What do you think?
Rate this book
Creature Court #2
The Shattered City
Daylight and nox collide as Ashiol and Velody's uneasy alliance fractures. The Creature Court try to fight the war with theatre instead of bloodshed... but they still have to deliver a sacrifice.
Will Delphine and Rhian escape the dangers of Velody's new world, or be consumed by them?
Will Delphine and Rhian escape the dangers of Velody's new world, or be consumed by them?
516 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Tansy Rayner Roberts
133 books315 followersTansy Rayner Roberts is a fantasy and science fiction author who lives in southern Tasmania, somewhere between the tall mountain with snow on it, and the beach that points towards Antarctica.
Tansy has a PhD in Classics (with a special interest in poisonous Roman ladies), and an obsession with Musketeers.
You can hear Tansy talking about Doctor Who on the Verity! podcast. She also reads her own stories on the Sheep Might Fly podcast.
Tansy has a PhD in Classics (with a special interest in poisonous Roman ladies), and an obsession with Musketeers.
You can hear Tansy talking about Doctor Who on the Verity! podcast. She also reads her own stories on the Sheep Might Fly podcast.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 12, 2016
I enjoyed this second book in the series just as much as I enjoyed the first one.
The character development was particularly strong, and the story became more complex - satisfyingly so. I became extremely attached to several characters, and enjoyed following their journeys as the stakes rose higher and higher.
The Creature Court itself is a fascinating concept, and makes for a story full of surprises and twists. In this book, The Shattered City, there were a lot of 'almosts' where the character looked as if they were about to go down the predictable path, but then suddenly turned around and went somewhere unexpected, but appropriate in the context of the story.
The character development was particularly strong, and the story became more complex - satisfyingly so. I became extremely attached to several characters, and enjoyed following their journeys as the stakes rose higher and higher.
The Creature Court itself is a fascinating concept, and makes for a story full of surprises and twists. In this book, The Shattered City, there were a lot of 'almosts' where the character looked as if they were about to go down the predictable path, but then suddenly turned around and went somewhere unexpected, but appropriate in the context of the story.
July 25, 2020
I have to admit, when I finished the first book I was not thinking about picking up the second book this soon. I was thinking about waiting a little bit, seeing if the book still pulled me back. But, there was an opportunity to read all three books in exchange for an honest review. So, who was I to say no to such an awesome offer? However, I waited a few weeks before I picked this book up.
And honestly, quite soon I forgot why. I was immediately pulled back into this world, especially because the story continues where the first book ended. Now we know the world a little, we have a slight sense of what's going on and in this book we get to see much more about the politics and the epic fight against the sky. In a way this book is very much a middle book, as it brings us from book 1 to book 3 and not that much really happens along the way, apart from a very major thing near the end, and yet it was an important book anyway.
Not only do we get to know the characters we've already gotten to know in the first book a lot better, we also get a few new point of views, adding even more mystery and layers to the story. I'm personally especially happy with Rhian's storyline in this book. I already found her really intriguing in the first book and I'm glad we get to see a lot more of her in this one. And I've discovered I have a really soft spot for Delphine now we've been spending much more time in her head.
What I love most however is all the intrigue, the politics and the mystery. Even though this is already the second book in the series we still don't have a complete picture of everything that's going on. On top of that: Characters are constantly shifting alliances and that absolutely kept me on the tips of my toes, especially because they also keep secrets on top of that. And on top of that I loved the new bits of mythology that were added in this book.
I'm really excited about reading the last book and I can't wait to see how everything comes together. And that's a good thing, because I have to finish the third book on Thursday! So, you'll read my review on that one soon!
And honestly, quite soon I forgot why. I was immediately pulled back into this world, especially because the story continues where the first book ended. Now we know the world a little, we have a slight sense of what's going on and in this book we get to see much more about the politics and the epic fight against the sky. In a way this book is very much a middle book, as it brings us from book 1 to book 3 and not that much really happens along the way, apart from a very major thing near the end, and yet it was an important book anyway.
Not only do we get to know the characters we've already gotten to know in the first book a lot better, we also get a few new point of views, adding even more mystery and layers to the story. I'm personally especially happy with Rhian's storyline in this book. I already found her really intriguing in the first book and I'm glad we get to see a lot more of her in this one. And I've discovered I have a really soft spot for Delphine now we've been spending much more time in her head.
What I love most however is all the intrigue, the politics and the mystery. Even though this is already the second book in the series we still don't have a complete picture of everything that's going on. On top of that: Characters are constantly shifting alliances and that absolutely kept me on the tips of my toes, especially because they also keep secrets on top of that. And on top of that I loved the new bits of mythology that were added in this book.
I'm really excited about reading the last book and I can't wait to see how everything comes together. And that's a good thing, because I have to finish the third book on Thursday! So, you'll read my review on that one soon!
July 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment! It’s clearly a middle book, but we get to know the characters a bit more and there is lots of room to develop the world and the mythology, which is something I really liked. I’m curious what will happen in the last part, because there is a lot to be solved now.
