Reviews

The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn

nelsonseye's review

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3.0

While I enjoyed the plot developments, I didn't really care for the romantic elements of the story. And, while the ending worked, a little more would not have been remiss.

dhrutigopaluni's review

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2.25

I read this because I think there were small political updates that could have larger impacts in the later books but man, the
the entire subplot with Kirra’s romance was so boring - it was unnecessary and irrelevant and there was nothing to suggest more emotional impact than a hook up.

mdalmeida's review

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

medeira's review

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  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

clearemnet's review

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lusragray's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

barefootamy's review

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4.0

3.5 stars. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed the first.

lsneal's review

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3.0

More eventful than the first book in the series, with a rapid whirl of settings and new characters and action. Kirra makes for a nicely complex central character.

aimee70807's review

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5.0

Realistically, I think this was a four star book, but it was significantly better than the first book which I gave four stars to. (Maybe that was a three star book?) Anyway...

We stuck to one character this time around, which helped the book gain a lot of coherence. Good story and characters and fun magic (though nothing really out of the ordinary.)

elizabaum's review

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5.0

I feel completely ripped apart at the seams and stitched back together. I love these characters so much it hurts, and it hurts even worse to see them suffer...even Kirra, who is not my favorite of the characters (though I like her) and, admittedly, did not make the best life choices in this book.

I loved the continuation of the mystery and intrigue from the first book. It was nice to see familiar faces and also ones that had only been mentioned. Darryn Rappengrass was back! I have a strange affection for him, hehe. Casserah should totally marry him. I loved the princess and I’m still intrigued and want to know more about her and the queen. I have a feeling that may come in book 4, but I guess I’ll see.

And, of course, I LOVED seeing Senneth, Tayse, Justin, Donnal and Cammon back. There were SO many times that I was grinning widely and trying to hide it from my co-workers. (I listened to the audiobook, so listening while working was a necessity, because I couldn’t freakin’ put it down.) It was like seeing old friends after a long absence. I especially appreciated Justin in this story, for reasons I’ll get to below.

The one thing that did not resonate with me with Kirra’s relationship with Romar Brendan. I didn’t quite feel her being in love with him, and her decisions where he was concerned were not particularly inspired. It didn’t hurt my enjoyment of the book, though, because she grew from the experience. I liked that even the main character was allowed to make mistakes. And I genuinely loved getting to witness the others chastising her even as they offered love and support. Justin especially impressed me on this front. (I'm so very excited that the next story is his.)

The biggest impact in this story, for me, was when
Donnal left. During the first half of the book, his presence was pleasant but seemingly insignificant (except perhaps when they visited the wild mother's shrine). However, when he was gone, my sorrow was as profound as Kirra’s. I didn’t realize how much I would miss having him around! His presence is quiet, but it’s definitely there. I can totally see why Kirra would feel how she does. The ending, while welcome, was still bittersweet. Not bad, though. I think it would have cheapened things to try and wrap it all up into a bow of a happy ending. I appreciated it even as it was gut wrenching. And not that it was unhappy, but it was more about Kirra recognizing what she had and learning a bit more about herself. Thankfully, there are two more books, and I hope to see more of the two of them to learn how it’s progressed from there.


I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. Possibly even more, because I was excited to see what the characters would be doing this time around. Solid five stars. LOVE these books.