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A review by monika_stefekova
Monstrous Design by Kat Dunn
3.0
I wish more authors would take their cue from Leigh Bardugo. Whatever you think of her writing, she does not create artificial trilogies but rather recognises when the story can and should be wrapped within the second book. I bring up this point because Battlation of the Dead has a distinctive Six of Crows vibe, yet fails to reach its potential precisely because of this. In the effort to create a plot just as clever and twisty, the author tied her own shoelaces a bit.
I´ll admit I originally thought Battalion of the Dead was a duology (my mistake) and was, therefore, quite thrown by the meandering nature of this book and its arguably troubled pacing. However, as I neared the end, it became clear to me that there has to be a third book and many open plot points and loose ends suddenly made more sense.
Even though this is still an enjoyable read, it definitely suffers (much like many of its kin) from a middle book syndrome. A lot happens, yet only a handful of events has any sort of impact on the overall story. The ending feels rushed and the inevitable twisty cliffhanger fails to be surprising.
The character work remains the strong point of the story, even though some of the actions do not exactly fit the characters we came to know in Dangerous Remedy, which is a bit frustrating. It feels like the author herself was hesitant with their development. However, I have to appreciate that she does not shy away from exploring moral dilemmas and difficult situations and portrays both in a very realistic way.
I will definitely read the third instalment, I just have to do it with my fingers crossed. A lot will be riding on the way the finale is handled, but I am trusting the author to bring us a meaningful conclusion for this wonderfully inventive tale.
I´ll admit I originally thought Battalion of the Dead was a duology (my mistake) and was, therefore, quite thrown by the meandering nature of this book and its arguably troubled pacing. However, as I neared the end, it became clear to me that there has to be a third book and many open plot points and loose ends suddenly made more sense.
Even though this is still an enjoyable read, it definitely suffers (much like many of its kin) from a middle book syndrome. A lot happens, yet only a handful of events has any sort of impact on the overall story. The ending feels rushed and the inevitable twisty cliffhanger fails to be surprising.
The character work remains the strong point of the story, even though some of the actions do not exactly fit the characters we came to know in Dangerous Remedy, which is a bit frustrating. It feels like the author herself was hesitant with their development. However, I have to appreciate that she does not shy away from exploring moral dilemmas and difficult situations and portrays both in a very realistic way.
I will definitely read the third instalment, I just have to do it with my fingers crossed. A lot will be riding on the way the finale is handled, but I am trusting the author to bring us a meaningful conclusion for this wonderfully inventive tale.