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timefliesaway's Reviews (588)
Ich finde das Buch an sich wirklich gut, die Welt ist detailreich erfunden und ich finde die Dynastien sehr interessant.
Gefallen hat mir nur nicht das Ende.
Ich spoiler nicht, aber ich fand es etwas... unpassend? Fast wie ein schlechter Scherz.
Generell ist in dem Buch viel passiert, was man hätte lieber in einen 2. Band umwandeln können. Während in den ersten 200 Seiten die Handlung recht langsam voran ging, passierte dann in den letzten 150 Seiten viel zu viel. Ich mochte die langsame erste Hälfte. Die zweite Hälfte war für mich wirklich wie ein 2. Band. Ständig ist dann irgendwas passiert, nie konnten die Charaktere wirklich ausschnaufen.
Und Tir bekam immer mehr “Reichtum”, sobald etwas von ihm aufgedeckt wurde. Im Ernst? Es passiert zwar oft in solchen Fantasy Romanen, dass Protagonisten am Ende die großen Helden werden, obwohl sie am Anfang totale Außenseiter waren. Aber bei dem Buch hatte ich mal gehofft, dass dem nicht so ist.
Rustan und Nelia mochte ich am meisten. Obwohl die Freundschaft zu Tri doch etwas schnell gelaufen ist, nachdem sie ihre Namen bekamen, war es dennoch das beste von allem. Auch die Entwicklung von Baro war schön zu lesen und ich bin froh, dass er zu den Guten gehört.
Obwohl mir Rustan schon echt leid tut. Ich hoffe, dass sich Tir im 2. Band doch in Rustand verliebt und dann erstmal ganz schön leidet, weil er sich das selbst aufgebracht hat.
Das letzte Kapitel war wirklich sehr unnötig und viel zu zwanghaft. Als hätte die Autorin nicht mehr wirklich Lust, ein detailliertes Ende zu schreiben, und hat einfach mal einen kompletten Band übersprungen. Habe ich schon erwähnt, dass die storyline der letzten 3 Kapitel für einen 2. Band perfekt gewesen wären?
Ein wenig fühlen sich so die Entwicklungen der Charaktere auch etwas, hm, sinnlos vor. Die Autorin hat die Charaktere durch so viel Stress geführt, ... für was?
Gefallen hat mir nur nicht das Ende.
Ich spoiler nicht, aber ich fand es etwas... unpassend? Fast wie ein schlechter Scherz.
Generell ist in dem Buch viel passiert, was man hätte lieber in einen 2. Band umwandeln können. Während in den ersten 200 Seiten die Handlung recht langsam voran ging, passierte dann in den letzten 150 Seiten viel zu viel. Ich mochte die langsame erste Hälfte. Die zweite Hälfte war für mich wirklich wie ein 2. Band. Ständig ist dann irgendwas passiert, nie konnten die Charaktere wirklich ausschnaufen.
Und Tir bekam immer mehr “Reichtum”, sobald etwas von ihm aufgedeckt wurde. Im Ernst? Es passiert zwar oft in solchen Fantasy Romanen, dass Protagonisten am Ende die großen Helden werden, obwohl sie am Anfang totale Außenseiter waren. Aber bei dem Buch hatte ich mal gehofft, dass dem nicht so ist.
Rustan und Nelia mochte ich am meisten. Obwohl die Freundschaft zu Tri doch etwas schnell gelaufen ist, nachdem sie ihre Namen bekamen, war es dennoch das beste von allem. Auch die Entwicklung von Baro war schön zu lesen und ich bin froh, dass er zu den Guten gehört.
Obwohl mir Rustan schon echt leid tut. Ich hoffe, dass sich Tir im 2. Band doch in Rustand verliebt und dann erstmal ganz schön leidet, weil er sich das selbst aufgebracht hat.
Das letzte Kapitel war wirklich sehr unnötig und viel zu zwanghaft. Als hätte die Autorin nicht mehr wirklich Lust, ein detailliertes Ende zu schreiben, und hat einfach mal einen kompletten Band übersprungen. Habe ich schon erwähnt, dass die storyline der letzten 3 Kapitel für einen 2. Band perfekt gewesen wären?
