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themoonwholistens's Reviews (698)
Never thought that I would think of hostage situations as charming.
This was equal parts charming, funny, thought-provoking, and-heart warming. Full of substance and underlying discussions on parenthood, marriage, friendship, community, social interactions, suicide, mental health,... everything. Without making it feel heavy to read.
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
⇢ trigger warnings// attempted suicide, hostage situations
That main timeline happens because of a hostage situation during an apartment viewing and even though that in itself might not sound appealing to most, that's really all I think you should know. Is it basically stockholm syndrome? I don't know, read to find out. The themes and discussions were really the selling point of the whole book, and how it was masterfully integrated into the plot.
Incredibly humorous because god forbid that there be another perspective buyer (if you read it, you know). I love that there is something here for everyone. For anxious people and those that think that they aren't.
It truly is incredibly well-written with absurdity that makes sense. If this was a movie, it would be a comfort movie that I would rewatch again and again. Because sometimes we don't need a strong male and female lead to go off on an adventure across an unnamed land, we just need a couple of friends to eat pizza with in an apartment looking over a bridge while watching some fireworks.
I was pleasantly surprised at the details of how each respective characters were acting that went into the apartment plot, it was all entirely believable. The characters were charming not because they were perfect and saying all the right things, but because of how they reflected sets of people that you might actually find (at an actual apartment viewing for one thing but also) in your own life.
In some way, you get to know the characters in a way that they just grow on you. I also love the way the characters were connected behind the scenes of the hostage taking and we kind of knew it before they did.
It has a simple plot written with intricate details that made it that much more endearing and cozy. This story was really about so many different things that it's hard to breakdown properly but I felt extremely satisfied with my reading journey. There are even short chapters for those of you that enjoy those.
And that’s why it was exactly my kind of story.
My favorite aspect of the mystery was how it didn’t leave us until the last 20% of the story for the big plot twist and instead misleads us at the beginning of almost every chapter but tying it back at the end of the same chapter. It was just absolutely brilliant. It kept the pacing going and the reading experience exciting. I finished this within 24 hours.
I somewhat saw the biggest twist coming but I didn't know exactly how it would turn out. And all the other mini plot twists blew my mind. The way everything connected and came together was so well executed that it brought happy tears to my eyes for once.
↣ Read this when you need someone, or perhaps when you're a little sad. Actually, read it right now because we're in a pandemic and we're all a little sad. As the story tries to tell us, we're not all that different, we're all just trying the best that we can. ↢
This was equal parts charming, funny, thought-provoking, and-heart warming. Full of substance and underlying discussions on parenthood, marriage, friendship, community, social interactions, suicide, mental health,... everything. Without making it feel heavy to read.
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
⇢ trigger warnings// attempted suicide, hostage situations
“it's so hard to think of the words when all you really wanna say is, I can tell you're hurting.”
That main timeline happens because of a hostage situation during an apartment viewing and even though that in itself might not sound appealing to most, that's really all I think you should know. Is it basically stockholm syndrome? I don't know, read to find out. The themes and discussions were really the selling point of the whole book, and how it was masterfully integrated into the plot.
Incredibly humorous because god forbid that there be another perspective buyer (if you read it, you know). I love that there is something here for everyone. For anxious people and those that think that they aren't.
“most people are just looking for something to cling to, something to fight for.”
It truly is incredibly well-written with absurdity that makes sense. If this was a movie, it would be a comfort movie that I would rewatch again and again. Because sometimes we don't need a strong male and female lead to go off on an adventure across an unnamed land, we just need a couple of friends to eat pizza with in an apartment looking over a bridge while watching some fireworks.
I was pleasantly surprised at the details of how each respective characters were acting that went into the apartment plot, it was all entirely believable. The characters were charming not because they were perfect and saying all the right things, but because of how they reflected sets of people that you might actually find (at an actual apartment viewing for one thing but also) in your own life.
In some way, you get to know the characters in a way that they just grow on you. I also love the way the characters were connected behind the scenes of the hostage taking and we kind of knew it before they did.
It has a simple plot written with intricate details that made it that much more endearing and cozy. This story was really about so many different things that it's hard to breakdown properly but I felt extremely satisfied with my reading journey. There are even short chapters for those of you that enjoy those.
“What we think a story is about, isn’t what they are about at all.”
And that’s why it was exactly my kind of story.
My favorite aspect of the mystery was how it didn’t leave us until the last 20% of the story for the big plot twist and instead misleads us at the beginning of almost every chapter but tying it back at the end of the same chapter. It was just absolutely brilliant. It kept the pacing going and the reading experience exciting. I finished this within 24 hours.
I somewhat saw the biggest twist coming but I didn't know exactly how it would turn out. And all the other mini plot twists blew my mind. The way everything connected and came together was so well executed that it brought happy tears to my eyes for once.
↣ Read this when you need someone, or perhaps when you're a little sad. Actually, read it right now because we're in a pandemic and we're all a little sad. As the story tries to tell us, we're not all that different, we're all just trying the best that we can. ↢
[ april 7 2021 + nov 25 2021 update: this is a problematic author and this review reflects my feelings for the book and not the author. my review will be kept as it is but reading this book is up to you. if you want more context on what happened, search "Jay Kristoff" on twitter and you will be presented with a wealth of information. we do not tolerate the albinism/BIPOC treatment in this household... nor his problematicness against BIPOC as a BIPOC myself. *sighs* disappointing ]
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FORMAT READ: Audiobook (recommended) & eBook
SIMILAR VIBES: Ace of Shades, Scythe, Mistborn, The Grisha Trilogy
READ FOR: AN ASSASSIN SCHOOL (need I say more?), badass heroine, emotional punches, dark but still has humor, ‘Mister Kindly’
READING LEVEL: Level 3-4 out of 5
⟹ MY BLOG ⟸
⟹ SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI ⟸
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
OVERALL THOUGHTS: 5.0
I have not felt emotion like this since The Infernal Devices... I have now officially forgiven Jay Kristoff for the disappointment that is Aurora Rising.
UPDATE: It's been about 10 hours since I finished the book and I can't stop thinking about this book!! I tear up every time I think about it and how good this was for me :') I'm not even exaggerating...
DON'T TOUCH ME I'M FRAGILE.
My birthday wishlist: my very own not-so cat please (complete with sarcasm and snarkiness)
Oh my gosh AM I IN LOVE with the narration…
It’s like Harry Potter…. but ASSASSINS. HOW COOL IS THAT???
Honorable mention: that might have been the best prologue I have read in my life. If you finished the book and read the prologue again… you’re lying to me if you say your heart didn’t at least clench. That epilogue also killed me (you know what I'm talking about if you read it) and that's the part that I actually bawled my eyes out.
PLOT: ✦✦✦✦✦
This book made me giggle and laugh to myself in more parts than one… AND I DID NOT expect that coming from a dark and heavy book for some reason.. ??? I was really glad that I was open to this though <3
I had no idea where the story was going THE WHOLE TIME. If you’re here for the Assassin School plot (like me) it doesn’t really get there until about the 20% mark but just be patient.
GOLD TAKES TIME TO BREW :)
WRITING STYLE: ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ (all the stars I can give it)
It gave me shivers (especially when she named Mister Kindly, there’s something kind of dark about it but I love it) and the timing of everything seemed perfect. Jay Kristoff knew when to hit with the perfect plot points to keep you turning the page. I appreciated that there was humor to balance all the dark and shiver-worthy parts of the book. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat all throughout. I was so invested in the plot, the characters (yes, all of them, 100% in love), the humor and darkness… It was such a nice blend of elements people. I was shooketh.
WORLD BUILDING: ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ (especially considering the effort and thought that was put into those footnotes)
The world building is so. in. depth. This is another one of those books that takes it’s time but it got me so H-O-O-K-E-D. It’s such an interesting and intriguing read. The world building is done SO. WELL. I feel like I was learning to be an assassin too hehe
CHARACTERS: ✦✦✦✦✦
And don’t worry… the start isn’t boring just because the assassin school plot hasn’t begun. It builds on Mia’s character first which makes you absolutely invested in her. I want my very own Mister Kindly. AND CAN I JUST SAY I LOVE HER DYNAMIC WITH TRIC… I’m just putting it out there.. I love them.. don’t fight me on this.
READ THIS SPOILER if you've finished the book:
That part after they spent the night together and no nightmares came to Mia was so deep for me. It spoke a lot about what, not necessarily Tric, but just having a person there that she trusts can chase the nightmares she’s had for so long away. I didn't want to accept his death until that epilogue scene when it sunk in and I just couldn't hold it in anymore.
AHHHHH THIS QUOTE!!! NOBODY TOUCH ME I'M FRAGILE
THEMES: ✦✦✦✦✧
if I start talking about what this book is really about I'm going to cry all over again so it's better to just leave you to it and your own comprehension.
PACING: ✦✦✦✦✦
*kisses fingers* perfecto
PAGE TURNER: ✦✦✦✦✦
ITS GREAT. ITS WONDERFUL. AMAZING.
If you need me… I’ll be at Godsgrave…
NOTE: I recommend the Audiobook of this if you listen to Audiobooks because it is so great !!!! Especially for the battle scenes. If you don’t usually listen to Audiobooks I still recommend you listen to this, especially if you have a hard time with High Fantasy. This one was performed wonderfully and did a great job keeping my focus. But I do recommend that you keep an eBook copy on you so that you can follow the change in timelines in the beginning and the footnotes so that it doesn’t get confusing.
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“The books we love, they love us back. And just as we mark our places in the pages, those pages leave their marks on us. I can see it in you, sure as I see it in me. You're a daughter of the words. A girl with a story to tell.”
FORMAT READ: Audiobook (recommended) & eBook
SIMILAR VIBES: Ace of Shades, Scythe, Mistborn, The Grisha Trilogy
READ FOR: AN ASSASSIN SCHOOL (need I say more?), badass heroine, emotional punches, dark but still has humor, ‘Mister Kindly’
READING LEVEL: Level 3-4 out of 5
⟹ MY BLOG ⟸
⟹ SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI ⟸
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
OVERALL THOUGHTS: 5.0
I have not felt emotion like this since The Infernal Devices... I have now officially forgiven Jay Kristoff for the disappointment that is Aurora Rising.
UPDATE: It's been about 10 hours since I finished the book and I can't stop thinking about this book!! I tear up every time I think about it and how good this was for me :') I'm not even exaggerating...
DON'T TOUCH ME I'M FRAGILE.
My birthday wishlist: my very own not-so cat please (complete with sarcasm and snarkiness)
“The last thing you will ever be in this world, girl, is someone’s hero. But you will be a girl heroes fear.”
Oh my gosh AM I IN LOVE with the narration…
It’s like Harry Potter…. but ASSASSINS. HOW COOL IS THAT???
Honorable mention: that might have been the best prologue I have read in my life. If you finished the book and read the prologue again… you’re lying to me if you say your heart didn’t at least clench. That epilogue also killed me (you know what I'm talking about if you read it) and that's the part that I actually bawled my eyes out.
PLOT: ✦✦✦✦✦
This book made me giggle and laugh to myself in more parts than one… AND I DID NOT expect that coming from a dark and heavy book for some reason.. ??? I was really glad that I was open to this though <3
“Your mind will serve you better than any trinket under the suns...It is a weapon...and like any weapon, you need practice to be any good at wielding it.”
I had no idea where the story was going THE WHOLE TIME. If you’re here for the Assassin School plot (like me) it doesn’t really get there until about the 20% mark but just be patient.
GOLD TAKES TIME TO BREW :)
WRITING STYLE: ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ (all the stars I can give it)
It gave me shivers (especially when she named Mister Kindly, there’s something kind of dark about it but I love it) and the timing of everything seemed perfect. Jay Kristoff knew when to hit with the perfect plot points to keep you turning the page. I appreciated that there was humor to balance all the dark and shiver-worthy parts of the book. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat all throughout. I was so invested in the plot, the characters (yes, all of them, 100% in love), the humor and darkness… It was such a nice blend of elements people. I was shooketh.
WORLD BUILDING: ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ (especially considering the effort and thought that was put into those footnotes)
The world building is so. in. depth. This is another one of those books that takes it’s time but it got me so H-O-O-K-E-D. It’s such an interesting and intriguing read. The world building is done SO. WELL. I feel like I was learning to be an assassin too hehe
CHARACTERS: ✦✦✦✦✦
And don’t worry… the start isn’t boring just because the assassin school plot hasn’t begun. It builds on Mia’s character first which makes you absolutely invested in her. I want my very own Mister Kindly. AND CAN I JUST SAY I LOVE HER DYNAMIC WITH TRIC… I’m just putting it out there.. I love them.. don’t fight me on this.
READ THIS SPOILER if you've finished the book:
Spoiler
Ah yes.. I love it when people die. HEAR ME OUT OKAY. It was done in the right parts and puts the focus on the characters while still sticking to the mood of the story. UPDATE: I wrote this before Tric died and oh boy did I cry so hard at that epilogue scene when she told the guy to tell Tric that she misses him. And Tric's death is the one that ultimately crushed me because he didn't die fighting for his life or anything. He died defenseless and just because he would be able to sense (smell) the poison.That part after they spent the night together and no nightmares came to Mia was so deep for me. It spoke a lot about what, not necessarily Tric, but just having a person there that she trusts can chase the nightmares she’s had for so long away. I didn't want to accept his death until that epilogue scene when it sunk in and I just couldn't hold it in anymore.
