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katherine8_9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
maxdmillian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chickadee2's review against another edition
4.0
Prequel to the tearling trilogy following the story of the queen’s mother and the rise of Arlin thorn and Mace (Lazarus). There was another story going on involving the rebellion in the arvoth which seemed kind of pointless since they didn’t accomplish anything and all died.
meganmreads's review
4.0
I read the Tearling trilogy last year and really enjoyed it. When I saw this new prequel was coming out, I knew I needed to read it! Beneath the Keep took place before the events of book 1 that I’m sure many of us were curious about, like Kelsea’s mother and the people who took her in and hid her. I loved getting to know these characters and finding out what happened with Queen Elyssa in great detail.
The great thing about this prequel is that it covers enough about the world and William Tear that I don’t think you’d need to have read the trilogy to understand anything that was happening. I didn’t feel like I needed to reread the trilogy to remember anyone and that was a huge relief. I tend to forget details and I’m so glad I could just jump in and not feel lost.
I definitely recommend this one. If you’re new to the series, it’s a good first book to pick up to introduce yourself to the world. If you’ve read the trilogy, then this one is a nice story that puts you back into the world when you want more, but don’t want to reread. This book bridges the gap and it covers the one piece of time that the trilogy didn’t quite go.
The great thing about this prequel is that it covers enough about the world and William Tear that I don’t think you’d need to have read the trilogy to understand anything that was happening. I didn’t feel like I needed to reread the trilogy to remember anyone and that was a huge relief. I tend to forget details and I’m so glad I could just jump in and not feel lost.
I definitely recommend this one. If you’re new to the series, it’s a good first book to pick up to introduce yourself to the world. If you’ve read the trilogy, then this one is a nice story that puts you back into the world when you want more, but don’t want to reread. This book bridges the gap and it covers the one piece of time that the trilogy didn’t quite go.
msseviereads's review against another edition
3.0
Love this series -- so thrilled to find this prequel and I really was thrilled to read this book.
But... it had been so long since I had read the others ones, I was really lost with characters and plot line -- so that took a while which was frustrating for me as a reader.
But... it had been so long since I had read the others ones, I was really lost with characters and plot line -- so that took a while which was frustrating for me as a reader.
inkonskinandpages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
wow. I'm simply speechless. Erika Johansen never disappoint!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Trafficking
eccentricoldladyinthemaking's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
milenabates's review against another edition
3.0
This is good while leaving things to be desired, same as the trilogy. I might have forgotten because it's been a few years, but this seems darker and more brutal too. Very disturbing parts.
annacochran's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
i just love christian so much. the ‘gruff reluctant father figure with a soft heart’ character will always pull my heartstrings ALWAYS
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Kidnapping
azebrareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0