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ameserole's review
3.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow City is the sequel to Diamond City. While I absolutely loved every page the first book gave me, I unfortunately didn't feel the same diving into this book. Don't get me wrong, the beginning started off pretty well. I just felt like I was getting so much information that just wasn't interesting to me.
Ugh, then there's Kohl and I just don't trust the guy.
Luckily for me, my baby Teo was alive and kicking. There's just something about him that needs to be protected at all costs. He's the love of my life and I am still secretly shipping him and Aina together. Besides them, the gang is still sort of here and boy - do they go through a lot of crap together.
In the end, each twist and page kept me chugging along. I will admit that I'm still a little confused about the ending.. but I am just going to worry about that another day.
Shadow City is the sequel to Diamond City. While I absolutely loved every page the first book gave me, I unfortunately didn't feel the same diving into this book. Don't get me wrong, the beginning started off pretty well. I just felt like I was getting so much information that just wasn't interesting to me.
Ugh, then there's Kohl and I just don't trust the guy.
Luckily for me, my baby Teo was alive and kicking. There's just something about him that needs to be protected at all costs. He's the love of my life and I am still secretly shipping him and Aina together. Besides them, the gang is still sort of here and boy - do they go through a lot of crap together.
In the end, each twist and page kept me chugging along. I will admit that I'm still a little confused about the ending.. but I am just going to worry about that another day.
_camk_'s review
3.0
This is a hard book to rate. Did I like it? Kinda. Did it keep my attention? Sure. But did I actually enjoy it? I don't think so.
My main problem with this book is the main character, Aina. I like that she is an anti-hero; she cares for her city but she is ruthless. However, as much I like her badassery, I actually really dislike her personality itself.
The toxic relationship between Aina and Kohl is probably the most intriguing part of the story. What's interesting is how the author has Teo saying that Aina loses herself every time she goes back to Kohl, however, reading from her POV, this is never actually noticed in the 2 books. That's not saying Kohl wasn't a terrible and controlling manipulator but I think that Teo saw Aina much more of victim than she actually portrayed herself and that she needed saving from Kohl when really Aina herself did not understand how far Kohl's impact on her actually went.
There is then this weird romance plot where supposedly everyone is or at some point was attracted to Aina. For reasons unknown. It made no sense and was not needed.
My main problem with this book is the main character, Aina. I like that she is an anti-hero; she cares for her city but she is ruthless. However, as much I like her badassery, I actually really dislike her personality itself.
The toxic relationship between Aina and Kohl is probably the most intriguing part of the story. What's interesting is how the author has Teo saying that Aina loses herself every time she goes back to Kohl, however, reading from her POV, this is never actually noticed in the 2 books. That's not saying Kohl wasn't a terrible and controlling manipulator but I think that Teo saw Aina much more of victim than she actually portrayed herself and that she needed saving from Kohl when really Aina herself did not understand how far Kohl's impact on her actually went.
There is then this weird romance plot where supposedly everyone is or at some point was attracted to Aina. For reasons unknown. It made no sense and was not needed.
cupcakesandsmut's review
5.0
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to review.
i really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I'm sad that it's over but was a good ending for this duology. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
i really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I'm sad that it's over but was a good ending for this duology. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
nightc0urt's review
5.0
I was sent a ARC from the publisher to review.
I still find myself wondering why no one talks about this hidden gem, like it’s literally a Diamond in the rough.
Shadow City was the epic and fast paced conclusion to The City of Diamond and Steel conclusion and I enjoyed this one even more then the first book, Diamond City.
Once again it was hard to trust almost any one in this story, expect a few of our main favorites, like Teo, who is a precious cinnamon roll and needs protection at all costs. Shadow City was full of twists and turns and betrayal and left my jaw on the floor a few times.
The fact that this book picks up exactly where Diamond City ended really helped to keep the story fresh in my mind and I didn’t find myself trying to figure out where I’m at while picking this story back up. The world of Diamond City felt very unique and fresh to me and I loved all of the different kinds of characters that had very different backgrounds.
The only thing I will say, is the magic system could have been used much more and built up a bit more but it really didn’t take away from the story for me.
The City of Diamond and Steel duology was FULL of epic battle scenes, betrayal, cunning and wit and I ate up every scene of this amazing story!
I still find myself wondering why no one talks about this hidden gem, like it’s literally a Diamond in the rough.
Shadow City was the epic and fast paced conclusion to The City of Diamond and Steel conclusion and I enjoyed this one even more then the first book, Diamond City.