”This is a dark road we walk, Mia.”
“Then we walk it together,”
AHHHHH THIS QUOTE!!! NOBODY TOUCH ME I'M FRAGILE
THEMES: ✦✦✦✦✧
if I start talking about what this book is really about I'm going to cry all over again so it's better to just leave you to it and your own comprehension.
PACING: ✦✦✦✦✦
*kisses fingers* perfecto
PAGE TURNER: ✦✦✦✦✦
ITS GREAT. ITS WONDERFUL. AMAZING.
If you need me… I’ll be at Godsgrave…
”Too many books,”
“Too few centuries.”
NOTE: I recommend the Audiobook of this if you listen to Audiobooks because it is so great !!!! Especially for the battle scenes. If you don’t usually listen to Audiobooks I still recommend you listen to this, especially if you have a hard time with High Fantasy. This one was performed wonderfully and did a great job keeping my focus. But I do recommend that you keep an eBook copy on you so that you can follow the change in timelines in the beginning and the footnotes so that it doesn’t get confusing.
when they say: “what do we say to the god of death?”
we say:
I am this close to having that quote tattooed on my forehead. (definitely read the content warnings at the bottom for this book though). Some characters make some questionable choices but I understand that these were the grecian times…
↣ This is a quick but emotional read that spans through Adriane’s whole life. It deals with motherhood and the complications of human relationships/feelings while making you feel like you are living in the Greek myths themselves. And I don’t care what anyone says, I liked the ending. No need for any greek myths research (don't do it!!) just take what you know and read. ↢
P.S. I cried.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Alcohol, Animal death, Assault, Attempted murder, Bestiality, Blood, Bones, Child death, Childbirth, Cult, Death, Gore, Miscarriage (past), Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Starvation, Suicide, War
we say:
“I would not let a man who knew the value of nothing, make me doubt the value of myself.”
I am this close to having that quote tattooed on my forehead. (definitely read the content warnings at the bottom for this book though). Some characters make some questionable choices but I understand that these were the grecian times…
↣ This is a quick but emotional read that spans through Adriane’s whole life. It deals with motherhood and the complications of human relationships/feelings while making you feel like you are living in the Greek myths themselves. And I don’t care what anyone says, I liked the ending. No need for any greek myths research (don't do it!!) just take what you know and read. ↢
P.S. I cried.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Alcohol, Animal death, Assault, Attempted murder, Bestiality, Blood, Bones, Child death, Childbirth, Cult, Death, Gore, Miscarriage (past), Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Starvation, Suicide, War
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.
this writing is SO good. I don't understand why people are saying there's no plot?? It's Vibes™️ but it's not like there wasn't a solid flow of events that lead up to something which surprised me because I was really expecting no direction whatsoever.
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless stated otherwise*
PSA: I do not consider this as horror or even remotely scary
I'm weak for school and academy settings because of the character relationships that result from that. And this book gave all those dynamics that I was looking for without feeling redundant. The characters are very grey and are prone to teenage mistakes but that just made them feel more tangible and relatable.
I think people expect a dynamic plot but it isn’t that but that doesn't mean it's bad? Honestly, I am so tired of books that try so hard to give out of this world plot twists that the essence of the book suffers greatly. Probably just my personal preference since I think I'm an unpopular opinion
this writing is SO good. I don't understand why people are saying there's no plot?? It's Vibes™️ but it's not like there wasn't a solid flow of events that lead up to something which surprised me because I was really expecting no direction whatsoever.
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless stated otherwise*
PSA: I do not consider this as horror or even remotely scary
I'm weak for school and academy settings because of the character relationships that result from that. And this book gave all those dynamics that I was looking for without feeling redundant. The characters are very grey and are prone to teenage mistakes but that just made them feel more tangible and relatable.
“Because they have some delusion that to be human and perishable is divine.”
I think people expect a dynamic plot but it isn’t that but that doesn't mean it's bad? Honestly, I am so tired of books that try so hard to give out of this world plot twists that the essence of the book suffers greatly. Probably just my personal preference since I think I'm an unpopular opinion
I AM AN EMOTIONAL WRECK OF A MESS.
AHHHH. It's just so well done on every level and I just really think he achieved what he wanted to do with this book. I mean... my eyes are still puffy from crying. Someone said this book gives them UP (the disney movie) vibes, and honestly, I agree.
The way it’s written just makes you so absorbed and it just resonated deep within me because I have a weakness for memories and/or people losing them. This story is essentially about this grandpa that has alzheimer's and his grandson.
The themes are so heartachingly real and executed to perfection. You know what Backman books, to me, essentially talk about just living your life. Including the joys and tragedies within them. Because life is long until it isn't but the best thing you can do is cherish it with the people that mean the most to you. Each book he releases I feel puts more emphasis and layers to that overall subject AND WE ARE WEAK FOR IT.
I understand if this kind of story is just something that does not resonate with you… BUT IT DID FOR ME and that’s what matters because I am still emotional. I went crazy with the annotations because I just could not get over how close this story felt to the author and in turn, me.
The writing. Please. *chef's kiss*
If you want a winding plot, I want to say that you won’t get that here because it’s too short but Fredrik Backman still manages to make it happen even though this book is less than 100 pages. I was overflowing with nostalgia and emotions that I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up wanting to run to your own parents at no matter what age. But I mean at the end of the day:
↣ I really don't know what to say I mean.... read this if you want a heartfelt, endearing, nostalgic, and quick read. Especially one that focuses a lot on family. And it's all tied together so beautifully, what more could you want. ↢
AHHHH. It's just so well done on every level and I just really think he achieved what he wanted to do with this book. I mean... my eyes are still puffy from crying. Someone said this book gives them UP (the disney movie) vibes, and honestly, I agree.
“That’s why we get the chance to spoil our grandchildren, because by doing that we’re apologizing to our children.”
The way it’s written just makes you so absorbed and it just resonated deep within me because I have a weakness for memories and/or people losing them. This story is essentially about this grandpa that has alzheimer's and his grandson.
The themes are so heartachingly real and executed to perfection. You know what Backman books, to me, essentially talk about just living your life. Including the joys and tragedies within them. Because life is long until it isn't but the best thing you can do is cherish it with the people that mean the most to you. Each book he releases I feel puts more emphasis and layers to that overall subject AND WE ARE WEAK FOR IT.
"One of them is getting bigger and one of them is getting smaller, the years allow them to meet in the middle."
I understand if this kind of story is just something that does not resonate with you… BUT IT DID FOR ME and that’s what matters because I am still emotional. I went crazy with the annotations because I just could not get over how close this story felt to the author and in turn, me.