Ein wenig fühlen sich so die Entwicklungen der Charaktere auch etwas, hm, sinnlos vor. Die Autorin hat die Charaktere durch so viel Stress geführt, ... für was?
Damn— the amount of frustration, in a thrilling and desperate and exciting sense, this book gave me, is endless. Even now, as of writing the review, that feeling still hasn’t ebbed away, eager of wanting to read the 2nd book.
The feelings described above mostly came from the never ending “what if?” questions, that the plot gave you.
Once you think your thought-through theory makes the most sense, something else is revealed that creates a loophole in your theory. Even if you stick to it and be like “oh, well, everything has a catch”, you know, deep down, that it COULD come out differently.
For me, well, it ate me up.
Most of the time I was like “yes, that must be it now.” But even then, I questioned my guts and was like “... but what if not?”.
The author really made sure that you never feel 100% certain.
And as much of a frustration I had to go through – mostly because I was fearing that my beloved characters could all be plottwist villains –, I also love it.
Only few authors made me feel throughout a whole book like that. And that screams TALENT!
I was never once bored reading those 390 pages, always thrilled to find out what will happen next, and if my theories match up.
Some theories of mine ended up true though, but most revelations were a plottwist for me.
Also, for those who were tricked by beautifully illustrated covers of middle-grade-books before: fear not, the cover of this book is perfect for the story. It covers it on point and I wouldn’t know how to make it better!
The feelings described above mostly came from the never ending “what if?” questions, that the plot gave you.
Once you think your thought-through theory makes the most sense, something else is revealed that creates a loophole in your theory. Even if you stick to it and be like “oh, well, everything has a catch”, you know, deep down, that it COULD come out differently.
For me, well, it ate me up.
Most of the time I was like “yes, that must be it now.” But even then, I questioned my guts and was like “... but what if not?”.
The author really made sure that you never feel 100% certain.
And as much of a frustration I had to go through – mostly because I was fearing that my beloved characters could all be plottwist villains –, I also love it.
Only few authors made me feel throughout a whole book like that. And that screams TALENT!
I was never once bored reading those 390 pages, always thrilled to find out what will happen next, and if my theories match up.
Some theories of mine ended up true though, but most revelations were a plottwist for me.
Also, for those who were tricked by beautifully illustrated covers of middle-grade-books before: fear not, the cover of this book is perfect for the story. It covers it on point and I wouldn’t know how to make it better!
Need to read this in school, was quite boring
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The thing about sequels is that, yes, we love to learn and read more about the world, live with the characters, experience both their happiness and sorrow, but often they disappoint. Not this book. It amazed me just as much as the first book, and I couldn’t put it aside.
It was playing with my emotions once again, but whereas the first one was mostly filled with frustration, this one was pretty emotional. A few times it left me feeling really sad and angry, unable to do anything. Helpless.
You think the finale Battle is what will wrench your emotions? Well, not this book here. The incident in the middle was the most hurtful, to be honest. Not saying the finale wasn’t, but the middle really left me crying dry tears.
What I didn’t really like that Erner was most of the time pretty much useless. Okay, not useless, but kinda invisible? He barely talked or whatever – he was just there. I get that he and patch (aka the protagonist) avoided each other, but we also got some chapters in the viewpoints of other background characters, soo... Erner was there at the beginning, but after they found him, he was just... there. Even Underath had perhaps more dialogue than him?
Well, I mainly hope that he gets more screentime in the 3rd book.
Speaking of, I’m really excited to read the 3rd book! Sadly it comes out in 2022, but I already pre-ordered it!! I don’t want to wait tho haha
-15.12.21
It was playing with my emotions once again, but whereas the first one was mostly filled with frustration, this one was pretty emotional. A few times it left me feeling really sad and angry, unable to do anything. Helpless.
You think the finale Battle is what will wrench your emotions? Well, not this book here. The incident in the middle was the most hurtful, to be honest. Not saying the finale wasn’t, but the middle really left me crying dry tears.