March 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this and can't wait to see where it goes from here
May 2, 2011
This was a fantastic follow up to
Power and Majesty
- as per the blurb, Velody is the Power and Majesty of the Creature Court (the fantastical band of shape shifters who protect the city of Aufleur each night from the terrible threat in the sky). She's trying to be a better leader to the Creature Court than they have had before, and to inspire their loyalty and trust, but the threats they are facing seem ever increasing. Velody feels the incredible pressure of her position, her friends are also drawn further into the dark world she inhabits, and the sky promises worse times ahead.
As with Power and Majesty, I think this book is a little misserved by its cover - the dark undercurrent of this story is not apparent from its packaging. If I was trying to classify it - and it's hard to classify - I'd probably go with dark fantasy/urban fantasy? It's a tricky one. But it's certainly not light and fluffy. However, the covers don't affect the book - and this is an excellent, dark and very tense follow up to Power and Majesty. I really liked where the story took the characters, and particularly the ending, even though I was mentally shouting, "Oh Velody, what are you doing?". Very much looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, which I think will be released later this year.
As with Power and Majesty, I think this book is a little misserved by its cover - the dark undercurrent of this story is not apparent from its packaging. If I was trying to classify it - and it's hard to classify - I'd probably go with dark fantasy/urban fantasy? It's a tricky one. But it's certainly not light and fluffy. However, the covers don't affect the book - and this is an excellent, dark and very tense follow up to Power and Majesty. I really liked where the story took the characters, and particularly the ending, even though I was mentally shouting, "Oh Velody, what are you doing?". Very much looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, which I think will be released later this year.
July 27, 2011
Yes, this will be the most substantial and well thought-through review you have ever seen. It goes like this:
I've read this book three or four times now. It's so amazing to see it in print, without the [MAKE WRITE GOOD] notes in the margin. So yes, I'm slightly biased, but I will still say this:
Delphine is awesome, Heliora is heartbreaking, Rhian is beautiful, Poet is creepy and I still want to bone Ashiol.
PS. Every single of these three or possibly four times __________'s death has made me cry. A lot. I also did it towards the very end, where Tansy RR in very simple words describe how it feels to go absolutely undeniably crazy. I don't think I've ever seen it expressed so spot on, and in so very few words.
America, UK, why aren't you publishing Tansy RR's books? You are obviously nuts.
I've read this book three or four times now. It's so amazing to see it in print, without the [MAKE WRITE GOOD] notes in the margin. So yes, I'm slightly biased, but I will still say this:
Delphine is awesome, Heliora is heartbreaking, Rhian is beautiful, Poet is creepy and I still want to bone Ashiol.
PS. Every single of these three or possibly four times __________'s death has made me cry. A lot. I also did it towards the very end, where Tansy RR in very simple words describe how it feels to go absolutely undeniably crazy. I don't think I've ever seen it expressed so spot on, and in so very few words.
America, UK, why aren't you publishing Tansy RR's books? You are obviously nuts.
August 12, 2011
Not as many surprises as in volume 1, but still rather enjoyable. As much as I love the beautiful cover, really, after reading the book I wanted to see the flame dress more than I wanted to see the museum dress. But I guess you have to have your actual protagonist on the cover at some point ;) Greatly entertaining juxtaposition between serious dramatic plot points and such one-liners as "The kitchen table required to be stared at a great deal" and "Licking blood from your fingers is hardly an accident." My favourite character hasn't been wrecked yet, so it is with fingers crossed that I await Book 3 :D
May 15, 2011
Tansy makes me so cross! I got this book at Easter and, as I'm in the final throes of reading for the WA Premier's Book Awards, dutifully put it neatly on the shelf as a reward for later. Then I was sitting at the table and had no book in front of me so I picked it up and thought, I'll just read the first chapter. And then I read another chapter. And another. And I couldn't put the darn thing down!! Most CROSS Tansy - I wasn't supposed to be READING it then!!
Don't read this book without reading Power and Majesty first, but DO READ THEM BOTH!!!
Don't read this book without reading Power and Majesty first, but DO READ THEM BOTH!!!
September 8, 2012
There was just too much of an emotional mess and teenager-like behaviour by the main characters to make me enjoy the second book as much as the first one and I just decided to spend my money elsewhere. I especially got annoyed at Ashiol's ennui and angst. I could understand it in the first part because of the horrific happenings, but here he became more like a spoiled pouting boy who ran from girl to girl because the first girl was unhappy with him.
I do have to admit that I think the worldbuilding top-notch and also the magic system. It reads very well paced, too.
I do have to admit that I think the worldbuilding top-notch and also the magic system. It reads very well paced, too.
January 6, 2014
It was soooooo good!! Glad there are only three so I can read them all in a day!!! (almost XD)
April 6, 2019
Wonderful continuation to the fantastical Creature Court. I found this moved a little slower than the first book, and I initially thought that it was more predictable - but am pleased to say that I was largely mistaken. There were plenty of surprises, but they still fit well into the tapestry of the story and didn't feel forced or artificial.
The character development is thoroughly enjoyable and not restricted to the apparent main cast. There is a marvellous lack of extended exposition, which allows the story to move along unimpeded. The players are being maneuvered into what promises to be a complicated and imaginative finale.
Looking forward to starting the third book of this difficult to categorise series shortly!
