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melaniereadsbooks's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this one quite a lot but didn't love it. I didn't think it was as good as the first one in the series. There were some parts I really enjoyed (the world building is still absolutely stellar), but I wasn't a huge fan of what went on with some of the characters. I also felt the ending wrapped things up a little too neatly, which is one of my pet peeves with books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Gore, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual content and Cannibalism
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
This ending. I am just... I cried when it ended. Rin always nails endings. Bittersweet in the best way possible. I have too many feels.
The Ever Cruel Kingdom picks up right where the previous book leaves off. Haidee, Odessa and company are transported to outside the Golden City with the portal in Brighthenge. The twins expect to see the world righted now that it's turning again, but things seem even more dire. The creatures from the abyss will keep coming until the sacrifice is completed. The twins will have to descend to the underworld to find the answers.
This was wild. I loved the addition of Lisette and seeing more of the tribes that live outside the Golden City. I loved seeing Haidee and Odessa work together and getting a chance to deepen their sibling bond. I loved how they constantly finished each others sentences and could enhance the other's magic. I just freaking love these two SO DAMN MUCH.
The mythology that we see in the first book is really delved into with this installment. We see what the twin goddesses are meant to do and what happened to the first twins. Overall, this duology is amazing and I CANNOT recommend it enough.
Rep: Chronically ill sapphic MC, Asian coded sapphic (lesbian coded) MC suffering from PTSD, disabled POC MC that is missing one of his hands. Main side character introduced is bisexual. I believe most the characters are POC but I'm not 100% certain.
CWs: Violence, blood, animal death, cannibalism, death, death of parent, gaslighting, emotional abuse, grief, sexual content, mental illness (PTSD), murder.
The Ever Cruel Kingdom picks up right where the previous book leaves off. Haidee, Odessa and company are transported to outside the Golden City with the portal in Brighthenge. The twins expect to see the world righted now that it's turning again, but things seem even more dire. The creatures from the abyss will keep coming until the sacrifice is completed. The twins will have to descend to the underworld to find the answers.
This was wild. I loved the addition of Lisette and seeing more of the tribes that live outside the Golden City. I loved seeing Haidee and Odessa work together and getting a chance to deepen their sibling bond. I loved how they constantly finished each others sentences and could enhance the other's magic. I just freaking love these two SO DAMN MUCH.
The mythology that we see in the first book is really delved into with this installment. We see what the twin goddesses are meant to do and what happened to the first twins. Overall, this duology is amazing and I CANNOT recommend it enough.
Rep: Chronically ill sapphic MC, Asian coded sapphic (lesbian coded) MC suffering from PTSD, disabled POC MC that is missing one of his hands. Main side character introduced is bisexual. I believe most the characters are POC but I'm not 100% certain.
CWs: Violence, blood, animal death, cannibalism, death, death of parent, gaslighting, emotional abuse, grief, sexual content, mental illness (PTSD), murder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Murder
imireviewsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
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? N/A
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Gun violence, and Violence
plumpaperbacks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Never Tilting World was one of my favorite books of 2020, and The Ever Cruel Kingdom will definitely end up on my 2021 favorites list. This duology is undeniably one of my absolute favorites. Chupeco’s writing is lovely, and their ability to craft intricate worlds, complex characters and emotional relationships is incredible. There isn’t a single thing about this book I disliked. Haidee, Odessa, Lan, and Arjun are brilliant. The romances are brilliant. The plot is brilliant. Yes,
there’s a theme here: everything is just brilliant, and that’s not an exaggeration. I also really like the story’s emphasis on family, grief, and forgiveness. Chupeco fit so much into these pages and did so brilliantly. No, I won’t stop using that word. It’s accurate. I’m not sure what else to say. The last few chapters had me terrified, but everything worked out in the end. It was perfect, and I mean it. My heart was so happy reading the epilogue. I’m so happy that I read these books. I’m rambling, but whatever. I’ll be recommending these books for years to come. I absolutely love them!!
Representation
there’s a theme here: everything is just brilliant, and that’s not an exaggeration. I also really like the story’s emphasis on family, grief, and forgiveness. Chupeco fit so much into these pages and did so brilliantly. No, I won’t stop using that word. It’s accurate. I’m not sure what else to say. The last few chapters had me terrified, but everything worked out in the end. It was perfect, and I mean it. My heart was so happy reading the epilogue. I’m so happy that I read these books. I’m rambling, but whatever. I’ll be recommending these books for years to come. I absolutely love them!!
Representation
- full cast of characters of color
chronically ill lesbian protagonist
amputee protagonist
bisexual protagonist with PTSD
sapphic relationship
queer side characters (includes bi and aro ace rep)
side characters of color
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Blood, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
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
fromjuliereads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I adored this book! I struggled with Odessa's character and POV at certain points but in the end I loved her just as much as at the very beginning. I was VERY STRESSED through some parts of this book but goodness. It ended so well! It really had a good ending compared to some other fantasy duologies I have read. Honestly the duology together is definitely 5 stars for me. I seriously loved these books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, Death, Gore, Grief, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
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