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felixtrom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jimmyviera's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this series. A classic in the making.
larastead's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
silverfronds's review against another edition
4.0
I think this suffers a liiiitle bit from middle book syndrome. It's still completely captivating and wonderful, but I think it's lacking just a bit of the magic of the first book, mostly because it felt so stationary. The first book felt like people were on the move and things were progressing through time, whereas this felt very focused on specific locations while people learned and grew their powers over the course of a year or two. I think it succeeded in setting things in motion for the final book though, so I can't wait to read more.
pshah5473's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
5.0
carlyxdeexx's review against another edition
5.0
I devoured this book—it was just as excellent as the first, though I may like the first a teensy bit more based on personal preference alone. It feels like an in-between volume, which is what it is, but that doesn’t mean it’s not exciting or engaging in its own right. This book pulls the curtain back on more of the prior one’s mysteries, shows all the pieces falling into place, and it becomes more clear that the narrator is not only distinct from our protagonists, but notable in their own right.
I feel a little bit lost while reading, but never too lost, as I always trust I’ll find the bit of clarity I’m missing somewhere down the line—I won’t be in the dark for long. New key world building details are explored in depth, the characters are as grounded and authentic as ever, and the Stillness feels even more real than it did in book one. How much should humans meddle with the natural order of things? What is natural and what isn’t—who defines that? When there seems to be no good or right answer, how do we make the necessary choice?
I can’t wait to read more by Jemisin after I finish this series, because if her other work is anything like this, I know I’ll always be in for a treat.
I feel a little bit lost while reading, but never too lost, as I always trust I’ll find the bit of clarity I’m missing somewhere down the line—I won’t be in the dark for long. New key world building details are explored in depth, the characters are as grounded and authentic as ever, and the Stillness feels even more real than it did in book one. How much should humans meddle with the natural order of things? What is natural and what isn’t—who defines that? When there seems to be no good or right answer, how do we make the necessary choice?
I can’t wait to read more by Jemisin after I finish this series, because if her other work is anything like this, I know I’ll always be in for a treat.