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aliceboule's review against another edition
3.0
I had written a wonderful review in which i ranted about what bothered me and what I enjoyed, but Goodreads decided to eliminate my review
I cannot be bothered to get into in depth anymore so summary:
1. Christopher and Wynter are adorbable- and they need to get it on
2. Razi needs to refocus
3. Wynter needs to start being told thing- enough with all the mystic, if she is your sister or your heart's choice then godamn tell her things
4. Enough with all the innuendoes, i can't follow
5. Although interesting to see a seperate language so much, I don't understand and don't want to stop reading to look it up- therefore i feel like im losing a lot of what is happening
There done. Please don't delete Goodreads. I don't think I can write this again -_-
I cannot be bothered to get into in depth anymore so summary:
1. Christopher and Wynter are adorbable- and they need to get it on
2. Razi needs to refocus
3. Wynter needs to start being told thing- enough with all the mystic, if she is your sister or your heart's choice then godamn tell her things
4. Enough with all the innuendoes, i can't follow
5. Although interesting to see a seperate language so much, I don't understand and don't want to stop reading to look it up- therefore i feel like im losing a lot of what is happening
There done. Please don't delete Goodreads. I don't think I can write this again -_-
sparksofember's review against another edition
4.0
The book picks up where the first novel ended; Wynter, alone on the road, hoping to somehow find the hiding Prince Alberon. Fortunately she almost immediately stumbles on the two people she most wants to see, Christopher and Razi, who are secretly traveling in the woods for the exact same purpose. Together, they travel on and soon encounter more than one element from Christopher’s past.
The Crowded Shadows is my favorite volume in the trilogy. Just picking it up to refresh my mind on one or two parts of the story was difficult as I kept finding myself sucked into the narrative. Firstly, unlike The Poison Throne which all took place within the palace grounds, this part of the story involves their travels. The setting, mainly surrounded by trees and around open campfires, the occasional stop at an inn, and various encounters with different enemies and friends, made for a much different vibe. Almost carefree despite the constant danger, after the stifling atmosphere of the court.
The second reason, and the main pull for me, was halfway through the book when they meet up with a Merron tribe. Although not Christopher’s specific tribe, they are still his people, and it was fascinating to encounter such a unique people group. Their culture and beliefs were well developed and, while not always pleasant, believable. I am always intrigued by culture and the nomadic Merron's similarity to Vikings was fascinating. We also learn a great deal more regarding how Razi and Christopher met, and Christopher’s backstory. It’s horrible but finally sheds light on one of the mysteries in this tale filled with unknowns.
As before, the relationships drive the story. Away from the strained politics of the court, the friendship between the main trio deepens as does the romance between Wynter and Christopher. The blurred physical boundaries continue on in much the same vein as before, and while the line is never crossed, it isn’t due to Wynter’s unwillingness. But in the context of the story, it made some sense. Away from society, living without pretense, it can be easy to forget the rules and just focus on the principles underneath them. As Wynter puts it, “We have made our promises to each other, Razi.”
The slight fantasy elements are not as apparent in this volume. Except for two seconds in the very last chapter, they don’t encounter any ghosts or cats so the realistic medieval environment settles around the characters. There is constant talk of the Loups-Garous as wolves but I was never sure how to take that – a description of their evil ways or something literal. There are also some other uncomfortable elements regarding the Merron. Homosexuality is accepted in their culture and the narrative, while not explicit, does not hide the fact. And while the Kingdom has always been painted in a way that made them seem somewhat “Christian” in their beliefs, the Merron are not and their pagan beliefs and practices caught me off guard. (Though had I been a little more familiar with Vikings…) The story is still violent and doesn't gloss over many details but it doesn't revel in them either.
Despite the fact that the story ends without meeting Alberon, it doesn’t feel like wasted filler as many middle books do. The main trio go through quite a journey to arrive on Alberon’s doorstep; not just physically, but in every other regard. And their purpose slowly transforms from just “find Alberon and figure out what’s going on” to “not just the Kingdom is at stake.” The next volume entices with the promise to finally reveal all.
The Crowded Shadows is my favorite volume in the trilogy. Just picking it up to refresh my mind on one or two parts of the story was difficult as I kept finding myself sucked into the narrative. Firstly, unlike The Poison Throne which all took place within the palace grounds, this part of the story involves their travels. The setting, mainly surrounded by trees and around open campfires, the occasional stop at an inn, and various encounters with different enemies and friends, made for a much different vibe. Almost carefree despite the constant danger, after the stifling atmosphere of the court.
