Reviews

As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool

alexiswiththefreckles's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

atrailofpages's review against another edition

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5.0

Once again I was blown away! The first book was a whirlwind of craziness, and the second book is again.

It does have a bit of a slow build up, mainly to show where all the characters are and what they’re individually doing. They each are trying to figure out what to do going forward whether that’s to stop the Age of Darkness, or to redeem themselves. It then builds up to this crazy climax where everyone literally shows up in the same place again. Lots of twists and turns and backstabbing again, which just keeps you at the edge of your seat the whole time. And although there a lot of POVs, I never felt overwhelmed. They’re all done so well, and I never became confused.

This book was fantastic. It gave me anxiety the whole time and kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, will my favorite people be okay!? I can hardly wait for the next book!

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

I have been waiting for this book for so long, and it was worth every minute. The story, characters, and action excelled and led to an ending that all but left me gasping. I adore each of these characters, this incredible world with its complex magic, the entanglements and relationships, and the shocking twists.

The story followed our beloved heroes as they searched for relics and worked out their own inner turmoils. Each character shone brightly, with Hassan and Ephyra taking some darker paths, and Beru meeting someone from her past who helped change her future. But my absolute favourite story lines were the ones regarding Anton and Jude. Not only do I adore their uncertain but so engaging romance, Jude in particular shines bright. His character arc put my emotions through the wringer, and I loved him for it.

The writing and lore are rich and gorgeous, with unique magic playing out on nearly every page. The ending is packed with twists and I truly have no idea where the story is going to go next. But I am here for it. This series is fantastic and a must have for any and all lovers of dark fantasy!

_tea_'s review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars

kaitlynfolk's review against another edition

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3.0

There's just too many perspectives and too many things going on in this series. It makes it kind of hard to follow.

lyoungthebookfae's review against another edition

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5.0

This one took me a while to get through, just because of the size of it, but I still really enjoyed it! I loved these characters in the first book, and I loved seeing their story continue in this one. There was action, there were surprises, and lots of moments where I wanted to yell at them for varying reasons, lol! I still highly recommend this series for amazing world building and lore, as well as fantastic characters.

And of course, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy!

reytak's review against another edition

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4.0

i enjoyed this one much more than the first! i still dont love hassan but i feel like he’s gotten a bit more interesting. i love watching the characters involved with the prophecy head towards their pre-destined fate, knowing its inevitable. sometimes prophecies feel a bit forced but i feel like the characters motivations were very realistic for their personalities!

jude and anton are my angels… i love their slow burn so much UGHHH

also all the identities being revealed in the end omfg… i semi predicted one but it was still a super good twist… v excited to see how this wraps up in the third book

e_knight's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I definitely didn’t see that coming…
JUDE AND ANTON JUDE AND ANTON JUDE AND ANTON FJOWJDBDJE!!!! Them: look at each other, me: ooooo they’re in LOVEEEEE but it’s a SLOW BURN!!! Definitely my favorite couple in the book I was literally grinning like a crazy person any time anything remotely romantic happened between them.

ameserole's review against another edition

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4.0

Well, well...

Even though I'm terrible at writing reviews lately, I really did enjoy As the Shadow Rises. Just like the first book, the characters, magic, and overall world just sucked me in. I have an obvious end game in mind and I'm hoping things come true in the next book. Mostly because Jude and Anton give me life. They support one another unconditionally and mesh so well. Even their chemistry gives me life and I think we all deserve happiness.

As for the rest of the cast, well, I liked Ephrya, Beru, and Hassan. There wasn't anything bad about them, other than a certain someone's betrayal, but I also wasn't completed invested in them this time around. Which, yes, seems very weird because they have likable qualities. I think there's some serious potential for me to eventually love them.

Especially after that little cliffhanger. I'm seriously freaking out right now and need to get my hands on next book. Not sure what will happen but I'm begging for my ship to sail off into the sunset.

aylabell's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.25

Really great book. I loved it as much as the first. I’m not normally a fantasy reader but this series has me hooked! The author does a great job keeping the reader engaged with each story. I did find myself favouring some characters perspectives over others, but overall a terrific read.