Review #473
I give this LONG sequel a generous 4.0/5 stars. I have a bookclub meeting for the first one, Legendborn, in this series tomorrow but don’t feel like the sequel drastically changed much of what I’d comment on. (Yikes… That doesn’t feel like a great sign.)
I doubt I’ll read the third book when it comes out in May. Because in 11 months I’m going to forget all the details of this world building for it to flow well enough. And I won’t want to reread these as a refresher since they’re so long.
Here’s my random ramblings I took notes on with potential spoilers.
So how long will Nick be kidnapped during the plot and why do I not care that he’s gone?
Oooh… Douglas is creating a new complication between her and Sel being bonded? That’s all I want, for her to be connected to Sel.
After chapter 6 I’m glad for the diagram chart in the beginning to explain the tanks because it’s confusing and now regents have entered the scene.
After part 1 is finished I can’t trust the Order since they’re twisting the truth to cover up the events in the last book. How long will the story go without Nick? And how long will Sel be imprisoned? Will he ever meet his mom? This author has created such a complicated system that after 134 pages she hasn’t even touched on Bree talking to her dad or therapist or any of her classes for school. Where do they think she is?
Because I have no idea who to trust and which side is the actual “good guy,” I’m unsure if I’m supposed to be rooting for to take the rite or booing if doesn’t happen.
I’m confused if I’m supposed to be frustrated that she’s being so obstinate and immature and young or proud of her for being assertive, strong, and persistent.
At the halfway point I’ve never fully gotten a grip on William’s age. He acts older, like a mentor, but Bree just called him a “boy.”
They’re not doing a very good job of protecting Bree from unexpected attacks. With all these powers, I’d think she’d be ambushed less often.
Chapter 31 got interesting again! Otherwise things have been a bit repetitive for a while.
At Chapter 36 I’m still frustrated by the intricate world building still happening with more pieces being added on. Now we have The Devourer and The Hunter and The crossroads and The Station. So many things are being explained but rarely anything is happening.
Part 3 ends with excitement as we
move into the last section but I’m still struggling. I want less repetition, more momentum with their goals, less confusion of identity and abilities thrown in to complicate things further & less surprise attacks that have happened a thousand times. There’s too much monotony.
I love every scene she has with Sel. Their relationship/ non-relationship has my emotions all over the place.
The climatic scene was unfortunately quite confusing & hard to follow.
I care about Bree and Alice and Sel and William but don’t care about anyone else. I’d want to know if she ends up with Sel or not.