Wednesday 15 May 2013

Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

GoodReads Summary: Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely—but in whose favor, no one knows.

- Add to GoodReads
Publication date: 09/07/13

Raven Flight follows Neryn and Tali as they venture across Alban to seek out the elusive Guardians that are essential in Neryn's training as a Caller. The unlikely duo are opposites, but both are admirable in their own right. Neryn has a sort of quiet strength about her, she never complains or whines when things get tough. Tali on the other hand is tough and outspoken. They are the epitome of strong female characters, and the blossoming friendship between the pair is beautiful.

However, having said all that I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy Raven Flight as much as I had hoped to. It was a slow-paced sequel, and I often found myself skimming over the descriptions. I didn't mind that the pacing of the first book was slow, but usually from a sequel I expect action. 

Flint and Neryn both have separate duties that weigh heavily on them, and so conflict arises in their relationship. The two tread very different paths - as the Kings most trusted Enforcer Flint has to do what he can to avoid arousing suspicion and prove that he's loyal. Neryn on the other hand must travel across Alban to seek out the Guardians, while at the same time avoid being captured by the Enforcers. Being together is dangerous as they can be used against each other, and this of course cannot happen as they both play an important role in freeing Alban from the grips of the King. Although they are apart for most of the book, Flint and Neryn do share some sweet moments when they briefly meet.

It was towards the end where things really started  to picked up, and I became truly engaged. The last quarter of the book really packed a punch, and I hope that this sudden appearance of heart stopping revelations and excitement carries over to book 3.

Despite not loving Raven Flight as much as Shadowfell I will still be picking up the final book in the trilogy when it's released. 

Rating:

9 comments:

  1. I really despise it when books are slow paced for the majority of the time then suddenly become intersting at the very end. I haven't read this series but I don't think I will anyway, the plot line hasn't really caught me.

    Lovely review, Renu! <33

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well I've seen this book around but I didn't know it was a sequel. It's too bad when the sequel is slow and you have troubles with it. I'm glad that you've enjoyed some parts of it though :) Great review Renu :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I haven't read the first book in this series, but it's a bummer this sequel is so slow. At least it picks up at the end though, I tend to forgive a lot of flaws if something ends really strongly! Looking forward to seeing what you think of the last book when it comes out!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fantastic review, Renu! Have I ever told you that I'm seriously obsessed with your blog font? It makes my day whenever I see it <33

    Also, I'm sorry the plot was really slow for you. I would have the same problem; I'm a really big plot-centered reader, so if it's slow so many other things happen for me, but I'm happy that it picked up in the end. The romance also sounds really sweet :) I might pass this one up, but I'm happy you enjoyed it still!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have Shadowfell from Netgalley but still haven't got to read it yet. So, I'm disappointed to hear that as a sequel, this didn't live up to it's predecessor. Great honest review Renu :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Aw, bummer. I did like Shadowfell, but wasn't in love with it. I've yet to be convinced that I should read the sequel, especially if you say the pacing was so slow and very little happens. It's good to hear that Neryn is still a good character though!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aww, what a shame! :( I was really looking forward to this one and to hear it suffers from MBS has drastically lowered my excitement for it. Still, like you, I'll be reading this one and the last installment in the trilogy. Only for Flint! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review sweetie :) I'm glad you enjoyed the ending of this book, although the rest was pretty slow.. I have not heard of this series before, and I don't think I will be reading it. Depends on your thoughts on the final book :D I hope you will love the next one more than you loved this :) Thank you for sharing. <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. The slow paced sequels always get to me and sorry you didn't enjoy as much as you wanted

    ReplyDelete