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Of Metal and Wishes #2
Of Dreams and Rust
War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to "Of Metal and Wishes", inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.
In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.
The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?
In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.
The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
17 people are currently reading
2660 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fine
52 books2,002 followersWhen I'm not writing, I'm psychologizing (really, I even get a paycheck for it). Sometimes I do both at the same time. The results are unpredictable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 12, 2015
To say that Ms. Fine has outdone her self with this series is not enough. To say how eloquently written and told this sequel to Of Metal and Wishes is, is still not enough.
To say it is a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, and wonderful read that was truly worthy of the first book, still, does not do this series nor this book justice. But it is all of these things.
My heart was repeatedly stomped on, bruised, healed, ripped apart, and then mended again. Many times I smiled, laughed, loved, cried, and just felt so many things while reading this. In short, this was a true Fine novel, in all its wonderful glory.
I loved every single bit of this emotional good bye to these amazing characters and was so thankful that Fine let us take this journey with her. She is an amazing writer and it shows in all her work. I will not be forgetting this beautiful told twist on a classic that stole my heart and burrowed deep into my soul.
To say it is a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, and wonderful read that was truly worthy of the first book, still, does not do this series nor this book justice. But it is all of these things.
My heart was repeatedly stomped on, bruised, healed, ripped apart, and then mended again. Many times I smiled, laughed, loved, cried, and just felt so many things while reading this. In short, this was a true Fine novel, in all its wonderful glory.
I loved every single bit of this emotional good bye to these amazing characters and was so thankful that Fine let us take this journey with her. She is an amazing writer and it shows in all her work. I will not be forgetting this beautiful told twist on a classic that stole my heart and burrowed deep into my soul.
June 30, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine
Book Two of the Of Metal and Wishes series
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to Of Metal and Wishes, inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.
In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.
The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?
What I Liked:
Bittersweet, indeed. The synopsis says it all. I am very pleased with the ending of the series, with this novel, but I can't help but feel slightly sad about this book. This book ripped me to shreds, and by the end, I was in emotional disarray. So much happens to Wen, from zero to one hundred to zero and back to one hundred again, in so many aspects of her life. There were things with which I was not entirely pleased, and there were things that melted my heart and made me smile. This book was a pleasure to read, even in its bittersweet loveliness.
This novel picks up a year after Of Metal and Wishes ends. Melik and the other Noor have left, and Wen stays with her father to continue aiding the injured in the factories, and keeping Bo company. A year passes but Wen never stops thinking of Melik. As the war draws closer, Wen makes the decision to warn the Noor. But when she is captured by the Noor and taken into Noor territory, she begins to realize that there is no good or bad side to the war - the Noor are just as guilty as the Itanyi in hurting and killing. Melik does not seem to be the same Melik who left her. But Wen is determined to lessen the pain and suffering of the war, and she wants to help the Noor. But the war could cost her everything that she loves, and more than she is willing to lose.
I loved Of Metal and Wishes, and I was really excited to see that this series would only be a duology, and nothing longer. While I found this book to be bittersweet (especially towards the end), I absolutely loved the book. There are scenes that I can pick out from memory that made my heart hurt, in a good way. So many sweet scenes. So many heartbreaking ones.
Wen is a brave and strong character, in her own way. She isn't physically strong, like a Noor soldier, but she is mentally strong and capable. She is more than willing to offer her services as a doctor/healer to the Noor who are injured throughout the journey and in the war. Wen is scared and indecisive sometimes, and she is kind and selfless. What really bothered me about her was her indecisiveness in some situations, but it wasn't childish indecisiveness. I liked how Wen thought, how she approached situations, even if I didn't like how she wavered. She figures things out on her own pace and terms.
Melik! It's not too long before Wen and Melik are "reunited". I put that in quotes because while they are brought back together in terms of physical distance, there is an emotional barrier between them. Melik is forced to take Wen to his Commander and his General, as she is Itanyi and in Noor territory. It broke my heart to see how Wen was treated by some of the Noor soldiers, even as she cared for them. But Melik did his best to take care of her subtly, though she did not always notice. Melik! He lost and loses so much, yet he never stops fighting for his home, his family, his people.
I love how different the Itanyi and Noor are. I love the way Fine creates both cultures and people, how different the customs and traditions are. This leads me to comment on the world-building - this series has a setting that I've never read or seen before. I think Fine does an amazing job of creating the world and setting, especially for it to be so lush and original. Most of this book takes place in Noor territory, and I really enjoyed seeing things in the Noor world, with Noor customs. Fine masterfully creates this world, setting, characters, plot. The Noor world is a harsh one, and there is some violence and gore that really lends to the reality and harshness of the world and war.
This book is relatively short, but a lot happens in this story. The war is brewing and storming, and eventually, everyone must stand and fight. The war is inevitable, but Melik's, Wen's, and even Bo's role in the war is surprising, each one. I like the direction of this story, and I like how the climax kept building until the end.
The end! Oh, it was somewhat sad! For several reasons. There were some deaths, there were some death scares, there was a lot of pain and sadness. So much grief to pass around, yet the ending itself - the last few pages - were very uplifting. Honestly I think this book ended very well, but like I've been saying very bitter-sweetly! I loved the ending.
The romance was achingly beautiful! I feared a love triangle with Bo and Melik vying for Wen's affections and Wen caught in between, but I didn't really find that to be the case. There is only one man that captured and held Wen's attention from the start of the series. Bo and Wen are friends, and it is clear that while Bo might see Wen differently (since she is the only female he ever sees), he is meant to be a strange (and strange one, at that). Melik and Wen simmer and burn together, breaking each other's hearts and having me swoon left and right.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This is my seventh Sarah Fine novel, and it is just as one would expect from Sarah Fine! She is so talented.
What I Did Not Like:
Like I mentioned above, I didn't like Wen's indecisiveness in some matters. I can't say more, but I wish Wen were the tiniest bit more decisive sometimes? And the Itanyi in general are poor at communicating. You all can do better! But this is something that makes the Itanyi the Itanyi, and Wen wouldn't be herself otherwise!
Would I Recommend It:
I would totally recommend this novel! I'm not even sure how to categorize it, it's so distinctive and original. I absolutely love the world-building, characters, romance... there is something that could draw just about everyone! I really enjoy Sarah Fine's books in general, but there is something about duology that I like the most!
Rating:
4 stars. Another Sarah Fine success! Up next for me is Claimed, and then Burn, and then Fated. And then The Impostor Queen! I have yet to read a Sarah Fine book I didn't enjoy. That's not a challenge!
Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine
Book Two of the Of Metal and Wishes series
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to Of Metal and Wishes, inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.
In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.
The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?
What I Liked:
Bittersweet, indeed. The synopsis says it all. I am very pleased with the ending of the series, with this novel, but I can't help but feel slightly sad about this book. This book ripped me to shreds, and by the end, I was in emotional disarray. So much happens to Wen, from zero to one hundred to zero and back to one hundred again, in so many aspects of her life. There were things with which I was not entirely pleased, and there were things that melted my heart and made me smile. This book was a pleasure to read, even in its bittersweet loveliness.
This novel picks up a year after Of Metal and Wishes ends. Melik and the other Noor have left, and Wen stays with her father to continue aiding the injured in the factories, and keeping Bo company. A year passes but Wen never stops thinking of Melik. As the war draws closer, Wen makes the decision to warn the Noor. But when she is captured by the Noor and taken into Noor territory, she begins to realize that there is no good or bad side to the war - the Noor are just as guilty as the Itanyi in hurting and killing. Melik does not seem to be the same Melik who left her. But Wen is determined to lessen the pain and suffering of the war, and she wants to help the Noor. But the war could cost her everything that she loves, and more than she is willing to lose.
I loved Of Metal and Wishes, and I was really excited to see that this series would only be a duology, and nothing longer. While I found this book to be bittersweet (especially towards the end), I absolutely loved the book. There are scenes that I can pick out from memory that made my heart hurt, in a good way. So many sweet scenes. So many heartbreaking ones.
Wen is a brave and strong character, in her own way. She isn't physically strong, like a Noor soldier, but she is mentally strong and capable. She is more than willing to offer her services as a doctor/healer to the Noor who are injured throughout the journey and in the war. Wen is scared and indecisive sometimes, and she is kind and selfless. What really bothered me about her was her indecisiveness in some situations, but it wasn't childish indecisiveness. I liked how Wen thought, how she approached situations, even if I didn't like how she wavered. She figures things out on her own pace and terms.
Melik! It's not too long before Wen and Melik are "reunited". I put that in quotes because while they are brought back together in terms of physical distance, there is an emotional barrier between them. Melik is forced to take Wen to his Commander and his General, as she is Itanyi and in Noor territory. It broke my heart to see how Wen was treated by some of the Noor soldiers, even as she cared for them. But Melik did his best to take care of her subtly, though she did not always notice. Melik! He lost and loses so much, yet he never stops fighting for his home, his family, his people.
I love how different the Itanyi and Noor are. I love the way Fine creates both cultures and people, how different the customs and traditions are. This leads me to comment on the world-building - this series has a setting that I've never read or seen before. I think Fine does an amazing job of creating the world and setting, especially for it to be so lush and original. Most of this book takes place in Noor territory, and I really enjoyed seeing things in the Noor world, with Noor customs. Fine masterfully creates this world, setting, characters, plot. The Noor world is a harsh one, and there is some violence and gore that really lends to the reality and harshness of the world and war.
This book is relatively short, but a lot happens in this story. The war is brewing and storming, and eventually, everyone must stand and fight. The war is inevitable, but Melik's, Wen's, and even Bo's role in the war is surprising, each one. I like the direction of this story, and I like how the climax kept building until the end.
The end! Oh, it was somewhat sad! For several reasons. There were some deaths, there were some death scares, there was a lot of pain and sadness. So much grief to pass around, yet the ending itself - the last few pages - were very uplifting. Honestly I think this book ended very well, but like I've been saying very bitter-sweetly! I loved the ending.
The romance was achingly beautiful! I feared a love triangle with Bo and Melik vying for Wen's affections and Wen caught in between, but I didn't really find that to be the case. There is only one man that captured and held Wen's attention from the start of the series. Bo and Wen are friends, and it is clear that while Bo might see Wen differently (since she is the only female he ever sees), he is meant to be a strange (and strange one, at that). Melik and Wen simmer and burn together, breaking each other's hearts and having me swoon left and right.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This is my seventh Sarah Fine novel, and it is just as one would expect from Sarah Fine! She is so talented.
What I Did Not Like:
Like I mentioned above, I didn't like Wen's indecisiveness in some matters. I can't say more, but I wish Wen were the tiniest bit more decisive sometimes? And the Itanyi in general are poor at communicating. You all can do better! But this is something that makes the Itanyi the Itanyi, and Wen wouldn't be herself otherwise!
Would I Recommend It:
I would totally recommend this novel! I'm not even sure how to categorize it, it's so distinctive and original. I absolutely love the world-building, characters, romance... there is something that could draw just about everyone! I really enjoy Sarah Fine's books in general, but there is something about duology that I like the most!
Rating:
4 stars. Another Sarah Fine success! Up next for me is Claimed, and then Burn, and then Fated. And then The Impostor Queen! I have yet to read a Sarah Fine book I didn't enjoy. That's not a challenge!
September 21, 2015
There is nothing more beautiful sequel than this for Of Metal and Wishes.
For most of the time I was reading this book, my heart was in an endless loop of beats and thumps. And it is credited with how this book was amazing and beautiful and exciting for me. There was always the excitement in not knowing what to come. There was the fear of knowing someone had to die. There was delight when the characters had done so much as to move hearts. And of course, there were tears.
I didn’t expect much for the sequel and this sequel was much .The first book was, though you can’t call it light and fluffy, more tense easing and steady paced. Of Dreams and Rust on the other hand, was surprising and more thrilling. It lived up on its steampunk setting: a mix of carnage, war and of course, the machines. Sarah Fine didn’t disappoint to show more of the war machines in this world she’d created. Nor did she disappoint in building up the characters.
