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sydapel's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
There's a possibility I might have been more into this if I was at all interested in circuses or magicians, but she's a faerie gurl through and through. There were just too many loose threads in this book to be a coherent story (which the first book was able to achieve well enough), from a villian who isn't even on page for more than 10% of the story to a love triangle that doesn't wrap up in any kind of succinct way to lore which is supposed to tie the plot together that only further confused me. If you've read this far (Hi Mom), you might say, "Sydney why didn't you just DNF it and move on?" To which I unfortunately have no logical reply.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Body horror
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Just like its partner and predecessor, When Night Breaks stuns with world-building and fantastical descriptions that glitter and entice, even when you can sense the danger in it. The mysteries of the frozen, stoic city of Glorian are finally revealed on the other side of a mirror. Repressed memories and secret histories come to light, and the threat of future tampering still looms, a level of control that extends into our very minds.
All the characters are exquisitely flawed and so easy to fall for. Kallia is the ambitious heroine I loved in the first book, and here we see her contend with the loss of her power, even as she lands in a new, dangerous situation. While Jack was a popular character for many after the first book, I was too far over on Team Kallia to look past his more toxic traits. This sequel served up the explanations and redemptive arc I needed to finally back him. Demarco's most attractive quality (of many, see: hair, white knight complex, looks good in a support role) was his willingness to give up his unknowing yet ill-gotten gains when he faced the truth of how it harmed the women in his life. Take note, men. I also enjoyed the introduction of new alliances and characters, especially in the form of Vain, a majestic performer with a cutting remark for every occasion.
My only complaint here has to do with pacing and focus. Kallia has several weighty lessons and decisions in this one, and even though the overall pace of the book was fairly slow, she reversed certain stances so rapidly that I felt I missed the process. The final showdown also left me somewhat scrambled. While some details were perhaps withheld to promote tension and wow factor, I was left confused at some key moments because of it. Some plot and relationship points were still disconnected for me at the end.
This is such a beautiful duology, and despite my named reservations, I did find this finale a lovely resolution for our main cast. I'm intrigued by the open-ended opportunity for a spinoff (fingers crossed). This is an author to watch and a world meant to get lost in.
All the characters are exquisitely flawed and so easy to fall for. Kallia is the ambitious heroine I loved in the first book, and here we see her contend with the loss of her power, even as she lands in a new, dangerous situation. While Jack was a popular character for many after the first book, I was too far over on Team Kallia to look past his more toxic traits. This sequel served up the explanations and redemptive arc I needed to finally back him. Demarco's most attractive quality (of many, see: hair, white knight complex, looks good in a support role) was his willingness to give up his unknowing yet ill-gotten gains when he faced the truth of how it harmed the women in his life. Take note, men. I also enjoyed the introduction of new alliances and characters, especially in the form of Vain, a majestic performer with a cutting remark for every occasion.
My only complaint here has to do with pacing and focus. Kallia has several weighty lessons and decisions in this one, and even though the overall pace of the book was fairly slow, she reversed certain stances so rapidly that I felt I missed the process. The final showdown also left me somewhat scrambled. While some details were perhaps withheld to promote tension and wow factor, I was left confused at some key moments because of it. Some plot and relationship points were still disconnected for me at the end.
This is such a beautiful duology, and despite my named reservations, I did find this finale a lovely resolution for our main cast. I'm intrigued by the open-ended opportunity for a spinoff (fingers crossed). This is an author to watch and a world meant to get lost in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Fire/Fire injury
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