Dušan Jovanović

I don't know if all modern fantasy and sci-fi series are written in this manner but this is the second first-book-in-a-series I've read in which nothing substantial happens. It only sets up the world and the characters. How do sequels to these books get green lit? Do authors nowadays receive three book deals in advance so they know they can take their time. But how can they be sure people would be interested in the sequels if the first book doesn't have a hook.

The world is interesting enough but there isn't much meat on the bones in terms of story. You don't feel a sense of urgency in any of the three main storylines. Yeah, there is a war brewing in the North. And the wizard is gathering a ragtag team for a mission. But that's kind of it. The book ends with the team being formed with no mention of what their objective is.

It is competently written and the author is well versed in writing action scenes. But I could've done without a few of them if it would've meant we would get a some glimpse into the overarching plot and what our protagonists were getting themselves into.

Despite it being masterfully written, despite it having colorful and fleshed out characters who evolve during the course of the story, despite it having cinematic action scenes, despite it having some pivotal moments, this is still just one portion of the story. Can't wait to read the third book and finally see where all this is going.

This novel is a fun ride that is reads like a script for a film. It doesn't take too much of your time. The science is easy to digest. Character development is sacrificed in order to keep the story brisking at a steady pace. Except for the apocalyptic disease-ridden Chigago, that section felt unnecessary to me. And out of character, as well. It's hard to believe that a man of science wouldn't go back the minute he realized he was walking into this world. But I guess the author need to drive the point home how much he loves his wife.

Some interesting questions asked about identity, the choices we make in life and the consequences we have to live with. But not much exploration. Because that plot needs to continue chugging along in order to arrive to it's Hollywoody happy ending.

If there is one word that I would use to describe this book it would be "efficient". It's a competently written, self contained story that sets up an interesting world leaves and just enough hints to entice you to check out the rest of the series. And I have to say I will be doing that. Schwab's efficient writing style it is right up my alley. She gives you just enough words to describe the situation and let your imagination do the rest.

She also structures the story brilliantly and doesn't waste your time. If she mentiones something or someone, that person or item will reappear later in the story. No loose threads.

I didn't know anything about this author or this series going in. After finishing it I saw that it's being classified as YA. I can feel the YA vibe that others are picking up but it's not a adjective I would use to describe it. There are some despicable acts being committed (murder, torture, rape attempt).

The obvious task of the (first) book is to establish the world(s) and take the main characters on an adventure. But for all their traversing between worlds, the scope of the story seems rather small to me. Because they flip between 3 versions of the same city, it kind of feels like switching color palletes between scenes.

The villains are evil just for the sake of being evil. It's established that in white London you have to be ruthless to stay in power and rulers get overturned frequently. Schwab might've sacrificed developing the villains at the expense of brisk story pacing. Ultimately, they served their purpose in driving the plot forward.

The two main characters, Kell and Lila, have a dynamic chemistry and hilarious exchanges. Their pasts are obscured enough to spark our interest in their origins. And even though their stories have been neatly wrapped up I will want to know what happened next.

This novel is a fun ride that is reads like a script for a film. It doesn't take too much of your time. The science is easy to digest. Character development is sacrificed in order to keep the story brisking at a steady pace. Except for the apocalyptic disease-ridden Chigago, that section felt unnecessary to me. And out of character, as well. It's hard to believe that a man of science wouldn't go back the minute he realized he was walking into this world. But I guess the author need to drive the point home how much he loves his wife.

Some interesting questions asked about identity, the choices we make in life and the consequences we have to live with. But not much exploration. Because that plot needs to continue chugging along in order to arrive to it's Hollywoody happy ending.

This novel is a fun ride that is reads like a script for a film. It doesn't take too much of your time. The science is easy to digest. Character development is sacrificed in order to keep the story brisking at a steady pace. Except for the apocalyptic disease-ridden Chigago, that section felt unnecessary to me. And out of character, as well. It's hard to believe that a man of science wouldn't go back the minute he realized he was walking into this world. But I guess the author need to drive the point home how much he loves his wife.

Some interesting questions asked about identity, the choices we make in life and the consequences we have to live with. But not much exploration. Because that plot needs to continue chugging along in order to arrive to it's Hollywoody happy ending.