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A review by lauren_miller
Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I went into this book intrigued and came out utterly stunned. It is hands down the best book I have read all year and I am already itching to own a physical copy of it, re-read it via audio, and savor the story all over again.
Things I loved about this book:
1. The writing was beautiful; it was a perfect marriage of efficiency and lyrical fancy. It offered so much in the way of characterization and description, but it also never lingered too long and overstayed its welcome. Lina's voice was so clear and entrancing to me, hardened and strong, yet naive and hopeful. She and Rui both were so well-rounded it was easy to become attached to them.
2. The pacing was brilliant. There was a timeless quality to this story, like a legend out of time and space. Each beat felt appropriately fast or slow, never lagging or exhausting. I felt like I was able to truly savor the story as it unfolded.
3. The futility of Lina's position. Early on, it's obvious to the reader the utter despair of her position, and it's even reinforced a few times (the dagger scene lol). Yet somehow, in spite of all that, I still could not help but root for her—fan that spark of hope that she would find her way and succeed somehow.
4. The isolated settings. Sunpo was easy and visceral to imagine. Gyeulcheon was every bit the fantastical realm I adore in a fantasy—vast and yet tightly bound, isolated and yet just within reach. And the foray into Jeoseung was so. cool.
5. The twists and turns of the plot. Again, thanks to the futility of Lina's position, I truly had no idea where the story would go; each new conversation or failed murder attempt was unexpected and exciting. Though some things were a little predictable, the ways in which they played out were still new and satisfying. If this were simply a standalone, I'd still be perfectly sated. Also, the romance? I was wary at first, but the subtle push-and-pull was absolutely delicious.
I could continue raving about this book, but honestly, you don't need to waste your time. Do yourself a favor and please pick up a copy of this book IMMEDIATELY. You will NOT regret it.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
I went into this book intrigued and came out utterly stunned. It is hands down the best book I have read all year and I am already itching to own a physical copy of it, re-read it via audio, and savor the story all over again.
Things I loved about this book:
1. The writing was beautiful; it was a perfect marriage of efficiency and lyrical fancy. It offered so much in the way of characterization and description, but it also never lingered too long and overstayed its welcome. Lina's voice was so clear and entrancing to me, hardened and strong, yet naive and hopeful. She and Rui both were so well-rounded it was easy to become attached to them.
2. The pacing was brilliant. There was a timeless quality to this story, like a legend out of time and space. Each beat felt appropriately fast or slow, never lagging or exhausting. I felt like I was able to truly savor the story as it unfolded.
3. The futility of Lina's position. Early on, it's obvious to the reader the utter despair of her position, and it's even reinforced a few times (the dagger scene lol). Yet somehow, in spite of all that, I still could not help but root for her—fan that spark of hope that she would find her way and succeed somehow.
4. The isolated settings. Sunpo was easy and visceral to imagine. Gyeulcheon was every bit the fantastical realm I adore in a fantasy—vast and yet tightly bound, isolated and yet just within reach. And the foray into Jeoseung was so. cool.
5. The twists and turns of the plot. Again, thanks to the futility of Lina's position, I truly had no idea where the story would go; each new conversation or failed murder attempt was unexpected and exciting. Though some things were a little predictable, the ways in which they played out were still new and satisfying. If this were simply a standalone, I'd still be perfectly sated. Also, the romance? I was wary at first, but the subtle push-and-pull was absolutely delicious.
I could continue raving about this book, but honestly, you don't need to waste your time. Do yourself a favor and please pick up a copy of this book IMMEDIATELY. You will NOT regret it.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Drug abuse, Murder, and Physical abuse