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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed the first book in this duology. It was fun, the magic system was cool, and the relationship build/tension really worked for me.
The second book was harmless and lighthearted, but it lacked plot. One of the main characters felt incredibly bland. The others were honestly slightly annoying. I didnβt feel this way in the first book. It was all just a little βmehβ.
A shame because while the relationships were the main focus (and thatβs fine), I wanted a little more.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
I just finished reading π§πππ¦ ππ¨π₯π¦ππ πππππ§ π―π ππΊπΆπΉπ π§π΅πΆπ²π±π², and I have to say, it's a fantastic sequel to THIS VICIOUS GRACE. Six months after their harrowing battle, Alessa and Dante's love is tested again as they face new challenges and darker forces. The stakes are even higher now with Dante's powers gone and a lethal kiss from Alessa looming over them. Thiede masterfully blends YA, new adult, fantasy, and romance, creating a gripping narrative that keeps you hooked. The journey to find the exiled ghiotte and form a powerful alliance is thrilling, with the mysterious city adding layers of danger and intrigue. The character development is spot on, and the dialogue is sharp and engaging. The buildup to the final battle is intense, making it impossible to put the book down. I highly recommend reading THIS VICIOUS GRACE first to fully appreciate the depth of the story and its characters. Overall, π§πππ¦ ππ¨π₯π¦ππ πππππ§ is a great read that perfectly concludes this duology.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this Vicious Grace and was excited for more, but this follow-up left me disappointed and , frankly, frustrated.
The book dragged a little at first, which isn't in and of itself a problem. But the end of the book felt rushed, making for a pacing whiplash.
The characters (Dante/Alessa) also felt less developed than in the first book, as though they had regressed and were stuck in a needless miscommunication trope. The side characters also played a much less important role, which I found disappointing, as they helped to make the first book so compelling.
Overall, it was fine; an entertaining read. But the conclusion felt ill-planned and left several plot holes, particularly as the solution not only rendered the preceding journey irrelevant but didn't make much logical sense to begin with. I am genuinely surprised this was the same author as This Vicious Grace.
I was left with too many questions. Why would Alessa's death somehow represent humanity being fundamentally good? Dante didnt accept her death and found a way to bring her back; would that not nullify the deal made with Crollo and Dea? Why did the author choose to make Crollo possessing Ciro such a twist when Ciro was barely mentioned in the whole second half of the book? Why did Dea need to "lock away" Dante's powers, what purpose did that serve? Why did Crollo leave before Alessa was dead? You're telling me hes been waiting centuries for this and then he doesnt even... stick around to see it through? With the deal complete but no next Finestra on the horizon, did Alessa retain her powerful/problematic Finestra powers? Why have Dante amass an army when Dea already knew it would ultimately be of no use to resolving the true final battle? Etc etc
The book dragged a little at first, which isn't in and of itself a problem. But the end of the book felt rushed, making for a pacing whiplash.
The characters (Dante/Alessa) also felt less developed than in the first book, as though they had regressed and were stuck in a needless miscommunication trope. The side characters also played a much less important role, which I found disappointing, as they helped to make the first book so compelling.
Overall, it was fine; an entertaining read. But the conclusion felt ill-planned and left several plot holes, particularly as the solution not only rendered the preceding journey irrelevant but didn't make much logical sense to begin with. I am genuinely surprised this was the same author as This Vicious Grace.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was good until the end. For most of the book, I was satisfied and a bit relieved. Mainly because Dante was more of his own character versus a supporting role like he was in the first book. I wish the other characters had more purpose other than supporting Alessa. The storyline was interesting and I was very curious to see where it was going. I kept questioning where the author was taking it but I believed the end would tie up all the loose pieces and everything would finally make sense. Unfortunately, I didn't get the closure I was waiting for. The ending made sense but it also made the entire book seem pointless at the same time. I had a lot of questions left when I finished the book. Why have them searching for the ghiotte and building an army that was never supposed to fight only for it to really serve no true purpose? Why does sacrificing Alessa's life benefit the majority of the people and why did Dante need to lose his powers? Why did Alessa's touch destroy the fountain? I don't understand how Alessa's sacrifice teaches anyone a lesson as Crollo and Dea said it should, especially when no one would ever know the truth and Alessa lives anyway. Dante and Alessa kept secrets from each other for most of the book but when they were finally revealed it was very anticlimactic. The grand finale I was waiting for was quite underwhelming.
