littlefoot10's review against another edition
5.0
Completely loving this series so far, sad I'm starting the last book !! I am in love with the character Katya ... and i love her romance with George... excited to see how it ends but sad as well!!!
adrienneambo's review
3.0
Set in Russia’s Imperial Court of St. Petersburg in 1889, The Unfailing Light is the second installment in the Katerina Trilogy. Katerina, a seventeen year old duchess desires to break free from the conventions of her class and gender to become a doctor. However, Katerina harbors a secret talent, she is a necromancer and her ability to raise the dead is in high demand with the Light and Dark Faerie forces that rule over the tsar’s court. In the first book, The Gathering Storm , a premarital blood ceremony binds her to the evil vampire prince, Danilo. In The Unfailing Light, Katerina has broken her engagement to Danilo, yet they are telepathically united causing Katerina’s thoughts to be adversely invaded. While Katerina battles between her yearning to become a doctor and her attraction to George Alexandrovich, the unattainable tsar’s son, the upheaval in the imperial court is escalating to a breaking point. Needing Katerina’s necromancer power, the empress of the light court has placed a protective spell trapping Katerina in the Smolny Intstitute for Young Noble Maidens, the elite boarding school that she attends. Katerina must decide who are her allies and overcome the evil forces that are threatening St. Petersburg and the imperial court.
thechaoshour's review
3.0
What I Loved
I think I liked this book more than the first. It was easier to follow (thankfully) and I was starting to remember a few more characters. There’s still a lot going on that I don’t understand and I’m still confused since there’s still a lot of characters but I found myself more entertained by this book.
I’m really liking the main characters. In this book especially I wasn’t sure who to trust. Some characters who I thought were doing ok weren’t and the opposite for others. I have serious trust issues after reading this. I am really happy with how the romance is going in this book (so far). It’s kind of adorable and I love reading sweet romances like this one. There’s even a little romance with people other than our main character which I’m just as excited for.
What I Didn't Love
The plot is still confusing. There’s too many things and too many people and I can’t keep track of who is what. This book wasn’t as bad as the first but there’s still a lot of work that could have been done. It feels like the author is trying to cram in as much as she possible can and it’s not working out for me.
Who I'd Recommend To
The best part about this book is the setting. I loved reading about historical Russia. If you are easily confused by too many characters and paranormal creatures then this probably isn't the book for you.
I think I liked this book more than the first. It was easier to follow (thankfully) and I was starting to remember a few more characters. There’s still a lot going on that I don’t understand and I’m still confused since there’s still a lot of characters but I found myself more entertained by this book.
I’m really liking the main characters. In this book especially I wasn’t sure who to trust. Some characters who I thought were doing ok weren’t and the opposite for others. I have serious trust issues after reading this. I am really happy with how the romance is going in this book (so far). It’s kind of adorable and I love reading sweet romances like this one. There’s even a little romance with people other than our main character which I’m just as excited for.
What I Didn't Love
The plot is still confusing. There’s too many things and too many people and I can’t keep track of who is what. This book wasn’t as bad as the first but there’s still a lot of work that could have been done. It feels like the author is trying to cram in as much as she possible can and it’s not working out for me.
Who I'd Recommend To
The best part about this book is the setting. I loved reading about historical Russia. If you are easily confused by too many characters and paranormal creatures then this probably isn't the book for you.
raykaygreen's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally from here.
As the second book in the Katerina trilogy, I'd been waiting a long time for this one to release. I enjoyed this book, but I have to say it was a bit disappointing. The first one had finished off so strong and I was dying to read the Unfailing Light, but it just didn't quite make the cut.
Katerina was still great character in The Unfailing Light- she has very clear goals and still does her best to do what's right AND what's best for her. However, George Alexandrovnich did let me down this time :( And I really did like him in the first book, too! He was just a bit of a jerk this time around. The non-insta love that was starting between Katerina and George in the last book did not seem to flow through into this book, since George was being dumb. He completely disregarded what Katerina wanted and underestimated her abilities again and again and again. I also didn't think that Katerina was as frustrated with him as she could have been. Personally, I would have seriously considered giving him a good kick to the shins at times.
Characters aside, there were other parts of this book that I wasn't entirely keen on. The pacing was much slower than the first book, which had me not as excited to keep reading. A faster paced action packed story was exactly what the Unfailing Light needed to keep the ball rolling after The Gathering Storm, but it just didn't really happen. Also, the setting was the same in this one as it was in the first book, despite there being hope of something new.
A part of the book that I did like, however, was the ghost that was mentioned in the synopsis. The setting as a whole is still as enjoyable as ever. Russia in the late 1800's with paranomal-ness? Yes. Still good.
