A review by marie_thereadingotter
Curse of the Celts by Clara O'Connor

adventurous mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 

   This is a fantastic sequel. I was on edge through most of the book. Cassandra, Devyn, and Marcus are on the run. And it was pretty intense for a good portion. There were a few moments that made me kind of annoyed at the characters and a little at the plot. Some things felt just a little too, convoluted and melodramatic at times. The "I love you and want to be with you" to "No, we can't be together." often in the same scene got a little tiring. Especially with how things ended. 

   I loved all the expanded worldbuilding in this book. Seeing the world outside the walls of the Empire. The empire came across as really sterile and bland. The rest of the continent felt more vibrant. 

   There were several reveals in this book, and I didn't expect most of them, one was something I was suspected but wasn't sure about, and one did surprise me at first, but after thinking about it for this review I could see some of the foreshadowings. I knew something big would have to happen because there is a whole third book to go, but I wasn't sure what it would be.

   There were a number of new characters introduced in this book that I look forward to learning more about in the next book. And I am both excited and nervous for the third and final book. 

   The ending of this book is a massive cliffhanger, and it was something that I was not expecting and is the thing that makes me very nervous for the third book.  

My heart was ripped out when Devyn died, and the manner in which he died.

Upside, there's a recipe at the back of the book for Griddle Cakes that I'm thinking of trying out.