A review by bhprice
The Cerulean by Amy Ewing

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 "The Cerulean" by Amy Ewing offers a captivating tale with commendable character development and a promising world. The narrative unfolds with a good pace, and the relationships, particularly between Sera and Leela, are a highlight, creating a sense of camaraderie that readers can appreciate.

The strength of the characters and their growth is evident, and the potential for a richly developed world is apparent. However, the world-building felt somewhat lacking, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of the religious aspects that play a significant role in the story. The intentional vagueness about the history of the City in the Sky creates a sense of mystery, but it also leaves gaps in understanding that could have been filled to enhance the overall experience.

As the story progresses, the anticipation builds towards the end, where major tension and intriguing plot points emerge. It's this last quarter of the book that truly grabs the reader's attention, making it clear that the real substance lies in the latter part. The earlier portions of the book, while not without merit, could have been more succinctly summarized to maintain a consistently engaging pace.

While the prospect of a sequel is exciting, there's a lingering feeling that the first and second books could have been seamlessly combined. The narrative doesn't necessarily require excessive exposition, and some sections felt like they were included to meet a word count rather than to advance the plot.

Despite these observations, the potential for an enthralling continuation is undeniable. The hints of an uprising and the mysterious developments with Sera's purple mother and Leo and Agnes meeting their grandmother promise an engaging second installment. If the sequel delivers on the potential established in this book, it could elevate the overall experience, making the series a cohesive and compelling read.

In conclusion, "The Cerulean" sets the stage for an intriguing saga, with room for improvement in world-building and pacing. With high hopes for the sequel, readers may find the combined narrative of both books to be a more satisfying and cohesive experience.