Brady

Much more similar in structure to the first two books of the original trilogy. Possibly the most tragic one. tbh I don't love Collins's writing - it's very basic. But I like the Hunger Games world so welcome any additions to the lore.

On one hand, I read this book very quickly, the structure was new to me, and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. But on the other, the first 75% of the Luceum plotline dragged and the ending was very unsatisfying. On one hand, it feels like a lot happened (especially in Res) but on the other, I feel like there wasn't actually that much big picture plot progression? Like, the book answers a lot of questions in the first few chapters via Craeor/Obiteum, these same answers get retread in every world, and then there's only one major twist beyond that at the very end (which hopefully is not just copying Mistborn).

This very much feels like a set up book where more questions were asked than answered. The structure was new to me and I appreciate that it added complexity and made the main character less of a Gary Sue.

I liked it and I'll definitely read the next book, but I'm hoping this is the weakest book in the series.

Fast paced, very little exposition, steadily trickles the lore, tense and mysterious, good characters. Main character is definitely a Gary Stu with seemingly infinite energy when needed, but it keeps the book moving!

My favorite sci-fantasy book I've read since Red Rising - they both have page-turning pace.

Somewhat generic dystopian Chosen One revenge plot. It's an action-packed, fast paced, page turner, which is what I was looking for, but not so good I'd really recommend it to others. Never got that invested in the main character - I feel like the writing didn't build up the epic parts as much as they could have, and the stakes just felt a bit low overall.

Nothing groundbreaking, but an easy, existential read with a timeless life lesson that never hurts to be reminded of and may particularly resonate with anyone who's been depressed or has existential angst.

A very satisfying ending

Epic

Kind of generic dystopian / hero's journey like the Hunger Games or Ender's Game, but I'm a sucker for that shit and enjoyed this one just as much. The sequels (especially the second trilogy) get more complex

Refreshing. Compared to a lot of modern fantasy, this book was much more ethereal and almost poetic. Incredible prose centered around internal conflict. Optimistic, adventurous, and doesn't rely on any kind of war or dystopia to set the stage. Recommended for anyone looking for an influential fantasy classic.

I finished this book but didn't really enjoy it. The scope has simply gotten out of hand and the plot is too messy. The first 3 books were all pretty good and memorable, but this one wasn't. The main 3 characters at this point have all become repetitive and annoying. I decided to stop reading this series after this book. I'm fact, this book basically put me off of extra large books (600+ pages) completely.

A lot of important things happen in this book. Back to being fast paced and much more mature and unpredictable than the first trilogy of books. However, bringing back the Jackal as the Abomination sucked. I also still feel like Lyria is a mediocre character.

Much more action-packed and plot focused than the first book, but unsatisfactory at actually resolving the story and answering questions. The AI factions and the Shrike imagery are the best parts.

Poetry continues to detract from the writing.

Pretentious and overly-obsessed with literary homage, but memorable anyways. Except for the poet (Silenus)'s section. He sucks and the poetry sucks, and there's way too much of it.

The book is incomplete and ends abruptly (or generously, more about “journey over destination”). I would say the next book is essential to enjoying the story, but the next book also asks more questions than it answers.

Has pacing issues compared to Stormlight or Mistborn (especially the ending, just like Warbreaker), but still entertaining and classic Sanderson.

Didn't finish, ended up reading the summary a couple years later. It was OK. I appreciate the grounded, antihero, sleuthing style of fantasy, but I didn't think the book was particularly great either. Too long, too many boring parts.

Read a lot of this a year or 2 ago. Really fucking long, didn't finish it. Would benefit from being edited. It was OK - there were some cool ideas and it's certainly a much more realistic take on superheroes than e.g. Marvel. Shows like The Boys give a similar vibe.

Gifted this book upon entering University. Very personal look into one of the lost boy's experiences. Can't help but make you feel like we should be doing more for the ones who got relocated to the United States.

Good story with little fluff. Tragic, made me feel some type of way.

I cried. Cancer sucks

Meh, read 30% and abandoned. Too slow, nothing new.

This book feels like setup in retrospect. Lyria in particular is not a super interesting character. Probably the weakest book in the series, but I do appreciate the bigger scope and the Rim characterization in relation to the core.

Downgraded to 4 post reading Treason. Treason was a step above this book.

This book could have been a tweet. The message (always have a reason for doing something and learn to communicate the reason) is important to warrant an essay even. But halfway through the author literally starts repeating himself. I also found the Apple worship off putting. The author also reuses too many of the same examples throughout the book and presents absolutely zero evidence for any of his claims.

Interesting book but seems to repeat itself/ ramble a bit

Best of the series. No Anakin and Padme to distract from Thrawn's character, plenty of battle action, Vanto, the Chiss. Great addition to Thrawn's story