Scan barcode
crimsoncor's review against another edition
5.0
Isoka's arc in this book is less interesting than it was in the first one. But the entire second plotline with Tori more than made up for it. Super excited to dive into the final book.
Spoiler
The first book was really about her growth from isolated self-interested loner into a leader. This book spends a lot more time working around the edges of that growth. And the whole "collect all the keys to unlock the next level" plot wasn't super interesting. Really, I got the big final fight vs the zombie t-rex and was just like, how cool would this fight be if [a:Tamsyn Muir|6876324|Tamsyn Muir|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1543423040p2/6876324.jpg] wrote it (not that Wexler's action sequences are bad. Just that Muir is really the queen of writing video game boss fights as prose).Spoiler
Tori was never the person Isoka thought she was, but her getting an entire French Revolution storyline (shades of Wexler's longer fantasy series) including a Bastille storming and then a really morally questionable Well of Power to wrestle with, really pushed her way outside her first-book framing as motivation on a pedestal. The final juxtaposition of her blowing up the entire 16th Ward + docks with Isoka being like, "going to go home and get noodles in the 16th", really well done.izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Overall, I felt like a lot was going on in this book. I enjoyed getting to know Isoka's sister more and the plot defiantly was unexpected at some points. I can't wait to read the last book to see how this story ends.
Overall, I felt like a lot was going on in this book. I enjoyed getting to know Isoka's sister more and the plot defiantly was unexpected at some points. I can't wait to read the last book to see how this story ends.
cyfox's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I've been waiting for this sequel for a year and I am so excited to have finally read it. I absolutely loved this world and its characters, and this sequel was packed with more action than ever before. The magic is so unique and exciting, leading to some truly incredible moments.
I have nothing but love for the main characters Tori and Isoka. Both sisters are wildly different, and I have a hard time choosing who I adore more! Isoka is strong and empowering and an absolute beast in combat, yet tender with her lover Meroe.
Tori is a powerful young woman who is thrown into a dangerous situation and adapts using an inner strength that I loved to see. I truly hope to see more of her in the following book and what she can do with her power.
This is an under appreciated gem of a fantasy book filled strong lesbian warriors, exciting magic and lore, and two powerful main characters with compelling arcs and inner strengths. I loved it!
I have nothing but love for the main characters Tori and Isoka. Both sisters are wildly different, and I have a hard time choosing who I adore more! Isoka is strong and empowering and an absolute beast in combat, yet tender with her lover Meroe.
Tori is a powerful young woman who is thrown into a dangerous situation and adapts using an inner strength that I loved to see. I truly hope to see more of her in the following book and what she can do with her power.
This is an under appreciated gem of a fantasy book filled strong lesbian warriors, exciting magic and lore, and two powerful main characters with compelling arcs and inner strengths. I loved it!
alwaysbooking's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Isoka is still kicking ass stars!!
This book is told in two POV’s Isoka’s and her sister Tori’s. I will admit that in the beginning I found Tori’s chapters very boring and they barely kept my attention. After a couple of her chapters it does start to pick up and you start to connect to her a little bit. It was interesting to be back into the world that Tori and Isoka grew up in. I enjoyed learning about Tori and how she is not the pampered princess that her sister seems to think she is. Almost all of Tori’s side characters are also interesting and kept my attention. I liked learning about them and their back stories, I think I might have Garo figured out but you never know where an authors mind is going.
Isoka’s chapters were really interesting they are having completely new challenges. I liked the ideas and world building of where they were. I really wished she had more interaction with Zarun he is my favorite side character next to Jack. Of course I don’t get to pick who she interacts with. Her side of the story wasn’t as much combat as it was in the first book which kind of made me sad, I really missed all of the fighting.
This book had a lot more teenage angst, and talk of how sexy everyone was. That I could’ve done without however they are teenagers sooo it is bound to happen when trapped together for long periods of time. It just seemed a lot more in the second book than the first one or maybe I just noticed it more. It definitely didn’t have second book slump, and I can’t wait for book three. I am loving all of the strong female protagonists.
find more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com
This book is told in two POV’s Isoka’s and her sister Tori’s. I will admit that in the beginning I found Tori’s chapters very boring and they barely kept my attention. After a couple of her chapters it does start to pick up and you start to connect to her a little bit. It was interesting to be back into the world that Tori and Isoka grew up in. I enjoyed learning about Tori and how she is not the pampered princess that her sister seems to think she is. Almost all of Tori’s side characters are also interesting and kept my attention. I liked learning about them and their back stories, I think I might have Garo figured out but you never know where an authors mind is going.
Isoka’s chapters were really interesting they are having completely new challenges. I liked the ideas and world building of where they were. I really wished she had more interaction with Zarun he is my favorite side character next to Jack. Of course I don’t get to pick who she interacts with. Her side of the story wasn’t as much combat as it was in the first book which kind of made me sad, I really missed all of the fighting.
This book had a lot more teenage angst, and talk of how sexy everyone was. That I could’ve done without however they are teenagers sooo it is bound to happen when trapped together for long periods of time. It just seemed a lot more in the second book than the first one or maybe I just noticed it more. It definitely didn’t have second book slump, and I can’t wait for book three. I am loving all of the strong female protagonists.
find more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
In the last book Isoka got stuck on a creepy ship that were trying to kill them, in this book they make it to their destination. A creepy island with things trying to kill them. At least we learn that some ancients built it all, and with dark intentions. Well duh, everything is trying to kill them.
Still not sure why she is a leader, I feel her girlfriend had more leader potential.
It is also the story of her sister Tori who is looking for her. Now this girl has leader potential and is about to cause a lot of trouble in town. I liked Tori.
Lots of death and destruction. I do want book 3now so that I can see how it all plays out
Still not sure why she is a leader, I feel her girlfriend had more leader potential.
It is also the story of her sister Tori who is looking for her. Now this girl has leader potential and is about to cause a lot of trouble in town. I liked Tori.
Lots of death and destruction. I do want book 3now so that I can see how it all plays out
hagbard_celine's review against another edition
2.0
Middle book. Succeeded in getting me to the third book.
izziei's review against another edition
4.0
At its core it's a YA novel which means that the plot is sometimes a bit dumbed down (or sped up) but it is still a very enjoyable ride! It has all the things I've come to enjoy from a Wexler story. I love the characters - their complexity, their fears and their failings. The deeper exploration of Tori's story was a welcome addition. I can't wait for the 3rd installment!
acolyteofsins's review against another edition
3.0
Starting off really slower and much more pedantic. Ahsoka's story is still solid and interesting. Torrie's audiobook narrator is grating and her story is so inconsequential to me. Struggling to finish the last 6 hours of the audiobook.
Finished. It improved, only marginally. I will not read the last book unfortunately.
Finished. It improved, only marginally. I will not read the last book unfortunately.