Wen, at first had mixed up feelings on two different people but it was clear where she wanted to belong and it was clear she treasured and loved both Bo and Melik in her own ways. In this war where they lived, Wen seemed like a tiny, insignificant existence at first. And the author didn’t force her to be any other way. Instead, she made her stronger, someone that bears hope, and someone who doubts and works up for it.
This book would always keep on surprising you. (Warning!Bad for a fragile heart!)
Melik was more pronounced in this character unlike in the first book where he was still quite vague. I cried and ached for him when he seemed to have gone into grief. And I liked how war was clear on his eyes yet he wouldn’t let himself lose his soul.
And Bo, of course Bo. He was always the surprising one. A half-human, half-machine, most times cruel but he was an existence who brought hope and help in this book. Just like Wen, I had always wished he’d keep his human heart and I was glad someone had made him not to lose it. And he was loved and not alone anymore.
But I’m grieving! And the tears just keep coming: Sadness, grief, joy and heartbreaks!
To those who have read Of Metal and Wishes, surely this sequel will not disappoint you. It’s beautiful and exciting and heartbreaking and beautiful and … what more do you need?
For most of the time I was reading this book, my heart was in an endless loop of beats and thumps. And it is credited with how this book was amazing and beautiful and exciting for me. There was always the excitement in not knowing what to come. There was the fear of knowing someone had to die. There was delight when the characters had done so much as to move hearts. And of course, there were tears.
“I will not leave you. You can cry an ocean if you need to. I will not let you drown.”
I didn’t expect much for the sequel and this sequel was much .The first book was, though you can’t call it light and fluffy, more tense easing and steady paced. Of Dreams and Rust on the other hand, was surprising and more thrilling. It lived up on its steampunk setting: a mix of carnage, war and of course, the machines. Sarah Fine didn’t disappoint to show more of the war machines in this world she’d created. Nor did she disappoint in building up the characters.
Wen, at first had mixed up feelings on two different people but it was clear where she wanted to belong and it was clear she treasured and loved both Bo and Melik in her own ways. In this war where they lived, Wen seemed like a tiny, insignificant existence at first. And the author didn’t force her to be any other way. Instead, she made her stronger, someone that bears hope, and someone who doubts and works up for it.
This book would always keep on surprising you. (Warning!Bad for a fragile heart!)
Melik was more pronounced in this character unlike in the first book where he was still quite vague. I cried and ached for him when he seemed to have gone into grief. And I liked how war was clear on his eyes yet he wouldn’t let himself lose his soul.
“I did everything I could. Everything. And still you believed the worst of me.”
And Bo, of course Bo. He was always the surprising one. A half-human, half-machine, most times cruel but he was an existence who brought hope and help in this book. Just like Wen, I had always wished he’d keep his human heart and I was glad someone had made him not to lose it. And he was loved and not alone anymore.
“You are the cruelest girl. Why did you let me believe you cared?”
But I’m grieving! And the tears just keep coming: Sadness, grief, joy and heartbreaks!
To those who have read Of Metal and Wishes, surely this sequel will not disappoint you. It’s beautiful and exciting and heartbreaking and beautiful and … what more do you need?
Want to read
August 11, 2014There's officially a second book!?
*Cue gifs that demonstrate my excitement and happiness
And now...cue the accurate gif of what it probably looks like when I'm overexcited about a book around others.
Nevertheless... I absolutely can't wait until the 2nd one comes out!(:
*Cue gifs that demonstrate my excitement and happiness
And now...cue the accurate gif of what it probably looks like when I'm overexcited about a book around others.
Nevertheless... I absolutely can't wait until the 2nd one comes out!(:
January 17, 2018
My Rating: 1.5 of 5 stars
(half a star for good writing, and well, I did finish the book after all)
My review
Some books should remain stand-alones. Of Metal and Wishes is one of them. I loved the first book, and still recommend it, you can see my review of it for details. Initially, I was really excited about a sequel. And the cover is just so pretty!! The first book concluded the Phantom of the Opera story, so I was curious what direction this book would take. While I did wonder if it would be more romantic than the first book, since the mystery of the factory ghost is no longer, I was still optimistic.
At first I thought I liked this book. I was super happy to get back into the world of Wen and Melik. I was caught up in the excitement of seeing what happens next for the characters. Unfortunately, it was not the same world or people I remember.
Writing and Plot
The writing is good, just like I remembered. I actually think this book is more quotable than Of Metal and Wishes. But even with good writing, the plot sunk the story. And so many plot cliches!! It is slow paced, with mostly internal conflict. And annoying internal conflict over a forced love triangle at that!
Lets Add a Love Triangle!
In Of Metal and Wishes, there was no question who had Wen’s heart. She was intrigued by mysterious Bo, but he was not a love interest. Now Bo loved Wen, but it was more obsession, stalkerish “love.” Wen sympathized and even grew fond of Bo, but she never had a romantic attraction to him. Enter the sequel: Of Dreams and Rust. Wen is confused about who she loves! She might love Bo and feels like she might belong with him. And then there is Melik, who held her heart during the first book. She loves him too! But Wen is not sure if Melik loves her back, even when it is glaringly obvious. For the rest of the book she has conflicted feelings for both men.
And she won’t communicate with either of them! The communication in this book is annoyingly bad. They spend far too much time trying to sort out their feelings and trying to guess what the other person is thinking. Even Melik does not communicate with Wen. But the Noors typically say everything on their minds! And the lame excuse that he is trying to be more Itanyai for her did not help the believability.
That Ending
I’m also REALLY mad about how it ended. I will put that in spoilers for you. The war machines are coming and Wen gives a conditional promise to go with Bo back to the factory, but only if he helps stop the war machines. Bo becomes friends with Melik’s younger brother Sinan because he is mechanically inclined.
Sorry for the long spoilery digression, but sometimes the story itself is the best way to explain my feelings for it. In fact, I will write a summary of the book to farther show my disapproval of the sequel. You can read it and save yourself the time of reading the actual book.
Of Dreams and Rust: A Summary
Wen: I’m so in love with Melik! I dream about him and even say his name in my sleep!
Factory worker: We will send war machines against those evil Noor to rid our selves of them once and for all!
Wen: Oh no! I must go warn Melik so he does not die!!
Melik: Wen, why are you here?
Wen: Oh no, I thought he loved me, but he is fighting on the side of the Noor and killing people. How could he love me if he is doing that?
Melik: What are you talking about? I was helping you and the Itanyai prisoners. I even helped them escape and gave you the opportunity!!
Wen: Oh, that’s right. And I didn’t escape with them because I loved you! And now I see you love me too!
*passionate kissing*
Bo: I saw that! How could you love that below the scum of the earth Noor? You belong with me!
Wen: You are right Bo. I should be with you. I don’t even know if Melik loves me!
Melik: So you have spent the last year with this Bo machine guy. This is why you don’t love me any more.
Wen: But Melik, I do love you! I will stay with you forever, if only I knew that you loved me back.
Bo: The village will be attacked. Wen and I will run away so we are not harmed.
Wen: But I cannot stand to think that Melik, the love of my life, might die. You must save him, Bo! If you save him, I will run away with you and never think of Melik again.
Bo: Yay! I win. I will have Wen forever!
Melik: They are acting all loving. I must act distant and brooding so Wen knows of my jealousy.
Wen: Melik is not talking to me. He must not love me! I was right to stay with Bo.
Melik: I might die, but I do love you Wen. Very much.
Wen: You might die, so I too will proclaim my love for you, Melik.
*passionate kissing*
*battle occurs*
Melik: One of my beloved men has died and it is all that Bo machine’s fault. I must kill him!
Wen: No! Don’t kill him!
Melik: I see you are still in love with Bo.
Bo: I saw you kiss Melik before the battle. You are really in love with him. I will leave you and you will never see me again.
Wen: Oh no! Bo is gone, and I don’t even know if Melik loves me!
Melik’s Mom: Wen, why are you not comforting Melik during his sorrow?
Wen: Because I don’t know if he loves me!
Melik’s mom: Of course he loves you! You are the only one who can comfort him!
Wen: Yay! He loves me! We should run off in a cave and have non-descriptive safe for YA book sex!
Melik: Now we both know that we are meant to be together.
Bo: I’m back. And more war machines are coming to mow down the Noor. I will stop them. It is the only way to right my wrongs.
Wen: I said I loved Melik, but do I really want him forever? Maybe I should be with Bo.
(half a star for good writing, and well, I did finish the book after all)
My review
Some books should remain stand-alones. Of Metal and Wishes is one of them. I loved the first book, and still recommend it, you can see my review of it for details. Initially, I was really excited about a sequel. And the cover is just so pretty!! The first book concluded the Phantom of the Opera story, so I was curious what direction this book would take. While I did wonder if it would be more romantic than the first book, since the mystery of the factory ghost is no longer, I was still optimistic.
At first I thought I liked this book. I was super happy to get back into the world of Wen and Melik. I was caught up in the excitement of seeing what happens next for the characters. Unfortunately, it was not the same world or people I remember.
Writing and Plot
The writing is good, just like I remembered. I actually think this book is more quotable than Of Metal and Wishes. But even with good writing, the plot sunk the story. And so many plot cliches!! It is slow paced, with mostly internal conflict. And annoying internal conflict over a forced love triangle at that!
Lets Add a Love Triangle!
In Of Metal and Wishes, there was no question who had Wen’s heart. She was intrigued by mysterious Bo, but he was not a love interest. Now Bo loved Wen, but it was more obsession, stalkerish “love.” Wen sympathized and even grew fond of Bo, but she never had a romantic attraction to him. Enter the sequel: Of Dreams and Rust. Wen is confused about who she loves! She might love Bo and feels like she might belong with him. And then there is Melik, who held her heart during the first book. She loves him too! But Wen is not sure if Melik loves her back, even when it is glaringly obvious. For the rest of the book she has conflicted feelings for both men.
And she won’t communicate with either of them! The communication in this book is annoyingly bad. They spend far too much time trying to sort out their feelings and trying to guess what the other person is thinking. Even Melik does not communicate with Wen. But the Noors typically say everything on their minds! And the lame excuse that he is trying to be more Itanyai for her did not help the believability.
That Ending
I’m also REALLY mad about how it ended. I will put that in spoilers for you. The war machines are coming and Wen gives a conditional promise to go with Bo back to the factory, but only if he helps stop the war machines. Bo becomes friends with Melik’s younger brother Sinan because he is mechanically inclined.
Sorry for the long spoilery digression, but sometimes the story itself is the best way to explain my feelings for it. In fact, I will write a summary of the book to farther show my disapproval of the sequel. You can read it and save yourself the time of reading the actual book.
Of Dreams and Rust: A Summary
Wen: I’m so in love with Melik! I dream about him and even say his name in my sleep!
Factory worker: We will send war machines against those evil Noor to rid our selves of them once and for all!
Wen: Oh no! I must go warn Melik so he does not die!!
Melik: Wen, why are you here?
Wen: Oh no, I thought he loved me, but he is fighting on the side of the Noor and killing people. How could he love me if he is doing that?
Melik: What are you talking about? I was helping you and the Itanyai prisoners. I even helped them escape and gave you the opportunity!!
Wen: Oh, that’s right. And I didn’t escape with them because I loved you! And now I see you love me too!
*passionate kissing*
Bo: I saw that! How could you love that below the scum of the earth Noor? You belong with me!
Wen: You are right Bo. I should be with you. I don’t even know if Melik loves me!
Melik: So you have spent the last year with this Bo machine guy. This is why you don’t love me any more.
Wen: But Melik, I do love you! I will stay with you forever, if only I knew that you loved me back.
Bo: The village will be attacked. Wen and I will run away so we are not harmed.
Wen: But I cannot stand to think that Melik, the love of my life, might die. You must save him, Bo! If you save him, I will run away with you and never think of Melik again.
Bo: Yay! I win. I will have Wen forever!
Melik: They are acting all loving. I must act distant and brooding so Wen knows of my jealousy.
Wen: Melik is not talking to me. He must not love me! I was right to stay with Bo.
Melik: I might die, but I do love you Wen. Very much.
Wen: You might die, so I too will proclaim my love for you, Melik.
*passionate kissing*
*battle occurs*
Melik: One of my beloved men has died and it is all that Bo machine’s fault. I must kill him!
Wen: No! Don’t kill him!
