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crimsoncor's review against another edition
5.0
Prequels are always tricky because they can never have the same narrative suspense as a sequel. But Beneath the Keep does a good job of telling its own story (and filling in a lot of missing color for the trilogy) and keeping the user engaged. I have this vague impression of the Tearling books as kinda happy and each time I start reading one I'm immediately smacked in the face at how brutal and unforgiving the world is. That isn't a criticism, just interesting how the optimism from the stories is what lingers with me, while the rest of it drops away.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this was a really great read, though sad, knowing what the future holds!
suza_looza's review against another edition
5.0
Man. I love this book. I love this WORLD. I want MOOOORE
taralikesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
I love love love the world of the Tearling and the complicated political landscape.
The oirgin story of the Mace was just AMAZING. I do feel like the character of Maura just disappeared rather quickly in the end tho for being such a big impact on his life?
Arlene Thorne is such a great villan and I loved seeing elyssas downfall.
The oirgin story of the Mace was just AMAZING. I do feel like the character of Maura just disappeared rather quickly in the end tho for being such a big impact on his life?
Arlene Thorne is such a great villan and I loved seeing elyssas downfall.
leowens84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.5
missbookiverse's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I feel like this prequel to the Tearling trilogy is unnecessary. You don't learn anything new (except for maybe that little tidbit about Kelsea's father...), you just get a more in-depth look at the events you were already vaguely aware of from the trilogy. I also could've done with fewer focalizer characters, some I just didn't care about as much as others. Nevertheless, the novel somehow sucked me in because Johansen is a great writer and I am very tempted to reread the original trilogy now. I can't wait for her to come up with a completely new fantasy series though.
eladams07's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jillmlong's review against another edition
2.0
I was looking forward to reading this prequel. I liked the back stories of the characters. At times this book was very dark but that was expected if you read the other books in the series.