I actually liked this one way better than the first (this is one of those time when I REALLY wish that Goodreads had a larger number of stars--first one would be a 6 and this one would be a 7.5ish, aka not quite 4 stars under the current system. Yeesh Terra, overthink much?). The story kept me on my toes and wanting to keep reading, but I felt less OMG I AM AFEARED while reading it. There was still something of an overdose of Suffering Suffering Suffering going on--people weeping and wailing in ways that became totally wearing (yes, alliteration, we are friends), but for totally legit reasons that made it hard to be like "STOP WHINGING". I am also slightly worried that He Who Shall Be King (maybe) is my least favorite of the three main characters. He's kind of a dumbass, and I want him to be a lot awesomer. Get it together, man. The other two characters kicked some serious ass, however, and I am TOTALLY in favor of their ickle romance--it suits. My only character-y quibble is that Christopher's decision to not tell people things struck me as being more of a good way to advance the plot than a thing that made actual sense for him to be doing. Overall, more enjoyable than the first, and with waaay more interesting cultural/psychological subtext going on in it, which made it feel a lot more deep and satisfying. So, nicely done Moorehawke book 2. I loved the poison throne, so I was very excited to read the next book. Unfortunately I was extremely disappointed. Spoilers AheadThe main problem I have with this book is Wynter, she's meant to be the main character and she reads more like a narrator. I was looking forward to her being on her own for this book, living independently. Yet she meets up with Razi and Christopher very early and then proceeded to just do whatever they wanted. Both of these men hold back important information throughout the book, despite Wynter asking what is going on, they never explain. It would have been ok if it were treated like a bad thing, but instead she is perfectly understanding, even when this continually gets them into trouble. We get told that she is a strong and independent character, but really she just appears to be a doormat. I found myself do frustrated by the end of the story.I also found that the plot did not progress enough. The whole section with the Merron's did not add much to the overall story and dragged on far too long. This whole book seemed more like a filler part, which is not great when it encompasses the whole book.Overall not impressed, but I did enjoy the first, so I'll give the third a go.
What do You think about Geisterpfade (2010)?
Really good. Interested to see how these turn out in the end.
—Ruffa
almost as good as the first - compelling and full of suspense
—chelsea