So even though this book was a bit of a let down (it seems to be a trend with the middle book in trilogies, or is that just me?) I am eagerly looking forward to the next one, The Morning Star, which came out August 27th. It's on my list to read!
As the second book in the Katerina trilogy, I'd been waiting a long time for this one to release. I enjoyed this book, but I have to say it was a bit disappointing. The first one had finished off so strong and I was dying to read the Unfailing Light, but it just didn't quite make the cut.
Katerina was still great character in The Unfailing Light- she has very clear goals and still does her best to do what's right AND what's best for her. However, George Alexandrovnich did let me down this time :( And I really did like him in the first book, too! He was just a bit of a jerk this time around. The non-insta love that was starting between Katerina and George in the last book did not seem to flow through into this book, since George was being dumb. He completely disregarded what Katerina wanted and underestimated her abilities again and again and again. I also didn't think that Katerina was as frustrated with him as she could have been. Personally, I would have seriously considered giving him a good kick to the shins at times.
Characters aside, there were other parts of this book that I wasn't entirely keen on. The pacing was much slower than the first book, which had me not as excited to keep reading. A faster paced action packed story was exactly what the Unfailing Light needed to keep the ball rolling after The Gathering Storm, but it just didn't really happen. Also, the setting was the same in this one as it was in the first book, despite there being hope of something new.
A part of the book that I did like, however, was the ghost that was mentioned in the synopsis. The setting as a whole is still as enjoyable as ever. Russia in the late 1800's with paranomal-ness? Yes. Still good.
So even though this book was a bit of a let down (it seems to be a trend with the middle book in trilogies, or is that just me?) I am eagerly looking forward to the next one, The Morning Star, which came out August 27th. It's on my list to read!
eviebookish's review against another edition
5.0
An enticing sequel to a fabulous and exciting series that instantly became one of my favourites. Robin Bridges does not disappoint. Once again she has crafted a mesmerizing, imaginative and entirely unique story that - and I kid you not - is even better that the explosive mix she enthralled us with in the first volume.
The Unfailing Light picks up more or less where the The Gathering Storm left off. After the battle with the lich tsar Konstantin, Katiya enjoyed a few weeks of peace. All she really wants now is to forget about the darkness inside her and move away to Zurich to pursue her medical career. Just when she's about to leave Russia, she discovers that the lich tsar Konstantin has not been destroyed after all. There's a traitor among the wizard of the Order, someone supporting Konstantin and plotting against the tsar. Katiya's life is once again in great danger. Ordered to remain in St. Petersburg, Katiya goes back to her old school at Smolny. But will she be truly safe there? What she doesn't yet know is that the protective spell cast on the school by the empress unleashed an old vengeful spirit and, while no threat from the outside can get in to harm her, she herself is unable to leave the school to escape the murderous ghost.
WOW! What a wild ride that was! Robin Bridges does a fantastic job interweaving Russian history and folklore with paranormal elements. She makes the already fascinating Imperial Russia even more sparkly, glamorous, sinister and dangerous! I loved reading about all the new dangers and challenges that our characters had to face. In addition to the already familiar threats - the lich tsar and the evil plottings of the Dark Court - Katiya also has to confront a vengeful ghost that is wreaking havoc at Smolny. Not to mention the darkness within herself that she struggles with. I felt that the plot of The Unfailing Light - while still undeniably eventful and rich in details - was definitely more organized, easier to follow and - most importantly - deeper and more meaningful.
The already large cast of characters and paranormal creatures from The Gathering Storm gets even larger with the addition of some great new heroes and beings straight from Russian fairy tales. We still get to meet all (or almost all) of our favourite protagonists (including those that we love to hate), but we're also introduced to new (and equally fascinating) ones. At the same time, we get to know our main characters a little bit better, learn more about their pasts, hopes for the future, and personalities. I enjoyed observing the developing relationship between Katiya and Goergi, but I also had a lot of fun observing the dynamics between Katiya and Danilo. I must say I liked Danilo much better in this book, he wasn't as cold and controlling as he was in The Gathering Storm, and I definitely warmed up to him. Plus, all the telepathic conversations these two had (thanks to their blood connection) were simply hilarious. Their often lough-out-loud funny back-and-forth made this book so much more entertaining to read! Most importantly, though, Katiya became a much better central character. She was stronger, wittier, more self-confident and assertive. She still internalized most of her struggles, but she also began to understand that working alone is not always the best option. I really appreciated the character growth in her and I can now say that she became a heroine worth rooting for!
