You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
530 reviews by:
aforestofbooks
OKAY THAT LAST SHORT STORY HAS ME ALMOST CLOSE TO TEARS. IT WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED I JUST WANT TO DIE IT WAS SO CUTE HELP ALSO KAI IS JUST PERFECT IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH THIS GETS A 5 STARS JUST FOR THAT
4.5/5 stars
"Death waits for us all."
Okay, this book took me on a whirlwind of a journey.
First of all...the writing. This book is written in such a unique way, I was left in awe. It's a mix between old fantasy, like LOTR, but with a hint of mythology. It actually reminded me in many ways of Circe by Madeline Miller. The whole book seems to be immersed in this history, that as the reader, you don't know much about, but as you turn the pages, you end up getting completely absorbed and enthralled. I really, really want to know more about the elves and the many gods that play a huge part in this story.
There were a few instances when I had to reread a sentence because I felt like it was missing a comma, and that the comma would have helped to clear up the confusion. But other than that, the writing is just really interesting and retrospective.
Also the dialogue is just GOLDEN. Literally the best banter I have read in a book! The sarcasm, the back-and-forth between the different characters made me laugh out loud. Also, a lot of these characters say things that immediately need to be quoted on t-shirts or at least should be memorialized because of how insightful, reflective, and relatable they are. Just life lessons all around while also trying to escape death. Fun stuff.
The characters really, really grew on me. I loved Yarvi's character growth and I also love how he didn't go from barely able to fight to chopping down men left and right. I felt like his growth was realistic, and his actions made sense. I love how clever he is and how he's always trying to use his words and mind to get out of a situation instead of the sword. Unlike Nothing, who is ICONIC and I love him. I also need more Sumael and Rulf. And I hope Nothing is spouting out quotable sentences for the rest of his life.
The ending of the book really shocked me. I was not expecting that reveal, though maybe I should have seen it coming if I had sat and thought about it. But it worked out for the better, and Yarvi, my son, is happier for it. That very end though...it all fit so well, but it was also so sad. But I was surprised, and I love being surprised.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
"Death waits for us all."
Okay, this book took me on a whirlwind of a journey.
First of all...the writing. This book is written in such a unique way, I was left in awe. It's a mix between old fantasy, like LOTR, but with a hint of mythology. It actually reminded me in many ways of Circe by Madeline Miller. The whole book seems to be immersed in this history, that as the reader, you don't know much about, but as you turn the pages, you end up getting completely absorbed and enthralled. I really, really want to know more about the elves and the many gods that play a huge part in this story.
There were a few instances when I had to reread a sentence because I felt like it was missing a comma, and that the comma would have helped to clear up the confusion. But other than that, the writing is just really interesting and retrospective.
Also the dialogue is just GOLDEN. Literally the best banter I have read in a book! The sarcasm, the back-and-forth between the different characters made me laugh out loud. Also, a lot of these characters say things that immediately need to be quoted on t-shirts or at least should be memorialized because of how insightful, reflective, and relatable they are. Just life lessons all around while also trying to escape death. Fun stuff.
The characters really, really grew on me. I loved Yarvi's character growth and I also love how he didn't go from barely able to fight to chopping down men left and right. I felt like his growth was realistic, and his actions made sense. I love how clever he is and how he's always trying to use his words and mind to get out of a situation instead of the sword. Unlike Nothing, who is ICONIC and I love him. I also need more Sumael and Rulf. And I hope Nothing is spouting out quotable sentences for the rest of his life.
The ending of the book really shocked me. I was not expecting that reveal, though maybe I should have seen it coming if I had sat and thought about it. But it worked out for the better, and Yarvi, my son, is happier for it. That very end though...it all fit so well, but it was also so sad. But I was surprised, and I love being surprised.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I'm shocked I read a whole book in a day, but then this book is also barely 200 pages. This is a reread for me, and honestly I'm a bit more disturbed than I remember being when I first read this. Like Count Olaf is terrible, but this time I noticed some things that I forgot about. He's creepy. Like super creepy.
The only question is...can I read a book a day?
The only question is...can I read a book a day?
Yay, another book in a day! Also, Uncle Monty is one of my favourites. It sucks that they couldn't have had a nice life with him. And...if I were the Baudelaire children, I would probably punch Mr. Poe repeatedly for being so incompetent and stupid.
Onto the third book! After this, I don't remember much of the series, so I'm excited!
Onto the third book! After this, I don't remember much of the series, so I'm excited!
I forgot how violent this book is? Like a woman was sawed to death in front of the children 😳
Nero is as horrible as his namesake and I forgot this happened to the Quagmire triplets 🙈
This book was so different from the first, but still enjoyable in every way!