The writing. Please. *chef's kiss*
If you want a winding plot, I want to say that you won’t get that here because it’s too short but Fredrik Backman still manages to make it happen even though this book is less than 100 pages. I was overflowing with nostalgia and emotions that I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up wanting to run to your own parents at no matter what age. But I mean at the end of the day:
“Live your life. It’s an awful thing to miss someone who’s still here.”
↣ I really don't know what to say I mean.... read this if you want a heartfelt, endearing, nostalgic, and quick read. Especially one that focuses a lot on family. And it's all tied together so beautifully, what more could you want. ↢
I need to be honest with myself that even though I immensely enjoyed the first part of this book, the ending just threw me completely off and I wasn’t entirely happy with how everything wrapped up just because it felt rushed and there were plot holes that didn’t make sense.
I still really loved it for the most part but yeah... just making that known.
————————————————
I could not stop smiling at every page. I physically could not. It was not possible.
I'm sorry for the long review ahead.
— overall thoughts: 3.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
I am rating this as I did because of how addicting it is to read and because I am a character-driven reader that is easy to please as long you give me sensible characters and good dynamics, which it hit and hit and hit. However, there were time when the fact that it is a debut novel slips through and I could not ignore it.
I didn’t think this would give me vintage mad scientist vibes… ??
It is heavy on the romance but I do believe that was the aim of this book, so even though I am painfully aware of it’s downfalls I think that it was able to achieve what it wanted.
I do love the French setting just because I was in the mood for it but we do need more settings in Fantasy that aren’t European based circulating more. If you want some recommendations go check out: [b:Spin the Dawn|42815556|Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)|Elizabeth Lim|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542674036l/42815556._SY75_.jpg|58477266], [b:The Poppy War|35068705|The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1)|R.F. Kuang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515691735l/35068705._SY75_.jpg|56364137], [b:Witches Steeped in Gold|51813582|Witches Steeped in Gold (Witches Steeped in Gold, #1)|Ciannon Smart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1592429447l/51813582._SY75_.jpg|71289096], [b:These Violent Delights|50892212|These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights, #1)|Chloe Gong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580958058l/50892212._SY75_.jpg|68554357], [b:A Song of Wraiths and Ruin|49629448|A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, #1)|Roseanne A. Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576673547l/49629448._SY75_.jpg|65116439], [b:Wicked Fox|42133479|Wicked Fox (Gumiho, #1)|Kat Cho|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561485441l/42133479._SX50_.jpg|60305442].
I find it so funny that almost all my mutuals gave this either a 5 star or a 1 star and I think the difference is in your expectations going in. I went into this blind (as I do most of the books I read) and gave myself a pat on the back for it because I think that’s just the best way to read it. So if you are still reading this review I am assuming that you have either read it or you just don’t care about knowing the content.
If we’re basing this solely on how much I enjoyed Reid and Lou’s characters I would rate this 5 stars because THEY. ARE. JUST. SO. FUN. The pacing of their relationship trumps so many romance stories out there, their chemistry was the perfect blend.
Being the high fantasy reader that I am, something was just not agreeing with the way the plot twists were delivered. It’s something that I’ve seen quite a lot of as well so if you go in with different expectations because of the hype you might end up hating it.
— plot & writing style —★★★☆☆ (3.5)
The writing style makes it so easy to read while not giving up the depth of the magic system
The fact that there is no clear antagonist works for the story so well?? (well for the most part, and I’m going to be honest, I wish it stayed that way). The reason for conflict at first was just life and if it stayed on that track, this book would have been absolutely phenomenal to me. Because it was in the moment that Morgane entered the story did it feel like this was just another YA book.
With all that said, I am not saying that the writing and the plot is flawlessly perfect. But I really don’t think that was the goal of the book. The goal was to get you hooked with loveable characters while having a solid magical foundation and I think that it achieved that. I did have a bit of a problem with how certain plot twists were delivered and some things just felt too convenient for the plot.
There were definitely some holes that needed fixing but I am willing to overlook it (kind of) because of much I enjoyed everything else.
— world building — ★★★★☆
I like that it does the "nature demands balance" concept justice and is more than a witch brewing a pot of some poison and then someone has to immediately die. The magic system put a lot more focus on things like erasing a person’s memories means that you also have to lose some of your memories as a witch… which was beyond me and I’m happy that we’re getting more concrete versions of that vague fairytale concept. This did slack towards the end so… that was a bit sad. I have high hopes we get more of it in the sequel though.
I dont know if this was exactly set in france (I’m assuming that it is) but we are living for that vintage european vibe
— characters — ★★★★☆
WARNING: This book contains one of the best paced romances.
Enemies to friends to lovers in a forbidden romance setting,, like you know when they’re just supposed to be natural enemies... GIVE IT TO ME. We are weak for that. But most especially when they grow to be (best) friends first and foremost ;)
Lou is just so unapologetically herself and is sensible enough to know it. I was enjoying myself watching Lou and Reid slowly build their relationship and trust. A slower burn romance might have worked better but I'll take it.
All i knew was that there was a forbidden romance between a witch and a witch hunter and OH.MY.GOD. was that written so well. And when I say that I am referring to the easy-to-fall-into character dynamics and structured magic systems because that combined is my happy place.
Beau might be my new favorite character just because of that one scene in the end that I still laugh thinking about.
— themes — ★★★☆☆
Family, love, friendship, all the basics. But my favorite aspect:
It puts a lot of focus on how women and men are viewed/treated by society... and does it quite literally and concretely. The division of how it is believed that all Chasseurs are all men and Witches are all women already says a lot about the symbolism. It tackles it both in analogies and straight out mentions it at times.
And the lgbtq+ rep? It's never outright mentioned but is instead present in a normalized environment which I LOVE. It's treated like it's a normal thing.... like, YES!!! Why wouldn't there be female consorts in a society full of women?
— pacing — ★★★★☆
There were times when it read like a debut novel in terms of plot but the author had a such a huge understand of pacing and knew when to drop the appropriate plots point while choosing the right words that overshadows it.
It's fast paced which did a lot for my attention span.
Shelby Mahurin knows when to deliver the gut punches and the plot twists, but I do think that the build up to those need some work as well as the delivery, then I think it might have hit me harder.
— page turner — ★★★★★
I was addicted to say the least.
I am hyped to read the second book because I've heard that it's better than this one so, we shall see.
I still really loved it for the most part but yeah... just making that known.
————————————————
I could not stop smiling at every page. I physically could not. It was not possible.
I'm sorry for the long review ahead.
“Wicked are the ways of women—and especially a witch. Their guile knows no bounds.”
— overall thoughts: 3.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
Spoiler
Blood, Gore, Violence (intense), Physical abuse/assault, Self harm, Sex (vague descriptions), SexismI am rating this as I did because of how addicting it is to read and because I am a character-driven reader that is easy to please as long you give me sensible characters and good dynamics, which it hit and hit and hit. However, there were time when the fact that it is a debut novel slips through and I could not ignore it.
