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betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
4.0
There are secrets, there are betrayals, and there are sacrifices…
The Behemoth has been destroyed, and the bloodthirsty Hellions seem to have left Westraven. But Claire Abernathy’s mind is not at ease. A terrible disease plagues her sister, appearing to have been brought on the Vesper, the leader of the Hellions beyond the tear between worlds– the Breach.
To save Abby and stop the Hellions for good, Claire must find the machine her parents built before the attacks, and fix it before the monsters return. To do so, she needs the help of her crew, and must ignore the secrets and rivalries between her captain and the man she saved.
Because the Hellions are not the only dangers following Claire. Twisted humans and old enemies surface to stop her and destroy all she loves. While she is determined to endure the trials, a single betrayal could shatter the hope of a better world, and force Claire to make a choice that will cost her dearly…
Rating: 4.75/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: OW, MY HEART! No, seriously, I'm pretty sure it just snapped into a trillion tiny pieces; once again, vampires versus pirates!; annoying love triangle used for plot; creeptastic characters and situation; THAT ENDING SHATTERED ME!; the idiot character stops being an idiot only to have the entire world fall to pieces
HUGE thanks to Amy Braun and Xpresso Book Tours for granting me early access to this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my opinions of or read on this book.
"You really didn't think you would come back here?" Sawyer asked softly. "Ever?"
I shook my head. "After my mother told me to take Abby and run, I never looked back. I never thought I would have to." I looked down, clutching my knees tighter to my chest. "Guess the past catches up to you."
"It never really leaves," he agreed quietly. "We just blind ourselves to it."
AND I SWEAR, THAT ENDING! I might look calm and collected on the outside, but guys, I am screeeeeeching so loud on the inside right now. I can't even. I don't want to. I just... NO. No, give me these cinnamon roll characters and let me hug them close and love them for the rest of forever and tell them everything will be juuuuust fine. Let me do that, won't you?! Because I cannot even with that cliffhanger ending. I just can't, and you can't make me. I refuse.
Seriously though--this series? You NEED this series in your life. Let me just word-vomit a few things here to tell you why you need this series in your life, yes? Okay. Let's see. Vampires. Pirates. Steampunk. Alternate worlds. Aliens. Vampire aliens. Steampunk pirates. The sweetest love of EVARRRRRR. Strong family connections. SO. MUCH. DRAMA. Action/adventure. ...Is that good enough for you yet? No? Well then.
"It's not your fault, Claire. It never was."
"Then why does it hurt?" Why did my heart feel like lead?
He turned me so I was facing him, staring into kind blue eyes and a smile that warmed every inch of me.
"Because you care. You want to do the right thing." His smile wavered. "But the right thing is never easy, and sometimes it doesn't take the form you think it will."
These characters are sassy, stubborn, and strong-willed. They breathe life across every page. They seep beneath your skin and wrap themselves around your veins. You will be rooting for them before you even realize what's happening--trust me, this is a thing! These characters are, in my opinion, EVERYTHING I could ever ask for in a book--and more. Of course, there was one character I was very disgruntled with at the end of book one...and for pretty much the entirety of this book...who FINALLY, FINALLY! saw the light and took his head out of his butt, only to have the entire world fall apart around him. Because booooooo, that happens. But YAY for other things that happened before the world blew up! (I know, I know, this literally makes no sense but...SPOILERS!)
And this story! THIS. STORY! It is action/adventure taken to extremes. There is, obviously, a love story happening. There is a love triangle that, sadly, was used to propel the plot further. There is jealousy, and drama, and angst, and betrayal, and battles, and heartache, and.... Gah, pretty much every emotion you could imagine comes into play in these books in some way, and it's beautiful. Also, they're very quick reads--I finished both Crimson Sky and Midnight Sky in pretty much one short sitting, and didn't even realize I was speeding through them until I hit the 90% mark and blinked around like a lunatic.
When Davin opened his jaws, I saw death. It was a black cavern filled with swords and smelled like blood. The moment those jaws clamped onto my throat, I felt that death.
Basically, these books are gold, and everybody needs to read them. Because I said so. They're entertaining, quick to get through, and filled with snarky action scenes. You won't regret picking this series up, guys, so if you're into steampunk pirates, alien vampires, and emotionally-charged battles... Well, DO IT! Do it and don't look back--I certainly won't be! (But...now I am desperate for book three, and we all know how patient I am. Which is not at all. BOOK THREEEEE, I NEED YOU!)
raeanne's review against another edition
2.0
After acclimating with Crimson Sky, I was much more hopeful going into Midnight Sky. Alas, it was revealed this is probably not the series for me though it's still recommendable to others.
