A review by writervid
Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes

2.0

Well, this was disappointing. Both the first time reading it and the last time.

For starters, the positives. The ending of this book was a huge HELL YES. I love that magic was actually finally getting involved, and it's safe to say that this ending confirmed my suspicion that Melenia's prophecy (from I think Rebel Spring?) about a king and a goddess ruling over Mytica as whole (aka Cleo and Magnus). I did enjoy that buildup.

However (in no actual order):
- What actual plot things happened in this book? We were just dancing around while some people had the kindred and some didn't, getting extended exposition.
- WHY IS NO ONE STAYING DEAD ANYMORE? Much preferred it when this series was comfortable killing people off. The people who stayed alive for no reason? Pointless. Kill them off. I lose the stakes when they're able to stay alive.
- What was the point of the grandmother? She hadn't been brought up before. She just seemed like a plot device.
- If Jonas and Lucia pair off...why. Let them be best friends, or hell, even just friends. Not everything has to be romantic.
- The Cleo-Magnus angst was so manufactured and stupid. I love angst but chief called, and he said this ain't it.
- I liked the exploration of the Sanctuary, but it still felt pointless.
- Not a lot of character or plot development in here.

Disappointing. I did write this review after getting like halfway through Immortal Reign because *I'm a machine* but. My thoughts still stand. I didn't like it the first time I read it and I didn't like it this time (past Anna was so smart go her!)