Arm of the Sphinx by Josiah Bancroft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recently, I picked up Senlin Ascends as the 17th-selection for my TBR-Haul Project. I finished it towards the end of May and immediately began this second book.
Arm of the Sphinx is therefore officially the 18th-selection for my TBR-Haul Project, as I hauled this book the same month, February 2019, as Senlin Ascends.
I got to say, this project has been a raging success for me. Apparently, there were a ton of 5-star books lurking on my shelves. We love to see it!
I won’t say much about the plot of this, as I wouldn’t want to spoil anything, but I will just briefly ((yeah, right)) comment on my general thoughts and feelings.
Firstly, even though this took me a month to read, I just want to be clear, it’s not because it is a difficult read. It’s absolutely not. Bancroft’s writing is so fluid and accessible. I was just distracted with newer releases, etc., so didn’t devote as much time to it as I should have.
As second books go, Arm of the Sphinx is about as good as it gets. We learned so much in this book about the history and functioning of the Tower, as well as more intimate details on each of our main characters. I am now more attached to them, and this world, than ever.
Seriously, I’m obsessed. At this point, Thomas Senlin and his crew of the Storm Cloud are looking at me like…
This series is quite unique. At least in comparison to the Epic Fantasy I generally read. There are some light steampunk elements that are so interesting.
I also feel like it is completely unpredictable. I have no idea what’s coming next, ever! I’m continually left gagging over various reveals and plot developments.
Equally as astounding is the imagery Bancroft is able to conjure with his words. For example, Senlin descending into a web of yarn suspended in the sky off the side of the Tower to talk to a mystery, wise old woman.
I could picture exactly what that looked like. It’s so vivid.
I did find the pace of this one a lot quicker than the first book. The first book, as we began to learn about the Tower, it could be a little slow at times. This one was much more action-packed.
The overall story is getting, even though I didn’t think it was possible, more complex and twisted. I’m so worried about this group of characters that I have come to love.
The Tower is such a devious place, I’m just constantly hoping they all make it out alive. I need to know. It’s keeping me up at night. Luckily, I’m planning to continue with the third book in July. I’m so excited!
