Helpful Score: 6
This is is the continuation of the story of what happens in Doppleganger. A lot of theory and questioning about the witches beliefs occur. There is a lot of upheaval in the customs of the witches because of Miryo and Mirage, and not everyone agrees with what happened. While most of the witches now believe dopplegangers should not be killed, many believe them to be abominations and disagree. A faction of witches leaves the witch stronghold of Starfall and attack it from outside. War amongst the witches begins. I thought that illustrating the frustrations of both sides in the war was a huge strength of the book, but the writing lacked something. I think the emotional ties between characters felt a little off, and while the writing was very solid, it needed more of that bonding and relationship element between the characters to add depth and give it kick.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed the first book, Doppleganger, and felt it had a solid & satisfying conclusion. This book somehow lacked the charm of the first for me. The plot was a lot slower moving.
Mirei (the new combo Miryo/Mirage) herds other doppleganger girls toward safety, taking them from various hunter schools to have them better guarded by witches. The Starfall witches are plagued by traitors and double-agents who believe that all such children, as abomination, should be destroyed. There's basically a lot of plotting & minor politicking between the rebel faction (kill 'em) and Starfall witches (keep 'em).
The best part of this novel was that there's finally some explanation about the cousins...Why they fail the test to become witches and lose their memories. However, other interesting questions are raised, but not answered (I'll assume the author is hoping to stretch the series to a trilogy), such as why only women are witches? Can men be opened to the magic and have dopplegangers? That sort of thing.
They spend some time doing cursory research into the nature of Mirei's void-magic. I would have enjoyed a more thorough exploration of her new powers, instead the author is pretty vague about it. In addition, there are two major events the author mentions, but then doesn't expand on (more evidence of sequel planning) - something that should have killed Mirei, but doesn't...why? And what happens if a Doppleganger kills her witch, instead of the other way around?
CONCLUSION: I'm not SORRY I read it exactly, its just that frankly, the first book did a fine job of tying everything up and its not as if warring factions are a surprise, right? So, I think I'll keep the first book, it was good as a stand-alone, and forget about the 2nd. I definitely got the feel it was a sort of transition book leading to a third title in the franchise.
Mirei (the new combo Miryo/Mirage) herds other doppleganger girls toward safety, taking them from various hunter schools to have them better guarded by witches. The Starfall witches are plagued by traitors and double-agents who believe that all such children, as abomination, should be destroyed. There's basically a lot of plotting & minor politicking between the rebel faction (kill 'em) and Starfall witches (keep 'em).
The best part of this novel was that there's finally some explanation about the cousins...Why they fail the test to become witches and lose their memories. However, other interesting questions are raised, but not answered (I'll assume the author is hoping to stretch the series to a trilogy), such as why only women are witches? Can men be opened to the magic and have dopplegangers? That sort of thing.
They spend some time doing cursory research into the nature of Mirei's void-magic. I would have enjoyed a more thorough exploration of her new powers, instead the author is pretty vague about it. In addition, there are two major events the author mentions, but then doesn't expand on (more evidence of sequel planning) - something that should have killed Mirei, but doesn't...why? And what happens if a Doppleganger kills her witch, instead of the other way around?
CONCLUSION: I'm not SORRY I read it exactly, its just that frankly, the first book did a fine job of tying everything up and its not as if warring factions are a surprise, right? So, I think I'll keep the first book, it was good as a stand-alone, and forget about the 2nd. I definitely got the feel it was a sort of transition book leading to a third title in the franchise.
Excellent sequel to Doppelganger.
Whitney C. (CollegeKid0010) -
The only way I could love this series more would be if Marie Brennan would write another book. This is one of the most original and tasteful fantasies Ive ever read! I feel like she definitely left the series open to another book, one that would focus more on Starfalls recovery and Mirei and Eclipses relationship. (Yes, as the avid romantic, I finally see a twinge of hope for the not-so-star-crossed couple.)
Eclipse is still my favorite character, even though he is gone most of the book. His characterstrong, loyal and capableis already established in Warrior, as is his love for Mirage/Miryo/Mirei. His decision to take a second blood oath was powerful, because in my head I could see all of the implications of it unfolding. And they did, in a way. Another step-in from the Goddess saves the day though. She must really like Mirei.
