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bookwyrm76's review
5.0
I was so excited when I open the package with this ARC inside. It was made all the better because I wasn't expecting it. A friend who reviews for an industry magazine as well as reads for various committees of ALA got a copy of the trade paper of Dreamdark: Blackbringer and the ARC of Silksinger. She never mentioned it, but passed them on to me because she remembered I was such a fan of the first book.
There was a tiny part of me that was worried about the second book. So many fantasy series have great first books, but the second book falls flat or is used to simply set up the grad ending in the third book of a trilogy. Taylor didn't fall into that trap! Silksinger is just as rich and detailed as Blackbringer, maybe more so. Her skill at world-building is astounding. Maybe it's because she's also a visual artist, but the world she created for Faeries of Dreamdark (or as the publisher seems to be calling the series now Dreamdark) feels like a place you could visit.
The characters don't play second fiddle to the world though. Taylor's characters, both 'good' and 'bad', feel real. They are multifaceted and unlike many books which jump viewpoints, the Dreamdark books don't feel choppy. Getting a peek inside the different characters' heads makes them more real and more sympathetic. This is a young adult book and I really felt that the characters, who are mostly the faerie equal to teens/twenties, acted and reacted in ways that teens will relate to and understand. I loved the fact that though the big bad guy is undeniably bad (and I'm consciously using the word bad and not evil), he does have an element of sympathy and motivation beyond just 'I want power' or 'I want money'.
Earlier I mentioned that Taylor didn't use Silksing to just set up the next book in her series, Silksinger is a full and complete story. It might be a bit difficult to just pick it up and read if you have not read Blackbringer, but it wouldn't be impossible. Silksinger picks up where Blackbringer left off for Magpie and her friends, but it also starts the story of Hirik and Whisper. Like Blackbringer, the stories pick up in progress so if you like a slow building and lots of explanation, these aren't the books for you. That being said, there was never a time I really felt that I didn't know what was going on. Taylor has a knack for explaining the history and other background of the world within the action of the story or the dialog of the characters. So most of the time there is no need for lengthy passages which explain how magic works in this world or why one clan hates another. There are a few times where this does happen, but they don't distract from the story.
I've heard critics of fantasy (of all genre's really) say that current authors depend on cliched archetypes and that nothing reads as original any more. I'd love to give them the Blackbringer books. Taylor does use fantasy archetypes. There is the quest to save the world, the poor orphan alone in the world, the young man out to regain family honor, and others. You know what, that's OK! For each of those elements, they are twists that make them fresh and new to these stories. The orphan for instance, doesn't start the book that way. The readers get to see her lose the last few members of her family and that draws them into her pain and confusion.
Though I've said Silksinger is a full and complete story on it's own, it does also set up further books in the Dreamdark series. I'll be eagerly waiting to read the further adventures of Magpie, Talon and their crow family. I'm still hoping for a chance to meet Magpie's family. So it was said about Blackbringer that if you read one fantasy that year, make that the one. I'd second that for Silksinger. If you read one fantasy....if you even read one sequel, make it Silksinger and you won't be sorry!
**Unfortunately I've read on her journal a third book isn't happening at this point in time..:(**
There was a tiny part of me that was worried about the second book. So many fantasy series have great first books, but the second book falls flat or is used to simply set up the grad ending in the third book of a trilogy. Taylor didn't fall into that trap! Silksinger is just as rich and detailed as Blackbringer, maybe more so. Her skill at world-building is astounding. Maybe it's because she's also a visual artist, but the world she created for Faeries of Dreamdark (or as the publisher seems to be calling the series now Dreamdark) feels like a place you could visit.
The characters don't play second fiddle to the world though. Taylor's characters, both 'good' and 'bad', feel real. They are multifaceted and unlike many books which jump viewpoints, the Dreamdark books don't feel choppy. Getting a peek inside the different characters' heads makes them more real and more sympathetic. This is a young adult book and I really felt that the characters, who are mostly the faerie equal to teens/twenties, acted and reacted in ways that teens will relate to and understand. I loved the fact that though the big bad guy is undeniably bad (and I'm consciously using the word bad and not evil), he does have an element of sympathy and motivation beyond just 'I want power' or 'I want money'.