Melik: I see you are still in love with Bo.
Bo: I saw you kiss Melik before the battle. You are really in love with him. I will leave you and you will never see me again.
Wen: Oh no! Bo is gone, and I don’t even know if Melik loves me!
Melik’s Mom: Wen, why are you not comforting Melik during his sorrow?
Wen: Because I don’t know if he loves me!
Melik’s mom: Of course he loves you! You are the only one who can comfort him!
Wen: Yay! He loves me! We should run off in a cave and have non-descriptive safe for YA book sex!
Melik: Now we both know that we are meant to be together.
Bo: I’m back. And more war machines are coming to mow down the Noor. I will stop them. It is the only way to right my wrongs.
Wen: I said I loved Melik, but do I really want him forever? Maybe I should be with Bo.
July 19, 2017
Of Dreams and Rust...such a beautiful title
Book Title: Of Dreams and Rust
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Of Metal and Wishes #2
Genre: Older YA, Steampunk, Dark Fantasy
Setting: Itanya
Source: Kindle eBook
⇝My Thoughts⇜
A sweet, uplifting story set in a bleak and sorrowful world. The sequel to Of Metal and Wishes is much more action-packed and even more exquisitely romantic. I loved it in spite of the main character's fickleness towards the two males in her life. The turmoil of their world, and the gutsy determination of the characters, more than overshadow the vexatious love triangle going on. Making this second book in this duology even more likable than the first.
⇝Book Theme Song⇜
(this link will take you to my tumblr post with video) ♫Meet Me On the Battlefield by Svrcina --A poignant, slow song about going into war. It really has the right feel for Wen, Melik and Bo and their battles fought.♫
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.5/5
Main Characters: 4.3/5
Secondary Characters: 4.5/5
The Feels: 4/5
Addictiveness: 4/5
Theme or Tone: 4/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 4.5/5
Originality: 5/5
Book Cover: 5/5
Ending: 5/5 Cliffhanger: Nope.
Will I read more from this Author? Of course…
Book Title: Of Dreams and Rust
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Of Metal and Wishes #2
Genre: Older YA, Steampunk, Dark Fantasy
Setting: Itanya
Source: Kindle eBook
✧✧✧OVERALL RATING✧4.5/5 STARS✧A-✧✧✧
⇝My Thoughts⇜
A sweet, uplifting story set in a bleak and sorrowful world. The sequel to Of Metal and Wishes is much more action-packed and even more exquisitely romantic. I loved it in spite of the main character's fickleness towards the two males in her life. The turmoil of their world, and the gutsy determination of the characters, more than overshadow the vexatious love triangle going on. Making this second book in this duology even more likable than the first.
⇝Book Theme Song⇜
(this link will take you to my tumblr post with video) ♫Meet Me On the Battlefield by Svrcina --A poignant, slow song about going into war. It really has the right feel for Wen, Melik and Bo and their battles fought.♫
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.5/5
Main Characters: 4.3/5
Secondary Characters: 4.5/5
The Feels: 4/5
Addictiveness: 4/5
Theme or Tone: 4/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 4.5/5
Originality: 5/5
Book Cover: 5/5
Ending: 5/5 Cliffhanger: Nope.
Will I read more from this Author? Of course…
May 6, 2016
Sarah Fine is an author who manages to touch me in some way with her books every.single.time. I don't know how she does it, but her books make me feel so much and at the end of a series, I'm always left clamoring for more. Of Metal and Wishes was my favorite book of 2014. It was beautifully written, crushed my soul and turned me into one greedy reader. I was bubbling with excitement when I finally got the chance to pick up Of Dreams and Rust and going in, my expectations were rather sky high. Sarah Fine went beyond every expectation I had and made me fall harder in love with her writing and her characters.
I'm intimidated by beautiful writing because more often than not, I'm left feeling distant from the story. This wasn't the case with Of Dreams and Rust. There was a quiet beauty to the writing that spoke to every fiber of my being. It was stunning, and enraptured me to the point where I couldn't put the book down and HAD to finish it in a single sitting even though I wanted to absorb every word of this book slowly. It's hard to really describe Sarah Fine's prose - it's one that you yourself need to experience to truly understand the powerful impact that it can have on you. Of Dreams and Rust started off one year after the events of Of Metal and Wishes, Melik and Wen having been separated. This year ravaged by impending wars has changed both characters, but at the same time, they retained all of their core values and beliefs. Wen is one of my all-time favorite protagonists. She has gone through hell and more, but she continued to strive to bring happiness to others. This was a young woman who refused to bow down and persevered all for selfless reasons. With her kind soul and spirited nature, she is always going to be a character that I admire and aspire to be like one of these days. Wen struggled in Of Dreams and Rust because she comes to the realization that there is no right party in a war and she tussles with the guilt and choice of making the right decisions - betraying her own people, the Itanyi, or the Noor. Watching her go through that period was painful, but I knew that no matter what, Wen would make the decision that she felt deep down was right. She truly was a remarkable heroine and the essence of this entire series together with Melik and Bo.
Melik too, who I fell in love with in Of Metal and Wishes, was a changed man, the war against his people, having hardened him and leaving him with thick skin. He was very much a complement to Wen because of his giving and selfless nature and his willingness to help others out. I didn't think it was truly possible, but I fell harder in love with this boy in this book. It hurt to see him face obstacle after obstacle, and some truly horrendous moments, but through it all, he remained brave and battled for others' happiness. Thankfully, he had the support of Wen through the book. Together, these two were absolutely wonderful. The romance in this series is one of my favorite all-time romances. I love this couple fiercely. With the year of separation between them, I was nervous about how Wen and Melik would come together, but Sarah Fine made their relationship work in every way. Their reunion scene was emotional, beautifully written and had my heart aching. Theirs is a romance that will hurt you and make you feel, but in a really good way. It's the kind of ache that will have you thinking of the characters for a long time. They faced numerous tribulations in their relationship, but they continued to prove to me that they were meant to be and fought through every bump in the road with the power of their love. Wen's relationship with Bo also continued to be complex and complicated. It was clear that Bo had romantic feelings for Wen, but Wen's true feelings for him never truly strayed beyond a brotherly type of love, so I wouldn't consider this book to be a love triangle. Speaking of Bo, he very much surprised me in Of Dreams and Rust. He has always been an intriguing character whose intentions were never clear to me, but in this book, he finally became a strong character, who finally knew what he wanted and ultimately became a true hero. Of Dreams and Rust was a hard book to read at times, and I'm not going to lie, I was overcome with sadness at certain points. The final battle wasn't casualty-less - some of the deaths were truly bittersweet, but they were necessary and allowed the characters to shine. The ending was painful, but poignant.
I'm sad that the Of Metal and Wishes duology is over, but I couldn't be happier with the way this phenomenal book wrapped it up. Of Dreams and Rust wasn't the easiest book for me, emotionally - it left me in a mess at times, but it's a book that's worth reading and a book that I'm sure I'll be re-reading a million times more.
April 9, 2017
”I close my eyes and dream, because wishes are out of my reach. They require hope. Dreams do not; they are fueled by the unreal, the forbidden, the things that will never exist in this world.”
It’s been a year since the fire burned the slaughterhouse of Gochin down. Wen and her father have fled and are now living in a tiny remote village practicing their medicine. The slaughterhouse ghost Bo has come with them, hiding in plain sight. And Melik has rejoined his people to start a revolution against the Itanyai who have mistreated them and essentially wiped out their race. While everyone else thinks he is dead, Wen refuses to believe it. So when she hears rumblings of the Itanyai sending their metal war machines and men to crush the Noor rebellion, Wen makes the decision to go to his homeland to warn him and the Noor she has come to respect, despite what her own people think of them.
When writing a duology, series, or what have you, it allows the author to grow and expand many different things, such as a character’s development, the world or universe in which the story takes place, or the action. In Of Dreams and Rust, it was just a rehashing of basically everything that was in the first book with a bunch of political and war talk. Neither Wen nor Melik grew or matured in this installment. If anything, they regressed in their character development.The action in this book felt like it was at a complete standstill, with all the action and excitement taking place at the tail end of the book.
One particular action that I felt was rather stupid was the part where
The only character that was marginally interesting and had even something of an emotional arc was Bo. Bo became my favorite character because he was so multi-facted and three-dimensional. On the one hand, you could totally understand his point of view and feelings about humans in general, and his wanting to hide and protect himself from the rest of the world because of his mangled appearance. You feel so genuinely sorry that he feels so ugly, so despised, and so full of self-loathing. But at the same time, his actions towards others due to his own selfishness and pride could be so deplorable that you question whether or not he’s worth rooting for at all. But perhaps the most startling thing I found myself thinking was this: He deserved better than Wen. I know; such a horrible thing to think!! But she developed so little as a character and he developed so much that it felt like they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Her constant back and forth feelings between the two never made for a concrete decision, and he didn’t deserve that. The ending did both a justice and injustice to his character, but it was an ending that was ultimately the best decision for him.
In the end, I felt that this book was completely unnecessary. Most of the action, dialogue, and could have been included in the first book, making it a standalone. I would have much rather read a longer standalone book than a second book full of no character development, little action, and questionable plot choices. Sometimes expanding on a standalone book isn’t a good thing, and unfortunately, this was such an instance. Read the first book and the short story prequel, but skip the second book.
It’s been a year since the fire burned the slaughterhouse of Gochin down. Wen and her father have fled and are now living in a tiny remote village practicing their medicine. The slaughterhouse ghost Bo has come with them, hiding in plain sight. And Melik has rejoined his people to start a revolution against the Itanyai who have mistreated them and essentially wiped out their race. While everyone else thinks he is dead, Wen refuses to believe it. So when she hears rumblings of the Itanyai sending their metal war machines and men to crush the Noor rebellion, Wen makes the decision to go to his homeland to warn him and the Noor she has come to respect, despite what her own people think of them.
”I never came to save only Melik. I didn’t come to save these rebels, either. And I didn’t come to save the Noor simply because they are Noor. This is not about choosing a side. It’s about choosing a principle and being willing to see it through to the end.”But at what cost to her father? Bo? And her own sense of character and self-worth?
”I was raised to be proud of my people, of my part in this great culture, but now I am nothing but ashamed. Because I was raised to believe something else, too: that compassion is golden, that it is best to preserve life, to ease suffering, to value mercy above all else, and others above myself.”After finishing this book, I came to a startling conclusion: This duology didn’t need to be a duology. There was no need for this second book. I don’t often think that about a duology or series, but in this case, the decision by both the author and the publishing house to write a second book was misguided and completely unnecessary.
When writing a duology, series, or what have you, it allows the author to grow and expand many different things, such as a character’s development, the world or universe in which the story takes place, or the action. In Of Dreams and Rust, it was just a rehashing of basically everything that was in the first book with a bunch of political and war talk. Neither Wen nor Melik grew or matured in this installment. If anything, they regressed in their character development.The action in this book felt like it was at a complete standstill, with all the action and excitement taking place at the tail end of the book.
One particular action that I felt was rather stupid was the part where
The only character that was marginally interesting and had even something of an emotional arc was Bo. Bo became my favorite character because he was so multi-facted and three-dimensional. On the one hand, you could totally understand his point of view and feelings about humans in general, and his wanting to hide and protect himself from the rest of the world because of his mangled appearance. You feel so genuinely sorry that he feels so ugly, so despised, and so full of self-loathing. But at the same time, his actions towards others due to his own selfishness and pride could be so deplorable that you question whether or not he’s worth rooting for at all. But perhaps the most startling thing I found myself thinking was this: He deserved better than Wen. I know; such a horrible thing to think!! But she developed so little as a character and he developed so much that it felt like they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Her constant back and forth feelings between the two never made for a concrete decision, and he didn’t deserve that. The ending did both a justice and injustice to his character, but it was an ending that was ultimately the best decision for him.
In the end, I felt that this book was completely unnecessary. Most of the action, dialogue, and could have been included in the first book, making it a standalone. I would have much rather read a longer standalone book than a second book full of no character development, little action, and questionable plot choices. Sometimes expanding on a standalone book isn’t a good thing, and unfortunately, this was such an instance. Read the first book and the short story prequel, but skip the second book.
