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nyeran's review against another edition
5.0
"Performing one good deed did not make one a hero, just as one poor choice did not make one a villain. But what about a multitude of horrible things? What about a lifetime?"
♠ Oh, a me sta serie continua a farmi male e a piacermi. Devo leggerla quando sono proprio in un momento adatto, quando i pianeti sono allineati e Plutone è nella casa della vergine però daje. E questo è anche meglio del primo perchè è più ricco di introspezione, sia di Apaay che di Ila, che si fanno amare entrambe, che si fanno capire entrambe, che si fanno compatire entrambe, che fanno scelte comprensibili. Il trauma di Apaay riempie i suoi pov ed è un misto di senso di colpa e disgusto verso se stessa che la fa sentire piccola e la spinge ad allontanarsi dalla sua famiglia che ha finalmente ritrovato e dall'amata sorella alla quale ha riportato il volto. I sacrifici e le scelte che ha fatto la isolano da tutto e tutti, si sente incompresa e non sa a chi rivolgersi, non sa con chi parlare e non sa nemmeno come spiegare ciò che prova e come superare il trauma. Ila fa il viaggio emotivo opposto, cresciuta prigioniera, debole e muta si ritrova per la prima volta libera da tutto e tutti, al sicuro e a dover crescere. Decide di diventare forte e lottare, decide di voler imparare a combattere e voler diventare più forte. Queste scelte portano anche loro due ad allontanarsi, hanno vissuto una prigionia insieme ma dove Apaay ha dovuto fare delle scelte dolorose, Ila è stata testimone lontana di quegli orrori e ora che sono fuori e potrebbero parlare, esorcizzare il tutto, non riescono a ritrovarsi, ad aiutarsi e a sostenersi.
Il viaggio di Ila è molto più organico ed interessante, non mi è piaciuta la scelta di Apaay, che umanamente riesco a capire ma non a condividere, ed è arrivata vicinissima al farsi odiare e ha lisciato la linea della stupidità. Fastidioso il suo giustificare le scelte sbagliate e l'autosabotaggio con il trauma, sopratutto se mettono in pericolo persone innocenti.
♠ Numiak sarebbe stato un villan con in controfiocchi. È scritto veramente bene, l'autrice gli ha dato quel dualismo che lo rende bello, quel suo oscillare tra la cattiveria, l'orgoglio e l'odio, all'altruismo, alla carità e anche - forse- a qualcosa di simile all'affetto per Apaay prima e per gli altri umani rifugiati nel Bosco dopo. Però, sopratutto, è coerente con ciò che abbiamo visto nel primo libro, non ha subito il cambio di personalità senza senso che quasi mi aspettavo, lui non rimpiange quello che ha fatto nel labirinto di Yuki, non lo giustifica, ha semplicemente fatto il meglio che poteva in quella determinata situazione. Lui è davvero un personaggio affascinante, è quel personaggio che tanti autori vorrebbero scrivere/aver scritto. Talumaq lo vedo ancora con qualche possibilità di redenzione, anche lui è un personaggio tendenzialmente grigio e quel finale non mi spinge a saltare alle conclusioni. Il giudizio è sospeso, per ora.
Ammetto però che la pace tra i gufi e Numiak l'ho trovata troppo facile, non so, lui le ha prese e Umiq pure però due pagine mi sono sembrate un po' poche per risolvere una faida che durava da centinaia d'anni.
♠ Oh, a me sta serie continua a farmi male e a piacermi. Devo leggerla quando sono proprio in un momento adatto, quando i pianeti sono allineati e Plutone è nella casa della vergine però daje. E questo è anche meglio del primo perchè è più ricco di introspezione, sia di Apaay che di Ila, che si fanno amare entrambe, che si fanno capire entrambe, che si fanno compatire entrambe, che fanno scelte comprensibili. Il trauma di Apaay riempie i suoi pov ed è un misto di senso di colpa e disgusto verso se stessa che la fa sentire piccola e la spinge ad allontanarsi dalla sua famiglia che ha finalmente ritrovato e dall'amata sorella alla quale ha riportato il volto. I sacrifici e le scelte che ha fatto la isolano da tutto e tutti, si sente incompresa e non sa a chi rivolgersi, non sa con chi parlare e non sa nemmeno come spiegare ciò che prova e come superare il trauma. Ila fa il viaggio emotivo opposto, cresciuta prigioniera, debole e muta si ritrova per la prima volta libera da tutto e tutti, al sicuro e a dover crescere. Decide di diventare forte e lottare, decide di voler imparare a combattere e voler diventare più forte. Queste scelte portano anche loro due ad allontanarsi, hanno vissuto una prigionia insieme ma dove Apaay ha dovuto fare delle scelte dolorose, Ila è stata testimone lontana di quegli orrori e ora che sono fuori e potrebbero parlare, esorcizzare il tutto, non riescono a ritrovarsi, ad aiutarsi e a sostenersi.
