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Shamanborn #2
Broken Web
Untitled sequel to Forest of Souls.
Audio CD
First published June 15, 2021
40 people are currently reading
6126 people want to read
About the author
Lori M. Lee
14 books1,398 followersLori is an avid writer, reader, artist, and lover of unicorns. She should probably spend less time on the internet (but she won't). She considers herself a unicorn aficianado, is fond of talking in capslock, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 3, 2021
It’s got to be me! I’m not enjoying as many books as much as I used to. I mean 3 stars isn’t bad, I’m just saying. I loved the first book but I’m going to unhaul these two books and get them on kindle when they are on sale.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Read
March 10, 202112.08.20: Now available to request on NetGalley! https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
09.30.20: Cover reveal at Fairyloot: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFwzQK1pGwE/
WAIT UNTIL YOU GUYS SEE THE COVER FOR THIS AAAAH
09.30.20: Cover reveal at Fairyloot: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFwzQK1pGwE/
WAIT UNTIL YOU GUYS SEE THE COVER FOR THIS AAAAH
July 23, 2021
4.5 STARS
buddy read with dearest Ashley!
woah, this was good. really good. everything that i didn't enjoy in book #1 was fixed in Broken Web, including the seemingly-stilted relationship between Saengo and Sirscha in the first book, and my lack of connection to either main character. also, we got more Theyen in this book, which was a major pro!
Broken Web was rich with the same intricate world and stunningly original magic system as Forest of Souls, and more. more action and adventure, more plot-twists, more kickassery. book #1 was the beginning, with all the world-building and character introductions expected for an introduction to a new series, and with all of that out of the way Broken Web was much better in my opinion. it definitely didn't have second-book-syndrome, and i can't wait to see what the author comes up with for book #3!
buddy read with dearest Ashley!
woah, this was good. really good. everything that i didn't enjoy in book #1 was fixed in Broken Web, including the seemingly-stilted relationship between Saengo and Sirscha in the first book, and my lack of connection to either main character. also, we got more Theyen in this book, which was a major pro!
Broken Web was rich with the same intricate world and stunningly original magic system as Forest of Souls, and more. more action and adventure, more plot-twists, more kickassery. book #1 was the beginning, with all the world-building and character introductions expected for an introduction to a new series, and with all of that out of the way Broken Web was much better in my opinion. it definitely didn't have second-book-syndrome, and i can't wait to see what the author comes up with for book #3!
March 9, 2022
3 stars!
I continue to be surprised by this series and am really enjoying it, even if this book suffered from a sequel slump.
Characters: ★★★★
World/Plot: ★★★ 1/2
Pacing: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
This is the sequel to Forest of Souls. If you haven't read that book first, check out my review of it here.
This review will spoil elements of the first book. You've been warned!
Sirscha and her allies are in a tight spot. The Soulless has awoken and is gaining strength in the Dead Wood with each passing day. Their enemies, the anti-Shaman queen and her military, are chasing them. And the other kingdoms and shamanborn of the realm believe that Sirscha is a soulguide, a bringer of light and hope, instead of what she actually is—a soulrender, just like the Soulless they all despise and have since outlawed as a shaman-type.
With these pressures and secrets nipping at Sirscha's heels, she and her friend, Saengo, are trying to find a way to defeat the Soulless, protect Sirscha's true identity, save the realms' delicate alliances and avoiding all-out war, and save Saengo from the rot consuming her day by day as a result of the Dead Wood's infestation.
There's also some serious political intrigues too, but let's stop here because it's already a lot to juggle in this average-length YA book.
Sometimes, there's just the right combination of things for you to enjoy something and have just a damn good time reading it despite some trips along the way. This series is that for me.
I think Broken Web suffered from a bit of a sequel slump where the storyline needed to get from Point A: the end of book one, to Point B: the tip-off point that ended this book and prepared it for the next book. There was just too much that needed to happen, not enough length to make it happen, AND not enough fluff content for me to forgive the sheer amount of action that took place here.
That last thing is a personal note, sure, but as a character/dialogue/soft moment type of reader, I struggled with how much literally happened in this plot in terms of movement, action, and drama as opposed to some of the softer, resting moments that we had in the first book. I wish we'd had a few more of those in this one so that I could have caught my breath!
However, I did still really enjoy it and look forward to the final book. Fingers crossed its the perfect blend!
Blog | Instagram
I continue to be surprised by this series and am really enjoying it, even if this book suffered from a sequel slump.
Characters: ★★★★
World/Plot: ★★★ 1/2
Pacing: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
This is the sequel to Forest of Souls. If you haven't read that book first, check out my review of it here.
This review will spoil elements of the first book. You've been warned!
Sirscha and her allies are in a tight spot. The Soulless has awoken and is gaining strength in the Dead Wood with each passing day. Their enemies, the anti-Shaman queen and her military, are chasing them. And the other kingdoms and shamanborn of the realm believe that Sirscha is a soulguide, a bringer of light and hope, instead of what she actually is—a soulrender, just like the Soulless they all despise and have since outlawed as a shaman-type.
With these pressures and secrets nipping at Sirscha's heels, she and her friend, Saengo, are trying to find a way to defeat the Soulless, protect Sirscha's true identity, save the realms' delicate alliances and avoiding all-out war, and save Saengo from the rot consuming her day by day as a result of the Dead Wood's infestation.
There's also some serious political intrigues too, but let's stop here because it's already a lot to juggle in this average-length YA book.
Sometimes, there's just the right combination of things for you to enjoy something and have just a damn good time reading it despite some trips along the way. This series is that for me.
I think Broken Web suffered from a bit of a sequel slump where the storyline needed to get from Point A: the end of book one, to Point B: the tip-off point that ended this book and prepared it for the next book. There was just too much that needed to happen, not enough length to make it happen, AND not enough fluff content for me to forgive the sheer amount of action that took place here.
That last thing is a personal note, sure, but as a character/dialogue/soft moment type of reader, I struggled with how much literally happened in this plot in terms of movement, action, and drama as opposed to some of the softer, resting moments that we had in the first book. I wish we'd had a few more of those in this one so that I could have caught my breath!
However, I did still really enjoy it and look forward to the final book. Fingers crossed its the perfect blend!
Blog | Instagram
September 17, 2021
This story is sooo good in theory, but I hate that it falls kind of flat! And thinking back on the first one, I've come to realize how flat that one fell when I read it. For such an original spin on the generic YA novel, I really was expecting a more exciting sequel. I'm just underwhelmed.
Also, We'll see.
Also, We'll see.
November 22, 2021
I read Forest of Souls promptly when it released last year. It became a sudden and unexpected favorite. I then immediately added the sequel to my list as my "most anticipated release of 2021," and I can safely say it lived up to my expectations ^_^
So often the second book in trilogies struggle to give you anything of substance and are just a crutch to prop on until the actual sequel releases in another year. I can tell you this book doesn't fall into that flop category. This book actually gives you more plot, more answers, as well as more questions lol. We get more fun banter between Sirscha & Theyen (which I LIVE for!), sweet friendship with Saengo <3, background on Sirscha's family, and even some on the Soulless =O All very intriguing.