December 22, 2015
4.5 stars
Of Dreams and Rust is the second part of Sarah Fine marvelous fantasy duology. Fine is an author of considerable experience and strength, who’s proven herself more than capable of executing even the most elaborate plots while paying much attention to the psychological development of her characters. With a PhD in psychology and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brown University, Fine puts her extensive knowledge to good use. Her characters are works of art in their own right, with layer upon layer of true personalities and consistencies in their behaviors.
Even such strong characters don’t outshine her plots by much. Of Dreams and Rust brings a rush of excitement in each chapter, a breathless anticipation of things to come. Wen is in constant danger, unsure of her enemies and even more unsure of her friends. She goes through such struggles in this book, challenges much larger than before, and yet she remains strong and brave the entire time.
Wen is truly a heroine one can admire. Although not demonstrative at the best of times, she is still marvelously aware of her emotions and heart. She approaches everything with such calmness and strength and her loyalty and capacity for forgiveness are astounding.
Compared to the previous book, Of Dreams and Rust is much less claustrophobic, both in its setting and the characters. We are introduced to so many places and people and new experiences are offered on every turn. Even though we felt like we knew are main characters, Fine manages to present them all in a new light, revealing slowly the complexities of their personalities and their individual strengths and weaknesses.
As a linguist, I was very intrigued by the Noor language and Fine’s efforts in creating it consistently. The geek in me rejoiced with each new word and the very fact that she paid attention to such details was enough to make me deliriously happy. But that’s nothing new when it comes to Sarah Fine. She is almost unparalleled in her attention to detail and her vivid descriptions. Luckily, she’s also very productive and she doesn’t make us wait very long between books. What could be better than that?
Of Dreams and Rust is the second part of Sarah Fine marvelous fantasy duology. Fine is an author of considerable experience and strength, who’s proven herself more than capable of executing even the most elaborate plots while paying much attention to the psychological development of her characters. With a PhD in psychology and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brown University, Fine puts her extensive knowledge to good use. Her characters are works of art in their own right, with layer upon layer of true personalities and consistencies in their behaviors.
Even such strong characters don’t outshine her plots by much. Of Dreams and Rust brings a rush of excitement in each chapter, a breathless anticipation of things to come. Wen is in constant danger, unsure of her enemies and even more unsure of her friends. She goes through such struggles in this book, challenges much larger than before, and yet she remains strong and brave the entire time.
Wen is truly a heroine one can admire. Although not demonstrative at the best of times, she is still marvelously aware of her emotions and heart. She approaches everything with such calmness and strength and her loyalty and capacity for forgiveness are astounding.
Compared to the previous book, Of Dreams and Rust is much less claustrophobic, both in its setting and the characters. We are introduced to so many places and people and new experiences are offered on every turn. Even though we felt like we knew are main characters, Fine manages to present them all in a new light, revealing slowly the complexities of their personalities and their individual strengths and weaknesses.
As a linguist, I was very intrigued by the Noor language and Fine’s efforts in creating it consistently. The geek in me rejoiced with each new word and the very fact that she paid attention to such details was enough to make me deliriously happy. But that’s nothing new when it comes to Sarah Fine. She is almost unparalleled in her attention to detail and her vivid descriptions. Luckily, she’s also very productive and she doesn’t make us wait very long between books. What could be better than that?
July 10, 2016
4/5
What an ending!! Once again, another good YA, fantasy retelling :)
I liked that the characters had evolved and adapted in their plots from the first book. I especially liked the growth of the Red Warrior; Bo will always be preferable to me, cause I am a sucker for such sob stories, but this book's trio is woven in such a way that to call it a 'love-triangle' will do it an injustice. All characters have many realistic qualities, which I enjoyed immensely.
The differences between those two cultures were also distinct, even though I would prefer to be shown and not told of them every single time.
What an ending!! Once again, another good YA, fantasy retelling :)
I liked that the characters had evolved and adapted in their plots from the first book. I especially liked the growth of the Red Warrior; Bo will always be preferable to me, cause I am a sucker for such sob stories, but this book's trio is woven in such a way that to call it a 'love-triangle' will do it an injustice. All characters have many realistic qualities, which I enjoyed immensely.
The differences between those two cultures were also distinct, even though I would prefer to be shown and not told of them every single time.
September 28, 2018
4.5 stars
Feeeeels, I has them. This book was so good, better than the first, even though I actually think it could be longer. But gah, I totally cried at the end. Brutal book.
Feeeeels, I has them. This book was so good, better than the first, even though I actually think it could be longer. But gah, I totally cried at the end. Brutal book.
August 3, 2015
As seen on The Quiet Concert
It's been a year since Wen and Melik have parted at the end of Of Metal and Wishes but despite the time and distance between them, Wen's heart is still very much with Melik. After she hears of her people's plan for war, she decides to leave the relative safety of the Ring with the hope of finding and warning Melik before it is too late. This book is very action-packed as Wen reunites with Melik and together they try to save the people they love from the weapons of war bearing down on them. Naturally, war brings death and Sarah Fine does not go easy on our gentle hearts. But its those losses that make the wins that much more precious. My heart was all over the place with this one.
Wen and Melik's relationship arc was extremely well done. They've spent a year apart and that's enough time to change people. Wen is insecure when she reunites with Melik and doubts whether her feelings are still reciprocated. And when Melik first appears hard and unforgiving, Wen worries that war has hardened him beyond her recognition. I thought these were very honest questions given the circumstances of their relationship. But Melik proves that he's just as steady and loyal as ever. Together they face trials that that would challenge the strongest of relationships and I loved watching their love persevere. They were wonderful together.
For those of you who are wondering, Bo is still very much present in this sequel and Wen and Bo's relationship is still a complicated one. But even though Wen cares for Bo deeply, I never felt that her feelings went beyond a sibling/friend type of love. He was also a very interesting character to explore as he oscillated between love and hate and immaturity and maturity in his actions and expressions. Yet, despite everything, I still wanted the best for him.
Of Dreams and Rust was such an AMAZING sequel and conclusion to Of Metal and Wishes. Sarah Fine continues to amaze me with her brilliant storytelling, and penchant for creating the best romances. I cannot recommend this duology or the rest of her work enough. I have never given a single book of hers less than 5 glowing stars.
It's been a year since Wen and Melik have parted at the end of Of Metal and Wishes but despite the time and distance between them, Wen's heart is still very much with Melik. After she hears of her people's plan for war, she decides to leave the relative safety of the Ring with the hope of finding and warning Melik before it is too late. This book is very action-packed as Wen reunites with Melik and together they try to save the people they love from the weapons of war bearing down on them. Naturally, war brings death and Sarah Fine does not go easy on our gentle hearts. But its those losses that make the wins that much more precious. My heart was all over the place with this one.
Wen and Melik's relationship arc was extremely well done. They've spent a year apart and that's enough time to change people. Wen is insecure when she reunites with Melik and doubts whether her feelings are still reciprocated. And when Melik first appears hard and unforgiving, Wen worries that war has hardened him beyond her recognition. I thought these were very honest questions given the circumstances of their relationship. But Melik proves that he's just as steady and loyal as ever. Together they face trials that that would challenge the strongest of relationships and I loved watching their love persevere. They were wonderful together.
For those of you who are wondering, Bo is still very much present in this sequel and Wen and Bo's relationship is still a complicated one. But even though Wen cares for Bo deeply, I never felt that her feelings went beyond a sibling/friend type of love. He was also a very interesting character to explore as he oscillated between love and hate and immaturity and maturity in his actions and expressions. Yet, despite everything, I still wanted the best for him.
Of Dreams and Rust was such an AMAZING sequel and conclusion to Of Metal and Wishes. Sarah Fine continues to amaze me with her brilliant storytelling, and penchant for creating the best romances. I cannot recommend this duology or the rest of her work enough. I have never given a single book of hers less than 5 glowing stars.
October 15, 2015
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Of Dreams and Rust is the final installment in the Duology known as Of Metal and Wishes. A year has passed since the events of Of Mental and Wishes. Wen is now living at Gochan Two with her father Guiren, and working as a Medical Assistant. Gochan Two makes me War machine that will play an important role in this story. As a secret side project, she continues to try to nurse Bo back to health, but Bo doesn't exactly make things easy for Wen. Bo barely managed to survive and has become something more than human. In fact, I dare say that he would be happy if he were entirely covered in steal and wire.
*Full Review Posted 10/15/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published August 4th 2015 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Of Dreams and Rust is the final installment in the Duology known as Of Metal and Wishes. A year has passed since the events of Of Mental and Wishes. Wen is now living at Gochan Two with her father Guiren, and working as a Medical Assistant. Gochan Two makes me War machine that will play an important role in this story. As a secret side project, she continues to try to nurse Bo back to health, but Bo doesn't exactly make things easy for Wen. Bo barely managed to survive and has become something more than human. In fact, I dare say that he would be happy if he were entirely covered in steal and wire.
*Full Review Posted 10/15/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published August 4th 2015 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
March 15, 2020
Look at that beautiful cover :O *wants*
August 7, 2015
An ARC of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
I am such a huge fan of Sarah's writing. I fall for her characters every. Single. Time. And this series is no different. And boy did she bring her A-game with Of Dreams and Rust. She also must be doing some serious sacrificing to the Cover Gods because HOLY WOW. My eyes will never recover for the beauty that is the full cover jacket.
But you care about what's under that, don't you? Well, fine.
I have a lot of them, obviously. Firstly, it's been a whole freaking year since the events of the first book?
How can this be? Oh, my poor lovelies. How awful this must have been for you.
And then to find out that Wen's worst fears have come to fruition.
War is on the horizon, and Wen must warn Melik before it's too late. So, while everyone else is hunkering down, our girl does the only thing she can.
On the double, Mr. Conductor! (Okay, not really.) But this is the point where everything goes to hell.
Don't say I didn't warn you. From here on out, it's pretty much:
.....
.....<
Until finally, finally, we get what we've all been waiting for...
And, of course, this is when Iron Man decides to make an appearance. (No, I'm not joking.)
Things are a little tense, to say the least.
But the war is being brought to their doorstep. And it looks like this:
Everyone has to put their feelings aside and pretend that their differences don't matter. Because here comes the boom.
And then, of course, there's more of this:
If you haven't figured it out yet, this book is not a happy one. This is probably a more accurate descriptor.
Pick one. Or all of them. They are all relevant.
But that doesn't mean I didn't love this book. I did. With every fiber of my being. I want a book that can make me feel all the things, circle back, and feel them all over again. Sarah has the uncanny ability to make me want to open myself up to pain and grief, bring it out into the light and explore it further.
Her characters are beautiful and diverse and genuine. Their pain and joy and fears are real. I loved Of Metal and Wishes, but I think I loved Of Dreams and Rust even more because it pushed these characters to their limits. It tested them. It broke them. And it made me love them that much more.
I can't wait to see what Sarah Fine comes up with next!
GIF it to me straight:
I am such a huge fan of Sarah's writing. I fall for her characters every. Single. Time. And this series is no different. And boy did she bring her A-game with Of Dreams and Rust. She also must be doing some serious sacrificing to the Cover Gods because HOLY WOW. My eyes will never recover for the beauty that is the full cover jacket.
But you care about what's under that, don't you? Well, fine.
I have a lot of them, obviously. Firstly, it's been a whole freaking year since the events of the first book?
How can this be? Oh, my poor lovelies. How awful this must have been for you.
And then to find out that Wen's worst fears have come to fruition.
War is on the horizon, and Wen must warn Melik before it's too late. So, while everyone else is hunkering down, our girl does the only thing she can.
On the double, Mr. Conductor! (Okay, not really.) But this is the point where everything goes to hell.
Don't say I didn't warn you. From here on out, it's pretty much:
.....
.....<
Until finally, finally, we get what we've all been waiting for...
And, of course, this is when Iron Man decides to make an appearance. (No, I'm not joking.)
Things are a little tense, to say the least.
But the war is being brought to their doorstep. And it looks like this:
Everyone has to put their feelings aside and pretend that their differences don't matter. Because here comes the boom.
And then, of course, there's more of this:
If you haven't figured it out yet, this book is not a happy one. This is probably a more accurate descriptor.
Pick one. Or all of them. They are all relevant.
