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ashndean88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.5
Definitely better than the second, though at first I was afraid it wouldn't be. This book immediately started out dark, and I missed the lightness the first book carried. The pacing was also crazy slow in the beginning, which only made the structure of the book more confusing because of all the jumping around between people and points in time.
However, once nearly halfway through the book hit, things finally fell together. The timeline still confused me, but it became something I could flow with instead of distracting me. I had a much easier time and at points wanted to read more!
The ending was okay. Not my personal favorite, but I understand how it made sense. I only felt bad for one person, but I won't say who because of spoilers. Just feel like this person was forced to accept things instead of living.
Also, I think this was the first time I liked a magic system more than the book itself. Normally they go together, but this time there was such a unique distinction that they couldn't be blended. My favorite parts were learning about the Myst and it's origins. Though, I did think it was strange it was done through Pomella's memories. I don't understand why we skipped over so many interesting points in her left just to have this huge gap between books. Made it harder for me to connect with Pomella this time.
Overall I think the series was okay. The first book was definitely my favorite! But then I got lost. I'd recommend it to some people.
However, once nearly halfway through the book hit, things finally fell together. The timeline still confused me, but it became something I could flow with instead of distracting me. I had a much easier time and at points wanted to read more!
The ending was okay. Not my personal favorite, but I understand how it made sense. I only felt bad for one person, but I won't say who because of spoilers. Just feel like this person was forced to accept things instead of living.
Also, I think this was the first time I liked a magic system more than the book itself. Normally they go together, but this time there was such a unique distinction that they couldn't be blended. My favorite parts were learning about the Myst and it's origins. Though, I did think it was strange it was done through Pomella's memories. I don't understand why we skipped over so many interesting points in her left just to have this huge gap between books. Made it harder for me to connect with Pomella this time.
Overall I think the series was okay. The first book was definitely my favorite! But then I got lost. I'd recommend it to some people.
jennjohnson's review
5.0
I have a very good reason for not finishing this book far earlier. I knew what I was in for, having read an earlier draft, and I have not had the emotional wherewithal to revisit the experience again until now.
Let me explain, while trying hard to avoid spoilers:
This is a book about an elderly Pomella, who is revisiting parts of her life and examining her attachments. I am a middle-aged mother whose children are suddenly all adults, facing the largest transition of my life since I became a mom. I've been grieving the passage of time. So this story hit me hard in the gut, with a few hidden knives just for me. At least, that's how it felt.
It's also wise and gentle and meditative. I cried more than once, I took notes, and I felt my perspective shift a little, a bit through grief towards something much more peaceful.
Personal experience aside, if you've followed Pomella, Sim, and Shevia to this point, you absolutely will want to see where they go after Crow Tallin. And I hope you love the journey as much as I do.
Let me explain, while trying hard to avoid spoilers:
This is a book about an elderly Pomella, who is revisiting parts of her life and examining her attachments. I am a middle-aged mother whose children are suddenly all adults, facing the largest transition of my life since I became a mom. I've been grieving the passage of time. So this story hit me hard in the gut, with a few hidden knives just for me. At least, that's how it felt.
It's also wise and gentle and meditative. I cried more than once, I took notes, and I felt my perspective shift a little, a bit through grief towards something much more peaceful.
Personal experience aside, if you've followed Pomella, Sim, and Shevia to this point, you absolutely will want to see where they go after Crow Tallin. And I hope you love the journey as much as I do.
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