The character development is thoroughly enjoyable and not restricted to the apparent main cast. There is a marvellous lack of extended exposition, which allows the story to move along unimpeded. The players are being maneuvered into what promises to be a complicated and imaginative finale.
Looking forward to starting the third book of this difficult to categorise series shortly!
November 10, 2018
I loved the first part of this, with Velody changing things and everyone adjusting and evil sky plots. So many so broken people, but it's fascinating how it all weaves together. Unfortunately the "solution" came a bit out of the blue. I liked large parts of the second part as well; I'm not sure about the ending yet (even though it's something I kinda expected to happen) but it's certainly an interesting set-up for the next book.
In some aspects this book relied a lot on plot devices that aren't really explained, like visions and what the fuck the sky is/does, which I didn't find entirely satisfying and I hope to find out more in the next book.
In some aspects this book relied a lot on plot devices that aren't really explained, like visions and what the fuck the sky is/does, which I didn't find entirely satisfying and I hope to find out more in the next book.
September 7, 2021
Book 2 of the Creature Court Trilogy finds Velody, Ashiol, Delphine, and the others with many new challenges. The daylight city is falling apart around them, and at the same time changing personalities, some have become stronger and determined; others have weakened, which is something else they need to deal with.
Not having a physical book with actual pages made it a little deceiving. At a certain point in the book, I thought I must surely be at the end but in fact, there was much more to come. Don't get me wrong, the final end, was not disappointing.
And of course, there's a twist. Perfect.
Not having a physical book with actual pages made it a little deceiving. At a certain point in the book, I thought I must surely be at the end but in fact, there was much more to come. Don't get me wrong, the final end, was not disappointing.
And of course, there's a twist. Perfect.
November 11, 2018
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2018/1...
The second book in the Creature Court series is more of the same, but it feels duller and more repetitive here. I thought about just stopping several times while reading, but I didn’t have anything else I wanted to read, so slogged along with a sigh. I mean, it's interesting enough, I just think it could have used a tighter edit. I am not sure if I’ll read the third. B.
The second book in the Creature Court series is more of the same, but it feels duller and more repetitive here. I thought about just stopping several times while reading, but I didn’t have anything else I wanted to read, so slogged along with a sigh. I mean, it's interesting enough, I just think it could have used a tighter edit. I am not sure if I’ll read the third. B.
February 26, 2019
No complaints. The drama of the creature court continues as it began: twisted and violent and sexy. It’s more of the same, sure, but the characters all develop. Some more than others but changes are happening all the same.
If you liked the first you’ll enjoy this one too.
If you liked the first you’ll enjoy this one too.
August 31, 2019
I'd remembered from the first in this series (this is the second) that they were absorbing and easy to read, but I'd forgotten the complexity of character and plot and world.
Urban-ish fantasy in a mixture of Ancient Rome and the Roaring Twenties. Very very good.
Urban-ish fantasy in a mixture of Ancient Rome and the Roaring Twenties. Very very good.
April 6, 2020
I love the world in this book. I'm in suspense about what's going to happen next to the characters. I don't particularly like the Main Three, but for the rest, I can't wait to find out how it concludes.
September 30, 2017
I liked it, but not as much as the first one, for some reason. It felt ponderous. Maybe it's a Middle Book Syndrome thing? It just felt like a whole lot of camping in tents.
March 21, 2020
I still think the covers don't do the book justice. I enjoyed the intrigue, the violence just as much as book 1.
June 16, 2012
This review forms part of my contribution to the Australian Women Writers 2012 Reading Challenge. All my AWWC reviews can be found here.
The Shattered City by Tansy Rayner Roberts is book two of the Creature Court trilogy. I reviewed book one (Power and Majesty) a few months ago.
The Shattered City picks up where Power and Majesty leaves off. I'm finding that it is a bit hard to give any kind of plot synopsis of book two of a trilogy without giving away information about book one. Suffice to say that the main character Velody has to navigate the complicated politics of the Creature Court and find out more about the enemy they are fighting against.
The first half of the book builds the tension about the as-yet-unseen enemy, demonstrating an intelligence behind the seemingly directionless attacks from the sky. Interestingly the last part of the book doesn't really focus on the external enemy at all, bringing the focus back to the internal machinations of the Creature Court. In many fantasy trilogies, tension is built by increasing the scale of the world visible to the reader (thereby raising the stakes). The Shattered City doesn't do this, rather it keeps the focus on a single city and builds tension through the personal interactions of the characters. It is an interesting technique.
It could be that my recollection of the first book has dimmed slightly over the months, but The Shattered City seems to have a fair bit more raunchy behaviour in it. It seems like well executed raunchy behaviour descriptive text to me, so if you like your novels steamy that aspect may appeal.
The book focuses on a wider array of characters and gives them more depth, particularly Velody's companions Delphine and Rhian. This helps to give the series a more complete feeling, and I enjoyed getting to know more characters in more detail.
As a consequence of this, there is a lot more point of view swapping in this novel. It is handled well, I never felt confused about whose eyes I was seeing the story through which is impressive considering how often perspective is switched.
There was a lot less focus on the day jobs of the main characters (dress making etc), which kept the focus on the supernatural elements of the story and effectively highlighted the characters drifting away from the "real" world. Where professions were referenced, it usually had the effect of grounding the characters amidst the fantastic.
Like other work by Ms Roberts, the writing is very strong with vivid descriptions and fast, punchy dialogue.
Overall this is a strong work and upon finishing it, when my Kindle automatically brought up a screen giving me an option to buy and download the third novel of the trilogy, I pressed the button without any hesitation (I worry about what that particular feature of the Kindle is going to do to my to-be-read pile). Highly recommended.
I also reviewed this book on my website.
The Shattered City by Tansy Rayner Roberts is book two of the Creature Court trilogy. I reviewed book one (Power and Majesty) a few months ago.
The Shattered City picks up where Power and Majesty leaves off. I'm finding that it is a bit hard to give any kind of plot synopsis of book two of a trilogy without giving away information about book one. Suffice to say that the main character Velody has to navigate the complicated politics of the Creature Court and find out more about the enemy they are fighting against.
The first half of the book builds the tension about the as-yet-unseen enemy, demonstrating an intelligence behind the seemingly directionless attacks from the sky. Interestingly the last part of the book doesn't really focus on the external enemy at all, bringing the focus back to the internal machinations of the Creature Court. In many fantasy trilogies, tension is built by increasing the scale of the world visible to the reader (thereby raising the stakes). The Shattered City doesn't do this, rather it keeps the focus on a single city and builds tension through the personal interactions of the characters. It is an interesting technique.
It could be that my recollection of the first book has dimmed slightly over the months, but The Shattered City seems to have a fair bit more raunchy behaviour in it. It seems like well executed raunchy behaviour descriptive text to me, so if you like your novels steamy that aspect may appeal.
The book focuses on a wider array of characters and gives them more depth, particularly Velody's companions Delphine and Rhian. This helps to give the series a more complete feeling, and I enjoyed getting to know more characters in more detail.
As a consequence of this, there is a lot more point of view swapping in this novel. It is handled well, I never felt confused about whose eyes I was seeing the story through which is impressive considering how often perspective is switched.
There was a lot less focus on the day jobs of the main characters (dress making etc), which kept the focus on the supernatural elements of the story and effectively highlighted the characters drifting away from the "real" world. Where professions were referenced, it usually had the effect of grounding the characters amidst the fantastic.
Like other work by Ms Roberts, the writing is very strong with vivid descriptions and fast, punchy dialogue.
Overall this is a strong work and upon finishing it, when my Kindle automatically brought up a screen giving me an option to buy and download the third novel of the trilogy, I pressed the button without any hesitation (I worry about what that particular feature of the Kindle is going to do to my to-be-read pile). Highly recommended.
I also reviewed this book on my website.
January 26, 2012
The Shattered City is book 2 of Tansy Rayner Roberts’ Creature Court Trilogy following on from Power and Majesty. The third and final book Reign of Beasts is to be released February 2nd1.
Don’t let the cover fool you- the Red Hot Chilli Peppers fifth album, Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic could have been an alternative title for this book.
Bloody action, liberal use of Animor (magic) and some very saucy sex scenes and the sugar…well there’s honey cakes.
In my review of Power and Majesty I stated that I felt that Roberts had written a well balanced story with all of the above ingredients – I feel that she’s “one-upped” herself with the second instalment of the series.
The Story
When we left Velody in Power and Majesty she was coming to terms with her position as the head of the Creature Court and had vanquished Lord Dhynar a rogue member. At the beginning of The Shattered City we are still not sure why the sky falls some nights nor what the big picture is, though there is a hint of malevolent intelligence behind it all.
Velody is firmly cemented as the leader of the court, though some lords still test her, forcing her to apply some muscle. A series of murders threatens to throw all her good work into disarray, as it appears that member of the court is targeting their fellows. Compounding this is the break down in the rituals of the daylight world which help sustain and rebuild the city after each skybattle.
Ashiol is haunted by hallucinations of Garnet and he begins to fall into madness. Rhian, a largely secondary character in Power and Majesty comes to the fore and reveals a secret. Delphine is dragged reluctantly towards becoming a Sentinel and Velody will have to make a sacrifice to save her city.
Visceral
Visceral is perhaps the best way to describe this book. It’s fantasy with a distinct mythic flavouring. The Creature Court, not surprisingly reminds me of Greek and Roman gods, decidedly human in their ambitions and passions. So on the one hand I get a sense of the fantastical, the changing of the court members into their various totemic animals or their larger Chimera form but on the other the politics and passions are very human.
Things to like
I am finding it hard not to keep referring back to Power and Majesty, which I found to present an original characters, setting and story. The Shattered City continues this pattern – Velody’s occupation as a dressmaker continues to play an important part in the actions and outcomes in the story.
How often in Fantasy does the heroine drop what she is doing to become a wielding Valkyrie? How refreshing is it that Velody holds on to her daylight work as a way of keeping her grounded.
In Power and Majesty Rhian was in danger of falling prey to the trope of “female character who has been raped” which explains why they are either tough angry women or skittish wall flowers. I will say nothing more than Roberts has turned this trope on its head.
