Nick

Big fan of the Green Bone Saga but I think this missed the mark. I very much appreciate Isako being an older experienced protagonist but the pacing was slow to the point standstill at times, the mystery in the end was not entirely interesting, and they way the book wraps up wasn’t entirely satisfying to account for the slow pacing. Bit a disappointment, however a very well written book set in an extremely interesting world. Very much a corporate espionage novel as opposed to a fast paced action based novel, there’s a lot to love if you go in with the mind for a slower paced sci-fi novel.

Enjoyable but ultimately disappointing end to a good series. The majority of the novel being a breakneck boss rush really detracted from what made the series good up until this point

There's a really great book in here somewhere, but this doesn't really touch any of the themes it tries to explore in a meaningful way. Shallow characterisation for a novel carried by said characters.

Plotting was mostly enjoyable, however I feel like there are many moments in the book that need to breathe more than they're allowed to. Dialogue is mostly clumsy and in light of issues above the moment to moment movement of the book can be clunky, it can almost feel like chapters are bullet points.

Narrator was fairly inconsistent, and mispronounced a number of words taking me out of the novel at times.

However, I think there's definitely enough in here with regards to plotting and ideas to continue with Powell's other books.

Decent book, characters were ok but a tad wooden and the ending obvious from a mile away, though not necessarily a bad thing. Listened on audio and I think the narrator's vocal choices were odd and at times the opposite of what the text needed.

2.5 rounded down

Bonkers. In a good way? I didn't love this book, the characters are quite flat and one note from page 1 through the end. But it did make me laugh out loud numerous times and I'm a sucker for books that go so off the rails you forget they were there to begin with. My biggest issue is the book took far too long to get to that point though, a lot of the middle third is spinning the wheels waiting for the climax to begin.

Excellent world building and a thoroughly great setting in Neo Kinoko. Through line plot was interesting enough to keep me hooked until the end, however as a whole I didn't love Hoffman. She had a good story and growth but line to line I thought her character could have been stronger. The opening third probably colours my opinion here as I really did like not spending time with her. The world and general noir vibes held me onto the book. However it was much improved by halfway and the novel does leave Hoffman at a good point so I would look forward to see where she goes.

Overall an enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to seeing more from this series.

3.5 rounded up. Enjoyable almost slice of life about a magical school from a teacher's perspective.

Goofy ass book. 4 stars.

Enjoyable YA romp that has the potential to be a lot better than it ultimately was. Unfortunately a few of the plot points fell flat for me due to certain tropes that I'm not a fan of. The meat of the plot being the competition between the two MC's that ultimately ended up being a nothing contest due to the light touch of romance.

A brilliant entry into the series. Far more opened up view of the world of lamplight, but one that is slightly more restrained and straightforward. Looking forward to book 4.

Enjoyable, some laugh out loud moments, but also a lot of dull moments. As a “murder mystery” book, it completely fails at the task. More a found family story with the backdrop of a murder case that is mostly ignored for the middle third of the book before being resolved in an unsatisfactory manner right at the end. I'm not sure if I will continue the series, but I enjoyed the read.

Enjoyable tale, don't think it was enough to make me want to read the sequels.

Probably a little harsh, but this might be my least favourite of the three released so far, but only because it was a clear set up for the follow up novel. But what a set up that is, it's made me very excited for the next novel in the series, I can't wait.

Great look into some of the periphery characters and overall just a very fun read that continues the series highlights of great worldbuilding and good character work.

3.5 I think?

AHHHHH

3.5 rounded up

Every character in this book is truly awful, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it!

Interesting setting and “magic” marred by characters that are barely even cardboard cutouts that absolutely refuse to actually talk to each other and have a full conversation.

3.5 rounded up

:(

DNF@40%

I have no idea if I actually liked this or not. Good world building, interesting characters and factions. Terribly messy plot with too much repetition.