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supremeleaderev 's review for:
Fence Vol. 2
by C. S. Pacat
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
This volume continues off exactly where the last one ends- the fencers at King's Row continue to work their ways through tryouts to secure a spot on the team. This volume takes place over a pretty short period of time, and this one does focus more on fencing than probably any of the other volumes, but it's fun and filled with a lot of action. It's a great continuation to the series, and I found it even more engaging than the last one. Throughout this volume we learned more about each of characters, their dynamics with each other, their backgrounds, and their various motives for doing their craft.
Although this book does focus more on the fencing than not, we still learn a lot about each character. At the very beginning we are reminded of Nicholas's motive to be the best not simply because he wants to, but because he feels like he has a personal mission to do so to prove himself as Robert Coste's illegitimate son. I'm very excited to see how this plays out in the series. Even though it's only mentioned in passing a few times each volume, I feel like the series would be so dry without it. I don't know how to explain it, but I think this adds a level of drama that was necessary.
Additionally, we start to learn more about Seiji's motives as well, and we get to see him as more than just an untouchable guy who exists purely to motivate Nicholas. We finally get to start seeing some cracks in his character. Of course we get more character development from other characters as well, mostly the previous team members. I like how the character development in really woven into the matches through outside character's conversations and inner dialogue. It helps pace the book and keeps it from being very jarring by not jumping from match to character scene to match cold turkey. It's a much more gradual flow.
I also like how this book cements Nicholas and Seiji more as rivals. I think the enemies dynamic can be overdone in young adult books, but having them be rivals who can't hold a civil conversation is more interesting and fun. Nicholas is just really annoying to Seiji, and it's funny how Seiji, who is usually so level-headed and cool can't keep in his temper in check with Nicholas. I liked Seiji's little frown when Nicholas talked about his indirect win. Honestly I just love the two of them and I don't think any interaction between them could be anything other than the greatest thing ever written.
All in all this was another strong addition to the series, but my comment with the last book stands- the series hasn't reached its potential yet. It's getting there, and I do really like how it takes it time, but it's coming and anyone who reads this can see it. I like how despite the rather serious tone of this is, it still has plenty of lighthearted moments. I loved Nicholas and Seiji's constant and insistent bickering. I loved Aidan being a playboy rascal, which how we're getting to learn more and more about him. I loved Bobby continuing to be a Seiji stan. I just loved all of it, and now that we're finally getting to the end of tryouts, and to Seiji and Nicholas's rematch, things are starting to truly get exciting.
Although this book does focus more on the fencing than not, we still learn a lot about each character. At the very beginning we are reminded of Nicholas's motive to be the best not simply because he wants to, but because he feels like he has a personal mission to do so to prove himself as Robert Coste's illegitimate son. I'm very excited to see how this plays out in the series. Even though it's only mentioned in passing a few times each volume, I feel like the series would be so dry without it. I don't know how to explain it, but I think this adds a level of drama that was necessary.
Additionally, we start to learn more about Seiji's motives as well, and we get to see him as more than just an untouchable guy who exists purely to motivate Nicholas. We finally get to start seeing some cracks in his character. Of course we get more character development from other characters as well, mostly the previous team members. I like how the character development in really woven into the matches through outside character's conversations and inner dialogue. It helps pace the book and keeps it from being very jarring by not jumping from match to character scene to match cold turkey. It's a much more gradual flow.
I also like how this book cements Nicholas and Seiji more as rivals. I think the enemies dynamic can be overdone in young adult books, but having them be rivals who can't hold a civil conversation is more interesting and fun. Nicholas is just really annoying to Seiji, and it's funny how Seiji, who is usually so level-headed and cool can't keep in his temper in check with Nicholas. I liked Seiji's little frown when Nicholas talked about his indirect win. Honestly I just love the two of them and I don't think any interaction between them could be anything other than the greatest thing ever written.
All in all this was another strong addition to the series, but my comment with the last book stands- the series hasn't reached its potential yet. It's getting there, and I do really like how it takes it time, but it's coming and anyone who reads this can see it. I like how despite the rather serious tone of this is, it still has plenty of lighthearted moments. I loved Nicholas and Seiji's constant and insistent bickering. I loved Aidan being a playboy rascal, which how we're getting to learn more and more about him. I loved Bobby continuing to be a Seiji stan. I just loved all of it, and now that we're finally getting to the end of tryouts, and to Seiji and Nicholas's rematch, things are starting to truly get exciting.