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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I generally enjoyed both this and the first book in the series, but my biggest grievance is that the pacing feels quite off. It fluctuates between going really slowly through scenes and information that doesn't really matter to the overall story, while simultaneously hardly talking at all about information that directly impacts the plot.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I hate caveating reviews with “even though this was a self-pub” but it’s true! The editing is fantastic, even the quality of the printing of my paperback copy was so nice! Earnest really has built a cool world, and is not writing by tropes but vibes, which is my favorite! We get more history into the world and some great hovercraft drama, and of course Kase and Hallie are always into some sort of trouble! I love that I can recommend this series to anyone who wants a good adventure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Torture
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
Wow, this book was even better than the first one! I literally could not put it down and ended up finishing it in two days. I'm trying to figure out how to express how much I enjoyed Realms of Wrath and Ruin but I'm having a hard time. Especially since I also don't want to give any spoilers. I will say I thought the events that transpired were a bit more exciting and left me on the edge of my seat. We also finally got a kiss between Kase and Hallie (I nearly squealed in happiness) and I cannot wait to see how their romance progresses.
I cannot wait for book 3 to come out (whenever that may be) so I can find out what happens next.
I cannot wait for book 3 to come out (whenever that may be) so I can find out what happens next.
The amount of pages in this book is supposedly 440, but I feel like I flew through it! Alli Earnest has a way of writing that is smooth and not overwrought, compelling you to keep reading.
The beginning opens with the characters - mainly Kase and Hallie - recovering from the events at the end of book 1, Cities of Smoke and Starlight. While this focus on their trauma, possible healing, and inner turmoil does slow the pacing of the story, I found it absolutely necessary. So often, when characters go through hard times, the reader doesn't get to stick around through the inevitable PTSD or guilt or fear that happens afterwards. I think taking the time to show us how Kase and Hallie were individually faring allowed us to truly see deeper into their lives and connect better with them.
Mainly because of this, my opinion of Kase rose. I struggled with him during the first book, but I feel like I got the depth I needed to appreciate him in this continuation of the story. His family history makes me all kinds of mad and sad.
The romance also goes up a notch and certain people stop pretending they don't like each other. ;) There's a super cute scene where maybe it's cold and maybe people need to warm up so maybe they cuddle?!? Guess you'll have to read it and find out.
Additionally, Jove's chapters were helpful to know what was going on in Kyvena (especially politics-wise) while the rest of our crew was hopping around town and the planet. Also, his chapters and Clara's broke my heart in such an unexpected way! Props to Earnest for including such an intimate focus on these side characters.
Past the character development, there was also an increase in focus on politics. It was great to get a better understanding of Cerulene, Jayde, and Yalvara. Near the end, though, some of these politics are thrown on their head - I'm interested to see what happens. Are people not who we're told they are? Which side should we be on? There's some sneakiness happening, and I love the intrigue!
My main issue at this point is that I still don't understand what the Essences are. I'm not sure if I missed the explanation somewhere, or if it purposely hasn't been fully explained yet. There was a chapter near the end when we get a brief overview of how many there are, how they are passed down, etc. But I'm just still uncertain why they're needed or what they should be used for! Anyway, hopefully book 3 brings clarity on that!
While Realms of Wrath and Ruin takes a step back from the adventure of Cities of Smoke and Starlight, it does set up the next installments well! It's a needed slow-down, and the character development and growth is essential!
I am so invested in this story and can't wait for the third book!
**romance notes: brief kisses (mild description), sharing a space for warmth while clothed.
**content notes: mentions and descriptions of physical abuse. torture/inflicted pain. violence & death. i would say these are mildly described and more focus is on the thoughts/feelings in the characters' heads than describing the actions themselves.
Thank you to the author, Alli Earnest, the free, advanced copy of this book so that I might write an honest review! (though for the record y'all, I would have bought it anyway ;) )
The beginning opens with the characters - mainly Kase and Hallie - recovering from the events at the end of book 1, Cities of Smoke and Starlight. While this focus on their trauma, possible healing, and inner turmoil does slow the pacing of the story, I found it absolutely necessary. So often, when characters go through hard times, the reader doesn't get to stick around through the inevitable PTSD or guilt or fear that happens afterwards. I think taking the time to show us how Kase and Hallie were individually faring allowed us to truly see deeper into their lives and connect better with them.
Mainly because of this, my opinion of Kase rose. I struggled with him during the first book, but I feel like I got the depth I needed to appreciate him in this continuation of the story. His family history makes me all kinds of mad and sad.
The romance also goes up a notch and certain people stop pretending they don't like each other. ;) There's a super cute scene where maybe it's cold and maybe people need to warm up so maybe they cuddle?!? Guess you'll have to read it and find out.
Additionally, Jove's chapters were helpful to know what was going on in Kyvena (especially politics-wise) while the rest of our crew was hopping around town and the planet. Also, his chapters and Clara's broke my heart in such an unexpected way! Props to Earnest for including such an intimate focus on these side characters.
Past the character development, there was also an increase in focus on politics. It was great to get a better understanding of Cerulene, Jayde, and Yalvara. Near the end, though, some of these politics are thrown on their head - I'm interested to see what happens. Are people not who we're told they are? Which side should we be on? There's some sneakiness happening, and I love the intrigue!
My main issue at this point is that I still don't understand what the Essences are. I'm not sure if I missed the explanation somewhere, or if it purposely hasn't been fully explained yet. There was a chapter near the end when we get a brief overview of how many there are, how they are passed down, etc. But I'm just still uncertain why they're needed or what they should be used for! Anyway, hopefully book 3 brings clarity on that!
While Realms of Wrath and Ruin takes a step back from the adventure of Cities of Smoke and Starlight, it does set up the next installments well! It's a needed slow-down, and the character development and growth is essential!
I am so invested in this story and can't wait for the third book!
**romance notes: brief kisses (mild description), sharing a space for warmth while clothed.
**content notes: mentions and descriptions of physical abuse. torture/inflicted pain. violence & death. i would say these are mildly described and more focus is on the thoughts/feelings in the characters' heads than describing the actions themselves.
Thank you to the author, Alli Earnest, the free, advanced copy of this book so that I might write an honest review! (though for the record y'all, I would have bought it anyway ;) )
Too much angst and trauma leading to lack of communication. The majority of the book is Hallie and Kase not talking to each other. Just so frustrating to read. And do they love each other or is it a trauma bond?
The Essences are incredibly confusing, but somehow are bringing on Armageddon. And somehow 3 to 4 of the 6(?) Essences live in a country that has no knowledge of them. All of the action is packed in the last 60 pages, but it was drag to get there. Nope. Tapping out.
The Essences are incredibly confusing, but somehow are bringing on Armageddon. And somehow 3 to 4 of the 6(?) Essences live in a country that has no knowledge of them. All of the action is packed in the last 60 pages, but it was drag to get there. Nope. Tapping out.
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes