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A review by booksandbarbara
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
• Plot;
- Better this time around. But I'm more into the plotlines of the other characters than the main plot itself because they add more depth, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because it's still a part of the story, but not the central focal point. I'm disappointed about the lack of monsters too, it's more a story about revolution with communists vs nationalists. The ending feels a little rushed, like the <<SPOILERS>> sacrifice (I said spoiler but it's a Romeo and Juilet retelling, we all know how that works out), what feels like the first time they could successfully pull off a plan, they don't and instead do something different. I kind of understand the reasoning though. <<END OF SPOILERS>> I don't know, it just feels a little rushed and a little forced for me. The story does pick up towards the end and gets good, I thoroughly enjoy the last few chapters, besides the previous point made. A lot feels unsaid, and I hope their future projects dig into this.
• Characters;
- The characters are so much better in this installment. We get a more in depth look at the others and tag along with their storylines. Their plots for me was more interesting and pulled me in. <<SPOILERS>> Benedikt & Marshall are too cute for words, I just can't with them. Maybe that's the gay in me though. <<END OF SPOILERS>> I didn't like Kathleen at first but in this book she grew on me and became someone amazing. Rosalind is awesome too, I'm excited to read her books.
• World Building;
- It's okay but there's nothing wowing about it. I don't know, I just can't really seem to fully envision this place and I think thats what held me back from fully throwing myself into the story. The train & countryside scenes are good though.
• What I like;
- I do like how multifaceted this book is. There's a lot going on where we get multiple personal storylines, that are executed quite well & aren't overwhelming. The love message and hope that it creates is beautifully done. I'll give credit to the author for doing a lot of research for these books too, that's dedication I can appreciate. Oh, and the LGBTQ+ representation again is *mwah*.
• What I dislike;
- The main problem with this book is you can figure it out before the surprise is written. The shocks aren't that shocking or surprising, but they are still okay. I'm not somebody who likes to dive deep into real world problems, that's why I read fiction & fantasy, so I can escape the horrors of what we live in.
• Overall;
- Although I struggle to fully connect with this one, it's still enjoyable and one hell of a ride. The twists & turns and multiple storylines enticed me at times, where I was finding myself a little eager to get back to it and find out what's happening. It's a good book, and a good duology. It just isn't my cup of tea & I'd have to be in a certain mood to read this type of story. I do own Foul Lady Fortune though & it was a Christmas gift, so I am invested and will be returning to this universe soon.
- Better this time around. But I'm more into the plotlines of the other characters than the main plot itself because they add more depth, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because it's still a part of the story, but not the central focal point. I'm disappointed about the lack of monsters too, it's more a story about revolution with communists vs nationalists. The ending feels a little rushed, like the <<SPOILERS>> sacrifice (I said spoiler but it's a Romeo and Juilet retelling, we all know how that works out), what feels like the first time they could successfully pull off a plan, they don't and instead do something different. I kind of understand the reasoning though. <<END OF SPOILERS>> I don't know, it just feels a little rushed and a little forced for me. The story does pick up towards the end and gets good, I thoroughly enjoy the last few chapters, besides the previous point made. A lot feels unsaid, and I hope their future projects dig into this.
• Characters;
- The characters are so much better in this installment. We get a more in depth look at the others and tag along with their storylines. Their plots for me was more interesting and pulled me in. <<SPOILERS>> Benedikt & Marshall are too cute for words, I just can't with them. Maybe that's the gay in me though. <<END OF SPOILERS>> I didn't like Kathleen at first but in this book she grew on me and became someone amazing. Rosalind is awesome too, I'm excited to read her books.
• World Building;
- It's okay but there's nothing wowing about it. I don't know, I just can't really seem to fully envision this place and I think thats what held me back from fully throwing myself into the story. The train & countryside scenes are good though.
• What I like;
- I do like how multifaceted this book is. There's a lot going on where we get multiple personal storylines, that are executed quite well & aren't overwhelming. The love message and hope that it creates is beautifully done. I'll give credit to the author for doing a lot of research for these books too, that's dedication I can appreciate. Oh, and the LGBTQ+ representation again is *mwah*.
• What I dislike;
- The main problem with this book is you can figure it out before the surprise is written. The shocks aren't that shocking or surprising, but they are still okay. I'm not somebody who likes to dive deep into real world problems, that's why I read fiction & fantasy, so I can escape the horrors of what we live in.
• Overall;
- Although I struggle to fully connect with this one, it's still enjoyable and one hell of a ride. The twists & turns and multiple storylines enticed me at times, where I was finding myself a little eager to get back to it and find out what's happening. It's a good book, and a good duology. It just isn't my cup of tea & I'd have to be in a certain mood to read this type of story. I do own Foul Lady Fortune though & it was a Christmas gift, so I am invested and will be returning to this universe soon.