An Vo

I should have read this instead of listening to this book, I felt so much less connected to the story listening to book 2 compared to reading to book 1. Despite that, this is still a great addition to the series, though very clearly a build-up book towards the ending in book 3 (now I'm excited). I love the parents-daughter relationship between Essun/Jija and Nassun, it's very dark but very real and heartbreaking. Will definitely read book 3.

First cozy sci-fi read, must say I like it better than most cozy fantasy books I have read. The plot is still not very tight, unfortunately. 

To quote a fellow reader on Reddit, “it's like reading about a poor puppy getting kicked”. This couldn't be more accurate. This book is slow, and full of lows with not many (if any) highs for Fitz. My poor boy :( I don't think this series is for me, unfortunately, despite the very compelling cast of characters.

For a book called Shark Heart, it's incredibly human. Beautifully written story.

I am pleasantl surprised by how much I love this book! If you're looking for a cozy fantasy where things ACTUALLY happen and matter, this is the book! Mona is the most realistic 14-year-old kid I have ever read in fiction, with amazing character development. Also, I love Bob the sourdough starter!

This book is just meh? It brings up some valid discussion but essentially there is no new or interesting perspective on feminism in this book, at least to me. The pacing is weird in the first half, and the cannibalism bit is just not that enticing, unfortunately. There are way too many lengthy internal monologs that do not move the plot forward. 

It is very hard for me to form an opinion about this book. Most of the book is a slop, BUT the depiction of a corrupted regime and the people living in it is very moving. This book is extremely plot driven, so it is only good when the plot is good, which is about the last 1/4. At the end of the book, I still failed to connect with any characters. The characters don't seem to be moving the plot, the plot seems to just “happens” to them unfortunately. 
Also, please read the trigger warnings before reading this book.

I don't think short story is Kuang's strong suit. This story has a lot of potential though the reveal is done a bit too abruptly. I need this in a full length novel (or even a novela).

Brilliant work of dark urban fantasy. I loved the alchemy system, I adored the characters. I enjoyed the exploration of heavy topics in this book. The only thing I didn't quite like was that sometimes, the book didn't quite trust me to understand characters' actions and intentions on my own.

I was supposed to love this book, with all the themes of control, imperialism, and love. In the end, unfortunately, it fell short in actually developing all the plot points that would carry those themes. Especially in part 2, the pacing shifts so sharply from part 1 that the second half feels almost rushed. By the time I reached the end, all I really felt was relief that it was finally done, an unfortunate reaction to such a beautifully written book.

This is production value. 

Funny and absurdly ridiculous. Love it.

My bookclub is gonna hate me...
I can excuse the atrocious writing style, but I draw the line at that ending. The only way a strong, talented woman with such powerful one-in-a-million magic can defeat a man is to sacrifice all her magic. Ah yes, the good old lesson. The writing of this book reads like the author thinks the readers are all 10 year olds, with many many cases of repeating the same point/sentence many times ON THE SAME PAGE to make sure we really get what is going on. 
Also, it would have been nice to see an autistic character representation in Posy, if the book didn't portray her to be absolutely nothing but a burden to everyone around her. And what is up with the character of Nicholas (if not just a meaningless plot device)?

I love everything about this book, even more than I have expected. It is a book about propaganda, control, ambition, and most importantly, about love. The writing is poetic, lyrical, and absurdly beautiful. The characters, through many of their lives and fates, become so real, so genuine, and so worth rooting for. 10/10 no notes.

Beautifully written. Definitely a must read book for all.

To the people that said this book is “Babel meets Fourth Wing”, please stop recommending books altogether. Please and thank you.

This book tried to be a coming-of-age, romance, AND murder mystery book. I only care about the coming of age part to be honest, that's where most of the heart of the books is, telling a story of a deeply wronged child. The romance part was icky, authors need to stop writing love story between an adult and a minor. The murder mystery and the twisted ending was whatever. This could have been a 3/5 book, but then I remember that one page where the author decided to use racial slurs about 10 times for literally no reason, adding nothing to the story. Stop doing that, especially if you are white geez.

Lovely plot, amazing romance, extremely little character development. Both Roman and Iris are exactly the same people as they were at the end of book 1. Still, very good book.

I need more people to start reading and talking about this book. Brilliant work of fantasy with amazingly well-written political conflicts and reflection, not to mention very loveable characters.

Margo, girl, your life's a mess.

I am mad that I don't love this book. There are so many moments that genuinely made me feel like this could have been my new favorite. The middle section from about 40% to 80% was SEVERELY boring. It was not like nothing happened, but essentially nothing of substance happened. We kind of lost the plot after the first climax and the suspense about Phoenix after was not well written enough to keep me interested. 

Extremely fun read and a true adventure story. I only wish the crew could have more time to shine, hopefully more in the next book then!

An uncomfortable but very interesting read. 

There are no such things as “required readings” before you read this book. The only thing you need is a mind that thinks critically.
This is the first book with a happy ending that R. F. Kuang has written 🫢

So this book did waste my time ✌🏻 I have nothing good to say about the plot, the characters, and the writing. Amazing illustrations though.