I love action driven stories, and this definitely falls into that category. It's non-stop mayhem from start to finish. Sirscha is constantly on the run from one kingdom or another for various reasons. But despite that, Sirscha has her little found family that support her (often with resigned sighs :P). All their interactions are just so fun, whether its with Theyen or with Prince Meleik. I love them all <3
Now I do have to say
With all of that said, I'm expecting an epic three-way showdown between Sirscha, the Soulless, and the Nuvalyn Empire in the final book. And I'm soooo here it! I need that sequel ASAP!
Sadly I was in the middle of a slump when I started this, but even with that I still totally loved this! Also I highly recommend the audiobook for this series. Cindy Kay does such a fabulous job! I actually waited to read this one until the audiobook released cause I enjoy her narration that much :D
So often the second book in trilogies struggle to give you anything of substance and are just a crutch to prop on until the actual sequel releases in another year. I can tell you this book doesn't fall into that flop category. This book actually gives you more plot, more answers, as well as more questions lol. We get more fun banter between Sirscha & Theyen (which I LIVE for!), sweet friendship with Saengo <3, background on Sirscha's family, and even some on the Soulless =O All very intriguing.
I love action driven stories, and this definitely falls into that category. It's non-stop mayhem from start to finish. Sirscha is constantly on the run from one kingdom or another for various reasons. But despite that, Sirscha has her little found family that support her (often with resigned sighs :P). All their interactions are just so fun, whether its with Theyen or with Prince Meleik. I love them all <3
Now I do have to say
With all of that said, I'm expecting an epic three-way showdown between Sirscha, the Soulless, and the Nuvalyn Empire in the final book. And I'm soooo here it! I need that sequel ASAP!
Sadly I was in the middle of a slump when I started this, but even with that I still totally loved this! Also I highly recommend the audiobook for this series. Cindy Kay does such a fabulous job! I actually waited to read this one until the audiobook released cause I enjoy her narration that much :D
August 24, 2021
I seriously wanted to just lay down and stare at the ceiling after reading this. This had been incredible. *cries*
Diving into this book, I was excited to pick up where we left off. The first 30% was slow, and there was little to no action (which is a bummer, I think I would have liked more action). However, as you read, you'll find that there's so much details to uncover, a lot of history and magic, and I love that.
Sirscha as main character just has your attention. It was hard to look away from the book because a) she's a compelling character and you want to root for her b) the little plot twists and the details from her perspective catch you off guard and by then you want to keep reading.
As for the other characters, I really wanted to see more Price Meilyk and Saengo and just dive into their characters more. While I didn't exactly get that, there was one character that pleasantly (or oddly?) surprised me--The Soulless. Here, I thought we'd have a villain that needs to be defeated, that's it. But as Sirscha gets to know a little more about The Soulless, I started to realize that there was more to it. There was a part that made me pause because he was starting to make more sense than the supposed "allies" and I was starting to sympathize with him. Don't get me wrong, I still think he's a manipulative jerk. But damn, his backstory and the depth that the author gave him just got to me.
The world-building, wow. I loved reading the first book especially in terms of world-building. But somehow Broken Web was even richer! I loved reading all about their lands, and the history of the kingdoms, the people, their struggles and their conflicts from the past until the current. It was all so riveting. This book reminded me why Fantasy the genre that made me fall in love with reading. Because of this. Because the fictional world pulls you in, because the magic and mythology makes your mind run wild, and because the same time, it also reflects bits and pieces of reality and humanity. I just really loved this.
Also, I have to talk about something and just highlight something in this review: Sirscha is bi. The way I gasped when I saw the author confirm it on IG/Twitter days before I started to read the book. I was super excited, and so elated! Reading the first book, there was a small part of me that thought Sirscha might be queer and that she might have feelings for Saengo. There was just a lot of times that I felt like her love for Saengo is more than friendship. But I discarded that thought because nothing happened between them in the first book. Now though, reading Broken Web, I am honestly living for bi Sirscha. And I've definitely started to ship Sirscha and Saengo. I can't help it *cries*
Overall, Broken Web was a great read! I regret I wasn't able to read this sooner, and I try not to be too harsh on myself about it because I know life happens. But reading this now, wow. In some ways, it felt like a respite. Like it was the book I needed and read at just the right moment.
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you so, so much to Page Street for sending me an ARC. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Diving into this book, I was excited to pick up where we left off. The first 30% was slow, and there was little to no action (which is a bummer, I think I would have liked more action). However, as you read, you'll find that there's so much details to uncover, a lot of history and magic, and I love that.
Sirscha as main character just has your attention. It was hard to look away from the book because a) she's a compelling character and you want to root for her b) the little plot twists and the details from her perspective catch you off guard and by then you want to keep reading.
As for the other characters, I really wanted to see more Price Meilyk and Saengo and just dive into their characters more. While I didn't exactly get that, there was one character that pleasantly (or oddly?) surprised me--The Soulless. Here, I thought we'd have a villain that needs to be defeated, that's it. But as Sirscha gets to know a little more about The Soulless, I started to realize that there was more to it. There was a part that made me pause because he was starting to make more sense than the supposed "allies" and I was starting to sympathize with him. Don't get me wrong, I still think he's a manipulative jerk. But damn, his backstory and the depth that the author gave him just got to me.
The world-building, wow. I loved reading the first book especially in terms of world-building. But somehow Broken Web was even richer! I loved reading all about their lands, and the history of the kingdoms, the people, their struggles and their conflicts from the past until the current. It was all so riveting. This book reminded me why Fantasy the genre that made me fall in love with reading. Because of this. Because the fictional world pulls you in, because the magic and mythology makes your mind run wild, and because the same time, it also reflects bits and pieces of reality and humanity. I just really loved this.
Also, I have to talk about something and just highlight something in this review: Sirscha is bi. The way I gasped when I saw the author confirm it on IG/Twitter days before I started to read the book. I was super excited, and so elated! Reading the first book, there was a small part of me that thought Sirscha might be queer and that she might have feelings for Saengo. There was just a lot of times that I felt like her love for Saengo is more than friendship. But I discarded that thought because nothing happened between them in the first book. Now though, reading Broken Web, I am honestly living for bi Sirscha. And I've definitely started to ship Sirscha and Saengo. I can't help it *cries*
Overall, Broken Web was a great read! I regret I wasn't able to read this sooner, and I try not to be too harsh on myself about it because I know life happens. But reading this now, wow. In some ways, it felt like a respite. Like it was the book I needed and read at just the right moment.
