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azrah786's review
3.5
[This full review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I was gifted a copy of this book for a blog tour with Pride Book Tours in exchange for an honest review**
CW: trauma, grief, death, self-harm, cannibalism
If you love your adventure quest stories, intricate magic systems, puzzling prophecies and sisterhood/found family themes then you should definitely check this series out!
The Ever Cruel Kingdom kicks off exactly where the events of The Never Tilting World left off with just as much adventure and high stakes – I was hooked until the very end.
The sequel definitely has a bigger familial aspect, which I think Chupeco really excels at in their books. The sisterhood between Haidee and Odessa was beautifully written – I loved their moments together in the story so much. Though their individual personalities continued to shine through just as much as their bond!
The various other relationships within the story – both romantic and platonic – were fantastic too and I loved how the direction of the story allowed them all to be explored.
The captivating world building and element based magic system were both expanded further in this sequel, the latter particularly when it came to the fight/battle scenes which were amazing!
I also personally love it when fantasy books have moments where science and magic work together so I absolutely loved it when Haidee’s mechanika side came out!
I will admit that I enjoyed this one a little less than book 1 and have knocked off half a star because though I enjoyed the individuality of the 4 person PoV, with the characters all being in one place for the most part of the book it did feel a little overcrowded at times.
Also prophecy stories can be a little tricky and some parts of the book felt a little rushed however, the overall plot and reveals allowed the story to wrap up perfectly.
A big thing that needs to be commended about this series though are the commentary on climate change as well the discussions and representation of mental health/grief and trauma.
It’s a story as emotionally packed as it is action packed and I can’t recommend it enough.
Final Rating - 3.5/5 Stars
**I was gifted a copy of this book for a blog tour with Pride Book Tours in exchange for an honest review**
CW: trauma, grief, death, self-harm, cannibalism
If you love your adventure quest stories, intricate magic systems, puzzling prophecies and sisterhood/found family themes then you should definitely check this series out!
The Ever Cruel Kingdom kicks off exactly where the events of The Never Tilting World left off with just as much adventure and high stakes – I was hooked until the very end.
The sequel definitely has a bigger familial aspect, which I think Chupeco really excels at in their books. The sisterhood between Haidee and Odessa was beautifully written – I loved their moments together in the story so much. Though their individual personalities continued to shine through just as much as their bond!
The various other relationships within the story – both romantic and platonic – were fantastic too and I loved how the direction of the story allowed them all to be explored.
The captivating world building and element based magic system were both expanded further in this sequel, the latter particularly when it came to the fight/battle scenes which were amazing!
I also personally love it when fantasy books have moments where science and magic work together so I absolutely loved it when Haidee’s mechanika side came out!
I will admit that I enjoyed this one a little less than book 1 and have knocked off half a star because though I enjoyed the individuality of the 4 person PoV, with the characters all being in one place for the most part of the book it did feel a little overcrowded at times.
Also prophecy stories can be a little tricky and some parts of the book felt a little rushed however, the overall plot and reveals allowed the story to wrap up perfectly.
A big thing that needs to be commended about this series though are the commentary on climate change as well the discussions and representation of mental health/grief and trauma.
It’s a story as emotionally packed as it is action packed and I can’t recommend it enough.
Final Rating - 3.5/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Self harm, Grief, and Death
Minor: Cannibalism
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