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A review by nerdynatreads
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While I'd say the first book was a great first installment, this one was... good enough? The plot still has me intrigued and keeps making me come back for more, because what the heck is the end game? How are these three idiots going to save their country? I gotta know.
That being said, two-thirds of reading this book was painful, because I can't stand two-thirds of the narrators. I get that Laia is new to this and inexperienced, but God, she is dumb at times. The romantic element in her POV is also unbearable and has me rolling my eyes so hard. Helene, on the other hand, seems actually capable half the time, but then she runs headfirst into a situation and makes the stupidest mistakes. It was very difficult to root for either of them because I don't have faith in their abilities. Specifically, I'm told that Helene has been trained most of her life to be an amazing soldier and leader, but I don't see it in her actions.
Elias is much different. His major flaw is taking on too much blame, trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. In this book though, he actually receives some character development in that respect! I was happy to see it!
As for the other two, it seems like trauma keeps being utilized in place of development? I'm impressed that this YA fantasy is so dark and gritty, but that doesn't excuse poor character work.
Elias's perspective also allowed for more exploration of the magic in this world, which I was hoping to see. I would have liked more explanations for why we were seeing such things, but it was enough to make me keep going. There were tidbits of it for Laia's POV also, but not enough to make me care very much.
There are a few plot twists that take place, one that I think was supposed to be particularly shocking and hurt, but I just... didn't care? Most shocks I saw coming, but one at the end did make my jaw drop, I'll admit.
This was a frustrating read because when I finished, I considered DNFing the series, but dammit, I need to know what's going to happen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Sexual content and Torture