What I didn’t really like that Erner was most of the time pretty much useless. Okay, not useless, but kinda invisible? He barely talked or whatever – he was just there. I get that he and patch (aka the protagonist) avoided each other, but we also got some chapters in the viewpoints of other background characters, soo... Erner was there at the beginning, but after they found him, he was just... there. Even Underath had perhaps more dialogue than him?
Well, I mainly hope that he gets more screentime in the 3rd book.
Speaking of, I’m really excited to read the 3rd book! Sadly it comes out in 2022, but I already pre-ordered it!! I don’t want to wait tho haha
-15.12.21
Ich bin sehr Zwiegestalten. Zum Ende hin hat sich das lesen dann doch gelohnt, aber die Seiten dahin, vor allem die ersten 200, haben mich extrem viel Geduld gekostet. Und mein Hass zu Tirasan wuchs immer mehr, vor allem weil ich mit Anderta so gut mitfühlen konnte! Echt kaum auzuhalten.
Wie gesagt, zum Ende hin werden dann alle Probleme mehr oder weniger gelost und die Charaktere sehen ihre Fehler ein.
Ich find es nur echt nervig, dass Tirasan basically ein Gott ist, so wie er die Welt nach seinen Wünschen verändert. Ernsthaft? Das geht mir so zum Kragen hinaus! Und dass er am Ende dann auch noch den unschuldigen und das Opfer spielt; nach dem Motto “Ich wollte das doch nicht” bzw. “Ich hab es nur gut gemeint”... ne, du, nicht mit mir!
Tirasan ist halt so ziemlich dieser Charakter: unbewusst aufmerksamkeitsgeil; redet sich und seine Gaben immer scheucht, sodass seine Freunde ihm Komplimente machen müssen; handelt aus egoistischen Gründen, aber weil er auch allgemeine positive Änderungen über die Welt will, beschuldigt ihn niemand – stattdessen beschuldigt er nur andere, Egoisten zu sein; die ganze Welt dreht sich um ihn, und wag es ja nicht, Aufmerksamkeit zu suchen, weil er sie dir nehmen wird.
Außerdem tat mir Anderta schon echt leid. Anfangs fand ich es ja schwer, mich in sie hineinzuversetzen, weil ich fürchtete, dass das wieder so ein YA Roman wird, wo die weibliche Protagonistin das schwache Lamm spielt... aber zum Glück war dem nicht so. Abgesehen von Rustan, hat Anderta wirklich am meisten gelitten. Ich fand’s ja schon etwas erschreckend, dass sich alle um Tirasan sorgten, der so ein unschuldiges Gesicht hat, aber dann kaum eine Reaktion zeigen, nachdem sie erfahren, dass Anderta ziemlich durchmachen musste (vor allem körperlich). Andererseits ist es auch mal wieder erfrischend einen Protagonisten zu haben, der kein Drama über sowas macht und auf sich allein aufpassen kann.
Insgesamt fand ich die Fantasy Welt wieder gut durchdacht, genau wie im letzten Band. Durch die neue Wirklichkeit sind zwar ein paar plotholes entstanden, aber das kann auch daran liegen, dass wir mit Anderta uns langsam an die neue Realität gewöhnen mussten, also wer weiß.
Wie gesagt, zum Ende hin werden dann alle Probleme mehr oder weniger gelost und die Charaktere sehen ihre Fehler ein.
Ich find es nur echt nervig, dass Tirasan basically ein Gott ist, so wie er die Welt nach seinen Wünschen verändert. Ernsthaft? Das geht mir so zum Kragen hinaus! Und dass er am Ende dann auch noch den unschuldigen und das Opfer spielt; nach dem Motto “Ich wollte das doch nicht” bzw. “Ich hab es nur gut gemeint”... ne, du, nicht mit mir!
