Scan barcode
shadowlee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
5.0
yuzuhiro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.25
stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Minor spoilers for the first book, but nothing big.
I wouldn’t say this book suffers from second book curse, but rather falls under the category ’’It’s not you, it’s me’’.
This sequel will surely take some hesitant readers by surprise, make hardcore fans even more dedicated
and leave others, like me, disappointed.
Where Daughter of smoke and bone was captivating and unlike any other fantasy book, Days of blood and starlight wasn't as entertaining or intriguingl, and left a lot to be desired.
The first book told a beautiful tale of mystery, magic and forbidden love, without crossing the line and making it cheesy or confusing. Sometimes I caught glimpses of this magic in Days of blood and starlight. Sadly they didn't last long, and the novel returned to have the feeling that there was something missing.
Most of my issues with the book purely have to do with my personal preferences. For an example; slow pacing doesn't bother me, as long as it keeps me interested and has some variety once in a while. It bothered me here, and it felt like it didn't add anything to the story.
One of Daughter of smoke and bone's best attributes include how the author mixed the real with the surreal into an effortless and balanced blend, making both of the worlds fascinating for different reasons.
A European setting is something way too rare in this genre and age group, and I loved every second spent in Prague. Same goes for the magical world, which had a slightly hazy and dreamy feel to it.
This sequel is nearly exclusively set in Eretz, a world at war where the struggle for power is constant. Brutal tricks are played, blood is spilled.
Reading about war and conflict is interesting in small doses, and if it's well done. Here the author does a good job at portraying the hatred and revenge boiling between the two sides. However, it completely took over the story, and this ended up feeling more like a filler-book to me; a chance to show the background of it all, but failing in developing the story further.
There was also a bit of an info-dump in the beginning, with all the new locations, characters and other supernatural things.
And there I was, longing back to the cobblestoned streets of Prague where things were so much less complicated.
It's silly, I must admit. Like a kid who doesn't want to grow up, stubbornly holding onto to their kindergarten years without realizing that they'll be gone before they know it.
I'm all for change, but was this really one for the better?
Is it possible to feel nostalgic over a book when you have the continuation in your hands? I say it is. *glares at [b:Insurgent|11735983|Insurgent (Divergent, #2)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1325667729s/11735983.jpg|15524542] and [b:Allegiant|18710190|Allegiant (Divergent, #3)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395582745s/18710190.jpg|15524549]*
Karou, oh dear Karou. I don’t know what I think of her. She is such a composed and resourceful heroine. Normally that would make her a favorite of mine, but she feels so cold and distant. The lovely writing keeps her from sounding robotic, and yet her character is just at the edge sometimes. We rarely ever see her perfect facade crack, and it creates a distance between the reader and the character. She is too smart, too flawless, too surreal.
The big question asked in the synopsis for the first book is, ''Who is she?''
Two books have passed, and I’m still not sure.
Several new characters are introduced in this book, and they were fairly interesting, although Ziri was the only one I grew attached to.
I wonder if I am immune to pretty angel boys, because Akiva hasn't managed to charm me yet. Just like with Karou, I find it hard to connect with him. He is a warmer character than Karou, but still feels out of reach.
I feel like I’m giving this book less credit than it deserves, so here’s the praise: It is enjoyable, and this series definitely stands out to me. If you haven't read the first installment, go do so immediately.
The last 100 pages of this are of better quality than the other 400, and made me feel as if I had missed out on something truly special. Was this really the sequel to my beloved gem, the one that made my love for fantasy and spectacular prose grow even more?
Nonetheless, miss Taylor’s writing remains one of the most beautiful ones I’ve had the chance to read, and she is master at storytelling. I hope the final installment will have more to offer, and am looking forward to reading it.
Final verdict:
One of my most anticipated reads of this year turned out to be a big disappointment that feels weak compared to the fantastic whirlwind of a book that was Daughter of smoke and bone. Despite its flaws, this is a good story. It just wasn't what I wished for.
Minor spoilers for the first book, but nothing big.
I wouldn’t say this book suffers from second book curse, but rather falls under the category ’’It’s not you, it’s me’’.
This sequel will surely take some hesitant readers by surprise, make hardcore fans even more dedicated
and leave others, like me, disappointed.
Where Daughter of smoke and bone was captivating and unlike any other fantasy book, Days of blood and starlight wasn't as entertaining or intriguingl, and left a lot to be desired.
The first book told a beautiful tale of mystery, magic and forbidden love, without crossing the line and making it cheesy or confusing. Sometimes I caught glimpses of this magic in Days of blood and starlight. Sadly they didn't last long, and the novel returned to have the feeling that there was something missing.
Most of my issues with the book purely have to do with my personal preferences. For an example; slow pacing doesn't bother me, as long as it keeps me interested and has some variety once in a while. It bothered me here, and it felt like it didn't add anything to the story.