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you so, so much to Page Street for sending me an ARC. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
July 5, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for sending me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Forest of Souls was one of my favourite reads of 2020 and I was super excited for this sequel. However, it did disappoint me in places. Some of it was boring and slow and I didn’t feel engaged with the story. That being said, I still loved the book and I loved the characters once more, I just would have liked to see more character development. I can’t wait for the third instalment!
Forest of Souls was one of my favourite reads of 2020 and I was super excited for this sequel. However, it did disappoint me in places. Some of it was boring and slow and I didn’t feel engaged with the story. That being said, I still loved the book and I loved the characters once more, I just would have liked to see more character development. I can’t wait for the third instalment!
June 15, 2021
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Broken Web picks up right where Forest of Souls ends. It immediately had a different feel to me, focusing more on ruling the kingdom, rebellion, and political maneuvers. Whereas I associated Forest of Souls more with secrets behind closed doors and clashes of will. Broken Web examines all the hidden pieces of the past, those who conceal them, and take choices away from others. It asks - what is the price for rebellion and magic, for wanting to set wrongs to right? I was immediately immersed in the action and swept back into the world.
While I was immediately loving be back in the world, I felt like in the middle the pacing lulled a bit. Nothing that stopped me from continuing, but it had me wondering if this was going to be a classic, "second book syndrome" of a trilogy. Until the last 25% had me absolutely reeling. The pace picked up and hooked me again for the finale. Even though there was action within Broken Web, I felt like this sequel was a bit more introspective. It felt more thoughtful as it questions how monstrous our enemies are - and how human they could become. All while also subtly probing at Saengo and Sirscha's relationship.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Broken Web picks up right where Forest of Souls ends. It immediately had a different feel to me, focusing more on ruling the kingdom, rebellion, and political maneuvers. Whereas I associated Forest of Souls more with secrets behind closed doors and clashes of will. Broken Web examines all the hidden pieces of the past, those who conceal them, and take choices away from others. It asks - what is the price for rebellion and magic, for wanting to set wrongs to right? I was immediately immersed in the action and swept back into the world.
While I was immediately loving be back in the world, I felt like in the middle the pacing lulled a bit. Nothing that stopped me from continuing, but it had me wondering if this was going to be a classic, "second book syndrome" of a trilogy. Until the last 25% had me absolutely reeling. The pace picked up and hooked me again for the finale. Even though there was action within Broken Web, I felt like this sequel was a bit more introspective. It felt more thoughtful as it questions how monstrous our enemies are - and how human they could become. All while also subtly probing at Saengo and Sirscha's relationship.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
October 27, 2021
You know, I wouldn't say that I didn't enjoy Broken Web. I very much enjoyed it for many of the reasons that I enjoyed Forest of Souls, but it just didn't give me the same gripping feeling as Forest did and that 's why we aren't at 4 stars here. That being said, I enjoyed seeing the continuation of Sirscha's story as she tries to recruit allies to defeat Queen Mei and the Soulless. I loved the dichotomy between Sircha and the Soulless and the similarities they had to each other. The scenes featuring the two of them were some of my favorite scenes in the book and it was a fascinating dynamic there. Once again, the book's strongest point is the friendship between Saengo and Sirscha and how the love and support each other. Well-written relationships between young women are so refreshing to read and are sometimes better than any potential romance, and I feel like that's what we get in this series which is great. Whenever a book can stand on its own two feet without a romantic storyline and keep the attention of the reader I consider that a really impressive feat. Once again, Lee impressed me with her mastery of her setting. Broken Web is a story of picking up the broken pieces of the consequences of our actions and how the choices made during that process can define a person and the world to come.
May 10, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley the Publishers, Page Street Publishing | Page Street YA, and the author Lori M. Lee for allowing me to review this book. Which, I will be giving my honest and sincere review.
Broken Web is the Second Installment of the Shamanborn Series by Lori M. Lee. It picks up where the last book left off, this book delves deeper into the richly imagined world of shamans, spirits, and dark magic, delivering a spellbinding narrative that captivates from start to finish.
One of the most striking elements of the author's writing is her skillful use of banter. The interactions between the characters crackle with wit and humor, providing moments of levity amidst the escalating tension of the plot. Whether it's the playful exchanges between the protagonist and their companions or the sharp repartee between rivals, the banter adds depth to the relationships and makes the characters feel vibrant and real.
At the heart of this installment lies a compelling fantasy premise that explores themes of power, identity, and sacrifice. Lee deftly navigates the complexities of her magical system, seamlessly blending traditional shamanistic practices with her own imaginative twists. The result is a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly original, where the line between the mundane and the supernatural is constantly blurred.
Our Characters:
Sirscha is the determined protagonist of the story, discovering her unique connection to the spirit world. Brave and fiercely loyal, she defies conventions to uncover the truth about her abilities, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In the second book, Sirscha's character evolves further as she faces new challenges, deepening her understanding of her abilities and navigating the complexities of her world with courage and resilience.
Saengo, Sirscha's devoted best friend and fellow soldier, is characterized by her sharp wit, skilled fighting abilities, and unwavering loyalty. Throughout their journey, Saengo stands by Sirscha through thick and thin, providing unwavering support and friendship. In the second book, Saengo's character evolves as she confronts her own ambitions and fears, expanding beyond her role as a supporter to become a formidable force in her own right.
Theyen is a mysterious and powerful shaman with a troubled past, serving as an unlikely ally to Sirscha in her journey of mastering her abilities. His enigmatic nature adds intrigue to the narrative as he offers guidance and mentorship to Sirscha. In the second book, Theyen's complexities deepen as his past and motivations are further explored, shaping Sirscha's journey in unexpected ways.
Prince Meile is a significant figure in the "Forest of Souls" series, introduced as a character with a royal lineage and complex motivations. In the first book, his actions and interactions with other characters shape the narrative, hinting at hidden depths beneath his princely facade. As the series progresses into the second book, Meile's character undergoes further development, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline while remaining integral to the overarching plot.
The prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid images of sprawling landscapes, eerie spirit realms, and bustling city streets. Her descriptive language pulls readers into the story, immersing them in a world brimming with wonder and danger. From heart-pounding action sequences to quiet moments of introspection, every scene is crafted with precision and care, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
Broken Web is the Second Installment of the Shamanborn Series by Lori M. Lee. It picks up where the last book left off, this book delves deeper into the richly imagined world of shamans, spirits, and dark magic, delivering a spellbinding narrative that captivates from start to finish.
One of the most striking elements of the author's writing is her skillful use of banter. The interactions between the characters crackle with wit and humor, providing moments of levity amidst the escalating tension of the plot. Whether it's the playful exchanges between the protagonist and their companions or the sharp repartee between rivals, the banter adds depth to the relationships and makes the characters feel vibrant and real.
At the heart of this installment lies a compelling fantasy premise that explores themes of power, identity, and sacrifice. Lee deftly navigates the complexities of her magical system, seamlessly blending traditional shamanistic practices with her own imaginative twists. The result is a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly original, where the line between the mundane and the supernatural is constantly blurred.
