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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
I think this is a solid second book, but it was lacking in a lot. The characters we follow have very little personality beyond a grim determination that you'd expect from such a dark world. It felt very repetitive, with combat scenes almost every chapter, but it did culminate in an epic final battle at Alltor. The first book explored Vaelin's abilities with the blood song so much, but this book has barely any of that. Although we do get to see other abilities throughout. I was really hoping for more in terms of Vaelin's romance and the blood song, especially meeting other character's that can use it. I understand these might be explored more in the third book or the Raven's blade, but I'm not even a fan of military warfare which seems to be the predominant subject in these books. Also, the fact that Frentis' storyline ended so abruptly, and that we didn't get to see Caenis much at all was disappointing.
I really enjoyed the new POVs this book brings. I loved the first half, but in the end I didn't feel that it was tied together as nicely as it could have been. Still looking forward to the next book, but would have liked another chapter on this one, maybe providing some more quiet moments as we check in with everyone while still setting the scene for the next book.
It was an alright book. [b:Blood Song|13569581|Blood Song (A Raven's Shadow, #1)|Anthony Ryan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363126955s/13569581.jpg|19148922] may have been a little better, but I wasn't too impressed by it either. I think the problem both books are having is that the plot is not tight enough - a lot of things happen, but not all of them are significant, and so it feels like a good chunk of the book(s) is empty of action and development. Plus the ending has the worst cliffhanger ever.
I have to admit I was initially a little disappointed with this but, but it definitely got better. I think my main issue was the switch from one character perspective in the first book to four character perspectives in this book - it threw me a little bit. It took me a little while to get into the story line of the other characters, but I would say after 200ish pages it started to improve for me. I felt a little disconnected from some of the characters, but generally the character arcs were well done. The plot was generally engaging, although as I've said to took me a little while to get into it fully. Overall it was good, but I definitely preferred the first book. I am interested to see how things conclude in the next book.
A disappointing followup to the first book, although still a very enjoyable plot. The change in narrative style is not effective and Ryan's attempts to juggle multiple points of views and develop multiple characters (similar to George RR Martin) leads to lackluster characters that jump forward in their world views and mannerisms with a staccato rhythm. The pace of the book is simply too fast for the upheaval in the characters lives. Characters undergo profound changes to their world views with only a fumbling attempt at communicating the struggle and pain this would create.
This is a big solid "meh". There's no suspense, there are no characters I really cared about and I thought big chunks of it were boring. It took me over two months to get through it. There are so many side characters I couldn't even keep them all straight - and you know what - it doesn't matter who they are anyway.
In book one there was a clear focus - Vaelin, but this book is all over the place and it's filled with Mary Sue and Gary Stu characters that are never actually in any danger. The biggest offender for me was Lyrna
I'm not sure if I'll bother reading the last book.
In book one there was a clear focus - Vaelin, but this book is all over the place and it's filled with Mary Sue and Gary Stu characters that are never actually in any danger. The biggest offender for me was Lyrna
Spoiler
she gets very badly burned all over her head and face and thrown on a slave ship. She receives no medical treatment, no cleaning of the wounds, yet she's healed in a few days good as new and other than constant references to her ruined face is never bothered by it again - either medically or psychologically. We're constantly told how much smarter she is than everyone else and everything works out perfectly for her - including getting healed at the end of the book which really ruined everything for me. Why did she have to get healed? Why couldn't she be a burned, unattractive woman who was a powerful queen? It's just so cliche.I'm not sure if I'll bother reading the last book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What to say about this one? The storytelling is good, sure, but not really gripping. Maybe I'm just not in the right mood for high fantasy, who knows.
Also it does get a bit confusing when it comes to some of the characters who appear a few times, almost at random and then I'm not really sure what that guy did the last time, because it was hundreds of pages earlier. Oh well...
Also it does get a bit confusing when it comes to some of the characters who appear a few times, almost at random and then I'm not really sure what that guy did the last time, because it was hundreds of pages earlier. Oh well...