But that doesn't mean I didn't love this book. I did. With every fiber of my being. I want a book that can make me feel all the things, circle back, and feel them all over again. Sarah has the uncanny ability to make me want to open myself up to pain and grief, bring it out into the light and explore it further.
Her characters are beautiful and diverse and genuine. Their pain and joy and fears are real. I loved Of Metal and Wishes, but I think I loved Of Dreams and Rust even more because it pushed these characters to their limits. It tested them. It broke them. And it made me love them that much more.
I can't wait to see what Sarah Fine comes up with next!
GIF it to me straight:
July 26, 2015
Five stars: An emotional and beautiful ending to a must read series!
For Wen, it has been a year since the night the slaughterhouse was destroyed, and Melik walked out of her life with the promise that they would one day meet again. As they days dragged by, Wen busied herself working as a physician's aid in Gochan Two, the war factory. One morning on her way to work, Wen overhears one of the bosses making plans for war. Huge, spider-like war machines are being constructed in Gochan Two, and soon they will be unleashed on the unsuspecting Noors. Heartsick, Wen faces a desperate and daring choice. Will she stay in the safety of the Rings, or head out to the small settlements were war wages, to warn the Noor before their villages and hundreds of innocent people are slaughtered? Will Wen betray her own people for love?
What I Liked:
*What a fantastically beautiful and heartbreaking read. Full of such powerful and bittersweet emotion. I have said this before, but it bears repeating: Sarah Fine knows how to write genuine and realistic characters, breathtaking romances, and stories that grab hold of your emotions and don't let go until the final pages. Once again, Ms. Fine has completely managed to take hostage of my heart with this book. I urge you to check out the Of Metal and Wishes Duology. It is a series that will long linger in my heart and head.
*Wen is the heart and soul of the series. She is a young lady who is used to hardship and sacrifice. A year ago, her whole world and belief system was turned upside down when she met and fell in love with the enemy, a young Noor man named Melik. A year later, Wen has managed to keep her head down and become a skilled physician's assistant, but her heart yearns for the tall, red haired Noor who is out there somewhere fighting for his people and survival. Wen no longer sees the Noor as brutal, ignorant and wild people, instead she knows they are kind, loyal people who are fighting for their homes and families. Time and time again, Wen is forced to make difficult and heart wrenching decisions. Does she betray her own people to save the Noor? Who does she offer aid to in war, her people or the Noor? *I loved watching Wen grow and transform as she let go of the propaganda that once ruled her life. I admired her courage, as well as her determined and fierce spirit. I especially enjoyed watching her learn to see that people are people, no matter their race, and that no one is the victor in war. So many powerful and thought provoking themes in this book.
*Let's talk about the two heroes of the book: Melik and Bo. Melik is a strong leader among is people, but he also, like Wen, has learned to see the gray in the lines drawn between the two societies. He knows that no one is the winner in war, and he acts heroically and nobly time and time again, either while defending his people or showing mercy to the enemy. Bo, on the other hand, is a young man used to living in darkness. He was once the ghost haunting the slaughterhouse, a boy who is disfigured and scarred, one who wears a mask and has a love for machinery. The two boys see the world very differently except when it comes to Wen. Though they didn't see eye to eye, they did come together. Both men were so brave and valiant. I loved watching them grow and transform right along with Wen. I especially liked their sacrifices and heroics.
*The romance is absolutely breathtaking. First, I must warn you that there are shades of a love triangle, but before you turn away, I will tell you that it is always clear from the beginning who holds Wen's heart. The second suitor is a close companion and friend whom she loves dearly but more like a brother. Once the couple is reunited, it seems that the romance might have all been a dream, one that is unable to stand in the real world that is ravaged by war. Yet, once the stumbling blocks are overcome, the romance blossoms, and it is truly beautiful. Many of the scenes where they are together and sharing their feelings are so achingly beautiful and sentimental. Ms. Fine excels at writing the most lovely and heart felt romances that never fail to capture my heart. There were several scenes in this one that tugged at my heart strings. I loved it.
*I much preferred the setting in this book compared to the first book. Thankfully, the nasty business of the slaughterhouse is left behind, and this book instead takes place in the hills and canyons where the Noor live. It is a much easier, and kinder way of life. I enjoyed getting to know the Noor and seeing how they viewed the world. I especially loved their way of thinking when it came to the women. The Noor are far from the savages that the Itanyai believe them to be. The Noor are a kind and compassionate people, who love deeply and fiercely and never forget to take advantage of the now.
*This is such a powerful and emotional read that will keep you turning the pages. There are so many feels packed into this small book. I loved this journey and experiencing the depth and the power as well as the range of the emotions. If you are a reader that likes all the feels in a read, this is one you must experience.
*The ending is bittersweet. It culminates after much grief and loss with a simple and lovely scene full of hope and promise for the future. I was able to close the book satisfied and happy at the way things played out. A fitting end for an outstanding series.
And The Not So Much:
*The book picks up a year after the explosive and deadly events at the end of Of Metal and Wishes. During that time, Wen and Bo have grown closer and closer. I was a bit surprised at Wen's change of heart. At the end of the first book, she was a bit terrified and repulsed by Bo, and at the start of this book, she has developed strong feelings for him. I wish that there had been more on how their relationship progressed. I wanted a better understanding as to Wen's change of heart.
*Even though I loved the way the book ended, I was surprised at how quickly it culminated, in fact, I thought it was a bit abrupt. It goes from a terrifying scene of chaos and destruction, and then moves into the rapid finale. In fact, the final pages where the reader wants to take a moment and breath while basking in the good parts is only three pages long, and it isn't even separated out into an Epilogue or a final chapter, instead from one paragraph to the next it jumps ahead a few months. I wish that it was a bit more drawn out because after all the emotion and the turbulence, I wanted a few more minutes with the characters I had grown to love before their story ends.
Of Dreams and Rust is a powerful, unforgettable and moving book that completes the Of Wishes and Metal duology. This was an amazing series that you must experience. It is all about growth and change set against the violence of war. I loved exploring the themes and the emotions. If you have not tried a book yet by Sarah Fine, I urge you to check out this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
For Wen, it has been a year since the night the slaughterhouse was destroyed, and Melik walked out of her life with the promise that they would one day meet again. As they days dragged by, Wen busied herself working as a physician's aid in Gochan Two, the war factory. One morning on her way to work, Wen overhears one of the bosses making plans for war. Huge, spider-like war machines are being constructed in Gochan Two, and soon they will be unleashed on the unsuspecting Noors. Heartsick, Wen faces a desperate and daring choice. Will she stay in the safety of the Rings, or head out to the small settlements were war wages, to warn the Noor before their villages and hundreds of innocent people are slaughtered? Will Wen betray her own people for love?
What I Liked:
*What a fantastically beautiful and heartbreaking read. Full of such powerful and bittersweet emotion. I have said this before, but it bears repeating: Sarah Fine knows how to write genuine and realistic characters, breathtaking romances, and stories that grab hold of your emotions and don't let go until the final pages. Once again, Ms. Fine has completely managed to take hostage of my heart with this book. I urge you to check out the Of Metal and Wishes Duology. It is a series that will long linger in my heart and head.
*Wen is the heart and soul of the series. She is a young lady who is used to hardship and sacrifice. A year ago, her whole world and belief system was turned upside down when she met and fell in love with the enemy, a young Noor man named Melik. A year later, Wen has managed to keep her head down and become a skilled physician's assistant, but her heart yearns for the tall, red haired Noor who is out there somewhere fighting for his people and survival. Wen no longer sees the Noor as brutal, ignorant and wild people, instead she knows they are kind, loyal people who are fighting for their homes and families. Time and time again, Wen is forced to make difficult and heart wrenching decisions. Does she betray her own people to save the Noor? Who does she offer aid to in war, her people or the Noor? *I loved watching Wen grow and transform as she let go of the propaganda that once ruled her life. I admired her courage, as well as her determined and fierce spirit. I especially enjoyed watching her learn to see that people are people, no matter their race, and that no one is the victor in war. So many powerful and thought provoking themes in this book.
*Let's talk about the two heroes of the book: Melik and Bo. Melik is a strong leader among is people, but he also, like Wen, has learned to see the gray in the lines drawn between the two societies. He knows that no one is the winner in war, and he acts heroically and nobly time and time again, either while defending his people or showing mercy to the enemy. Bo, on the other hand, is a young man used to living in darkness. He was once the ghost haunting the slaughterhouse, a boy who is disfigured and scarred, one who wears a mask and has a love for machinery. The two boys see the world very differently except when it comes to Wen. Though they didn't see eye to eye, they did come together. Both men were so brave and valiant. I loved watching them grow and transform right along with Wen. I especially liked their sacrifices and heroics.
*The romance is absolutely breathtaking. First, I must warn you that there are shades of a love triangle, but before you turn away, I will tell you that it is always clear from the beginning who holds Wen's heart. The second suitor is a close companion and friend whom she loves dearly but more like a brother. Once the couple is reunited, it seems that the romance might have all been a dream, one that is unable to stand in the real world that is ravaged by war. Yet, once the stumbling blocks are overcome, the romance blossoms, and it is truly beautiful. Many of the scenes where they are together and sharing their feelings are so achingly beautiful and sentimental. Ms. Fine excels at writing the most lovely and heart felt romances that never fail to capture my heart. There were several scenes in this one that tugged at my heart strings. I loved it.
*I much preferred the setting in this book compared to the first book. Thankfully, the nasty business of the slaughterhouse is left behind, and this book instead takes place in the hills and canyons where the Noor live. It is a much easier, and kinder way of life. I enjoyed getting to know the Noor and seeing how they viewed the world. I especially loved their way of thinking when it came to the women. The Noor are far from the savages that the Itanyai believe them to be. The Noor are a kind and compassionate people, who love deeply and fiercely and never forget to take advantage of the now.
*This is such a powerful and emotional read that will keep you turning the pages. There are so many feels packed into this small book. I loved this journey and experiencing the depth and the power as well as the range of the emotions. If you are a reader that likes all the feels in a read, this is one you must experience.
*The ending is bittersweet. It culminates after much grief and loss with a simple and lovely scene full of hope and promise for the future. I was able to close the book satisfied and happy at the way things played out. A fitting end for an outstanding series.
And The Not So Much:
*The book picks up a year after the explosive and deadly events at the end of Of Metal and Wishes. During that time, Wen and Bo have grown closer and closer. I was a bit surprised at Wen's change of heart. At the end of the first book, she was a bit terrified and repulsed by Bo, and at the start of this book, she has developed strong feelings for him. I wish that there had been more on how their relationship progressed. I wanted a better understanding as to Wen's change of heart.
*Even though I loved the way the book ended, I was surprised at how quickly it culminated, in fact, I thought it was a bit abrupt. It goes from a terrifying scene of chaos and destruction, and then moves into the rapid finale. In fact, the final pages where the reader wants to take a moment and breath while basking in the good parts is only three pages long, and it isn't even separated out into an Epilogue or a final chapter, instead from one paragraph to the next it jumps ahead a few months. I wish that it was a bit more drawn out because after all the emotion and the turbulence, I wanted a few more minutes with the characters I had grown to love before their story ends.
Of Dreams and Rust is a powerful, unforgettable and moving book that completes the Of Wishes and Metal duology. This was an amazing series that you must experience. It is all about growth and change set against the violence of war. I loved exploring the themes and the emotions. If you have not tried a book yet by Sarah Fine, I urge you to check out this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
September 13, 2015
To see review with gif and other reviews, meanderings by yours truly click here.
Of Metal and Wishes was one of my favorite books in 2014, BUT I didn’t think it needed a sequel. The end of that book ended on such a bittersweet note, that I was sort of happy with how it was resolved. But low and behold, it was announced that this was going to be a duology and, well, I was sort of interested in how things were going to progress. Hoping that it wasn’t going to be a cop out AT all.
The result Of Dreams and Rust wasn’t bad per say, but it felt like something was missing. To be fair though, overall I recommend the book AND I am recommending the series with some minor reservations to anyone who is in an Eastern inspired steampunk fantasy with nods to Phantom of the Opera.