Our Characters:
Sirscha is the determined protagonist of the story, discovering her unique connection to the spirit world. Brave and fiercely loyal, she defies conventions to uncover the truth about her abilities, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In the second book, Sirscha's character evolves further as she faces new challenges, deepening her understanding of her abilities and navigating the complexities of her world with courage and resilience.
Saengo, Sirscha's devoted best friend and fellow soldier, is characterized by her sharp wit, skilled fighting abilities, and unwavering loyalty. Throughout their journey, Saengo stands by Sirscha through thick and thin, providing unwavering support and friendship. In the second book, Saengo's character evolves as she confronts her own ambitions and fears, expanding beyond her role as a supporter to become a formidable force in her own right.
Theyen is a mysterious and powerful shaman with a troubled past, serving as an unlikely ally to Sirscha in her journey of mastering her abilities. His enigmatic nature adds intrigue to the narrative as he offers guidance and mentorship to Sirscha. In the second book, Theyen's complexities deepen as his past and motivations are further explored, shaping Sirscha's journey in unexpected ways.
Prince Meile is a significant figure in the "Forest of Souls" series, introduced as a character with a royal lineage and complex motivations. In the first book, his actions and interactions with other characters shape the narrative, hinting at hidden depths beneath his princely facade. As the series progresses into the second book, Meile's character undergoes further development, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline while remaining integral to the overarching plot.
The prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid images of sprawling landscapes, eerie spirit realms, and bustling city streets. Her descriptive language pulls readers into the story, immersing them in a world brimming with wonder and danger. From heart-pounding action sequences to quiet moments of introspection, every scene is crafted with precision and care, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
August 9, 2021
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Broken Web is the second installment in author Lori M. Lee's Shamanborn series. The story picks up right after events happened in Forest of Souls. The world of Thiy is divided into three: humans, shadow wielders, and shamans. The story's main character is Sirscha Ashwyn. She once trained to become the Queen's Shadow under her mentor and betrayer Kendara who still carries a boat load of secrets. A shadow is a Master spy employed by the Queen who delivers secrets and is also an assassin. The only thing that held the peace together was The Spider King.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Broken Web is the second installment in author Lori M. Lee's Shamanborn series. The story picks up right after events happened in Forest of Souls. The world of Thiy is divided into three: humans, shadow wielders, and shamans. The story's main character is Sirscha Ashwyn. She once trained to become the Queen's Shadow under her mentor and betrayer Kendara who still carries a boat load of secrets. A shadow is a Master spy employed by the Queen who delivers secrets and is also an assassin. The only thing that held the peace together was The Spider King.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 21, 2024
i think this suffered from middle book syndrome. a lot happened yet nothing happened. hoping the time it took between book 2 and book 3 really brings this series to an exciting end.
November 29, 2025
4.5 stars
RTC
RTC
July 21, 2021
Well, this is simple, amazing and beautiful in its own way. This isn’t some grand book that will enchant every reader and that we will remember for the rest of our lives, because is not. This is one of those simple books that delivers an amazing plot, with interesting characters that do what they’re supposed to do. I liked the first book, I liked the history of the world and the mystery and secrets behind it, I liked the magic and how the writer divided it in species and branches, I liked the main character –Sirscha- and how she’s trying to find her purpose and a place where she belongs to.
This book doesn’t waste time in idle things, it goes right to the point and I really liked that. This book was extremely easy to read, it’s a fast-paced book with the right and interesting things to say. It isn’t that complicated, here the world grows a bit more, showing how other nations work, how the secrets to the past war are destroying the present and how some things really happened in the past with the shamans, the soulrenders and the soulless. The book gives into the insecurities Sirscha has towards being alone and how much she wants to protect her only family and her nation. Again, this book doesn’t waste time with things I don’t need, not even with trips to one place or another and the amazing thing about that is that the writer did an amazing job, because it doesn’t feel like she is cutting pieces of the book to get to some point, it all feels fluid and smooth.
There isn’t much to say about this book other than is really good, it’s loyal to the first one, the characters are loyal to themselves and they grow a bit here as well. This is the kind of good and fast reading book you can grab for a day or two, settle down and enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, I do want to know more about how all of this is going to end but I won’t stop living to know.
This book doesn’t waste time in idle things, it goes right to the point and I really liked that. This book was extremely easy to read, it’s a fast-paced book with the right and interesting things to say. It isn’t that complicated, here the world grows a bit more, showing how other nations work, how the secrets to the past war are destroying the present and how some things really happened in the past with the shamans, the soulrenders and the soulless. The book gives into the insecurities Sirscha has towards being alone and how much she wants to protect her only family and her nation. Again, this book doesn’t waste time with things I don’t need, not even with trips to one place or another and the amazing thing about that is that the writer did an amazing job, because it doesn’t feel like she is cutting pieces of the book to get to some point, it all feels fluid and smooth.
There isn’t much to say about this book other than is really good, it’s loyal to the first one, the characters are loyal to themselves and they grow a bit here as well. This is the kind of good and fast reading book you can grab for a day or two, settle down and enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, I do want to know more about how all of this is going to end but I won’t stop living to know.
December 3, 2023
Buckle up, folks! This sequel is about to take you at break-neck speed through some fabulous plot twists, political machinations, and magic that will get you killed.
Thank you so much to Page Street for sending me an early copy!
Now travelling through the Nuvalyn Empire, Sirscha and Saengo are and trying to figure out their next moves. Ronin is dead, and the villainous Soulless is awake in the Deadwood, gathering his strength. Everyone still thinks Sirscha is a blessed soulguide when in fact she is a soulrender, a shaman that can tear a soul from a body. As she hides behind a lie that would get her killed in a heartbeat, and keeps the rot growing inside Saengo at bay, the Evewyn queen is readying for war. This is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with tons of action-packed scenes, political intrigue and a compelling magic system.
A word to the wise, I strongly recommend a reread of Forest of Souls before diving into this. I chose not to and did struggle to remember a lot of the great nuance that is built into this story. For example, I forgot what Ronin's deal was, when in fact he was the only person keeping the Dead Wood in check. Plus there is a lot of political intrigue and interesting characters that deserve to be seen wholly. A petition for publishers to include a one page synopsis of what happened in the last book!
These characters are such an interesting mix of found family members. They all seem so separate and different but the common denominator between them all is Sirscha. I love how sarcastic she can be at times. She has these great quips that come out of nowhere and always made me smile. Her love for Saengo is next level. There is no romance in this series so far, but y'all, I kind of need something laid out because I cannot tell if the super close relationship between Sirscha and Saengo is really good friends, or very very slow queer burn. It doesn't matter, but I need something. Another thing I need is for characters to be more ... present. There's a lot of characters but aside from Sirscha, we only get to see them for a chapter at a time, and it felt like something was missing from the story. If that makes any sense.
