here (how we all need to work together and come together to enact change even with our differing views), it creates quite the jumble.
During all this we see Lu, Vex, and Ben struggle with their place in the war and wonder what their future could possibly hold in the future. They struggle with holding fast to their convictions or if giving up a little of what they believe in, in order to win is worth it. These conflicts felt extremely relatable, but unfortunately they kind of get overshadowed by the fact that no one is speaking clearly to anyone else for the majority of the book.
Looking past all this, however, and you’ll still find a story that utilizes a wonderfully unique magic system in botanical magic. I loved Lu’s continued knowledge and experiments. Also, the so-wonderful-I-didn’t-know-I-needed-it-until-I-had-it romance between Ben and Gunnar (the Mecht fire-wielding Eye of the Sun). Their build up throughout the book was absolutely on point. In fact, I need Ben and Gunnar centered novella stat.
Overall, These Divided Shores gave a satisfying, I’d say even an excellent, ending, just getting there was a bit of a struggle, but maybe that speaks more to life than I realized.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
It’s been two weeks since King Elazar of Argrid’s forces have stormed the shores of Grace Loray with the intention of controlling the island once more. His presence has caused a division between the free people and the raider syndicates. While trying to form a cohesive stand against King Elazar, Devereaux “Vex” Bell is still reeling from his cousin Ben’s capture and Lu’s death. All he can think about is to keep moving forward and the first step in his plan is to free Lu’s mother Kari the Wave from captivity. Kari was instrumental in the success of Grace Loray’s rebellion six years ago and Vex is hoping she can work the same magic this time around.
Meanwhile, Ben and a not-really-dead Lu are being held captive by Ben’s father King Elazar and forced to work on a magic that will ensure his triumph over the “evil” the permeates Grace Loray.
The stakes are high and while in the heart of the conflict, Vex, Ben, and Lu also represent different sides within said conflict. They’ll have to reconcile the parts they each have to play in order to ensure Grace Loray’s survival.
These Divided Shores was kinda tough to get through, starting out anyway. There is little to none as far as recapping goes. The story picks up two weeks after the end of These Rebel Waves and it starts running and pretty much doesn’t stop. It’s in the little bits and pieces of information thrown out that I was able to remember everything that occurred previously. If possible, I highly recommend a reread of the first book beforehand.
I think it’s in this constant state of go go go that the story loses the most momentum in terms of development and deepening the characters.
There is so much division between all the different groups who have a stake in Grace Loray’s success, or failure, and none of the groups can manage to speak to each other for the majority of the book. While I understand the bigger commentary going on here (how we all need to work together and come together to enact change even with our differing views), it creates quite the jumble.
During all this we see Lu, Vex, and Ben struggle with their place in the war and wonder what their future could possibly hold in the future. They struggle with holding fast to their convictions or if giving up a little of what they believe in, in order to win is worth it. These conflicts felt extremely relatable, but unfortunately they kind of get overshadowed by the fact that no one is speaking clearly to anyone else for the majority of the book.
Looking past all this, however, and you’ll still find a story that utilizes a wonderfully unique magic system in botanical magic. I loved Lu’s continued knowledge and experiments. Also, the so-wonderful-I-didn’t-know-I-needed-it-until-I-had-it romance between Ben and Gunnar (the Mecht fire-wielding Eye of the Sun). Their build up throughout the book was absolutely on point. In fact, I need Ben and Gunnar centered novella stat.
Overall, These Divided Shores gave a satisfying, I’d say even an excellent, ending, just getting there was a bit of a struggle, but maybe that speaks more to life than I realized.
flawlessbooks'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? Yes
4.5
A very satisfying conclusion to the series. I appreciated seeing Adeluna and Vex’s internal worlds.
This book was definitely darker than the first and some parts took my breath away.
This book was definitely darker than the first and some parts took my breath away.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
These Divided Shores was such an entertaining book. I am so happy that it didn't fall to the second book syndrome! I was also really surprised by the secrets that came out in this one. Like holy crap.. Tom is a sneaky son of a bitch.
In it, we still get the lovable characters from the previous book. Even though I just read the first book yesterday, it didn't seem like time really jumped while diving into this one. Yes, there are still hints of war and betrayal. Yet, I was there for the romance as well.
I AM SO HAPPY FOR MY SHIPS GUYS! Also, Ben definitely stepped up in this book. Not even mad about his love interest either. Long story short, I definitely enjoyed this book and now I'm really sad that it's over with. No idea what I will do with my life since I wont get another book from this series.. maybe I'll have to reread it all over again next year!
booklover160's review against another edition
4.0
You know, it's weird. Patrons at work kept asking me if I liked this book and I kept going 'ehhhhhh' mostly because describing the book would take entirely too long for a library checkout.
But I liked it. I really did. I think the whole magic system was refreshing and new and fascinating. I found the whole cast of characters to be relatable in a way and real. They all have weaknesses that were thoroughly explored (and exploited) and that was what made them enjoyable to me. The plot was somewhat complicated and yet simplistic at the same time. We know they're fighting madness that will stop at nothing, but the questions of lineage was interesting.
Lu and Vex may be OTP, but Ben and Gunnar???? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION.
Overall, this is a series I can see myself rereading and learning more about the world. I'm definitely glad I bought them!
