Reviews

The Shining City by Kate Forsyth

celiapowell's review against another edition

3.0

After the extended road trip that is The Tower of Ravens, Rhiannon, love of her life Lewen, and the other witches-to-be end up in the city at... well, I've forgetten what it's called, but the big witch's academy. Rhiannon spends almost the entirety of this book in a gaol cell, going a little bit crazy. Lewen spends a lot of the book going a little bit crazy about Rhiannon being stuck in a a gaol cell, and being oblivious to the attentions of his childhood friend Olwynne. Also, there is political intrigue. And a sea princess with gills. As with the first book, almost too many plot points going on in this book - and while it doesn't end on quite as much of a cliffhanger as the first book, it's still cliffhanger-esque. And the dialect-y dialogue continues, much to my irritation.

sassafras_kate's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

therearenobadbooks's review

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

hazeyjane_2's review against another edition

3.0

I got a bit tired of the love melodrama and the constant focus on Rhiannon, but overall this was a good read. The details of Lucrescre, the prison and the fairies are well written, and I warmed towards Bronnwen by the end.

My favourite part was probably Thunderlily and the Celestials - I was angling for Bronnwen/Thunderlily, but unfortunately that didn’t pan out.

mousie_books's review against another edition

3.0

Rhiannon awaits trial for the murder in Sorrowgate Tower in Lucescere, where she is haunted by a powerful and ruthless spirit. Meanwhile, Olwynne is disturbed by reoccurring dreams of Lachlan's murder.

I liked the second book in the trilogy, but the plot felt a little slow and disjointed at times. I was happy that Isabeau and the royal family featured prominently.

vaderbird's review against another edition

4.0

5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish

leeshacourtney's review against another edition

5.0

Couldn’t put it down. Arguably better than the first!

jasmeralia's review against another edition

4.0

Devoured this in one sitting. I really loved that some of my favorite characters-- and their troublesome children-- are back in action in this book. The old and the new meld beautifully-- and darkly-- together in some lovely prose.

Forsyth is my favorite Celtic writer, for sure.