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twhittie's review against another edition
4.0
This series gets better and better. This book started out at a fast pace and kept your heart pumping throughout the whole book. The characters are developing wonderfully and Bianca seems so real and easy to relate in this story. Can't wait for the final book in this series.
wintergreyborn's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this story for the most part, although I didn't think it was as good as previous books in the series. Also, the role of the "gypsies" in this and the previous book continues to annoy me. An unfair amount of expectations seem to be put on them compared to other civilians in the story and I don't think it was made very clear why. I think it also would have helped if the author had given them an actual name, instead of just calling them "the gypsies", a term that a lot of people consider very insulting. Aside from that, I didn't much like the author's idea of storing Miss Mable in the dungeon for a while and then throwing her back into the story to be the villain again. I thought it just made it feel like the plot was going in circles. Not sure about the sudden magical connection with the wood either, I'll see how that develops though I guess. Aside from those parts of the story, I still really liked it. It wasn't so bad that I no longer want to read the series. I still plan to read the next book.
dvester's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this one more than the previous book. I cried during one of the battles, I felt worried for some of the characters, my emotions were on a nerve wrecking rollercoaster.
hopesmash42's review against another edition
4.0
More like 4.5, I really do love my half stars. I went into this thinking it was the last book in the series. However, when there were only 20 pages left and it was clear there was no way to resolve all the plot points in that amount of time, I knew I had been mistaken. Although I am sad my insatiable desire for closure was not satisfied, I am looking forward to at least one more book in this series. Katie Cross really found her stride with this one. Her writing was consistently good. The characters matured in appropriate ways, including Bianca, which was nice to see. In the first book I kept forgetting they were 16 because their decisions made them seem so young (closer to 12), but they definitely acted like 17 year olds in this one. So far this is my favourite in the series. The plot seemed wholly original and it was filled with plenty of twists and turns. Some that I figured out, some that I didn't. I am naturally an impatient person, but especially when I am waiting for something I am excited about. Waiting for the next book is going to feel intolerable, but that's probably a good sign.
kelseykeating's review
5.0
I'm usually picky with my 5 stars--I have to LOVE the book and be geeking out about it in order to do so.
Well, the Network series just keeps on making that work for me. I loved The High Priest's Daughter. It had action, intrigue, mystery...and a twist that had me screaming WHAT!?
Bianca is back and sassier than ever as she finally gets to take a breath and live life free from the curse that should have killed her. She's finally ready to live her life and spend time with her friends free of worry!--Only to discover her friends are growing up and moving on without her.
All the while, trouble is brewing and war is looming closer. B knows this, but with everyone turning on her father, how can she make them see that all is not well, and even though Mabel is locked up...things aren't any safer.
Oh Em Geeness, guys. You NEED to be reading this series. It's so good. *Makes inexplicable, unintelligible sounds*
START THE READING!
Well, the Network series just keeps on making that work for me. I loved The High Priest's Daughter. It had action, intrigue, mystery...and a twist that had me screaming WHAT!?
Bianca is back and sassier than ever as she finally gets to take a breath and live life free from the curse that should have killed her. She's finally ready to live her life and spend time with her friends free of worry!--Only to discover her friends are growing up and moving on without her.
All the while, trouble is brewing and war is looming closer. B knows this, but with everyone turning on her father, how can she make them see that all is not well, and even though Mabel is locked up...things aren't any safer.
Oh Em Geeness, guys. You NEED to be reading this series. It's so good. *Makes inexplicable, unintelligible sounds*
START THE READING!
kellacampbell's review
5.0
Having read the earlier books in the series, I knew even before I started reading this one that I was in for a treat.
The Central Network is preparing for war and Bianca is involved in some tense diplomatic action and political intrigue. The horrors of dark Almorran magic become more apparent as the conflict erupts. At the same time, Bianca and her best friends are growing into adulthood, and as the other girls begin dating, she fears she will lose them to love and marriage. Then her adored father starts to come on heavy about what she's allowed to do and whom she's allowed to spend time with, and an evil voice whispering in her dreams tries to force her to make an impossible deal.
As with the other books in this series, there are some darker elements (pain, death, evil spells, an amputated limb) that might be a bit much for very sensitive readers or those below middle school. The emerging romances are handled with such a light touch that I'd feel comfortable recommending it even to (advanced) readers as young as fifth grade, despite it being a complex enough story for mature readers to enjoy.
Also, I want a Volare.
The message? Change is hard, but inevitable, and the bonds of friendship and family grow stronger through it in the end.
Favourite quote? "I pressed my hands onto the Volare to test it, delighted when it rippled as fluidly and lightly as silk. It lowered itself so I could scoot on rear first. I slipped across the soft weave, expecting it to feel loose, like sitting on a piece of cloth suspended between two chairs. But the Volare remained sure and firm."
How I found this book? The author is one of my e-book production clients; I read it while working. (Note: a review is NOT part of my client services.)
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) • rare • truly excellent, blew me away, unforgettable
The Central Network is preparing for war and Bianca is involved in some tense diplomatic action and political intrigue. The horrors of dark Almorran magic become more apparent as the conflict erupts. At the same time, Bianca and her best friends are growing into adulthood, and as the other girls begin dating, she fears she will lose them to love and marriage. Then her adored father starts to come on heavy about what she's allowed to do and whom she's allowed to spend time with, and an evil voice whispering in her dreams tries to force her to make an impossible deal.
As with the other books in this series, there are some darker elements (pain, death, evil spells, an amputated limb) that might be a bit much for very sensitive readers or those below middle school. The emerging romances are handled with such a light touch that I'd feel comfortable recommending it even to (advanced) readers as young as fifth grade, despite it being a complex enough story for mature readers to enjoy.
Also, I want a Volare.
The message? Change is hard, but inevitable, and the bonds of friendship and family grow stronger through it in the end.
Favourite quote? "I pressed my hands onto the Volare to test it, delighted when it rippled as fluidly and lightly as silk. It lowered itself so I could scoot on rear first. I slipped across the soft weave, expecting it to feel loose, like sitting on a piece of cloth suspended between two chairs. But the Volare remained sure and firm."
How I found this book? The author is one of my e-book production clients; I read it while working. (Note: a review is NOT part of my client services.)
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) • rare • truly excellent, blew me away, unforgettable
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