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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book a lot but it did feel like a step backward in terms of stakes and everything. I do not like the potential development of Locke being something special - like a mage or whatever. I prefer him being him.
adventurous
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this more than Red Seas Under Red Skies, but not as much as Lies of Locke Lamora. The return to an urban setting primarily was a big plus for me and I think the author excels at this. The characters are as loveable as ever and it was satisfying to bounce back and forth between the two stories in this book. I enjoyed the character developments and love the prose, which is as good as ever.
The only thing I can think of to prevent this from being a full 5/5 for me is that I wished the two stories, past and present, were more relevant to each other or informed on each other in some more significant way. As it was, the book really just felt like two different stories with the same characters. I wish that something from the past story was revealed to be crucially important for the development of Locke and Jean's plans in the present, for example, or that some key detail from the past story would end up betraying Sabetha's plans.
But save for that, I think it was a great entry in the Gentleman Bastard series and I wish the author good luck in continuing the series! Having read these books much later than their release, I can confidently say I will be an eager fan on day one awaiting the release of book four!
The only thing I can think of to prevent this from being a full 5/5 for me is that I wished the two stories, past and present, were more relevant to each other or informed on each other in some more significant way. As it was, the book really just felt like two different stories with the same characters. I wish that something from the past story was revealed to be crucially important for the development of Locke and Jean's plans in the present, for example, or that some key detail from the past story would end up betraying Sabetha's plans.
But save for that, I think it was a great entry in the Gentleman Bastard series and I wish the author good luck in continuing the series! Having read these books much later than their release, I can confidently say I will be an eager fan on day one awaiting the release of book four!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thought this was the weakest of the three. It was sad how Callo and Galdo were like portrayed, like silly ridiculous hounds. I thought all the stuff about the magi was confusing too. But I'm curious as to what happens next, so in the end I guess that's all that matters?
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to like this more!! Obviously Lynch is in the midpoint of a sweeping epic, but this one felt too plotty to me in a way that detracted from how much I love Locke & Jean. I just want a swashbuckling buddy novel!! Saw another review that said Sabetha in reality is a disappointment, but I didn't feel that way - enjoyed both the awkwardness of their adolescent fumbling and the "will they or won't they" vibe of their adult interaction, including some good communication! The first two novels are also very plotty, too, but I think what makes the difference is the setting changes. Here, the mage, election, and play storylines end up feeling tedious as opposed to excitedly involved (although - do love where the mage storyline ends, and feel like Lynch has done great work foreshadowing how the Eldren history relates to all this throughout the series). I'll keep reading, but am taking a break.