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blurrypetals's review against another edition
2.0
I'M STILL REALLY MAD ABOUT HOW LAINI TAYLOR STRUCTURES THESE BOOKS UGH
I like the characters and the concept but good lord this woman can't write a well-structured story. It's like she has all the ingredients to bake a delicious cake but she didn't combine them in the correct order so we're still left with something resembling a cake (or, more accurately, cake batter) that tastes like what it's supposed to be and, when you bake it, it comes out just fine, you still get the same result...more or less. But it would be so much more delightful if things unfolded more masterfully, making that cake light and fluffy, delicious and leaving you begging for more.
That's why I'm mad. Because I like what I've been given; it's still a cake, it's still enjoyable and, yeah, I'm going to come back to finish up that last slice. But unfortunately, this particular confection just isn't as sweet as it could be and that's what leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
However, there are still many enjoyable pieces that make up the whole but, for the most part, it all just feels like a bunch (and I do mean a bunch) of things thrown together for quantity rather than quality. So when your novel is watered down, stretched thin to meet a word count or to fill 500 pages, it leaves more to be desired. Unfortunately I get the feeling that won't be cured by the final book, but, maybe, just maybe, my mind will be changed.
Time for me to buckle down, listen, and find out.
I like the characters and the concept but good lord this woman can't write a well-structured story. It's like she has all the ingredients to bake a delicious cake but she didn't combine them in the correct order so we're still left with something resembling a cake (or, more accurately, cake batter) that tastes like what it's supposed to be and, when you bake it, it comes out just fine, you still get the same result...more or less. But it would be so much more delightful if things unfolded more masterfully, making that cake light and fluffy, delicious and leaving you begging for more.
That's why I'm mad. Because I like what I've been given; it's still a cake, it's still enjoyable and, yeah, I'm going to come back to finish up that last slice. But unfortunately, this particular confection just isn't as sweet as it could be and that's what leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
However, there are still many enjoyable pieces that make up the whole but, for the most part, it all just feels like a bunch (and I do mean a bunch) of things thrown together for quantity rather than quality. So when your novel is watered down, stretched thin to meet a word count or to fill 500 pages, it leaves more to be desired. Unfortunately I get the feeling that won't be cured by the final book, but, maybe, just maybe, my mind will be changed.
Time for me to buckle down, listen, and find out.
jupiterlee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
beccaj2180's review against another edition
4.0
I don't really know where to start, and I'm not really sure I can call this a review, since I spent most of the time while I was reading/listening to this book, holding my breath and trying not to cry. It took me a long time to get through this one. I started reading it back in December, but I had a hard time getting through the first 100 pages. I was so overwrought by the tension between Akiva and Karou. It was almost too much. That was why I was holding my breath throughout this whole story. And there was SO MUCH story. For awhile I had trouble keeping track of everyone. I do love the characters though (and hate all the characters that should be hated - Thiago and Jael!) Anyway, I'm trying to cope with the fact that the next book won't be out until next year, but that will probably give me some time to recover. And, just a side not, I'm glad this book wasn't oppressively "romantic". We need tragedy in this genre once in awhile to make the sappy romance worth reading. Laini, I've just got to say it. You are a genius. I will never be as awesome as you (and I will never be able to get my hair pink or blue, since it's so brown, which makes me sad). I hope you write a million more books. Thank you for giving me a little spark of happiness at the end, also. You saved my heart from tearing in half. Oh, and thank you for making Zuzanna. I love her. I wish I knew her.
nicola_95's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
5.0
I just loved this book. I don't care what anyone says. Addictive isn't even the word. And I love chimeras! Reminds me a bit of wow! I always felt brimstone would have been the perfect tauren.
taylorwinckle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
bookwormbay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
5.0
enchanted_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0