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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
4.5 stars....there are so many things I don't even know where to start and how I'm going to wait another year for the next book.
Review to come.
Review to come.
I was sure this book was going to be better then the first but pages of captivity were boring and tedious and now we're going to get more of that in the third book? I hate Gavril and will not excuse his actions which I think are going to happen. I love the prince to pieces. He better end up with Moira. Better.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Love it! So much happened! I liked it better than the first one- so much of Sea of Shadows was spent in the Wastes. Right as one twin got out, the narrative doubled back to the other one. Kind of annoying.
But this one was much more interesting. So many twists and turns! Can't wait for the next one.
But this one was much more interesting. So many twists and turns! Can't wait for the next one.
The character development in this book was great. I was drawn to Moria's chapters, which I found particularly intriguing . Her journey and struggles added depth to the story, making her perspective stand out.
As for the romance, I'm rooting for Moria and Tyrus to be an endgame couple. Their chemistry is undeniable, but I can't shake the feeling that they aren't going to lasy. I'm eager to see how their relationship unfolds in the next book.
The world-building continues to impress, and the exploration of this dark world, with its horrifying creatures, was a thrilling experience. A warning though that some descriptions can be quite gruesome.
The plot sometimes felt disjointed, lacking a clear direction to tie everything together. Events occurred, but for some reason there didn't seem to be a link between things.
Overall, "Empire of Night" remains an engrossing read, with captivating character arcs, a tantalizing romance, and a chillingly imaginative world. Though the plot might have faltered at times, the novel still delivers an adventure, and after that cliffhanger ending I'm glad I have the third book to hand already!
Spoiler
especially during her capture by the Kitsune'sAs for the romance, I'm rooting for Moria and Tyrus to be an endgame couple. Their chemistry is undeniable, but I can't shake the feeling that they aren't going to lasy. I'm eager to see how their relationship unfolds in the next book.
The world-building continues to impress, and the exploration of this dark world, with its horrifying creatures, was a thrilling experience. A warning though that some descriptions can be quite gruesome.
The plot sometimes felt disjointed, lacking a clear direction to tie everything together. Events occurred, but for some reason there didn't seem to be a link between things.
Overall, "Empire of Night" remains an engrossing read, with captivating character arcs, a tantalizing romance, and a chillingly imaginative world. Though the plot might have faltered at times, the novel still delivers an adventure, and after that cliffhanger ending I'm glad I have the third book to hand already!
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:
Yes
This book was, overall, an improvement over the first one. The writing was better, and some of the confusing aspects of the previous novel were explained. I got a much better understanding of Moria's powers, although Ashyn's still seem pretty ineffective. The world-building continued to suffer from a lack of clarity and refinement, but the villain was a suitably shitty scumbag, so that's good. The plot picks up right where we left off, and proceeds in much the same way as it did in the first book. The sisters set out to get shit done. There's a massacred village destroyed by shadow-stalkers. The sisters get separated and travel around with a love interest. There's a last minute reveal about Gavril. This time around, though, the stakes are more interesting and I care more about the characters (well, Moria and Tyrus at least).
Although it's told from both sisters' perspectives, Empire of Night is unquestionably Moria's book. Everything in the story that actually mattered revolved around her struggles and triumphs, not Ashyn's. I was sorely disappointed with how underutilized Ashyn was. I get the feeling that the author knows how to write kickass spitfires, but no idea how to utilize more introspective characters. Moria is repeatedly allowed to demonstrate her talents and strengths, but Ashyn's "talents" are almost always mentioned rather than shown. She's said to be book smart, but doesn't get to use her knowledge to her advantage. She's said to be a skilled tactician, but she reacts emotionally and jumps into things without thinking. It's so disappointing, because I preferred Ashyn in Sea of Shadows and really wanted to see her shine.
The romance in this book was...odd. I think the author was attempting to show that real-world love can often subvert your expectations: Moria, who only ever wanted sexytimes devoid of emotional connection, finds that she is capable of caring about someone deeply. Ashyn, who dreamed of storybook romance, discovers that love is complicated and often transient. Unfortunately, only Moria's romantic subplot is handled well. Now that Gavril is a "traitor" (maybe), Moria is paired with the bastard imperial prince, Tyrus, and I prefer their relationship in pretty much every conceivable way. Whereas Gavril teased and belittled her, Tyrus supports and encourages her. He's a skilled military leader, and he knows how to bring out the best in those who are under his command, including Moria. He's got a sense of humor and a genuine desire to help people, and he actually listens to Moria's suggestions and tells her to cool it when she flies off the handle. I may be alone in my preference for Tyrus; I know a lot of the fandom likes Gavril better and wants him to end up with Moria, but I can't see the appeal. Everyone in the narrative keeps talking about how Moria and Gavril belong together but...why? Because they both like fighting? Lots of people like fighting. They have no chemistry. Tyrus 5ever.
On to Ronan and Ashyn. What a disappointment. At the beginning of the book Ronan randomly decides that he "can't be with her" because he's casteless, and the untouchables aren't supposed to even TALK to regular folks, let alone woo them. Not that his status stopped him from kissing her in the first book. What's worse, he's doesn't TELL her why he's suddenly withdrawn his attentions until almost the end, so she spends the majority of the narrative making all the wrong assumptions. Now, I don't know about you, but watching two people give each other the cold shoulder for hundreds of pages is NOT my idea of a good time. And like, what reason did the author have for keeping them apart? It served no purpose. It would've been much more interesting if Ronan had been honest with her about his casteless status from the beginning, so that the two of them could spend their time furthering their relationship and finding a solution rather than avoiding each other for 300+ pages. The most frustrating part of Ashyn's character is that she never seems willing to fight for what she wants, and this really shows in her interactions with Ronan. If she had TRIED to pursue him, even a little, I think they could've worked something out, especially since it's made clear that Seekers and Keepers are superspecialsnowflakes who are allowed to take any lovers they want, whether they be rogues or merchants, artisans or princes. Ugh, I just wanted to see them interact. Learn from each other. Snog in the back room. Sigh.
One final character to mention. Guin was new to this book, and I found her fascinating. Basically, she's a long-dead spirit who comes to inhabit the soulless body of a young woman. Because she's spent so long wandering the earth in incorporeal form, she's largely forgotten what it means to be human, and watching her try to figure it out is quite compelling. When we finally learn her backstory, it's incredibly tragic, and makes me SUPER glad I don't live in a time and place where women are treated like chattel. Unfortunately, she is killed about 2/3 of the way through the book, which makes me question why she was introduced in the first place. Maybe, since she's a spirit, she'll come back in the final installment. I hope so.
So...final rating. If Sea of Shadows was 3 stars, then Empire of Night is 3.5. Not fantastic, but still exciting, and definitely an improvement.
Although it's told from both sisters' perspectives, Empire of Night is unquestionably Moria's book. Everything in the story that actually mattered revolved around her struggles and triumphs, not Ashyn's. I was sorely disappointed with how underutilized Ashyn was. I get the feeling that the author knows how to write kickass spitfires, but no idea how to utilize more introspective characters. Moria is repeatedly allowed to demonstrate her talents and strengths, but Ashyn's "talents" are almost always mentioned rather than shown. She's said to be book smart, but doesn't get to use her knowledge to her advantage. She's said to be a skilled tactician, but she reacts emotionally and jumps into things without thinking. It's so disappointing, because I preferred Ashyn in Sea of Shadows and really wanted to see her shine.
