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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
While much darker than the first book, Shadow and Bone, I personally think this book fell short. To start with the positives, Alina and Mal's relationship in the first chapter is amazing and we see a new bond as if their lives are finally returning to normal. I enjoyed the addition of Tolya and Tamar but I would have liked to see Alina build a stronger relationship with Tamar. Another great addition was Prince Nikolai, but I don't know if it was necessary to give Alina a 3rd love interest.
One character I want to talk about is Mal. Shadow and Bone, was a very likable character, and the reader rooted for him and Alina. In this book, he was possessive, toxic, and greedy. Any time Alina did anything, he clenched his fists and walked away. One example is when he leaned in to kiss Alina and she saw the darkling, he said “You should have stopped me. All the time I was standing there, going on like a fool. If you didn’t want me, you should have just said so.” Then he dared to say “is it Nikolai” when it's Mal's fault for distancing himself from Alina. Mal’s pride was too big to see how hurt she was that he kissed Zoya. Alina had the strength to turn down Nikolai’s kiss, even though she wanted to.
To be honest, if it wasn't for Alina's obsessiveness and Mal’s toxic attitude, this book would be five stars, but it's a 4 for me.
One character I want to talk about is Mal. Shadow and Bone, was a very likable character, and the reader rooted for him and Alina. In this book, he was possessive, toxic, and greedy. Any time Alina did anything, he clenched his fists and walked away. One example is when he leaned in to kiss Alina and she saw the darkling, he said “You should have stopped me. All the time I was standing there, going on like a fool. If you didn’t want me, you should have just said so.” Then he dared to say “is it Nikolai” when it's Mal's fault for distancing himself from Alina. Mal’s pride was too big to see how hurt she was that he kissed Zoya. Alina had the strength to turn down Nikolai’s kiss, even though she wanted to.
To be honest, if it wasn't for Alina's obsessiveness and Mal’s toxic attitude, this book would be five stars, but it's a 4 for me.
3.5*
First of all, how could Mal betray Alina with her? If he had just listened to Alina, then he would have understood. Second, how could he end up on the throne? No, this is not supposed to happen! I did think this book was a little slower than the first book and there definitely was a lot more side plot to this one. I felt like in the first book we were really focused on Alina and how she would develop herself. In this book, we still saw some of her developments but they weren't as in depth. Although her personality did get more spicey which I really like! I am curious to see what the the the third book will bring. Hopefully, not him on the throne.
First of all, how could Mal betray Alina with her? If he had just listened to Alina, then he would have understood. Second, how could he end up on the throne? No, this is not supposed to happen! I did think this book was a little slower than the first book and there definitely was a lot more side plot to this one. I felt like in the first book we were really focused on Alina and how she would develop herself. In this book, we still saw some of her developments but they weren't as in depth. Although her personality did get more spicey which I really like! I am curious to see what the the the third book will bring. Hopefully, not him on the throne.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Oh, Nicholai! You are a savior. You might have single-handedly motivated me to pick up the final book. Keep being awesome.
Despite the fact that it took around 3 months to finish this book, the end was definitely worth it! I still think that I like book 1 more, just because it had more of a plot to it, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the third! Except, I've already spoiled the firebird's identity.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
couldn't give a shit abt the plot but i love mal and alina
i need a conclusion pls it keeps going on and on but give me some clarity!!!!!! the third book better provide because i stg this is KILLING me, it’s good but it’s missing something and i can’t place my finger on it!!!!
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
Nikolai you beautiful beautiful man.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes