A review by mellowbry
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Improvements

• Helene -
  I enjoyed her POV. While her love for Elias was still prominent, it became even more morally complicated and helped her reevaluate the Empire's methods and beliefs. Her cold relationship with her family, particularly her sister Livia was heartbreaking; their violent end by Marcus was sickening. I can't wait for Helene to take that bastard down! Speaking of which...
  Marcus - While he's still the same predatory asshole as before, I'm glad we get to see glimpses of his survivor's guilt for killing his brother Zak through brief hallucinations. While there weren't many instances, I hope this plays a larger role in the later novels. 
  The Twists That Worked: Keenan is the Nightbringer and the traitor who killed Laia's parents and sister (WOAH!!) and Harper is Elias' half-brother (or at least half-family) 
  Abilities: So, Laia has powers...invisibility. Thankfully, Laia acknowledged her desire to learn more about her abilities so HOPEFULLY, the third book will FINALLY answer some questions. Elias' abilities, or I guess, dealing with the Soul Catcher to aid spirits towards the afterlife was an interesting turnabout for the poison problem. But... I get the feeling that the deal won't last for long.
  Hmmm

Disappointments

• Love Square -
  Putting aside the character growth of Helena and the character reveal of Keenan, this love square was still boring. Also, damn Laia and Elias were quick to seal their relationship at the end of this book! I kind of wish we could've seen that turn after pages of hesitancy rather than have it so abruptly. 
  Pacing - Like a lot of people, I thought the pacing was super fast. There were rarely any moments to breathe and when there were I wish we could get to see more of certain things, like stories of Elias' Tribal life, stories of Helene and her family, etc. Mainly just moments of character to balance the plot. 
  The Twists That Didn't: The Warren and the Nightbringer working together, "Darin is dead" fluke, Marcus knowing the Commadant's assassination plot against him (how?? did I miss the explanation??) 
  The Commandant: She's become a shadow of her former self from the first book. Yes, she did poison her Elias, her only fucking son, and that's twisted af, but after this, she just...disappears. Hopefully, she causes more prominent mayhem in the next book. 
  
  Lastly, RIP Izzy. Imma hate to read the scene when Cook finds out.