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A review by breekeeler
Soulstar by C.L. Polk
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Not my favourite in the Kingston Cycle, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. The plot is gripping, offing mystery and intrigue, and weaving several storylines together quite effectively. Robin and Zelind’s relationship is incredibly lovely, and I particularly liked the ways they were allowed to struggle and find their way back to each other in so many senses of that phrase. Poll’s world building is still incredible, and the magic system continued to fascinate me.
At times, I found it difficult to grasp character motivations. This was particularly true when it came to peripheral characters in this book whose behaviour was essential to driving the plot. Severin seemed to become a plot convenience, his behaviour was not wholly out of character but not entirely believable either. Grace and Miles both dropped in and out of the story, often with flimsy excuses for why they weren’t present or didn’t act. I often felt we could have arrived at the same plot points without undermining characters that we had come to know and love in earlier books. The day to day politics also persisted in this story, albeit from a very different viewpoint, which just isn’t my personal favourite plot.
Good fun though, and a satisfying ending to the series.
At times, I found it difficult to grasp character motivations. This was particularly true when it came to peripheral characters in this book whose behaviour was essential to driving the plot. Severin seemed to become a plot convenience, his behaviour was not wholly out of character but not entirely believable either. Grace and Miles both dropped in and out of the story, often with flimsy excuses for why they weren’t present or didn’t act. I often felt we could have arrived at the same plot points without undermining characters that we had come to know and love in earlier books. The day to day politics also persisted in this story, albeit from a very different viewpoint, which just isn’t my personal favourite plot.
Good fun though, and a satisfying ending to the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury