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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
A rather abrupt ending to an excellent story. Best of all it leaves room for more to come.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was really looking forward to reading this one especially after how much I loved the first book but actually found this one to be disappointing. The writing style is as good as ever but I found it a trial to get through. I really didn't like how some of the plot went and some of the actions of the characters to the point where I rushed the last 200 pages just to finish it. I might choose to come back to it one day and reread in the hopes I change my mind.
I was enjoying this just fine until about the last 80 pages. The big final battle wasn't very satisfying, and the postlude or whatever, when we find out what happened to everyone 6 or 7 months later, was really just way too cheerful. I'm going with 3 stars, because I did like the characters and enjoyed most of the ride, but the leftover feeling from the ending makes me want to give it less.
The pace is remarkably faster than in the first novel. While this series was good, I find there's something missing... Some kind of essence the author failed to incorporate. I think I would have liked the series more if it had been longer and more explicit.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the first book in this series but found 'The Awakened Mage' didn't quite live up to the high standard Miller set for herself. I previously liked Dathne, but was dismayed to find that her strong character had been reduced to that of a generic love interest. The relationship between Gar and Asha is what saved the book for me - it was interesting and well-developed throughout.
10 stars
Before I do this review, first let me say that I picked up my fist Karen Miller book (The Accidental Sorcerer) on 19 March 2021, and have binge read six of her books between then and 5 April 2021 (a mere 18 days). I love everything about her writing, especially her very skilful use of dialogue as a means of emphasising relationships (a BIG, BIG thing for me as a reader and a fledgeling writer) and the oh-so-tricky balance between show-and-tell, and I'm very glad that I decided to read this duology, despite the abundance of 1- and 2-star ratings.
Before I do this review, first let me say that I picked up my fist Karen Miller book (The Accidental Sorcerer) on 19 March 2021, and have binge read six of her books between then and 5 April 2021 (a mere 18 days). I love everything about her writing, especially her very skilful use of dialogue as a means of emphasising relationships (a BIG, BIG thing for me as a reader and a fledgeling writer) and the oh-so-tricky balance between show-and-tell, and I'm very glad that I decided to read this duology, despite the abundance of 1- and 2-star ratings.