I'm delighted we get to go back to the Dead Wood! Lee's writing is very simple and straightforward, but she wrote some of the best dark imagery I've ever read in Forest of Souls, and that shone anew here. A malevolent forest with trapped souls trying to escape the trees? Ugh, it's stunning, truly. However, as I'd hoped with this sequel, we do get to see more of this world. For instance, we get to see Mirrim, the Nuvalyn capital city. It is a unique place as it was created by the only soulguide to exist and is warded so that only shamans may enter.
I think where this suffered for me was in the last half of the book. Decisions felt as though they were being made with little more than a sentence of consideration. I had to go back a page on numerous occasions because I couldn't figure out how we went from Point A to Point B so quickly, and by that I mean we travelled halfway across the country in three paragraphs. Events also became a bit repetitive, with this person running somewhere, getting caught, escaping. It cheapened some of those great action-scenes and plot-twists a little.
The ending itself was not a bad thing though! There are many twists throughout the book and so many of them come to a head in those last two chapters with a jaw-dropping finale. I always thought this was a duology, so I'm thrilled to learn that it's actually a trilogy. Can't wait to see how this will end!
Thank you so much to Page Street for sending me an early copy!
Now travelling through the Nuvalyn Empire, Sirscha and Saengo are and trying to figure out their next moves. Ronin is dead, and the villainous Soulless is awake in the Deadwood, gathering his strength. Everyone still thinks Sirscha is a blessed soulguide when in fact she is a soulrender, a shaman that can tear a soul from a body. As she hides behind a lie that would get her killed in a heartbeat, and keeps the rot growing inside Saengo at bay, the Evewyn queen is readying for war. This is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with tons of action-packed scenes, political intrigue and a compelling magic system.
A word to the wise, I strongly recommend a reread of Forest of Souls before diving into this. I chose not to and did struggle to remember a lot of the great nuance that is built into this story. For example, I forgot what Ronin's deal was, when in fact he was the only person keeping the Dead Wood in check. Plus there is a lot of political intrigue and interesting characters that deserve to be seen wholly. A petition for publishers to include a one page synopsis of what happened in the last book!
These characters are such an interesting mix of found family members. They all seem so separate and different but the common denominator between them all is Sirscha. I love how sarcastic she can be at times. She has these great quips that come out of nowhere and always made me smile. Her love for Saengo is next level. There is no romance in this series so far, but y'all, I kind of need something laid out because I cannot tell if the super close relationship between Sirscha and Saengo is really good friends, or very very slow queer burn. It doesn't matter, but I need something. Another thing I need is for characters to be more ... present. There's a lot of characters but aside from Sirscha, we only get to see them for a chapter at a time, and it felt like something was missing from the story. If that makes any sense.
I'm delighted we get to go back to the Dead Wood! Lee's writing is very simple and straightforward, but she wrote some of the best dark imagery I've ever read in Forest of Souls, and that shone anew here. A malevolent forest with trapped souls trying to escape the trees? Ugh, it's stunning, truly. However, as I'd hoped with this sequel, we do get to see more of this world. For instance, we get to see Mirrim, the Nuvalyn capital city. It is a unique place as it was created by the only soulguide to exist and is warded so that only shamans may enter.
I think where this suffered for me was in the last half of the book. Decisions felt as though they were being made with little more than a sentence of consideration. I had to go back a page on numerous occasions because I couldn't figure out how we went from Point A to Point B so quickly, and by that I mean we travelled halfway across the country in three paragraphs. Events also became a bit repetitive, with this person running somewhere, getting caught, escaping. It cheapened some of those great action-scenes and plot-twists a little.
The ending itself was not a bad thing though! There are many twists throughout the book and so many of them come to a head in those last two chapters with a jaw-dropping finale. I always thought this was a duology, so I'm thrilled to learn that it's actually a trilogy. Can't wait to see how this will end!
April 16, 2024
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an arc to read and review!
As someone who liked the first book but felt like it lacked something to really pull me in, this sequel did the trick! This sequel is filled with political intrigue, more lore, lots of action, and learning that good and evil isn’t always black and white. It packs a punch!
Sirscha is still coming to terms with her magical ability of soulrendering and not trying to lose control. Her friend, familiar, and basically a sister Saengo really tries to keep it in check and be the conscious she needs at times. Although their relationship has been left unaffected by the change of Saengo’s soul, it’s easy to understand why the Soulless would want to tear the bond between them. If she doesn’t have the good angel on her shoulder to keep her in check then what would happen to Sirscha? Manipulation is a powerful thing especially if it comes from someone who has been where you are and is “trying to help”. I do think that some of what was talked about when it comes to their friendship will definitely be tested in the third book. Sirscha doesn’t always listen to her gut though and some things tend to go wrong. I feel like this is just human nature as we want to believe that those around us truly want to help. It’s easy to understand her actions and why she makes the choices she does.
Since I’ve mentioned the Soulless I guess I’ll talk about him next, haha. Even though I am not one to be drawn to the “bad guy”, there is something about him that I find intriguing. I like that even though he is far away from Sirscha for most of the book he is still around her in her dreams. He adds a lot to the history of the empire. I’m still not entirely sure what his overall motive is but I like where the plot is going with him and I can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.
Other characters from the first book are still present as well along with new faces too. I still like Theyen and really hope he survives because it would just be too sad of a day if he doesn’t.
Politics is a big topic in the book and because of that it is hard to decide who can really be trusted. There are some that are obviously trustworthy as they have kept Sirscha’s abilities a secret but there are still those that there isn’t enough information on or who have been acting quite suspicious. All of the mistrust does make for some shocking plot twists though!
Overall, I enjoyed the sequel. It had a lot of shocking moments that kept me intrigued throughout and it’s going to be hard to have to wait for the third book. There is just too much at stake and now I’ll just be speculating until then, haha.
As someone who liked the first book but felt like it lacked something to really pull me in, this sequel did the trick! This sequel is filled with political intrigue, more lore, lots of action, and learning that good and evil isn’t always black and white. It packs a punch!
Sirscha is still coming to terms with her magical ability of soulrendering and not trying to lose control. Her friend, familiar, and basically a sister Saengo really tries to keep it in check and be the conscious she needs at times. Although their relationship has been left unaffected by the change of Saengo’s soul, it’s easy to understand why the Soulless would want to tear the bond between them. If she doesn’t have the good angel on her shoulder to keep her in check then what would happen to Sirscha? Manipulation is a powerful thing especially if it comes from someone who has been where you are and is “trying to help”. I do think that some of what was talked about when it comes to their friendship will definitely be tested in the third book. Sirscha doesn’t always listen to her gut though and some things tend to go wrong. I feel like this is just human nature as we want to believe that those around us truly want to help. It’s easy to understand her actions and why she makes the choices she does.
Since I’ve mentioned the Soulless I guess I’ll talk about him next, haha. Even though I am not one to be drawn to the “bad guy”, there is something about him that I find intriguing. I like that even though he is far away from Sirscha for most of the book he is still around her in her dreams. He adds a lot to the history of the empire. I’m still not entirely sure what his overall motive is but I like where the plot is going with him and I can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.
