BY LAINI TAYLOR
GOODREADS | AMAZON
Print Length: 512 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Amazon.com
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 3
Completed: December 2012
Challenges: 2012 Ebook Challenge, 2012 Mammoth Book Challenge, 2012 YA/MG Fantasy, 2012 2nd's Challenge
BOOK #1 - REVIEW
BOOK #1 - REVIEW
SUMMARY
This book picks up right where book one left off. Karou has uncovered a horrific secret about Akiva, one which has driven a wedge between their relationship. Karou is lost, grasping at whatever semblance of self she has left and is trying to find a way to right her life again. Crushed, Akiva also goes about his own seperate life continuing to be a warrior, but regardless of what Karou may believe his life has changed, too. Both of them despise the war and the millions of innocent deaths. They both want a better life for themselves and those who will come after them. Is it possible for them to somehow set aside their differences, find a way to possibly forgive each other and unite for a common cause?
BACKGROUND
FROM GOODREADS: "[Laini] is a writer of fantasy books for young people, but [her] books can be enjoyed by adults as well. [Her] 'Dreamdark' books, Blackbringer (2007) and Silksinger (2009) are about faeries -- not dainty little flowery things, but warrior-faeries who battle devils. [Her] first young adult book, Lips Touch, is a finalist for the 2009 National Book Award! It's creepy, sensual supernatural romance. . . about kissing." Daughter of Smoke and Bone is the first book in a new trilogy. Book two called Days of Blood and Starlight was published in November 2013. The final book in the series remains untitled and will be out sometime near the end of 2014.
SETTING PACE AND STYLE
In a castle, faraway in a desert on earth, this story unfolds. Although some of the story takes place in parallel universes. Writing is beautiful, poetic and a joy to read. The words levitate off the pages and form colorful, realistic images in the mind. Pacing is very fast. So much is going on, plenty of side stories, this book has a very complex plot line. Its told in third person from multiple character's perspectives, sometimes switching perspectives frequently.
CHARACTERS AND PLOT
The characters we all grew to know and love are explored more thoroughly in this second installment. Plus, we are introduced to plenty more. Each has a special story to tell, sometimes its overwhelming to keep them all straight. A couple of instances I felt as if I should remember a certain character from the first book only to realize later he/she was a new character. My curiosity revolved around how all these characters stories were going merge into one storyline. Astonishingly, it worked out amazingly well.
RECOMMENDATION
Anyone who read and enjoyed Daughter of Smoke and Bone will absolutely fall in love with this one. This second book supersedes the first. If you like a great fantasy story, written in the most beautiful prose, with lots of action and even a bit of humor, this book will not disappoint.
PERSONAL NOTE
First of all, I'm happy to say, Laini Taylor is a LOCAL author. She's from Portland, Oregon, a town only about 20 miles north of my hometown. Next, I must proclaim I would have never thought it possible, but Days of Blood & Starlight somehow managed not only to rival Daughter of Smoke and Bone, it also ended up being EVEN better! I'm still in shock. Many readers felt this one was a slow start, for me I think it has a lot to do with I JUST completed book #1 and went straight into this one. It never felt too slow for me!
The first book hit heavy on romance and forbidden love. It had plenty of suspense and questions which begged to be answered. This second book is completely different. It focused more on the war between Chimera and Seraphin. In this book we find even more side stories and multiple third person perspectives. So many characters to keep track of some new ones some old ones. A plethora of situations playing out in this installment. Each little snipit is almost a story in itself. While reading, I wondered time after time where this book was going and how it would end up. Every time I thought I knew, something changed.
As the book raced to its conclusion, lines are being drawn in the sand.... who's side will they all take and what will be the outcome love/hope/peace or endless wars and death. I know what I'd chose! I can't wait to read the third and final book in this series to see how Laini wraps this one up. I'm really hoping for forgiveness too!
RATING
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| 5 out of 5 Rings (SIMPLY AMAZING - STAYED UP LATE TO FINISH) |
I keep hearing amazing things about this series.
ReplyDeleteIts such and imaginative series. The author is talented and has the best imagination ever.
DeleteI still cannot believe how good this one. I didn't think it could top the first either, but it was just insanely good! I loved how complex the storyline was - even if I got a bit lost sometimes, too, and had to slow down my pacing a bit - and how Laini always managed to keep me guessing! So many awesome twists, so much amazing passages of writing. She is quite the talent - you should absolutely be proud she is a local author!! Really excellent review, Gina!!
ReplyDelete