Pippin Took, the Shire Hobbit's Reviews > The Truth of the Aleke
The Truth of the Aleke (Forever Desert, #2)
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“He revisited memories in the way of a rejected lover, searching in vain for the moment that would explain everything, not realizing that moment had occurred in the heart, a place he couldn’t see.”
Book 2 starts half a millenia after the events of The Lies of the Ajungo. Truth be told I didn’t even know there was a book 2 till I checked goodreads. The Lies of the Ajungo had such a satisfying conclusion and stands alone really well. I loved it and was excited to find out that there was a sequel. Jumped in immediately.
It was interesting reading how differently the history is being perceived in the current times when the actual events were very different (from Book 1.) The book was also much slower paced than Book 1. Osi is not as likable a protagonist as Tutu was. But he’s more real. The plot takes a backseat and we get a much more character driven story this time around. Osi goes through a much bigger character arc than Tutu’s. The politics of the world are much more complex than in Book 1 and as a result Osi’s journey and growth involves a lot more nuance.
The undoing of the book comes in the ending. In book 1, the ending was an absolute highlight. There was a series of reveals, each elevating the stakes and the story higher. It was very satisfying and I was convinced it was a standalone. In this one, the ending falls flat. It was a case of “and we’re here” after a long journey. The twist was very predictable and the story is left incomplete. It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. The whole book just feels like a prologue. Textbook middle book syndrome - doesn’t live up to the first book, basically serves as a setup for the third-book.
The writing was still very strong and I’m definitely going to pick up Book 3 when it comes out. I’m just not very eager to.
“Truth is a cruel teacher. It does not appease. It does not reconsider. Its lessons vary in delivery- sometimes trickling in over decades, sometimes crashing down all at once- but consistently disregard the desires of the student.”
Book 2 starts half a millenia after the events of The Lies of the Ajungo. Truth be told I didn’t even know there was a book 2 till I checked goodreads. The Lies of the Ajungo had such a satisfying conclusion and stands alone really well. I loved it and was excited to find out that there was a sequel. Jumped in immediately.
It was interesting reading how differently the history is being perceived in the current times when the actual events were very different (from Book 1.) The book was also much slower paced than Book 1. Osi is not as likable a protagonist as Tutu was. But he’s more real. The plot takes a backseat and we get a much more character driven story this time around. Osi goes through a much bigger character arc than Tutu’s. The politics of the world are much more complex than in Book 1 and as a result Osi’s journey and growth involves a lot more nuance.
The undoing of the book comes in the ending. In book 1, the ending was an absolute highlight. There was a series of reveals, each elevating the stakes and the story higher. It was very satisfying and I was convinced it was a standalone. In this one, the ending falls flat. It was a case of “and we’re here” after a long journey. The twist was very predictable and the story is left incomplete. It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. The whole book just feels like a prologue. Textbook middle book syndrome - doesn’t live up to the first book, basically serves as a setup for the third-book.
The writing was still very strong and I’m definitely going to pick up Book 3 when it comes out. I’m just not very eager to.
“Truth is a cruel teacher. It does not appease. It does not reconsider. Its lessons vary in delivery- sometimes trickling in over decades, sometimes crashing down all at once- but consistently disregard the desires of the student.”
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
May 14, 2024
–
Finished Reading
May 19, 2024
– Shelved