But I liked it. I really did. I think the whole magic system was refreshing and new and fascinating. I found the whole cast of characters to be relatable in a way and real. They all have weaknesses that were thoroughly explored (and exploited) and that was what made them enjoyable to me. The plot was somewhat complicated and yet simplistic at the same time. We know they're fighting madness that will stop at nothing, but the questions of lineage was interesting.
Lu and Vex may be OTP, but Ben and Gunnar???? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION.
Overall, this is a series I can see myself rereading and learning more about the world. I'm definitely glad I bought them!
nfathauer's review against another edition
4.0
This duology was very entertaining and the story moved along well. I did the Audiobook and the reader was wonderful.
reenelim's review against another edition
5.0
wow. i cannot wrap my head around this. HOW IS THIS A DUOLOGY?! and yet everything wrapped up in neat perfect little bows.
i loved the magic system. i love how it’s a little similar to herbology, and how too much of something is never good for you. and the magic in this world was fascinating, where different plants would give different ‘powers.’ we all should give a hand to nature haha.
as for the characters, vex, lu and ben. oh my god, they have all GROWN. they’ve all been scarred by the war, everyone who was in it was affected. but no two experiences were the same. and i really enjoyed reading how the three of their coming of age stories and how they wanted to be redeemed in their own terms shone. i loved how it intertwined with the plot so harmoniously that it seemed almost flawless.
and.
SO.
MANY.
PLOT.
TWISTS.
WHAT?!
i love how the book is so thought provoking, and it really sends my heart out to families who have been deeply affected by war. it made me think about society in a different way, brought new perspectives into view. and isn’t that all what we want from a book? to gain something from it? absolutely amazing. 5/5 beautiful shining stars from me. anything sara raasch writes, I READ.
i loved the magic system. i love how it’s a little similar to herbology, and how too much of something is never good for you. and the magic in this world was fascinating, where different plants would give different ‘powers.’ we all should give a hand to nature haha.
as for the characters, vex, lu and ben. oh my god, they have all GROWN. they’ve all been scarred by the war, everyone who was in it was affected. but no two experiences were the same. and i really enjoyed reading how the three of their coming of age stories and how they wanted to be redeemed in their own terms shone. i loved how it intertwined with the plot so harmoniously that it seemed almost flawless.
and.
SO.
MANY.
PLOT.
TWISTS.
WHAT?!
i love how the book is so thought provoking, and it really sends my heart out to families who have been deeply affected by war. it made me think about society in a different way, brought new perspectives into view. and isn’t that all what we want from a book? to gain something from it? absolutely amazing. 5/5 beautiful shining stars from me. anything sara raasch writes, I READ.
rachelmariereads's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying that I love these characters and this story so much. Sarah Raasch has created one of the most unique and fascinating universes I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Her world-building is seamless and beautiful, and her characters are the kind you wish were real because you’d love to be friends with them.
These Divided Shores picks up where These Rebel Waves left off. The series takes place mainly on Grace Loray, which is a tropical island teeming with botanical magic, or magic that can be wielded through the use of plants. The nearby kingdom of Argrid believes that magic is the root of all evil, and those who use it are tainted by sin. Argrid’s King Elazar believes that it is his righteous mission to cleanse Grace Loray through whatever means necessary.
We follow the trio from These Rebel Waves: Lu, Vex, and Ben, who have joined together, along with several other friends and allies, to try to defeat Elazar and end the war with Argrid. However, while the tone of the last book was largely hopeful, this novel struggles a lot with despair.
When These Divided Shores picks up things are at their absolute worst. The group is literally divided, and it seems like there is no way to prevent the oncoming war. At several times throughout the book when I thought things might be getting better, they only got worse. While there were moments of levity, the main trio is really hurting, dealing with self-hatred and failure. I think the plot and characters were incredibly well-written and realistic, but I also think the book could have benefitted from a few more triumphs.
That being said, the final third of this book was stunning. The characters you’ve been rooting for since page one finally come into their own and find their purpose. The sacrifices they have had to make, the agony of the earlier portions of the book… it’s all worth it in those final chapters. Victory is bittersweet, but the hope and joy at the end of the book is all encompassing.
I recommend this series so highly. It is a dark ride, but I know that this is a story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come.
These Divided Shores picks up where These Rebel Waves left off. The series takes place mainly on Grace Loray, which is a tropical island teeming with botanical magic, or magic that can be wielded through the use of plants. The nearby kingdom of Argrid believes that magic is the root of all evil, and those who use it are tainted by sin. Argrid’s King Elazar believes that it is his righteous mission to cleanse Grace Loray through whatever means necessary.
We follow the trio from These Rebel Waves: Lu, Vex, and Ben, who have joined together, along with several other friends and allies, to try to defeat Elazar and end the war with Argrid. However, while the tone of the last book was largely hopeful, this novel struggles a lot with despair.
When These Divided Shores picks up things are at their absolute worst. The group is literally divided, and it seems like there is no way to prevent the oncoming war. At several times throughout the book when I thought things might be getting better, they only got worse. While there were moments of levity, the main trio is really hurting, dealing with self-hatred and failure. I think the plot and characters were incredibly well-written and realistic, but I also think the book could have benefitted from a few more triumphs.
That being said, the final third of this book was stunning. The characters you’ve been rooting for since page one finally come into their own and find their purpose. The sacrifices they have had to make, the agony of the earlier portions of the book… it’s all worth it in those final chapters. Victory is bittersweet, but the hope and joy at the end of the book is all encompassing.
I recommend this series so highly. It is a dark ride, but I know that this is a story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come.