Reviews

A Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Hearne

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vashnii's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.25

philibin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

(3.75 Stars, rounded up to 4)

I love the stories, but just really can't get into the format. This isn't really a spoiler unless you haven't read the first book in the series, and even then, it isn't much of a spoiler. This book is "told" by a Bard, but Bards can do special things, perfect memory, able to change their appearance and voice, etc. So this is the story of one such Bard, telling the stories of several other people, while his story is being told, and played out.

The character development and world-building are superb, and the narrators are both excellent. Even though I don't love the format, the stories are all beautifully written and engaging.

I've already put the next book in my queue!

motherofdogs's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? No

5.0

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

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4.0

Kevin Hearne returns to a world of amazing magic, eclectic characters, monsters, and wicked magics. I really loved returning to this series and its unique brand of storytelling. So many stories are told throughout this book, with various characters intertwining and crossing paths, or even just going on their own adventures.

There are so many characters and each are powerful and engaging in their own right, but the show-stealers for me were honest and kind Abhi, powerful and strong Olet, and honorable Tallynd. There were many twists and surprises, not to mention action scenes that added some tension and heartbreak for some.

The book leaves the fates of some characters open ended, and I truly hope to see what happens to them next!

boseph158's review against another edition

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5.0

What a spectacular second book. So when I finished the first book it ended on such a cliffhanger I didn't know how I was supposed to wait the 5 or 6 months before this book would be published. I am eternally grateful that this book ended the way it did and I'm ready for the wait for book 3.

I absolutely love the way this story is told through Fintan's Kenning. You can bet that my d&d bard will pay some respects to Fintan. The story wasn't quite so explosive as the first book but I was hooked long before I got to this book and I didn't need it to be as mysterious.

*Spoilers maybe...I'm glad this book wraps up most of the loose ends from the first book and very organically creates new questions. The ending was extremely satisfying. I want the next book but I'm content to wait for it.

One of my favorite parts of this book is how the story is weaved in such as way that I couldn't help but fall in love with all of the characters. Hearne/Fintan deliberately crafts a story to encompass the human experience. Through the voices of each character we are told a stories of love, grief, hope and learning. If you are here reading the review wondering if you should pick up the next book, all I can say is what is taking you so long.