Finlay I love the way Roberts lets the reader think at least for a brief moment that Velody has everything under control before sweeping the rug out from under our feet and revealing the depths to which some betrayals go. Never turn your back on the Creature Court even in a world ending crisis.
Summary
Action, blood and lust and a little bit of dressmaking. If you enjoy well written action, political intrigue, anime like transformation of characters into monstrous beasts and well written sex scenes give the whole series a go.
Don’t let the cover fool you- the Red Hot Chilli Peppers fifth album, Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic could have been an alternative title for this book.
Bloody action, liberal use of Animor (magic) and some very saucy sex scenes and the sugar…well there’s honey cakes.
In my review of Power and Majesty I stated that I felt that Roberts had written a well balanced story with all of the above ingredients – I feel that she’s “one-upped” herself with the second instalment of the series.
The Story
When we left Velody in Power and Majesty she was coming to terms with her position as the head of the Creature Court and had vanquished Lord Dhynar a rogue member. At the beginning of The Shattered City we are still not sure why the sky falls some nights nor what the big picture is, though there is a hint of malevolent intelligence behind it all.
Velody is firmly cemented as the leader of the court, though some lords still test her, forcing her to apply some muscle. A series of murders threatens to throw all her good work into disarray, as it appears that member of the court is targeting their fellows. Compounding this is the break down in the rituals of the daylight world which help sustain and rebuild the city after each skybattle.
Ashiol is haunted by hallucinations of Garnet and he begins to fall into madness. Rhian, a largely secondary character in Power and Majesty comes to the fore and reveals a secret. Delphine is dragged reluctantly towards becoming a Sentinel and Velody will have to make a sacrifice to save her city.
Visceral
Visceral is perhaps the best way to describe this book. It’s fantasy with a distinct mythic flavouring. The Creature Court, not surprisingly reminds me of Greek and Roman gods, decidedly human in their ambitions and passions. So on the one hand I get a sense of the fantastical, the changing of the court members into their various totemic animals or their larger Chimera form but on the other the politics and passions are very human.
Things to like
I am finding it hard not to keep referring back to Power and Majesty, which I found to present an original characters, setting and story. The Shattered City continues this pattern – Velody’s occupation as a dressmaker continues to play an important part in the actions and outcomes in the story.
How often in Fantasy does the heroine drop what she is doing to become a wielding Valkyrie? How refreshing is it that Velody holds on to her daylight work as a way of keeping her grounded.
In Power and Majesty Rhian was in danger of falling prey to the trope of “female character who has been raped” which explains why they are either tough angry women or skittish wall flowers. I will say nothing more than Roberts has turned this trope on its head.
Finlay I love the way Roberts lets the reader think at least for a brief moment that Velody has everything under control before sweeping the rug out from under our feet and revealing the depths to which some betrayals go. Never turn your back on the Creature Court even in a world ending crisis.
Summary
Action, blood and lust and a little bit of dressmaking. If you enjoy well written action, political intrigue, anime like transformation of characters into monstrous beasts and well written sex scenes give the whole series a go.
May 11, 2012
Velody, dressmaker and Power and Majesty of the Creature Court (Fae), creates a beautiful dress for Isangell, Ducomtessa of Aufleur (ruler of the city/state in which the story is set). In Power and Majesty (book one) Velody began having problems with shadows on her skin and in her vision; these problems have continued. Ashiol, the other King of the Creature Court and Isangell’s cousin, struggles to retain a shred of his sanity. Rhian, Velody’s friend, hides a secret for which she believes she cannot be forgiven. Delphine struggles between taking on responsibility and throwing herself back into her hedonistic lifestyle. The Creature Court’s politics shift and change as with the tides. The sky attacks and takes on new forms, taking the Creature Court by surprise.
The Shattered City is the second book in the trilogy, but is so consistent with the first book the two could have been published as one (very large) volume. It isn’t until the end of The Shattered City that a hinge creates a distinct turning point for the third volume. This is a strength of this trilogy; too often book one or two in a trilogy is slow, or the shifts in the story feel artificially constructed to fit the three book format. Not so with The Creature Court, where the story is consistently developing the characters and plot as it ramps up the action to the final act.
Sex scenes are explicit at times. While some authors seem to forcibly inject a sex scene into the storyline to comply with the paranormal romance format, Roberts explores attitudes towards sex as a theme without making sex scenes feel like an interruption to the story. The Creature Court has non-conventional attitudes towards sex, which are explored and contrasted with the attitudes of ‘daylight folk’ (non-fae). The sex scenes can be somewhat explicit but are neither as detailed nor as lengthy as those in Nalini Singh’s paranormal romance novels.
Costumes are described in detail at times, giving a feel for the characters and setting. While some authors bore me with their seemingly obsessive focus on clothing, Roberts avoids this by focusing on detail that is pertinent to the story. If the costume is not important, the description is brief, allowing the reader to fill in the details.
Readers must start with Power and Majesty, the first book in the Creature Court trilogy, in order to make sense of the story. The Shattered City has followed Power in the same vein. These novels are for those who love fantasy, Fae and other-worldliness combined with vicious politics and epic magical battles.
