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A review by airbocal47
The Sun and Its Shade by Piper C.J.
4.0
One of the few times I've ever liked the second book better than the first! I was unsure about this series throughout the first book, the Night and its Moon, simply because of the slow pacing and overexplanation (compared to previous books I'd read of the same genre). It took a minute to get used to that, and still follow the conversation surrounding the explanation, but once I did, I actually enjoyed the pace and explanation drawing out the scenes much more than a lightning-quick read (like Fourth Wing or ACOTAR). The emotional content (note: I say emotional content as descriptions of thoughts and feelings, it does not mean outright ROMANCE) in this novel is fantastic. For example (no spoilers), there is a scene when a character is talking to an academic type, and they get the distinct feeling that this academic is being deliberately condescending and acting like she knows nothing (maybe she doesn't know anything, but that's not someone else's place to make that obvious). I related so hard to this feeling and it was described so well-- usually the only feelings elaborated on in fantasy romance novels are that of a sexual nature, so this was a pleasant surprise. This happens multiple times, with different feelings, and it's awesome.
I want to emphasize that the author prioritizes the PLOT over the ROMANCE in this book. It's the first time in a book where I've read such a compelling plot/world after thinking it was going to be a quick read romance-- the romance still has its role in the story, but it's morphing into something unexpected, and I think it's really masterful writing since she obviously wanted this to be a bisexual romance-- it's not just bi to be bi, it actually fits with the story, and I love that.
The magic is elaborated on in this book, the character family grows, and I am loving the unrequited love theme that continues to permeate the story. The two main characters aren't the only notable voices, we get the picture from other side characters, too... but these two main characters and their discoveries of themselves and the world are very interesting to read about.
The only reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 (I would give 4.5 if I could) is because there are three or four times in this book when the author quite obviously drills the point home about discovering that a character is bisexual, or understanding the picture of consent, or says "you're accepted for who you are." These could have been points that came up naturally in the novel without taking away from the story-- it took me away from the scene in question and became the author addressing the reader directly, which ruined the effectiveness and beauty of the scene. HOWEVER, on the consent point, I did enjoy that the men did not throw themselves aggressively at the women once they know what's happening romantically. I enjoy reading about love in whatever form it presents itself without all the extra fluff to make sure the reader understands, in direct words, the point you're trying to make. In general, I would recommend this to everyone who is looking for a more satisfying mix of romance AND plot, without the romance dominating the book and without the plot flying by in a blink. I honestly looked forward to the magic and genuine conversations between characters more than the romance.
Also I must say I don't understand all the one-star reviews of this series. Do you get paid to say bad things about a book just because it has romantic themes that aren't "mainstream?" Get over yourself.
I want to emphasize that the author prioritizes the PLOT over the ROMANCE in this book. It's the first time in a book where I've read such a compelling plot/world after thinking it was going to be a quick read romance-- the romance still has its role in the story, but it's morphing into something unexpected, and I think it's really masterful writing since she obviously wanted this to be a bisexual romance-- it's not just bi to be bi, it actually fits with the story, and I love that.
The magic is elaborated on in this book, the character family grows, and I am loving the unrequited love theme that continues to permeate the story. The two main characters aren't the only notable voices, we get the picture from other side characters, too... but these two main characters and their discoveries of themselves and the world are very interesting to read about.
The only reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 (I would give 4.5 if I could) is because there are three or four times in this book when the author quite obviously drills the point home about discovering that a character is bisexual, or understanding the picture of consent, or says "you're accepted for who you are." These could have been points that came up naturally in the novel without taking away from the story-- it took me away from the scene in question and became the author addressing the reader directly, which ruined the effectiveness and beauty of the scene. HOWEVER, on the consent point, I did enjoy that the men did not throw themselves aggressively at the women once they know what's happening romantically. I enjoy reading about love in whatever form it presents itself without all the extra fluff to make sure the reader understands, in direct words, the point you're trying to make. In general, I would recommend this to everyone who is looking for a more satisfying mix of romance AND plot, without the romance dominating the book and without the plot flying by in a blink. I honestly looked forward to the magic and genuine conversations between characters more than the romance.
Also I must say I don't understand all the one-star reviews of this series. Do you get paid to say bad things about a book just because it has romantic themes that aren't "mainstream?" Get over yourself.