What worked about Of Dreams and Dust. A lot of things worked. Character development being one of them. Wen really grows as a person in this installment, but she still has her faults. Same with the rest of the characters in this series. However, even though Wen does grow, I do wonder about some of her decisions.
Her whole getting on the train and running away, seemed a little stupid to me. I get it had to happen to accelerate the part, but she was really made some downright idiotic decisions. And is in desperate need of a sassy gay friend.
What she wasn’t in need of was Bo.
Oh, God, did he annoy me. Even though he is now basically a really cool cyborg or Ironman wannabe depending on how you define cyborg.
However, I don’t think his upgrade really helped his case. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone would ever ship Bo and Wen especially after this installment. All he does is whine and moan, before doing something relatively helpful that might make you question why you hate him so much.
Well, I don’t feel guilty about not liking you Bo.
The actual ship in this book is quite delicious. It was developed a lot this installment, and I like how the character acknowledged that they have a lot to learn about each other.
Like with Of Metal and Wishes, Of Rust and Dreams has vividly creepy imagery. It’s probably it’s biggest strength. Also, the plot doesn’t try to be gentle it’s brutal. Although, I did feel like the build up was a bit minimum-a filler novella that would’ve given us some insight into that missing year would’ve been helpful.
I’d say investing in this duology is worth while. It’s short and quick, and has some great character development. Although, it has it’s faults they were relatively minor-though I do think a little optional novella would’ve really filled in some much needed gaps.
Of Metal and Wishes was one of my favorite books in 2014, BUT I didn’t think it needed a sequel. The end of that book ended on such a bittersweet note, that I was sort of happy with how it was resolved. But low and behold, it was announced that this was going to be a duology and, well, I was sort of interested in how things were going to progress. Hoping that it wasn’t going to be a cop out AT all.
The result Of Dreams and Rust wasn’t bad per say, but it felt like something was missing. To be fair though, overall I recommend the book AND I am recommending the series with some minor reservations to anyone who is in an Eastern inspired steampunk fantasy with nods to Phantom of the Opera.
What worked about Of Dreams and Dust. A lot of things worked. Character development being one of them. Wen really grows as a person in this installment, but she still has her faults. Same with the rest of the characters in this series. However, even though Wen does grow, I do wonder about some of her decisions.
Her whole getting on the train and running away, seemed a little stupid to me. I get it had to happen to accelerate the part, but she was really made some downright idiotic decisions. And is in desperate need of a sassy gay friend.
What she wasn’t in need of was Bo.
Oh, God, did he annoy me. Even though he is now basically a really cool cyborg or Ironman wannabe depending on how you define cyborg.
However, I don’t think his upgrade really helped his case. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone would ever ship Bo and Wen especially after this installment. All he does is whine and moan, before doing something relatively helpful that might make you question why you hate him so much.
Well, I don’t feel guilty about not liking you Bo.
The actual ship in this book is quite delicious. It was developed a lot this installment, and I like how the character acknowledged that they have a lot to learn about each other.
Like with Of Metal and Wishes, Of Rust and Dreams has vividly creepy imagery. It’s probably it’s biggest strength. Also, the plot doesn’t try to be gentle it’s brutal. Although, I did feel like the build up was a bit minimum-a filler novella that would’ve given us some insight into that missing year would’ve been helpful.
I’d say investing in this duology is worth while. It’s short and quick, and has some great character development. Although, it has it’s faults they were relatively minor-though I do think a little optional novella would’ve really filled in some much needed gaps.
August 12, 2015
4.5 Stars
This book left me like
After, it had me like
And a lot of this
Along with this
This story is a continuation from book one. Wen has been separated from Melik for a year, not knowing where he is or what has become of him. But when news comes to Wen of a brutal end to the Noor people, she will do anything to protect the man she has fallen for, even if that means betraying her people and leaving her father and Bo behind.
With an unexpected turn of events, Wen discovers the Melik is not the boy she said goodbye to a year ago, but rather a man of many in the middle of a deadly war.
With the mission to protect Melik and his people, Wen has yet again fallen for the boy with the red hair.
With a tragic ending caused by war, blood, and the thirst for power, a beautiful love story was formed and a righteous ending was victorious.
When I was so close to the end of this book, all I was thinking was I cannot wait for book 3 . Then I got to the last few words of Of Dreams and Rust, and I discovered that this is the end of Wen's and Melik's story. I was incredibly disappointed but oh so happy for the ending.
This book left me like
After, it had me like
And a lot of this
Along with this
This story is a continuation from book one. Wen has been separated from Melik for a year, not knowing where he is or what has become of him. But when news comes to Wen of a brutal end to the Noor people, she will do anything to protect the man she has fallen for, even if that means betraying her people and leaving her father and Bo behind.
With an unexpected turn of events, Wen discovers the Melik is not the boy she said goodbye to a year ago, but rather a man of many in the middle of a deadly war.
With the mission to protect Melik and his people, Wen has yet again fallen for the boy with the red hair.
With a tragic ending caused by war, blood, and the thirst for power, a beautiful love story was formed and a righteous ending was victorious.
When I was so close to the end of this book, all I was thinking was I cannot wait for book 3 . Then I got to the last few words of Of Dreams and Rust, and I discovered that this is the end of Wen's and Melik's story. I was incredibly disappointed but oh so happy for the ending.
October 17, 2016
“I close my eyes and dream, because wishes are out of my reach. They require hope. Dreams do not; they are fueled by the unreal, the forbidden, the things that will not ever exist in this world.”
Absolutely beautiful, but sad and bittersweet conclusion to the wonderful steampunk duology Of Metal and Wishes.
“I destroyed him. Like I destroy everything. Like I ruin everything.” The spiders rattle and shift as he steps away from me. “Like I ruin you, just by being close to you.”
“You have never done that.”
“Haven’t I? All the hours you and Guiren spent with me—you could have been with real people. Living people. You could have been with each other, even. Both of you should have left me to myself a year ago, but you kept coming back.”
“You have a right to live, and to feel, and to love. You are not really a ghost, Bo.” I reach for him, but his metal circuits hum as he jumps back.
“I am,” he snaps. “And ghosts must let the living be.”
Absolutely beautiful, but sad and bittersweet conclusion to the wonderful steampunk duology Of Metal and Wishes.
“I destroyed him. Like I destroy everything. Like I ruin everything.” The spiders rattle and shift as he steps away from me. “Like I ruin you, just by being close to you.”
“You have never done that.”
“Haven’t I? All the hours you and Guiren spent with me—you could have been with real people. Living people. You could have been with each other, even. Both of you should have left me to myself a year ago, but you kept coming back.”
“You have a right to live, and to feel, and to love. You are not really a ghost, Bo.” I reach for him, but his metal circuits hum as he jumps back.
“I am,” he snaps. “And ghosts must let the living be.”
January 4, 2016
Loved this one. Full review to come.
September 11, 2016
So I was at my second home (aka the public library) the other day, working on some homework shit, and I decided to stretch my legs and look around for a book to just pass a couple of minutes with.
Lately I've been into comics (Fables and re-reading The Walking Dead), so I haven't really been keeping up with reading like I ought to, and certainly not sequels of stuff (well, except for Go Set a Watchman, and that's a migraine all on its own).
So this book came as a complete surprise. I mean, I didn't even know anything about a sequel--the first seemed fine (no pun intended) as a standalone. I really loved the first, except for Wen's slightly passive, meek attitude, but I mean, it was just a minor thing. If you've ever loved the Phantom of the Opera you should really give Of Metal and Wishes a try.
But I will warn you: this book doesn't really have that Phantom feel whatsoever. I'll go into that a little later, but for now, I'll start with
The Setting
(Read at your on discretion, possible spoilers ahead, blah blah, you know it already)
So basically Wen is facing down the boiling political pot between the Itanyai and the Noor, and things are no longer contained in just one little ol' factory anymore. You get to see more of the countryside, and the rebel movement, and yeah, there are a lot of fight scenes, which was definitely a step up for me. I'm a guns-and-explosions person over romance any-freaking-day.
Frankly, I loved it. It made me really happy that she didn't try to drag out the original factory setting and we got to see a lot of the rebel movement, and especially more of the Noor, which was hella more interesting, to me anyway.
So yeah, don't expect it to be like the first book. It's brutal and bloody, with both the Itanyai and Noor playing dirty, to the point that you have trouble rooting for a side. There are explosions and guns and war machines. There are trainwrecks and chopped fingers. The intensity level has definitely gone up, and that's just the way I like it.
The Characters
Hoo boy. I loved what she did with some of it, but I definitely had some issues with other stuff. But we'll take it one at a time and start with Wen.
In the last book, Wen was that kind of character you don't really hate, but that makes you sort of sigh very deeply. I mean, I liked that she had such a big heart, but she was so passive. Whenever a guy made a pass at her (which, let's face it, was pretty often), she'd sort of blame herself. It was I'm too slutty or I feel like I did something wrong and it's all my fault. That just bothered me, because it's slut-shaming in a masochistic kind of way, but like I said, it wasn't a huge-huge issue. I kind of chalked it up to maybe Itanyai culture, where females were looked at as inferior and such, so those beliefs she held were moreso "realistic" than not.
But she grows in this book. It's very subtle, I think, but it was perfectly done. She's no longer fretting about how she feels out of place or which guy she should end up with (not that she was ever that much Bella-esque to begin with, but--you know). She just seems to have a bigger purpose in this book, maturing in all the good ways--looking at the bigger scope of the picture, for one thing.
She just grows. There's really no other way of putting it. She grows to be a better person and a good citizen, and to me, this was awesome. She gains more of a confidence that she lacked in the first book, and I say, hats off to you, Ms. Fine. You done good.
And then there's Melik, a.k.a. the "Raoul" of the story. Here's the thing about Raoul: if there was ever a character in any musical that I loathe the most, the grand prize would be handed without a moment's hesitation to Raoul de Chagny. It's mean, it's biased, and probably really uncalled for, but I just can't stand him.
I mean, the guy cockblocked one of the (arguably) most shipped couples of all time, amirite? It's a mythical being who watches the play/movie and goes, "Oh yeah, Christine and Raoul all de way!" (I personally writhe on the floor with my fist curled at the heavens, usually screaming "DAMN YOU DE CHAGNY!" "YOU NOSY INTERFERING SELFISH BASTARD!", etc., etc.)
I don't know what Ms. Fine did with Melik, but she just did something inexplicably right. In the first book, as much as I loved Bo, the "Phantom" counterpart, I just really liked this guy. The fact that he had other issues he cared about equally besides just Wen, coupled with his love for his brother and his people was just refreshing.
And the fact that he is a redhead. Gingers are just really frickin' awesome, in my opinion.
I mean, let's face it, bad guys are all darkly attractive and crap, but good guys are better--because they're good guys. And Melik was a good guy, and that was really apealing.
But.
(Dun dun dun. Don't you love how dramatic that sounds?)
Melik changes. Gone is the nice guy. Gone is the guy that plays by the rules. The new Melik is in town, ladies and gents, and he ain't above hitting below the belt. This Melik, or, the "Red One," (you know shit's going down when the outlaw nicknames break out) is the rising leader of the avenging Noor soliders. He is colder and more ruthless, and he makes some choices you might not necessarily agree with, but ones that you can't really argue with--especially with the Itanyai exhibiting the same behavior.
But I still loved his character. Underneath it all you still see the guy who's a fiercely loyal brother, son and comrade. You watch him fight like hell, panic, and finally break down, only to build up again.
Okay, so really? It's not THAT dramatic a change. It's not a change so unbelievable that it feels kinda, well, unbelivable. So honestly, (don't hate me!) I kind of shipped Wen and Melik maybealittlemore than I shipped Wen and Bo...
Which brings us to Bo. Now, while I really liked what Ms. Fine had done with both Wen and Melik, I would say not so much with Bo. In Of Metal and Wishes, the thing that was so heartbreaking about Bo was how vulnerable he was (dat ending, when he asks for a kiss! MY FEEEEEELSSS).
The only thing that changed about Bo was that he became downright childish, and I dare to say, very dislikable. He was rude, short-tempered with Wen, and practically threw tantrums when he didn't get his way. There was absolutely no growth with him, until . In my opinion, Ms Fine should have really applied the same growth she did with both Wen and Melik to Bo, and that didn't really happen.