Il viaggio di Ila è molto più organico ed interessante, non mi è piaciuta la scelta di Apaay, che umanamente riesco a capire ma non a condividere, ed è arrivata vicinissima al farsi odiare e ha lisciato la linea della stupidità. Fastidioso il suo giustificare le scelte sbagliate e l'autosabotaggio con il trauma, sopratutto se mettono in pericolo persone innocenti.
♠ Numiak sarebbe stato un villan con in controfiocchi. È scritto veramente bene, l'autrice gli ha dato quel dualismo che lo rende bello, quel suo oscillare tra la cattiveria, l'orgoglio e l'odio, all'altruismo, alla carità e anche - forse- a qualcosa di simile all'affetto per Apaay prima e per gli altri umani rifugiati nel Bosco dopo. Però, sopratutto, è coerente con ciò che abbiamo visto nel primo libro, non ha subito il cambio di personalità senza senso che quasi mi aspettavo, lui non rimpiange quello che ha fatto nel labirinto di Yuki, non lo giustifica, ha semplicemente fatto il meglio che poteva in quella determinata situazione. Lui è davvero un personaggio affascinante, è quel personaggio che tanti autori vorrebbero scrivere/aver scritto. Talumaq lo vedo ancora con qualche possibilità di redenzione, anche lui è un personaggio tendenzialmente grigio e quel finale non mi spinge a saltare alle conclusioni. Il giudizio è sospeso, per ora.
Ammetto però che la pace tra i gufi e Numiak l'ho trovata troppo facile, non so, lui le ha prese e Umiq pure però due pagine mi sono sembrate un po' poche per risolvere una faida che durava da centinaia d'anni.
verypeculiarpages's review against another edition
5.0
ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
"'It's quite clever, actually. Yuki does have a flair for the dramatic, in case you hadn't noticed.'
Oh, she'd noticed."
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in this series, Below, last year and LOVED it, so when I was offered the chance to get the sequel, I jumped on it the first chance I got! Not only is the cover stunning, but THIS BOOK WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST! I'm a bit sad that I finished the entire thing in two sittings the day after I received it, cuz now I gotta wait for the next book :'(
One of the most appealing parts of Below were the characters, and that was no less true in Night. I would say that this book is more character-driven than the first installment, which resulted in less action when compared to the events in the Labyrinth, but I'm a complete sucker for character development and domestic moments so I was LIVING FOR THIS. The worldbuilding was expanded so much and it was all really interesting. I loved learning more about the different Unua tribes and the history of the North! We learned so much about myths that played super important roles, and I really enjoyed reading about the First Man, the Raven and the Sea Mother!
"Apaay wondered what he saw and if it was the same thing she did: someone who wasn't ready to give up yet, but who didn't know how to step away from the edge."
Back to the amazing characters! I loved Apaay's bravery and resilience in the first book and she's an awesome narrator. In this sequel, she's definitely struggling following her time spent in Yuki's labyrinth and she constantly battles depression throughout the book, though it's never named as such. I thought it was depicted really well, and I'm happy to see more depression representation, especially after just reading The Crow Rider, in which depression also affects the main character! It's inspiring to see Apaay work against her demons (hah, pun intended) and by the end of the book, she's stronger than ever. I just love her a lot.
SPEAKING OF DEMONS, the Face Stealer was on a whole 'nother level in this book. He almost seemed like a different person altogether, and it was amaaaaazing. We got to see a completely different side of him and learn so much about his life and his motivations. His relationship with Apaay is SO GREAT and I'm obsessed with them. It's so frickin' entertaining to see them interact and be vulnerable and ugh it's so good. They reached a really great place by the end of the book and I can't waaaaait to see where it goes from here.
