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toddinsf's review against another edition
Actually read ebook, but heavens forbid Goodreads list something that can be purchased from an Amazon competitor.
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
I have the image in my mind of our three principal characters deciding "fuck it" and throwing themselves off a cliff. Not to fall, but to fly.
This book was even better than the first -impressive in it's own right, entirely because we see each of them embracing their own desires and passions and becoming even more badass because of it. I am so thrilled there will be a next book. I cannot wait to read it.
This book was even better than the first -impressive in it's own right, entirely because we see each of them embracing their own desires and passions and becoming even more badass because of it. I am so thrilled there will be a next book. I cannot wait to read it.
rovingreader885's review against another edition
4.0
Shadow Baron was a good follow up to the Notorious Sorcerer, just maybe not quite as good.
First the good…
Annahid became one of my favorite characters, her storyline and character development has been intriguing and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Siyan dealing with what this new power brings was well put together
But…
I thought Zagiri almost got lost a bit in this book.
I also wish that the socio-political and economic world has been flushed out more. When it’s brought up it feels a bit lackluster due to not having depth.
As always I loved the way it is written and the story itself is enjoyable, just missed a few things that would have made it great in my mind.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC
First the good…
Annahid became one of my favorite characters, her storyline and character development has been intriguing and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Siyan dealing with what this new power brings was well put together
But…
I thought Zagiri almost got lost a bit in this book.
I also wish that the socio-political and economic world has been flushed out more. When it’s brought up it feels a bit lackluster due to not having depth.
As always I loved the way it is written and the story itself is enjoyable, just missed a few things that would have made it great in my mind.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC
yannai's review against another edition
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Litlle Brown Books for the ARC !
4,5/5
Notorious sorcerer was one of my best reads in the end of 2022/beginning of 2023, so reading this second tome was something I was really looking forward to. Returning to the universe, the character and the magic ! Let me say that I am not disappointed. If I had a little trouble getting in the book for the first few chapters, it was quick to grab my attention afterward, with everything setting into motion for the different characters. Siyon is my beloved messy protagonist and always will be, but I have to say, I really like how Anahid is being developped, even if sometimes I am unsure of how her storyline contributes to the plot, besides adding some pespectives into the world. I quite like that she has her own story, overlapping with the others though, so it is not so much of a weakness in my eyes. Zagiri and her fiery character is interesting too, even if she is sometimes a bit annoying in her youth's eagerness and how strong she is in her opinions. Again, not a bad thing all considered, even good in a way, I like to have varied female characters who have as strong a hold as male ones. It just means I am a little less attached to her or her sister, compared to Siyon (and Izmirlian).
Meeting new characters and discovering more about Siyon's power, the politics and the balance of the planes truly was a treat. Usually I am not so much for quick pacing, but Davinia Evans managed to use it in a way that is fine with me and make me want to turn and turn the pages, fueled by mysteries, obstacles. I feel for Siyon and his troubles and losses, for Anahid and her need for freedom, and for Zagiri and her desire for a better, fairer world. I'm eager to see more of what the characters will become and discover more of what is changing in the universe.
Can't wait for book three (especially for one, special character we did't get to see much of in this tome, even though he was there every step of the way in his own manner) !
4,5/5
Notorious sorcerer was one of my best reads in the end of 2022/beginning of 2023, so reading this second tome was something I was really looking forward to. Returning to the universe, the character and the magic ! Let me say that I am not disappointed. If I had a little trouble getting in the book for the first few chapters, it was quick to grab my attention afterward, with everything setting into motion for the different characters. Siyon is my beloved messy protagonist and always will be, but I have to say, I really like how Anahid is being developped, even if sometimes I am unsure of how her storyline contributes to the plot, besides adding some pespectives into the world. I quite like that she has her own story, overlapping with the others though, so it is not so much of a weakness in my eyes. Zagiri and her fiery character is interesting too, even if she is sometimes a bit annoying in her youth's eagerness and how strong she is in her opinions. Again, not a bad thing all considered, even good in a way, I like to have varied female characters who have as strong a hold as male ones. It just means I am a little less attached to her or her sister, compared to Siyon (and Izmirlian).
Meeting new characters and discovering more about Siyon's power, the politics and the balance of the planes truly was a treat. Usually I am not so much for quick pacing, but Davinia Evans managed to use it in a way that is fine with me and make me want to turn and turn the pages, fueled by mysteries, obstacles. I feel for Siyon and his troubles and losses, for Anahid and her need for freedom, and for Zagiri and her desire for a better, fairer world. I'm eager to see more of what the characters will become and discover more of what is changing in the universe.
Can't wait for book three (especially for one, special character we did't get to see much of in this tome, even though he was there every step of the way in his own manner) !
avalith's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know that there is a series I am currently more excited about than this one, and one that I feel is being slept on more by fantasy fans. Shadow Baron completely decimates the second book slump with an exhilarating and surprising story that continues to flesh out the city of Bezim and it's dazzling cast of characters.
The big three Siyon, Zigiri and Anahid all get more to do here and I loved each of their individual stories so much. Anahid in particular has my whole heart and is one of my favourite characters from any book I've read in ages. Seeing her chase the things that she wants and tap into her shrewdness, and her rage, and her desire for more from her life was so fucking satisfying. Some very fun new characters were added to the board in this book and some of them had some really exciting reveals and relationships with the existing cast. I missed the romance from the first book, but I really liked how it's loss was felt here and I'm hopeful to see it reignited in book three.
I really appreciate the consolidation of setting in this series too, by focusing in so tightly on just the city of Bezim you really get a feel for it as a place, and you're able to meet all kinds of people who live there and really get entrenched in the politics and the lifestyle. Second world fantasy can often be pretty sprawling in scope so I appreciated that aspect of it-- it reminds me a bit of Strange the Dreamer in that regard, one of my all time favourite novels.
All this to say I really encourage everyone to check out this series--it has great characters, a great setting, an exciting and unexpected story line with great female and LGBT characters. I'm going to be pushing it down everyone's throats for the foreseeable future.
The big three Siyon, Zigiri and Anahid all get more to do here and I loved each of their individual stories so much. Anahid in particular has my whole heart and is one of my favourite characters from any book I've read in ages. Seeing her chase the things that she wants and tap into her shrewdness, and her rage, and her desire for more from her life was so fucking satisfying. Some very fun new characters were added to the board in this book and some of them had some really exciting reveals and relationships with the existing cast. I missed the romance from the first book, but I really liked how it's loss was felt here and I'm hopeful to see it reignited in book three.
I really appreciate the consolidation of setting in this series too, by focusing in so tightly on just the city of Bezim you really get a feel for it as a place, and you're able to meet all kinds of people who live there and really get entrenched in the politics and the lifestyle. Second world fantasy can often be pretty sprawling in scope so I appreciated that aspect of it-- it reminds me a bit of Strange the Dreamer in that regard, one of my all time favourite novels.
All this to say I really encourage everyone to check out this series--it has great characters, a great setting, an exciting and unexpected story line with great female and LGBT characters. I'm going to be pushing it down everyone's throats for the foreseeable future.
madisonwray's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
THE WAY I CAN BE CRYING AND THEN LAUGHING AND THEN SCARED AND THEN LAUGHING R U KIDDING ME DAVINIA
selina__gilbert__'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
4.75
I can’t wait until the next book! I love this series so much, I’ve already requested the final book from the library even though it isn’t published yet. December can’t come fast enough. I love the characters, the chaos, the action - I couldn’t put it down. I particularly loved Anahid’s storyline.