Okay, but I didn't really HATE it. I understood why she did it, because it kind of shows his "true" nature--I mean, Erik in POTO was just as disregarding for human life and obsessed with death, yah? So...was it bad? I would say I wish it had been handled better, but no, it wasn't awful. I just wish we could have seen more of Bo, that's for sure. He didn't appear nearly as much as I wanted him to.
I will say this, though: this is a series where the love triangle is done fucking brilliantly.
Yes. I actually did say those words, in that order, without anyone pointing a gun at my head.
I honestly was completely torn between which guy I wanted Wen to end up with, because they are both completely different people who had their own faults and flaws. And I'm seriously not one of those "TEAM BO!" or "TEAM Melik!" kind of people. I mean, I know that's not the endpoint of the book, but it is definitely a selling point. Definitely.
The Writing
If you've already read Of Metal and Wishes, you'd know what the writing style is, so you can probably skip right over this part.
It's not GREAT. It's not the best writing in the world, and it's probably not even excellent writing--just decent. Sentences convey what they need to convey, however, there's a slight touch of poetry to some passages.
I mean, it's basic YA writing, so yeah, don't expect anything fresh or new.
Ms Fine writes in present tense--which, is this the new YA trend? I don't know how exactly I feel about it--on the one hand, it keeps the flowery prose out (sometimes), but on the other hand, it starts to feel like reading a film script after a while, no? There's less room for description, I think. Anyway.
Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes, fo' sho! If you're any kind of fan of The Phantom of the Opera, Of Metal and Wishes, historical fiction or really, just books in general, you should definitely give this book--or its predecessor--a try.
Lately I've been into comics (Fables and re-reading The Walking Dead), so I haven't really been keeping up with reading like I ought to, and certainly not sequels of stuff (well, except for Go Set a Watchman, and that's a migraine all on its own).
So this book came as a complete surprise. I mean, I didn't even know anything about a sequel--the first seemed fine (no pun intended) as a standalone. I really loved the first, except for Wen's slightly passive, meek attitude, but I mean, it was just a minor thing. If you've ever loved the Phantom of the Opera you should really give Of Metal and Wishes a try.
But I will warn you: this book doesn't really have that Phantom feel whatsoever. I'll go into that a little later, but for now, I'll start with
The Setting
(Read at your on discretion, possible spoilers ahead, blah blah, you know it already)
So basically Wen is facing down the boiling political pot between the Itanyai and the Noor, and things are no longer contained in just one little ol' factory anymore. You get to see more of the countryside, and the rebel movement, and yeah, there are a lot of fight scenes, which was definitely a step up for me. I'm a guns-and-explosions person over romance any-freaking-day.
Frankly, I loved it. It made me really happy that she didn't try to drag out the original factory setting and we got to see a lot of the rebel movement, and especially more of the Noor, which was hella more interesting, to me anyway.
So yeah, don't expect it to be like the first book. It's brutal and bloody, with both the Itanyai and Noor playing dirty, to the point that you have trouble rooting for a side. There are explosions and guns and war machines. There are trainwrecks and chopped fingers. The intensity level has definitely gone up, and that's just the way I like it.
The Characters
Hoo boy. I loved what she did with some of it, but I definitely had some issues with other stuff. But we'll take it one at a time and start with Wen.
In the last book, Wen was that kind of character you don't really hate, but that makes you sort of sigh very deeply. I mean, I liked that she had such a big heart, but she was so passive. Whenever a guy made a pass at her (which, let's face it, was pretty often), she'd sort of blame herself. It was I'm too slutty or I feel like I did something wrong and it's all my fault. That just bothered me, because it's slut-shaming in a masochistic kind of way, but like I said, it wasn't a huge-huge issue. I kind of chalked it up to maybe Itanyai culture, where females were looked at as inferior and such, so those beliefs she held were moreso "realistic" than not.
But she grows in this book. It's very subtle, I think, but it was perfectly done. She's no longer fretting about how she feels out of place or which guy she should end up with (not that she was ever that much Bella-esque to begin with, but--you know). She just seems to have a bigger purpose in this book, maturing in all the good ways--looking at the bigger scope of the picture, for one thing.
She just grows. There's really no other way of putting it. She grows to be a better person and a good citizen, and to me, this was awesome. She gains more of a confidence that she lacked in the first book, and I say, hats off to you, Ms. Fine. You done good.
And then there's Melik, a.k.a. the "Raoul" of the story. Here's the thing about Raoul: if there was ever a character in any musical that I loathe the most, the grand prize would be handed without a moment's hesitation to Raoul de Chagny. It's mean, it's biased, and probably really uncalled for, but I just can't stand him.
I mean, the guy cockblocked one of the (arguably) most shipped couples of all time, amirite? It's a mythical being who watches the play/movie and goes, "Oh yeah, Christine and Raoul all de way!" (I personally writhe on the floor with my fist curled at the heavens, usually screaming "DAMN YOU DE CHAGNY!" "YOU NOSY INTERFERING SELFISH BASTARD!", etc., etc.)
I don't know what Ms. Fine did with Melik, but she just did something inexplicably right. In the first book, as much as I loved Bo, the "Phantom" counterpart, I just really liked this guy. The fact that he had other issues he cared about equally besides just Wen, coupled with his love for his brother and his people was just refreshing.
And the fact that he is a redhead. Gingers are just really frickin' awesome, in my opinion.
I mean, let's face it, bad guys are all darkly attractive and crap, but good guys are better--because they're good guys. And Melik was a good guy, and that was really apealing.
But.
(Dun dun dun. Don't you love how dramatic that sounds?)
Melik changes. Gone is the nice guy. Gone is the guy that plays by the rules. The new Melik is in town, ladies and gents, and he ain't above hitting below the belt. This Melik, or, the "Red One," (you know shit's going down when the outlaw nicknames break out) is the rising leader of the avenging Noor soliders. He is colder and more ruthless, and he makes some choices you might not necessarily agree with, but ones that you can't really argue with--especially with the Itanyai exhibiting the same behavior.
But I still loved his character. Underneath it all you still see the guy who's a fiercely loyal brother, son and comrade. You watch him fight like hell, panic, and finally break down, only to build up again.
Okay, so really? It's not THAT dramatic a change. It's not a change so unbelievable that it feels kinda, well, unbelivable. So honestly, (don't hate me!) I kind of shipped Wen and Melik maybealittlemore than I shipped Wen and Bo...
Which brings us to Bo. Now, while I really liked what Ms. Fine had done with both Wen and Melik, I would say not so much with Bo. In Of Metal and Wishes, the thing that was so heartbreaking about Bo was how vulnerable he was (dat ending, when he asks for a kiss! MY FEEEEEELSSS).
The only thing that changed about Bo was that he became downright childish, and I dare to say, very dislikable. He was rude, short-tempered with Wen, and practically threw tantrums when he didn't get his way. There was absolutely no growth with him, until . In my opinion, Ms Fine should have really applied the same growth she did with both Wen and Melik to Bo, and that didn't really happen.
Okay, but I didn't really HATE it. I understood why she did it, because it kind of shows his "true" nature--I mean, Erik in POTO was just as disregarding for human life and obsessed with death, yah? So...was it bad? I would say I wish it had been handled better, but no, it wasn't awful. I just wish we could have seen more of Bo, that's for sure. He didn't appear nearly as much as I wanted him to.
I will say this, though: this is a series where the love triangle is done fucking brilliantly.
Yes. I actually did say those words, in that order, without anyone pointing a gun at my head.
I honestly was completely torn between which guy I wanted Wen to end up with, because they are both completely different people who had their own faults and flaws. And I'm seriously not one of those "TEAM BO!" or "TEAM Melik!" kind of people. I mean, I know that's not the endpoint of the book, but it is definitely a selling point. Definitely.
The Writing
If you've already read Of Metal and Wishes, you'd know what the writing style is, so you can probably skip right over this part.
It's not GREAT. It's not the best writing in the world, and it's probably not even excellent writing--just decent. Sentences convey what they need to convey, however, there's a slight touch of poetry to some passages.
I mean, it's basic YA writing, so yeah, don't expect anything fresh or new.
Ms Fine writes in present tense--which, is this the new YA trend? I don't know how exactly I feel about it--on the one hand, it keeps the flowery prose out (sometimes), but on the other hand, it starts to feel like reading a film script after a while, no? There's less room for description, I think. Anyway.
Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes, fo' sho! If you're any kind of fan of The Phantom of the Opera, Of Metal and Wishes, historical fiction or really, just books in general, you should definitely give this book--or its predecessor--a try.
September 19, 2015
The first book of this series was put on my favorites shelf before I even finished it. This one...not quite there.
I love Sarah Fine's writing, I love the way she describes emotion and the way she lets things unfold. But overall this story, despite being shorter in length, felt longer and more unnecessarily dragged out. There would be moments of huge action or huge emotion or drama...and then pages where I was like "Why am I reading? I could be doing anything else. Like cleaning my kitchen."
One of the main things getting me through of course... Melik <3 The closest thing to Gale Hawthorne I've found since I found Gale Hawthorne. It will be a long time before I love another character as much as Melik.
So yay Melik. Meh everything else. I honestly don't feel like I would have missed out on anything had I left the first book as a stand alone in my head.
I love Sarah Fine's writing, I love the way she describes emotion and the way she lets things unfold. But overall this story, despite being shorter in length, felt longer and more unnecessarily dragged out. There would be moments of huge action or huge emotion or drama...and then pages where I was like "Why am I reading? I could be doing anything else. Like cleaning my kitchen."
One of the main things getting me through of course... Melik <3 The closest thing to Gale Hawthorne I've found since I found Gale Hawthorne. It will be a long time before I love another character as much as Melik.
So yay Melik. Meh everything else. I honestly don't feel like I would have missed out on anything had I left the first book as a stand alone in my head.
April 10, 2020
Okay, this book was amazing. Of Metal and Wishes had a slow start and, while atmospheric, sometimes dragged in places, but Of Dreams and Rust has perfect pacing. This sequel has more action, and the stakes are much, much higher. It also veers enough away from the original Phantom of the Opera source material to keep us as readers guessing where it might go.
Sarah Fine writes beautifully. She weaves together the lives of her characters in such an impressive way, and I was completely spellbound from the first to the last page.
This duology is definitely one of my favorite YA steampunk series, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys imaginative retellings, emotional stories, and complicated characters.
Sarah Fine writes beautifully. She weaves together the lives of her characters in such an impressive way, and I was completely spellbound from the first to the last page.
This duology is definitely one of my favorite YA steampunk series, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys imaginative retellings, emotional stories, and complicated characters.
August 21, 2015
This series probably should have stayed a standalone. I really enjoyed the first book in this series. In this one there was a lot of focus on the love triangle. Wen was very uncertain who she wanted to be with, going back and forth between Bo and Melik. I'm not a fan of love triangles and I don't remember this being an issue in the first book. I thought that it was pretty obvious who her heart belonged to at the end of the first book. Ultimately, her decision gets made for her by the end of this book. I had a hard time getting through this one. I'm disappointed I did not like this one more.
Want to read
August 15, 2015I-I'm Sorry, THIS IS OUT ALREADY AND NOBODY TOLD ME? FOR SHAME! *runs to buy book*
January 5, 2016
4.5/5. Liked this one even more than the first.
Read my full review here.
Read my full review here.
August 25, 2015
//NOTE: I was given an ARC of the novel to read by a friend who works at S&S, so my review reflects the version of the novel I read in February, and not necessarily the finished work, which has not yet been published.
I can never really make my mind up about sequels to things originally intended to be standalones. Because you know, sequels usually go one of two ways; there are the ones like Phantom of the Opera: Love Never Dies, which never should have been allowed to see the light of day, and then there are those like Two Hearts, for The Last Unicorn, that make the original even more bittersweet.I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t necessarily leaping for joy over the ambiguous ending of the first novel, but it was satisfying in its own way, and it was full of hope. And I didn’t really need more, but I was happy when I found out that there was more.
Of Dreams and Rust falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, probably closer to Two Hearts than Love Never Dies, and though I enjoyed it loads, I did think there were some things that the first novel did better, and that I’d been expecting for the second that never really got fully realised.
