Scan barcode
tamvbeek's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
kevinscorner's review against another edition
4.5
Legacy of Steel really upped the ante in this sequel where the war among men became a war between gods. It delivers the same fast pacing and strong characters from the first, just with even higher stakes and way more action sequences. Besides a few developments with minor characters that I didn’t buy or didn’t want, Legacy of Steel is a worthy sequel that feels like a natural extension of the first book, but I honestly have no idea where the rest of the story is going from here.
montescrito's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
there are a few moments in this book that will remain in my mind, replaying on a loop for a couple weeks. and then i'll remember them and suffer the brainrot. such sweet despair. i don't regret it tho.
there are a few moments in this book that will remain in my mind, replaying on a loop for a couple weeks. and then i'll remember them and suffer the brainrot. such sweet despair. i don't regret it tho.
kasey555's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Better than the first for sure. I didn’t feel like there were 200 unnecessary pages as I did it’s predecessor. But I am confused as how there could possibly be a third book as everyone’s plot wrapped up pretty nicely. Glad my boy Viktor was a little evil, Melanna actually had a role, Josiri didn’t, Sidara and Altitris my babies, Calenne was done SOO dirty (like destroyed her character for real). Overall a fine year although it took me almost 2 months to get through. Will be seeking out the third and final installment of this series if not just to see what happens.
nclcaitlin's review
3.5
”Sometimes all wickedness requires is a man who'll do nothing."
War between light and dark, between the Hadarii and the Empire, between gods.
As war is waged on the mortal plane, the otherworldly rises, striking deals and interfering in mortal bargains and affairs.
Malachi must content with being the First Councillor and the power he now wields. He hopes to never grow comfortable with it, yet the Crowmarket has its talons in him.
Sidara has a proctor's magic, blazing with light and possibility. Yet, her parents keep her a secret, unwilling to send her to serve in the foundry.
Viktor has escaped to live a solitary life hiding away in the countryside, ignorant of the Empire’s plights, and terrified of the shadows hold of his soul.
Josiri, once hated southern rebel is now a member of the council and looks to build a better future for all.
Ward has an amazing ability to write unique characters that stand out. You may not know how to feel for them, be they good or bad, on the opposing side, and they don’t know how to feel themselves. You watch them stumble, weep, laugh, grow, and decide their fate, and that of the world’s.
I have to point out in all the bleakness, you can always rely on Kurkas to illicit a chuckle. His and Anastasia’s relationship is probably one of my favourites in recent times. Not to mention, for all that For all that Anastacia's humour teetered on the homicidal, I, like Kurkas, found it refreshing. A plant pot indeed.
Kurkas kept his eye fixed straight ahead. "Yes, ma'am. Not fit to stand in your shadow or breathe the same air. If you want your shoes licking clean, you've only to say. Haven't eaten since midday, and it'd be something of a treat."
Whilst Viktor struggles with his shadow, Apara struggles with her own, having to contend with the Dark he'd planted in her soul. The more she strove to be free, the more a puppet she became.
Similarly, Rosa’s path is gruesome and grief-torn, sending her careening into the path of the Raven, into a proposal to be the Queen of the Dead.
Melanna frustrated me, being the cinch for all the devastation that rains down but claiming horror and honour at the deaths. However, it is easy to see how the immortals use the ephemerals as playthings to further their own agendas, and Melanna is only one other soul caught in their headlights.
This was a lot more battle heavy than book one, which is probably why my rating waned slightly, as I have always struggled keeping interest in prolonged battles. However, I do have to admit, Ward has a talent for heart-pounding (and wrenching) action scenes.
“It's only the end of the world. No need to look glum."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Black Coast by Mike Brooks.
War between light and dark, between the Hadarii and the Empire, between gods.
As war is waged on the mortal plane, the otherworldly rises, striking deals and interfering in mortal bargains and affairs.
Malachi must content with being the First Councillor and the power he now wields. He hopes to never grow comfortable with it, yet the Crowmarket has its talons in him.
Sidara has a proctor's magic, blazing with light and possibility. Yet, her parents keep her a secret, unwilling to send her to serve in the foundry.
Viktor has escaped to live a solitary life hiding away in the countryside, ignorant of the Empire’s plights, and terrified of the shadows hold of his soul.
Josiri, once hated southern rebel is now a member of the council and looks to build a better future for all.
Ward has an amazing ability to write unique characters that stand out. You may not know how to feel for them, be they good or bad, on the opposing side, and they don’t know how to feel themselves. You watch them stumble, weep, laugh, grow, and decide their fate, and that of the world’s.
I have to point out in all the bleakness, you can always rely on Kurkas to illicit a chuckle. His and Anastasia’s relationship is probably one of my favourites in recent times. Not to mention, for all that For all that Anastacia's humour teetered on the homicidal, I, like Kurkas, found it refreshing. A plant pot indeed.
Kurkas kept his eye fixed straight ahead. "Yes, ma'am. Not fit to stand in your shadow or breathe the same air. If you want your shoes licking clean, you've only to say. Haven't eaten since midday, and it'd be something of a treat."
Whilst Viktor struggles with his shadow, Apara struggles with her own, having to contend with the Dark he'd planted in her soul. The more she strove to be free, the more a puppet she became.
Similarly, Rosa’s path is gruesome and grief-torn, sending her careening into the path of the Raven, into a proposal to be the Queen of the Dead.
Melanna frustrated me, being the cinch for all the devastation that rains down but claiming horror and honour at the deaths. However, it is easy to see how the immortals use the ephemerals as playthings to further their own agendas, and Melanna is only one other soul caught in their headlights.
This was a lot more battle heavy than book one, which is probably why my rating waned slightly, as I have always struggled keeping interest in prolonged battles. However, I do have to admit, Ward has a talent for heart-pounding (and wrenching) action scenes.
“It's only the end of the world. No need to look glum."
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Black Coast by Mike Brooks.
esoryma's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
alwroteabook's review against another edition
5.0
Stellar! One of my favourite series. You can find my review here - https://booknest.eu/reviews/al/2486-legacy-of-steel-legacy-series-2-by-matthew-ward
bookwormneedsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
hiloinvisible's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
reliures's review
5.0
What a ride this book was! Gorgeous writing and world building and so many intense moments for those characters I love ! The ending took me by surprise so I’m already anticipating the next book !!