The Shattered City is the second book in the trilogy, but is so consistent with the first book the two could have been published as one (very large) volume. It isn’t until the end of The Shattered City that a hinge creates a distinct turning point for the third volume. This is a strength of this trilogy; too often book one or two in a trilogy is slow, or the shifts in the story feel artificially constructed to fit the three book format. Not so with The Creature Court, where the story is consistently developing the characters and plot as it ramps up the action to the final act.
Sex scenes are explicit at times. While some authors seem to forcibly inject a sex scene into the storyline to comply with the paranormal romance format, Roberts explores attitudes towards sex as a theme without making sex scenes feel like an interruption to the story. The Creature Court has non-conventional attitudes towards sex, which are explored and contrasted with the attitudes of ‘daylight folk’ (non-fae). The sex scenes can be somewhat explicit but are neither as detailed nor as lengthy as those in Nalini Singh’s paranormal romance novels.
Costumes are described in detail at times, giving a feel for the characters and setting. While some authors bore me with their seemingly obsessive focus on clothing, Roberts avoids this by focusing on detail that is pertinent to the story. If the costume is not important, the description is brief, allowing the reader to fill in the details.
Readers must start with Power and Majesty, the first book in the Creature Court trilogy, in order to make sense of the story. The Shattered City has followed Power in the same vein. These novels are for those who love fantasy, Fae and other-worldliness combined with vicious politics and epic magical battles.
November 1, 2012
This book gave me all the feels.
Seriously, what an amazing ride from start to finish. Not only does Roberts have amazing and beautifully fleshed out characters, but she really knows how to take shit hitting the fan to a whole new level. The level of chaos and destruction in this novel is staggering, and the world in which Velody wishes to protect is shattering with no hope of survival. Until she has the best sex ever in an attempt to save it. That's right, you heard me, SEX.
I'm not going to lie, I thought that was oddly clever. It'd be cheesy if the sex was in poor taste, but it oddly worked here, especially because of who Velody has sex with. I loved how strong Velody has become, and I love the strength that Rhian and Delphene give her. I also adored the transformation of Rhian, and although I am not a fan of rape in any form, I do have to give Roberts credit about how she handles it and how Rhian has a strong desire to do the unthinkable as a means of revenge. Obviously two wrongs don't make a right, but damn, I was rooting for her.
Also Heliora's death scene, holy crap! Unexpected and intense! But wait, she's not dead? Her body may be, but her entity lives on in Rhian. Normally I'm not a fan of this type of "revival," but Heliora's influence on Rhian is quite creepy and haunting. Also I felt so bad for Topaz. I'm nervous for her! Especially after she lost Bart, she really doesn't have much left for her.
Velody's destruction of the bakery was also another highlight for me, as this is the true moment we really get to see her feelings shine through. I mean, sucks that she had to have sexy timez with Garnet (that delicious tool! <3), but it's interesting how it also affects her relations with Ash. It should be interesting to see where it goes in the third book.
All in all, I loved this book even more than the first. There's something so creepy and haunting about this series that keeps me hooked. It's a shame these books are so hard to get in North America, but they are so worth it. Roberts writing is masterful, and how she develops the world, the characters and even their powers is awe-inspiring. I'm so nervous now to read Reign of Beasts, because don't know if I can handle this series being over.
Seriously, what an amazing ride from start to finish. Not only does Roberts have amazing and beautifully fleshed out characters, but she really knows how to take shit hitting the fan to a whole new level. The level of chaos and destruction in this novel is staggering, and the world in which Velody wishes to protect is shattering with no hope of survival. Until she has the best sex ever in an attempt to save it. That's right, you heard me, SEX.
I'm not going to lie, I thought that was oddly clever. It'd be cheesy if the sex was in poor taste, but it oddly worked here, especially because of who Velody has sex with. I loved how strong Velody has become, and I love the strength that Rhian and Delphene give her. I also adored the transformation of Rhian, and although I am not a fan of rape in any form, I do have to give Roberts credit about how she handles it and how Rhian has a strong desire to do the unthinkable as a means of revenge. Obviously two wrongs don't make a right, but damn, I was rooting for her.
Also Heliora's death scene, holy crap! Unexpected and intense! But wait, she's not dead? Her body may be, but her entity lives on in Rhian. Normally I'm not a fan of this type of "revival," but Heliora's influence on Rhian is quite creepy and haunting. Also I felt so bad for Topaz. I'm nervous for her! Especially after she lost Bart, she really doesn't have much left for her.
Velody's destruction of the bakery was also another highlight for me, as this is the true moment we really get to see her feelings shine through. I mean, sucks that she had to have sexy timez with Garnet (that delicious tool! <3), but it's interesting how it also affects her relations with Ash. It should be interesting to see where it goes in the third book.
All in all, I loved this book even more than the first. There's something so creepy and haunting about this series that keeps me hooked. It's a shame these books are so hard to get in North America, but they are so worth it. Roberts writing is masterful, and how she develops the world, the characters and even their powers is awe-inspiring. I'm so nervous now to read Reign of Beasts, because don't know if I can handle this series being over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2015
The middle book where everything falls to pieces . . .
To be honest, things were dissolving at the end of the first book, but The Shattered City just amped everything right up to a heightened level of ‘oh my goodness, that can’t happen! Can it?’
