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A review by chelsss_ann
Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I've been finished with Carving Shadows into Gold since this weekend, and I've been trying to think of a way to make my review do it justice. I don't think that's going to happen, because as much as I love reading, I can't always get my thoughts into words, which is so sad when it comes to books like this!!
Ok, first, Tycho has my whole heart. I really didn't pay much attention to him in Cursebreakers, but I would go to battle for him in an instant in Forging Silver into Stars and Caving Shadows into Gold. He's having to come to terms with learning that he's given his complete loyalty to people that have not given it back him. And he just wants someone to choose him so badly.
Gray, well, he was probably my favorite character in Cursebreakers, but guy is too much in his head now. He's making all the wrong decisions and seems to be taking out all his anger out on the wrong people. He's going to learn the hard way that he's pushing away everyone who's ever cared for him.
And Jax. I love his fierce loyalty to Tycho. I can't imagine what he's going through, trying to learn a new language and adjust to a new country while unexpectedly alone. But he's being a little harsh to Rhen (who reminds me so much of Dorian from ToG). Rhen is just a tortured soul who's just trying to make up for his past mistakes, both to his friends and his people. I already forgive him. Tycho already forgives him. Jax needs to as well.
Callyn. Whew. I wasn't sure where her story was going to end up, but she's in a right mess. I'm hoping that she gets to remain a fierce ally to the Queen and her whole mess is worked out in the next book. Her whole storyline shows that what people fear is often just the unknown.
This book gives you fantasy elements (like scravers, a fantasy character I didn't even mention in my review even though they have an important part of this book 🤦♀️), political intrigue, romance, romantic tension, and all the emotional complexities of being human. It's technically YA, but it's NA, with heavy topics written in a way that is easy to read. I don't know why this series isn't more popular, because it's amazing. And if this series is this good, I can't wait to see what she does with her adult fantasy coming out in August.
Ok, first, Tycho has my whole heart. I really didn't pay much attention to him in Cursebreakers, but I would go to battle for him in an instant in Forging Silver into Stars and Caving Shadows into Gold. He's having to come to terms with learning that he's given his complete loyalty to people that have not given it back him. And he just wants someone to choose him so badly.
Gray, well, he was probably my favorite character in Cursebreakers, but guy is too much in his head now. He's making all the wrong decisions and seems to be taking out all his anger out on the wrong people. He's going to learn the hard way that he's pushing away everyone who's ever cared for him.
And Jax. I love his fierce loyalty to Tycho. I can't imagine what he's going through, trying to learn a new language and adjust to a new country while unexpectedly alone. But he's being a little harsh to Rhen (who reminds me so much of Dorian from ToG). Rhen is just a tortured soul who's just trying to make up for his past mistakes, both to his friends and his people. I already forgive him. Tycho already forgives him. Jax needs to as well.
Callyn. Whew. I wasn't sure where her story was going to end up, but she's in a right mess. I'm hoping that she gets to remain a fierce ally to the Queen and her whole mess is worked out in the next book. Her whole storyline shows that what people fear is often just the unknown.
This book gives you fantasy elements (like scravers, a fantasy character I didn't even mention in my review even though they have an important part of this book 🤦♀️), political intrigue, romance, romantic tension, and all the emotional complexities of being human. It's technically YA, but it's NA, with heavy topics written in a way that is easy to read. I don't know why this series isn't more popular, because it's amazing. And if this series is this good, I can't wait to see what she does with her adult fantasy coming out in August.