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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My impression of the first 10%: looooooooots of info dumping. Just, so, so many info dumps.
There was so little going on plot-wise, I needed more direction, more stakes (if any), and more problems to solve or mysteries. It was just so mono-focused and stagnant. Plus, there was a huge increase in darkness/descriptions of violence from the first book to this one - that felt incongruous and like I didn’t have warning that it would happen.
I think it would have helped if the system of feudal lands was better established, making the setting more concrete and believable.
I found the action scenes to be really well written, but there weren’t many and there weren’t many stakes to drive them beyond the excitement of that moment.
There wasn’t any meaningful development or progress in the romance, or many other relationship, which was really disappointing.
For what it’s worth, I loved the last few minutes, though!
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Torture, Trafficking, Pregnancy, War
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In my mind, this series is “baby Ross” since you can feel the evolution from this series to her recent publications, like A River Enchanted or Ruthless Vows.This doesn’t mean this isn’t completely enchanting and incredible. But you can tell it’s her first stories. Ross is an incredible writer. I loved this sequel and all the adventures for Brianna and Cartier. This is also the perfect start for someone wanting to begin reading fantasy. It has clean world building with a character driven plot, sprinkle found family and a bit of romance all wrapped up in an exquisite tale. Needs a big (easily removable) sticker on the cover that states “Start Here!”
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-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///
I'm actually really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. In all honesty, I didn't think the first book needed a sequel. I thought the major threats were mostly dealt with and any unanswered questions like "what happens next?" could have been left to reader interpretation. Without major spoilers the first book left off with the main antagonists in a dungeon. I would have been perfectly fine if they were meant to rot in a dungeon forever or assume they got the chopping block.
But this book felt like an attempt to answer "well what happens after our heroes save the kingdom? Is it a happily ever after now?" No. A good chunk of this book is political maneuvering, which can be boring to some people. Not to me though, I love a good exploration of allies, feuds, possible marriage alliances etc. Now there was some more plot movement in the later half, which I thought was paced well.
I remember reading the first one and absolutely LOVING the passion concept that our MC grew up in. I wanted more of that instead of all this rebellion happening on another kingdom away. But I think the author addressed the main issues I had with that here. It felt rushed in the first book, but I just needed to have a full text dedicated to the happenings in Meavana (sp?).
Another thing I really appreciated was the dual pov. I think it really helped grow the romance between our MCs. I normally ignore romance in a YA if it's secondary and/or I don't care about it. But I did like Brienna and Aodhan together. Though his POV was a little dry in personality.
Note: I still want my standalone passion school book.
I'm actually really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. In all honesty, I didn't think the first book needed a sequel. I thought the major threats were mostly dealt with and any unanswered questions like "what happens next?" could have been left to reader interpretation. Without major spoilers the first book left off with the main antagonists in a dungeon. I would have been perfectly fine if they were meant to rot in a dungeon forever or assume they got the chopping block.
But this book felt like an attempt to answer "well what happens after our heroes save the kingdom? Is it a happily ever after now?" No. A good chunk of this book is political maneuvering, which can be boring to some people. Not to me though, I love a good exploration of allies, feuds, possible marriage alliances etc. Now there was some more plot movement in the later half, which I thought was paced well.
I remember reading the first one and absolutely LOVING the passion concept that our MC grew up in. I wanted more of that instead of all this rebellion happening on another kingdom away. But I think the author addressed the main issues I had with that here. It felt rushed in the first book, but I just needed to have a full text dedicated to the happenings in Meavana (sp?).
Another thing I really appreciated was the dual pov. I think it really helped grow the romance between our MCs. I normally ignore romance in a YA if it's secondary and/or I don't care about it. But I did like Brienna and Aodhan together. Though his POV was a little dry in personality.
Note: I still want my standalone passion school book.
4.5 stars for this
This was better than the first one I must say. And I am also glad that Rebecca Ross showed that what happens after a revolution. The plot was always moving forward. I never felt bored. But the strongest part of this series is not its plot but its characters. Brienna is an AMAZING character. The romance between her and Cartier was *chef's kiss*.
The friendship and relationships between the characters are so beautiful and wholesome!
I liked how Ross depicted woman and matriarchy in this series. It also gave us insight that just as girls feel it's unfair when boys are favoured more in a patriarchy society, just like that boys also feel it's unfair when girls are favoured more in a patriarchy society. But nonetheless, I liked how they took women and men as equal. They both fought. They both lead. I think that was best aspect for me in this series.
Overall this was a good and enjoyable read. People who liked the 1st book should definitely give this book a try.
This was better than the first one I must say. And I am also glad that Rebecca Ross showed that what happens after a revolution. The plot was always moving forward. I never felt bored. But the strongest part of this series is not its plot but its characters. Brienna is an AMAZING character. The romance between her and Cartier was *chef's kiss*.
The friendship and relationships between the characters are so beautiful and wholesome!
I liked how Ross depicted woman and matriarchy in this series. It also gave us insight that just as girls feel it's unfair when boys are favoured more in a patriarchy society, just like that boys also feel it's unfair when girls are favoured more in a patriarchy society. But nonetheless, I liked how they took women and men as equal. They both fought. They both lead. I think that was best aspect for me in this series.
Overall this was a good and enjoyable read. People who liked the 1st book should definitely give this book a try.
This book is absolutely amazing. The last couple of chapters had me in tears in both sadness and happiness. The characters you just cant help falling in love with especially with the new characters that are introduced in this sequel.
“Ripensai a tutti quei pomeriggi trascorsi con Cartier in biblioteca, quando lui sembrava così freddo e distaccato, e a quel giorno in cui l’avevo sfidato a salire su una sedia con un libro sulla testa. Ricordai la prima volta che lo vidi ridere, e la sensazione che di colpo nella stanza fosse entrato il sole.”
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Trafficking, War, Injury/Injury detail
Another entertaining read; the storyline follows the previous main characters, ties up loose ends, and deals with a decent amount of somewhat realistic political issues.
I definitely enjoyed the first book more. The plot in this one was more thrilling however I felt the writing was inconsistent and phrases/sentences were tropey and cliche which made me roll my eyes so many times.
The character’s relationships with each other and with their parents was really weird? Like verbally they’d call them mother/father etc but in their heads they used their given names which gave me the strong impression that they didn’t really see them as their true parents? Idk it was weird.
Also needed more couple moments.
The character’s relationships with each other and with their parents was really weird? Like verbally they’d call them mother/father etc but in their heads they used their given names which gave me the strong impression that they didn’t really see them as their true parents? Idk it was weird.
Also needed more couple moments.