Scan barcode
A review by fruitbatwoman
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The last book of the Scholomance trilogy is very different from the previous ones: our beloved anti-heroes are not inside the school anymore, but let loose in the magical politics and injustice of the real world. I can see how the change in setting and tone put some readers off, but to me it was a strong conclusion to an excellent urban fantasy series.
What I liked:
+ Great urban fantasy mixed with real world locations
+ Multilayered bad guys with believable motivations
+ Social commentary on inequality, privilege, capitalism
+ El's incredible spells
+ Queer representation
What could have been better:
- Characters felt a bit flat compared to previous books, especially El's mother was more like a plot device than an actual person
- The ending was both satisfying and not satisfying - it wraps up all loose ends, but felt a bit rushed and unfinished
What I liked:
+ Great urban fantasy mixed with real world locations
+ Multilayered bad guys with believable motivations
+ Social commentary on inequality, privilege, capitalism
+ El's incredible spells
+ Queer representation
What could have been better:
- Characters felt a bit flat compared to previous books, especially El's mother was more like a plot device than an actual person
- The ending was both satisfying and not satisfying - it wraps up all loose ends, but felt a bit rushed and unfinished