I didn’t think this would give me vintage mad scientist vibes… ??
It is heavy on the romance but I do believe that was the aim of this book, so even though I am painfully aware of it’s downfalls I think that it was able to achieve what it wanted.
I do love the French setting just because I was in the mood for it but we do need more settings in Fantasy that aren’t European based circulating more. If you want some recommendations go check out: [b:Spin the Dawn|42815556|Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)|Elizabeth Lim|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542674036l/42815556._SY75_.jpg|58477266], [b:The Poppy War|35068705|The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1)|R.F. Kuang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515691735l/35068705._SY75_.jpg|56364137], [b:Witches Steeped in Gold|51813582|Witches Steeped in Gold (Witches Steeped in Gold, #1)|Ciannon Smart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1592429447l/51813582._SY75_.jpg|71289096], [b:These Violent Delights|50892212|These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights, #1)|Chloe Gong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580958058l/50892212._SY75_.jpg|68554357], [b:A Song of Wraiths and Ruin|49629448|A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, #1)|Roseanne A. Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576673547l/49629448._SY75_.jpg|65116439], [b:Wicked Fox|42133479|Wicked Fox (Gumiho, #1)|Kat Cho|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561485441l/42133479._SX50_.jpg|60305442].
I find it so funny that almost all my mutuals gave this either a 5 star or a 1 star and I think the difference is in your expectations going in. I went into this blind (as I do most of the books I read) and gave myself a pat on the back for it because I think that’s just the best way to read it. So if you are still reading this review I am assuming that you have either read it or you just don’t care about knowing the content.
If we’re basing this solely on how much I enjoyed Reid and Lou’s characters I would rate this 5 stars because THEY. ARE. JUST. SO. FUN. The pacing of their relationship trumps so many romance stories out there, their chemistry was the perfect blend.
Being the high fantasy reader that I am, something was just not agreeing with the way the plot twists were delivered. It’s something that I’ve seen quite a lot of as well so if you go in with different expectations because of the hype you might end up hating it.
— plot & writing style —★★★☆☆ (3.5)
The writing style makes it so easy to read while not giving up the depth of the magic system
The fact that there is no clear antagonist works for the story so well?? (well for the most part, and I’m going to be honest, I wish it stayed that way). The reason for conflict at first was just life and if it stayed on that track, this book would have been absolutely phenomenal to me. Because it was in the moment that Morgane entered the story did it feel like this was just another YA book.
With all that said, I am not saying that the writing and the plot is flawlessly perfect. But I really don’t think that was the goal of the book. The goal was to get you hooked with loveable characters while having a solid magical foundation and I think that it achieved that. I did have a bit of a problem with how certain plot twists were delivered and some things just felt too convenient for the plot.
Spoiler
Just like how Reid only noticed the mother of pearl ring on Madame Labelle that night but haven’t they known each other for quite a while?There were definitely some holes that needed fixing
Spoiler
(like why didn’t the witches just use magic right away when they were ambushed at the end?)— world building — ★★★★☆
I like that it does the "nature demands balance" concept justice and is more than a witch brewing a pot of some poison and then someone has to immediately die. The magic system put a lot more focus on things like erasing a person’s memories means that you also have to lose some of your memories as a witch… which was beyond me and I’m happy that we’re getting more concrete versions of that vague fairytale concept. This did slack towards the end so… that was a bit sad. I have high hopes we get more of it in the sequel though.
I dont know if this was exactly set in france (I’m assuming that it is) but we are living for that vintage european vibe
— characters — ★★★★☆
WARNING: This book contains one of the best paced romances.
Enemies to friends to lovers in a forbidden romance setting,, like you know when they’re just supposed to be natural enemies... GIVE IT TO ME. We are weak for that. But most especially when they grow to be (best) friends first and foremost ;)
Lou is just so unapologetically herself and is sensible enough to know it. I was enjoying myself watching Lou and Reid slowly build their relationship and trust. A slower burn romance might have worked better but I'll take it.
All i knew was that there was a forbidden romance between a witch and a witch hunter and OH.MY.GOD. was that written so well. And when I say that I am referring to the easy-to-fall-into character dynamics and structured magic systems because that combined is my happy place.
Beau might be my new favorite character just because of that one scene in the end that I still laugh thinking about.
— themes — ★★★☆☆
Family, love, friendship, all the basics. But my favorite aspect:
It puts a lot of focus on how women and men are viewed/treated by society... and does it quite literally and concretely. The division of how it is believed that all Chasseurs are all men and Witches are all women already says a lot about the symbolism. It tackles it both in analogies and straight out mentions it at times.
And the lgbtq+ rep? It's never outright mentioned but is instead present in a normalized environment which I LOVE. It's treated like it's a normal thing.... like, YES!!! Why wouldn't there be female consorts in a society full of women?
— pacing — ★★★★☆
There were times when it read like a debut novel in terms of plot but the author had a such a huge understand of pacing and knew when to drop the appropriate plots point while choosing the right words that overshadows it.
It's fast paced which did a lot for my attention span.
Shelby Mahurin knows when to deliver the gut punches and the plot twists, but I do think that the build up to those need some work as well as the delivery, then I think it might have hit me harder.
— page turner — ★★★★★
I was addicted to say the least.
I am hyped to read the second book because I've heard that it's better than this one so, we shall see.
found family in hell.
FOUND FAMILY in hell.
found family IN HELL.
FOUND FAMILY IN HELL.
— overall thoughts: 3.75 —
goodness the platonic relationships make me so soft. If I get to go on this kind of adventure in hell, I will gladly dig myself a grave. this felt like aj hackwith took me on a good ol’ fun adventure around the depths of hell and even though that might sound ~dark~ it really wasn’t. There was more humor than I thought there would be but also a lot more insight into what it means to be human.
wondering what the vibe/tone is?
my answer: the good place + good omens + scythe
it’s the magical realism kind of plot that gives structure to a vague concept aka “hell”. a book about unfinished books that come to life and librarians chasing them down because they just want to be reunited with their authors *big pleading eyes emoji*
Before i started reading i actually didn’t know that the books actually took on their characters so that they look human (even though it is in the synopsis) and I thought they were just actual books flying around. The fact that they physically took on the heroes of their own stories was so fascinating.
and the fact that the book chose to not focus on romantic relationships made me want to sob harder than i already was.
it was a little difficult for me to wrap my head around the world and magic system because it was a little bigger than i expected (playing games with demons, puzzles that they were constantly solving) but if i this physically i probably would have been able to follow it more.
but the themes and the messages that it was trying to get across was very well-received and the dark-ish but whimsical tone that the book set is just my cup of tea. i was seriously sobbing (especially towards the end).
yes, the plot was great and the world-building was solid but their little found family and the character dynamics were *chefs kiss* to be honest, it was Claire who i had found it the most difficult to connect with personally but i enjoyed her company nonetheless. Claire is also the pansexual rep here in case you were wondering.
the plot and structure reminded me too much of stories that i was head over heels for (the good place, good omens, scythe) that i almost felt like i had to like it and i thought it wasn't going to work for me at first but thankfully the characters pulled through
the dichotomy between heroes and villains was a big A+ to me
like seriously. please read this for my main men: Hero and Leto <3
i may not have enjoyed this as much as i thought i would but we're fine because i still achieved a lot more raw enjoyment in this book than the past books i just completed
*buys all the copies of this book and calmly starts handing them out to all of you who find logical angel and demon stories interesting*
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FOUND FAMILY in hell.
found family IN HELL.
FOUND FAMILY IN HELL.
“The library exists in hell, it doesn’t serve it.”
— overall thoughts: 3.75 —
goodness the platonic relationships make me so soft. If I get to go on this kind of adventure in hell, I will gladly dig myself a grave. this felt like aj hackwith took me on a good ol’ fun adventure around the depths of hell and even though that might sound ~dark~ it really wasn’t. There was more humor than I thought there would be but also a lot more insight into what it means to be human.
“We are the dreams that did not die with the dreamer. We care nothing for the dark. We are imagination.”
wondering what the vibe/tone is?
my answer: the good place + good omens + scythe
it’s the magical realism kind of plot that gives structure to a vague concept aka “hell”. a book about unfinished books that come to life and librarians chasing them down because they just want to be reunited with their authors *big pleading eyes emoji*
“Regardless of the reason, when books ran, it was the librarian’s duty to catch them.”
Before i started reading i actually didn’t know that the books actually took on their characters so that they look human (even though it is in the synopsis) and I thought they were just actual books flying around. The fact that they physically took on the heroes of their own stories was so fascinating.
and the fact that the book chose to not focus on romantic relationships made me want to sob harder than i already was.
“Might be the unwritten have an idea or two on how their own story should go. Might be, they have reason to be angry. Pray they never wake up.”
it was a little difficult for me to wrap my head around the world and magic system because it was a little bigger than i expected (playing games with demons, puzzles that they were constantly solving) but if i this physically i probably would have been able to follow it more.
but the themes and the messages that it was trying to get across was very well-received and the dark-ish but whimsical tone that the book set is just my cup of tea. i was seriously sobbing (especially towards the end).
yes, the plot was great and the world-building was solid but their little found family and the character dynamics were *chefs kiss* to be honest, it was Claire who i had found it the most difficult to connect with personally but i enjoyed her company nonetheless. Claire is also the pansexual rep here in case you were wondering.
“Beware the stories that find their freedom,”
the plot and structure reminded me too much of stories that i was head over heels for (the good place, good omens, scythe) that i almost felt like i had to like it and i thought it wasn't going to work for me at first but thankfully the characters pulled through
the dichotomy between heroes and villains was a big A+ to me
like seriously. please read this for my main men: Hero and Leto <3
i may not have enjoyed this as much as i thought i would but we're fine because i still achieved a lot more raw enjoyment in this book than the past books i just completed
*buys all the copies of this book and calmly starts handing them out to all of you who find logical angel and demon stories interesting*
“Nothing we do, is not felt,”
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Recommended by Paula
I didn’t know you could describe a horror book as beautiful... but here I am saying that this book was beautiful.
READ FOR: gothic old mansion with a name vibes, emotional story, interesting family dynamics, thought provoking ideas, emotional subplot and writing
— overall thoughts: 3.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
⇢ representation: Latinx MC
The writing kept me anticipating where the story would lead to and Naomi is one of the most sensible female main characters I have ever read. I love that she is written as a free-spirited, clever and educated woman that actually listens to me when I scream at her what to do. And relatable! Let’s not forget that.
Her relationships with every character is just so well explored and it was easy to feel attached to them... even the ones with questionable... ideals.
I read this in the middle of watching haunting of bly manor on netflix with friends so I was in the perfect mood for a haunted house story. But this book was so much more than that and the atmosphere was SPOT. ON.
Truly a perfect October spooky (is it spooky?) and atmospheric read.
I’m also going to mention that the plot began in a ballroom and I was enjoying myself so much.
I didn’t know this was a horror before adding it to my tbr to be honest, i just realized that it was when I started seeing it on so many horror recommendations so I didn’t get the chance to be intimidated by the horror aspect. I’m glad that we have gotten over the era wherein horror books were always in that gothic handwriting font with a beaten down house in the background.
It discusses themes on family, how far you would go for the people you love and what you would do to uphold you ideals. Especially what it means to have a home. It takes all of these concepts and makes them concrete to the point that it’s just weird and creepy. Which is where the horror aspect comes in.
I make it sound so dreamy and while it’s all that, there were still a number of times I got chills. I had to pause, imagine it, and then move on.
The romance was unnecessary to me and I'm going to be honest that it didn't really sell me. I think that the story might have been better without it.
If you’re into gothic stories you’re definitely gonna fall in love with this one. And even if you aren’t, there are still so many things to love, the mystery being one of them. I have really not read too many horror books but I’ve really been loving the ones that I have read recently.
Now excuse me because I just NEED to read [b:Gods of Jade and Shadow|36510722|Gods of Jade and Shadow|Silvia Moreno-Garcia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543268579l/36510722._SY75_.jpg|58230232] because I am craving for more of this writing. That last paragraph? Perfect. Though the twist was a bit disturbing.
I didn’t know you could describe a horror book as beautiful... but here I am saying that this book was beautiful.
READ FOR: gothic old mansion with a name vibes, emotional story, interesting family dynamics, thought provoking ideas, emotional subplot and writing
— overall thoughts: 3.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
Spoiler
Attempted rape, Cannibalism, Child birth, Drugging, Eugenics, Fire, Forced marriage, Gore, Hallucinations, Incest, Mind control, Miscarriage (mentioned), Murder (including babies), Racism, Suicide, Vivisepulture⇢ representation: Latinx MC
“Books, moonlight, melodrama.”
The writing kept me anticipating where the story would lead to and Naomi is one of the most sensible female main characters I have ever read. I love that she is written as a free-spirited, clever and educated woman that actually listens to me when I scream at her what to do. And relatable! Let’s not forget that.
Her relationships with every character is just so well explored and it was easy to feel attached to them... even the ones with questionable... ideals.
I read this in the middle of watching haunting of bly manor on netflix with friends so I was in the perfect mood for a haunted house story. But this book was so much more than that and the atmosphere was SPOT. ON.
Truly a perfect October spooky (is it spooky?) and atmospheric read.
I’m also going to mention that the plot began in a ballroom and I was enjoying myself so much.
