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xasafi 's review for:
The Brightness Between Us
by Eliot Schrefer
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, let's start with answering that one, very important question.
Was this sequel NEEDED?
Honestly? If we're talking about if it was necessary, then probably not. TDOU worked perfectly as a standalone and could have easily stayed as one.
BUT! It's definitely great that the sequel happened and I wouldn't have it any other way. TBBU was undeniably a welcome addition to Ambrose and Kodiak’s story, a very strong continuation which while not as groundbreaking as the first book, was still a really amazing read. In fact, it was one of the best sequels I have ever read and I'm telling you, I had very high expectations for this book so I was being pretty critical.
So, you may ask now, were those expectations met? Yes, with a few minor complaints. I was really scared that there was going to be a big gap between the first book and the second one in terms of quality (as it often happens with continuations) but I needn't have worried. It was a very solid sequel (truly a rarity) that even with TDOU being a masterpiece that can't be copied, still managed to fall not so far behind in terms of how good it was. Kudos to you, Mr Schrefer, for that, you are truly a gem.
I'm not going to lie though, the first part of the book started on the weaker side for me (because one of the MCs was not the type of character that I usually like to read about) but soon, with the POV changes and the unfolding of the plot, it picked up the speed and started to really look like another wonderful, heart wrenching story from Mr Schrefer.
The deeper into the story, the more intense it got. The last few parts had me gripping my phone tightly, until my knuckles turned white, due to all the tension and emotions seeping through the pages. The atmosphere was wonderfully crafted, it definitely made you feel things and the settings were just as marvelous - descriptive, but not too overwhelming.
Of course, this book wouldn't be complete without a jaw-dropping moment that gets you sitting in silence for a few seconds, contemplating what had just happened. It wasn't as big of a surprise as the one in TDOU but it still worked really well to keep me engaged.
My favorite parts were part four and six - I really adored Kodiak from this POV, we got to know him better and learn how he thinks and I really loved what I read. He is such a sweet, caring guy. Also, omg, Kodiak’s little friend! She was the cutest thing ever! She was one of my favorite things about this book if I'm being honest.
I only wish there was a bit more of Ambrose and Kodiak together in this book but I understand why there wasn't more of it - the first book was all about them and this time, with four MCs and the switching between the past and the future, the focus was on something else. But I loved the moments we got, they were so sweet together.
To sum it up, TBBU is a great continuation to a masterpiece that is TDOU, a sequel that is definitely worth reading and that will not disappoint.
Was this sequel NEEDED?
Honestly? If we're talking about if it was necessary, then probably not. TDOU worked perfectly as a standalone and could have easily stayed as one.
BUT! It's definitely great that the sequel happened and I wouldn't have it any other way. TBBU was undeniably a welcome addition to Ambrose and Kodiak’s story, a very strong continuation which while not as groundbreaking as the first book, was still a really amazing read. In fact, it was one of the best sequels I have ever read and I'm telling you, I had very high expectations for this book so I was being pretty critical.
So, you may ask now, were those expectations met? Yes, with a few minor complaints. I was really scared that there was going to be a big gap between the first book and the second one in terms of quality (as it often happens with continuations) but I needn't have worried. It was a very solid sequel (truly a rarity) that even with TDOU being a masterpiece that can't be copied, still managed to fall not so far behind in terms of how good it was. Kudos to you, Mr Schrefer, for that, you are truly a gem.
I'm not going to lie though, the first part of the book started on the weaker side for me (because one of the MCs was not the type of character that I usually like to read about) but soon, with the POV changes and the unfolding of the plot, it picked up the speed and started to really look like another wonderful, heart wrenching story from Mr Schrefer.
The deeper into the story, the more intense it got. The last few parts had me gripping my phone tightly, until my knuckles turned white, due to all the tension and emotions seeping through the pages. The atmosphere was wonderfully crafted, it definitely made you feel things and the settings were just as marvelous - descriptive, but not too overwhelming.
Of course, this book wouldn't be complete without a jaw-dropping moment that gets you sitting in silence for a few seconds, contemplating what had just happened. It wasn't as big of a surprise as the one in TDOU but it still worked really well to keep me engaged.
My favorite parts were part four and six - I really adored Kodiak from this POV, we got to know him better and learn how he thinks and I really loved what I read. He is such a sweet, caring guy. Also, omg, Kodiak’s little friend! She was the cutest thing ever! She was one of my favorite things about this book if I'm being honest.
I only wish there was a bit more of Ambrose and Kodiak together in this book but I understand why there wasn't more of it - the first book was all about them and this time, with four MCs and the switching between the past and the future, the focus was on something else. But I loved the moments we got, they were so sweet together.
To sum it up, TBBU is a great continuation to a masterpiece that is TDOU, a sequel that is definitely worth reading and that will not disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail