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itcamefromthepage's review
medium-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
4.0
These are such weird weird stories, as the two genres fantasy and horror both clash, but also mesh. It is odd.
The first half of this book is truly 5 star, Masterton does some really compelling writing, with some genuinely moving scenes about disability. Complementing this is a truly creepy antagonist with some BRUTAL kill scenes.
Then we get the fantasy elements which are undoubtedly fun, but it goes from 'genuinely moving story about grief and disability' to 'r-rated saturday morning cartoon' which is TONS of fun but it brings out Masterton's weakness in writing POC. It is clear Masterton is trying here and his heart is in the right place, but the characters who aren't white definitely feel like they are written by a white dude.
The ending is also a little rushed in that they get the final element of the creatures defeat VERY easily and VERY quickly. They introduce a magic staff, only for it to be obtained with absolutely zero issue.
Will definitely be reading more of the series, but I need to get to Masterton's straight horror output sooner rather than later because those were the best parts.
The first half of this book is truly 5 star, Masterton does some really compelling writing, with some genuinely moving scenes about disability. Complementing this is a truly creepy antagonist with some BRUTAL kill scenes.
Then we get the fantasy elements which are undoubtedly fun, but it goes from 'genuinely moving story about grief and disability' to 'r-rated saturday morning cartoon' which is TONS of fun but it brings out Masterton's weakness in writing POC. It is clear Masterton is trying here and his heart is in the right place, but the characters who aren't white definitely feel like they are written by a white dude.
The ending is also a little rushed in that they get the final element of the creatures defeat VERY easily and VERY quickly. They introduce a magic staff, only for it to be obtained with absolutely zero issue.
Will definitely be reading more of the series, but I need to get to Masterton's straight horror output sooner rather than later because those were the best parts.
scottneumann's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mightysparks's review
3.0
Some things about it were kind of cool, but overall I found it a bit dull. I also hadn't realised it was a sequel so that could've been a reason.
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