We start the book with a lot more knowledge about Aufleur and the Creature Court than when we opened the first book. We know about the many festivals which keep Velody, Delphine and Rhian in work, we know about the power plays and violence and alliances within the Creature Court. So, we’re fully prepared for what’s to come in The Shattered City . . .
So unprepared.
In The Shattered City the events of night and day begin to overlap, with the disasters of the night bleeding into the usually bright atmosphere of the day, eating away at the city and its inhabitants. Ashiol points out at the beginning that there’s something bad on the way, as the death of The Ferax Lord has greater repercussions.
One of the (many) repercussions is the cancellation of the city’s festivals – and something which has always seemed a little frivolous turns out to be ritual of the highest importance. The Creature Court are forced to work together, while being deeply distrustful of each other, but it results in one of those ‘oh no, that can’t happen!’ moments which turn our usual understandings of narrative upside down. (Not to mention the ‘turn everything upside down again’ moment which happens late in the book . . . )
This is a really dense book with a lot going on. It wouldn’t have worked as a first book, without all the world and character building which had gone on before. Nor would it work as a last book – there’s too much going on without resolution. It’s a really perfect middle book, amping up the action and carrying the reader along towards the end and into the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m really looking forward to the third and final book in the trilogy.
Edited from a review at Subversive Reader
To be honest, things were dissolving at the end of the first book, but The Shattered City just amped everything right up to a heightened level of ‘oh my goodness, that can’t happen! Can it?’
We start the book with a lot more knowledge about Aufleur and the Creature Court than when we opened the first book. We know about the many festivals which keep Velody, Delphine and Rhian in work, we know about the power plays and violence and alliances within the Creature Court. So, we’re fully prepared for what’s to come in The Shattered City . . .
So unprepared.
In The Shattered City the events of night and day begin to overlap, with the disasters of the night bleeding into the usually bright atmosphere of the day, eating away at the city and its inhabitants. Ashiol points out at the beginning that there’s something bad on the way, as the death of The Ferax Lord has greater repercussions.
One of the (many) repercussions is the cancellation of the city’s festivals – and something which has always seemed a little frivolous turns out to be ritual of the highest importance. The Creature Court are forced to work together, while being deeply distrustful of each other, but it results in one of those ‘oh no, that can’t happen!’ moments which turn our usual understandings of narrative upside down. (Not to mention the ‘turn everything upside down again’ moment which happens late in the book . . . )
This is a really dense book with a lot going on. It wouldn’t have worked as a first book, without all the world and character building which had gone on before. Nor would it work as a last book – there’s too much going on without resolution. It’s a really perfect middle book, amping up the action and carrying the reader along towards the end and into the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m really looking forward to the third and final book in the trilogy.
Edited from a review at Subversive Reader
July 9, 2011
I read this about 10 weeks ago, and I'm not sure why I've left it til now to actually review it. I think it's because I read it too fast, and was then a bit shell-shocked. I couldn't face reviewing it immediately, and then I kept putting it off... so now the review isn't as good as it might have been, but I can at least tick it off my to-do list and move it to the bookshelf, rather than having it staring at me accusingly from the shelf above my computer...
Tansy is very very mean to her characters. If you've read the first book, Power and Majesty, this will not be a surprise to you.
Velody is coming to terms with being the Creature Court's Power and Majesty. Delphine and Rhian are not coping with the changes quite so well, and neither are swathes of the Court itself - never exactly predisposed towards being welcoming or accepting of another's power in the first place. Ashiol is still having to do great soul-searching and agonising over what to do about his power, and Velody and Garnet... something bad might be happening to the Duchessa... and something really bad might be going down in the sky.
Shattered City is a magnificent second book in that it develops the characters in unexpected ways, furthers the plot in totally twisty, snarky, and unexpected ways, and ups the ante in occasionally devastating ways. The writing continues to be elegant and precise and enticing. The world of Aufleur grows more and more well realised, as details are added about the different festivals, the food, the clothes, and the architecture... nice details that add depth.
I am desperate for the third book. I really hope it comes out this year. And I will try my best to give it a better review than this one...
Tansy is very very mean to her characters. If you've read the first book, Power and Majesty, this will not be a surprise to you.
Velody is coming to terms with being the Creature Court's Power and Majesty. Delphine and Rhian are not coping with the changes quite so well, and neither are swathes of the Court itself - never exactly predisposed towards being welcoming or accepting of another's power in the first place. Ashiol is still having to do great soul-searching and agonising over what to do about his power, and Velody and Garnet... something bad might be happening to the Duchessa... and something really bad might be going down in the sky.
Shattered City is a magnificent second book in that it develops the characters in unexpected ways, furthers the plot in totally twisty, snarky, and unexpected ways, and ups the ante in occasionally devastating ways. The writing continues to be elegant and precise and enticing. The world of Aufleur grows more and more well realised, as details are added about the different festivals, the food, the clothes, and the architecture... nice details that add depth.
I am desperate for the third book. I really hope it comes out this year. And I will try my best to give it a better review than this one...
November 8, 2016
I'm even more torn on this one than I was on the first book of the series. It kind of has the quality of a train wreck - rather horrifying, and yet you can't really look away.