It took a while to warm up to Claire and Sawyer in the first installment, Crimson Sky and all the progress I made evaporated with the general obtuseness of the characters amid an obvious plot and typical love triangle. I was exhausted with Claire not getting Sawyer despite it being crystal clear and how the whole crew blundered from problem to problem.
Even Claire’s sweet dedication to her sister Abigail was affected by this. I’m torn. Intellectually I forgive them for not understand what was happening because they didn’t know any better but my emotional reading experience is summed up with “omfg, come ON!”
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight Sky. There IS plenty to enjoy with the new world, its take on vampires and all the action. It explores it strong points, shores up the overarching plot, and the characters continue on evolving paths.
No matter what was happening, I loved Claire’s plans and last minute save the day antics. I usually couldn’t figure out where her mind was going and enjoyed her work. I wish she was more like her crisis mode in the day-to-day. That’s when she’s decisive, committed, and doesn’t get in her own damn way.
I wish I could recommend Midnight Sky wholeheartedly but it’s not meant to be; this series isn’t for me. However, I think other people, especially Gaslamp and paranormal romance fans, will enjoy it more than me because it has so many popular elements. It’s not bad, but I couldn’t get past my own hang ups with foreseeing the plot and romance issues to sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you enjoyed Crimson Sky, you should continue the series. If you were in the middle of the pack like I when rating, it’s a 50-50 shot. If you have issues with typical love triangles dominating interactions and propelling the plot or can’t become absorbed in a formulaic plot, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
It took a while to warm up to Claire and Sawyer in the first installment, Crimson Sky and all the progress I made evaporated with the general obtuseness of the characters amid an obvious plot and typical love triangle. I was exhausted with Claire not getting Sawyer despite it being crystal clear and how the whole crew blundered from problem to problem.
Even Claire’s sweet dedication to her sister Abigail was affected by this. I’m torn. Intellectually I forgive them for not understand what was happening because they didn’t know any better but my emotional reading experience is summed up with “omfg, come ON!”
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight Sky. There IS plenty to enjoy with the new world, its take on vampires and all the action. It explores it strong points, shores up the overarching plot, and the characters continue on evolving paths.
No matter what was happening, I loved Claire’s plans and last minute save the day antics. I usually couldn’t figure out where her mind was going and enjoyed her work. I wish she was more like her crisis mode in the day-to-day. That’s when she’s decisive, committed, and doesn’t get in her own damn way.
I wish I could recommend Midnight Sky wholeheartedly but it’s not meant to be; this series isn’t for me. However, I think other people, especially Gaslamp and paranormal romance fans, will enjoy it more than me because it has so many popular elements. It’s not bad, but I couldn’t get past my own hang ups with foreseeing the plot and romance issues to sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you enjoyed Crimson Sky, you should continue the series. If you were in the middle of the pack like I when rating, it’s a 50-50 shot. If you have issues with typical love triangles dominating interactions and propelling the plot or can’t become absorbed in a formulaic plot, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
brokebybooks's review against another edition
2.0
After acclimating with Crimson Sky, I was much more hopeful going into Midnight Sky. Alas, it was revealed this is probably not the series for me though it's still recommendable to others.
It took a while to warm up to Claire and Sawyer in the first installment, Crimson Sky and all the progress I made evaporated with the general obtuseness of the characters amid an obvious plot and typical love triangle. I was exhausted with Claire not getting Sawyer despite it being crystal clear and how the whole crew blundered from problem to problem.
Even Claire’s sweet dedication to her sister Abigail was affected by this. I’m torn. Intellectually I forgive them for not understand what was happening because they didn’t know any better but my emotional reading experience is summed up with “omfg, come ON!”
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight Sky. There IS plenty to enjoy with the new world, its take on vampires and all the action. It explores it strong points, shores up the overarching plot, and the characters continue on evolving paths.
No matter what was happening, I loved Claire’s plans and last minute save the day antics. I usually couldn’t figure out where her mind was going and enjoyed her work. I wish she was more like her crisis mode in the day-to-day. That’s when she’s decisive, committed, and doesn’t get in her own damn way.
