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A review by gwen_konchar
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this book was heavily heavily recommended and i had high hopes going in. leaving i am not disappointed but i think it has gotten a little more praise than it deserves.
to start with the negatives. i think the plot loses it's way towards the end it had strong themes but much like the main characters it feels like the writer was getting us to an uncertain end. the jumps between characters was not always well done and led to confused and muddy chapters. it also relies on heavy topics like SA as a way to depict how "dark, depraved, and horrific" the world is when quite honestly those are the weekest and feels like edgyness for the sake of edgyness when there are actual good moments of horror. the characters too lose some of their charm and humanity and instead just become the direct vessels for the plot to advance.
positives! for most of the book it's very well paced and compelling. the character moments are excellent for a majority of the story as well seeing how they grow and change is wonderful. much of the action is described well esp the fight with the eel creature. the priest is also a high point in the story.
it's hard to explain everything i enjoyed because it is surrounded by things that i think prevented it from being a better book.
to start with the negatives. i think the plot loses it's way towards the end it had strong themes but much like the main characters it feels like the writer was getting us to an uncertain end. the jumps between characters was not always well done and led to confused and muddy chapters. it also relies on heavy topics like SA as a way to depict how "dark, depraved, and horrific" the world is when quite honestly those are the weekest and feels like edgyness for the sake of edgyness when there are actual good moments of horror. the characters too lose some of their charm and humanity and instead just become the direct vessels for the plot to advance.
positives! for most of the book it's very well paced and compelling. the character moments are excellent for a majority of the story as well seeing how they grow and change is wonderful. much of the action is described well esp the fight with the eel creature. the priest is also a high point in the story.
it's hard to explain everything i enjoyed because it is surrounded by things that i think prevented it from being a better book.