Once again it was hard to trust almost any one in this story, expect a few of our main favorites, like Teo, who is a precious cinnamon roll and needs protection at all costs. Shadow City was full of twists and turns and betrayal and left my jaw on the floor a few times.
The fact that this book picks up exactly where Diamond City ended really helped to keep the story fresh in my mind and I didn’t find myself trying to figure out where I’m at while picking this story back up. The world of Diamond City felt very unique and fresh to me and I loved all of the different kinds of characters that had very different backgrounds.
The only thing I will say, is the magic system could have been used much more and built up a bit more but it really didn’t take away from the story for me.
The City of Diamond and Steel duology was FULL of epic battle scenes, betrayal, cunning and wit and I ate up every scene of this amazing story!
atvreads's review
4.0
Summary:
The stunning action-packed conclusion to The City of Diamond and Steel duology.
Aina Solís has fought her way to the top of criminal ranks in the city of Kosín by wresting control of an assassin empire owned by her old boss, Kohl. She never has to fear losing her home and returning to life on the streets again—except Kohl, the man who tried to ruin her life, will do anything to get his empire back. Aina sets out to kill him before he can kill her.
But Alsane Bautix, the old army general who was banned from his seat in the government after Aina revealed his corruption, is working to take back power by destroying anyone who stands in his way. With a new civil war on the horizon and all their lives at risk, the only way for Aina to protect her home is to join up with the only other criminal more notorious than her: Kohl himself.
As Bautix’s attacks increase, Aina and Kohl work together to stop his incoming weapons shipments and his plans to take back the Tower of Steel. To defeat them both, Aina will resort to betrayal, poison, and a deadly type of magic that hasn’t been used in years.
Through narrow alleys, across train rooftops, and deep in the city’s tunnels, Aina and Kohl will test each other’s strengths and limits, each of them knowing that once Bautix is dead, they’ll still have to face each other. If she manages to kill him, she’ll finally have the freedom she wants—but it might forever mark her as his shadow in a city where only the strongest survive.
Honest Review:
Flores is the author I wish had been around when I was a teen. Her voice and style are a much-needed breath of fresh air in the genre.
Her characters are morally ambiguous and every bit intriguing, the plot moves accordingly while having unpredictable turns along the way, and the dialogue is pretty exceptional.
I found this conclusion to be epic, action-packed, emotionally gutting and gut-churning. My favorite books are the ones that explore the shades of gray between self-righteousness and evil. I also super enjoy themes of betrayal, specifically when it is those closest to the protagonist that are twisting the knife of betrayal.
While this duology is complete, I cannot wait to read the next stories Flores has planned.
The stunning action-packed conclusion to The City of Diamond and Steel duology.
Aina Solís has fought her way to the top of criminal ranks in the city of Kosín by wresting control of an assassin empire owned by her old boss, Kohl. She never has to fear losing her home and returning to life on the streets again—except Kohl, the man who tried to ruin her life, will do anything to get his empire back. Aina sets out to kill him before he can kill her.
But Alsane Bautix, the old army general who was banned from his seat in the government after Aina revealed his corruption, is working to take back power by destroying anyone who stands in his way. With a new civil war on the horizon and all their lives at risk, the only way for Aina to protect her home is to join up with the only other criminal more notorious than her: Kohl himself.
As Bautix’s attacks increase, Aina and Kohl work together to stop his incoming weapons shipments and his plans to take back the Tower of Steel. To defeat them both, Aina will resort to betrayal, poison, and a deadly type of magic that hasn’t been used in years.
Through narrow alleys, across train rooftops, and deep in the city’s tunnels, Aina and Kohl will test each other’s strengths and limits, each of them knowing that once Bautix is dead, they’ll still have to face each other. If she manages to kill him, she’ll finally have the freedom she wants—but it might forever mark her as his shadow in a city where only the strongest survive.
Honest Review:
Flores is the author I wish had been around when I was a teen. Her voice and style are a much-needed breath of fresh air in the genre.
Her characters are morally ambiguous and every bit intriguing, the plot moves accordingly while having unpredictable turns along the way, and the dialogue is pretty exceptional.
I found this conclusion to be epic, action-packed, emotionally gutting and gut-churning. My favorite books are the ones that explore the shades of gray between self-righteousness and evil. I also super enjoy themes of betrayal, specifically when it is those closest to the protagonist that are twisting the knife of betrayal.