Tirasan ist halt so ziemlich dieser Charakter: unbewusst aufmerksamkeitsgeil; redet sich und seine Gaben immer scheucht, sodass seine Freunde ihm Komplimente machen müssen; handelt aus egoistischen Gründen, aber weil er auch allgemeine positive Änderungen über die Welt will, beschuldigt ihn niemand – stattdessen beschuldigt er nur andere, Egoisten zu sein; die ganze Welt dreht sich um ihn, und wag es ja nicht, Aufmerksamkeit zu suchen, weil er sie dir nehmen wird.
Außerdem tat mir Anderta schon echt leid. Anfangs fand ich es ja schwer, mich in sie hineinzuversetzen, weil ich fürchtete, dass das wieder so ein YA Roman wird, wo die weibliche Protagonistin das schwache Lamm spielt... aber zum Glück war dem nicht so. Abgesehen von Rustan, hat Anderta wirklich am meisten gelitten. Ich fand’s ja schon etwas erschreckend, dass sich alle um Tirasan sorgten, der so ein unschuldiges Gesicht hat, aber dann kaum eine Reaktion zeigen, nachdem sie erfahren, dass Anderta ziemlich durchmachen musste (vor allem körperlich). Andererseits ist es auch mal wieder erfrischend einen Protagonisten zu haben, der kein Drama über sowas macht und auf sich allein aufpassen kann.
Insgesamt fand ich die Fantasy Welt wieder gut durchdacht, genau wie im letzten Band. Durch die neue Wirklichkeit sind zwar ein paar plotholes entstanden, aber das kann auch daran liegen, dass wir mit Anderta uns langsam an die neue Realität gewöhnen mussten, also wer weiß.
Well. The book really is something. Usually when a great character dies, most readers cry at the end. Or at least get pretty emotional. Here, however, I merely felt a bit of a numbness, itching. Thing is, it’s just so unbelievable that this character died. (I mean, several characters died. It’s war, after all. But I’m talking about one particular here and you probably only will know who I mean if you’ve read the book.)
He weren’t quite likable since the first time we’ve met him, most people perhaps even wanted him dead. But now that he is... I don’t know, feels quite paradox. Or... weird? Can’t really describe it. Maybe because I’d expected him to survive because these kind of characters kinda always survive. Not he, I guess.
Well, okay, technically we don’t know for 100% that he’s dead, but it’s quite likely.
Apart from that, I did like the series. And especially the multiple perspectives. I said I wasn’t a fan much about kitty’s perspective in the 2bd book, given that I thought a spin-off would fit better. Then again, maybe not. Kitty’s view was mainly why I continued reading. I never really cared much about Nathaniel, though Bartimaeus’ chapters were entertaining.
And Kitty’s chapters also made this book much better than it would have been without her.
I also liked how we get to know more of Bartimaeus and also finally more of that mysterious Ptolemy.
I think this might be my favorite part of the series, considering also that Nathaniel has been the best version of himself here. He finally had some growth and development, for the better.
He weren’t quite likable since the first time we’ve met him, most people perhaps even wanted him dead. But now that he is... I don’t know, feels quite paradox. Or... weird? Can’t really describe it. Maybe because I’d expected him to survive because these kind of characters kinda always survive. Not he, I guess.
Well, okay, technically we don’t know for 100% that he’s dead, but it’s quite likely.
Apart from that, I did like the series. And especially the multiple perspectives. I said I wasn’t a fan much about kitty’s perspective in the 2bd book, given that I thought a spin-off would fit better. Then again, maybe not. Kitty’s view was mainly why I continued reading. I never really cared much about Nathaniel, though Bartimaeus’ chapters were entertaining.
And Kitty’s chapters also made this book much better than it would have been without her.
I also liked how we get to know more of Bartimaeus and also finally more of that mysterious Ptolemy.
I think this might be my favorite part of the series, considering also that Nathaniel has been the best version of himself here. He finally had some growth and development, for the better.
Took me a bit to finish, merely because I got bored after each page.
The writing itself is good, but I read this book because of Alzheimer and except the memory losses, that made life difficult for Kenzie & Thalia, it wasn’t really sth what I was looking for.
I do sometimes read stories like that, short and lightly, but Thalia was just way too annoying for me.