I didn’t know this was a horror before adding it to my tbr to be honest, i just realized that it was when I started seeing it on so many horror recommendations so I didn’t get the chance to be intimidated by the horror aspect. I’m glad that we have gotten over the era wherein horror books were always in that gothic handwriting font with a beaten down house in the background.
“Any place is made for love... Wood, glass and a roof do not constitute a home.”
It discusses themes on family, how far you would go for the people you love and what you would do to uphold you ideals. Especially what it means to have a home. It takes all of these concepts and makes them concrete to the point that it’s just weird and creepy. Which is where the horror aspect comes in.
I make it sound so dreamy and while it’s all that, there were still a number of times I got chills. I had to pause, imagine it, and then move on.
The romance was unnecessary to me and I'm going to be honest that it didn't really sell me. I think that the story might have been better without it.
If you’re into gothic stories you’re definitely gonna fall in love with this one. And even if you aren’t, there are still so many things to love, the mystery being one of them. I have really not read too many horror books but I’ve really been loving the ones that I have read recently.
Now excuse me because I just NEED to read [b:Gods of Jade and Shadow|36510722|Gods of Jade and Shadow|Silvia Moreno-Garcia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543268579l/36510722._SY75_.jpg|58230232] because I am craving for more of this writing. That last paragraph? Perfect. Though the twist was a bit disturbing.
“Once upon a time, there was a princess in a tower. Once upon a time a prince saved the girl from the tower. Naomi sat on the bed and contemplated the notion of enchantments that are never broken.”
// This is my book for the "Recommend a Book" challenge//
FORMAT READ: Paperback & Audiobook (Recommended)
SIMILAR VIBES: Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
READ FOR: themes and devils/angels/hell/heaven/world-ending humor
READING LEVEL: Level 4-5 out of 5
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*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
OVERALL THOUGHTS: 4.5
This was a very atmospheric read. Especially with the classical music in between chapters for the audiobook <3
The humor was what got me from the start and towards the end the book actually got more touching. It talked a lot about how people aren’t necessarily evil and I just like those books that talk about morally gray themes. I was SOLD.
I loved Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship. It was the kind of "friendship" that is unique in the way that it has lasted centuries and I was so invested in them. GAHHH I was TOUCHED!! I do have to admit that they were mostly the characters I cared about the most and I wasn't so attached to the others hehe. But I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
This may be a bit heavier read for most people but I can say that it’s worth it and thank you to Jasey and Alex for recommending this book so much because I never would have picked it up otherwise.
The audiobook is a great road to take if you are intimidated with this book <3
I'll probably watch the series then read this book again and see what I have to say hehe
PLOT: ★★★★☆
WRITING STYLE: ★★★★☆
WORLD BUILDING: ★★★★☆
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★
THEMES: ★★★★★
PACING: ★★★★☆
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★☆
”It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally evil, but by people being fundamentally people.”
FORMAT READ: Paperback & Audiobook (Recommended)
SIMILAR VIBES: Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
READ FOR: themes and devils/angels/hell/heaven/world-ending humor
READING LEVEL: Level 4-5 out of 5
⟹ MY BLOG ⟸
⟹ SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI ⟸
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
OVERALL THOUGHTS: 4.5
This was a very atmospheric read. Especially with the classical music in between chapters for the audiobook <3
The humor was what got me from the start and towards the end the book actually got more touching. It talked a lot about how people aren’t necessarily evil and I just like those books that talk about morally gray themes. I was SOLD.
I loved Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship. It was the kind of "friendship" that is unique in the way that it has lasted centuries and I was so invested in them. GAHHH I was TOUCHED!! I do have to admit that they were mostly the characters I cared about the most and I wasn't so attached to the others hehe. But I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
This may be a bit heavier read for most people but I can say that it’s worth it and thank you to Jasey and Alex for recommending this book so much because I never would have picked it up otherwise.
The audiobook is a great road to take if you are intimidated with this book <3
I'll probably watch the series then read this book again and see what I have to say hehe
PLOT: ★★★★☆
WRITING STYLE: ★★★★☆
WORLD BUILDING: ★★★★☆
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★
THEMES: ★★★★★
PACING: ★★★★☆
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★☆
[ april 7 2021 + nov 25 2021 update: this is a problematic author and this review reflects my feelings for the book and not the author. my review will be kept as it is but reading this book is up to you. i hate how authors have the power to ruin our favorite series with... their attitudes. if you want more context on what happened, search "Jay Kristoff" on twitter and you will be presented with a wealth of information. we do not tolerate the albinism/BIPOC treatment in this household... nor his problematicness against BIPOC as a BIPOC myself. *sighs* disappointing ]
---------------------------
FORMAT READ: eBook & Audiobook (Recommended)
SIMILAR VIBES: Ace of Shades, Scythe, Mistborn, The Grisha Trilogy
RECOMMENDED FOR: if you are looking for an adult fantasy book that is high-paced and dark,, with morally grey characters and an unpredictable plot
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
overall thoughts: 5.0
HOLY... I AM STILL SCREAMINGGG !!!!
I am still on the train of pushing the agenda for everyone to read the Nevernight Chronicles. Literal masterpieces *chefs kiss*
I CAN NEVER GUESS WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN IN THIS STORY and it’s fast-paced enough to not even give me enough time to think about it. I was just sucked right back into Mia’s world and even though I know this is a dark series it just felt like home.
I appreciated that while it is a fast paced and intense novel there was always enough down time for me to build up my broken heart before it explodes again.
— plot —
In the first book we were mostly in an academy type setting and it was one of the main reasons I loved the book so much so I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like this one since the plot doesn’t revolve around that anymore. Spoiler Alert: I was wrong.
I was SO sold on the fighting arena scene and I just enjoy me a good military training-ish style setting. Jay Kristoff was still able to incorporate my favourite parts of an academy setting (intimate character relationships) while diving into a new side of the Nevernight world that we haven’t seen before.
AND AS USUAL, the plot twists that I love so much are all here and present and I’m just living a good life.
— dark writing style —
OKAY… first of all… I’m not sure if anyone else noticed the fencing references during the battle scenes but since I took up Fencing recently I noticed and it made the battle scenes easier for me to imagine. Just sharing because it’s a small detail that I enjoyed a lot, I’m not sure if the author also did that in the first book but I haven’t taken up fencing at that time yet so I wouldn’t have noticed.
What is so unique about this book is the writing style that just gives you that overall dark and eerie mood throughout the series. I swear that I get chills whenever I’m reading. And I'm so glad to see it being so consistent.
And that narration… PHENOMENAL. I do highly recommend the audiobook so go check it out if that’s a medium you enjoy and it made it easier for me to get through the footnotes since I didn’t have to keep looking for it every chapter.
— the footnotes —
Speaking of footnotes: I’m still not sure who’s speaking in these footnotes but in my head it’s Mr. Kindly. I just LOVE the addition of these footnotes it honestly gives a whole new dimension to the story without boring the readers. It was just such a creative way to deepen the world building.
