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path_through_pages's Reviews (267)
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed SoC far more than I expected to! I originally read Shadow & Bone which I enjoyed, but the main relationship annoyed the crap out of me.
I feel like the characters and relationships in SoC were so much more well developed and dynamic.
The heist was so well thought out and wasn't just a slap-dash assembly and execution like I'm used to seeing in similar books. The multiple POV was extremely well done and I very much enjoyed the overall story!
Looking forward to book 2!
P.s. I always like to mention this if I remember to - no MC pregnancy tropes
I feel like the characters and relationships in SoC were so much more well developed and dynamic.
The heist was so well thought out and wasn't just a slap-dash assembly and execution like I'm used to seeing in similar books. The multiple POV was extremely well done and I very much enjoyed the overall story!
Looking forward to book 2!
P.s. I always like to mention this if I remember to - no MC pregnancy tropes
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
SPOILERS
Okay so i really like Jin, he's my favorite character, his backstory is so well written, and you are both empathetic and intrigued by him. My favorite character for sure!
I ended up looking both Arthie and Flick more near the end of the book for sure, but getting there wasn't super great. But once I did get there I was a huge fan especially of Arthie!
I also love the blatant attacks on colonialism. It feels personal as it should and I think the bluntness is both needed and refreshing.
Here is where I struggle:
The only two FMCs are of course infatuated with the MMC. The dynamic buildup is simply not there. It's one of those books where suddenly noticing the MMCs collar bone means you 'can't get them out of your head' Which always kind of annoys me. Also there is literally zero need for both of them to have romance sub-plots. It feels like it's happening because the author thinks it's supposed to and not because its organic to the characters.
The addition of vampires is almost secondary until the end. It just feels like a tool for conflict and plot development than actual world building for the first 2/3 of the book.
There is apparently magic but only in like, a single item and there is zero back story on it until the last 1/3 and then suddenly there is a whole secrey magic rhelm? That no one even really questions?
Are we to believe this incredibly powerful monarchy had this magic shape-shifting weapon just, on display on some sword and the stone Disney contraption where it could be easily released by a child if they thought to stick around long enough to wait for maintenance? Did they have no idea what the weapon was? Even if they had no idea the design is so ornate it would clearly be valuable so why not just swap it with a cheap replica if they thought no one would ever release it?
They flip between POV but there is no tone change, no writing style change, and they aren't consistent with the narrative so I often forget I'm even reading a POV. Again this was all the way until the last 1/3 of the book which was a big contributor for why it was hard to connect with the characters.
There are also some continuity errors that pulled me right out of the story. One minute they are sitting, then standing, but then they have to stand up to leave? They are in a room, then not in that room, she gets her ankle grabbed but no description of it getting let go, he can't pick locks then pulls a lock picking kit out of his pocket?
Also the big revelations were pretty predictable for me.
This is so hard because the parts I loved I really loved, but then the rest was just so blah at times. I almost wish this book was broken into a novella instead of a novel.
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes so that's good!
Okay so i really like Jin, he's my favorite character, his backstory is so well written, and you are both empathetic and intrigued by him. My favorite character for sure!
I ended up looking both Arthie and Flick more near the end of the book for sure, but getting there wasn't super great. But once I did get there I was a huge fan especially of Arthie!
I also love the blatant attacks on colonialism. It feels personal as it should and I think the bluntness is both needed and refreshing.
Here is where I struggle:
The only two FMCs are of course infatuated with the MMC. The dynamic buildup is simply not there. It's one of those books where suddenly noticing the MMCs collar bone means you 'can't get them out of your head' Which always kind of annoys me. Also there is literally zero need for both of them to have romance sub-plots. It feels like it's happening because the author thinks it's supposed to and not because its organic to the characters.
The addition of vampires is almost secondary until the end. It just feels like a tool for conflict and plot development than actual world building for the first 2/3 of the book.
There is apparently magic but only in like, a single item and there is zero back story on it until the last 1/3 and then suddenly there is a whole secrey magic rhelm? That no one even really questions?
Are we to believe this incredibly powerful monarchy had this magic shape-shifting weapon just, on display on some sword and the stone Disney contraption where it could be easily released by a child if they thought to stick around long enough to wait for maintenance? Did they have no idea what the weapon was? Even if they had no idea the design is so ornate it would clearly be valuable so why not just swap it with a cheap replica if they thought no one would ever release it?
They flip between POV but there is no tone change, no writing style change, and they aren't consistent with the narrative so I often forget I'm even reading a POV. Again this was all the way until the last 1/3 of the book which was a big contributor for why it was hard to connect with the characters.
There are also some continuity errors that pulled me right out of the story. One minute they are sitting, then standing, but then they have to stand up to leave? They are in a room, then not in that room, she gets her ankle grabbed but no description of it getting let go, he can't pick locks then pulls a lock picking kit out of his pocket?
Also the big revelations were pretty predictable for me.
This is so hard because the parts I loved I really loved, but then the rest was just so blah at times. I almost wish this book was broken into a novella instead of a novel.
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes so that's good!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am incredibly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! It was fantasy like I've never seen! There was so much murder, mystery, and conspiracies in a fantasy world that had just enough world building, comedy, sarcasm, and developmental themes to keep you engaged the whole time!
For such a unique book I felt like the pace was surprisingly relaxed. It didn't feel taxing or overly stimulating to read but it kept you interested and entertained!
I've already pre-ordered the sequel!
And as always in my reviews I am happy to say there are no main character pregnancy tropes!
