Characters- 5

In the first book a lot of the characters were together for the most part but in this one some of the core groups or pairs were separated. This gave opportunity for the author to not only develop the characters separately without hindering the plot but also explore how the characters are with other people and without those they already trust and have a solid foundation with. Some characters had their beliefs challenged and others had their beliefs strengthened throughout the book. This shows to me as a reader that the author was able to challenge their characters in a way that still made it seem like the same character. Being able to read their internal monologues has made this book such a pleasure to read because it is engaging and adds depth to each and every one of them. This also makes any twists that happen in the book all that more powerful since we expect the characters to think or act a certain way so when they don’t follow that it throws us off in a good way. 

Enjoyment- 5

A tragedy that I have to wait for the next book in the series to be released. It was captivating and gave me enough that I felt fulfilled but not enough so that I still want to learn more. There were many times throughout the book that I had to close it and walk away for a moment to calm down whether that be a heartfelt moment or a tragic one. Like the previous book the interactions with the old world and the world that they are in really sells this book to me. Not only that but the characters still have my heart and make it a pleasure to learn more about them. 

Messages- 5  

Since this is the second book in the series it still had a similar message to the previous one. That message being you are more than what you are capable of both past and present. In this book it really challenged that message throughout as well as have another message shine a spotlight. That being the theme of duty versus loyalty. It came about in a way I wasn’t expecting and because I wasn’t expecting it the message really stuck out. Doing what is right and what other people think you should do is a good thing but so is following your heart. Your heart lies with those around you and sometimes that loyalty is all that you need. But loyalty also comes at a cost so this message swings back and forth throughout the book.

Plot- 5

Like the previous book the pacing felt the same since it was constantly shifting perspectives by changing the point of view. It gives you enough that it keeps you engaged but not too little that you get bored or wish that it was a different perspective. Not only that but as mentioned since some of the characters are separated that also means that you get to see the plot come together in various aspects. Not following a singular path but multiple lines tangling to form the overall plot.

Emotional impact- 5

This book was emotionable where it needed to be. Certain scenes were described in precise detail which painted the picture perfectly while others were left to the reader’s imagination. One scene that was meant to be uncomfortable did it in a way that I wouldn’t have to skip past that part in the book. Since the stakes have risen since the first book that also means that tension is high and the intensity also increased. This meant more emotionally packed scenes or scenes that could have been small meant a whole lot more. That being said I also enjoyed how the book showcases how certain emotions like love and grief look different depending on the person. 

Worldbuilding- 5

Similar to how characters do something outside of what they normally would do, the world also plays by those same rules. The author did a good job of breaking their own rules about the world to enhance the book rather than doing things for the sake of it. It makes the world feel more lived in and the twists don’t feel as if they were made just for the book. The slow reveal of glimpses in the past life adds to the story and explains a great deal of why certain things are a certain way. Later down the road I would enjoy just reading about the old world in full, not just snippets. Maybe that is something the author will be working on or maybe it’s something we will never get.