First, though, the good:
1. Look at the cover. My preference, cover-wise, is not the garishly over-decorated trends that are a-happening in [Western] YA (srsly, look up the covers of a few Chinese novels and you can see why I am less than impressed), but look at this one it’s goooooorgeous. I love that Wen is visibly Asian, I love her dress, I love the font, I love everything.
2. The main characters got significantly more development – we can see what has happened to cynical-but-totally-still-idealistic Melik after he’s left the slaughterhouse, we can see the moral dilemmas that Wen finds herself caught in, and the way she deals with it, and we can see how Bo reacts when he finally finds someone who, even more than Wen, understands him.
3. We get more of a sense of the scale of the world. The first novel was largely confined to Gochan One, and took place in a very confined space. It didn’t feel claustrophobic, and was rather quite conducive to the overall narrative arc, though, because of course, the confined quarters and close proximity acted as a catalyst to the events that followed. In the sequel, on the other hand, I feel like we get a better sense of geography and the world in which the story takes place.
4. Melik, darling Melik! My sweet summer child braving through the wind and rain a flower blossom floating on rushing waters! I cried so much for him, poor dear. For Wen, too, but mostly Melik. They were good tears, though. Emotionally satisfying and emotionally devastated tears.
The not-so-great, but also the not-so-not-great:
1. One of the things I really enjoyed in the first novel was its nuanced portrayal of oppression and discrimination. It reflected a lot that I felt like I could identify with in real life. In Of Dreams and Rust, the oppression changed; it was more obvious, more blatant, and I don’t know if it was meant to be a reflection of the changed circumstances, but I did feel like it lost a lot of subtlety (especially through trying to ‘see both sides’ – I feel like Wen’s ambiguity over the fact that she was Itayani could have been dealt with in better ways than it was handled in the novel).
2. Something else I really enjoyed about Of Metal and Wishes was the fact that it didn’t try to force a love triangle. Bo loved Wen, yes, but I think we could tell that much of it was an unhealthy obsession that grew out of Bo’s loneliness, and it was a destructive (and not a constructive, in the case of Melik and Wen) sort of love. And while Bo comes to mean a lot to Wen, there’s also no question that the person she loves is Melik, and that Bo is only a very dear friend. In Of Dreams and Rust, on the other hand, there came a point when I became so annoyed at Wen’s constant flip-flopping – one second she’s promising forever with Melik, the next she’s telling Bo she’ll never leave him. One second she’s thinking about how much she wants Melik, the next how much Bo means to her, and what should have been the major drama of the story (the war, the impending destruction of the Noor rebels) at times took a backseat to their interpersonal drama.
The not-great:
1. One of the thing that bugged me in the first novel was Wen constantly referring to Bo’s “machine side” (cold, unfeeling, brutal) versus his “human side” as if they were two separate things, and her disapproval of his using artificial limbs to get around. Bo is a young man who suffered a life-changing physical injury as a very young child, and as a result has learned to compensate for his scarring, for his loss of limb, through masks and mechanical limbs.
Intentionally or not, he is a parallel to Erik, and so the mask is something that becomes an important part of his identity – he hides himself from the world through its use, but he is also able to hide from himself. This is an important aspect of Bo’s arc as well – he feels that he is unable to face the world, and the reason he becomes so fixated on Wen is because she is able to see past the mask, because she gives him a reason to trust in the world again, so he no longer has to hide from it. And it is important for Bo to come to understand that his injury a) does not define him and b) does not change the way the people who love him feel about him.
HOWEVER. There is a difference between the narrative symbolism of the mask and Wen’s disapproval of, for example, the mobility aides that Bo uses to get around. And when Wen speaks disapprovingly about Bo becoming “more machine” (as she continues to do during the second novel), I cannot help but to wonder if her disapproval would extend, for example, to the mobility aides given to amputees, or if it would extend to those who require the use of a wheelchair, or other mechanically-operated mobility aides. This is quite a separate issue that becomes conflated into Wen’s disapproval for Bo hiding himself away and hiding away from himself, and I wonder if, as a healer whose job it is to help the sick and injured, it is entirely appropriate for her to bear such an attitude, and I wonder what the implications of such an attitude would be.
2. I was also, in comparison to the first novel, rather unimpressed with the resolution. For me, it felt quite unsatisfying, stagnant, even, in comparison to the motion of Of Metal and Wishes. The pacing was also quite uneven – Wen’s journey and her interpersonal drama took up much of the novel, leaving what felt like not an adequate amount of time in order to cram in the action and the ultimate political resolution (which felt, to me, rather last-minute and simplistic).
Overall, though, I still enjoyed it very much, and I think it was a very good read. And though I wasn’t satisfied, I was still happy with it , and I recommend it to everyone who wants a resolution to Wen’s story. But if you haven’t read Of Metal and Wishes, I totally recommend that you read that first and then to see for yourself if you want to read Of Dreams and Rust, which comes out on August 4th this year, I believe.
I can never really make my mind up about sequels to things originally intended to be standalones. Because you know, sequels usually go one of two ways; there are the ones like Phantom of the Opera: Love Never Dies, which never should have been allowed to see the light of day, and then there are those like Two Hearts, for The Last Unicorn, that make the original even more bittersweet.I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t necessarily leaping for joy over the ambiguous ending of the first novel, but it was satisfying in its own way, and it was full of hope. And I didn’t really need more, but I was happy when I found out that there was more.
Of Dreams and Rust falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, probably closer to Two Hearts than Love Never Dies, and though I enjoyed it loads, I did think there were some things that the first novel did better, and that I’d been expecting for the second that never really got fully realised.
First, though, the good:
1. Look at the cover. My preference, cover-wise, is not the garishly over-decorated trends that are a-happening in [Western] YA (srsly, look up the covers of a few Chinese novels and you can see why I am less than impressed), but look at this one it’s goooooorgeous. I love that Wen is visibly Asian, I love her dress, I love the font, I love everything.
2. The main characters got significantly more development – we can see what has happened to cynical-but-totally-still-idealistic Melik after he’s left the slaughterhouse, we can see the moral dilemmas that Wen finds herself caught in, and the way she deals with it, and we can see how Bo reacts when he finally finds someone who, even more than Wen, understands him.
3. We get more of a sense of the scale of the world. The first novel was largely confined to Gochan One, and took place in a very confined space. It didn’t feel claustrophobic, and was rather quite conducive to the overall narrative arc, though, because of course, the confined quarters and close proximity acted as a catalyst to the events that followed. In the sequel, on the other hand, I feel like we get a better sense of geography and the world in which the story takes place.
4. Melik, darling Melik! My sweet summer child braving through the wind and rain a flower blossom floating on rushing waters! I cried so much for him, poor dear. For Wen, too, but mostly Melik. They were good tears, though. Emotionally satisfying and emotionally devastated tears.
The not-so-great, but also the not-so-not-great:
1. One of the things I really enjoyed in the first novel was its nuanced portrayal of oppression and discrimination. It reflected a lot that I felt like I could identify with in real life. In Of Dreams and Rust, the oppression changed; it was more obvious, more blatant, and I don’t know if it was meant to be a reflection of the changed circumstances, but I did feel like it lost a lot of subtlety (especially through trying to ‘see both sides’ – I feel like Wen’s ambiguity over the fact that she was Itayani could have been dealt with in better ways than it was handled in the novel).
2. Something else I really enjoyed about Of Metal and Wishes was the fact that it didn’t try to force a love triangle. Bo loved Wen, yes, but I think we could tell that much of it was an unhealthy obsession that grew out of Bo’s loneliness, and it was a destructive (and not a constructive, in the case of Melik and Wen) sort of love. And while Bo comes to mean a lot to Wen, there’s also no question that the person she loves is Melik, and that Bo is only a very dear friend. In Of Dreams and Rust, on the other hand, there came a point when I became so annoyed at Wen’s constant flip-flopping – one second she’s promising forever with Melik, the next she’s telling Bo she’ll never leave him. One second she’s thinking about how much she wants Melik, the next how much Bo means to her, and what should have been the major drama of the story (the war, the impending destruction of the Noor rebels) at times took a backseat to their interpersonal drama.
The not-great:
1. One of the thing that bugged me in the first novel was Wen constantly referring to Bo’s “machine side” (cold, unfeeling, brutal) versus his “human side” as if they were two separate things, and her disapproval of his using artificial limbs to get around. Bo is a young man who suffered a life-changing physical injury as a very young child, and as a result has learned to compensate for his scarring, for his loss of limb, through masks and mechanical limbs.
Intentionally or not, he is a parallel to Erik, and so the mask is something that becomes an important part of his identity – he hides himself from the world through its use, but he is also able to hide from himself. This is an important aspect of Bo’s arc as well – he feels that he is unable to face the world, and the reason he becomes so fixated on Wen is because she is able to see past the mask, because she gives him a reason to trust in the world again, so he no longer has to hide from it. And it is important for Bo to come to understand that his injury a) does not define him and b) does not change the way the people who love him feel about him.
HOWEVER. There is a difference between the narrative symbolism of the mask and Wen’s disapproval of, for example, the mobility aides that Bo uses to get around. And when Wen speaks disapprovingly about Bo becoming “more machine” (as she continues to do during the second novel), I cannot help but to wonder if her disapproval would extend, for example, to the mobility aides given to amputees, or if it would extend to those who require the use of a wheelchair, or other mechanically-operated mobility aides. This is quite a separate issue that becomes conflated into Wen’s disapproval for Bo hiding himself away and hiding away from himself, and I wonder if, as a healer whose job it is to help the sick and injured, it is entirely appropriate for her to bear such an attitude, and I wonder what the implications of such an attitude would be.
2. I was also, in comparison to the first novel, rather unimpressed with the resolution. For me, it felt quite unsatisfying, stagnant, even, in comparison to the motion of Of Metal and Wishes. The pacing was also quite uneven – Wen’s journey and her interpersonal drama took up much of the novel, leaving what felt like not an adequate amount of time in order to cram in the action and the ultimate political resolution (which felt, to me, rather last-minute and simplistic).
Overall, though, I still enjoyed it very much, and I think it was a very good read. And though I wasn’t satisfied, I was still happy with it , and I recommend it to everyone who wants a resolution to Wen’s story. But if you haven’t read Of Metal and Wishes, I totally recommend that you read that first and then to see for yourself if you want to read Of Dreams and Rust, which comes out on August 4th this year, I believe.
May 15, 2018
I have as many feelings about this book as I did the first . . .
This was sadly not as magnificent to me as the first book was. Oh, it was absolutely as enthralling, lovely written, and epic . . . BUT heavily suffered from the sequel flop syndrome. I 100% blame Melik's existence for this, even though he was better developed in here than he was in the first book??? But the instalove felt even more prominent in here, especially because of a certain that I yelled at when I read it. And there was also the unfortunate that I yelled even louder at.
So, while I still loved this and the world-building was neat, expanding beyond the meat factory setting of the first book, I still am in denial about a lot of things in here. It was a believable conclusion . . . just not a very satisfactory one for me.
This was sadly not as magnificent to me as the first book was. Oh, it was absolutely as enthralling, lovely written, and epic . . . BUT heavily suffered from the sequel flop syndrome. I 100% blame Melik's existence for this, even though he was better developed in here than he was in the first book??? But the instalove felt even more prominent in here, especially because of a certain that I yelled at when I read it. And there was also the unfortunate that I yelled even louder at.
So, while I still loved this and the world-building was neat, expanding beyond the meat factory setting of the first book, I still am in denial about a lot of things in here. It was a believable conclusion . . . just not a very satisfactory one for me.
October 6, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
This book shattered my heart and attempted to glue the pieces back together.
There's a lot of war in this book, but it isn't overly graphic - the steampunk machines are more well described than most of the war scenes.
However, that put aside, Melik, Bo, and Wen will have special places in my heart forever.
This Duology was very heart touching. I loved every page.
This book shattered my heart and attempted to glue the pieces back together.
There's a lot of war in this book, but it isn't overly graphic - the steampunk machines are more well described than most of the war scenes.
However, that put aside, Melik, Bo, and Wen will have special places in my heart forever.
This Duology was very heart touching. I loved every page.
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