Dish
- very atmospheric
- an incredible follow up to the prequel
- beautiful writing, as expected
- a little confusing in the first third, but the build-up to the climax is phenomenal
- highly conducive to a re-read, as with gideon
- well-developed plot, characters, and world/setting
- creepy and atmospheric
- nearly perfect blend of action, adventure, and romance
- good pacing, genuinely funny and heartfelt
- has a slightly rushed ending, though there is plenty of potential for development with a sequel
- not sure about cara's addition to the group in the latter third – i would've preferred a slower ending with just the main characters instead
a very fast-paced, tense, and innovative story — an incredible introduction to a fascinating world and powerful main character, though not very forthcoming with explanations
- very atmospheric
- intriguing premise, though not fully realised
- has strong characters that are somewhat under-utilised
- low plot, low stakes
- strange pacing
- the romance should taken priority, but it was slow to be introduced and then rushed to an abrupt ending — one that does more to set up the following books than properly conclude this one
- needed a lot more editing
- a fun, adventurous, (surprisingly) romantic, and resounding conclusion to a remarkably unique trilogy with a triumphant heroine who remains fierce and powerful to the end
- the ending leaves a little bit to be desired; some questions are left unanswered/unexplained
has a slow, methodical pace with a very interesting payoff; a little light on actual plot and guilty of minor character assassination, but a vast improvement on its predecessor nonetheless.
- wonderfully realised and well-developed characters
- very moving and utterly devastating
- funny and sombre at exactly the right times
- morally exasperating but only occasionally, and is pretty self-aware
- sweet and tender friendships, romance, and relationships throughout
a brilliant take on grief, mourning, change, and nostalgia, with lyrical prose and some incredible character development for chih. a great change of pace for this series — a more subdued, meditative glimpse into chih's personal life outside of their role as a scribe and cleric. an enchanting story about those whose lives revolve around the art of storytelling and story-keeping, and a sobering contemplation on the flaws of the human condition. a truly remarkable addition to the singing hills cycle.
Merged review:
a brilliant take on grief, mourning, change, and nostalgia, with lyrical prose and some incredible character development for chih. a great change of pace for this series — a more subdued, meditative glimpse into chih's personal life outside of their role as a scribe and cleric. an enchanting story about those whose lives revolve around the art of storytelling and story-keeping, and a sobering contemplation on the flaws of the human condition. a truly remarkable addition to the singing hills cycle.
- compulsively readable
- builds on the first novella spectacularly, expanding more on the world and characters of binti
- wonderful blend of nostalgia and new adventure; old family and new
- feels a little like a bridge between the first and second books, but a valuable entry into the binti trilogy nonetheless