The story of the Oracle and Paladin continues to unfold, but with a bit less space for humor and zaniness. An interesting storyline, but I did wish foThe story of the Oracle and Paladin continues to unfold, but with a bit less space for humor and zaniness. An interesting storyline, but I did wish for more of the comedy from the first part of the series. ...more
I loved the twists and turns of this gorgeously written adventure tale. This story has so much atmosphere, and on-point comedic timing that keeps it gI loved the twists and turns of this gorgeously written adventure tale. This story has so much atmosphere, and on-point comedic timing that keeps it grounded in fun. The characters, so well built in the opening book, shine in their full intrigue and imperfection. I am only sorry to say goodbye to this bandying crew. ...more
(4.5 stars) Tahir's writing makes for such a welcome read, with its smooth flow and beautiful, thoughtful prose weaved throughout an action-intense st(4.5 stars) Tahir's writing makes for such a welcome read, with its smooth flow and beautiful, thoughtful prose weaved throughout an action-intense story. I did find the start of this book a bit less gripping than Ember--although there are very few books that gripped me as Ember did. I also wished to linger a bit more in the characters' heads; one of the things that most connected me to the first book was the characters' strong empathy that explored in detail their reactions to the world around them, and those vivid internal moments are less present, or perhaps more quickly passed, in this second installment. Those two points aside, the story has some engaging new fantasy elements that set the stage for a tale of bigger scope than I had anticipated. I am eager to hear more about the lore of this universe, and its conflicts that go beyond even the Empire. ...more
The first hundred or so pages and the last 150 pages of this addition to the Throne of Glass series were very engaging; and there were a smattering ofThe first hundred or so pages and the last 150 pages of this addition to the Throne of Glass series were very engaging; and there were a smattering of interesting scenes throughout the remaining pages. However, I found the number of points of view in this book unwieldy, making many of the scenes difficult to thoroughly sink into. The heavy focus on romances in this part of the series just isn't for me. I am still eager to read the next and final installment; this book certainly sets-up for a dramatic finale. ...more
I love a good heist story told by the outcasts and underdogs. It starts with a gorgeously laid setting: the hazy gray mists carry both the romance andI love a good heist story told by the outcasts and underdogs. It starts with a gorgeously laid setting: the hazy gray mists carry both the romance and grit of a Victorian-Amsterdam, making me wistful for the briny air of the canals. The motley crew has lovable characters of all vernaculars. And then comes the plan, over-the-top and layered to keep you guessing. This read is filled with lines to get lost in: "She wouldn't wish love on anyone. It was the guest you welcomed and then couldn't be rid of." I very much enjoyed being swept into its flow. (And, the book design definitely deserves a nod--the black rimmed pages and crows feathers outlining the Ice Palace set the stage for dark illusions.) Another book to look forward to in the fall then!...more
(4.5 stars) A beautiful fairy tale with scene setting like scores of a ballet. The magic is detailed and picturesque. The words fall with the feel of (4.5 stars) A beautiful fairy tale with scene setting like scores of a ballet. The magic is detailed and picturesque. The words fall with the feel of folklore, bygone and fantastical. I especially enjoyed the internal search of character that differentiated the various forms of spell-making. I felt a few dips in the pacing as I was reading, but these were small valleys in a rich story. ...more
This series offered so many of my favorite things: a new vast world under siege from a new thrilling magic with the attending epic battles of might anThis series offered so many of my favorite things: a new vast world under siege from a new thrilling magic with the attending epic battles of might and soul. The read was fast, and there were certainly some interesting twists. This third book dug deeper into some of the characters to add a bit more satisfaction. I still feel that there is potential for so much more in this world, and I am left wondering about the nature of much of the power and unexplored connections. Still, 4 stars for the sweeping scope and some beautifully sensory moments. ...more
(3.5 stars) I absolutely enjoyed the further exploration of the Grisha's world in this second installment. Their fantastic powers are newly imagined t(3.5 stars) I absolutely enjoyed the further exploration of the Grisha's world in this second installment. Their fantastic powers are newly imagined through sea, land and spaces that exist only in this world's magic. My frequent frustration, however, was our narrator's lack of curiosity. So many obvious questions are left unasked, leaving out richness and detail. The romantic lead also felt flat in his monotone anxiety and lack of ambition. Still, the stage for an epic battle has been set and I will hope the finale of the series digs deeper into areas that have been left unexplained. ...more
