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spiderelsa's review against another edition
4.5
Diverged enough from Kushiel's Dart to stay interesting. Tracked close enough to sometimes feel mirrored. I almost considered pulling up patches of dialog in both books to see if it was actually verbatim - very well may have been, as a way of supporting the perspective that both main characters have a good memory and are paying attention. (I used to love it when 'retelling' books did that, but nowadays I'm seeing how differently people can see the same situation and still end up agreeing.)
I liked it. Glad I did it. Moving on.
I liked it. Glad I did it. Moving on.
skycrane's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit myself somewhat disappointed with this book. It was enjoyable, and I like the conceit of where the point of view character isn't really the protagonist, but I've already read this story. There were a few new and interesting bits, and getting Joscelin's perspective was often fun, and of course it's a story I really like, so it's definitely worth a read for fans of the series.
little_miss_darkness's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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
5.0
Who knew we needed Joscelin's book?
Picking this book up, I thought it was going to just be basically Kushiel's Dart with tiny differences - the reason why I usually avoid books which are repetition of a previous story with a different POV.
But no, we finally see a glimpse into Joscelin's childhood, and his time training with the Cassiline Brotherhood. We meet Selwyn, Joscelin's childhood best friend, of whom there wasn't a single mention in Kushiel's Dart (I know, I'm just re-reading the series when I realised this book was published). In retrospect, it makes sense.
It doesn't help that Joscelin is so obstinate about himself. One of the many reasons we all want to unravel the mysteries of THE Cassiline.
So many things finally make sense, and I am glad I have this book. Even for a slightly expensive price of the Kindle version. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series with more understanding.
Picking this book up, I thought it was going to just be basically Kushiel's Dart with tiny differences - the reason why I usually avoid books which are repetition of a previous story with a different POV.
But no, we finally see a glimpse into Joscelin's childhood, and his time training with the Cassiline Brotherhood. We meet Selwyn, Joscelin's childhood best friend, of whom there wasn't a single mention in Kushiel's Dart (I know, I'm just re-reading the series when I realised this book was published). In retrospect, it makes sense.
It doesn't help that Joscelin is so obstinate about himself. One of the many reasons we all want to unravel the mysteries of THE Cassiline.
So many things finally make sense, and I am glad I have this book. Even for a slightly expensive price of the Kindle version. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series with more understanding.
dhs4au's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sydneeelise's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
17aurelianos's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I agree with other readers that this book would have been a better novella or the base of a collection of short stories about the world and characters. I loved the return to Terre d'Ange and the backstory on Jocelyn. His time at the Prefectory and his early thoughts on meeting Phedre and the gang were great, but after they leave Skaldi, the book just becomes a more boring version of Kushiel's Dart, told with none of the spark that made the original an instant classic. Still worth reading if you loved the original series, though, you just may find yourself speed-reading through the back half.
apocalypso's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
otakubookworm0's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.0
human_condition's review
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-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
4.0