Other characters from the first book are still present as well along with new faces too. I still like Theyen and really hope he survives because it would just be too sad of a day if he doesn’t.
Politics is a big topic in the book and because of that it is hard to decide who can really be trusted. There are some that are obviously trustworthy as they have kept Sirscha’s abilities a secret but there are still those that there isn’t enough information on or who have been acting quite suspicious. All of the mistrust does make for some shocking plot twists though!
Overall, I enjoyed the sequel. It had a lot of shocking moments that kept me intrigued throughout and it’s going to be hard to have to wait for the third book. There is just too much at stake and now I’ll just be speculating until then, haha.
June 6, 2021
Thank you Page Street YA for the ARC! I *loved* the first book Forest of Souls so Broken Web was one of my most anticipated books of 2021. The cover is so perfect, reflecting that the heart of this story is the friendship between Sirscha and Saengo. This book did start off a little slow for me, but at around the 150 page mark, things really picked up and I read the rest of the book in one sitting(!!).
One of the themes of this book is that history is written by the victors, and Sirscha is on a search for the truth about the Soulless. This book offers some answers while leaving you eagerly awaiting the third book. Also, just want to say that it's official, Theyen is my favorite.
If you're curious about whether there is romance in this book:
One of the themes of this book is that history is written by the victors, and Sirscha is on a search for the truth about the Soulless. This book offers some answers while leaving you eagerly awaiting the third book. Also, just want to say that it's official, Theyen is my favorite.
If you're curious about whether there is romance in this book:
September 2, 2021
Why was this sequel just Sirscha falling for obvious traps, making poor decisions, being saved constantly by Theyen (my love) or the prince, and not using her power when she should
April 8, 2024
8 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Ronan, the Spider King, lies dead at Sirscha's hand. But with one threat out of the way, the next is free to rise to take its place. In this case she just assumes that the Soulless—now free of his centuries-long bonds—is just that threat.
Instead, it’s Sirscha’s own queen Meliyr that has thrown the land into chaos. Determined to destroy magic once and for all, her warmongering threatens not only any with an ounce of magic within them, but the stability of the Empire itself. Especially now that her brother, Prince Meleik, has emerged to oppose her.
Of the Soulless, however, very little has been seen. And what has been heard is… not what Sirscha would’ve anticipated. Touted as history’s greatest monster, the Soulless seems almost human, though twisted by centuries of imprisonment, manipulation, and hatred. But the more the shaman talks to her, the more Sirscha begins to listen. For it’s not his entreaties that sway her, but his alternate depictions of the Empire that, more and more, Sirscha finds to hold water. She hasn’t come around to his side, but with so much going on, it’s hard to know whom to side with.
For she’s more like the Soulless than anyone realizes. A soulrender herself, she’d been killed the moment the Empire discovered her secret—and rightly so, to Sirscha’s mind. While her lot is firmly thrown behind the Prince, a not insignificant part of Sirscha wonders if the Queen has the right of matters, and the world wouldn’t be better off without magic. And without her.
—
I wasn’t sure I was going to continue with the series following the mixed bag that was Forest of Souls, but I’m glad I did. Rather than a sophomore slum, Broken Web was wholly better across the board. The plot of this one was much more chaotic than in its predecessor, something that I found I liked about it. Forest of Souls had a rather straightforward, uninspired story. Broken Web’s is far more complex, with interesting moral dilemmas as opposed to the black-white world that we were confronted with before.
In Book #1, I was annoyed by the inconsistency of the characters and their development—both issues that Broken Web has gone a long way towards fixing. Sirscha still seems torn, but in an entirely human manner rather than the hypocritical 180’s she pulled before—which just came across as bad writing. Saengo gets more screen time, which makes for the perfect opportunity to appreciate her character. Meanwhile, Prince Meleik fades into the background in a (aloof but) supporting role as Theyen moves in to take his place.
Saengo continues as the series’ most fascinating character. A human familiar, saved from death by Sirscha in Book #1, Saengo is one of a kind. She’s also Sirscha’s best friend and confidant, the strongest voice in the story other than our narrator’s own. And with the Soulless’s growing influence, I can’t wait to see just what direction this friendship takes.
Jury’s still out on who Sirscha’s going to end up with, but as this receives no screen-time whatsoever, I never found myself examining it too closely. Like its predecessor, Broken Web features no romance to speak of, something that pretty much has inundated every part of the YA fantasy genre. But while there are little more than allusions to the subject, that didn’t stop every other review I read from mentioning the love-triangle between Saengo and Theyen. Personally, I continued to find the lack of any real romance refreshing, but I may be in the minority on this one.
Audio Note: As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Cindy Kay’s narration, particularly her portrayals of Sirscha and Saengo (amongst others), key in bringing the story to life. While all her characters were solid, I will say that her emotion when voicing some of the [particularly] male characters could use some work. Theyen and Prince Meleik, particularly, had one default expression: bored (with the undercurrent of amused annoyance). While her narration changed to match Sirscha and Saengo and others’ range of emotions, those two retained one constant emotional state throughout—again, bored, specifically annoyed but amused—regardless of what the text dictated.
TL;DR
At $10 for an ebook, this is a (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) bit of a steal. Entertaining and immersive—an all-around improvement on Book #1 (other than possibly a less interesting atmosphere), as it tells a more complex story that is no longer so black and white as it seemed before. Featuring most of the same characters—but those that are deeper, better written, and well-developed—it does introduce the Soulless, who, while first instinct says is bad, questions that a lot as the plot progresses. All in all, a step up from Book #1, and a very entertaining read, as well as a bit of a novelty: a YA fantasy without any real romance. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, I personally found it quite refreshing.
Cover Note: While not quite the dramatic scene that graced the cover of Forest of Souls, I do like the comradely shown between Saengo and Sirscha on this one, done up once more by Charlie Bowater.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Ronan, the Spider King, lies dead at Sirscha's hand. But with one threat out of the way, the next is free to rise to take its place. In this case she just assumes that the Soulless—now free of his centuries-long bonds—is just that threat.
Instead, it’s Sirscha’s own queen Meliyr that has thrown the land into chaos. Determined to destroy magic once and for all, her warmongering threatens not only any with an ounce of magic within them, but the stability of the Empire itself. Especially now that her brother, Prince Meleik, has emerged to oppose her.
Of the Soulless, however, very little has been seen. And what has been heard is… not what Sirscha would’ve anticipated. Touted as history’s greatest monster, the Soulless seems almost human, though twisted by centuries of imprisonment, manipulation, and hatred. But the more the shaman talks to her, the more Sirscha begins to listen. For it’s not his entreaties that sway her, but his alternate depictions of the Empire that, more and more, Sirscha finds to hold water. She hasn’t come around to his side, but with so much going on, it’s hard to know whom to side with.