Side characters became even more abundant, and they were awesome! Ila was back with her own POV chapters, too! I loved her in the first book, and though her friendship with Apaay was different, it was nice to see her grow into herself and become a stronger person. I'm really excited about the revelations we've learned about her! Kaan and Ro were fantastic additions as well, and I'm interested in Talimaq's role going forward.
Overall, I'm super happy with this book. I really enjoy the plot, the great worldbuilding and all the twist and turns of the characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite ongoing series, and I am seriously looking forward to the next book, though I'll be waiting awhile. I think it's an supremely-underrated series, but I'll be for sure recommending it to all my book friends! Make sure to snag your copy when it releases on October 8th!
"'It's quite clever, actually. Yuki does have a flair for the dramatic, in case you hadn't noticed.'
Oh, she'd noticed."
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in this series, Below, last year and LOVED it, so when I was offered the chance to get the sequel, I jumped on it the first chance I got! Not only is the cover stunning, but THIS BOOK WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST! I'm a bit sad that I finished the entire thing in two sittings the day after I received it, cuz now I gotta wait for the next book :'(
One of the most appealing parts of Below were the characters, and that was no less true in Night. I would say that this book is more character-driven than the first installment, which resulted in less action when compared to the events in the Labyrinth, but I'm a complete sucker for character development and domestic moments so I was LIVING FOR THIS. The worldbuilding was expanded so much and it was all really interesting. I loved learning more about the different Unua tribes and the history of the North! We learned so much about myths that played super important roles, and I really enjoyed reading about the First Man, the Raven and the Sea Mother!
"Apaay wondered what he saw and if it was the same thing she did: someone who wasn't ready to give up yet, but who didn't know how to step away from the edge."
Back to the amazing characters! I loved Apaay's bravery and resilience in the first book and she's an awesome narrator. In this sequel, she's definitely struggling following her time spent in Yuki's labyrinth and she constantly battles depression throughout the book, though it's never named as such. I thought it was depicted really well, and I'm happy to see more depression representation, especially after just reading The Crow Rider, in which depression also affects the main character! It's inspiring to see Apaay work against her demons (hah, pun intended) and by the end of the book, she's stronger than ever. I just love her a lot.
SPEAKING OF DEMONS, the Face Stealer was on a whole 'nother level in this book. He almost seemed like a different person altogether, and it was amaaaaazing. We got to see a completely different side of him and learn so much about his life and his motivations. His relationship with Apaay is SO GREAT and I'm obsessed with them. It's so frickin' entertaining to see them interact and be vulnerable and ugh it's so good. They reached a really great place by the end of the book and I can't waaaaait to see where it goes from here.
Side characters became even more abundant, and they were awesome! Ila was back with her own POV chapters, too! I loved her in the first book, and though her friendship with Apaay was different, it was nice to see her grow into herself and become a stronger person. I'm really excited about the revelations we've learned about her! Kaan and Ro were fantastic additions as well, and I'm interested in Talimaq's role going forward.
Overall, I'm super happy with this book. I really enjoy the plot, the great worldbuilding and all the twist and turns of the characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite ongoing series, and I am seriously looking forward to the next book, though I'll be waiting awhile. I think it's an supremely-underrated series, but I'll be for sure recommending it to all my book friends! Make sure to snag your copy when it releases on October 8th!
storiedadventures's review against another edition
4.0
Full review on my blog, Storied Adventures!
Whew! This sequel was SO GOOD! One of the best sequels I've read in a long time! I am officially in the Face Stealer's fan club!! I LOVE him! Think of The Darkling mixed with Cardan. Yeah, I went there.
Apaay was a bit annoying with her attitude BUT she was going through PTSD. It was handled really well! Ila was super interesting with her story line. I felt so bad for her! But we learn a lot about her!
I also loved the clans!
Dislikes: The beginning half was really slow. But that's it!
I can't wait for the next one!!
Whew! This sequel was SO GOOD! One of the best sequels I've read in a long time! I am officially in the Face Stealer's fan club!! I LOVE him! Think of The Darkling mixed with Cardan. Yeah, I went there.
Apaay was a bit annoying with her attitude BUT she was going through PTSD. It was handled really well! Ila was super interesting with her story line. I felt so bad for her! But we learn a lot about her!
I also loved the clans!
Dislikes: The beginning half was really slow. But that's it!
I can't wait for the next one!!
books_over_everything's review against another edition
5.0
Initial Thoughts
I applied to be an ARC reader for this title the second I found out Alexandria Warwick was looking! I absolutely loved Below and couldn’t wait to read this sequel. I just finished reading this book last night and it was incredible.
