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The Split Worlds #2
Any Other Name
Cat has been forced into an arranged marriage with William – a situation that comes with far more strings than even she could have anticipated, especially when she learns of his family’s intentions for them both.
Meanwhile, Max and the gargoyle investigate The Agency – a mysterious organisation that appears to play by its own rules – and none of them favourable to Society.
Over in Mundanus, Sam has discovered something very peculiar about his wife’s employer – something that could herald a change for everyone in both sides of the Split Worlds.
Meanwhile, Max and the gargoyle investigate The Agency – a mysterious organisation that appears to play by its own rules – and none of them favourable to Society.
Over in Mundanus, Sam has discovered something very peculiar about his wife’s employer – something that could herald a change for everyone in both sides of the Split Worlds.
11 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2013
59 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
About the author
Emma Newman
97 books1,774 followersEmma Newman writes short stories, novels and novellas in multiple speculative fiction genres. She is also a Hugo Award-winning podcaster and an audiobook narrator.
She won the British Fantasy Society Best Short Story Award 2015 for “A Woman’s Place” in the 221 Baker Streets anthology. 'Between Two Thorns', the first book in Emma's Split Worlds urban fantasy series, was shortlisted for the BFS Best Novel and Best Newcomer 2014 awards. Her science-fiction novel, After Atlas, was shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke award and the third novel in the Planetfall series, Before Mars, has been shortlisted for a BSFA Best Novel award. The Planetfall series was shortlisted for the 2020 Best Series Hugo Award.
Emma currently creates a podcast called 'Imagining Tomorrow' for Friends of the Earth. Her hobbies include dressmaking, LARP and tabletop role playing. www.enewman.co.uk.
She won the British Fantasy Society Best Short Story Award 2015 for “A Woman’s Place” in the 221 Baker Streets anthology. 'Between Two Thorns', the first book in Emma's Split Worlds urban fantasy series, was shortlisted for the BFS Best Novel and Best Newcomer 2014 awards. Her science-fiction novel, After Atlas, was shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke award and the third novel in the Planetfall series, Before Mars, has been shortlisted for a BSFA Best Novel award. The Planetfall series was shortlisted for the 2020 Best Series Hugo Award.
Emma currently creates a podcast called 'Imagining Tomorrow' for Friends of the Earth. Her hobbies include dressmaking, LARP and tabletop role playing. www.enewman.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
February 7, 2017
TW: Rape & Abuse
This is even better than the first book in the series. I loved getting to know Cathy and the other characters. I really felt that she was developed and improved as the story went, and she stood up for herself in some really horrible situations. Cathy has fast become a favourite character for me and she's definitely someone I admire and sympathise with.
I also really enjoyed the questions of hierarchy in society. This book has two characters challenge one another directly over rape, social expectations, and blackmail. The Victorian setting combined with the modern England setting gives some of these characters more confidence to speak up and help each other when others won't. There are certainly rumblings of lady power and sticking together within this story, and I loved that!
The Fae magic continues to intrigue me. I am always in awe of just how ruthless the Fae Lords can be!
I also like the character of Sam (a human) and Max (an arbiter) as they help flesh out all three of the Split World's and I feel like there's always more going on than meets the eye initially.
Obviously I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it's an improvement on book #1. I'd certainly recommend this series wholeheartedly and I'm going straight onto book #3 to see what happens next! 4.5*s
This is even better than the first book in the series. I loved getting to know Cathy and the other characters. I really felt that she was developed and improved as the story went, and she stood up for herself in some really horrible situations. Cathy has fast become a favourite character for me and she's definitely someone I admire and sympathise with.
I also really enjoyed the questions of hierarchy in society. This book has two characters challenge one another directly over rape, social expectations, and blackmail. The Victorian setting combined with the modern England setting gives some of these characters more confidence to speak up and help each other when others won't. There are certainly rumblings of lady power and sticking together within this story, and I loved that!
The Fae magic continues to intrigue me. I am always in awe of just how ruthless the Fae Lords can be!
I also like the character of Sam (a human) and Max (an arbiter) as they help flesh out all three of the Split World's and I feel like there's always more going on than meets the eye initially.
Obviously I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it's an improvement on book #1. I'd certainly recommend this series wholeheartedly and I'm going straight onto book #3 to see what happens next! 4.5*s
July 28, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/07/28/...
Any Other Name is the second book of Emma Newman’s The Split Worlds series, and things are certainly getting very interesting. I read this one as part of the SF/F Read Along group, and as you can imagine, the last month has been filled with much intense and spirited discussion over the characters’ outrageous actions and other unexpected surprises in the story.
While I’ll be keeping plot details to a minimum without going into anything beyond the publisher’s description to keep this review spoiler-free, bear in mind that this novel builds upon the events of the previous one and can’t really be read as a standalone. Back in Between Two Thorns, readers got to meet Catherine Papaver, a young woman who was living in double life in Mundanus while trying to escape the old-fashioned society of the Nether. Any Other Name sees Cathy back in her home world after being dragged back by her family, and against her wishes she is quickly married off to William of house Iris.
Will himself is also tasked with an impossible mission. His patron fae lord has demanded of him the Londinium throne, leaving the newly-wed couple no choice but to move to London’s mirror city in the Nether. Cathy reluctantly tries to integrate herself into their new social circles, while Will sets about finding allies to support his bid for dukedom. As much as he wants to be a good husband to Cathy though, certain desires and other dark temptations seek to draw him onto a different path. Meanwhile, Max the Arbiter continues to investigate the Agency in an attempt to uncover the mysterious circumstances behind the Bath Chapter incident, and Sam also seeks out magical help to figure out what’s wrong with his wife Leanne.
I liked this book, probably just as much, if not more, than its predecessor. While I’m not completely blown away by this series yet, I think we’re gradually getting there, with layers upon layers being built up in the story. In my review of the first book, I commented on the disjointedness of the plot as well as the imbalance the character POVs. Thankfully, these aspects are much improved in the sequel, even though there are still many threads that need to be addressed. I still think there’s way too much going on here all at once, but on the whole this book answered a lot of the questions I had after finishing Between Two Thorns, so I was pleased.
This sequel was a lot easier to read too, now that I have a better understanding of the world. The story was less hampered by the details, which allowed me to settle back and simply let myself be swept away by its events. I gained a deeper appreciation for this relationship between the realms of Exilium, Mundanus, and the in-between world of the Nether. Furthermore, groups like the Arbiters or the Agency who have the ability to affect more than one of these places add an intriguing dynamic to the situation. Max got his chance to play a bigger role again in this volume, allying with Cathy to investigate the dastardly Agency and even briefly teaming up with Sam to see what’s going on with Leanne. This latter plot development was perhaps my favorite part of the novel, and I’m pleasantly surprised at how thoroughly I’ve enjoyed this thread of mystery.
That said, certain aspects of this novel were…problematic. I remain torn on a couple of our main characters, since one moment they would be turning me off, but the next they could be redeeming themselves. I don’t often flip-flop so much on my feelings for characters, but I definitely sense a “soap opera” quality to some of their dramatics. Still, Cathy is actually a much stronger person in my eyes this time, thinking things through instead of just digging in her heels. Plus, she is starting to see beyond her own predicament, perhaps reaching out to help others as well. Sam steps up too, trying to do some good in his own bumbling way, and I found myself rooting for his cause. In contrast, Max shows us what it means to be literally soulless, having no qualms about resorting to unsavory means to get the information he needs. And Will…oh Will. Pretty much every other thing he did made me angry. It’s a good thing I’m keeping this review sans spoilers so I won’t have to go into details, or else we’d be here forever.
I will say this about The Split Worlds series, though: it’s incredibly addictive. I’m officially hooked, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next, especially after the way this book ended. I don’t know what Emma Newman has in store for us, but it’s clear none of her characters are going to come out of this clean and unscathed. Now onward to All Is Fair!
Any Other Name is the second book of Emma Newman’s The Split Worlds series, and things are certainly getting very interesting. I read this one as part of the SF/F Read Along group, and as you can imagine, the last month has been filled with much intense and spirited discussion over the characters’ outrageous actions and other unexpected surprises in the story.