For she’s more like the Soulless than anyone realizes. A soulrender herself, she’d been killed the moment the Empire discovered her secret—and rightly so, to Sirscha’s mind. While her lot is firmly thrown behind the Prince, a not insignificant part of Sirscha wonders if the Queen has the right of matters, and the world wouldn’t be better off without magic. And without her.
—
I wasn’t sure I was going to continue with the series following the mixed bag that was Forest of Souls, but I’m glad I did. Rather than a sophomore slum, Broken Web was wholly better across the board. The plot of this one was much more chaotic than in its predecessor, something that I found I liked about it. Forest of Souls had a rather straightforward, uninspired story. Broken Web’s is far more complex, with interesting moral dilemmas as opposed to the black-white world that we were confronted with before.
In Book #1, I was annoyed by the inconsistency of the characters and their development—both issues that Broken Web has gone a long way towards fixing. Sirscha still seems torn, but in an entirely human manner rather than the hypocritical 180’s she pulled before—which just came across as bad writing. Saengo gets more screen time, which makes for the perfect opportunity to appreciate her character. Meanwhile, Prince Meleik fades into the background in a (aloof but) supporting role as Theyen moves in to take his place.
Saengo continues as the series’ most fascinating character. A human familiar, saved from death by Sirscha in Book #1, Saengo is one of a kind. She’s also Sirscha’s best friend and confidant, the strongest voice in the story other than our narrator’s own. And with the Soulless’s growing influence, I can’t wait to see just what direction this friendship takes.
Jury’s still out on who Sirscha’s going to end up with, but as this receives no screen-time whatsoever, I never found myself examining it too closely. Like its predecessor, Broken Web features no romance to speak of, something that pretty much has inundated every part of the YA fantasy genre. But while there are little more than allusions to the subject, that didn’t stop every other review I read from mentioning the love-triangle between Saengo and Theyen. Personally, I continued to find the lack of any real romance refreshing, but I may be in the minority on this one.
Audio Note: As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Cindy Kay’s narration, particularly her portrayals of Sirscha and Saengo (amongst others), key in bringing the story to life. While all her characters were solid, I will say that her emotion when voicing some of the [particularly] male characters could use some work. Theyen and Prince Meleik, particularly, had one default expression: bored (with the undercurrent of amused annoyance). While her narration changed to match Sirscha and Saengo and others’ range of emotions, those two retained one constant emotional state throughout—again, bored, specifically annoyed but amused—regardless of what the text dictated.
TL;DR
At $10 for an ebook, this is a (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) bit of a steal. Entertaining and immersive—an all-around improvement on Book #1 (other than possibly a less interesting atmosphere), as it tells a more complex story that is no longer so black and white as it seemed before. Featuring most of the same characters—but those that are deeper, better written, and well-developed—it does introduce the Soulless, who, while first instinct says is bad, questions that a lot as the plot progresses. All in all, a step up from Book #1, and a very entertaining read, as well as a bit of a novelty: a YA fantasy without any real romance. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, I personally found it quite refreshing.
Cover Note: While not quite the dramatic scene that graced the cover of Forest of Souls, I do like the comradely shown between Saengo and Sirscha on this one, done up once more by Charlie Bowater.
June 16, 2021
Full review on my blog Sometimes Leelynn Reads
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Lori M. Lee and Page Street for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
As you may have seen from my review of Forest of Souls, I already loved this story to begin with. I knew I was going to like the rest of the trilogy, and I wasn’t wrong. If anything, I may have loved Broken Web more!
The aftermath of the final few chapters of Forest of Souls finds Sirscha and Saengo traveling to the Empire of Nuvalyn with some escorts, since everyone believes that she is a soulguide – a kind of lightwender that hasn’t been seen since the founder of the Empire. According to prophecy, a soulguide is supposed to save the world from the Soulless and the Dark Wood, that threatens to expand and take over the lands of Thiy. Nobody would be safe if this happened, and yet until now there has been no way of completely destroying the Soulless. Sure, Ronin the Spider King may have kept the Dead Wood at bay for centuries, but… yeah that’s not happening anymore.
The relationship between Sirscha and Saengo also starts to change a bit, with Sirscha feeling even more guilt about what she did to Saengo and her future. Their loyalty for one another is strong to a fault, and never once has this been in question between them. But will that stick now that their dynamics changed from partners to shaman-familiar? With disturbing messages getting into Sirscha’s mind, doubt ends up clouding her judgement and it’s only a matter of time before these thoughts come to light. For better or for worse, these two have each others backs… for now. I personally don’t see their relationship turning sour because of how tight-knitted they have been from the beginning. From the way that Lee shows us their bond after going through some of the worst things in the world for them, to me there’s just no way that their bond is going to weaken. That’s just me though, me being hopeful that this bond sticks together no matter what.
EDIT: Oh wow I feel like I wrote that review super quickly. Full review will be posted on my blog (parts will be posted on Goodreads) at 9am EST on my birthday, June 11th, 2021.
OMGGGGGGGGG
RTC BUT HOLY SHIT! I’m shooketh
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Lori M. Lee and Page Street for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
As you may have seen from my review of Forest of Souls, I already loved this story to begin with. I knew I was going to like the rest of the trilogy, and I wasn’t wrong. If anything, I may have loved Broken Web more!
The aftermath of the final few chapters of Forest of Souls finds Sirscha and Saengo traveling to the Empire of Nuvalyn with some escorts, since everyone believes that she is a soulguide – a kind of lightwender that hasn’t been seen since the founder of the Empire. According to prophecy, a soulguide is supposed to save the world from the Soulless and the Dark Wood, that threatens to expand and take over the lands of Thiy. Nobody would be safe if this happened, and yet until now there has been no way of completely destroying the Soulless. Sure, Ronin the Spider King may have kept the Dead Wood at bay for centuries, but… yeah that’s not happening anymore.
The relationship between Sirscha and Saengo also starts to change a bit, with Sirscha feeling even more guilt about what she did to Saengo and her future. Their loyalty for one another is strong to a fault, and never once has this been in question between them. But will that stick now that their dynamics changed from partners to shaman-familiar? With disturbing messages getting into Sirscha’s mind, doubt ends up clouding her judgement and it’s only a matter of time before these thoughts come to light. For better or for worse, these two have each others backs… for now. I personally don’t see their relationship turning sour because of how tight-knitted they have been from the beginning. From the way that Lee shows us their bond after going through some of the worst things in the world for them, to me there’s just no way that their bond is going to weaken. That’s just me though, me being hopeful that this bond sticks together no matter what.
EDIT: Oh wow I feel like I wrote that review super quickly. Full review will be posted on my blog (parts will be posted on Goodreads) at 9am EST on my birthday, June 11th, 2021.
OMGGGGGGGGG
RTC BUT HOLY SHIT! I’m shooketh
October 5, 2021
“This strange, unexpected family that I wasn’t given, but that chose me all the same.” -Lori M. Lee🖤
Broken Web intertwines the magic of the Grishaverse, the mystery and intrigue of The Witcher, and the high-intensity thrill of Throne of Glass into an exhilarating tale about friendship, family, and inner strength.🕸✨
Lee continued to blow me away with her ability to write such a beautiful story at its core.😍 I love how the theme of friendship is expressed so vividly in this series. Sirscha and her found family show us that every friendship is unique, and love can be expressed in all different ways.🥺🖤
The story itself is completely imaginative and intricate. Lee pushes the plot forward by unlocking new doors that hide buried secrets and unveil new clues in this twisted tale of woven histories, legends, and myths (and it gets pretty INTENSE🔥). The characters themselves are some of my favorites. They’re just so cute, and always have each other’s backs no matter the circumstances!!🥺🤗 I’m definitely on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next one!
☆☆☆☆.5
Broken Web intertwines the magic of the Grishaverse, the mystery and intrigue of The Witcher, and the high-intensity thrill of Throne of Glass into an exhilarating tale about friendship, family, and inner strength.🕸✨
Lee continued to blow me away with her ability to write such a beautiful story at its core.😍 I love how the theme of friendship is expressed so vividly in this series. Sirscha and her found family show us that every friendship is unique, and love can be expressed in all different ways.🥺🖤
The story itself is completely imaginative and intricate. Lee pushes the plot forward by unlocking new doors that hide buried secrets and unveil new clues in this twisted tale of woven histories, legends, and myths (and it gets pretty INTENSE🔥). The characters themselves are some of my favorites. They’re just so cute, and always have each other’s backs no matter the circumstances!!🥺🤗 I’m definitely on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next one!
☆☆☆☆.5
June 14, 2024
“The most powerful evils can only be driven by something equally powerful. Like fear. Or love.”
I’ve seen lots of reviews saying this book suffered from second book syndrome but I absolutely disagree. I found the second book in this series so much more engaging than the first. There were many more moments between the characters and I finally felt like all the characters I knew would be important in book one were allowed to bloom. The story itself was also engaging. Overall a great sequel that had me excited about the final book in the series.
I’ve seen lots of reviews saying this book suffered from second book syndrome but I absolutely disagree. I found the second book in this series so much more engaging than the first. There were many more moments between the characters and I finally felt like all the characters I knew would be important in book one were allowed to bloom. The story itself was also engaging. Overall a great sequel that had me excited about the final book in the series.
March 3, 2024
Sirscha faces new challenges as she grapples with the truth about her identity and powers. The Soulless has awakened. The stakes are high as she journeys to the shaman empire of Nuvalyn to confront the source of the rot threatening her friend's life. The story expands its scope, delving into the complexities of the clash between kingdoms. Sirscha finds herself caught between opposing forces as ambition threatens the fragile balance of power as the Soulless' darkness looms.
These are incredibly compelling characters and the dynamics between them remain a strong point. While the story builds upon the foundation set in the first book, the pacing felt too accelerated at times. Some plot developments may have benefited from additional exploration.
Overall, "Broken Web" maintains the essence of the series with its rich world-building and intricate characters. I look forward to the final book!
These are incredibly compelling characters and the dynamics between them remain a strong point. While the story builds upon the foundation set in the first book, the pacing felt too accelerated at times. Some plot developments may have benefited from additional exploration.
Overall, "Broken Web" maintains the essence of the series with its rich world-building and intricate characters. I look forward to the final book!
July 7, 2021
A solid continuation from Forest of Souls. I do wish we had a little more world-building, but overall this is a fun, typical YA fantasy, with some interesting characters!
October 4, 2021
2.75 stars
I think this novel suffers from Sequel Syndrome.
I didn’t remember exactly how the magical system worked, but more importantly I did not remember anything about world building in any kind of geographical sense. I blame the fact that there is still not a map. The world did not really seem to expand upon itself in any way and because there was no map I could’ve use a bit of a refresher as to how the world worked.
I feel like the overall series plot did not really go anywhere. One major plot point occurs, near the end, but that’s it. In the beginning, we are dropped right back into the thick of things with very quick pacing but there was a transience to it all that never allowed to me to get comfortable with the characters like I did in the previous book.
I felt like I wanted more from the characters themselves. I could accept the fact in the first novel that they weren’t as fleshed out as I wanted them to be, but by now I feel like I should be a little more in tune with them. And I’m not.
Am I going to pick up the sequel? Yes, but I’m going to kind of do it in such a way that reading this specific one doesn’t really matter to the overall plot. I just feel like low-key I could’ve skipped this and would’ve been as informed as I would be now that I have finished it.
So yeah, not as good as the first, but it hasn't put me off the series either.
I think this novel suffers from Sequel Syndrome.
I didn’t remember exactly how the magical system worked, but more importantly I did not remember anything about world building in any kind of geographical sense. I blame the fact that there is still not a map. The world did not really seem to expand upon itself in any way and because there was no map I could’ve use a bit of a refresher as to how the world worked.
I feel like the overall series plot did not really go anywhere. One major plot point occurs, near the end, but that’s it. In the beginning, we are dropped right back into the thick of things with very quick pacing but there was a transience to it all that never allowed to me to get comfortable with the characters like I did in the previous book.
I felt like I wanted more from the characters themselves. I could accept the fact in the first novel that they weren’t as fleshed out as I wanted them to be, but by now I feel like I should be a little more in tune with them. And I’m not.
Am I going to pick up the sequel? Yes, but I’m going to kind of do it in such a way that reading this specific one doesn’t really matter to the overall plot. I just feel like low-key I could’ve skipped this and would’ve been as informed as I would be now that I have finished it.
So yeah, not as good as the first, but it hasn't put me off the series either.
January 28, 2021
Oh, one of the books I've been waiting for. The sequel to Forest of Souls. What can I say? THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING! I LOVE Lori's writing. She captures the true essence of a story. Amazing characters. Magic. Darkness. Stellar plot. This one truly takes you into a what feels like a new world. Lori's ability to mold, captivating characterizations is amazing. I strongly recommend this one to everyone who loved Forest of Souls. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SEQUEL!
September 15, 2021
Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about this book. Very good YA content. It has a good friendship, a slightly unhinged MC, a cool villain, nice pacing, wonderful lore, a magic system that makes sense and works, and most importantly: THEYEN. Absolute icon. I love him.
Petition for book 3: MORE THEYEN and darker Sirscha. Thank you.
Petition for book 3: MORE THEYEN and darker Sirscha. Thank you.
January 27, 2023
Sirscha x Theyen?
Not sure if I trust that prince.
Sirscha x the Soulless? Well, not anymore.
Getting Grisha vibes, if Alina was also a Darkling.
Not sure if I trust that prince.
Sirscha x the Soulless? Well, not anymore.
Getting Grisha vibes, if Alina was also a Darkling.
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