I wish I could recommend Midnight Sky wholeheartedly but it’s not meant to be; this series isn’t for me. However, I think other people, especially Gaslamp and paranormal romance fans, will enjoy it more than me because it has so many popular elements. It’s not bad, but I couldn’t get past my own hang ups with foreseeing the plot and romance issues to sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you enjoyed Crimson Sky, you should continue the series. If you were in the middle of the pack like I when rating, it’s a 50-50 shot. If you have issues with typical love triangles dominating interactions and propelling the plot or can’t become absorbed in a formulaic plot, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
It took a while to warm up to Claire and Sawyer in the first installment, Crimson Sky and all the progress I made evaporated with the general obtuseness of the characters amid an obvious plot and typical love triangle. I was exhausted with Claire not getting Sawyer despite it being crystal clear and how the whole crew blundered from problem to problem.
Even Claire’s sweet dedication to her sister Abigail was affected by this. I’m torn. Intellectually I forgive them for not understand what was happening because they didn’t know any better but my emotional reading experience is summed up with “omfg, come ON!”
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight Sky. There IS plenty to enjoy with the new world, its take on vampires and all the action. It explores it strong points, shores up the overarching plot, and the characters continue on evolving paths.
No matter what was happening, I loved Claire’s plans and last minute save the day antics. I usually couldn’t figure out where her mind was going and enjoyed her work. I wish she was more like her crisis mode in the day-to-day. That’s when she’s decisive, committed, and doesn’t get in her own damn way.
I wish I could recommend Midnight Sky wholeheartedly but it’s not meant to be; this series isn’t for me. However, I think other people, especially Gaslamp and paranormal romance fans, will enjoy it more than me because it has so many popular elements. It’s not bad, but I couldn’t get past my own hang ups with foreseeing the plot and romance issues to sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you enjoyed Crimson Sky, you should continue the series. If you were in the middle of the pack like I when rating, it’s a 50-50 shot. If you have issues with typical love triangles dominating interactions and propelling the plot or can’t become absorbed in a formulaic plot, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
novelbloglover's review
5.0
Book Review
Title: Midnight Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: Midnight Sky is the second book in the Dark Sky Series and I was so excited when Amy Braun sent me this as I absolutely loved Crimson Sky the review of which you can find here (Add hyperlink). The short excerpt was amazing, great to whet the appetite of the reader. And it’s a battle scene added bonus with Claire being caught by the evil Davin, but it cuts off before we find out if he hurts her, so I am racing 8 pages forward to the beginning of the first chapter.
Again this book if a quick, fast paced read at only 161 pages. This story follows Claire and the band of marauders including Sawyer, Nash, Gemma and the new addition Riley as well as Claire’s sister abbey as they try and uncover the secrets of the key Claire’s mother gave her before she died and how they can seal off the Breach and stop the Hellions once and for all.
Most of the characters are still suffering from the events of the first book especially Abbey who was severely mentally and emotionally damaged by the Hellions. Moira (also a new addition to the crew) has taken on the role of nurse and mother to Abbey. Moira believes Abbey is her child and even calls he Molly after her own dead daughter.
Abbey is stricken with illness after being rescued that turns out to be a possession of sorts but I’m not going to give away some spoilers here as this is one of the major plot points in the story. Piece by Piece the excerpt at the beginning of the novel makes sense.
I loved how this book has just as much action as the first book but it has far more backstory allowing us to better understand the characters, what drives them, who they are and how their world came to be what it is in this present time.
Claire seems to be holding all the answers but because her parents avoided telling her the truth and she was so young when they died she is having a very hard time putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the love triangle between Claire, Sawyer and Riley. I loved the budding romance between Claire and Sawyer in the first book and think their “relationship” would have had enough trails in this book without adding Riley to the mix. Not that I dislike Riley as a character, I do because he had a new dynamic to the pirate gang but he just wasn’t the right personality to fit with Claire’s relationship wise.
In my opinion this book wasn’t as fast paced as the first one but was just as beautifully written and completely action-packed. This series will appeal to action, dystopian, sci-fi and romance reader, male and female, so virtually everyone and it is a highly recommended read.
I also liked the female bonding in this novel between Claire and Gemma despite their dubious beginnings, and we also get to see more of Gemma and Nash’s relationship whereas in the first books this was very minimal focusing more on Sawyer and Clarie’s budding relationship. All the characters in this novel seems more rounded and whole which makes them more relatable and likeable in the long term.