While I’ll be keeping plot details to a minimum without going into anything beyond the publisher’s description to keep this review spoiler-free, bear in mind that this novel builds upon the events of the previous one and can’t really be read as a standalone. Back in Between Two Thorns, readers got to meet Catherine Papaver, a young woman who was living in double life in Mundanus while trying to escape the old-fashioned society of the Nether. Any Other Name sees Cathy back in her home world after being dragged back by her family, and against her wishes she is quickly married off to William of house Iris.
Will himself is also tasked with an impossible mission. His patron fae lord has demanded of him the Londinium throne, leaving the newly-wed couple no choice but to move to London’s mirror city in the Nether. Cathy reluctantly tries to integrate herself into their new social circles, while Will sets about finding allies to support his bid for dukedom. As much as he wants to be a good husband to Cathy though, certain desires and other dark temptations seek to draw him onto a different path. Meanwhile, Max the Arbiter continues to investigate the Agency in an attempt to uncover the mysterious circumstances behind the Bath Chapter incident, and Sam also seeks out magical help to figure out what’s wrong with his wife Leanne.
I liked this book, probably just as much, if not more, than its predecessor. While I’m not completely blown away by this series yet, I think we’re gradually getting there, with layers upon layers being built up in the story. In my review of the first book, I commented on the disjointedness of the plot as well as the imbalance the character POVs. Thankfully, these aspects are much improved in the sequel, even though there are still many threads that need to be addressed. I still think there’s way too much going on here all at once, but on the whole this book answered a lot of the questions I had after finishing Between Two Thorns, so I was pleased.
This sequel was a lot easier to read too, now that I have a better understanding of the world. The story was less hampered by the details, which allowed me to settle back and simply let myself be swept away by its events. I gained a deeper appreciation for this relationship between the realms of Exilium, Mundanus, and the in-between world of the Nether. Furthermore, groups like the Arbiters or the Agency who have the ability to affect more than one of these places add an intriguing dynamic to the situation. Max got his chance to play a bigger role again in this volume, allying with Cathy to investigate the dastardly Agency and even briefly teaming up with Sam to see what’s going on with Leanne. This latter plot development was perhaps my favorite part of the novel, and I’m pleasantly surprised at how thoroughly I’ve enjoyed this thread of mystery.
That said, certain aspects of this novel were…problematic. I remain torn on a couple of our main characters, since one moment they would be turning me off, but the next they could be redeeming themselves. I don’t often flip-flop so much on my feelings for characters, but I definitely sense a “soap opera” quality to some of their dramatics. Still, Cathy is actually a much stronger person in my eyes this time, thinking things through instead of just digging in her heels. Plus, she is starting to see beyond her own predicament, perhaps reaching out to help others as well. Sam steps up too, trying to do some good in his own bumbling way, and I found myself rooting for his cause. In contrast, Max shows us what it means to be literally soulless, having no qualms about resorting to unsavory means to get the information he needs. And Will…oh Will. Pretty much every other thing he did made me angry. It’s a good thing I’m keeping this review sans spoilers so I won’t have to go into details, or else we’d be here forever.
I will say this about The Split Worlds series, though: it’s incredibly addictive. I’m officially hooked, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next, especially after the way this book ended. I don’t know what Emma Newman has in store for us, but it’s clear none of her characters are going to come out of this clean and unscathed. Now onward to All Is Fair!
June 11, 2017
FINALLY finished this book! It is a good book, I just wasn't in the right mood for it while I was reading it :(
proper review to come :)
proper review to come :)
May 25, 2013
Note: This is a book 2. I am going to try to be as spoiler-less as possible, but if you haven't read book 1, Between Two Worlds, then don't read this review. And go read book 1, it was excellent.
Middle books are not usually my favorites - I fully realize their importance, they just usually aren't the books I like best in the series. Any Other Name was fantastic and is high on my list of Best Middle Books in a Trilogy. I liked book 2 more than book 1 (and I really enjoyed book 1). Part of the reason is that there wasn't too much time between the reading of books 1 and 2. Also there isn't a lot of retreading past events or rehashing series info. You start pretty much exactly where we left off and you hit the ground running. The pace was fast but not rushed, and I felt that all of the players got enough facetime to keep the various plotlines coherent.
I gave up sleep to finish this book and was very glad I did.
Lots of conspiracies, a wedding, complex relationships, characters trying to navigate the very perilous path between their own wishes and those of their families and Fae patrons. Life in the Nether seemed like walking a tightrope with boiling lava on one side and snapping crocodiles on the other.
The characters are progressing too. In book 1, I didn't get as good a feel for Sam, but in this one I did. I always felt bad for him, and this just cemented my hope that he finds some kind of happiness. I still love Cathy. She is smart in some ways, so naive in others. Getting more of a backbone, or at least learning to navigate better, I liked her new sense of purpose. Her character is so interesting to me. She has lived in both the strict society of the Nether and in the more liberated mundane world. To have tasted freedom and then have to be stuffed back into a role she never wanted is heartbreaking but I have hope that she will be OK. Her interaction with Will was a good part. I'm not sold on anything about them, but I think that is a good thing. [Note: If you are a die-hard romance fan, you might not like certain aspects of this book.]
I've read many period romances that gloss over the realities of living in a society where you really have no rights. I think this book conveyed well the horror of having the rights most of us take for granted stripped away, and does it without being preachy about it.
You know you are getting into a book when you want to pull characters aside for a little chat. Will, you are an idiot. An idiot with good intentions, but you pissed me the hell off. Max, you need to listen to your gargoyle more. Mr. Sorcerer - there is something so very off about you. I feel some good bits of secrets spilling in book 3.
Because this is a middle book, we are of course left with more questions than answers, but I anticipated that, so it didn't bother me. I loved the set up and can't wait to see what happens in the conclusion. Just a few more months to go.
[received an ARC to review]
Middle books are not usually my favorites - I fully realize their importance, they just usually aren't the books I like best in the series. Any Other Name was fantastic and is high on my list of Best Middle Books in a Trilogy. I liked book 2 more than book 1 (and I really enjoyed book 1). Part of the reason is that there wasn't too much time between the reading of books 1 and 2. Also there isn't a lot of retreading past events or rehashing series info. You start pretty much exactly where we left off and you hit the ground running. The pace was fast but not rushed, and I felt that all of the players got enough facetime to keep the various plotlines coherent.
I gave up sleep to finish this book and was very glad I did.
Lots of conspiracies, a wedding, complex relationships, characters trying to navigate the very perilous path between their own wishes and those of their families and Fae patrons. Life in the Nether seemed like walking a tightrope with boiling lava on one side and snapping crocodiles on the other.
The characters are progressing too. In book 1, I didn't get as good a feel for Sam, but in this one I did. I always felt bad for him, and this just cemented my hope that he finds some kind of happiness. I still love Cathy. She is smart in some ways, so naive in others. Getting more of a backbone, or at least learning to navigate better, I liked her new sense of purpose. Her character is so interesting to me. She has lived in both the strict society of the Nether and in the more liberated mundane world. To have tasted freedom and then have to be stuffed back into a role she never wanted is heartbreaking but I have hope that she will be OK. Her interaction with Will was a good part. I'm not sold on anything about them, but I think that is a good thing. [Note: If you are a die-hard romance fan, you might not like certain aspects of this book.]
I've read many period romances that gloss over the realities of living in a society where you really have no rights. I think this book conveyed well the horror of having the rights most of us take for granted stripped away, and does it without being preachy about it.
You know you are getting into a book when you want to pull characters aside for a little chat. Will, you are an idiot. An idiot with good intentions, but you pissed me the hell off. Max, you need to listen to your gargoyle more. Mr. Sorcerer - there is something so very off about you. I feel some good bits of secrets spilling in book 3.
Because this is a middle book, we are of course left with more questions than answers, but I anticipated that, so it didn't bother me. I loved the set up and can't wait to see what happens in the conclusion. Just a few more months to go.
[received an ARC to review]
January 22, 2019
4.5/5
TW : rape, abuse, torture
I want to give this 5 stars, if I was only following my instincts and the way I enjoyed this story it would be. But there's a plot point here that scares me and I don't know how it ill be resolved... I hope it's done well, I really want to thrust Emma Newman for this, I'm just not sure yet. So I'll see what happens next.
