pages_and_procrastination's Reviews (1.6k)

A Dead and Stormy Night

3.5

mysterious fast-paced

This is the second book in the Messenger series. And the way that I am currently doing reviews, there is a chance that I never reviewed the first one or that it will be posted after this, so for what it is worth- Sorry.

I know that sometimes the second book in a. series/trilogy is not as strong as the first book, but in this case I think the second book was a bit stronger than the first one. But there was also a message-y undertone with this one. While it's obvious because Melina always talks about it, she is struggling to accept who and what she is. Which for her sucks because everything is changing, her status quo has been disrupted and it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon. But, she is not the only one who is struggling with what they are. Alex- the vampire- is also struggling.

This case is a bit easier to solve because Melina is more willing to call in her resources - her friends. And she is more willing to collaborate and brainstorm with them, much more so than she was in the first book. And while she does bring in a certain set of skill sets, all of her friends that she has surrounded herself with has something unique to offer. It is so much easier for them to see them as a team then it is for Melina to see it.

I really like Melina, she is sarcastic and capable. But what really brings the books together is her friends snf who yrhy all come together to solve whatever magical wonky mysteries that she finds herself in. I am definitely looking forward to the next - and final- book in the series.

The Curse of Saints

Kate Dramis

4.25

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I originally picked this up because it was for those who liked The Fourth Wing. And while I think the target audience is the same, it may give you the wrong expectations for this book. First there aren't any dragons. There are bonded wolves though, and for me that is equally good. Except that I don't think that this bond was explored as much as it could have been. And that makes me sad.
But, overall I did enjoy this, it was this book that shifted my focus from catching up on shows to refocus on reading. I like the dynamics of Will and Aya, there was a nice tension between them that wasn't angst but also showed that there was something deeper going on between them. And yes, this is a romance, but don't buckle up for a wild ride or anything. It is a slow burn, but in the best of ways. You know how sometimes characters forget their duty/responsibility and just dive into bed with the love interest. This isn't that. (They are so focused on duty and responsibility that they ignored what they want and another match could have been made. It wouldn't have been terrible but it would have been weighted down by obligation. ) There is the noble sacrifice from Will. But Aya's response? She made me proud.Her response was very clear. Even though at the hint of a love triangle I was more intrigued than put off from it.
The magic system and the politics is a bit complicated but once it is explained it make sense. I didn't see the ending coming because I took everything at face value, knowing that something wasn't adding up but not sure where to look. This was a complicated story as we were seeing things through both Will and Aya's - then Aidon's- eyes. And neither of them had all of the puzzle pieces figured out. Who to trust was always in question, but I honestly think Gianna is the worst. This was a great first book in a trilogy. You have characters that you root for, a romance that is complicated without the angst and a threat that promises to rewrite the world even if the good guys come out on top. I am definitely here and ready for the next book The Curse of Sins.
No matter how far the fall.