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aconstellationoftomes 's review for:
Beyond the Shadows
by Brent Weeks
2,5 stars
I was excited to read this finale, because the previous books in the series have been fun, engaging and entertaining and I held high hopes for a fitting conclusion. Unfortunately, my expectations were met with a wave of disappointment.
If I were to encapsulate Beyond the Shadows in a single word, it would be "rushed." The journey through this final instalment is marred by instances of significant events being glossed over, leaving me craving for more insight. Moments that held the potential for deep engagement felt strangely absent. There are instances where characters seem privy to information that have no foundation, all for the sake of advancing the plot . Similarly, the use of magic veers off course from the story's logic, for the sake of plot advancement .
One aspect that strikes an off note is the disparity between the established world and the finale's tone. The dark, grimy, gritty and sexist world makes the finale's almost musical-like resolution seem out of place. I couldn't take the cringeworthy and contrived resolution seriously.
The payoff does not align with the buildup, the poor execution is disappointing and while the previous entries had more epic final moments, this finale stumbles in delivering a memorable showdown.
With that said, while this book doesn't have as many memorable and impactful moments compared to the rest of the series, there are certain scenes that stand out.
The worldbuilding and magic system falls short of its potential. I like the lore, concepts and development of the world. The history of Midcyru is interesting. However, the magic system is still undeveloped and vague and its complexities leave me puzzled.
The characters have stereotypical elements and lack multifaceted dimensions, but in the previous books, I was invested in and intrigued by them. In this book, while I still wanted the protagonists to succeed against the antagonists, I wasn't as invested in the characters. While Kylar's moral dilemmas are interesting, his interactions with other characters add the most depth to his character, such as his friendship with Logan, the messiness between him, Vi and Elene, his father-son relationship with Durzo and Count Drake and the initial meeting with Lantano.
Dorian's PoV chapters are the weak link and his character development is rushed and forced. His chapters are the least interesting.
In the end, the Night Angel series exhibits potential, yet the execution in the final instalment falls short of realisation. A rushed narrative and unsatisfying payoff leaves me wishing for an ending that could have better complemented the potential of this series.
I was excited to read this finale, because the previous books in the series have been fun, engaging and entertaining and I held high hopes for a fitting conclusion. Unfortunately, my expectations were met with a wave of disappointment.
If I were to encapsulate Beyond the Shadows in a single word, it would be "rushed." The journey through this final instalment is marred by instances of significant events being glossed over, leaving me craving for more insight.
Spoiler
How did Feir manage to escape the perilous Ezra's Woods? How did Durzo acquire Curoch from the same Woods?Spoiler
(such as Durzo's initial encounter with Uly or Vi's sudden loyalty to the Chantry)Spoiler
(such as Solon's abrupt appearance with the ruby for Lantano's sword, devoid of any prior knowledge)Spoiler
(such as Vi's seemingly effortless breaking of the bond between her and Kylar)Spoiler
There is another aspect that doesn't make sense. When Kylar first died, he asked what the price of his immortality was and the Wolf was so cryptic. However, in this book, the Wolf acts like Kylar knows what the price is and is shocked when he realises that Kylar doesn't.One aspect that strikes an off note is the disparity between the established world and the finale's tone. The dark, grimy, gritty and sexist world makes the finale's almost musical-like resolution seem out of place. I couldn't take the cringeworthy and contrived resolution seriously.
Spoiler
The pivotal sacrifice of Elene, driven by the power of love, rings hollow and is eclipsed by the symbolism of the red tulips that follow.The payoff does not align with the buildup, the poor execution is disappointing and while the previous entries had more epic final moments, this finale stumbles in delivering a memorable showdown.
With that said, while this book doesn't have as many memorable and impactful moments compared to the rest of the series, there are certain scenes that stand out.
Spoiler
These scenes are: the musings about Momma K being a "fearsome woman indeed", Terah's coronation dinner, the trial after Kylar murders Terah, Kylar's fate on the wheel and the heartwarming dialogue from Count Drake after Kylar comes back to life from his death on the wheel.The worldbuilding and magic system falls short of its potential. I like the lore, concepts and development of the world. The history of Midcyru is interesting.
Spoiler
The black ka'kari being sentient is so cool!The characters have stereotypical elements and lack multifaceted dimensions, but in the previous books, I was invested in and intrigued by them. In this book, while I still wanted the protagonists to succeed against the antagonists, I wasn't as invested in the characters. While Kylar's moral dilemmas are interesting, his interactions with other characters add the most depth to his character, such as his friendship with Logan, the messiness between him, Vi and Elene, his father-son relationship with Durzo and Count Drake and the initial meeting with Lantano.
Dorian's PoV chapters are the weak link and his character development
Spoiler
(or rather character regression as he apparently descends into madness)In the end, the Night Angel series exhibits potential, yet the execution in the final instalment falls short of realisation. A rushed narrative and unsatisfying payoff leaves me wishing for an ending that could have better complemented the potential of this series.