Stuff Snowy Says

The Lost Continent Review

Non spoiler review:

This book is honestly worth reading just for the amazing world-building. I especially love the dynamic between the two tribes and how much it contrasts with that of Pyrrha. The way Sutherland kind of built up to it until you realized what was actually going on was just an absolute experience. And everything from culture, food, architecture, history, cultural stereotypes, social rankings, and even government propaganda was extremely well thought out and manages to be interesting while still contributing to the plot. 

The inevitable romantic subplot was fine. It served the plot and didn't really feel forced. It progresses pretty fast compared to the last books but the relationship still undergoes plenty of development. Personally, I'm a bit jaded toward romantic subplots because they're so overdone, but this is one of the ships I don't mind.

The only vague issue I have with the book is with the characters. They felt a bit less funny and original, though that might be because I'm not really familiar with them yet. A lot of the time in WoF, I'll think a dialogue exchange so funny that I'll act it out/read it out loud. In this one, that really only happened with some side characters in one particular scene. But the group dynamic in general will probably improve once we get introduced to more characters and reunite with the old. 

Though, I didn't like the main character all that much, which might have affected how I saw the other characters. Throughout the story, the characters do things that the main character is extremely naive to, and he often questions and doubts things in his narrative. This is just a personal preference, as I had that problem with Moon too (and everyone seems to like her), so take this part with a grain of salt. Honestly, he's not even that naive, just too nice. Which, in literature, is an archetype I find very frustrating. From a purely objective standpoint though, his character is an awesome POV to start the series and after his character arc, he became so much more likable. 

Also, the main character has two moms, which I very much appreciate. 

It kind of seems like I hate the book now, but everything else that I've neglected to mention is stellar, I swear. It's just easier voicing negative observations than positive ones. Stuff like pacing, themes, plot clarity, all that stuff is great and I don't know what else I can say about it. 

Taking all that into account, I rate this book an 7/10. Just to clarify, 1 would be the worst, 5 being an average book, and 10 being absolutely stellar. While it's a pretty solid story with much to love, the characters and character interactions are a bit disappointing. Honestly, on their own, the characters are decent, good even. But in the context of Wings of Fire, and its main appeal being its hilarious and memorable characters, an installment that lacks in that is enough to dock it a good number of points.

Spoiler review:

I love overthrowing-the-government stories so much holy carp I am so excited for the rest of this series. A more action-y plotline plus hilarious new characters plus the old characters finding out about everything just owns my heart. 

I do want to criticize how Luna got to Pyrrhia though? She tried to use her flamesilk and the wind caught it and just yeeted her across the entire ocean. Cricket and Blue were having a bonding moment and generally giving end-of-book vibes and then SUDDENLY THERE'S A STORM AND FIGHTING AND LUNA GOES WHOMP

In the non-spoiler review, I said there was one scene I found hilarious, and was definitely a return to form was the whole flamesilk-prison banter. All of the subtle characterization and comedic yelling was just gold. I especially adore Danaid, the old lady flamesilk? Her little moment there at the end was great and I hope she appears later on.

And speaking of wonderful characters, SUNDEW was the absolute best and I'm probably gonna be drawing her soon and dskfjds;lkfjds; I'm in love. Though I am kind of wondering what happened to the Leafwings she was with rip

The LeafWing "plot twist" was cliche/predictable I guess, but I love all of the things Sundew says about the other tribes. Her saltiness makes perfect sense as she's grown up learning about her tribe's terrible history. The fact that they address how the different tribes think of each other in general adds to the world building in such a subtle yet powerful way. SilkWings thinking HiveWings are brutes, everyone hating LeafWings, etc. 

Also, I really love what Sutherland did with Admiral's character. I've heard some people say that they were disappointed in him, but his character was meant to show Blue that being complacent and following the rules isn't always good. If he had been some courageous dragon who was secretly the head of a rebellion, that would have been cliche, and repetitive as Blue is already surrounded by dragons who are trying to rebel.

So those were my thoughts on The Lost Continent! Was this interesting or helpful in any way? I might do more book reviews later but idk did you like this one?