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sirkeili's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Because this book's plot is a direct recap and continuation of the first novel, I immediately jumped back into the world of the Wildwood Wolves and the Shadowland Kings.
Neve's strength throughout the book was unmeasurable, and her wit really drew me her as a character entirely. I could see how much she and her sister's fierce and deep love for one another was a driving force. Yet she comes to terms with her own shortcomings, and embraces who she is, and ultimately I found her development and growth to be the most compelling.
I had initially suspected Solmir would have a bigger part to play, as they seemed to really focus on his possession of Arrick towards the end of the first book, and his relationship to Eammon's parents fate as the Wildwood Wolf and Second Daughter throughout. He became a surprise favourite, as I started out sort of expecting this redemption arc, but still kind of wary of his method to begin with. As he slowly became more vulnerable to Neve, I slowly found myself being won over by him, and he ultimately pulled a Eugene and I was a goner.
I also really enjoyed Red and Eammons flirty behavior, when they were not intently focusing on helping Neve. It was nice to see their relationship flourish and grow, and it felt organic and yet fortified all the same.
I wasn't as interested in the Raffe segments, but I was happy to see that he too was able to find happiness in Kayu. He deserves it for the hell he was put through, honestly, that and a solid nap.
Overall, it was heartwrenching to watch Neve fight her way back to her sister from the Shadowlands, and Red doing the same from above, and both aching to just be together again. The fact that they sacrificed something so precious to be reunited with their loved ones was a bittersweet victory, but a victory nonetheless.
The surprisingly sweet meet-cute ending for Solmir and Neve makes me hope they can finally experience peaceful life together now. I hope to see them again someday soon. ❤️
Neve's strength throughout the book was unmeasurable, and her wit really drew me her as a character entirely. I could see how much she and her sister's fierce and deep love for one another was a driving force. Yet she comes to terms with her own shortcomings, and embraces who she is, and ultimately I found her development and growth to be the most compelling.
I had initially suspected Solmir would have a bigger part to play, as they seemed to really focus on his possession of Arrick towards the end of the first book, and his relationship to Eammon's parents fate as the Wildwood Wolf and Second Daughter throughout. He became a surprise favourite, as I started out sort of expecting this redemption arc, but still kind of wary of his method to begin with. As he slowly became more vulnerable to Neve, I slowly found myself being won over by him, and he ultimately pulled a Eugene and I was a goner.
I also really enjoyed Red and Eammons flirty behavior, when they were not intently focusing on helping Neve. It was nice to see their relationship flourish and grow, and it felt organic and yet fortified all the same.
I wasn't as interested in the Raffe segments, but I was happy to see that he too was able to find happiness in Kayu. He deserves it for the hell he was put through, honestly, that and a solid nap.
Overall, it was heartwrenching to watch Neve fight her way back to her sister from the Shadowlands, and Red doing the same from above, and both aching to just be together again. The fact that they sacrificed something so precious to be reunited with their loved ones was a bittersweet victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief