Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
A big thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
..........This felt like a sequel book. But in a good way?
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede is a YA fantasy novel that follows up the events of This Vicious Grace. Six months after saving their island from destruction and almost losing Dante, Alessa is ready to live happily ever after with her former bodyguard. But Dante can't rest, haunted by a conviction that the gods aren't finished with them yet. And without his powers, the next kiss from Alessa could kill him. Desperate for answers, Dante enlists Alessa and their friends to find the exiled ghiotte in hopes of restoring his powers and combining forces with them to create the only army powerful enough to save them all. But Alessa is hiding a deadly consequence of their last fight--a growing darkness that's consuming her mind--and their destination holds more dangers than anyone bargained for. In the mysterious city of the banished, Dante will uncover secrets, lies, and ghosts from his past that force him to ask himself: Which side is he on? When the gods reveal their final test, Dante and Alessa will be the world's last defense. But if they are the keys to saving the world, will their love be the price of victory?
Honestly, I didn't see quite the point of having a book two to This Vicious Grace. I feel like it was wrapped up nicely with an inconclusive bow. But at the same time, I didn't really see the point to this book. Save for Dante having more broody screen time. Which wasn't all that compared to his snark in the first book. I feel like this duology should have been standalone. A long one, but still just the one book. Still a solid read though.
..........This felt like a sequel book. But in a good way?
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede is a YA fantasy novel that follows up the events of This Vicious Grace. Six months after saving their island from destruction and almost losing Dante, Alessa is ready to live happily ever after with her former bodyguard. But Dante can't rest, haunted by a conviction that the gods aren't finished with them yet. And without his powers, the next kiss from Alessa could kill him. Desperate for answers, Dante enlists Alessa and their friends to find the exiled ghiotte in hopes of restoring his powers and combining forces with them to create the only army powerful enough to save them all. But Alessa is hiding a deadly consequence of their last fight--a growing darkness that's consuming her mind--and their destination holds more dangers than anyone bargained for. In the mysterious city of the banished, Dante will uncover secrets, lies, and ghosts from his past that force him to ask himself: Which side is he on? When the gods reveal their final test, Dante and Alessa will be the world's last defense. But if they are the keys to saving the world, will their love be the price of victory?
Honestly, I didn't see quite the point of having a book two to This Vicious Grace. I feel like it was wrapped up nicely with an inconclusive bow. But at the same time, I didn't really see the point to this book. Save for Dante having more broody screen time. Which wasn't all that compared to his snark in the first book. I feel like this duology should have been standalone. A long one, but still just the one book. Still a solid read though.
I received this book as an ARC from Goodreads. This is the second book in a two part series, and the publishers were generous to send me the first book, "This Viscous Grace", as well so I could read both. I rated the first book a five star, and give the second the same. In the second book, Dante and Alessa - along with their friends - have a second battle to fight to save the world. The book is full of action, as well as the highs and lows of Dante and Alessa's continued love story. Absolutely love this series and this author. Definitely pre-order your copy so you can read it when it comes out!
emotional
medium-paced
1.5
This wasn’t good. At all. The characters felt different than in the first book. From the little fights about nothing and the small miscommunications here and there, I felt like I was reading about two totally different characters. Their chemistry was so off. I didn’t like the characters in this “found family” either. They felt forced and the times the author tried to write in humor failed. I’m honestly so surprised because I greatly enjoyed the first book and yet this turned out to be such a let down.
This wasn’t good. At all. The characters felt different than in the first book. From the little fights about nothing and the small miscommunications here and there, I felt like I was reading about two totally different characters. Their chemistry was so off. I didn’t like the characters in this “found family” either. They felt forced and the times the author tried to write in humor failed. I’m honestly so surprised because I greatly enjoyed the first book and yet this turned out to be such a let down.
This vicious grace was one of my final reads of last year. I was so excited for this sequel and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the plot, meeting my favourite characters again and the compelling twists. Following Dante and Alessa as they navigated their relationship and their own struggles was engaging and seeing their individual character development was rewarding. The romance was so swoony and the battle scenes were not confusing (which was lovely because it is easy for some authors to lose me in them sometimes). This is definitely a satisfying sequel and finale to a great series. I definitely recommend that you pick it up if you are a fan of YA romantasy books.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
"Everywhere, there was light. And for as long as there was anyone alive to look for her, she would be there, too, in the shimmer on the ocean, an arc of color in the sky after rain, or the gleam of stars to light their way. No matter how lonely, no one was truly alone."
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede was a highly anticipated read for me as I loved This Vicious Grace (book one). The author continues her Italian-inspired fantasy romance series with this exciting sequel.
The characters that the author continued to flush out were individually endearing and I loved seeing the relationships between them develop further. The author continued to find ways to raise the stakes that left me on the edge of my seat and unwilling to put this book down until I was finished reading.
Overall, I gave this book a four-star rating and would recommend it to anyone who likes action-packed adventure, twists and turns, loveable characters, and feel-good romance. Its sure to be a satisfying read!
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede was a highly anticipated read for me as I loved This Vicious Grace (book one). The author continues her Italian-inspired fantasy romance series with this exciting sequel.
The characters that the author continued to flush out were individually endearing and I loved seeing the relationships between them develop further. The author continued to find ways to raise the stakes that left me on the edge of my seat and unwilling to put this book down until I was finished reading.
Overall, I gave this book a four-star rating and would recommend it to anyone who likes action-packed adventure, twists and turns, loveable characters, and feel-good romance. Its sure to be a satisfying read!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
I love a power couple. Made my dumbass cry with how in love they are