The romance in this book was...odd. I think the author was attempting to show that real-world love can often subvert your expectations: Moria, who only ever wanted sexytimes devoid of emotional connection, finds that she is capable of caring about someone deeply. Ashyn, who dreamed of storybook romance, discovers that love is complicated and often transient. Unfortunately, only Moria's romantic subplot is handled well. Now that Gavril is a "traitor" (maybe), Moria is paired with the bastard imperial prince, Tyrus, and I prefer their relationship in pretty much every conceivable way. Whereas Gavril teased and belittled her, Tyrus supports and encourages her. He's a skilled military leader, and he knows how to bring out the best in those who are under his command, including Moria. He's got a sense of humor and a genuine desire to help people, and he actually listens to Moria's suggestions and tells her to cool it when she flies off the handle. I may be alone in my preference for Tyrus; I know a lot of the fandom likes Gavril better and wants him to end up with Moria, but I can't see the appeal. Everyone in the narrative keeps talking about how Moria and Gavril belong together but...why? Because they both like fighting? Lots of people like fighting. They have no chemistry. Tyrus 5ever.
On to Ronan and Ashyn. What a disappointment. At the beginning of the book Ronan randomly decides that he "can't be with her" because he's casteless, and the untouchables aren't supposed to even TALK to regular folks, let alone woo them. Not that his status stopped him from kissing her in the first book. What's worse, he's doesn't TELL her why he's suddenly withdrawn his attentions until almost the end, so she spends the majority of the narrative making all the wrong assumptions. Now, I don't know about you, but watching two people give each other the cold shoulder for hundreds of pages is NOT my idea of a good time. And like, what reason did the author have for keeping them apart? It served no purpose. It would've been much more interesting if Ronan had been honest with her about his casteless status from the beginning, so that the two of them could spend their time furthering their relationship and finding a solution rather than avoiding each other for 300+ pages. The most frustrating part of Ashyn's character is that she never seems willing to fight for what she wants, and this really shows in her interactions with Ronan. If she had TRIED to pursue him, even a little, I think they could've worked something out, especially since it's made clear that Seekers and Keepers are superspecialsnowflakes who are allowed to take any lovers they want, whether they be rogues or merchants, artisans or princes. Ugh, I just wanted to see them interact. Learn from each other. Snog in the back room. Sigh.
One final character to mention. Guin was new to this book, and I found her fascinating. Basically, she's a long-dead spirit who comes to inhabit the soulless body of a young woman. Because she's spent so long wandering the earth in incorporeal form, she's largely forgotten what it means to be human, and watching her try to figure it out is quite compelling. When we finally learn her backstory, it's incredibly tragic, and makes me SUPER glad I don't live in a time and place where women are treated like chattel. Unfortunately, she is killed about 2/3 of the way through the book, which makes me question why she was introduced in the first place. Maybe, since she's a spirit, she'll come back in the final installment. I hope so.
So...final rating. If Sea of Shadows was 3 stars, then Empire of Night is 3.5. Not fantastic, but still exciting, and definitely an improvement.
Loved this book... L love that Ashyn is meant to be with Ronan.. I enjoy the triangle between Moira, Gravil, and Tyrus...i love both of these men for her.. they bring stuff out in her!! AHHHHHHHHH OBSESSED!
Perhaps I shouldn't have waited to so long to read the last 5 chapters, because now I can't adequately summarize what amazing things happened this book! Of course, there is kick-assery and mythical demons, which is what my bookworm life runs on.
Ashyn and Moria are frustrated. After relating all the events that happened in Edgewood and Fairview, they are now sitting at the imperial palace day after day, waiting for Emperor Tatsu to give the okay for a rescue mission for the remainder of their village. Moria, naturally unable to sit still, finds a companion in the imperial bastard prince Tyrus. Ashyn is also restless from this inactivity, which is exacerbated by the fact that Ronan refuses to see her.
When finally Moria and Ashyn are able to leave the capital to negotiate peace terms at Fairview, they are confronted with a horrifying sight. Fairview has become a ghost town, riddled with dead bodies, with no sign of Alvar Kitsune's men or any resident of Fairview or Edgewood. Once again, the girls must go on a journey to find the children. But where the children are, Alvar Kitsune is. And where Alvar Kitsune is, Gavril will presumably be present as well. When the twins are betrayed once again, a dreadful rumor surfaces in the kingdom and the girls and Prince Tyrus must travel as fugitives from the kingdom to continue their journey and clear their names.