As far as the actual plot development, that is amazing. Ive tried to write stories like this one, that ripple out from a single conflict into a full-blown war, and its extremely hard, but Brennan does it with skill and style. It helps when you have vivid characters who help shape whats going on. The conflict too is one that the reader could see from both sides, though the story is told from Mirei and Satomis. Everything they do and say, especially Satomi, Im able to see it from the other side as well, and I cant really fault Shimi from breaking with them. There are protagonists and antagonists, but no clear cut bad guy which is a playing field many a writer shoots to achieve.
On that same note, I resonate strongly with Indera. The doppelgangers have the most to lose in this whole situation. Either theyre killed by their witch halves to stabilize the magic, or the two are re-joined back into one being. Thats not without consequences though. Mirei steadily losses her physical superiority that Mirage had worked for and maintained her whole life, while Miryos magic remained ready at her fingertips. The doppelganger half seems to be the one that fades away the most. I myself wondered numerous times if the way Starfall had done things all along was the right way, or if neither Starfall nor Mirei were right and there was a better way still. I suppose Indera will be safe though, given what tips off the climax, but that doesnt say anything for the other doppelgangers already there and the dozens more to be born.
Brennan has set everything up very nicely and everything came back together in a way we would think of as realistic. But like I said, I want more! Its too bad there doesnt seem to be any more planned, but at least we have these two. Definitely a five-star read!
www.whitneycarter.wordpress.com
Eclipse is still my favorite character, even though he is gone most of the book. His characterstrong, loyal and capableis already established in Warrior, as is his love for Mirage/Miryo/Mirei. His decision to take a second blood oath was powerful, because in my head I could see all of the implications of it unfolding. And they did, in a way. Another step-in from the Goddess saves the day though. She must really like Mirei.
As far as the actual plot development, that is amazing. Ive tried to write stories like this one, that ripple out from a single conflict into a full-blown war, and its extremely hard, but Brennan does it with skill and style. It helps when you have vivid characters who help shape whats going on. The conflict too is one that the reader could see from both sides, though the story is told from Mirei and Satomis. Everything they do and say, especially Satomi, Im able to see it from the other side as well, and I cant really fault Shimi from breaking with them. There are protagonists and antagonists, but no clear cut bad guy which is a playing field many a writer shoots to achieve.
On that same note, I resonate strongly with Indera. The doppelgangers have the most to lose in this whole situation. Either theyre killed by their witch halves to stabilize the magic, or the two are re-joined back into one being. Thats not without consequences though. Mirei steadily losses her physical superiority that Mirage had worked for and maintained her whole life, while Miryos magic remained ready at her fingertips. The doppelganger half seems to be the one that fades away the most. I myself wondered numerous times if the way Starfall had done things all along was the right way, or if neither Starfall nor Mirei were right and there was a better way still. I suppose Indera will be safe though, given what tips off the climax, but that doesnt say anything for the other doppelgangers already there and the dozens more to be born.
Brennan has set everything up very nicely and everything came back together in a way we would think of as realistic. But like I said, I want more! Its too bad there doesnt seem to be any more planned, but at least we have these two. Definitely a five-star read!
www.whitneycarter.wordpress.com
I enjoyed this entertaining story about a society that seems to inhibit their talented members by "splitting up" twins. A unique story!
Pretty good. Don't have very much experience w/this type of book though...
This book was an excellent follow up to the first book, I want a third book!
This is the sequel to Doppleganer (also published as Warrior). It was a well done fantasy and does a pretty good job of tying up all the loose ends from Doppelganger. I would recommend to those who enjoy traditional fantasy with a lot of magic and politics.
Mirage and Miryo have merged back into one soul known as Mirei. As a result of Mirei's revelation the laws governing Starfall have been changed; no witch is allowed to murder a witch child's doppleganger...instead both children are to be raised and trained and then rejoined. Unfortunately there's a faction of witches that disagrees with the overturning of tradition and they have left Starfall and started hunting down any surviving doppleganger children. Mirei is sent on a quest to find these warrior doppelgangers and bring them to Starfall to keep them safe.
However there is another matter of concern that is close to Mirei's heart; her long time partner Eclipse has gone missing and is assumed kidnapped by the witches. Can Mirei save both the doppleganger children and Eclipse before it is too late?
I really enjoyed the idea behind this story but I thought that this book was a lot more wandering than the first book. The story is told from a number of different POVs and I really don't think it needed to be; all these POVs just slowed down the story a lot.
