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A review by annettewolf
Starless by Jacqueline Carey
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The first half of the book, while the protagonist is growing up and being trained, is easily 5 stars. I loved it. There was so much heart, and the protagonist is so earnest that I couldn't help but love them.
The second half was...less good for me, even though the pacing picked up and there was a lot more happening. The insta-twin-souls-you-complete-me aspect was...frankly, not my thing. I also felt really intrigued by a certain suitor, and then when the plot took a huge left turn I was feeling frustrated at not getting the story that could have happened.
All of that is pretty unusual for me, for a Jacqueline Carey novel. Kushiel's legacy and the Naamah trilogy are some of my most-revisited books ever. Her writing is gorgeous no matter what, so it still felt lovely to be immersed in one of her worlds. I love how well she weaves the gods into the mythology, and even just the way she has them exist on the mortal plane in this one.
Overall this felt like two different books, and the first half I was completely in love with, and the second half probably rated 3 stars for me.
The second half was...less good for me, even though the pacing picked up and there was a lot more happening. The insta-twin-souls-you-complete-me aspect was...frankly, not my thing. I also felt really intrigued by a certain suitor, and then when the plot took a huge left turn I was feeling frustrated at not getting the story that could have happened.
All of that is pretty unusual for me, for a Jacqueline Carey novel. Kushiel's legacy and the Naamah trilogy are some of my most-revisited books ever. Her writing is gorgeous no matter what, so it still felt lovely to be immersed in one of her worlds. I love how well she weaves the gods into the mythology, and even just the way she has them exist on the mortal plane in this one.
Overall this felt like two different books, and the first half I was completely in love with, and the second half probably rated 3 stars for me.