The good: Amazing character development; good, bad, twisted, complicated, incredible character development. For everyone, not just the main characters - you really want to hate some of them, but you just... can't. It's a bit frustrating, actually.
The really not sure: The plots and subplots get plottier and subplottier. The traditional literary plot trail of "Exposition--->Rising Action--->Climax--->Falling Action--->Resolution" is kind of thrown by the wayside and instead you get multiple climaxes and rising action and falling action all scattered about whilly-nilly. You don't really know what to expect, only that odds are it will probably be bad and trying to figure it out mostly just leaves a lingering feeling of unease.
The kind of rotten: I don't like where it's going. I really don't. Not because I think it will be bad (because you know it will be), but because I fear the ultimate resolution will be nowhere near enough to make up for All The Angst and the Awful the characters will end up suffering through before they get there.
The hope: That I am wrong and it won't be so awful. Or that the final resolution will own up to the awful and be F*cking Amazing. A girl can dream, at least.
Happy Reading!
The good: Amazing character development; good, bad, twisted, complicated, incredible character development. For everyone, not just the main characters - you really want to hate some of them, but you just... can't. It's a bit frustrating, actually.
The really not sure: The plots and subplots get plottier and subplottier. The traditional literary plot trail of "Exposition--->Rising Action--->Climax--->Falling Action--->Resolution" is kind of thrown by the wayside and instead you get multiple climaxes and rising action and falling action all scattered about whilly-nilly. You don't really know what to expect, only that odds are it will probably be bad and trying to figure it out mostly just leaves a lingering feeling of unease.
The kind of rotten: I don't like where it's going. I really don't. Not because I think it will be bad (because you know it will be), but because I fear the ultimate resolution will be nowhere near enough to make up for All The Angst and the Awful the characters will end up suffering through before they get there.
The hope: That I am wrong and it won't be so awful. Or that the final resolution will own up to the awful and be F*cking Amazing. A girl can dream, at least.
Happy Reading!
Read
July 2, 2014I gave the first book in this series somewhat of a rave review. Basically I said that it's not the best writing in the world but it is an awesome story.
I feel mostly the same way about the second book in the series. The ending was frustrating, I think the first book had a bit more of a conclusion than this one did. Although I suppose I'm getting used to this thing people are doing where they don't end their novels...
Anyways, it's good stuff and I really enjoyed reading it - I could barely put it down!! It was torture to go to work and spend the whole day longing to be reading again.
I'm looking forward to starting book 3 in a couple of days.
I feel mostly the same way about the second book in the series. The ending was frustrating, I think the first book had a bit more of a conclusion than this one did. Although I suppose I'm getting used to this thing people are doing where they don't end their novels...
Anyways, it's good stuff and I really enjoyed reading it - I could barely put it down!! It was torture to go to work and spend the whole day longing to be reading again.
I'm looking forward to starting book 3 in a couple of days.
May 15, 2012
Velody now leads the Creature Court but knows better then to trust any of them. The nox battles have taken a new form, growing harder to deal with and having repercussions that none of them can foresee. The Creature Court is fracturing and Velody may have to make a decision that is more then she can bare.
It starts slowly building towards a sinister air. As I read I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what was to come. It is a fabulous series that it rather different then anything I have read before. Love it.
It starts slowly building towards a sinister air. As I read I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what was to come. It is a fabulous series that it rather different then anything I have read before. Love it.
February 23, 2013
I feel like Ive been way too negative in my reviews lately. But this book has to have one of the dumbest cast of characters I have ever seen.
Normally its only maybe one or to characters who ooze stupidity in a book, but The Shattered City signed up all its characters for that role.
Im not going to spend time going over all the stupid choices each character made, because I honestly don't have that kind of time or motivation.
The book is interesting, you just look past the obvious flaws if you want to enjoy it, if you can.
Normally its only maybe one or to characters who ooze stupidity in a book, but The Shattered City signed up all its characters for that role.
Im not going to spend time going over all the stupid choices each character made, because I honestly don't have that kind of time or motivation.
The book is interesting, you just look past the obvious flaws if you want to enjoy it, if you can.
June 8, 2015
24.2.2015 - 4*
Oh my. Musela jsem mezi prvním a druhým dílem přečíst pár jiných, optimističtějších knížek (Heroes od Moore posloužili dokonale), ale dostala jsem se k tomu zpátky.
Příběh se zamotal, více se soustředil na přítomnost příběhu, začala se objevovat dějová linie, která se bude táhnout až ke konci. Lehce méně depresivní. protože tam bylo zrnko naděje, ale stále... skličující. A plné tajemství a lstí. Originální a promyšlené. Intenzivní. A ten konec, damn!
Oh my. Musela jsem mezi prvním a druhým dílem přečíst pár jiných, optimističtějších knížek (Heroes od Moore posloužili dokonale), ale dostala jsem se k tomu zpátky.
Příběh se zamotal, více se soustředil na přítomnost příběhu, začala se objevovat dějová linie, která se bude táhnout až ke konci. Lehce méně depresivní. protože tam bylo zrnko naděje, ale stále... skličující. A plné tajemství a lstí. Originální a promyšlené. Intenzivní. A ten konec, damn!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews