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theespressoedition's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I finished this book last night and I'm sitting here not even a full 12 hours later, completely unsure what to write, because... I'm still so confused?
This book started out so beautifully! It picked up right immediately following the events of Where Dreams Descend, so I never felt like I lost myself in the timeline. Kallia has been "taken," Jack has gone with her, and Daron is left feeling as lost as he was when his sister was absorbed into the mirror so many years ago.
The very middle of the book had a lot happening and absolutely nothing at all. Daron searching the Dire Woods, befriending Lottie, coming to terms (I think? I'm still not sure) with Aunt Cata? Kallia finding out her relation to Roth, being adopted into The Diamond Rings, still playing games with Jack (that make absolutely no sense to me at this point because the first book gave him all the power, and this book... he was like... a random side-character more than anything?) I would say that it was a lot of world-building, but it honestly felt like there was very little actual building, because world-building helps you understand the setting of the book, the politics, etc. while this book just left me feeling more confused than I ever was.
The fact that Daron and Kallia didn't wind up meeting face-to-face until almost 80% through the book really bothered me. There were so many opportunities for that to happen sooner and it didn't. It left me wanting something and never really feeling like I got it.
At the end (we're talking the last couple of chapters), the action finally began. Oh, and it was GOOD action too. There were so many things happening at once that I was flying through the pages! Reveals, devils, mirrors, death - it was all there and it was exciting! I just wish it had happened a little sooner. There were plenty of great "action" sequences early-on, but none that meant anything. It was a little disappointing to get it all right at the end.
And I'm still not entirely sure what the ending was? I think things wrapped up? But maybe they didn't? So many question marks because that's how my head still feels! I think I mentioned for the first book that it was a bit confusing but with great vibes. This one was just vibes, because I really didn't understand much at all. Maybe my thoughts will change if I look back at it again another time - I hope so! Or maybe I'll reread it and understand more. I just didn't feel fully satisfied.
This book started out so beautifully! It picked up right immediately following the events of Where Dreams Descend, so I never felt like I lost myself in the timeline. Kallia has been "taken," Jack has gone with her, and Daron is left feeling as lost as he was when his sister was absorbed into the mirror so many years ago.
The very middle of the book had a lot happening and absolutely nothing at all. Daron searching the Dire Woods, befriending Lottie, coming to terms (I think? I'm still not sure) with Aunt Cata? Kallia finding out her relation to Roth, being adopted into The Diamond Rings, still playing games with Jack (that make absolutely no sense to me at this point because the first book gave him all the power, and this book... he was like... a random side-character more than anything?) I would say that it was a lot of world-building, but it honestly felt like there was very little actual building, because world-building helps you understand the setting of the book, the politics, etc. while this book just left me feeling more confused than I ever was.
The fact that
At the end (we're talking the last couple of chapters), the action finally began. Oh, and it was GOOD action too. There were so many things happening at once that I was flying through the pages! Reveals, devils, mirrors, death - it was all there and it was exciting! I just wish it had happened a little sooner. There were plenty of great "action" sequences early-on, but none that meant anything. It was a little disappointing to get it all right at the end.
And I'm still not entirely sure what the ending was? I think things wrapped up? But maybe they didn't? So many question marks because that's how my head still feels! I think I mentioned for the first book that it was a bit confusing but with great vibes. This one was just vibes, because I really didn't understand much at all. Maybe my thoughts will change if I look back at it again another time - I hope so! Or maybe I'll reread it and understand more. I just didn't feel fully satisfied.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Torture and Injury/Injury detail
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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