I enjoy Mirei and Eclipse as characters but didn't enjoy the surrounding characters as much. Unfortunately we hear from the surrounding characters a lot more in this book than we did in the first book. The story wanders quite a bit and at times it feels like Brennan isn't quite sure where the story is going.
In the end everything is wrapped up pretty well. I did enjoy the idea of the dopplegangers and thought what we saw of the world was interesting. I think Brennan has potential has a fantasy writer, but that this story could have been tightened up quite a bit.
Overall a decent conclusion to this series. The story wanders some and feels very long at times. The multiple POV's serve to draw the story out longer rather than add more interest. Still I did enjoy the main characters and I thought the concept was interesting. The story is very traditional fantasy and I enjoyed the writing style. I do have the first book in Brennan's Onyx Court series, so I will probably check out that series and see how I like it as well.
Mirage and Miryo have merged back into one soul known as Mirei. As a result of Mirei's revelation the laws governing Starfall have been changed; no witch is allowed to murder a witch child's doppleganger...instead both children are to be raised and trained and then rejoined. Unfortunately there's a faction of witches that disagrees with the overturning of tradition and they have left Starfall and started hunting down any surviving doppleganger children. Mirei is sent on a quest to find these warrior doppelgangers and bring them to Starfall to keep them safe.
However there is another matter of concern that is close to Mirei's heart; her long time partner Eclipse has gone missing and is assumed kidnapped by the witches. Can Mirei save both the doppleganger children and Eclipse before it is too late?
I really enjoyed the idea behind this story but I thought that this book was a lot more wandering than the first book. The story is told from a number of different POVs and I really don't think it needed to be; all these POVs just slowed down the story a lot.
I enjoy Mirei and Eclipse as characters but didn't enjoy the surrounding characters as much. Unfortunately we hear from the surrounding characters a lot more in this book than we did in the first book. The story wanders quite a bit and at times it feels like Brennan isn't quite sure where the story is going.
In the end everything is wrapped up pretty well. I did enjoy the idea of the dopplegangers and thought what we saw of the world was interesting. I think Brennan has potential has a fantasy writer, but that this story could have been tightened up quite a bit.
Overall a decent conclusion to this series. The story wanders some and feels very long at times. The multiple POV's serve to draw the story out longer rather than add more interest. Still I did enjoy the main characters and I thought the concept was interesting. The story is very traditional fantasy and I enjoyed the writing style. I do have the first book in Brennan's Onyx Court series, so I will probably check out that series and see how I like it as well.
Created by the merging of witch and doppleganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic maker her the most powerful witch alive-and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader of the witches' ruling Primes, hails Mieri as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination...and that those who champion her must be detroyed. Now the different factions of witches engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery, and murder. But both sides, may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.
Great Great Book!!!
Great Great Book!!!
When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. Until now..
Warrior and Witch
Warrior and Witch
When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. Until now...
Creatd by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic makes her the most powerful witch alive - and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader ofthe witches' ruling Primes, hails Mirei as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination...and that those who champion her must be destroyed. Now the different factions of witches engage in a bloody war with magic, treacher, and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.
Creatd by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic makes her the most powerful witch alive - and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader ofthe witches' ruling Primes, hails Mirei as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination...and that those who champion her must be destroyed. Now the different factions of witches engage in a bloody war with magic, treacher, and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.
Patricia A. (armstrongpaw1) reviewed Warrior and Witch (Doppelganger, Bk 2) on + 101 more book reviews
Second in the series, follows Doppelganger. From back cover.
When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed...until now." Created by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is the most powerful witch alive and a notorious social outcast. Hailed by some as a miracle and others an abomination, the two factions engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing...it seems that the magic that Mirei along possesses, is killing her....
Original plot idea, fast paced, pulls you into another world.
When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed...until now." Created by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is the most powerful witch alive and a notorious social outcast. Hailed by some as a miracle and others an abomination, the two factions engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing...it seems that the magic that Mirei along possesses, is killing her....
Original plot idea, fast paced, pulls you into another world.
When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. Until now...
Created by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic makes her the most powerful witch alive--and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader of the witches' ruling Primes, hails Mirei as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination...and that those who champion her must be destroyed. Now the different factions of witches engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery, and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.
Created by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic makes her the most powerful witch alive--and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader of the witches' ruling Primes, hails Mirei as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination...and that those who champion her must be destroyed. Now the different factions of witches engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery, and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.
