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urlphantomhive's review
4.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I really liked this episode, I wasn't too sure after Arrivals, but with Fault Lines it is decided: I want to read this serial. A lot of political conflicts and interesting characters. The world also got more fleshed out.
Looking forward to the rest!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this episode, I wasn't too sure after Arrivals, but with Fault Lines it is decided: I want to read this serial. A lot of political conflicts and interesting characters. The world also got more fleshed out.
Looking forward to the rest!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
primmlife's review
3.0
In Episode Two of Serial Box’s latest series, politics, world-building, and a party feature. Where episode one, Arrivals, opened the world and the set the stage, episode two, Fault Lines by Marie Brennan, deepens the world while ratcheting up the politicking. Episode two solidifies Born to the Blade as a fun series worth reading.
TL;DR
Fault Lines expands the world of Born to the Blade while furthering the political conflicts. Recommended.
Story
There’s less violence in this episode but no less action. While there is a single duel, the politics and navigation of interpersonal relationships shine in this episode. The reader learns about the different societies and some of what differentiates them. Kris, through no action of their own, becomes a piece in the political game while still not being a player. Ojo, as in the first episode, stands out among the many characters. For now, the execution of the Golden Lord affects the story only slightly. Michiko wrestles with it, but how is it changing her allegiances to Mertika?
Writing
With episodes switching authors, how consistent is the writing style? Episode two maintains a cohesive style with the first while focusing on different parts of the overall story. This episode featured only one fight, and the whole story is better for it. Learning about the politics and societies make this a slower but satisfying episode. One particular bit of world building that shines is how the lift operators use pen knives in their sigil magic, and instead of treating magic with amazement and respect, the magic, to them, has become just another boring part of a repetitive job. That little bit deepens the world while being absolutely believable. In a world that relies on magic, not every spell or trick will be awe-inspiring. This bit drives interest in just how sigil magic works. Is it available to anyone? Is there a bored teenager somewhere using sigil magic to make Twaa-fei’s version of fast-food?
Conclusion
Episode 2 takes the story in a new, more measured direction that explores this interesting world. Between tea, the lifts, and the party, Fault Lines is a fun addition that shows Born to the Blade is more than just sword fights and magic.
TL;DR
Fault Lines expands the world of Born to the Blade while furthering the political conflicts. Recommended.
Story
There’s less violence in this episode but no less action. While there is a single duel, the politics and navigation of interpersonal relationships shine in this episode. The reader learns about the different societies and some of what differentiates them. Kris, through no action of their own, becomes a piece in the political game while still not being a player. Ojo, as in the first episode, stands out among the many characters. For now, the execution of the Golden Lord affects the story only slightly. Michiko wrestles with it, but how is it changing her allegiances to Mertika?
Writing
With episodes switching authors, how consistent is the writing style? Episode two maintains a cohesive style with the first while focusing on different parts of the overall story. This episode featured only one fight, and the whole story is better for it. Learning about the politics and societies make this a slower but satisfying episode. One particular bit of world building that shines is how the lift operators use pen knives in their sigil magic, and instead of treating magic with amazement and respect, the magic, to them, has become just another boring part of a repetitive job. That little bit deepens the world while being absolutely believable. In a world that relies on magic, not every spell or trick will be awe-inspiring. This bit drives interest in just how sigil magic works. Is it available to anyone? Is there a bored teenager somewhere using sigil magic to make Twaa-fei’s version of fast-food?
Conclusion
Episode 2 takes the story in a new, more measured direction that explores this interesting world. Between tea, the lifts, and the party, Fault Lines is a fun addition that shows Born to the Blade is more than just sword fights and magic.
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