Earlier I mentioned that Taylor didn't use Silksing to just set up the next book in her series, Silksinger is a full and complete story. It might be a bit difficult to just pick it up and read if you have not read Blackbringer, but it wouldn't be impossible. Silksinger picks up where Blackbringer left off for Magpie and her friends, but it also starts the story of Hirik and Whisper. Like Blackbringer, the stories pick up in progress so if you like a slow building and lots of explanation, these aren't the books for you. That being said, there was never a time I really felt that I didn't know what was going on. Taylor has a knack for explaining the history and other background of the world within the action of the story or the dialog of the characters. So most of the time there is no need for lengthy passages which explain how magic works in this world or why one clan hates another. There are a few times where this does happen, but they don't distract from the story.
I've heard critics of fantasy (of all genre's really) say that current authors depend on cliched archetypes and that nothing reads as original any more. I'd love to give them the Blackbringer books. Taylor does use fantasy archetypes. There is the quest to save the world, the poor orphan alone in the world, the young man out to regain family honor, and others. You know what, that's OK! For each of those elements, they are twists that make them fresh and new to these stories. The orphan for instance, doesn't start the book that way. The readers get to see her lose the last few members of her family and that draws them into her pain and confusion.
Though I've said Silksinger is a full and complete story on it's own, it does also set up further books in the Dreamdark series. I'll be eagerly waiting to read the further adventures of Magpie, Talon and their crow family. I'm still hoping for a chance to meet Magpie's family. So it was said about Blackbringer that if you read one fantasy that year, make that the one. I'd second that for Silksinger. If you read one fantasy....if you even read one sequel, make it Silksinger and you won't be sorry!
**Unfortunately I've read on her journal a third book isn't happening at this point in time..:(**
brendalovesbooks's review
4.0
I think I have found a new favorite author. There is just something about this world that captivates me, and I find myself reading slower so that I can make the book last longer. This book (and the previous one) should be read by every fantasy lover. I'll even go so far as to say they should be read by every book lover. I'll never understand how certain YA books (I won't mention any titles here) get so darn popular, and gems like this don't get the attention they deserve.
In Dreamdark, Laini Taylor keeps up the fantastic characterization, the adventure--all the good stuff from the first book. We meet some great new characters, although I didn't like Whisper as well as Magpie (who is one of my favorite literary characters ever), but she was definitely an interesting character. There was also some great backstory, and although the surprise twist in this one didn't surprise me, it was still good.
Once again, I have to mention the artwork. It really brings the story to life. I would love to see a graphic novel made of this series, because the artwork would be incredible. I really can't wait to read more of this series, and I hope the next one isn't too long coming. I'll be reading everything this author writes!
In Dreamdark, Laini Taylor keeps up the fantastic characterization, the adventure--all the good stuff from the first book. We meet some great new characters, although I didn't like Whisper as well as Magpie (who is one of my favorite literary characters ever), but she was definitely an interesting character. There was also some great backstory, and although the surprise twist in this one didn't surprise me, it was still good.
Once again, I have to mention the artwork. It really brings the story to life. I would love to see a graphic novel made of this series, because the artwork would be incredible. I really can't wait to read more of this series, and I hope the next one isn't too long coming. I'll be reading everything this author writes!
debbiebarr's review
5.0
I had the opportunity to read an early draft of this book, and I must say, that it is AMAZING. I can't wait to be able to talk to more people about it! I felt really drawn by the book and the characters, and it was an incredible, emotional, wonderful experience of the book. I finished it, craving for more. And if this draft was good, I can only imagine how good the final product will be like!
amethystbookwyrm's review
5.0
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Whisper Silksinger is the last of her clan and it is up to her to restore the powerful Djinn Azazel while being chased by devils. Meanwhile Hirik is on a quest to find Azazel to restore his clan’s honour, and also Magpie is searching for Whisper to protect her from a secret enemy. This book is just as good as the first with the introduction of new characters along with characters which I grew to love in the first book. Even though it is advertised as a children’s novel I think anyone over the age of 9 who likes a book with a bit of magic will love both Blackbringer and Silksinger, and I hope she does another book in this series.