Some Things I Liked
Plot twists. As I’ve said in many other reviews, it’s very hard to surprise me. I’ve read hundreds of books and have seen many a plot twist so shock factor goes a long way with me. This book had all the drama and twists that even I didn’t see coming. They felt so organic and perfect for the story that I’m disappointed I didn’t see them coming myself. I’m also thrilled that the story kept me guessing so much.
Mental health representation. Below has some dark themes as North continued that trend. Apaay struggles with her mental health during a large portion of this book. I loved the way the other characters naturally came together to help Apaay through this time. This setting doesn’t have defined concepts of mental health and I loved the way the crew organically rallied around Apaay and gave her space as needed. Her struggle was so raw and felt so real and the other characters’ reactions felt so natural.
Trans representation. Once again, this setting doesn’t have a formal mechanism for labels or gendering (as compared to the modern world) but, Numiak explains Tulimaq’s feelings regarding his gender so eloquently. I loved seeing the acceptance and understanding without the need for semantics or explanation.
Moral greyness. This book is filled with morally grey characters and characters whose motivations are not completely known. The Face Stealer, in particular, is a character that you’re not sure if you can trust. He was working with Yuki in book one, but he’s also proven himself to be loyal to his friends. I loved the fact that the characters are not cut and dry, good or bad. They all have feelings, they all made mistakes.
Slow burn enemies to lovers. Seriously, when are Numiak and Apaay going to get their act together. I ship them and I will not have anyone tell me otherwise. I also ship Ila and Tulimaq (but not as much after reading that ending!).
Series Value
I’m obsessed with this series. The fact that book 3 doesn’t even have a name yet is positively devastating. I can’t wait to keep reading and I want everyone I know to read this series so we can scream about how much we love it together.
Final Thoughts
This book was very different from Below in all the best ways. The cast of characters expanded and my favorites from Below had so much growth. I also loved that the world expanded into so much more than just one myth and one labyrinth. I can’t wait to keep reading this series and I can’t wait to read all of Alexandria Warwick’s other future works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Untitled (North #3) by Alexandria Warwick – I have absolutely no doubt, book 3 will be phenomenal. Show it some love by adding it to your GoodReads TBR today!
The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae – if you enjoyed the enemies to lovers and slow burn vibes, check out this 2020 release.
The Demon Race by Alexandria Warwick – if you enjoyed the writing style here, try Alexandria’s other book.
I applied to be an ARC reader for this title the second I found out Alexandria Warwick was looking! I absolutely loved Below and couldn’t wait to read this sequel. I just finished reading this book last night and it was incredible.
Some Things I Liked
Plot twists. As I’ve said in many other reviews, it’s very hard to surprise me. I’ve read hundreds of books and have seen many a plot twist so shock factor goes a long way with me. This book had all the drama and twists that even I didn’t see coming. They felt so organic and perfect for the story that I’m disappointed I didn’t see them coming myself. I’m also thrilled that the story kept me guessing so much.
Mental health representation. Below has some dark themes as North continued that trend. Apaay struggles with her mental health during a large portion of this book. I loved the way the other characters naturally came together to help Apaay through this time. This setting doesn’t have defined concepts of mental health and I loved the way the crew organically rallied around Apaay and gave her space as needed. Her struggle was so raw and felt so real and the other characters’ reactions felt so natural.
Trans representation. Once again, this setting doesn’t have a formal mechanism for labels or gendering (as compared to the modern world) but, Numiak explains Tulimaq’s feelings regarding his gender so eloquently. I loved seeing the acceptance and understanding without the need for semantics or explanation.
Moral greyness. This book is filled with morally grey characters and characters whose motivations are not completely known. The Face Stealer, in particular, is a character that you’re not sure if you can trust. He was working with Yuki in book one, but he’s also proven himself to be loyal to his friends. I loved the fact that the characters are not cut and dry, good or bad. They all have feelings, they all made mistakes.
Slow burn enemies to lovers. Seriously, when are Numiak and Apaay going to get their act together. I ship them and I will not have anyone tell me otherwise. I also ship Ila and Tulimaq (but not as much after reading that ending!).
Series Value
I’m obsessed with this series. The fact that book 3 doesn’t even have a name yet is positively devastating. I can’t wait to keep reading and I want everyone I know to read this series so we can scream about how much we love it together.
Final Thoughts
This book was very different from Below in all the best ways. The cast of characters expanded and my favorites from Below had so much growth. I also loved that the world expanded into so much more than just one myth and one labyrinth. I can’t wait to keep reading this series and I can’t wait to read all of Alexandria Warwick’s other future works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Untitled (North #3) by Alexandria Warwick – I have absolutely no doubt, book 3 will be phenomenal. Show it some love by adding it to your GoodReads TBR today!
The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae – if you enjoyed the enemies to lovers and slow burn vibes, check out this 2020 release.
The Demon Race by Alexandria Warwick – if you enjoyed the writing style here, try Alexandria’s other book.
forest_reader's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't think it was possible for Alexandria Warwick to top Below, the first book in this series. But she totally did. The world gets bigger in Night, and the characters grow so much more. The plot adds on new layers and new twists, setting up bigger problems and questions for the next two books to answer. The only thing I'm angry about is having to wait for the next books to come out. I NEED THEM NOW.
This book starts out slowly. Apaay has a lot of trauma to overcome, and she doesn't trust people easily, especially the Face Stealer. And although it moved a little too slowly for my tastes, I love how accurate Apaay's journey through her trauma is. I've obviously never been tortured by a girl and a demon, but Apaay's feelings seem justified. I think her journey can bring hope to a lot of people, and Warwick's dedication even says: "To those who look for light in dark places."
We see twice as many characters in this book, and go deeper into the characters we already know. Ila plays an even greater role, and I found her character growth to be absolutely empowering. The Face Stealer in all his mysterious glory also plays a huge role. I honestly can't get enough of him. We learn a lot more about his background and his personality in this book, and let me just say he's fascinating.
My favorite, favorite part of Warwick's books is her writing. WOW. Talk about one of the best writers I've ever seen. Even if the plot didn't grip me at first, her writing did. It's perfectly lyrical, and every word carries weight. She does some amazing things with rhythm and syntax that make my editor's heart giddy. She carefully crafts unique dialogue for each character, making them jump off the page. And she's laid the groundwork for an incredible series. Do yourself a favor and start this series!!! You won't regret it.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4.7
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, for the ARC! This book will be released on October 8, 2020.
This book starts out slowly. Apaay has a lot of trauma to overcome, and she doesn't trust people easily, especially the Face Stealer. And although it moved a little too slowly for my tastes, I love how accurate Apaay's journey through her trauma is. I've obviously never been tortured by a girl and a demon, but Apaay's feelings seem justified. I think her journey can bring hope to a lot of people, and Warwick's dedication even says: "To those who look for light in dark places."
We see twice as many characters in this book, and go deeper into the characters we already know. Ila plays an even greater role, and I found her character growth to be absolutely empowering. The Face Stealer in all his mysterious glory also plays a huge role. I honestly can't get enough of him. We learn a lot more about his background and his personality in this book, and let me just say he's fascinating.
My favorite, favorite part of Warwick's books is her writing. WOW. Talk about one of the best writers I've ever seen. Even if the plot didn't grip me at first, her writing did. It's perfectly lyrical, and every word carries weight. She does some amazing things with rhythm and syntax that make my editor's heart giddy. She carefully crafts unique dialogue for each character, making them jump off the page. And she's laid the groundwork for an incredible series. Do yourself a favor and start this series!!! You won't regret it.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4.7
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, for the ARC! This book will be released on October 8, 2020.
kaylsallbooked's review
5.0
ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
"'It's quite clever, actually. Yuki does have a flair for the dramatic, in case you hadn't noticed.'
Oh, she'd noticed."
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in this series, Below, last year and LOVED it, so when I was offered the chance to get the sequel, I jumped on it the first chance I got! Not only is the cover stunning, but THIS BOOK WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST! I'm a bit sad that I finished the entire thing in two sittings the day after I received it, cuz now I gotta wait for the next book :'(
One of the most appealing parts of Below were the characters, and that was no less true in Night. I would say that this book is more character-driven than the first installment, which resulted in less action when compared to the events in the Labyrinth, but I'm a complete sucker for character development and domestic moments so I was LIVING FOR THIS. The worldbuilding was expanded so much and it was all really interesting. I loved learning more about the different Unua tribes and the history of the North! We learned so much about myths that played super important roles, and I really enjoyed reading about the First Man, the Raven and the Sea Mother!