While this duology is complete, I cannot wait to read the next stories Flores has planned.
heameljon's review
4.0
"Shadow City" is the exciting follow up to Francesca Flores' "Diamond City". We continue to follow Aina Solis, a young woman who has had to pull herself out of the dredges of society to survive. In "Diamond City" she was able to take over her old bosses (Kohl) criminal empire. In "Shadow City" she works hard to maintain that control while fighting to save her life against Kohl; he is intent on getting back what was once his as well as revenge against Aina.
Flores has built an interesting world with a unique perspective. The main character, and others, are in reality criminals fighting worse criminals. We cheer on the lesser criminals because they had to do what they had to do to survive. Aina and company are also attempting to right a powerful and corrupt government by using a religion/weapon that is now banned.
Like it's predecessor, "Shadow City" is an exciting story with strong female characters. I strongly recommend.
Flores has built an interesting world with a unique perspective. The main character, and others, are in reality criminals fighting worse criminals. We cheer on the lesser criminals because they had to do what they had to do to survive. Aina and company are also attempting to right a powerful and corrupt government by using a religion/weapon that is now banned.
Like it's predecessor, "Shadow City" is an exciting story with strong female characters. I strongly recommend.
maryanne_r's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ylmpastmidnight's review
4.0
*Review will be posted on my blog on 1/4/21*
**3.5 STARS**
I Liked:
*World building ~ We are back in the city of Kosin. It is a city run by gangs. Aina finally has broken free of Kohl, The Blood King. and is running her own gang. But is she really free of him? We return to the gritty streets of Kosin and it’s rough as ever.
*Aina and Kohl, it’s the two of them that really pull the story along because they are complicated. Kohl knows how to get under her skin and I was just hoping Aina doesn’t fall for his lies again. It’s a back and forth between them and you wonder how it ends between them.
*The crew is back and we see Ryuu, Teo, Tannis and Lil. I think they keep Aina level headed and I like that she has them around her.
*It’s a dark story because there is abuse and it also has a whole lot of action. The killing kind. There is a lot of killing, daggers in throats, throats being sliced but I like that Aina doesn’t hesitate…except when it comes to Kohl. But she works through all those emotions in this book.
Random Notes:
*The magic aspect seemed to take sort of a backseat in this one. There is a few chapters in the middle of the book that deals with learning the magic and it comes in handy in the final battle, but other than that – I wondered if it was even needed in the story. They barely knew how to use the magic so it would have been nice to the magic being explored and used much more.
*I would have liked more about the side characters because they were such a big part of book one. They help her in this book, but I felt like I was just drawn to Kohl and Aina so much more than her friends.
*Triggers: violence, killing, abuse
Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this duology because it was dark and had lots of action. Aina is a girl who had to overcome grief, glue addiction, and being under Kohl’s thumb for years. Seeing her break free and find her power was great. If you like young adult crime fantasy, you may enjoy this series.
**3.5 STARS**
I Liked:
*World building ~ We are back in the city of Kosin. It is a city run by gangs. Aina finally has broken free of Kohl, The Blood King. and is running her own gang. But is she really free of him? We return to the gritty streets of Kosin and it’s rough as ever.
*Aina and Kohl, it’s the two of them that really pull the story along because they are complicated. Kohl knows how to get under her skin and I was just hoping Aina doesn’t fall for his lies again. It’s a back and forth between them and you wonder how it ends between them.
*The crew is back and we see Ryuu, Teo, Tannis and Lil. I think they keep Aina level headed and I like that she has them around her.
*It’s a dark story because there is abuse and it also has a whole lot of action. The killing kind. There is a lot of killing, daggers in throats, throats being sliced but I like that Aina doesn’t hesitate…except when it comes to Kohl. But she works through all those emotions in this book.
Random Notes:
*The magic aspect seemed to take sort of a backseat in this one. There is a few chapters in the middle of the book that deals with learning the magic and it comes in handy in the final battle, but other than that – I wondered if it was even needed in the story. They barely knew how to use the magic so it would have been nice to the magic being explored and used much more.
*I would have liked more about the side characters because they were such a big part of book one. They help her in this book, but I felt like I was just drawn to Kohl and Aina so much more than her friends.
*Triggers: violence, killing, abuse
Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this duology because it was dark and had lots of action. Aina is a girl who had to overcome grief, glue addiction, and being under Kohl’s thumb for years. Seeing her break free and find her power was great. If you like young adult crime fantasy, you may enjoy this series.