It is very hard to rate a sequel without comparing it to it's predecessor at every step, to measure how much of it stands on it's own.
A Torch Against the Night is a solid sequel: it stays true to what was established, both on the good and on the bad, even if I felt it could've expanded more it's themes and execution. There was a point where things started to feel dragged and repetitive and that's always a problem.
But on the good side of things:
- I still enjoy the dark tone, even if sometimes they tiptoe a bit on what I think would elevate the overall message instead of key moments. (Scholars are killed scene after the other, just call it genocide. The impact should be moral too, not only shock-value gore).
- We explore more of the magic, and there's obviously more to come!
- Elias still is my favorite character, and seeing the story through his perspective and his struggles is incredible. Helene's pov is a colder but great addition.
- The communication? Unmatched. At least the trope of stupid secrets is not one to be worried about here.
- The last couple action sequences were genuinely incredible, I was taken by surprise by a couple things and the execution was impressive given the switching povs.
And onto the bad ones:
- I have a difficult time ignoring the YA cliches and stupidity. This is obviously a more mature story within the genre and the silly love triangle was very unappealing. It doesn't match with the story at all and there where certainly better ways to creat romance obstacles.
- Laia still is the most boring pov, and she's supposed to be the main character. Her growth is clear and she's less annoying than before, I'll give her that, but jesus it was a drag to read. Fortunately it seems she'll keep a steady pace on improving.
Overall, it wasn't bad. Had I devoured this faster as I usually do I probably wouldn't have catched myself dragging as much through the story and focused on the final frenesi, but as it is: it was good, but it didn't impress me like I know it could.