I'm still hooked. This series is amazing. I wasn't expecting Moria to find Tyrus as a potential love interest again, and I'm honestly not sure how this is going to last. Is this going to last Vampire Academy style, when Rose dates Adrian to try to get over Dimitri (but then eventually gets back together with Dimitri again)? Or is this going to be Throne of Glass style when Celaena falls in love with Chaol (after a flirtation with Dorian, who is the first person she is interested in after the brutal murder of Sam), but then leaves him for her (apparently) Fae mate Rowan? The only reason I'm contemplating this relationship, is because of Throne of Glass. Because after the first book, even though the main character has split from the love interest, the general formula for these things end with the main character getting back together with that first love. Throne of Glass changed that, because the first real love you meet in the first book is Chaol. But Celaena doesn't stay with Chaol, she takes up the name Aelin again and finds her true love Rowan.
That digressed a lot...but I hope my argument is acceptable. Something I wish this book did a little better would be giving more insight into Alvar Kitsune's character. We get the general sense he's a bad guy, and we hear a rumor that Emperor Tatsu actually framed Alvar Kitsune (for the crime that got him exiled to the Edgewood), but we don't really get a sense of the evil guy himself. He doesn't have a lot of dialogue, which is a given since Moria is essentially a prisoner and is being paraded around like a trophy by Alvar, but we don't see the man himself doing things. We see his soldiers being idiotic, his mercenaries spreading rumors, and his son being duplicitous. Alvar's defeat would be much more sound and satisfying if Armstrong makes him show himself in the next book.
Ashyn and Moria are frustrated. After relating all the events that happened in Edgewood and Fairview, they are now sitting at the imperial palace day after day, waiting for Emperor Tatsu to give the okay for a rescue mission for the remainder of their village. Moria, naturally unable to sit still, finds a companion in the imperial bastard prince Tyrus. Ashyn is also restless from this inactivity, which is exacerbated by the fact that Ronan refuses to see her.
When finally Moria and Ashyn are able to leave the capital to negotiate peace terms at Fairview, they are confronted with a horrifying sight. Fairview has become a ghost town, riddled with dead bodies, with no sign of Alvar Kitsune's men or any resident of Fairview or Edgewood. Once again, the girls must go on a journey to find the children. But where the children are, Alvar Kitsune is. And where Alvar Kitsune is, Gavril will presumably be present as well. When the twins are betrayed once again, a dreadful rumor surfaces in the kingdom and the girls and Prince Tyrus must travel as fugitives from the kingdom to continue their journey and clear their names.
I'm still hooked. This series is amazing. I wasn't expecting Moria to find Tyrus as a potential love interest again, and I'm honestly not sure how this is going to last. Is this going to last Vampire Academy style, when Rose dates Adrian to try to get over Dimitri (but then eventually gets back together with Dimitri again)? Or is this going to be Throne of Glass style when Celaena falls in love with Chaol (after a flirtation with Dorian, who is the first person she is interested in after the brutal murder of Sam), but then leaves him for her (apparently) Fae mate Rowan? The only reason I'm contemplating this relationship, is because of Throne of Glass. Because after the first book, even though the main character has split from the love interest, the general formula for these things end with the main character getting back together with that first love. Throne of Glass changed that, because the first real love you meet in the first book is Chaol. But Celaena doesn't stay with Chaol, she takes up the name Aelin again and finds her true love Rowan.
That digressed a lot...but I hope my argument is acceptable. Something I wish this book did a little better would be giving more insight into Alvar Kitsune's character. We get the general sense he's a bad guy, and we hear a rumor that Emperor Tatsu actually framed Alvar Kitsune (for the crime that got him exiled to the Edgewood), but we don't really get a sense of the evil guy himself. He doesn't have a lot of dialogue, which is a given since Moria is essentially a prisoner and is being paraded around like a trophy by Alvar, but we don't see the man himself doing things. We see his soldiers being idiotic, his mercenaries spreading rumors, and his son being duplicitous. Alvar's defeat would be much more sound and satisfying if Armstrong makes him show himself in the next book.
adventurous