The second reason, and the main pull for me, was halfway through the book when they meet up with a Merron tribe. Although not Christopher’s specific tribe, they are still his people, and it was fascinating to encounter such a unique people group. Their culture and beliefs were well developed and, while not always pleasant, believable. I am always intrigued by culture and the nomadic Merron's similarity to Vikings was fascinating. We also learn a great deal more regarding how Razi and Christopher met, and Christopher’s backstory. It’s horrible but finally sheds light on one of the mysteries in this tale filled with unknowns.
As before, the relationships drive the story. Away from the strained politics of the court, the friendship between the main trio deepens as does the romance between Wynter and Christopher. The blurred physical boundaries continue on in much the same vein as before, and while the line is never crossed, it isn’t due to Wynter’s unwillingness. But in the context of the story, it made some sense. Away from society, living without pretense, it can be easy to forget the rules and just focus on the principles underneath them. As Wynter puts it, “We have made our promises to each other, Razi.”
The slight fantasy elements are not as apparent in this volume. Except for two seconds in the very last chapter, they don’t encounter any ghosts or cats so the realistic medieval environment settles around the characters. There is constant talk of the Loups-Garous as wolves but I was never sure how to take that – a description of their evil ways or something literal. There are also some other uncomfortable elements regarding the Merron. Homosexuality is accepted in their culture and the narrative, while not explicit, does not hide the fact. And while the Kingdom has always been painted in a way that made them seem somewhat “Christian” in their beliefs, the Merron are not and their pagan beliefs and practices caught me off guard. (Though had I been a little more familiar with Vikings…) The story is still violent and doesn't gloss over many details but it doesn't revel in them either.
Despite the fact that the story ends without meeting Alberon, it doesn’t feel like wasted filler as many middle books do. The main trio go through quite a journey to arrive on Alberon’s doorstep; not just physically, but in every other regard. And their purpose slowly transforms from just “find Alberon and figure out what’s going on” to “not just the Kingdom is at stake.” The next volume entices with the promise to finally reveal all.
mellhay's review against another edition
5.0
We start off right where Poison Throne left off. Wynter is traveling alone in the dense forests to find the adored and disowned Rebel Prince Alberon. Wynter has many worries and trials while traveling through the crowded forest. She never imagined the woods in this direction to be so full of people... people who just may not be welcome in the Kingdoms lands. There is much more going on in the woods of the Kingdom than anyone ever expected. In the shadows of the Kingdom Forests there are many new worries and Wynter, Razi, and Christopher find themselves in the middle.
This book is of the tribulations and trials the characters undergo while traveling alone in the dangerous forests of the Kingdom. You see that word has traveled far and wide that there is chaos in the Kingdoms lands and in other parts of the world as well. But this book focuses on our main characters. This is the middle child, being a second book, but this is the next section of the story in getting to the end results - getting to the Rebel Prince Alberon and seeing chaos has erupted in the kingdom. This book has a wonderful story to tell and add to the trilogy. As we don't hear much of the Bloody Machine or meet the Rebel Prince Alberon yet, we do see that Alberon is bringing many different cultures; ally and enemy alike to his table. What is this young man up to?
Celine pulls the punches from the start. Right into the troubles and worries of Wynter's along with all the new ones in the crowded woods she's traveling in.
I just have to say off the start here, I loved this book, and for many reasons. Now I will try to not to gosh my love to much after stating this here. :)
I was so drawn into this book that my whole house could have burnt down around me, and I would not have known. Celine's writing style flowed very nicely for me, very fluint and absorbing. I could easily visualize everthing in my mind through Celine's writing. I love when I can easily see what is going on, it makes the story flow faster for me. I found myself going back and rereading sections of the book; NOT because I was lost but because I loved them fore how they where worded, the meaning in them, or from the shock of the happening.
The characters are amazing and I really started to see much more going on in the woods of the kingdom. I learned more of the characters and really feel in love with them - all old and new. The story built on the suspense of the dark forest and had me worried for the characters, not knowing why I was worried but feeling is through the writing. But then in the end I got all my explainations and answers for the worries. The building of the cultures and world was amazing. Through learning more of the Merron people, and Christopher, I also learned of the cultures of the others by the way they reacted and compared the Merron religion to.
This story had a quick pace for me, even though it was 474 pages. And there was lots happening to keep me wanting more. The momentum kept going and I just couldn't put the book down. Then there were a few unexpected twists to the story as well, which made me love it even more.
