“Eternity only meant something when you had someone to share it with, not when it would take you from all you loved.”

A nice addition to the original story, if still a little disjointed and lacking in some of the qualities that made me love the duology so much. I enjoyed this, but the characters felt slightly stilted compared to what they were in the full books. While reading DotMG, I always wanted more about Xingyin's parents, so I'm glad a glimpse of their story was included in here!

Also, side note, but I maintain the fact that a certain character's good qualities were sacrificed to make another character look better. Even when we get their POV, most of it is just them comparing themself to the other character - which bummed me out.

Overall, if you love DotMG and miss the world/characters, I'd definitely recommend this. It also gives certain characters/relationships more closer than HotSW did. But if you are wondering if you have to read this, it isn't necessary to the story.

“Run away with me. You like tea. I like books. Care to open a shop and forget the world exists?”

Call me picky but when I decide to read a cozy fantasy, I do - in fact - hope to find myself reading a cozy fantasy. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.

This felt like reading the first draft of a novel where the author hasn't quite figured out what to do with the story or the characters. The plot with the Queen is both rushed and sloppily resolved. The actual mystery is poorly handled, due to the author wanting to extend the plot to the sequel. There's a bit of transphobia? For no reason? We could have had non-binary characters without saying they weren't accepted elsewhere, especially in what is meant to be an escapist, cozy novel.

The entire book is a repetition of the same collection of scenes that usually end up with someone a.) sick, b.) fainting, c.) fighting, or d.) having the most melodramatic love confessions and flirtations at the most awkward times. Sometimes there was a magical fifth option where all four happen in the same scene, complete with thinking about how much she wished to kiss her girlfriend senseless (if she could stop vomiting long enough to, of course.)

I understand they're in love and I'm happy for them, but why so much kissing and vomiting? Please stop. I beg.

This isn't even delving into the fact that the plot was a whole mess. A rip-off of Legends & Lattes without any of the heart or actual cozy elements that made that book the success it was for me. This wasn't a cozy fantasy; it was a rushed and underdeveloped regular fantasy that had an undercurrent of steeping tea and a bookstore. A bookstore we're barely in.

The sad thing is, if we had actually spent more time on the bookstore and tea shop, if the story had been cleaned up a bit, if the characters had acted a bit more maturely, I might have really enjoyed this. There were moments in the writing when I felt how much I could have loved it and it only made me more sad that I was having such a poor time with it.

With all of this being said and my critical review, I get why people like this. I wanted to love it and - as I said - I really think I could have. It wasn't a terrible book, but unfortunately, the negative aspects were just too glaring for me. I did love the griffons though!

While I won't carry on with the duology, I'm glad so many people love it and I hope it continues to find the right audience.

“I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am, also, much more than that. So are we all.”

Unsurprisingly, incredible and eloquent. So much was said in such a small space, so many powerful sentences and points made. James Baldwin's mastery of words continues to fascinate me. Completely reaffirmed that I need to read more of his works. 

“It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.”

This was peak 2011 angst and it was exactly what I needed right now.

As with most of Cassandra Clare's books, this was a mess but still so much fun - mainly because of the characters and their dialogue. Even when the book itself isn't my favorite, the Shadowhunter books have some of my favorite dialogue exchanges out of any series I've ever read; the humor and melodrama is simply top tier.

And I know a lot of people don't care about the plot of this series but I'm super invested. Having a bunch of individuals that are extremely skilled in fighting the supernatural have to face mechanical creations, particular during a time when the world was shifting so drastically towards machinery? It's such an intriguing concept.

When it comes to the main romantic relationships, that's where I feel things actually get the messiest. Everything feels... rushed for the purpose of adding drama and while I'm completely aware of that, it did nothing to detract from my enjoyment. I'm someone that really enjoys love triangles (when they're done well) and, as everyone else says, this is an example of a good love triangle. Even when things are rushed or contrived for drama's sake.

Basically! Long-winded way of saying I had a much better time with this one than Clockwork Angel and I'm glad I finally carried on. 

“There are no rules for reading, after all.”

This is a very cute and adventurous sequel, though I do think I enjoyed book 1 a bit more.

There was a distinct coziness in the first book that I didn't feel translated to this installment - not because of the heavier things happening, but because of the overall vibe. Not to mention Tilly being a wee bit on the insufferable side. I get it, I do... but this still felt a bit out of character.

Those things aside though, I did have a fun time with this. It's still such a unique, cozy series - perfect for the book-loving inner child or anyone looking for an escape.

As with the other books in this series, I won't be rating this because it doesn't really fit into any rating category.

So far, I feel the most conflicted on this one - probably because each of the three books contained within this volume focused on a different character and my experience with each of them was pretty different. Not to mention how much of this focused on Morgan's burgeoning desire. I get it, girl, but we've got bigger things going on right now.

Other than that though? Solid addition, still a fun, nostalgic sort of read - if you can look past some things. I'm curious where the last volume is heading plot-wise and how the story will wrap up.

A bit too weird for me. I understand it's all probably extremely poignant allegory, but I wasn't even halfway through and I was already done. 

"Death does not die, and neither will I."

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: abuse, abandonment, addiction, animal cruelty, animal death, blood, body-horror, body-shaming (internalized), child death (on-page), confinement, death, death of a loved one, drug use, drug abuse, genocide, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual content, stalking, torture, violence, war.

I am in so much pain.

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Sophie Kim created a masterpiece that is devastating and heart wrenching, artfully crafted and engaging. I haven't felt this much about a book in a long time, to the point I was struggling to pick it up because I was so invested in what was happening. And because I knew that this wasn't going to end well, considering the fact this is book 2 in a trilogy.

Which leads to my next point: this is how you write a middle book. It was a perfect bridge between the start of the story and the conclusion. So much happened in terms of plot and world-building but I never felt like the book merely existed because the author didn't know what else to write. Not a single word was wasted.

The ending? I am not going to recover from that for awhile. I cried. Do you know how much it takes to get me to cry while reading? A lot.

Overall, this was... fantastic. It exceeded my high expectations and left me wanting more. I'm unbelievably grateful for the chance to read the ARC and will now spend my time (im)patiently waiting for book 3.

“We are all children of blood and bone.
All instruments of vengeance and virtue.”

Can't believe it took me so long to finally read this, but I'm glad I did!

A fantastic, fast-paced fantasy (unintentional alliteration) with a focus on grief and overcoming prejudices, internalized and otherwise. The characters were a bit... immature, but this is a YA so I feel like it's understandable, even if I wanted to slam my head into a wall reading some of their reactions/decisions.

Also, I will always be excited about an animal companion. More animal companions in books, please and thank you.

Overall, this is seriously such a solid YA fantasy book and I look forward to carrying on with the series. I'm curious where the story will go after that ending.