Scan barcode
ashlightgrayson's review
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book takes a darker tone in comparison to the previous installment. The war between the chimera and angels has resurfaced at full force. Karou must navigate her complicated feelings towards Akiva as she attempts to serve as the new resurrectionist for her people. Meanwhile, the chimera distrust her and Karou's guilt for her perceived role as an accomplice to the Angel keeps her from truly bonding with any of the chimera. Thiago is back in the picture, busy strategizing for the war and keeping a close eye on Karou. One of the main themes explored in the book is that war doesn't differentiate between good and evil. Individuals on both sides of the war commit atrocities and more and more people die, including innocent civilians that do not have nor want involvement in the war. There is very strong imagery of the toll this war is taking on both sides and it paints war as what is is: hideous and taxing. I appreciated the realism in the depiction of this conflict and the way Laini Taylor crafted such important commentary into her story seamlessly.
Despite all the dark themes explored in this book, there are moments of lightheartedness. This is mostly a wholesome contribution made by Zuzana and Mik. I'm still not invested in the romance between Karou and Akiva outside of the symbolism behind their relationship. However, Mik and Zuzana are a different story. Zuzana and Mik were able make me laugh and smile multiple times between very grim moments in the story and their dynamic together is hilarious and cute. They are fiercely loyal and supportive of Karou throughout the story and help provide moments of joy amongst all the carnage of the war. It's clear that they don't really understand the gravity of the situation at first, but they are able to help Karou greatly despite that.
The pacing of the story felt a bit slower than the previous book, but it felt appropriate for the events occurring. None of the events in the story felt like they dragged at any point, which I can appreciate. There is a reveal at the end that raises the stakes astronomically. I'm looking forward to seeing how the characters in the story deal with the aftermath of that in the next book. I liked this installment more than the last, but we also got to see more of Mik and Zuzana, and I think that definitely tipped the scale for me. They are my favorite characters after all. If you liked the first book in the series, I think you'll definitely enjoy this continuation.
Despite all the dark themes explored in this book, there are moments of lightheartedness. This is mostly a wholesome contribution made by Zuzana and Mik. I'm still not invested in the romance between Karou and Akiva outside of the symbolism behind their relationship. However, Mik and Zuzana are a different story. Zuzana and Mik were able make me laugh and smile multiple times between very grim moments in the story and their dynamic together is hilarious and cute. They are fiercely loyal and supportive of Karou throughout the story and help provide moments of joy amongst all the carnage of the war. It's clear that they don't really understand the gravity of the situation at first, but they are able to help Karou greatly despite that.
The pacing of the story felt a bit slower than the previous book, but it felt appropriate for the events occurring. None of the events in the story felt like they dragged at any point, which I can appreciate. There is a reveal at the end that raises the stakes astronomically. I'm looking forward to seeing how the characters in the story deal with the aftermath of that in the next book. I liked this installment more than the last, but we also got to see more of Mik and Zuzana, and I think that definitely tipped the scale for me. They are my favorite characters after all. If you liked the first book in the series, I think you'll definitely enjoy this continuation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Torture, Genocide, and Death
There is a scene with a moderately to mildly graphic attempted rape, hence the content warnings.
More...