Whisper Silksinger is the last of her clan and it is up to her to restore the powerful Djinn Azazel while being chased by devils. Meanwhile Hirik is on a quest to find Azazel to restore his clan’s honour, and also Magpie is searching for Whisper to protect her from a secret enemy. This book is just as good as the first with the introduction of new characters along with characters which I grew to love in the first book. Even though it is advertised as a children’s novel I think anyone over the age of 9 who likes a book with a bit of magic will love both Blackbringer and Silksinger, and I hope she does another book in this series.
jameshaus's review
5.0
As awesome as blackbringer. Rich world, rich language, fun characters, gripping plot. I would never have guessed faeries were so fierce and cool.
bak8382's review
5.0
After loving Blackbringer I was eagerly awaiting this title and it definitely did not disappoint. Silksinger takes place about a month after Blackbringer ends. Magpie has been sent on a mission to find and awake the rest of the djinn. Meanwhile Whisper, who is the last of the Silksinger clan, starts out on a jounrney herself. I loved that this book continued Magpie's story while introducing additional characters who are just as interesting. The story is told from multiple points of view which only increases the tension as the fairies race to keep the djinn safe. Once again I am left hanging, and can't wait for the next one!
malinda_nevitt's review
5.0
Amazing! Silksinger is better than Blagbringer...which was really good! Laini Taylor takes the reader on another adventure with Magpie and Talon! We're also introduced to Whisper and Hirik who you cannot help but root for from the very beginning! The more you read the more memorizing the book becomes! There are betrayals and flirtations, deaths and renewals...and a super wicked bad guy! Towards the end of the book my pulse started to raising, I tried to calm myself but I just couldn't, it is intense! Taylor has an amazing gift for words and it seems an endless imagination! Let us hope that she continues to grace us with her books that are unique and fascinating!
somewheregirl7's review
4.0
Blackbringer was one of my favorite YA fantasy books of all time so I was a bit anxious to get my hands on it's follow-up, Silksinger. I was also anxious to see if Taylor could spin her magic again and drag me into the story so deeply I didn't want to get back out. She did indeed.
This was a wonderful follow-up book that introduces new characters while still weaving in the old ones. This time the main story follows Whisper Silksinger, the last of the Silksinger clan and the guardian of one of the ancient Djinn that the devils are trying so hard to acquire. The Devil Wars are threatening to start up again and as they do Magpie and company must once again stop the tapestry from unraveling and the Devils from taking power.
I loved seeing the characters from Blackbringer back and I also really liked the new cast of characters as well. The bad guy was fairly predictable if you're paying attention and it's amazing how many young Fae are turning out to be super-powerful, extra-gifted and talented. It does stretch my credulity a little. On the other hand, perhaps so many of the Sprouts are turning up with odd and powerful abilities because the age needs knew hereos to defend it. It's a tiny quibble and one that did not keep from enjoying this book immensely.
I am certain there is another book in the series coming and now I'll just have to wait (quite impatiently) for it to get here.
This was a wonderful follow-up book that introduces new characters while still weaving in the old ones. This time the main story follows Whisper Silksinger, the last of the Silksinger clan and the guardian of one of the ancient Djinn that the devils are trying so hard to acquire. The Devil Wars are threatening to start up again and as they do Magpie and company must once again stop the tapestry from unraveling and the Devils from taking power.
I loved seeing the characters from Blackbringer back and I also really liked the new cast of characters as well. The bad guy was fairly predictable if you're paying attention and it's amazing how many young Fae are turning out to be super-powerful, extra-gifted and talented. It does stretch my credulity a little. On the other hand, perhaps so many of the Sprouts are turning up with odd and powerful abilities because the age needs knew hereos to defend it. It's a tiny quibble and one that did not keep from enjoying this book immensely.
I am certain there is another book in the series coming and now I'll just have to wait (quite impatiently) for it to get here.
book_nut's review
5.0
Things I like about Laini Taylor: her spunky fairy heroines (and heroes); her intense pacing; her world-building. I also like her husband's art that graces the book and gives life to the characters. In short: great book.