Yarvi isn't a main character in this one, but we still get to see his cunning and plotting behind the scenes. Some of the things he does, I'm just like WOW. We need more characters like him who act using their intellect rather than a sword. He reminded me in some ways of Aly from the Trickster's duology, except he's more ruthless.
Thorn is just an amazing character. She's not 100% likeable, but it makes sense for what she's gone through. I loved seeing her train and grow as a warrior throughout the book. That scene in the First of Cities was epic and crazy! Though that final battle was sort of anticlimactic. I wasn't expecting Gorm to just suddenly change his mind because his new minister was yelling at him...I guess it worked for where this trilogy is headed, but I wanted Thorn to end it right there and win all the glory lol
Brand is soft. He just cares so much and tries to do good and like ASDFKSDJ he deserves the best in the entire world! His character development throughout this book was my favourite. I feel like his relationship with Thorn might not be the best? I get that Thorn has a "moment of realization" near the end of the book and starts to change for the better, and we see in the last couple of chapters that their relationship is a lot of work. I guess since I'm so used to couples in books ending up together and living happily ever after, that I'm not used to a more realistic look into a relationship. Brand points out that he thought the start of the relationship would be the end of working, but now that he's in a relationship, the work has actually begun. And I really liked that message. I think it's something readers of all ages need to hear. Like Father Yarvi also said, their strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, and because of that they can work well together. So I guess I do like them together. I am worried for the next book though cause of the impending war...
As for the plot and pacing, most of the book takes place on the journey up the Divine and down the Denied. It felt a lot like the first LOTR book or even The Hobbit. There's stops and skirmishes that occur, but overall it did feel a lot slower than the first book, which is probably why it took me longer to read.
Another complaint I have is the spelling and grammar errors. There were a few that had me stopping mid-paragraph. Besides that, the wording also bothered me. It felt choppy or incomplete. Or it didn't flow well with the rest of the paragraph. Sometimes, I would have to reread a sentence because I read it wrong the first time.
The quotes in this book though...I don't know how Joe Abercrombie comes up with them, but if I ever reread this trilogy, I'm going to have to highlight them.
One that stood out for me:
Really looking forward to finishing up this series. I have a feeling the last book is going to be a wild ride.
Yarvi isn't a main character in this one, but we still get to see his cunning and plotting behind the scenes. Some of the things he does, I'm just like WOW. We need more characters like him who act using their intellect rather than a sword. He reminded me in some ways of Aly from the Trickster's duology, except he's more ruthless.
Thorn is just an amazing character. She's not 100% likeable, but it makes sense for what she's gone through. I loved seeing her train and grow as a warrior throughout the book. That scene in the First of Cities was epic and crazy! Though that final battle was sort of anticlimactic. I wasn't expecting Gorm to just suddenly change his mind because his new minister was yelling at him...I guess it worked for where this trilogy is headed, but I wanted Thorn to end it right there and win all the glory lol
Brand is soft. He just cares so much and tries to do good and like ASDFKSDJ he deserves the best in the entire world! His character development throughout this book was my favourite. I feel like his relationship with Thorn might not be the best? I get that Thorn has a "moment of realization" near the end of the book and starts to change for the better, and we see in the last couple of chapters that their relationship is a lot of work. I guess since I'm so used to couples in books ending up together and living happily ever after, that I'm not used to a more realistic look into a relationship. Brand points out that he thought the start of the relationship would be the end of working, but now that he's in a relationship, the work has actually begun. And I really liked that message. I think it's something readers of all ages need to hear. Like Father Yarvi also said, their strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, and because of that they can work well together. So I guess I do like them together. I am worried for the next book though cause of the impending war...
As for the plot and pacing, most of the book takes place on the journey up the Divine and down the Denied. It felt a lot like the first LOTR book or even The Hobbit. There's stops and skirmishes that occur, but overall it did feel a lot slower than the first book, which is probably why it took me longer to read.
Another complaint I have is the spelling and grammar errors. There were a few that had me stopping mid-paragraph. Besides that, the wording also bothered me. It felt choppy or incomplete. Or it didn't flow well with the rest of the paragraph. Sometimes, I would have to reread a sentence because I read it wrong the first time.
The quotes in this book though...I don't know how Joe Abercrombie comes up with them, but if I ever reread this trilogy, I'm going to have to highlight them.
One that stood out for me:
"Power means having one shoulder always in the shadows."
Really looking forward to finishing up this series. I have a feeling the last book is going to be a wild ride.
