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stupidusernames's review against another edition
3.5
The prose is infinitely better than the first book. Glen Cook takes his time in this novel to flesh out both old and new characters. The plot is a slow burn but picks up in the second half.
justinreadsalot's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Overall, this is a good grim dark/ dark fantasy story. A lot better than the first book (this is the 2nd in the series). I haven't read much grimdark, this is technically my 2nd grimdark novel so I don't have much to compare it too other than first book, but I think it's decent. I definitely enjoyed this one, a lot more than the first. Glen cooks writing isn't my favorite and there are times where I get lost in what's happening. The story is engaging though.
alostarre's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
shookone's review
4.0
This was a big improvement over the first book in the series. Cook adds an additional protagonist, and then does away with the previous book’s more episodic approach in favor of using chapters. The changes in structure really improve the storytelling.
There’s definitely things you can criticize here: The setting is pretty bleak, the constant cynicism and tough guy talk can get a little silly in places, it’s often hard to remember which member of the Company is which because they all basically boil down to “tough guy with a sword” or “tough guy with a magic spell” Like these are all valid criticisms.
But I dunno, I still had a good time with it regardless. The book takes place in a weird, scary world. Magic is creepy and otherworldly and only sometimes makes sense. And ultimately this is a book about a bunch of guys who are pretty good at their jobs but have also made a ton of compromises with their consciences over the years and find themselves with their backs against the wall because of it. For me that adds up to a fun book, and I’m looking forward to reading the next entry in the series, but your mileage may vary.
There’s definitely things you can criticize here: The setting is pretty bleak, the constant cynicism and tough guy talk can get a little silly in places, it’s often hard to remember which member of the Company is which because they all basically boil down to “tough guy with a sword” or “tough guy with a magic spell” Like these are all valid criticisms.
But I dunno, I still had a good time with it regardless. The book takes place in a weird, scary world. Magic is creepy and otherworldly and only sometimes makes sense. And ultimately this is a book about a bunch of guys who are pretty good at their jobs but have also made a ton of compromises with their consciences over the years and find themselves with their backs against the wall because of it. For me that adds up to a fun book, and I’m looking forward to reading the next entry in the series, but your mileage may vary.
mylonpruett's review
4.0
There isn't too much I can say here without giving things away. If you liked The Black Company, you'll like Part 2. I'm liking this series so far as the occasional read, and honestly if you like D&D style adventures you'll probably like it too.
Time Read: 5:40
Time Read: 5:40
some_20th's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5