However, how dare you make me love a character and then make him do that ? WHY
TW : rape, abuse, torture
I want to give this 5 stars, if I was only following my instincts and the way I enjoyed this story it would be. But there's a plot point here that scares me and I don't know how it ill be resolved... I hope it's done well, I really want to thrust Emma Newman for this, I'm just not sure yet. So I'll see what happens next.
However, how dare you make me love a character and then make him do that ? WHY
October 31, 2022
Such a great series so far. I’m loving everything about it
July 17, 2016
https://lynns-books.com/2016/07/03/an...
Any Other Name is the second book in Emma Newman’s Split World series which brings to us the separate worlds of the Fae (Exilium) and the modern day (Mundanus) – split by the Nether world where aristocratic families, rivals for power and position, still live in a world in a bubble or timewarp. A world where the people, fae touched, barely age. They hold to old traditions and are not affected by the modern world to which they are anchored.
In the first instalment we are introduced to a number of characters and storylines. Cathy, who ran away from the Nether and hid for a while in Mundanus. Cathy was eventually returned to her family and forced into an arranged marriage, with Will, against her wishes. Will is one of those characters that takes one step forward and then slides two gigantic strides back. He makes a few gestures in the right direction but his impatience then gets the better of him usually followed my several major gaffs. There’s a reason for sayings such as ‘fools rush in…’ and Will is one of those reasons! We also met Sam, a regular mundane chap, who through a fluke of fate became involved with the fae, beholden to Lord Poppy and involved in the world of the Arbiters at the same time that his marriage is falling apart. The Arbiters are like the regulators keeping the rules that exist between the Nether World and Mundanus from being broken. Unfortunately the world of the Arbiters is under threat and one of the Arbiters called Max and a gargoyle, that currently houses his soul, are investigating a number of disturbing deaths and apparent corruption. Finally, we have The Agency. The Agency is there to serve the Nether world – they basically meet whatever requirements the aristocracy have in terms of staff, houses and other such needs, they also seem to act as a clean up between the world of the Nether and Mundanus covering over any potential tracks between the two.
When I actually came to write up this review it made me realise how many different threads are really going on in this story. Complicated yet further by the conclusion of this book with the Elemental Court also being thrown into the mix. So, quite a lot of plot lines and quite a lot of characters to come to grips with. This instalment sees Cathy coming to a resolution about the Nether world that gives her a new purpose. Will makes a rather rash challenge. The Arbiter thread takes on a new level of threat and Sam agrees to an alliance with the Elemental Court that could be a little ill advised.
I enjoy Emma Newman’s writing, I think she does a very good job of laying a calm facade over what could potentially become a chaotic story. She also has the ability to really stir your emotions in terms of her characters. Certainly she makes your blood boil with frustration at the actions of some of them.
In terms of criticisms, the plot has a slow, slightly meandering feel to it at times and some of the threads introduced, which seem so significant at the time, almost disappear into oblivion.
That being said I find myself hooked to the series and looking forward to the next book All is Fair. Lets just see what happens next!
I received a copy of Any Other Name courtesy of the publisher for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Any Other Name is the second book in Emma Newman’s Split World series which brings to us the separate worlds of the Fae (Exilium) and the modern day (Mundanus) – split by the Nether world where aristocratic families, rivals for power and position, still live in a world in a bubble or timewarp. A world where the people, fae touched, barely age. They hold to old traditions and are not affected by the modern world to which they are anchored.
In the first instalment we are introduced to a number of characters and storylines. Cathy, who ran away from the Nether and hid for a while in Mundanus. Cathy was eventually returned to her family and forced into an arranged marriage, with Will, against her wishes. Will is one of those characters that takes one step forward and then slides two gigantic strides back. He makes a few gestures in the right direction but his impatience then gets the better of him usually followed my several major gaffs. There’s a reason for sayings such as ‘fools rush in…’ and Will is one of those reasons! We also met Sam, a regular mundane chap, who through a fluke of fate became involved with the fae, beholden to Lord Poppy and involved in the world of the Arbiters at the same time that his marriage is falling apart. The Arbiters are like the regulators keeping the rules that exist between the Nether World and Mundanus from being broken. Unfortunately the world of the Arbiters is under threat and one of the Arbiters called Max and a gargoyle, that currently houses his soul, are investigating a number of disturbing deaths and apparent corruption. Finally, we have The Agency. The Agency is there to serve the Nether world – they basically meet whatever requirements the aristocracy have in terms of staff, houses and other such needs, they also seem to act as a clean up between the world of the Nether and Mundanus covering over any potential tracks between the two.
When I actually came to write up this review it made me realise how many different threads are really going on in this story. Complicated yet further by the conclusion of this book with the Elemental Court also being thrown into the mix. So, quite a lot of plot lines and quite a lot of characters to come to grips with. This instalment sees Cathy coming to a resolution about the Nether world that gives her a new purpose. Will makes a rather rash challenge. The Arbiter thread takes on a new level of threat and Sam agrees to an alliance with the Elemental Court that could be a little ill advised.
I enjoy Emma Newman’s writing, I think she does a very good job of laying a calm facade over what could potentially become a chaotic story. She also has the ability to really stir your emotions in terms of her characters. Certainly she makes your blood boil with frustration at the actions of some of them.
In terms of criticisms, the plot has a slow, slightly meandering feel to it at times and some of the threads introduced, which seem so significant at the time, almost disappear into oblivion.
That being said I find myself hooked to the series and looking forward to the next book All is Fair. Lets just see what happens next!
I received a copy of Any Other Name courtesy of the publisher for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
May 17, 2013
*Copy received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you Net Galley and Angry Robot Books*
*If you haven't read Between Two Thorns, don't read this review*
Ahhhh, I loved this book! This one was even better than Between Two Thorns and I adored that one! There is nothing to dislike about this series. The book covers are beautiful, the content is amazing and the author is a wonderful person. So helpful and has all the time in the world for her fans.
Any Other Name picks up where Between Two Thorns left off. Cathy is being prepared to marry William and she finally has a heart to heart with her father - something I thought would never happen. Her initial plan to escape has just been thwarted through her Mother's drugging of her and the stupor that Cathy is continuously in. It's a torturous first scene to the book; I was willing Cathy to come around and to just get right out of there! I was dreading her having to succumb to a marriage organised by the patriarchy that she so despises.
Max the arbiter and Sam are still working on sorting out the same issues from the previous book, but things have gotten much murkier. Sam's wife is in danger and they are working on finding out a way to help her. It appears that things aren't exactly what they seem in her new job in London. There are many twists, turns and revelations. Alongside this, Sam is being continuously sucked into Exilium by Lord Poppy and getting deeper and deeper into trouble as he goes. As well as this, Max is trying to sort through The Agency to discover what the murky situation is there. There is so much going on in this book!
I found Will and Cathy's marriage heartbreaking. Neither of them are married to the ideal person. Cathy is a strong independent woman with role models in the form of the Suffragettes. I absolutely love that Newman is exploring the issues of women's rights. It's amazing to see her create a new feminist figure out of Cathy as Cathy contemplates escaping or staying around to fight for the rights of women in her own world. Will is such a conflicting character. Sometimes I really, really like him and I pity him; then his patriarchal side makes an appearance and I get so cranky. Yes, he isn't as bad as the majority of the men but still. Infuriating. I'm looking forward to finding out what develops with Amelia (Will's mistress) and Cornelius in the next book!
This book is filled with action. There is murder attempts, upheaval of patriarchal structures and plenty of threats circulating amongst the characters. The world building continues to be phenomenal and the writing is beautiful. I really can't get enough of this series. In fact, my dissertation supervisor is reading it at the moment and loving it! It would be amazing if it ended up on the syllabus! I really cannot wait for the next book. Highly, highly recommended.
*Thank you Net Galley and Angry Robot Books*
*If you haven't read Between Two Thorns, don't read this review*
Ahhhh, I loved this book! This one was even better than Between Two Thorns and I adored that one! There is nothing to dislike about this series. The book covers are beautiful, the content is amazing and the author is a wonderful person. So helpful and has all the time in the world for her fans.
