This had an underwhelming start. Not bad enough to make it a struggle to read, but in a way that I didn’t care what was going on. I hoped it would improve.
By the half way point it did pick up a little. The pacing was great. I was flying through this. Even if I wasn’t doing much for me.
I felt the story was diluted. It could have been much darker. Which I think I would have preferred. Especially with Olivia waking up next to a dead body. I expected some dark twisted stuff.
The articles and transcripts between chapters felt repetitive at times and I don’t think they really added much to the story. Sure a few would have worked but not as often as they appeared.
The story itself sadly never really got me. Sure it picked up a little at one point but it didn’t last long. I can’t really say the twists were amazing because I never really cared enough.
The ending did nothing for me. I’m glad everything was wrapped up but that’s about it.

TW: Mentions of rape, graphic descriptions of murder victims.
This took me about a week to read mainly because I didn't want it to end. I wanted it to last.
All I knew going into this was Vampires, murder and 1872 New Orleans. But I was excited to read this. I haven't read that many vampire books before. I pretty much missed that trend somehow.
Although this felt slow paced I think it worked perfectly. Everything developed at the perfect pace. Nothing felt rushed. Instead we learnt about Celine. Saw her grow. Watched her develop relationships with people she probably shouldn't.
Celine is probably my favourite character. She is sharp witted. Doesn't have time for bullshit. She won't back down even if she should. I'm excited to see where her development goes in book two.
I loved that Odette is an openly gay woman in the 1800s where it's not really acceptable. I need more from her in book two.
I liked how Renée handled introducing Vampires. It didn't happen on page one. Instead giving you hints to who may just be human and who may be more. Don't expect too much vampire action as that is something that develops throughout the book.
The atmosphere for this is dark and with a touch of horror in the perfect places. I found myself questioning who the killer who, which I was wrong in the end. Which doesn't surprise me. Everytime I thought I knew Renée dropped more hints and threw me off.

Overall I loved this. I'm excited but nervous for the sequel. I wish the sequel was ready. But having to wait like a year means I have the perfect excuse to reread this. I'm only nervous because of Celine and Bastien. Where it could go regarding them. Based on how it ended.
Speaking of the ending I'm heartbroken.

*Received a copy from Net Galley for an honest review*

Just like book one, The Final Empire, I struggled to want to put this down. Every time I picked it I didn’t want to put it down. I just became so captivated by the world, the characters, the story.

Something was always happening. Very action packed and fast paced book. There was always a reason to stay interested. Which I always worry about when it comes to such a big book.

I miss Kelsier. I think I always will. I just needed more than one book with him.

I feel more in love with Elend and Vin. The way their relationship grew especially by the end. Even if their insecurities got a little annoying I understood why they were that way. But at the same time I just wanted to shake them both and tell them to just talk to each other. Which is a bit hard to find time really considering what was happening in Luthadel.

Oreseur was a welcome addition. I was surprised by how much I liked the character. Kind of came out of nowhere. The relationship that developed with Vin was great. How it came somewhat naturally. Even going against the rules of being a Kandra.

I love the friendship group. The way they will sacrifice themselves for each other and the people of Luthadel. Not that they will fully admit how much they all mean to each other. They could have left after Kelsier died but they stayed. They fight side by side. Well except Breeze bless him. I just wanted to give him a hug. He is so relatable in that respect.

The battle at 85% made me nervous. I just knew I was going to lose some more favourite characters. I just didn’t know who. I was on the edge of my seat. Waiting for the heartache.

Even once the battle was done and some characters were killed I still didn’t trust that was it. Then I felt myself holding my breath as I thought Brandon Sanderson was about to take one of the most important characters again. Thankfully he didn’t. Instead he added a whole new layer to the character and story.

For a series I was nervous and intimidated by I’m left wanting to pick up book three straight away. This left me confused but in a good way. Luckily for me I only have to wait until July until I can pick it up. I need to know what happens next and how Brandon Sanderson will break my heart.

This needs to be taught in school.

Trigger Warnings: Self harm, suicide and abortion
I was worried when I started this. Due to the hype. Everyone I saw mention this loved it. I’m sad that I don’t feel the same. Also slightly confused why everyone seems to love this so much.
I like that each chapter reminds you who the character is. Example: Hannah The Plus One. I would have gotten characters mixed up at some point otherwise.
I feel like this took too long to really get going. The first half of the book I was just waiting for something to happen. It was lacking the thrilling element that I expected.
This jumped around maybe too much. I’m not sure how to explain how I feel. The second half worked the way it’s written. It’s the first half that didn’t for me.
The first half is basically just about the characters. You barely have any present day action. I get the purpose I just think half the book is too much time spent.
The characters were so unlikable. I felt for Olivia but that’s about it. I didn’t care what happened to the rest.
I don’t think I attempted to think of who died, who did it or why. I didn’t care enough.
Maybe it’s just me but I found it a little unrealistic. I understand needing multiple characters to have motives but I felt like it was too much.
I didn’t see the twists coming. Then again I wasn’t looking for them.
I feel like I’m not really explaining my feelings well. I just can’t seem to find the words to explain what I didn’t like. Just that it didn’t work for me.