Scan barcode
eclairedelune's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3rats's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
mauraplaid's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
jennifox's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
msbookworld's review
5.0
I greatly enjoyed reading the continuation of the Aven cycle. The story picks up shortly where book one left off and it was a pleasure to "reunite" with all my favorite characters. While I missed the interactions between Sempronius and Latona, I liked the unlikely friendship that developed between Vibia and Latona. Those two characters are so different in personality yet, united by a single purpose, grow to appreciate one another.
In the second book, we also become better acquainted with the youngest of the Vitelli sisters, Alhena. I'm glad that her character was fleshed out more as I felt in the last book that she sometimes came across as one dimensional playing the role of the baby sister everybody needed to protect. Seeing her budding friendship with Tilla develop into something more was unexpected, but I'm curious to see what the outcome for the two of them will be.
Book two definitely had a darker tone than book one with the Discordian sect becoming more prominent and causing difficulties for Latona and her circle. We also begin to discover how widespread their influence is. Latona definitely places her trust, albeit briefly, in the wrong person and it comes back to haunt her. I have to say that I'm interested to see how Vibia and the others tackle the situation that arises at the very end of the book and what Sempronius will do once he finds out about it.
I'm a sucker for happy endings so while I enjoyed the events of this book, the darker tone of this book has me concerned. I really hope that Cass Morris doesn't follow in the footsteps of George RR Martin and kill/permanently injury my favorite characters. Regardless of how the author chooses to end the Aven cylcle, I'm looking forward to reading the continuation/conclusion (?) of this reimagining of Ancient Rome when it is released
In the second book, we also become better acquainted with the youngest of the Vitelli sisters, Alhena. I'm glad that her character was fleshed out more as I felt in the last book that she sometimes came across as one dimensional playing the role of the baby sister everybody needed to protect. Seeing her budding friendship with Tilla develop into something more was unexpected, but I'm curious to see what the outcome for the two of them will be.
Book two definitely had a darker tone than book one with the Discordian sect becoming more prominent and causing difficulties for Latona and her circle. We also begin to discover how widespread their influence is. Latona definitely places her trust, albeit briefly, in the wrong person and it comes back to haunt her. I have to say that I'm interested to see how Vibia and the others tackle the situation that arises at the very end of the book and what Sempronius will do once he finds out about it.
I'm a sucker for happy endings so while I enjoyed the events of this book, the darker tone of this book has me concerned. I really hope that Cass Morris doesn't follow in the footsteps of George RR Martin and kill/permanently injury my favorite characters. Regardless of how the author chooses to end the Aven cylcle, I'm looking forward to reading the continuation/conclusion (?) of this reimagining of Ancient Rome when it is released
kestrellady's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nilatti's review
5.0
I liked the first book in the series, but I LOVED this one. The writing is gorgeous--Morris' voice seems clearer than in From Unseen Fire--and the world building is solid without being obtrusive. Lots of great character development, cool twists, and so many awesome women.
shahrizai_lord's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mauraplaid's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Give Way to Night picks up the pace after the slower buildup of From Unseen Fire. Circumstances have become more dire in both Iberia and Aven as dark magics threaten our protagonists. My favorite part was the opportunity to spend more time with characters like Alhena and Vibia Sempronia, who played much smaller roles in the first book.
While the Aven Cycle is historical fantasy rather than fiction, Morris has clearly done her research. Her Aven effortlessly incorporates details of Ancient Roman culture without distracting the reader.
The Aven Cycle offers rich fantasy that takes its time. These books should be enjoyed slowly, not binge read. Otherwise you might miss the detailed worldbuilding and Morris’s lush prose.
I eagerly anticipate the next journey back to Aven!
More...