Any Other Name picks up where Between Two Thorns left off. Cathy is being prepared to marry William and she finally has a heart to heart with her father - something I thought would never happen. Her initial plan to escape has just been thwarted through her Mother's drugging of her and the stupor that Cathy is continuously in. It's a torturous first scene to the book; I was willing Cathy to come around and to just get right out of there! I was dreading her having to succumb to a marriage organised by the patriarchy that she so despises.
Max the arbiter and Sam are still working on sorting out the same issues from the previous book, but things have gotten much murkier. Sam's wife is in danger and they are working on finding out a way to help her. It appears that things aren't exactly what they seem in her new job in London. There are many twists, turns and revelations. Alongside this, Sam is being continuously sucked into Exilium by Lord Poppy and getting deeper and deeper into trouble as he goes. As well as this, Max is trying to sort through The Agency to discover what the murky situation is there. There is so much going on in this book!
I found Will and Cathy's marriage heartbreaking. Neither of them are married to the ideal person. Cathy is a strong independent woman with role models in the form of the Suffragettes. I absolutely love that Newman is exploring the issues of women's rights. It's amazing to see her create a new feminist figure out of Cathy as Cathy contemplates escaping or staying around to fight for the rights of women in her own world. Will is such a conflicting character. Sometimes I really, really like him and I pity him; then his patriarchal side makes an appearance and I get so cranky. Yes, he isn't as bad as the majority of the men but still. Infuriating. I'm looking forward to finding out what develops with Amelia (Will's mistress) and Cornelius in the next book!
This book is filled with action. There is murder attempts, upheaval of patriarchal structures and plenty of threats circulating amongst the characters. The world building continues to be phenomenal and the writing is beautiful. I really can't get enough of this series. In fact, my dissertation supervisor is reading it at the moment and loving it! It would be amazing if it ended up on the syllabus! I really cannot wait for the next book. Highly, highly recommended.
June 6, 2013
See this review and others like it at BadassBookReviews.com!
I really enjoyed Emma Newman's "Split Worlds" debut, Between Two Thorns, but I absolutely loved Any Other Name. It expanded on the wonderful fantasy world and showed new depths to all its characters. I highly recommend this novel to all lovers of fantasy, both traditional and urban.
Cathy was a very fun character in the previous book, but she is especially strong here. I loved seeing her shine in Nether London society. It was so interesting to see her balance her need to be independent and return to our world with her budding acceptance of life with Will. She has always been a very vocal character concerned with her rights as a woman, but it was great to see her realize that she might not be the only woman in the Nether that is unhappy with the status quo. I am interested to see what she does with this realization in the next book and to see how she recovers from the events in this one.
Will grew on me in this novel. He seems to be developing a true affection for Cathy and I even felt sympathy for the way everyone around him seems to pressure or use him. I really liked the relationship development between him and Cathy, but I am very sad by his actions at the end of the book. He has been twisted and his thoughts corrupted by evil people and that caused him to make some grave mistakes.
Sam is becoming more and more interesting as the series goes along. I enjoyed his character in the first book because he was the lone human looking in. Well, in Any Other Name, Sam finds himself wrapped even more tightly in Nether politics and is very personally affected by it. There is some new development in the mystery of Lord Iron and I cannot wait to see how Sam deals with the revelations.
My least favorite plot line deals with Max and the Arbiters. It just feels more confusing than the other plots and I'm not as emotionally connected to anyone involved. I do still love the gargoyle, though, and appreciate the humor and lightness he brings to a darker, more serious storyline.
Though I would be happy reading a book just about Cathy, I really enjoy the intertwining plots and characters that appear throughout each story. I fully enjoyed my second visit to the Split Worlds and I cannot wait for the third book. I have high expectations for the finale of this series, but I know Emma Newman won't disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for providing an ARC copy of this book!
I really enjoyed Emma Newman's "Split Worlds" debut, Between Two Thorns, but I absolutely loved Any Other Name. It expanded on the wonderful fantasy world and showed new depths to all its characters. I highly recommend this novel to all lovers of fantasy, both traditional and urban.
Cathy was a very fun character in the previous book, but she is especially strong here. I loved seeing her shine in Nether London society. It was so interesting to see her balance her need to be independent and return to our world with her budding acceptance of life with Will. She has always been a very vocal character concerned with her rights as a woman, but it was great to see her realize that she might not be the only woman in the Nether that is unhappy with the status quo. I am interested to see what she does with this realization in the next book and to see how she recovers from the events in this one.
Will grew on me in this novel. He seems to be developing a true affection for Cathy and I even felt sympathy for the way everyone around him seems to pressure or use him. I really liked the relationship development between him and Cathy, but I am very sad by his actions at the end of the book. He has been twisted and his thoughts corrupted by evil people and that caused him to make some grave mistakes.
Sam is becoming more and more interesting as the series goes along. I enjoyed his character in the first book because he was the lone human looking in. Well, in Any Other Name, Sam finds himself wrapped even more tightly in Nether politics and is very personally affected by it. There is some new development in the mystery of Lord Iron and I cannot wait to see how Sam deals with the revelations.
My least favorite plot line deals with Max and the Arbiters. It just feels more confusing than the other plots and I'm not as emotionally connected to anyone involved. I do still love the gargoyle, though, and appreciate the humor and lightness he brings to a darker, more serious storyline.
Though I would be happy reading a book just about Cathy, I really enjoy the intertwining plots and characters that appear throughout each story. I fully enjoyed my second visit to the Split Worlds and I cannot wait for the third book. I have high expectations for the finale of this series, but I know Emma Newman won't disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for providing an ARC copy of this book!
December 25, 2015
'Any Other Name' by Emma Newman is the second book in the Split Worlds series. I first found out about this series in a series of weekly short stories that got sent out by the author. This book takes place after the first full volume, not the stories.
The series takes place between our world and the world of the fae. In that world, there are warring factions and families. This story has lots of characters and story threads that continue on from the last time.
This time Catherine has been forced into an arranged marriage and the circumstances are stranger and more binding than a normal human wedding, including her strange wedding ring. Based on the rules, she just wants out. Meanwhile, Max is looking in to the Agency and Sam is finding odd things out over in Mundanus. The main characters are ok, but the book really starts to be interesting when Lord Iris and Lord Poppy get involved. They are probably the more interesting characters.
You really shouldn't begin with this book. You should start with Between Two Thorns or you will founder in the early part of this book. There isn't a recap to get you caught up.
I like Emma Newman's writing and her worldbuilding. I found some of the men characters to be a bit interchangeable and (no pun intended) mundane. I'd like to read more in the series. Book Three is out and Book Four is on the way. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Angry Robot and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The series takes place between our world and the world of the fae. In that world, there are warring factions and families. This story has lots of characters and story threads that continue on from the last time.
This time Catherine has been forced into an arranged marriage and the circumstances are stranger and more binding than a normal human wedding, including her strange wedding ring. Based on the rules, she just wants out. Meanwhile, Max is looking in to the Agency and Sam is finding odd things out over in Mundanus. The main characters are ok, but the book really starts to be interesting when Lord Iris and Lord Poppy get involved. They are probably the more interesting characters.
You really shouldn't begin with this book. You should start with Between Two Thorns or you will founder in the early part of this book. There isn't a recap to get you caught up.
I like Emma Newman's writing and her worldbuilding. I found some of the men characters to be a bit interchangeable and (no pun intended) mundane. I'd like to read more in the series. Book Three is out and Book Four is on the way. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Angry Robot and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 23, 2013
Usually the second book in a series is the weakest. It's filler. It's taking the reader from A to B. But that really isn't the case here. The plot is fast moving and it, and the characters, are engaging.
Cathy is the most complex character i think. A feminist, a girl who wants to live her own life, be with the man of her choice, forced into a victorian esque society where everything is decided for her by her father and then her husband. She moans about it a lot, inwardly, maybe a bit too much, and is negative about herself a lot too. But in that oppressive situation, after being told she is useless at everything, it's not really surprising. She is funny, though, spunky, and that saves her from being annoying.