I just love the writing style of this series it’s super my type.
— characters —
Oh Mia… she’s cheeky, intelligent, she’s relatable.
We do mostly have a new cast of characters for the most part and I do really miss the old cast but I’m not disappointed since I still got all the intimate character relationships I was looking for.
I just have to say that it was so nice to be in Mia’s mindset like to have a passenger’s seat view on how she perceives everything she was going through. BUT AT THE SAME TIME I could never guess what she would do next.
It was just so fascinating to see how both new and old characters affected her point of view and I had such a huge investment in all of them.
AND MISTER KINDLY AND ECLIPSE <3 I just get so extra happy and entertained when they're around ughh what would nevernight be without them
— themes —
Again, this is a dark read just so you know, but this series actually made me realize how much I like grimdark writing… so thanks Nevernight.
But other than that it tackles themes of loyalty a lot and what you are willing to do in order to reach your goals I really liked the commentary on these particular themes and I think it was delivered really well… and i just FELT IT!
I had to re-read this halfway cuz i stopped reading for a whole year due to a book slump caused my college and forgot what happened so oops… BUT IM NOT COMPLAINING THAT I GOT TO EXPERIENCE HALF THIS BOOK ALL OVER AGAIN <3
It’s no secret that I’m woefully in love with the Nevernight and Godsgrave now as well. I can’t exactly say which one I love more because Godsgrave just gave us a whole different look on the Nevernight world. I am so excited for Darkdawn because I’ve heard that it’s the best one and I’m already head over heels for the first 2 books.
GAHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH WAHHHH
NOTE: I said this in my review for the first book also but I’ll just reiterate that I recommend the audiobooks for this series so much. If you have a hard time getting into high-fantasy or this series, try the audiobooks. The performance is top tier and you won’t have such a hard time with the footnotes. Although, I still recommend having your own physical or ebook copy to follow the timelines because it tends to jump a lot. I also like keeping an ebook with the audiobook so that I can highlight the so-many quote worthy lines.
---------------------------
“There is beauty in knowing all things end.
The brightest flames burn out the fastest. But in them, there is warmth that can last a lifetime. Even from a love that only lasts the nevernight.”
FORMAT READ: eBook & Audiobook (Recommended)
SIMILAR VIBES: Ace of Shades, Scythe, Mistborn, The Grisha Trilogy
RECOMMENDED FOR: if you are looking for an adult fantasy book that is high-paced and dark,, with morally grey characters and an unpredictable plot
*All of my reviews are as spoiler-free as possible unless states otherwise*
overall thoughts: 5.0
HOLY... I AM STILL SCREAMINGGG !!!!
I am still on the train of pushing the agenda for everyone to read the Nevernight Chronicles. Literal masterpieces *chefs kiss*
I CAN NEVER GUESS WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN IN THIS STORY and it’s fast-paced enough to not even give me enough time to think about it. I was just sucked right back into Mia’s world and even though I know this is a dark series it just felt like home.
I appreciated that while it is a fast paced and intense novel there was always enough down time for me to build up my broken heart before it explodes again.
“If Vengeance has a mother, her name is Patience.”
— plot —
In the first book we were mostly in an academy type setting and it was one of the main reasons I loved the book so much so I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like this one since the plot doesn’t revolve around that anymore. Spoiler Alert: I was wrong.
I was SO sold on the fighting arena scene and I just enjoy me a good military training-ish style setting. Jay Kristoff was still able to incorporate my favourite parts of an academy setting (intimate character relationships) while diving into a new side of the Nevernight world that we haven’t seen before.
AND AS USUAL, the plot twists that I love so much are all here and present and I’m just living a good life.
— dark writing style —
OKAY… first of all… I’m not sure if anyone else noticed the fencing references during the battle scenes but since I took up Fencing recently I noticed and it made the battle scenes easier for me to imagine. Just sharing because it’s a small detail that I enjoyed a lot, I’m not sure if the author also did that in the first book but I haven’t taken up fencing at that time yet so I wouldn’t have noticed.
What is so unique about this book is the writing style that just gives you that overall dark and eerie mood throughout the series. I swear that I get chills whenever I’m reading. And I'm so glad to see it being so consistent.
And that narration… PHENOMENAL. I do highly recommend the audiobook so go check it out if that’s a medium you enjoy and it made it easier for me to get through the footnotes since I didn’t have to keep looking for it every chapter.
”In every breath, hope abides”
— the footnotes —
Speaking of footnotes: I’m still not sure who’s speaking in these footnotes but in my head it’s Mr. Kindly. I just LOVE the addition of these footnotes it honestly gives a whole new dimension to the story without boring the readers. It was just such a creative way to deepen the world building.
I just love the writing style of this series it’s super my type.
— characters —
Oh Mia… she’s cheeky, intelligent, she’s relatable.
We do mostly have a new cast of characters for the most part and I do really miss the old cast but I’m not disappointed since I still got all the intimate character relationships I was looking for.
I just have to say that it was so nice to be in Mia’s mindset like to have a passenger’s seat view on how she perceives everything she was going through. BUT AT THE SAME TIME I could never guess what she would do next.
It was just so fascinating to see how both new and old characters affected her point of view and I had such a huge investment in all of them.
AND MISTER KINDLY AND ECLIPSE <3 I just get so extra happy and entertained when they're around ughh what would nevernight be without them
“For people like us, there are no promises of forever.”
— themes —
Again, this is a dark read just so you know, but this series actually made me realize how much I like grimdark writing… so thanks Nevernight.
But other than that it tackles themes of loyalty a lot and what you are willing to do in order to reach your goals I really liked the commentary on these particular themes and I think it was delivered really well… and i just FELT IT!
“Thus, the greatest monsters get their way, by just looking like the rest of us.”
I had to re-read this halfway cuz i stopped reading for a whole year due to a book slump caused my college and forgot what happened so oops… BUT IM NOT COMPLAINING THAT I GOT TO EXPERIENCE HALF THIS BOOK ALL OVER AGAIN <3
It’s no secret that I’m woefully in love with the Nevernight and Godsgrave now as well. I can’t exactly say which one I love more because Godsgrave just gave us a whole different look on the Nevernight world. I am so excited for Darkdawn because I’ve heard that it’s the best one and I’m already head over heels for the first 2 books.
GAHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH WAHHHH
NOTE: I said this in my review for the first book also but I’ll just reiterate that I recommend the audiobooks for this series so much. If you have a hard time getting into high-fantasy or this series, try the audiobooks. The performance is top tier and you won’t have such a hard time with the footnotes. Although, I still recommend having your own physical or ebook copy to follow the timelines because it tends to jump a lot. I also like keeping an ebook with the audiobook so that I can highlight the so-many quote worthy lines.