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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab
5.0
Oh my...OH MY...OH MY GOODNESS! I'm not that often speechless after reading a book, but this book has done it, this book left me utterly speechless! This was one of the most amazing reads from 2018 and I don't think I'll be able to describe why and what the book has done to me. I will give it a shot, but forgive me if I sound a little incoherent, because. OH MY GOODNESS!
What I really love about this book (and also about the first part of this series) is that the worldbuilding is not explained, it's not written down, it's literally shown. We're thrown into the story and bit by bit we figure out what's going on, what has happened, how we have to fill the gaps between book one and two and I love it. It acknowledges my intellect as a reader and it makes sure the story, despite the complicated world and mythology, never gets slow.
And then there is the plot. The plot of this series, and especially of this second book, is really awesome and well thought out. The built up towards the finale and the ending is phenomenal and even I missed a lot of signs, which is why the ending surprised me, even though I think I should have seen it coming somehow. And don't get me wrong, even though the ending made me tear up, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Last but not least there are the characters: Complicated, intelligent, interesting, layered, realistic, flawed and always in development. The way August grew and developed is amazing. Kate's journey is very impressive to read. There is Ilsa, who might not be a main character, but who does steal every scene she's in. And then there's Soro, who is fleshed out so carefully even though they are never really the main focus of the story.
This is pure brilliancy. I can't can't can't wait to read the rest of Schwab's books!
What I really love about this book (and also about the first part of this series) is that the worldbuilding is not explained, it's not written down, it's literally shown. We're thrown into the story and bit by bit we figure out what's going on, what has happened, how we have to fill the gaps between book one and two and I love it. It acknowledges my intellect as a reader and it makes sure the story, despite the complicated world and mythology, never gets slow.
And then there is the plot. The plot of this series, and especially of this second book, is really awesome and well thought out. The built up towards the finale and the ending is phenomenal and even I missed a lot of signs, which is why the ending surprised me, even though I think I should have seen it coming somehow. And don't get me wrong, even though the ending made me tear up, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Last but not least there are the characters: Complicated, intelligent, interesting, layered, realistic, flawed and always in development. The way August grew and developed is amazing. Kate's journey is very impressive to read. There is Ilsa, who might not be a main character, but who does steal every scene she's in. And then there's Soro, who is fleshed out so carefully even though they are never really the main focus of the story.
This is pure brilliancy. I can't can't can't wait to read the rest of Schwab's books!