The other characters, Will, her husband, Max, Sam, are well formed, though perhaps not as much. Will can be a little contradictory. Max and Sam do what they need to.
But it's the Fae Lords who are really vivid. We get a little dealing with Lord Iris and a bit more with Lord Poppy and the former is just creepy, and nasty, while the latter, is nuts. I love Lord Poppy. And I love the gargoyle, and while Cathy isn't my favourite, i can't say I love her, I want her to win out. I want her to be ok, and that's saying a lot.
Like with the first book I have questions. Questions about why things are the way they are, how they work, hopefully they will be explained in the third book, which I am waiting impatiently for. I'm really enjoying this series. I'll be sad when it's over!
Cathy is the most complex character i think. A feminist, a girl who wants to live her own life, be with the man of her choice, forced into a victorian esque society where everything is decided for her by her father and then her husband. She moans about it a lot, inwardly, maybe a bit too much, and is negative about herself a lot too. But in that oppressive situation, after being told she is useless at everything, it's not really surprising. She is funny, though, spunky, and that saves her from being annoying.
The other characters, Will, her husband, Max, Sam, are well formed, though perhaps not as much. Will can be a little contradictory. Max and Sam do what they need to.
But it's the Fae Lords who are really vivid. We get a little dealing with Lord Iris and a bit more with Lord Poppy and the former is just creepy, and nasty, while the latter, is nuts. I love Lord Poppy. And I love the gargoyle, and while Cathy isn't my favourite, i can't say I love her, I want her to win out. I want her to be ok, and that's saying a lot.
Like with the first book I have questions. Questions about why things are the way they are, how they work, hopefully they will be explained in the third book, which I am waiting impatiently for. I'm really enjoying this series. I'll be sad when it's over!
July 20, 2016
If
Between Two Thorns
left me wondering how much worse a world can get – from the perspective of a clever, independent, modern woman – then Any Other Name is a resounding answer of ‘a whole lot and then a bit more’.
I think I'm on 3.5 * for this instalment - I've enjoyed it more than the first as the characters (notably Cathy) have started to come into their own, but WOW it managed to find my rage triggers and give my rant mode a thorough work-out.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend as an entry point to the series. The Split Worlds are a single story in multiple volumes, not independent novels.
Full review.
I think I'm on 3.5 * for this instalment - I've enjoyed it more than the first as the characters (notably Cathy) have started to come into their own, but WOW it managed to find my rage triggers and give my rant mode a thorough work-out.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend as an entry point to the series. The Split Worlds are a single story in multiple volumes, not independent novels.
Full review.
March 25, 2017
I love this series. It's so addictive in a way I can't explain. There was not a single point I found my mind straying when reading, no point I had to backtrack to reread passages from both lack of understanding or distraction. I plowed straight through until I could no longer, until daily responsibilities called me to tend to them instead.
Our primary characters grow and change according to circumstances, they face tragedy and challenges that push them beyond the limits of what they expect.
Even those characters you may not care for so much are guided by a thing outside their range of control. I find I like them just as much as those you are encouraged to like, if only because they lead the story.
The momentum here builds and there was more than one moment I paused to gasp, or I had to take a break to allow information to settle in mind before continuing on.
For more spoilery words, check out my progress notes!
Our primary characters grow and change according to circumstances, they face tragedy and challenges that push them beyond the limits of what they expect.
Even those characters you may not care for so much are guided by a thing outside their range of control. I find I like them just as much as those you are encouraged to like, if only because they lead the story.
The momentum here builds and there was more than one moment I paused to gasp, or I had to take a break to allow information to settle in mind before continuing on.
For more spoilery words, check out my progress notes!
February 4, 2020
Such an improvement to book #1. The more original world building paid off; the characters are more interesting; the plot is quite intriguing.
Book #1 is completely worth the read for how I appreciated this book!
Book #1 is completely worth the read for how I appreciated this book!
July 9, 2019
Love this universe!
June 9, 2020
I LOVE these books. The Victorian society,the Fae, the split worlds. It is all absolutely enthralling.
October 30, 2014
Please be aware this review contains spoilers for both “Any Other Name” and “Between Two Thorns”.
“Any Other Name” is the direct sequel to the delightful “Between Two Thorns” and it picks up where that book left off, with heroine Cathy looking down the barrel of an unwanted marriage to William Reticula-Iris, while Max and the gargoyle investigate the massacre of the Bath Chapter of Arbiters, whose hearts have been turned to stone in their chests by an unfamiliar and powerful magic.
Cathy discovers that she has escaped the clutches of her own family, the Rhoeas-Papavers, only to fall into the clutches of the Iris, who are possibly even more cruel and calculating. How can she carry out her tasks for former Patron Lord Poppy and escape into Mundanus and back to the life she longs for when a Charm placed upon her on her wedding day restricts her contact with any man who isn’t her husband? Dame Iris, the second wife of the Iris family Patroon, is merely unbearable, but Lord Iris himself is the very embodiment of sinister, and he has plans for Cathy that neither she or her former patron Lord Poppy will be able to fight against.
Meanwhile, Mundane Sam is losing his wife to sinister forces who have the power of the Elemental Court behind them, and not even Lord Iron’s protection is going to be enough to help him this time. When the Elemental Court start interfering in the affairs of both Mundanus and the Nether it could spell disaster for the Split Worlds and everybody in them…
Tea and cake are the cornerstones of the Split Worlds, as is only right and proper. The books have a sensibility that make them very lovably English, even now the action has moved from genteel Aquae Sulis to the more cosmopolitan Londinium, but they also have an inner core of steel. This is exemplified in Cathy, whose feminist way of thinking clashes at every stage with the oppressive patriarchy of Nether Society. What I really loved about Cathy, aside from her passion, was her ability to grow and change, to accept that she wasn’t the only one feeling this way, and her willingness to sacrifice a degree of her own happiness to stand up for her sisters in Society as it dawns on her that they might just feel as uncomfortable with their proscribed roles as she does. It will be interesting to see how she takes up that fight.
Max and the Gargoyle, and to some extent Sam, take a back seat to Will and Cathy’s struggles in this second volume, and that’s a shame as I wanted to see more of them and find out how their strange, strained relationship progresses. As for Will, it’s good to see a conflicted hero, who sometimes does sinister things for what he thinks are the best reasons. By the end of the novel he has been manipulated into doing something truly terrible, and while he is unaware of the manipulation, he can see that the consequences of his actions will result in yet more blood being spilt amongst the Great Families.
The book ends on a breath-snatching cliffhanger that leaves the reader grasping eagerly for the next volume, and wondering how this terrible situation is ever going to be resolved. It’s going to take more than tea and cake to solve this one.
“Any Other Name” is the direct sequel to the delightful “Between Two Thorns” and it picks up where that book left off, with heroine Cathy looking down the barrel of an unwanted marriage to William Reticula-Iris, while Max and the gargoyle investigate the massacre of the Bath Chapter of Arbiters, whose hearts have been turned to stone in their chests by an unfamiliar and powerful magic.
Cathy discovers that she has escaped the clutches of her own family, the Rhoeas-Papavers, only to fall into the clutches of the Iris, who are possibly even more cruel and calculating. How can she carry out her tasks for former Patron Lord Poppy and escape into Mundanus and back to the life she longs for when a Charm placed upon her on her wedding day restricts her contact with any man who isn’t her husband? Dame Iris, the second wife of the Iris family Patroon, is merely unbearable, but Lord Iris himself is the very embodiment of sinister, and he has plans for Cathy that neither she or her former patron Lord Poppy will be able to fight against.
Meanwhile, Mundane Sam is losing his wife to sinister forces who have the power of the Elemental Court behind them, and not even Lord Iron’s protection is going to be enough to help him this time. When the Elemental Court start interfering in the affairs of both Mundanus and the Nether it could spell disaster for the Split Worlds and everybody in them…
Tea and cake are the cornerstones of the Split Worlds, as is only right and proper. The books have a sensibility that make them very lovably English, even now the action has moved from genteel Aquae Sulis to the more cosmopolitan Londinium, but they also have an inner core of steel. This is exemplified in Cathy, whose feminist way of thinking clashes at every stage with the oppressive patriarchy of Nether Society. What I really loved about Cathy, aside from her passion, was her ability to grow and change, to accept that she wasn’t the only one feeling this way, and her willingness to sacrifice a degree of her own happiness to stand up for her sisters in Society as it dawns on her that they might just feel as uncomfortable with their proscribed roles as she does. It will be interesting to see how she takes up that fight.
Max and the Gargoyle, and to some extent Sam, take a back seat to Will and Cathy’s struggles in this second volume, and that’s a shame as I wanted to see more of them and find out how their strange, strained relationship progresses. As for Will, it’s good to see a conflicted hero, who sometimes does sinister things for what he thinks are the best reasons. By the end of the novel he has been manipulated into doing something truly terrible, and while he is unaware of the manipulation, he can see that the consequences of his actions will result in yet more blood being spilt amongst the Great Families.
The book ends on a breath-snatching cliffhanger that leaves the reader grasping eagerly for the next volume, and wondering how this terrible situation is ever going to be resolved. It’s going to take more than tea and cake to solve this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2016
Overall I think this book is much stronger than the last one. I've only given it three stars though because there's one big plot point which I'm not a fan of, which is the use of love potions and charms. Unless it's somehow revealed that Will didn't give Cathy something to make her want to have sex with him then I'm going to continue to find that incredibly dodgy and not like him because of it. Generally the fact that Cathy has the threat of him possibly raping her hanging over her as a point to show how bad that world is leaves a bad taste in my mouth, especially as there are plenty of other ways that Emma Newman's already shown how unpleasant that world can be.
I am interested in reading the next book though as there are enough elements in these books that I like enough to continue. I'd quite happily read a whole series of Max and the gargoyle solving crime, especially if Ekstrand was also involved. I'm also liking Cathy more as the books go on so I hope that continues, especially now she's learnt to be less selfish. The last pages with Sam were intriguing as well so I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes.
Overall I am looking forward to reading more of this universe. I just really hope that Cathy gets to punch Will if she finds out what he did (assuming that is what he did of course). I'm also hoping that he'll become less gullible as even with dramatic irony and everything else I can't see how he can keep believing the Rosa-Albas for much longer.
I am interested in reading the next book though as there are enough elements in these books that I like enough to continue. I'd quite happily read a whole series of Max and the gargoyle solving crime, especially if Ekstrand was also involved. I'm also liking Cathy more as the books go on so I hope that continues, especially now she's learnt to be less selfish. The last pages with Sam were intriguing as well so I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes.
Overall I am looking forward to reading more of this universe. I just really hope that Cathy gets to punch Will if she finds out what he did (assuming that is what he did of course). I'm also hoping that he'll become less gullible as even with dramatic irony and everything else I can't see how he can keep believing the Rosa-Albas for much longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2016
Again, enjoyable! A quick read. I really enjoy how everyone gets so soothed by tea in these books. Something I can relate to. :D
However there were some things that I found more frustrating, some of them continuing on from the first book too:
However there were some things that I found more frustrating, some of them continuing on from the first book too:
November 24, 2014
Because the author shows promise, I read this book immediately after the first in the series, hoping to see tighter writing. To that fancy, I say, "Dream on, Self!"
Again, more fun fantasy elements spoiled by a growing rant on the oppression of women. (Emma, your fantasy could be something, if you'd only drop the political nonsense. Or, if you must write historical fiction in a fantasy world, then please do study the history so you get it right.)
Sloppy plotting. Any Other Name is yet another Emma Newman book spoiled by plots popping up out of nowhere, then dropping into nowhere, all the while leaving the reader to wonder what their purpose was intended to be.
Some characters are nicely drawn. But. The heroine, Cathy, is shown to be very driven and goal-oriented, except when she's anything but. This doesn't make her more real or more endearing, it makes her not carefully drawn.
Emma, get a new editor. Enlist the aid of an old curmudgeon armed with a whole box of sharpened blue--or red--pencils that he wields with finesse and without apology. With his help, you'll be something one day.
Again, more fun fantasy elements spoiled by a growing rant on the oppression of women. (Emma, your fantasy could be something, if you'd only drop the political nonsense. Or, if you must write historical fiction in a fantasy world, then please do study the history so you get it right.)
Sloppy plotting. Any Other Name is yet another Emma Newman book spoiled by plots popping up out of nowhere, then dropping into nowhere, all the while leaving the reader to wonder what their purpose was intended to be.
Some characters are nicely drawn. But. The heroine, Cathy, is shown to be very driven and goal-oriented, except when she's anything but. This doesn't make her more real or more endearing, it makes her not carefully drawn.
Emma, get a new editor. Enlist the aid of an old curmudgeon armed with a whole box of sharpened blue--or red--pencils that he wields with finesse and without apology. With his help, you'll be something one day.
January 23, 2014
When I started reading the first book in this trilogy, I was only reading a few chapters at night before going to sleep. That ended when it snowed and I really sunk into the Split World. I inhaled it and purchased the 2nd book yesterday. I finished it his afternoon (after sitting up until 3 last night). And even though I promised myself not to do it, I've already downloaded the 3rd book.
Many of the things I quibbled about in my review of Between Two Thorns were indeed resolved (or are on their way to being resolved) in this book. And the stakes were raised to an almost unbearable degree. I can't wait to read the last book!
Many of the things I quibbled about in my review of Between Two Thorns were indeed resolved (or are on their way to being resolved) in this book. And the stakes were raised to an almost unbearable degree. I can't wait to read the last book!
Read
January 26, 2020This is the fastest I've read anything all summer. I enjoyed it heartily.
February 25, 2020
The first book was unexpectedly awesome and the second one only builds on that awesomeness. Despite that mysterious holier than Swiss cheese mystery aspect of the world building that should have irritated me, it's done in such a clever way that I feel like I'm learning new things as the POV characters do. It's a sure-fire way to hook you into a book world, and darn, did it make this one hard to put down.
The story threads carry on with Cathy and William's troubling forced marriage, the fallout of Fae Court politics, shifting allegiances, paranoid Sorcerers, a discombobulated Sam wondering about the state of his marriage and life post-Fae encounters, and the ever gruff Arbiter Max's quest to learn just what happened to the rest of his people. It seems like it should be too much to take in, but each segment end had me dying to go back and find out what would happen next to each and every one of them.
There is some deep, dark disturbia to be had in Will's POV though; caught between a woman who clearly isn't happy to play the little wifey and a family obligation to a draconian Fae lord, he has to make some worrying choices. Trigger warning-y choices. I actually felt nauseous reading those sections.
I do love the feminist undertones though; done right, it's non-preachy and logical. Cathy has to question her own behaviour as well as that of the Society who she's always perceived as against her. OK, so a lot of it is, but it examines how our own prejudices can be used to tar everyone with the same brush just because not everyone's overt about wanting to make a difference. Hidden morality tales abound.
Also: the Fae in this are completely and utterly messed up, and that's probably the way it's meant to be.
This series is horribly addictive, perhaps because it manages the lighter aspect alongside the dark so well. Very much a middle book, but never lacking in pace or punchiness. Onwards to book 3!
The story threads carry on with Cathy and William's troubling forced marriage, the fallout of Fae Court politics, shifting allegiances, paranoid Sorcerers, a discombobulated Sam wondering about the state of his marriage and life post-Fae encounters, and the ever gruff Arbiter Max's quest to learn just what happened to the rest of his people. It seems like it should be too much to take in, but each segment end had me dying to go back and find out what would happen next to each and every one of them.
There is some deep, dark disturbia to be had in Will's POV though; caught between a woman who clearly isn't happy to play the little wifey and a family obligation to a draconian Fae lord, he has to make some worrying choices. Trigger warning-y choices. I actually felt nauseous reading those sections.
I do love the feminist undertones though; done right, it's non-preachy and logical. Cathy has to question her own behaviour as well as that of the Society who she's always perceived as against her. OK, so a lot of it is, but it examines how our own prejudices can be used to tar everyone with the same brush just because not everyone's overt about wanting to make a difference. Hidden morality tales abound.
Also: the Fae in this are completely and utterly messed up, and that's probably the way it's meant to be.
This series is horribly addictive, perhaps because it manages the lighter aspect alongside the dark so well. Very much a middle book, but never lacking in pace or punchiness. Onwards to book 3!
September 17, 2021
Really wish this (and the first book) didn't have so much swearing. Other things I didn't enjoy:
- Cathy is so anti
- William is difficult to like (in the first book, he's quite likeable at first, and then much less so - not because he's changed, but because the author reveals more of him, or some other reason, because the first glimpses are so different to the rest). He makes really bad choices, even when in control of his senses. The final awful incident in the second book is made without real reflection or consideration, and makes me feel like I couldn't ever respect him again, no matter what the author does with him. The difficult thing is that she makes him equivocal - he's more like a victim, in this story, but at the same time a semi-villain, and a semi-hero. I'm not sure where she's going with him.
These are pretty much our two main characters - hero and heroine - and they're not really likeable, except in spurts.
- The 'Society' is portrayed as quite one-dimensional - pretty much all stuffy, prideful, ridiculous, insincere, competitive, and so on. Like all the bad things have been taken from the last 400 years or more, without any of their redeeming qualities. It's unsatisfying and make the story more difficult to believe, because no society is really like that. Sure, some have been very bad, but usually, there's always a mix of good and bad, sincere and insincere, hateful and loving, compassionate and stuck-up, ignorant and aware. This one is just too one-sided, and Cathy seemingly the only one who really cares and has the righteousness of justice.
What I did enjoy:
- The story is interesting, aside from those things; there's mystery, intrigue, magic, and curious or fascinating details of this split world system.
- Characters I liked: Sam, the gargoyle and Max (especially the gargoyle), and Petra. I even kind of like Lord Poppy, aside from the unpleasant aspects of his weirdness. The sorcerer is especially weird, but is obviously meant to be.
- Cathy is so anti
- William is difficult to like (in the first book, he's quite likeable at first, and then much less so - not because he's changed, but because the author reveals more of him, or some other reason, because the first glimpses are so different to the rest). He makes really bad choices, even when in control of his senses. The final awful incident in the second book is made without real reflection or consideration, and makes me feel like I couldn't ever respect him again, no matter what the author does with him. The difficult thing is that she makes him equivocal - he's more like a victim, in this story, but at the same time a semi-villain, and a semi-hero. I'm not sure where she's going with him.
These are pretty much our two main characters - hero and heroine - and they're not really likeable, except in spurts.
- The 'Society' is portrayed as quite one-dimensional - pretty much all stuffy, prideful, ridiculous, insincere, competitive, and so on. Like all the bad things have been taken from the last 400 years or more, without any of their redeeming qualities. It's unsatisfying and make the story more difficult to believe, because no society is really like that. Sure, some have been very bad, but usually, there's always a mix of good and bad, sincere and insincere, hateful and loving, compassionate and stuck-up, ignorant and aware. This one is just too one-sided, and Cathy seemingly the only one who really cares and has the righteousness of justice.
What I did enjoy:
- The story is interesting, aside from those things; there's mystery, intrigue, magic, and curious or fascinating details of this split world system.
- Characters I liked: Sam, the gargoyle and Max (especially the gargoyle), and Petra. I even kind of like Lord Poppy, aside from the unpleasant aspects of his weirdness. The sorcerer is especially weird, but is obviously meant to be.
May 8, 2017
This book follows the continuing struggles of Catherine Rhoeas-Papaver as she is forced back into the social maneuvering and political intrigues of the regency era-esque “fae-touched society” that operates parallel to our own.
I really wanted to like this book, but was bored through much of it. The main plot points were certainly interesting but there are pages and pages of moping, acting bewildered, agonizing, soul-searching, schmoozing, and philandering that occur between things that actually move the plot forward. I don’t necessarily mind slow character-driven “social maneuvering” kind of books (I like Dickens and some Austen). However, for me to enjoy that kind of book, I require well-rounded characters and/or sparkling wit, and most of the characters in this book are rather one-note and no one is witty. In spite of the clever worldbuilding, this just isn’t my kind of book.
Additionally, even more than in the first book, there is very little plot resolution here. The rush of events that happens in the last 30 or so pages seems calculated to set up a cliffhanger so that you’ll go out and read the next book. I hate the feeling that an author is just stringing me along so they can sell more books, and probably won’t be reading any further in this series.
I really wanted to like this book, but was bored through much of it. The main plot points were certainly interesting but there are pages and pages of moping, acting bewildered, agonizing, soul-searching, schmoozing, and philandering that occur between things that actually move the plot forward. I don’t necessarily mind slow character-driven “social maneuvering” kind of books (I like Dickens and some Austen). However, for me to enjoy that kind of book, I require well-rounded characters and/or sparkling wit, and most of the characters in this book are rather one-note and no one is witty. In spite of the clever worldbuilding, this just isn’t my kind of book.
Additionally, even more than in the first book, there is very little plot resolution here. The rush of events that happens in the last 30 or so pages seems calculated to set up a cliffhanger so that you’ll go out and read the next book. I hate the feeling that an author is just stringing me along so they can sell more books, and probably won’t be reading any further in this series.
February 8, 2018
In the early 1800s, a number of powerful fey lords created a bubble world for their favorite humans to live in. Centuries later, the descendants of those favorites live on in pampered golden cages. Catherine managed to escape the magical world long enough to attend university and live a life of her own, but when she came of age, the fey pulled her back in. Now she's been forcibly married to a near-stranger and is desperate to avoid being his wife. And her husband Will is desperate to become the leader of magical London, as his fairy patron requires of him. Meanwhile, sorcerers are dying mysteriously, the agency that supplies all servants to the magical world is up to something nefarious, and Will's mistress is plotting.
I love the set up of this series. I only wish Sam, the mundane human who stumbles around getting beaten up and then drinking about it, were a little more capable and a little less of a sad sack who knows nothing. I felt like time spent with was a waste when we could instead learn more about all the cool magical stuff that he knows nothing about. Still, this book made me twice as interested in the series as the first book did. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!
I love the set up of this series. I only wish Sam, the mundane human who stumbles around getting beaten up and then drinking about it, were a little more capable and a little less of a sad sack who knows nothing. I felt like time spent with was a waste when we could instead learn more about all the cool magical stuff that he knows nothing about. Still, this book made me twice as interested in the series as the first book did. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!
September 30, 2018
Still absolutely loving this world though the pacing was a bit off here. Lagged a bit in the middle, and some information was introduced late that could have come much sooner and kept the tension up in the middle. But the characters are well rendered and very complicated. Enjoying how much I sympathize with some, thinking they are good, find out they might not be, then think they are again, then discover they aren't. Perhaps too much 'will they, won't they' between the newly marrieds, and definitely some very uncomfortable consent issues there (and with what the mistress does). Very much invested in seeing where this is going across the series. Though I'd appreciate it if Will wasn't such a literal tool, a pawn. And there is no conclusion to any of the plots in this book, like there was in the first. This is very much a serial.
October 2, 2018
With the main aspects of the 'Split Worlds' already established in book one of the series, 'Any Other Name' lacks some of the wow factor of the first book. A lot of characters and situations are familiar. However, there is still plenty of new things to discover, new players introduced, new levels of mystery and intrigue to explore.
One of the things I particularly liked was the way in which things introduced in low-key in book one take on new significance now. This way of developing the plot over several books is very effective in making the series into an integrated whole.
And of course the smooth, well-paced writing style makes it very easy to be absorbed into the story. On to book 3!
One of the things I particularly liked was the way in which things introduced in low-key in book one take on new significance now. This way of developing the plot over several books is very effective in making the series into an integrated whole.
And of course the smooth, well-paced writing style makes it very easy to be absorbed into the story. On to book 3!
June 19, 2013
One of my favourite books this year, if not my favourite so far was Emma Newman's
Between Two Thorns
. It's no great secret that I think Emma is fabulous and that I love her Split Worlds, so it should come as no surprise that I loved Any Other Name. What I hadn't expected was the direction the book took and the twists Newman added to the story. Discussing the book will inevitably give spoilers for the first one, so be warned. If you want to remain unspoiled clicking away now would be advisable.