Overall, The Unfailing Light is a fabulous follow-up to The Gathering Storm. A sequel that is even more exciting, more glamorous and more visually breathtaking than the first book! It has everything I loved about the first book - sumptuous balls, an insightful look at the political dynamics of Imperial Russia, heart-pounding romance, rich and fascinating Eastern-European folklore, and a fantastic cast of characters that you'll grow attached to even more! On top of all that, Bridges writing style is even more eloquent, seductive, and lyrical, and the interesting plot line remains complex without being confusing and overwhelming. I can honestly say that I loved this book even more than I loved The Gathering Storm. If you like Russian folklore, culture and history, this is a series you ought to have on your bookshelf!
Robin Bridges is no doubt a very talented author and easily one of my favourites! I can't wait to read the next book in The Katerina Trilogy and find out what happens next!
The Unfailing Light picks up more or less where the The Gathering Storm left off. After the battle with the lich tsar Konstantin, Katiya enjoyed a few weeks of peace. All she really wants now is to forget about the darkness inside her and move away to Zurich to pursue her medical career. Just when she's about to leave Russia, she discovers that the lich tsar Konstantin has not been destroyed after all. There's a traitor among the wizard of the Order, someone supporting Konstantin and plotting against the tsar. Katiya's life is once again in great danger. Ordered to remain in St. Petersburg, Katiya goes back to her old school at Smolny. But will she be truly safe there? What she doesn't yet know is that the protective spell cast on the school by the empress unleashed an old vengeful spirit and, while no threat from the outside can get in to harm her, she herself is unable to leave the school to escape the murderous ghost.
WOW! What a wild ride that was! Robin Bridges does a fantastic job interweaving Russian history and folklore with paranormal elements. She makes the already fascinating Imperial Russia even more sparkly, glamorous, sinister and dangerous! I loved reading about all the new dangers and challenges that our characters had to face. In addition to the already familiar threats - the lich tsar and the evil plottings of the Dark Court - Katiya also has to confront a vengeful ghost that is wreaking havoc at Smolny. Not to mention the darkness within herself that she struggles with. I felt that the plot of The Unfailing Light - while still undeniably eventful and rich in details - was definitely more organized, easier to follow and - most importantly - deeper and more meaningful.
The already large cast of characters and paranormal creatures from The Gathering Storm gets even larger with the addition of some great new heroes and beings straight from Russian fairy tales. We still get to meet all (or almost all) of our favourite protagonists (including those that we love to hate), but we're also introduced to new (and equally fascinating) ones. At the same time, we get to know our main characters a little bit better, learn more about their pasts, hopes for the future, and personalities. I enjoyed observing the developing relationship between Katiya and Goergi, but I also had a lot of fun observing the dynamics between Katiya and Danilo. I must say I liked Danilo much better in this book, he wasn't as cold and controlling as he was in The Gathering Storm, and I definitely warmed up to him. Plus, all the telepathic conversations these two had (thanks to their blood connection) were simply hilarious. Their often lough-out-loud funny back-and-forth made this book so much more entertaining to read! Most importantly, though, Katiya became a much better central character. She was stronger, wittier, more self-confident and assertive. She still internalized most of her struggles, but she also began to understand that working alone is not always the best option. I really appreciated the character growth in her and I can now say that she became a heroine worth rooting for!
Overall, The Unfailing Light is a fabulous follow-up to The Gathering Storm. A sequel that is even more exciting, more glamorous and more visually breathtaking than the first book! It has everything I loved about the first book - sumptuous balls, an insightful look at the political dynamics of Imperial Russia, heart-pounding romance, rich and fascinating Eastern-European folklore, and a fantastic cast of characters that you'll grow attached to even more! On top of all that, Bridges writing style is even more eloquent, seductive, and lyrical, and the interesting plot line remains complex without being confusing and overwhelming. I can honestly say that I loved this book even more than I loved The Gathering Storm. If you like Russian folklore, culture and history, this is a series you ought to have on your bookshelf!
Robin Bridges is no doubt a very talented author and easily one of my favourites! I can't wait to read the next book in The Katerina Trilogy and find out what happens next!
ktbgoodwin's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the first one, love this one too. Katiya is such a great, interesting protagonist. She takes matters into her owns hands.
My only complaint was the lack of romance, but somehow I feel that shall be fixed in the next novel.
My only complaint was the lack of romance, but somehow I feel that shall be fixed in the next novel.
emskiewings's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good story though I didn't appreciate George being away most of the story. The ending was cool though, I mean from the chapter where Katerina confronts the ghost as her school to the end. When you think you figured something out, it turns out you have been misled. Really cool!!