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nuin_giliath's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
3rd reading:
Like its predecessor, I noticed that this also started off a bit slow. However, it definitely made up for its initial lull with plenty of excitement later.
The relationships between the three leads really shone here as they bonded and learned to work as a team. I also loved the quieter moments they spent together in between their battles. It was just beautiful. 💖
Red Winter may have introduced readers to the concept of kami/yokai living amongst humans in our world, but Dark Tempest offers further exploration into the places the yokai frequent. One of my favorite locations in this book was the yokai inn with its blend of traditional Japanese cultural practices and supernatural elements. (Think Yubaba's bathhouse from Spirited Away.)
In addition to the action and world building, there was also a greater focus on the romance with its forbidden nature increasing the tension just enough to keep you wanting more. It's so well done.
Even knowing what was coming and no longer being surprised by certain twists, I still find this to be such an enjoyable read and highly recommend it. 😁
---------------------------------
2nd reading:
I'm still super impressed with this series. But just in case anyone thinks I'm oblivious to its flaws (which are minor details in my opinion), I'm not. I choose to ignore them because of how well developed the overall work is. I honestly cannot recall the last time I got so much pleasure out of reading.
I admit that I enjoyed the character of Susano more during the second reading than I did the first. Before I thought he was too easily angered and generally bad-tempered. However, I found him to be much more sympathetic this time around. (Also, I want to note something about boundaries. Shiro has NONE. And that's really ok with me. 😉)
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Original review:
I am so conflicted right now. Since starting this series, I have *needed* to be immersed with these characters in this world every hour of every day, but I just realized that I have only ONE book remaining before it's all over. 😭
Dark Tempest picked up right where Red Winter left off. Even though I adored the first novel, I did have a hard time getting invested in this second installment at first. But once I made it to the 15% mark, I was completely hooked. And what an emotional roller coaster this turned out to be! I have never had as many verbal outbursts (mostly "oh no!") as I did while reading this. [For any fellow arachnophobes, there is a fairly lengthy section around the 40% mark that made me squirm/scream, so proceed with caution.]
There were plenty of intense action sequences and captivating emotional moments. Not to mention the consistency within the world building and realistic character development. I also loved having a few new characters (including some different yokai) sprinkled throughout. I am quite impressed with Annette Marie's ability to keep the reader engaged and invested in both the individual characters and the overarching conflict.
I realize this review is pretty tame for the amount of feelings I had/have over this book, but I just can't put into words (or even cohesive thought) how much these two books have impacted me.
(Also still appreciating the glossary in the back. Although I'm pleased to admit that I referred to it less often this time. 😁)
Like its predecessor, I noticed that this also started off a bit slow. However, it definitely made up for its initial lull with plenty of excitement later.
The relationships between the three leads really shone here as they bonded and learned to work as a team. I also loved the quieter moments they spent together in between their battles. It was just beautiful. 💖
Red Winter may have introduced readers to the concept of kami/yokai living amongst humans in our world, but Dark Tempest offers further exploration into the places the yokai frequent. One of my favorite locations in this book was the yokai inn with its blend of traditional Japanese cultural practices and supernatural elements. (Think Yubaba's bathhouse from Spirited Away.)
In addition to the action and world building, there was also a greater focus on the romance with its forbidden nature increasing the tension just enough to keep you wanting more. It's so well done.
Even knowing what was coming and no longer being surprised by certain twists, I still find this to be such an enjoyable read and highly recommend it. 😁
---------------------------------
2nd reading:
I'm still super impressed with this series. But just in case anyone thinks I'm oblivious to its flaws (which are minor details in my opinion), I'm not. I choose to ignore them because of how well developed the overall work is. I honestly cannot recall the last time I got so much pleasure out of reading.
I admit that I enjoyed the character of Susano more during the second reading than I did the first. Before I thought he was too easily angered and generally bad-tempered. However, I found him to be much more sympathetic this time around. (Also, I want to note something about boundaries. Shiro has NONE. And that's really ok with me. 😉)
----------------------------------
Original review:
I am so conflicted right now. Since starting this series, I have *needed* to be immersed with these characters in this world every hour of every day, but I just realized that I have only ONE book remaining before it's all over. 😭
Dark Tempest picked up right where Red Winter left off. Even though I adored the first novel, I did have a hard time getting invested in this second installment at first. But once I made it to the 15% mark, I was completely hooked. And what an emotional roller coaster this turned out to be! I have never had as many verbal outbursts (mostly "oh no!") as I did while reading this. [For any fellow arachnophobes, there is a fairly lengthy section around the 40% mark that made me squirm/scream, so proceed with caution.]
There were plenty of intense action sequences and captivating emotional moments. Not to mention the consistency within the world building and realistic character development. I also loved having a few new characters (including some different yokai) sprinkled throughout. I am quite impressed with Annette Marie's ability to keep the reader engaged and invested in both the individual characters and the overarching conflict.
I realize this review is pretty tame for the amount of feelings I had/have over this book, but I just can't put into words (or even cohesive thought) how much these two books have impacted me.
(Also still appreciating the glossary in the back. Although I'm pleased to admit that I referred to it less often this time. 😁)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death
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