I have been desperate to get my hands on this book for a long while now. The Bone Season was my favourite book of 2014 so I was ecstatic to find out it's a 6 book series. The Mime Order is the second book in the series by Samantha Shannon. If you haven't read The Bone Season close this page now and go pick up a copy!
We join Paige after escaping Sheol 1. It seems like her problems should be over but in reality things are about to get much worse. Most the of escapees are missing and Paige is now Scion's no. 1 fugitive. Warden is nowhere to be seen, she is being turned on by some of the underworlds highest ranks and she faces a choice, if she loses it's certain death.
I think the main thing to point out about these books are they are very detailed. The world is so carefully constructed and no corner is not thought about. This leads to there being a lot of information packed into each book. In the first book we learn a lot and at first I found it difficult to remember where we left off. However, Shannon has structured the start of the book very carefully and gives you reminders as you read and before long you are submerged into Scion again.
The plot of the second book was intense. It was weaved with lies and deceit and impossible to predict. The book may seem long at 500 pages but you fly through it, by the end it is impossible to put down. You get to uncover more about all of the characters and really develop an understanding of their past. In addition you get to see more of Scion, which I find really interesting. The social structure and entertainment of the underworld is so complex and you gain such an insight as the book progresses.
To tie the whole book together and produce an accurate cover is a gigantic task but it is managed wonderfully. The cover links so well to the story and makes so much more sense when you have finished the book. The stand out point is the detail. There are three beautiful maps, detailing intricate details of the city; two letters; an 8 page glossary and a 2 page order of clairvoyances. The amount of work that has been put into producing this book is breathtaking.
The true test of this book was to remain my favourite series and keep me grasping for chances to read the next book. Has it managed that? YES. I recommend this book to older teens who have patience and imagination. Samantha Shannon gets another 5 out of 5 from me. I just hope the rest of the series can live up to the first two.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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