I also liked the power change dynamic. In the first book Sawyer saves Claire on several occasions and in this novel she returns the favour. In the last 30 pages we are racing towards the conclusion and we are routing for anything and everyone because we want the story to have a happy ending.
I loved that Claire unlike most female heroines – not all but most – she isn’t a damsel in distress. She faces many different kinds of trails throughout both books but her one weaknesses is she cares too much she can’t sacrifice anyone except herself.
The ending of this novel does leave an opening for another book, but if Amy Braun was intending for her novel to not have a happy ending then this is a great place to leave the novel, as it would show not all stories especially the real ones don’t have happy endings.
I felt this was the perfect sequel to Crimson Sky and it didn’t fall into the filler novel category, and it also the perfect cliffhanger with Claire making the ultimate sacrifice for the lives and safety of her family, friends and the one she loves. I will definitely be recommending Amy Braun’s work to all my blogger friends and I can’t wait to read more by this amazing author.
Title: Midnight Sky
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Steam Punk/Dystopian
Rating: *****
Review: Midnight Sky is the second book in the Dark Sky Series and I was so excited when Amy Braun sent me this as I absolutely loved Crimson Sky the review of which you can find here (Add hyperlink). The short excerpt was amazing, great to whet the appetite of the reader. And it’s a battle scene added bonus with Claire being caught by the evil Davin, but it cuts off before we find out if he hurts her, so I am racing 8 pages forward to the beginning of the first chapter.
Again this book if a quick, fast paced read at only 161 pages. This story follows Claire and the band of marauders including Sawyer, Nash, Gemma and the new addition Riley as well as Claire’s sister abbey as they try and uncover the secrets of the key Claire’s mother gave her before she died and how they can seal off the Breach and stop the Hellions once and for all.
Most of the characters are still suffering from the events of the first book especially Abbey who was severely mentally and emotionally damaged by the Hellions. Moira (also a new addition to the crew) has taken on the role of nurse and mother to Abbey. Moira believes Abbey is her child and even calls he Molly after her own dead daughter.
Abbey is stricken with illness after being rescued that turns out to be a possession of sorts but I’m not going to give away some spoilers here as this is one of the major plot points in the story. Piece by Piece the excerpt at the beginning of the novel makes sense.
I loved how this book has just as much action as the first book but it has far more backstory allowing us to better understand the characters, what drives them, who they are and how their world came to be what it is in this present time.
Claire seems to be holding all the answers but because her parents avoided telling her the truth and she was so young when they died she is having a very hard time putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the love triangle between Claire, Sawyer and Riley. I loved the budding romance between Claire and Sawyer in the first book and think their “relationship” would have had enough trails in this book without adding Riley to the mix. Not that I dislike Riley as a character, I do because he had a new dynamic to the pirate gang but he just wasn’t the right personality to fit with Claire’s relationship wise.
In my opinion this book wasn’t as fast paced as the first one but was just as beautifully written and completely action-packed. This series will appeal to action, dystopian, sci-fi and romance reader, male and female, so virtually everyone and it is a highly recommended read.
I also liked the female bonding in this novel between Claire and Gemma despite their dubious beginnings, and we also get to see more of Gemma and Nash’s relationship whereas in the first books this was very minimal focusing more on Sawyer and Clarie’s budding relationship. All the characters in this novel seems more rounded and whole which makes them more relatable and likeable in the long term.
I also liked the power change dynamic. In the first book Sawyer saves Claire on several occasions and in this novel she returns the favour. In the last 30 pages we are racing towards the conclusion and we are routing for anything and everyone because we want the story to have a happy ending.
I loved that Claire unlike most female heroines – not all but most – she isn’t a damsel in distress. She faces many different kinds of trails throughout both books but her one weaknesses is she cares too much she can’t sacrifice anyone except herself.
The ending of this novel does leave an opening for another book, but if Amy Braun was intending for her novel to not have a happy ending then this is a great place to leave the novel, as it would show not all stories especially the real ones don’t have happy endings.
I felt this was the perfect sequel to Crimson Sky and it didn’t fall into the filler novel category, and it also the perfect cliffhanger with Claire making the ultimate sacrifice for the lives and safety of her family, friends and the one she loves. I will definitely be recommending Amy Braun’s work to all my blogger friends and I can’t wait to read more by this amazing author.
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