Scan barcode
A review by sai_g
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
I am horrified.
I feel like Elias is being tortured every other page by the author. GIVE HIM A BREAK. Please. He deserves better.
The violence in the sequel was far too cruel for my comfort. It was not graphic, but still conveyed to chill my bones. The effects of war are depicted in a sickeningly accurate manner,which makes this an important book in the YA genre and I am happy for the reach it has. I cannot wait for the Commandant to die a very very VERY horrible death.
On the other hand, I'm having a hard time understanding Helene's POV. I don't understand what she wants and why she does what she does. She's still a well written character. Maybe I'll understand more in the next book.
The author also executed some really good foreshadowing. Good action is not when a bomb goes off suddenly, but when the readers know there is a bomb but the characters don't. So you are waiting for it to blast, unable to do anything other than to read further. Ughhh. Delicious. (I think Donna Tartt said this, not the exact words, in an interview. Im not sure)
Overall, I am confused on my feelings for this book. Being a sequel, I expected it to satisfy me after the first book. But it only broke my heart more. I still enjoyed it. Will read the next book, albeit a little wary because I can't take it any more.
I feel like Elias is being tortured every other page by the author. GIVE HIM A BREAK. Please. He deserves better.
The violence in the sequel was far too cruel for my comfort. It was not graphic, but still conveyed to chill my bones. The effects of war are depicted in a sickeningly accurate manner,which makes this an important book in the YA genre and I am happy for the reach it has. I cannot wait for the Commandant to die a very very VERY horrible death.
On the other hand, I'm having a hard time understanding Helene's POV. I don't understand what she wants and why she does what she does. She's still a well written character. Maybe I'll understand more in the next book.
The author also executed some really good foreshadowing. Good action is not when a bomb goes off suddenly, but when the readers know there is a bomb but the characters don't. So you are waiting for it to blast, unable to do anything other than to read further. Ughhh. Delicious. (I think Donna Tartt said this, not the exact words, in an interview. Im not sure)
Overall, I am confused on my feelings for this book. Being a sequel, I expected it to satisfy me after the first book. But it only broke my heart more. I still enjoyed it. Will read the next book, albeit a little wary because I can't take it any more.