A review by maggie6832
Raven Stratagem by Yoon Ha Lee

adventurous dark tense slow-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

3.75

I didn’t like this book quite as much as the first one, though the ending was very good. My main issue was that we didn’t get Cherie’s/Jedao’s POV for most of the book, which I understand the rationale behind and think it paid off very nicely, but was still frustrating at times to read. 

My other main issues were the whole incest bit with Mikodez and Istradez, which felt unnecessary, though I did end up liking Mikodez more than I expected, and Istradez’s sacrifice was rough. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Brezan for most of the book, though again liked him by the end. I enjoyed Khiurev and the slow build of the plot and reveal, and especially the small hints that Cheris was there, and the servitors!! I liked the plot and the fact that Cheris’s work was all to find a way to make the exotic effects voluntary, the commentary on how awful the system is and how many people want to change it but can’t believe in anything better.