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thegreatmanda 's review for:
Dark Rise
by C.S. Pacat
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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
This is #1 of a trilogy, and I found the world-building setup a bit slow to get through, as it's a large chunk of the book. Once we got there and the author was free to start knocking those dominoes back down again, things moved much faster and the various payoffs were gratifying.
It was very weird to read a young adult book set in 1821 London plus magic, by an author I only knew from a series set in a fictional zero-magic universe that I would label as strictly age 21+ with content warnings. I was expecting a lot more subtext and a lot less outright exposition, and I'm not sure I enjoyed that particular difference.
I did like the recurring theme of characters choosing who they're going to be, even in direct opposition of one's blood or birthright or destiny, and I hope that continues through the trilogy.
The parts that really set me on fire to read more were the interactions between Will and James; unfortunately, those are few and far between in this first book. I'm assuming that's going to change in Dark Heir and #3. In general, I definitely need to know more about James.His setup as a fallen angel, believing he's drawn to the light and actually being pulled back to his Dark King, is intoxicating. Also, maybe I'm projecting from prior experience with another Pacat tragic blond, but I have a hunch there was something deeper and uglier about James’ relationship with his father. Why did the idea of his father collaring him seem like the most frightening thing in the world to James? If the collar was the thing that originally created the Betrayer, what was it that turned James against his father and the Stewards? Was it only the understanding of what the Cup made them?
Favorite Quotes:
It was very weird to read a young adult book set in 1821 London plus magic, by an author I only knew from a series set in a fictional zero-magic universe that I would label as strictly age 21+ with content warnings. I was expecting a lot more subtext and a lot less outright exposition, and I'm not sure I enjoyed that particular difference.
I did like the recurring theme of characters choosing who they're going to be, even in direct opposition of one's blood or birthright or destiny, and I hope that continues through the trilogy.
The parts that really set me on fire to read more were the interactions between Will and James; unfortunately, those are few and far between in this first book. I'm assuming that's going to change in Dark Heir and #3. In general, I definitely need to know more about James.
Favorite Quotes:
"Kindness is never a mistake," said the Elder Steward. "Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered."
"Even those who think themselves powerless can fight with small acts. Kindness. Compassion."
"The Stewards fight with swords," said Will.
"But our swords are not what make us strong," said the Elder Steward. "The true power of the Stewards is not our weapons. It is not even our physical strength. It is that we remember." And something in her eyes seemed ancient. "When the past is forgotten, then it can return. Only those who remember have the chance to stave it off. For the dark is never truly gone; it only waits for the world to forget, so that it may rise again."
"What is this place?" said Violet, her voice hushed.
Will said, "This is what's left."
You could run from your enemies.
You couldn't run from yourself.
"My whole life, all anyone's ever wanted was to possess me," said James. "The only one who ever set me free was you."