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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This book lived up to the hype that was the first book. I felt I could connect more with the characters than in the first book.
Being able to tap into the inner monologue of the sisters as well as the different ways that people express grief and loss of a loved one.
I am excited for the release of the next book in 2024. June cannot get here faster.
Being able to tap into the inner monologue of the sisters as well as the different ways that people express grief and loss of a loved one.
I am excited for the release of the next book in 2024. June cannot get here faster.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
When I read the first book (Castles) I was super worried when I found out after the fact it was a series, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it enough to invest in subsequent books. Surprisingly and thankfully, I wasn’t sure enthralled and blown away by the first book and was in fact devastated that I didn’t have the next book to go on to! So I read a few other books while I waited and ordered the second. I can say as a second book in the series it didn’t disappoint! Every page keeps you wondering what is going to happen, and how, to whom, by whom, for whom, and what emotion will it evoke next? I didn’t feel like this second book had quite the cliffhanger style of surprises, twists and jumps as the first but there was still plenty of intrigue and suspense, as well as fun magical system and lovable characters that it was a real page turner! I am now back in the same position as before and will have to wait to get book three, but I am way more excited and ready than ever before now that I’ve seen just how good each book continues to be!
3.5 stars. I found this book to be a lot slower than the first, Castles in Their Bones , and unfortunately seemed to suffer from "second book syndrome." A lot of the story this time around was just conversations about who knows what and who's going to do what , and without a lot of the actual doing happening. There are a few major plot points (particularly towards the end), but I don't think this book needed to be anywhere near 500+ pages. I think about 200 pages of dialogue and rehashing information could have been cut out. As it was, I felt like I had to push myself to keep going at times.
That said, I did enjoy getting to better understand Beatriz's powers and their cost, and seeing both Beatriz and Daphne mature. My favourite of the three sisters in book 1 was Sophronia, for her kind heart, and in book 2 it is Beatriz, for her sassy and fearless attitude. Perhaps in book 3 my favourite will be Daphne?
I also really like that this series showcases all sorts of relationships; so many books focus on romance to the exclusion of all else. I think the friendship and strong bond that has developed between Beatriz and Pasquale is really sweet, and I'm hoping Daphne and Cliona will develop a more trustworthy alliance/friendship in book 3.
Also, I'm so rooting for the daughters to take their mother down. The Empress is despicable, and it's incredibly frustrating that she's always one step ahead!
That said, I did enjoy getting to better understand Beatriz's powers and their cost, and seeing both Beatriz and Daphne mature. My favourite of the three sisters in book 1 was Sophronia, for her kind heart, and in book 2 it is Beatriz, for her sassy and fearless attitude. Perhaps in book 3 my favourite will be Daphne?
I also really like that this series showcases all sorts of relationships; so many books focus on romance to the exclusion of all else. I think the friendship and strong bond that has developed between Beatriz and Pasquale is really sweet, and I'm hoping Daphne and Cliona will develop a more trustworthy alliance/friendship in book 3.
Also, I'm so rooting for the daughters to take their mother down. The Empress is despicable, and it's incredibly frustrating that she's always one step ahead!
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoy this serious and how the deceptions keep piling on and the twists keep coming.
After the tragedy that ended book one, and the reveals about the true plan Margaraux has in place, the stakes are high in this sequel. As Viole and Leopoldo venture to Sophie’s sisters, and Beatriz and Pasquale realize the true dangers of the Empress, Daphne struggles to understand the rebels and to enact her mother’s plans.
Watching Daphne struggle with Sophie’s death, and the reveals of her mother’s true motivations felt like an accurate struggle for a devotion daughter. Beatriz’s sudden magic, and her interactions with Nigellus felt right as the actions of a rebellious and head strong young woman. It was nice to see Beatriz plotting with support from multiple characters and to see her being selfless in several of her moves. Daphne has always been a complex character but watching her evolve and fully understand the power as truly holds to make change was very interesting and shows character growth. Seeing her taking people to task and plotting was intriguing. As much as I enjoy the sisters my favorite character in this book was Viole. She is complex and has motivations that really showcase who she is, devoted but also vindictive. There are still many questions left open within this series and hopefully book three brings all the answers without sacrificing pacing, plot, or character development.
After the tragedy that ended book one, and the reveals about the true plan Margaraux has in place, the stakes are high in this sequel. As Viole and Leopoldo venture to Sophie’s sisters, and Beatriz and Pasquale realize the true dangers of the Empress, Daphne struggles to understand the rebels and to enact her mother’s plans.
Watching Daphne struggle with Sophie’s death, and the reveals of her mother’s true motivations felt like an accurate struggle for a devotion daughter. Beatriz’s sudden magic, and her interactions with Nigellus felt right as the actions of a rebellious and head strong young woman. It was nice to see Beatriz plotting with support from multiple characters and to see her being selfless in several of her moves. Daphne has always been a complex character but watching her evolve and fully understand the power as truly holds to make change was very interesting and shows character growth. Seeing her taking people to task and plotting was intriguing. As much as I enjoy the sisters my favorite character in this book was Viole. She is complex and has motivations that really showcase who she is, devoted but also vindictive. There are still many questions left open within this series and hopefully book three brings all the answers without sacrificing pacing, plot, or character development.
4/5
This one is definitely more political intrigue than action but it’s setting up the scene for a hopefully wonderful finale. With that twist at the end I’m wondering how the final book will play out!
This one is definitely more political intrigue than action but it’s setting up the scene for a hopefully wonderful finale. With that twist at the end I’m wondering how the final book will play out!