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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I enjoyed the first book enough to pick up the second, but for some reason, I just couldn't connect with it this time. I tried for two weeks, but every time I started reading, I found myself putting it down almost immediately.
challenging
emotional
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
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 - I enjoyed the overall story. Decent pace in this one and lots of action and a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed this sequel more than Wings of Ebony because it felt a lot more magical and rooted in fantasy.
I gave a lower rating because there were a couple of things I felt kept taking me out of the story.
1. It may have been the narrator but Rue’s dialogue felt unnatural and old school at times. Definitely inappropriate at times because in certain situations/people, there’s a natural instinct to code switch and Rue never did.
2. I may die on this hill alone, but every story doesn’t need a romance subplot especially a love triangle. I think this is a story that definitely could have stood on its own without it taking up so much page time. It drove me absolutely nuts when she turned around and kissed Julius right after finding about what Jhamal did—and why are we even kissing and whatnot when there is murder afoot?!
I gave a lower rating because there were a couple of things I felt kept taking me out of the story.
1. It may have been the narrator but Rue’s dialogue felt unnatural and old school at times. Definitely inappropriate at times because in certain situations/people, there’s a natural instinct to code switch and Rue never did.
2. I may die on this hill alone, but every story doesn’t need a romance subplot especially a love triangle. I think this is a story that definitely could have stood on its own without it taking up so much page time. It drove me absolutely nuts when she turned around and kissed Julius right after finding about what Jhamal did—and why are we even kissing and whatnot when there is murder afoot?!
Okay, four stars might be too much. But I think the second half of this novel really came up for me. I believe that Rue’s internal struggles with being a leader are so real. Because many of us can have confidence, but we never feel like that we can be a leader, especially of a lot of people, so I really enjoyed that aspect as I could relate. This novel also seems to me as if it was supposed to be split into two but the publishers were like no we’re just gonna do a duology. Because the last part of this was jampacked with a lot of information, the same as with the blood trials, but this one came up for me more than the first book and I loved Rues exploration and Julius slayed the second half. I love how down to earth this book feel.
It really does read YA but like younger seeing as how the resolution was easy and quick. Good read tho
It really does read YA but like younger seeing as how the resolution was easy and quick. Good read tho
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After reading Wings of Ebony, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Ashes of Gold. I was pleasantly surprised. The character development was stronger, the storyline was more clear, and the writing was better. Love or hate Rue, Elle found a way to keep true to Rue’s essence while having her develop into something greater. The reveals were well done and the epilogue was a nice way to wrap up the story.
Really enjoyed this second installment in the world of Rue from J Elle! She’s one of my fave black YA authors, and I’m rooting for everybody black! As a black woman, I see so much of my teenage self in Rue and her journey for self discovery. Would recommended to anyone with teen girls in their life, especially melanated ones!
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Complicated
3.5/5
I enjoyed this sequel, but it felt different from the first book, and I don't really know if that is a good or bad thing yet. Loved the pacing. The characters were great.
I enjoyed this sequel, but it felt different from the first book, and I don't really know if that is a good or bad thing yet. Loved the pacing. The characters were great.