"Breathtaking" is how I'd sum up this book in a word.
I read the first book in this series during my SPFBO7 finalists review, and I was blown away by a powerful story supported by phenomenal character writing. So, this second installment has been an itch that I've been desperate to scratch and I have been eagerly awaiting its release.
Matar kindly offers up a recap of the first novel as an opening. Instantly, I'm reminded of the wit and illustrative writing that wowed me in book one, and this was just a recap. The perfect finishing line in the recap set me on my way into book two. "And so, this idiot is in a lot of trouble."
We immediately continue from where we left off previously and get a little bit of spice to set the scene and show off the author's ability to make you understand the realness of the characters through an act of desire and political persuasion.
The book then slowly builds, introducing some new PoVs.
As with the first book, this is where Matar can really show off. Her ability to write characters who you can instantly connect with and become emotionally attached to is simply outstanding.
I felt everything from so many different characters in this book. I felt the desperation, the fear, the ups and the downs of everyone involved. There is not a single character in this book who I didn't end up with a strong opinion on.
I think anyone who knows me knows that Robin Hobb is my favourite author. The reason for this is that she makes me feel, and she makes me believe and understand the characters. Matar has the exact same skill.
I care about these characters. I want them to be happy, and I want the bad guys to get their comeuppance. I even would quite like to have seen a couple of characters end up with their heads blown off their shoulders with a shotgun from point-blank range. I desperately hated some of these characters and their actions. I wanted justice.
Alongside having these deep characters, you get to see their relationships, which adds even more levels of connection to the story. The characters are messy; everyone is tied by history and events. At times, it was hard to know exactly who and what to root for.
I was invested in this story from the very start. I couldn't stop reading. I needed to see the twists and turns. I needed to see the consequences of my actions, and I needed to know who would come out the other side.
I was never disappointed.
I imagine some people see the page count, and they are perhaps a little put off. Why!! Dont be. Chokers are the way forward.
Why would you not want the best authors writing as many pages as possible?
This is how I felt throughout. I just wanted more. I needed more. I think if an author can hold your attention for 1200 or so pages, they are writing at a masterful level and have a beautiful story they are letting you in on.
I have to confess, I wasn't entirely sold on Stella's story in Legacy of Brick & Bone. I felt she lost some of her convictions and without the mystery surrounding who she was, her chapters did sometimes feel like a minor disappointment to me.
I was given more Tashuè and also gifted Lorne and Ishmael, and frankly, these characters' PoVs blew me away. Whilst Ishmael and Tashué's stories dived into the political intrigue, Lorne gave me the character-building I adore. I actually really felt for Lorne throughout, and his chapters drove the most emotions for me.
With several relevant themes touched on in this book, I particularly appreciate the way crucial real-life social issues were addressed; evoking thought every time I stopped for a breather. It's just pure craftsmanship.
I also really enjoyed the multiple facets of the story. The political backdrop, the surrounding underworld of crime and gangsters, and finally, this all being tied around a boxing match. This book just delivered
I have rambled on here, but to finish. Legacy of Brick & Bone is a masterpiece in character writing, supported by a deep and dark story. I honestly will read anything this author produces.