Plot-wise there are three strands, just as in Between Two Thorns, to wit a strand featuring Sam and his attempts to discover his wife's employer's secrets; one featuring Max and Gargoyle and their investigation into the murders at the Chapterhouse; and one featuring Cathy and Will on the way to the altar and their assignment from Will's Patroon. Unlike last time they don't seem to interact as much, but some of the scenes where they do intersect are climactic and very cool.
Like Between Two Thorns, this book starts off from Sam's point of view. And within five pages I just wanted to shake him and yell "Sam! Have you learnt nothing!?", because he made some really stupid decisions, well-intentioned, but rather naive. Despite this, I enjoyed Sam's journey through this book. I love Sam; he's our every-man character that feels the same sense of wonder at this new, magical world he's landed it and he went to interesting places, both physically and emotionally. He also crossed streams quite a bit with Max and Gargoyle's story. Gargoyle still stole every scene he was in, that great hulk of stone is my favourite character in the entire book. The banter between him and Max is fun, but what I find even more fascinating is paying attention to Gargoyle's reactions when he's observing whatever Max is doing. They create a lot of pathos for Max and can be quite touching. Like in the last book, I felt that the investigation into the Chapterhouse murders is a little underplayed. I would have expected for it to feature more. Instead Max spends about as much time figuring out what is going on with Sam and the situation with Lord Iron. That isn't to say that they didn't discover a lot, because they truly did, but it was less overt than I'd expected.
For me the most enjoyable and most important story arc was Cathy and Will's. It had such an Austen-esque feel, with lots of mutual misunderstandings, well-meaning interference and even a (sort-of) villain ready to make off with the groom. In the last book I was all for a romance between Cathy and Sam, but now I'm shipping Will and Cathy all the way. I wanted them to fall in love so much and I still have my hopes up. It's hard because I get Cathy's anger at being forced to comply with a marriage she doesn't desire and her general disgust at the state of Nether Society, because inequality much? But on the other hand, Will is so lovely and he really tries to win Cathy over. In fact, I suspect he's genuinely falling for her. But Cathy and Will's arc is about far more than will they/won't they fall in love, it's also has some interesting politicking and plotting going on. I loved the Alba Rosa's addition in the form of Amelia and her brother Cornelius. They make for a confusing factor in the narrative, since they seem innocent and victims of circumstance, but on the other hand they're scheming to regain their position in society. In short, there is intrigue galore.
To return to Cathy's desire to break free from the Nether, to be an independent, self-reliant woman in the Mundane and to further women's rights there, I love that during the book she has her eyes opened to the fact that perhaps the ladies of the Nether need her to fight for their equality even more than women in the Mundane. The realisation that she has to let go of her dream of the Mundane and remain in the Nether slowly creeps up on her and it dawns on her that here is an even larger task waiting just for her. I love the fact that gender equality – something so relevant to current discussions in the SFF community – plays such a large part in Cathy's motivations. However it did raise the question, are there no LGBT people in the Nether? No Fae? How about people (or Fae) of colour? Then again, the fact I assume the characters are straight and white, because Newman doesn't state otherwise, perhaps says more about me than about the book. Still, in one so begeistered by the battle for equality, Cathy's sole focus on gender seems a bit too narrow.
Despite the points raised above, I think I loved Any Other Name even more than Between Two Thorns, if that's possible. The book just made me happy and while that is a completely emotional response and impossible to underpin with any arguments, it's what makes me overlook whatever flaws there might have been. Any Other Name was engaging, funny, romantic, and imaginative and placed Emma Newman solidly on my must-read list of writers. I can't wait for the conclusion to this story in October, when All is Fair is released. In the meantime, I think I'll go and reread some of the short stories set in the Split Worlds.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
Plot-wise there are three strands, just as in Between Two Thorns, to wit a strand featuring Sam and his attempts to discover his wife's employer's secrets; one featuring Max and Gargoyle and their investigation into the murders at the Chapterhouse; and one featuring Cathy and Will on the way to the altar and their assignment from Will's Patroon. Unlike last time they don't seem to interact as much, but some of the scenes where they do intersect are climactic and very cool.
Like Between Two Thorns, this book starts off from Sam's point of view. And within five pages I just wanted to shake him and yell "Sam! Have you learnt nothing!?", because he made some really stupid decisions, well-intentioned, but rather naive. Despite this, I enjoyed Sam's journey through this book. I love Sam; he's our every-man character that feels the same sense of wonder at this new, magical world he's landed it and he went to interesting places, both physically and emotionally. He also crossed streams quite a bit with Max and Gargoyle's story. Gargoyle still stole every scene he was in, that great hulk of stone is my favourite character in the entire book. The banter between him and Max is fun, but what I find even more fascinating is paying attention to Gargoyle's reactions when he's observing whatever Max is doing. They create a lot of pathos for Max and can be quite touching. Like in the last book, I felt that the investigation into the Chapterhouse murders is a little underplayed. I would have expected for it to feature more. Instead Max spends about as much time figuring out what is going on with Sam and the situation with Lord Iron. That isn't to say that they didn't discover a lot, because they truly did, but it was less overt than I'd expected.
For me the most enjoyable and most important story arc was Cathy and Will's. It had such an Austen-esque feel, with lots of mutual misunderstandings, well-meaning interference and even a (sort-of) villain ready to make off with the groom. In the last book I was all for a romance between Cathy and Sam, but now I'm shipping Will and Cathy all the way. I wanted them to fall in love so much and I still have my hopes up. It's hard because I get Cathy's anger at being forced to comply with a marriage she doesn't desire and her general disgust at the state of Nether Society, because inequality much? But on the other hand, Will is so lovely and he really tries to win Cathy over. In fact, I suspect he's genuinely falling for her. But Cathy and Will's arc is about far more than will they/won't they fall in love, it's also has some interesting politicking and plotting going on. I loved the Alba Rosa's addition in the form of Amelia and her brother Cornelius. They make for a confusing factor in the narrative, since they seem innocent and victims of circumstance, but on the other hand they're scheming to regain their position in society. In short, there is intrigue galore.
To return to Cathy's desire to break free from the Nether, to be an independent, self-reliant woman in the Mundane and to further women's rights there, I love that during the book she has her eyes opened to the fact that perhaps the ladies of the Nether need her to fight for their equality even more than women in the Mundane. The realisation that she has to let go of her dream of the Mundane and remain in the Nether slowly creeps up on her and it dawns on her that here is an even larger task waiting just for her. I love the fact that gender equality – something so relevant to current discussions in the SFF community – plays such a large part in Cathy's motivations. However it did raise the question, are there no LGBT people in the Nether? No Fae? How about people (or Fae) of colour? Then again, the fact I assume the characters are straight and white, because Newman doesn't state otherwise, perhaps says more about me than about the book. Still, in one so begeistered by the battle for equality, Cathy's sole focus on gender seems a bit too narrow.
Despite the points raised above, I think I loved Any Other Name even more than Between Two Thorns, if that's possible. The book just made me happy and while that is a completely emotional response and impossible to underpin with any arguments, it's what makes me overlook whatever flaws there might have been. Any Other Name was engaging, funny, romantic, and imaginative and placed Emma Newman solidly on my must-read list of writers. I can't wait for the conclusion to this story in October, when All is Fair is released. In the meantime, I think I'll go and reread some of the short stories set in the Split Worlds.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
July 4, 2018
I like the slow build of Cathy’s relationship with Will. I like that she doesn’t just go from being adamantly against marrying him to falling in love with him. This is a very unromantic arranged marriage.
Still, while he’s very far from perfect, you can see his struggles with the relationship too, and he’s more sympathetic for it.
I also like that Cathy is realizing that just running away from the Nether isn’t a solution. She is told by her step sister how egotistical her belief is that she’s the only one being oppressed by society.
All in all, the character growth is what makes me want to keep reading the most.
Still, while he’s very far from perfect, you can see his struggles with the relationship too, and he’s more sympathetic for it.
I also like that Cathy is realizing that just running away from the Nether isn’t a solution. She is told by her step sister how egotistical her belief is that she’s the only one being oppressed by society.
All in all, the character growth is what makes me want to keep reading the most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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