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A review by ajohnson895
The Ashes of Hope and Hunger by Dawn Christine Jonckowski
5.0
I've got a LOT to say about this book! Let's see if I can somehow cram it in a review that isn't too lengthy, lol.
The greatest thing about Dawn's writing, and I think I've said this before, is the freaking layering that she's able to do. If I thought book 1 (which you can find my review of HERE) was intricate and immersive, then this one is astronomically done. You see, book 1 had multiple POVs, but it was all really the same storyline. Save the planet, save the rebel Dameia loves. But this book?! Book 2?! We've got multiple storylines, multiple romances, multiple opportunities for it to be AWESOME.
I loved seeing all our favorite characters again! It was like a family reunion! Seeing Dameia and Hyam's relationship fluctuate in the public spotlight, seeing them blossom when faced with adversity, was amazing. I enjoyed the realism of their relationship and neither of them wanting to be entirely honest for fear of hurting their partner.
But the real stars of this book are Arba and Xanth. Arba is a polar opposite of composed and regal Dameia. And that's okay! Arba did what she had to do for her planet, but I was glad to see her start to do things for herself towards the end of the book. She's capable, but we've got to build her self-confidence up, and I think Xanth can help with that. Xanth is like the alien equivalent to a cinnamon roll (except when it comes to Arba), and that's another one of my favorite relationships. No spoilers! None! But it's so stinkin' hard, y'all.
I love, love, love this series, and I cannot WAIT to see what book 3 has in store.
The greatest thing about Dawn's writing, and I think I've said this before, is the freaking layering that she's able to do. If I thought book 1 (which you can find my review of HERE) was intricate and immersive, then this one is astronomically done. You see, book 1 had multiple POVs, but it was all really the same storyline. Save the planet, save the rebel Dameia loves. But this book?! Book 2?! We've got multiple storylines, multiple romances, multiple opportunities for it to be AWESOME.
I loved seeing all our favorite characters again! It was like a family reunion! Seeing Dameia and Hyam's relationship fluctuate in the public spotlight, seeing them blossom when faced with adversity, was amazing. I enjoyed the realism of their relationship and neither of them wanting to be entirely honest for fear of hurting their partner.
But the real stars of this book are Arba and Xanth. Arba is a polar opposite of composed and regal Dameia. And that's okay! Arba did what she had to do for her planet, but I was glad to see her start to do things for herself towards the end of the book. She's capable, but we've got to build her self-confidence up, and I think Xanth can help with that. Xanth is like the alien equivalent to a cinnamon roll (except when it comes to Arba), and that's another one of my favorite relationships. No spoilers! None! But it's so stinkin' hard, y'all.
I love, love, love this series, and I cannot WAIT to see what book 3 has in store.