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dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo continues the story of Alex Stern and her attempts to free her mentor, Daniel Arlington, from hell.
There are several things I enjoyed about this sequel. The setting is quite attractive, very evocative of Dark Academia and gothic architecture. Alex herself, as a main character, is rich and intriguing. She is by no means a perfect, selfless hero, and there is no expectation of her acting in anyone's interests except her own. Although there is always a hint that she is working to help Darlington and others in the magic community, she is constantly and fiercely defending her own.
[I really enjoyed the quest to hell, which included four people of different personalities and abilities. Getting to know their stories and motivations, particularly how they came to commit murder and how this shaped who they are, was fascinating. The salt hellhounds they use and the roles of priest, prince, scholar, and soldier really fit with their traits, bringing everything together as each one has a crucial skill for the mission.
The development of the plot didn't feel too dragged or slow, and the surprises along the way were neither predictable nor insane.
At times, I found myself a bit bored with the Eitan plot and the continuous references to Hellie’s story, but I understand that the latter, especially, was a key piece in how Alex became who she is today. I wish there had been more interaction or explanations about what it meant for Darlington to be in hell and exactly what he did, but I’m guessing that will come in the third book.
I don't really get the need for the shiny glowstick demon dick, to be honest.
There are several things I enjoyed about this sequel. The setting is quite attractive, very evocative of Dark Academia and gothic architecture. Alex herself, as a main character, is rich and intriguing. She is by no means a perfect, selfless hero, and there is no expectation of her acting in anyone's interests except her own. Although there is always a hint that she is working to help Darlington and others in the magic community, she is constantly and fiercely defending her own.
The development of the plot didn't feel too dragged or slow, and the surprises along the way were neither predictable nor insane.
At times, I found myself a bit bored with the Eitan plot and the continuous references to Hellie’s story, but I understand that the latter, especially, was a key piece in how Alex became who she is today. I wish there had been more interaction or explanations about what it meant for Darlington to be in hell and exactly what he did, but I’m guessing that will come in the third book.
I don't really get the need for the shiny glowstick demon dick, to be honest.