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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was decidedly less enjoyable than Wake of Vultures, for numerous reasons.
The first (and biggest) reason was Rhett. I loved Rhett’s exploration of his gender identity in WoV, but here it started to grate. Rhett repeatedly affirms his gender by contrasting himself with the strange and incomprehensible ways of women. I suspect the intent was to show the reader how divorced Rhett feels from the gender assigned to him at birth, but to me it felt misogynistic. (Transmasc individuals, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.) He also seemed like a different character to WoV, far more self-centred and foolhardy.
Another issue was the treatment of female characters in this book, which mostly seemed to pigeonhole them as irritating, mysterious creatures, who like ribbons and have no common sense. The rare exception is when they serve as sexual partners for Rhett, when they become hungry and assertive. This felt jarring compared to WoV, where female characters were largely treated the same as men.
Finally, I felt the pacing was off. There was a *lot* of introspection and talking in this book, and I found myself missing the steady action of WoV. I almost gave up at several points, especially in scenes between Rhett and Earl (who managed to be even more annoying together than apart).
A lacklustre sequel, though there were some bright spots. The ending saved it for me, and I’m hoping that Book 3 will be a return to form.
The first (and biggest) reason was Rhett. I loved Rhett’s exploration of his gender identity in WoV, but here it started to grate. Rhett repeatedly affirms his gender by contrasting himself with the strange and incomprehensible ways of women. I suspect the intent was to show the reader how divorced Rhett feels from the gender assigned to him at birth, but to me it felt misogynistic. (Transmasc individuals, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.) He also seemed like a different character to WoV, far more self-centred and foolhardy.
Another issue was the treatment of female characters in this book, which mostly seemed to pigeonhole them as irritating, mysterious creatures, who like ribbons and have no common sense. The rare exception is when they serve as sexual partners for Rhett, when they become hungry and assertive. This felt jarring compared to WoV, where female characters were largely treated the same as men.
Finally, I felt the pacing was off. There was a *lot* of introspection and talking in this book, and I found myself missing the steady action of WoV. I almost gave up at several points, especially in scenes between Rhett and Earl (who managed to be even more annoying together than apart).
A lacklustre sequel, though there were some bright spots. The ending saved it for me, and I’m hoping that Book 3 will be a return to form.
Now that Nettie has transformed into Rhett, he wants nothing more than to get back to the Rangers and his friends and keep on fighting monsters with them. But the Shadow has other ideas. Knowing that he has to follow his destiny, Rhett and his friends embark on a new adventure to rid the world of evil. Will he survive this time? Hard to say, since he doesn't even know what he's up against. Another fun book! I liked the new characters introduced, and can't wait for the next one.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As good as the first. Still so understanding, open-hearted, and embracing of differences and identities without for a second preaching and instead giving you an entirely awesome, dark, fantasy Western romp.
Such a well written story full of hardship, friendship and great characters and monsters. An epic tale of sorrow and revenge. Still there are quiet beautiful moments in this book and a smile here and there. It is a tough story, full of scars and pain, yet beautiful and filled with hope.
On with the next one.
On with the next one.
Once again, I loved exploring this world, although it won't be to everyones taste. Horses, the Wild West, some monsters and love....pretty great mix. Bowen does a great job of capturing the spirit and reality of the Wild West. In this story, Nettie explores who she is, and becomes more firmly identified as a man, Rhett Hennessy. I haven't encountered this in a character before, and I found it quite interesting, it's certainly novel and fresh. Rhett grows and strengthens his character, both as a person, and as the Shadow, and some new characters and problems are introduced too. I love the interactions between Rhett and Sam, and his ponies, Ragdoll, Pudding and Blue the Mule.
Looking forward to the 3rd instalment.
Looking forward to the 3rd instalment.