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jennnaa_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
jennifer1130's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I really enjoyed this second instalment. Took me a while to get into the first book and the world it was set in but we were all good to go for book 2. I liked how the story developed and will be interested to see how the final book concludes.
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
3.0
This picks up pretty much right where the last one left off. It took me just a bit to get back into it and get my bearings, but once I did, I was right back in the thick of things.
The world-building was fantastic. Everything really came to life and I could picture things perfectly. It was so realistically described that I could almost feel the heat and the sand on my skin.
It was slower-paced than I expected. Not that that's a bad thing. But it was surprising because the characters seemed to face crisis after crisis. I just didn't feel that sense of urgency I'd expect from those kinds of situations. They'd solve one problem and then another one would immediately pop up, and while I should have been racing through the pages, I was just slowly making my way through it. It wasn't bad, though, just not what I expected.
While this wasn't one of my favorite Maria V. Snyder books, it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. I am looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
The world-building was fantastic. Everything really came to life and I could picture things perfectly. It was so realistically described that I could almost feel the heat and the sand on my skin.
It was slower-paced than I expected. Not that that's a bad thing. But it was surprising because the characters seemed to face crisis after crisis. I just didn't feel that sense of urgency I'd expect from those kinds of situations. They'd solve one problem and then another one would immediately pop up, and while I should have been racing through the pages, I was just slowly making my way through it. It wasn't bad, though, just not what I expected.
While this wasn't one of my favorite Maria V. Snyder books, it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. I am looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
rbernardo2010's review against another edition
5.0
Sheerly amazing.
Though it must be said that this is the second book in a trilogy. To truly appreciate this book you need to read the first one, “The Eyes of Tamburah.”
Snyder did a phenomenal job with “The Eyes of Tamburah,” creating a dystopian world that both fits into the familiar YA/NA niche while also bringing something new to the genre. In the sequel, she expands on this new world, giving it more dimension and fleshing out the world in which our protagonist, Shyla, lives. We get to experience Shyla’s trepidation about her new powers as well as her discovery of how powerful she is without them.
Shyla may be an adult, but we get to see her grow as a person and learn to accept help when it’s needed. This sequel enhances her as a character by showing her ingenuity, empathy, and diligent work to better those around her. And while there is a romance subplot, it doesn’t overwhelm the overall story of Shyla embracing her strength. We also get to see more of the Invisible Sword and learn how they operate, fighting against the unjust tyranny in Koraha.
This book reads almost like a finale until the very end. No spoilers, but there are some quite satisfying conclusions to some storylines/plot threads from the first novel.
It DOES end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s one the does not detract from the overall story.
Overall, this book earned 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Though it must be said that this is the second book in a trilogy. To truly appreciate this book you need to read the first one, “The Eyes of Tamburah.”
Snyder did a phenomenal job with “The Eyes of Tamburah,” creating a dystopian world that both fits into the familiar YA/NA niche while also bringing something new to the genre. In the sequel, she expands on this new world, giving it more dimension and fleshing out the world in which our protagonist, Shyla, lives. We get to experience Shyla’s trepidation about her new powers as well as her discovery of how powerful she is without them.
Shyla may be an adult, but we get to see her grow as a person and learn to accept help when it’s needed. This sequel enhances her as a character by showing her ingenuity, empathy, and diligent work to better those around her. And while there is a romance subplot, it doesn’t overwhelm the overall story of Shyla embracing her strength. We also get to see more of the Invisible Sword and learn how they operate, fighting against the unjust tyranny in Koraha.
This book reads almost like a finale until the very end. No spoilers, but there are some quite satisfying conclusions to some storylines/plot threads from the first novel.
It DOES end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s one the does not detract from the overall story.
Overall, this book earned 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
luckies_universe's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoyed book one, The Eyes of Tamburah, because it was a fun, exciting, archeological/fantasy story with an good protagonist. However, I feel like book two dragged a lot in terms of plot. There just didn't seem to be a big main conflict, just a lot of little things that were resolved fairly quickly. The plot twists were weak and I just didn't get the spark that the first book had.
cosyliterature's review against another edition
2.0
2.75
After finishing the series, this one was my least favourite, but worth it for what it sets up in the third book.
After finishing the series, this one was my least favourite, but worth it for what it sets up in the third book.
velvetssamu's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
very fun and engaging book, sad about ximen but i wouldve killed myself if gurice died too
anastasiaeleni's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book- definitely better than The Eyes of Tamburah! However, it was extremely irritating every time Shyla had to ‘push aside’ or ‘ignore’ random feelings or urges for Rendor. I mean, it didn’t take away from the intensity of their reunion, but I did find it a bit lacking.
I will throw a fit, or the book, though if Shyla and Rendor are separated for 90% of the book again. 70% might just result in some swearing.
It also ending on a rather strange note given that the two major political players and villains were killed. I’m very curious to see what will happen in the final book.
I will throw a fit, or the book, though if Shyla and Rendor are separated for 90% of the book again. 70% might just result in some swearing.
It also ending on a rather strange note given that the two major political players and villains were killed. I’m very curious to see what will happen in the final book.
taylahcatherine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
auora1484's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0