The lure of this book for me is the intriguing magic; it provides a base for a rich fantasy pronouncing its own space and time. I enjoyed letting thisThe lure of this book for me is the intriguing magic; it provides a base for a rich fantasy pronouncing its own space and time. I enjoyed letting this world form around me, but I did finish the book without feeling full. I wanted more detail; more exploration of the characters' traits and motivations, of the underlying conflicts that led to the war-state of the world, of the magic and its connections to the world and those wielding it. Still, I found it a solid enough read that I am already on to the next in the series. ...more
Stiefvater's picturesque writing is a lovely shade of melancholy that works well to tell the stories of the slightly rag-tag Raven Boys. This weaving Stiefvater's picturesque writing is a lovely shade of melancholy that works well to tell the stories of the slightly rag-tag Raven Boys. This weaving of magic and arcane conspiracy offers suspense and the unexpected. The limitation for me was that I did not fall in love with any of the characters, and so my investment in hearing their tale may not take me through the rest of the series....more
I found myself mesmerized into turning the pages of this book. The story is haunting, the characters are intensely explored. The writing skillfully puI found myself mesmerized into turning the pages of this book. The story is haunting, the characters are intensely explored. The writing skillfully pushes deeply into the core of the main protagonists' beings; I found myself immersed in the vividness of their experiences and emotions. And although without completion of the larger story, I felt a sense of denouement as the characters learned to find the spark within themselves. ...more
The cover blurb says it perfectly; this really is a Sherlock/Buffy mashup. Well written and recommended if in the mood for a Buffy-esque demon of the The cover blurb says it perfectly; this really is a Sherlock/Buffy mashup. Well written and recommended if in the mood for a Buffy-esque demon of the week. ...more
(3.5 stars) This story is filled with such atmosphere--legends from a variety of lands create romance and enchantment. The characters and plotline are(3.5 stars) This story is filled with such atmosphere--legends from a variety of lands create romance and enchantment. The characters and plotline are also unique and intriguing; yet, I found their development a bit incomplete, which prevented me from sinking deeply into this book. ...more
(4.5 stars) A beautifully written story uncovering the varied colors of the characters' love for their island from beneath the first blush of encompas(4.5 stars) A beautifully written story uncovering the varied colors of the characters' love for their island from beneath the first blush of encompassing gray. This book sings a love song that is mournful but alluring and sweet, calling the reader to feel the warm pull of the salty Thisby air. ...more
Very sweet story, with a spunky lead and lots of witty exchanges. I loved the angular lines of the art style and the many stunning panels of dragons, Very sweet story, with a spunky lead and lots of witty exchanges. I loved the angular lines of the art style and the many stunning panels of dragons, castles and battles. A bit heavier emotionally than I expected, but the characters were definitely all worth rooting for. ...more
Another action-packed addition to the building of an epic. Some great characters had shining moments as we encounter ever escalating battling grounds Another action-packed addition to the building of an epic. Some great characters had shining moments as we encounter ever escalating battling grounds and richer fantasy. How long until the next?!...more
Awesome. I love how this series keeps unfolding, growing towards an epic battle for the world. This book explores so much background, of the characterAwesome. I love how this series keeps unfolding, growing towards an epic battle for the world. This book explores so much background, of the characters and the different powers available in its world. Already reading the next!...more
(4.5 stars) The last 200 pages... Woah. So much is revealed and the larger plot line unfolds. I had been waiting for the world to start being explored(4.5 stars) The last 200 pages... Woah. So much is revealed and the larger plot line unfolds. I had been waiting for the world to start being explored; it started and now I am hooked....more
4.5 stars. Excellent start to the series. Maybe a little heavy on the romance, but there was still plenty of action. I wish there would have been a bi4.5 stars. Excellent start to the series. Maybe a little heavy on the romance, but there was still plenty of action. I wish there would have been a bit more background about the kingdom, and hopefully that will come. I also found Celaena's youth a little hard to take at times, both for connecting with the character and also for believing that she is the assassin she is meant to be. Overall, however, the fantasy landscape is great and the characters keep me interested. ...more
An enjoyably big journey combining nonstop appearances of mythological figures. I found the beginning a bit slow--the quest doesn't begin until I thinAn enjoyably big journey combining nonstop appearances of mythological figures. I found the beginning a bit slow--the quest doesn't begin until I think about 200 pages in and the camp setup does not feel like it needs to be as long. Yet, after that the action sequences were so abundant, and perhaps that's a good thing for some readers, but I felt that I would have liked a bit more build and less one-fight-after-another. There was one fight, with wolves outside of a cave, that had such atmosphere--I would have liked more of that. There is definitely a lot of energy created for the next in the series....more
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