Overall, this is just not personally my thing, but I don’t think it’s a bad book in itself. Maybe reading it out loud to a younger kid (cousin/sibling/etc) would bring much more joy.
The writing itself is good, but I read this book because of Alzheimer and except the memory losses, that made life difficult for Kenzie & Thalia, it wasn’t really sth what I was looking for.
I do sometimes read stories like that, short and lightly, but Thalia was just way too annoying for me.
Overall, this is just not personally my thing, but I don’t think it’s a bad book in itself. Maybe reading it out loud to a younger kid (cousin/sibling/etc) would bring much more joy.
It feels like the only personality that Georgia has is her whole “I want to kiss someone bc otherwise it’s weird, tho I find it really disgusting; and I’ve never liked someone either, isn’t that really weird?”.
I get that she’s trying to find out who she is and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just kinda boring to read through 400 pages, when the protagonist doesn’t have any other personality except for that. I could’ve as well read through forums about whether someone is asexual/aromantic, instead of going through the whole book – because personality-wise it would be the same.
But it’s not just Georgia. Everyone is kinda a flat character and no one really stands out as a person, except for Pip.
And I’m not counting that they love Shakespeare because everyone does in this book, therefore it’s not a special personality trait anymore.
~
Also, where can I get myself a Jason? He’s literally the only guy that doesn’t care for sex. Except Sunil, but then again he’s asexual, so I’m not counting that.
Why can’t there be more guys out there, who are not asexual, but still wouldn’t care about their partner not being interested in sex?
Huh, that’s why it’s fictional.
~
The ending was sweet and made me jealous, but other than that... idk. I guess it was a good book overall, but not really sth I would read again, as everything is just so flat.
~
Also, I’m kinda angry that Rooney realized she loved Georgia, while making out with Pip. Like, couldn’t it be after they finished, after the play? Or before they made out? Bc I literally feel so bad for pip. She should’ve been that special someone for Georgia, or even Jason. But no, it was Rooney.
Like Pip said, Rooney is going to take Georgia away from her. And yes, you can have more than one best friend, but while Pip is just really panicking and worrying about where the f* Rooney has ran off to, Georgia & Rooney are just planning for their future, about how they’re going to grow old together... like, what the actual f?
Are you kidding me? Why does Pip have to suffer like that? Rooney left her literally in the middle of a make out, they were both like half-naked, and she just left without saying anything... Georgia found her and their just fantasizing about their future together? I’m sorry, what now?
I get that she’s trying to find out who she is and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just kinda boring to read through 400 pages, when the protagonist doesn’t have any other personality except for that. I could’ve as well read through forums about whether someone is asexual/aromantic, instead of going through the whole book – because personality-wise it would be the same.
But it’s not just Georgia. Everyone is kinda a flat character and no one really stands out as a person, except for Pip.
And I’m not counting that they love Shakespeare because everyone does in this book, therefore it’s not a special personality trait anymore.
~
Also, where can I get myself a Jason? He’s literally the only guy that doesn’t care for sex. Except Sunil, but then again he’s asexual, so I’m not counting that.
Why can’t there be more guys out there, who are not asexual, but still wouldn’t care about their partner not being interested in sex?
Huh, that’s why it’s fictional.
~
The ending was sweet and made me jealous, but other than that... idk. I guess it was a good book overall, but not really sth I would read again, as everything is just so flat.
~
Also, I’m kinda angry that Rooney realized she loved Georgia, while making out with Pip. Like, couldn’t it be after they finished, after the play? Or before they made out? Bc I literally feel so bad for pip. She should’ve been that special someone for Georgia, or even Jason. But no, it was Rooney.
Like Pip said, Rooney is going to take Georgia away from her. And yes, you can have more than one best friend, but while Pip is just really panicking and worrying about where the f* Rooney has ran off to, Georgia & Rooney are just planning for their future, about how they’re going to grow old together... like, what the actual f?
Are you kidding me? Why does Pip have to suffer like that? Rooney left her literally in the middle of a make out, they were both like half-naked, and she just left without saying anything... Georgia found her and their just fantasizing about their future together? I’m sorry, what now?