For such a unique book I felt like the pace was surprisingly relaxed. It didn't feel taxing or overly stimulating to read but it kept you interested and entertained!
I've already pre-ordered the sequel!
And as always in my reviews I am happy to say there are no main character pregnancy tropes!
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My husband got me the first in the series and everyone always RAVES about how much they love it!
If I'm being real, the first chapter felt like a manic run-on sentence. I had a really hard time liking the FMC until the last half of the book, and there was something about the overall writing style that just didn't fit in my brain (I can't tell you why because I just don't know).
I'm also fully aware that the FMC is an angry, trauma filled, ball of teenaged rage and she absolutely is behaving as such so I am not faulting a teenaged character for acting like a teenager.
Also the FMC mentioned at some point that she wants a daughter one day so I'm worried that's foreshadowing for later on in the series. There also is this weird emphasis on 'don't you want this place to be better for your kids one day?' Which to me is always weird. Why do we need to want things to be better just because we have a personal stake in the game? But anyway I'm going off topic here.
So I was fully ready to give this book 3 stars, walk away, and not continue the series, and then the very last line of the book has me annoyingly interested enough to keep going.
I guess we will see what happens!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So I will say this wasn't quite as good as Skyward but still extremely enjoyable! The epilogue leaves you hooked and wanting more! Can't wait to continue with the series!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Honestly I liked the first one better 😅 maybe it's because I just liked Wren's character and story so much, or maybe it's because even though everything I still picture Oak as a child but... I dunno 😅
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've got to say, I was having a bit of a hard time in the beginning but I am soooo glad I kept reading! Personally to me the 'big twist' at the end was predictable but it really doesn't matter much because the set up for the next book was so well done and I am here for it!
The reason I feel like I struggled getting into it was because I was expecting/hoping for the same kind of enemies to lovers that we got with FOTA. That was an unfair expectation to have given these are completely different characters.
But I will say, as far as spinoffs go I couldn't be happier with the choice to follow Wren. She was such a mystery in the original series and her origin story is so classic dark fairy tale!
Very excited for the next book!
The reason I feel like I struggled getting into it was because I was expecting/hoping for the same kind of enemies to lovers that we got with FOTA. That was an unfair expectation to have given these are completely different characters.
But I will say, as far as spinoffs go I couldn't be happier with the choice to follow Wren. She was such a mystery in the original series and her origin story is so classic dark fairy tale!
Very excited for the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I truly must say that the writing skill of this author is night and day compared to Diamond City! The absolute GROWTH that this author has shown between books is aspirational, and I have to give nothing but praise to them for the improvement in their work!
Like with my review of Diamond City, I am not going to give a synopsis of the book since other reviewers do an amazing job of that.
One thing I will quickly preface is that I am not a spice reader. It's genuinely just not my cup of tea, so I won't be touching on those scenes.
Now, let's get into it!
Improved writing and story building
- Clear understanding of the universe and its history
- Engaging character development, which let's you connect with them on a human level
- Believable romance and relationship building
- Clear and engaging plot that kept you wanting to read what was next!
- Much closer attention to detail and plot weaving.
- One criticism is there were still some issues with descriptor consistency, which can pull you out of the story, so this may have require a second look by an editor.
If you choose to read this series and are having some trouble with Diamond City, I truly hope you hang in there because book 2 makes it so worth it!
Thank you, Astrid Cole, for the e-copy of Emerald City for my honest review.
Like with my review of Diamond City, I am not going to give a synopsis of the book since other reviewers do an amazing job of that.
One thing I will quickly preface is that I am not a spice reader. It's genuinely just not my cup of tea, so I won't be touching on those scenes.
Now, let's get into it!
Improved writing and story building
- Clear understanding of the universe and its history
- Engaging character development, which let's you connect with them on a human level
- Believable romance and relationship building
- Clear and engaging plot that kept you wanting to read what was next!
- Much closer attention to detail and plot weaving.
- One criticism is there were still some issues with descriptor consistency, which can pull you out of the story, so this may have require a second look by an editor.
If you choose to read this series and are having some trouble with Diamond City, I truly hope you hang in there because book 2 makes it so worth it!
Thank you, Astrid Cole, for the e-copy of Emerald City for my honest review.
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a great, quick, and magical look into the past of Cadan! We know much of his past from the main trilogy but getting it from his POV and in such a whimsical way was a great addition to the series!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was such an overwhelming joy to read! It was fun, funny, fast, tense and entertaining!
I absolutely love that the FMC was:
-triumphantly logical
-in their early 30s
-plus-size
-chidlfree by choice
-single and thriving
This was an absolute unicorn of an FMC and I am HERE FOR IT!
This was also one of those rare moments when the FMC isn't the one who broke the cycle of generational trauma, but her MOTHER was and we got to see what a health, mother-daughter adult relationship looked like while also addressing and acknowledging what their mother went through.
This was such a unique story with lovable characters (an absolute MVP of a vulture) and I enjoyed it from start to finish!
I absolutely love that the FMC was:
-triumphantly logical
-in their early 30s
-plus-size
-chidlfree by choice
-single and thriving
This was an absolute unicorn of an FMC and I am HERE FOR IT!
This was also one of those rare moments when the FMC isn't the one who broke the cycle of generational trauma, but her MOTHER was and we got to see what a health, mother-daughter adult relationship looked like while also addressing and acknowledging what their mother went through.
This was such a unique story with lovable characters (an absolute MVP of a vulture) and I enjoyed it from start to finish!