This book is of the tribulations and trials the characters undergo while traveling alone in the dangerous forests of the Kingdom. You see that word has traveled far and wide that there is chaos in the Kingdoms lands and in other parts of the world as well. But this book focuses on our main characters. This is the middle child, being a second book, but this is the next section of the story in getting to the end results - getting to the Rebel Prince Alberon and seeing chaos has erupted in the kingdom. This book has a wonderful story to tell and add to the trilogy. As we don't hear much of the Bloody Machine or meet the Rebel Prince Alberon yet, we do see that Alberon is bringing many different cultures; ally and enemy alike to his table. What is this young man up to?
Celine pulls the punches from the start. Right into the troubles and worries of Wynter's along with all the new ones in the crowded woods she's traveling in.
I just have to say off the start here, I loved this book, and for many reasons. Now I will try to not to gosh my love to much after stating this here. :)
I was so drawn into this book that my whole house could have burnt down around me, and I would not have known. Celine's writing style flowed very nicely for me, very fluint and absorbing. I could easily visualize everthing in my mind through Celine's writing. I love when I can easily see what is going on, it makes the story flow faster for me. I found myself going back and rereading sections of the book; NOT because I was lost but because I loved them fore how they where worded, the meaning in them, or from the shock of the happening.
The characters are amazing and I really started to see much more going on in the woods of the kingdom. I learned more of the characters and really feel in love with them - all old and new. The story built on the suspense of the dark forest and had me worried for the characters, not knowing why I was worried but feeling is through the writing. But then in the end I got all my explainations and answers for the worries. The building of the cultures and world was amazing. Through learning more of the Merron people, and Christopher, I also learned of the cultures of the others by the way they reacted and compared the Merron religion to.
This story had a quick pace for me, even though it was 474 pages. And there was lots happening to keep me wanting more. The momentum kept going and I just couldn't put the book down. Then there were a few unexpected twists to the story as well, which made me love it even more.
delucia's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
some bits were better than the first book but some scenes just dragged on and on and on forever. i also found the ghost scene confusing while it was happening and only figured it out in the pages afterwards.
spoiler below
i also think that christophers and wynters relationship progressed very quickly, or its just how the timing of the book is set out. i don't know
some bits were better than the first book but some scenes just dragged on and on and on forever. i also found the ghost scene confusing while it was happening and only figured it out in the pages afterwards.
spoiler below
i also think that christophers and wynters relationship progressed very quickly, or its just how the timing of the book is set out. i don't know
nikolson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
iphigenias's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Reread. I think ashkr and sol were the first gay couple i ever encountered in any book and they are SO special to me. Celine is allowed to bury her gays because i said so
miladuffyy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
drey72's review against another edition
3.0
Wynter Moorehawke has left to find Alberon and find out if the rumors she's hearing are true. Rumors that he's mounting a rebellion against his father's throne. Rumors that he's gathering the Kingdom's enemies to strike a blow.
The story meanders a bit in this second installment, but is worth it for the characters that are introduced. Bandits, rebel sympathizers, gypsies, and the King's own soldiers, all gather in the forests where the Rebel Prince is thought to be hiding. And loyalties are formed and strained as the ties that bind one may not be the same ties that bind another.
I will be picking up The Rebel Prince to see how this story ends.
The story meanders a bit in this second installment, but is worth it for the characters that are introduced. Bandits, rebel sympathizers, gypsies, and the King's own soldiers, all gather in the forests where the Rebel Prince is thought to be hiding. And loyalties are formed and strained as the ties that bind one may not be the same ties that bind another.
I will be picking up The Rebel Prince to see how this story ends.
shoelessgirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I struggled to get into this, but then read the second half in less than a day. The new characters were interesting (and nice to see more women!), but I felt this was a bit of a diversion, rather than the main story. I guess it sets everything up for the final book. I do wish the three main characters had just talked to each other more!
I struggled to get into this, but then read the second half in less than a day. The new characters were interesting (and nice to see more women!), but I felt this was a bit of a diversion, rather than the main story. I guess it sets everything up for the final book. I do wish the three main characters had just talked to each other more!
reginaexmachina's review against another edition
5.0
This book totally threw me in the middle of the book. It sort of went where I didn't expect it to go. It lagged a bit towards the end too and the ending left me wondering where some of the relationships are going. On the good side though I'm totally in dire need of the last book in the trilogy as i HAVE to find out how it all ends up. This is definitely one of my favorite series I've read so far this year.