Who is this book for?
- Readers who enjoy dark, gritty fantasy with complex worldbuilding and morally gray characters would likely enjoy this book.
- Fans of vampire fiction who prefer their vampires cruel and vicious rather than romanticized will appreciate Kristoff's take on the genre.
- Those who like action-packed stories with witty dialogue and don't mind crude humor or graphic violence will find much to enjoy.
- Readers who became invested in the characters from the first book and want to see how their stories continue will be eager to dive into this sequel.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers looking for a light or uplifting fantasy story should avoid this book, as it deals with dark themes and contains graphic violence.
- Those who are sensitive to crude language, sexual content, or excessive swearing may find parts of the book off-putting.
- Readers who prefer straightforward narratives might struggle with the multiple timelines and perspectives.
- Those who dislike cliffhanger endings or books that feel like 'middle installments' in a series may be frustrated.
- Readers who are not already invested in the world and characters from the first book may find it difficult to engage with this sequel.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Expands on the worldbuilding and lore established in the first book
- Introduces interesting new characters like Phoebe and Lachlan
- Provides more character development for existing characters
- Adds a new narrative perspective that gives a different view of events
- Contains exciting action scenes and battles
- Maintains the dark, atmospheric tone of the first book
- Explores complex relationships between characters
- Ends with an intriguing cliffhanger that sets up the next book
- Continues the witty banter and dialogue style from the first book
- Includes beautiful illustrations that enhance the story
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Pacing issues, with some readers finding parts of the book slow or boring
- Overuse of crude humor and excessive swearing that some found juvenile
- Repetitive fight scenes and plot elements
- Some character development felt forced or unnatural
- The framing device of narrating to a historian felt less effective than in the first book
- Certain plot twists or revelations were predictable
- Some readers found the writing style overwrought or purple prose
- Less focus on favorite characters from the first book
- Inclusion of graphic or uncomfortable sexual content
- The artwork style didn't match everyone's vision of the characters