4.5 stars

The problem with writing more ‘His Dark Materials’ is that it is very, very difficult to match the level of complexity, of world-building, of beautiful prose, that comprises the masterpiece that is the trilogy. This book didn’t match that, but it was still a fantastic book, that still added immensely to the worlds Pullman created in HDM. I very much enjoyed it, and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel!

Every time I think this series can't get any better, I'm proven wrong. This book was ridiculously good and I absolutely cannot wait to read the last one!

There are a ton of great things about this series. The world itself is fantastic, the diversity is not only great but is realistic and neither goes unsaid or has a point made of it. The new characters we meet in this book are awesome, and the characters from the previous book really come into their own, particularly Violetta and Raffaele. I really hope book three shows us more of the relationship between Enzo and Raffaele because there are so many layers and so much complexity there, and its subtlety drives the plot.

What really stood out, though, was Adelina. We talk so much about character development, but I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character develops in the way she does. Marie Lu does a fantastic job of managing to get us to empathise with her and understand her, without forgiving her. I can't wait to read more!