"Apaay wondered what he saw and if it was the same thing she did: someone who wasn't ready to give up yet, but who didn't know how to step away from the edge."
Back to the amazing characters! I loved Apaay's bravery and resilience in the first book and she's an awesome narrator. In this sequel, she's definitely struggling following her time spent in Yuki's labyrinth and she constantly battles depression throughout the book, though it's never named as such. I thought it was depicted really well, and I'm happy to see more depression representation, especially after just reading The Crow Rider, in which depression also affects the main character! It's inspiring to see Apaay work against her demons (hah, pun intended) and by the end of the book, she's stronger than ever. I just love her a lot.
SPEAKING OF DEMONS, the Face Stealer was on a whole 'nother level in this book. He almost seemed like a different person altogether, and it was amaaaaazing. We got to see a completely different side of him and learn so much about his life and his motivations. His relationship with Apaay is SO GREAT and I'm obsessed with them. It's so frickin' entertaining to see them interact and be vulnerable and ugh it's so good. They reached a really great place by the end of the book and I can't waaaaait to see where it goes from here.
Side characters became even more abundant, and they were awesome! Ila was back with her own POV chapters, too! I loved her in the first book, and though her friendship with Apaay was different, it was nice to see her grow into herself and become a stronger person. I'm really excited about the revelations we've learned about her! Kaan and Ro were fantastic additions as well, and I'm interested in Talimaq's role going forward.
Overall, I'm super happy with this book. I really enjoy the plot, the great worldbuilding and all the twist and turns of the characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite ongoing series, and I am seriously looking forward to the next book, though I'll be waiting awhile. I think it's an supremely-underrated series, but I'll be for sure recommending it to all my book friends! Make sure to snag your copy when it releases on October 8th!
"'It's quite clever, actually. Yuki does have a flair for the dramatic, in case you hadn't noticed.'
Oh, she'd noticed."
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in this series, Below, last year and LOVED it, so when I was offered the chance to get the sequel, I jumped on it the first chance I got! Not only is the cover stunning, but THIS BOOK WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST! I'm a bit sad that I finished the entire thing in two sittings the day after I received it, cuz now I gotta wait for the next book :'(
One of the most appealing parts of Below were the characters, and that was no less true in Night. I would say that this book is more character-driven than the first installment, which resulted in less action when compared to the events in the Labyrinth, but I'm a complete sucker for character development and domestic moments so I was LIVING FOR THIS. The worldbuilding was expanded so much and it was all really interesting. I loved learning more about the different Unua tribes and the history of the North! We learned so much about myths that played super important roles, and I really enjoyed reading about the First Man, the Raven and the Sea Mother!
"Apaay wondered what he saw and if it was the same thing she did: someone who wasn't ready to give up yet, but who didn't know how to step away from the edge."
Back to the amazing characters! I loved Apaay's bravery and resilience in the first book and she's an awesome narrator. In this sequel, she's definitely struggling following her time spent in Yuki's labyrinth and she constantly battles depression throughout the book, though it's never named as such. I thought it was depicted really well, and I'm happy to see more depression representation, especially after just reading The Crow Rider, in which depression also affects the main character! It's inspiring to see Apaay work against her demons (hah, pun intended) and by the end of the book, she's stronger than ever. I just love her a lot.
SPEAKING OF DEMONS, the Face Stealer was on a whole 'nother level in this book. He almost seemed like a different person altogether, and it was amaaaaazing. We got to see a completely different side of him and learn so much about his life and his motivations. His relationship with Apaay is SO GREAT and I'm obsessed with them. It's so frickin' entertaining to see them interact and be vulnerable and ugh it's so good. They reached a really great place by the end of the book and I can't waaaaait to see where it goes from here.
Side characters became even more abundant, and they were awesome! Ila was back with her own POV chapters, too! I loved her in the first book, and though her friendship with Apaay was different, it was nice to see her grow into herself and become a stronger person. I'm really excited about the revelations we've learned about her! Kaan and Ro were fantastic additions as well, and I'm interested in Talimaq's role going forward.
Overall, I'm super happy with this book. I really enjoy the plot, the great worldbuilding and all the twist and turns of the characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite ongoing series, and I am seriously looking forward to the next book, though I'll be waiting awhile. I think it's an supremely-underrated series, but I'll be for sure recommending it to all my book friends! Make sure to snag your copy when it releases on October 8th!
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