I really liked Asmira from the beginning. Although in the middle I wasn’t sure what to think of her, but got back to liking her in the end.
I also liked the Queen of Sheba, in the beginning. She might not have the best character, but I do love that she only employs women as guards and let them train. Reminds me of that island, on which Wonder Woman was raised. In the end... well, might’ve not been the best queen, but definitely one of the best.
For King Solomon... idk. I do like that he does have a brain, instead of just craving power and richness. And that he wasn’t as predictable, unlike other kings. Only thing I dislike is his harem, but then again, I generally hate harems.
The story was quite good actually and I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as the main trilogy. Or perhaps even more than that.
It was really refreshing to see a character that’s not a magician, but knows just as much as to summon a djinni. Quite similar to kitty, but they do have lots of differences character-wise. I’m also glad the author didn’t just do copy-paste with kitty, and managed to create a whole new character.
It was also nice to see more of Bartimaeus’ past, especially with Faquarl.
I’d definitely read another book with Bartimaeus, if the author decides to write and publish more. I’d especially be interested in how djinni are “born”, aka their first summon ever (as was shortly mentioned in this book).
I also liked the Queen of Sheba, in the beginning. She might not have the best character, but I do love that she only employs women as guards and let them train. Reminds me of that island, on which Wonder Woman was raised. In the end... well, might’ve not been the best queen, but definitely one of the best.
For King Solomon... idk. I do like that he does have a brain, instead of just craving power and richness. And that he wasn’t as predictable, unlike other kings. Only thing I dislike is his harem, but then again, I generally hate harems.
The story was quite good actually and I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as the main trilogy. Or perhaps even more than that.
It was really refreshing to see a character that’s not a magician, but knows just as much as to summon a djinni. Quite similar to kitty, but they do have lots of differences character-wise. I’m also glad the author didn’t just do copy-paste with kitty, and managed to create a whole new character.
It was also nice to see more of Bartimaeus’ past, especially with Faquarl.
I’d definitely read another book with Bartimaeus, if the author decides to write and publish more. I’d especially be interested in how djinni are “born”, aka their first summon ever (as was shortly mentioned in this book).
I’m really not satisfied with the ending. Considering the first two books and also most of this third book always went against cliches and the author put uniqueness into the story, it’s sad how it ends with a lot of cliches. I won’t spoiler, but the main character once again got the most of the “happy ending”, and these were 3 cliches at once. So disappointing...
But overall the book was really really good. Apart from the last 2-3 chapters (full of cliches), I really love it and its uniqueness. It’s definitely one of my favorite book series, and I hope someday to see the heroes again.
There was also two characters I shipped from the very beginning (no, not the obvious one) and I’m kind of sad they didn’t come canon and even barely interacted, but I’m also really happy that the author didn’t put any romance into it!
After all, this is about war (and the characters are a bit too young anyway) and there really wouldn’t be time for a romance; yet so many fantasy books do that, and I’m so glad it wasn’t the case here. (See? Again he went against cliches!)
So, yes, I did love the trilogy and would recommend it to anyone, really. Fantasy lovers, mostly, but also those who love music. It’s more of a children’s book, I think, but teenagers and adults can read it too. I’m an adult after all and I did cry in each book.
But overall the book was really really good. Apart from the last 2-3 chapters (full of cliches), I really love it and its uniqueness. It’s definitely one of my favorite book series, and I hope someday to see the heroes again.
There was also two characters I shipped from the very beginning (no, not the obvious one) and I’m kind of sad they didn’t come canon and even barely interacted, but I’m also really happy that the author didn’t put any romance into it!
After all, this is about war (and the characters are a bit too young anyway) and there really wouldn’t be time for a romance; yet so many fantasy books do that, and I’m so glad it wasn’t the case here. (See? Again he went against cliches!)
So, yes, I did love the trilogy and would recommend it to anyone, really. Fantasy lovers, mostly, but also those who love music. It’s more of a children’s book, I think, but teenagers and adults can read it too. I’m an adult after all and I did cry in each book.