Godsgrave, follows Mia Corvere as she continues her quest for vengeance against those who destroyed her family. With her blade, her courage, and the shadow cat Mr. Kindly by her side, Mia infiltrates the gladiatorial arena, where she fights for both survival and the chance to exact her revenge.

While the novel delivers dark, intricate world-building and complex characters, some elements push boundaries with explicit content that at times seems designed more for shock value than narrative enhancement. This can be jarring but doesn't overshadow the novel's strengths.

The audiobook experience presents unique challenges, particularly with the italicized past experiences that can be difficult to follow in an audio format. However, Kristoff's use of footnotes has improved, offering a more cohesive and internally consistent voice that enriches the story.

One of the novel's highlights is the gladiator subplot, which is both thrilling and well-crafted. The romance subplot is another strong point, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The plot twists come frequently, and while they keep the reader engaged, there are moments where they feel slightly excessive.

Despite the high body count making it difficult to connect with some characters before they meet their untimely ends, the novel remains captivating. The character Mr. Kindly continues to be a standout, offering a unique and endearing presence in the narrative.

Overall, Godsgrave is an enjoyable read, surpassing the first book in the series. Its blend of revenge-driven plot, romance, gladiatorial combat, and relentless twists ensures it will keep readers eagerly turning pages.