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A review by smokedshelves
A Restless Truth by Freya Marske
5.0
thank you to macmillan-tor/forge, tordotcom, and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
earlier this year, i’d read what i can quite confidently say is my favorite book of the year, a marvellous light. a book that sunk its way deep into my heart and has never let go, not that i’d want that. so to say that i’m absolutely grateful to have received an early copy of its’ sequel is an understatement. and it’s truly held up to the love i have for this series.
originally, i fell in love with this world, not just for the characters, but for the magic system. the most unique and beautiful magic system that i’ve ever had the chance to experience. while others might say this book suffers from middle-book syndrome i’d argue the complete opposite. this book gave me so much more to learn about. i’m obsessively fascinated by the magic; how magicians have manipulated what means they can use as long as there’s intention.
and intention there was. this book felt thoughtful, a slow build of maud’s character. a young and frightened, but boldly defiant woman who just wants to do right by those she loves. someone who can out-smart and argue her way in order to convince others to do what’s right. someone who needs physical proof of the world around her. not to mention that i love how she’s taken so fondly to edwin and his quirks. she looks up to him, as she does with robin, in a way i adore. deep-seated love and well being for them and their relationship. despite initially wishing i could follow the boys more, she became a protagonist i’ll forever appreciate. she has a true fighter spirit in her.
as for her counterpart, violet. the stage-performer with walls of steel. she truly is the perfect complement for maud. her passion for her craft. her ultimate care for maud. her fears deep below it all. she helped maud become a grander person, while herself stripping down to a more bare person. i truly, truly think the two of them helped each other in ways that were perfect for them and their growing partnership. and while no, they’re not 100% perfect for each other, they’re willing to work through it despite their faults. violet, just as maud, grew so much in the span of the book. it was wonderful to experience.
this series has quickly blown me more out of the water, each and every time i think about it. and i cannot wait to see how it all ends. although, i’ll be forever sad when it’s over. (but also, i have ideas on who we’re going to follow in the final novel.)
earlier this year, i’d read what i can quite confidently say is my favorite book of the year, a marvellous light. a book that sunk its way deep into my heart and has never let go, not that i’d want that. so to say that i’m absolutely grateful to have received an early copy of its’ sequel is an understatement. and it’s truly held up to the love i have for this series.
originally, i fell in love with this world, not just for the characters, but for the magic system. the most unique and beautiful magic system that i’ve ever had the chance to experience. while others might say this book suffers from middle-book syndrome i’d argue the complete opposite. this book gave me so much more to learn about. i’m obsessively fascinated by the magic; how magicians have manipulated what means they can use as long as there’s intention.
and intention there was. this book felt thoughtful, a slow build of maud’s character. a young and frightened, but boldly defiant woman who just wants to do right by those she loves. someone who can out-smart and argue her way in order to convince others to do what’s right. someone who needs physical proof of the world around her. not to mention that i love how she’s taken so fondly to edwin and his quirks. she looks up to him, as she does with robin, in a way i adore. deep-seated love and well being for them and their relationship. despite initially wishing i could follow the boys more, she became a protagonist i’ll forever appreciate. she has a true fighter spirit in her.
as for her counterpart, violet. the stage-performer with walls of steel. she truly is the perfect complement for maud. her passion for her craft. her ultimate care for maud. her fears deep below it all. she helped maud become a grander person, while herself stripping down to a more bare person. i truly, truly think the two of them helped each other in ways that were perfect for them and their growing partnership. and while no, they’re not 100% perfect for each other, they’re willing to work through it despite their faults. violet, just as maud, grew so much in the span of the book. it was wonderful to experience.
this series has quickly blown me more out of the water, each and every time i think about it. and i cannot wait to see how it all ends. although, i’ll be forever sad when it’s over. (but also, i have ideas on who we’re going to follow in the final novel.)