One of Daughter of smoke and bone's best attributes include how the author mixed the real with the surreal into an effortless and balanced blend, making both of the worlds fascinating for different reasons.
A European setting is something way too rare in this genre and age group, and I loved every second spent in Prague. Same goes for the magical world, which had a slightly hazy and dreamy feel to it.
This sequel is nearly exclusively set in Eretz, a world at war where the struggle for power is constant. Brutal tricks are played, blood is spilled.
Reading about war and conflict is interesting in small doses, and if it's well done. Here the author does a good job at portraying the hatred and revenge boiling between the two sides. However, it completely took over the story, and this ended up feeling more like a filler-book to me; a chance to show the background of it all, but failing in developing the story further.
There was also a bit of an info-dump in the beginning, with all the new locations, characters and other supernatural things.
And there I was, longing back to the cobblestoned streets of Prague where things were so much less complicated.
It's silly, I must admit. Like a kid who doesn't want to grow up, stubbornly holding onto to their kindergarten years without realizing that they'll be gone before they know it.
I'm all for change, but was this really one for the better?
Is it possible to feel nostalgic over a book when you have the continuation in your hands? I say it is. *glares at [b:Insurgent|11735983|Insurgent (Divergent, #2)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1325667729s/11735983.jpg|15524542] and [b:Allegiant|18710190|Allegiant (Divergent, #3)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395582745s/18710190.jpg|15524549]*
Karou, oh dear Karou. I don’t know what I think of her. She is such a composed and resourceful heroine. Normally that would make her a favorite of mine, but she feels so cold and distant. The lovely writing keeps her from sounding robotic, and yet her character is just at the edge sometimes. We rarely ever see her perfect facade crack, and it creates a distance between the reader and the character. She is too smart, too flawless, too surreal.
The big question asked in the synopsis for the first book is, ''Who is she?''
Two books have passed, and I’m still not sure.
Several new characters are introduced in this book, and they were fairly interesting, although Ziri was the only one I grew attached to.
I wonder if I am immune to pretty angel boys, because Akiva hasn't managed to charm me yet. Just like with Karou, I find it hard to connect with him. He is a warmer character than Karou, but still feels out of reach.
I feel like I’m giving this book less credit than it deserves, so here’s the praise: It is enjoyable, and this series definitely stands out to me. If you haven't read the first installment, go do so immediately.
The last 100 pages of this are of better quality than the other 400, and made me feel as if I had missed out on something truly special. Was this really the sequel to my beloved gem, the one that made my love for fantasy and spectacular prose grow even more?
Nonetheless, miss Taylor’s writing remains one of the most beautiful ones I’ve had the chance to read, and she is master at storytelling. I hope the final installment will have more to offer, and am looking forward to reading it.
Final verdict:
One of my most anticipated reads of this year turned out to be a big disappointment that feels weak compared to the fantastic whirlwind of a book that was Daughter of smoke and bone. Despite its flaws, this is a good story. It just wasn't what I wished for.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to the first, this ramped up slowly. I’ve continued to enjoy the world of angels and demons created here. The main romance is really well drawn and unlike so many crossed lovers, I understand why they aren’t just confessing their love.
suzyvee91's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
jordongmc's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I had my issues with it. This one on the other hand was much much better in my opinion. It felt more grown up.
I cannot wait to read the final book in this series.
I cannot wait to read the final book in this series.
rebelliousflare's review against another edition
2.0
God this installment was all over the place. Laini Taylor can write, so why the fuck did she keep bouncing from flashbacks to present IN THE SAME CHAPTER????? I don't have much to add- I'll think on it and write more later- but holy fuck this was a mess. I don't care for Akiva like I did book 1 and I miss Kaoru's spunk/ stubbornness. She felt... whiny and dumb. Ziri has my entire heart though for sure
rachachisaur's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Zuzana and Mik are my favorite couple. They were so critical in adding some levity to an otherwise incredibly heavy book.
While most YA books tend to steer away from the absolute dreary awefulness of war in day to day life, this book really embraces the reality of having no good choices. I do wish Karou had kept the fire and strength that gave her life in the first book, as it would have carried through some of the slower parts a little better.
A lot of people dislike the distance between Akiva and Karou in this one, but I think it was really necessary in taking this story where it’s going.
Once again I absolutely love the author’s sentence-level work and voice, as well as the settings of the book.
While most YA books tend to steer away from the absolute dreary awefulness of war in day to day life, this book really embraces the reality of having no good choices. I do wish Karou had kept the fire and strength that gave her life in the first book, as it would have carried through some of the slower parts a little better.
A lot of people dislike the distance between Akiva and Karou in this one, but I think it was really necessary in taking this story where it’s going.
Once again I absolutely love the author’s sentence-level work and voice, as well as the settings of the book.