trbartly's review
5.0
First off, I want to thank the wonderful, J.A. Ironside for sending me this book (heck, the whole series) in exchange for an honest review. I've enjoyed these books so much, and I am deeply thankful that you trusted my skill as a reviewer enough to work with me. :)
Wow. I honestly don't know where to start. Everything about I Rule the Night was a success, from the plot development to the character arcs. Once I'd turned the last page, my first thought was, "Now that was the kind of finale that every series deserves." It functioned well on its own as a story, and closed out the overall plot for the series perfectly.
Although I Rule the Night was what I'd categorize as super-long (over 600 pages), it never felt that way. I devoured every sentence and couldn't help but read way past my bedtime. The pacing was thrilling without feeling rushed, and Ironside balanced the light scenes of Em enjoying college well with the darker plot-driven scenes. Honestly, if not for other obligations, I would have probably would have finished this within two or three days.
The plot was complex and mysterious, but never outright confusing. Seeing all of the pieces come together while the characters scrambled a bit to figure it out themselves was entertaining (and sometimes frustrating, but in the best way.) I was definitely never ever bored while reading this book.
Something I've noticed and absolutely love about Ironside's writing is that she makes the setting an important part of the story. It feels like a character in its own right. She weaves in the place's history and description so well that I almost feel like I had traveled there myself. For me, that is such an amazing part of these books, because although I've never seen to the UK, I get to experience it through the eyes of someone who reveres and cherishes its beauty and history.
Also on the subject of writing, the format of this one is a little different, with Amy's interludes, but I really loved seeing an outsider's perspective on Em and her actions. You don't realize how unreliable of a narrator she is at times until you see Amy's side of things. That being said, as always, I LOVED Em's narration. She doesn't always have the most finesse when dealing with her interpersonal relationships, but she always means well. Additionally, she is a strong, independent female character that I think every girl can learn something from (well, maybe minus all the haunting stuff.)
Em and Ciaran's relationship was integral in I Rule the Night, and thought sometimes fraught with drama, it also added that lightness that every dark, supernatural novel should have. Their issues were relatable and actually helped the plot move forward, so it definitely added way more to the story than it took away. Moreover, just as their individual characters matured throughout the book, I felt that their relationship grew healthier by the end as well. I loved seeing that development.
Lastly, but not least, I felt that Ironside effortlessly included diverse characters and important themes into her novel in a respectful way that neither exploited or patronized the groups she represented.
I'm deeply sad that this series has come to a close, but I am satisfied with how it ended and happy to have been a part of its audience. It was a pleasure to see not only the characters within the story grow, but Ironside grow in her writing as the books went on. I have no doubt that her future books will be even more amazing and successful, and I look forward to reading them as well.
Wow. I honestly don't know where to start. Everything about I Rule the Night was a success, from the plot development to the character arcs. Once I'd turned the last page, my first thought was, "Now that was the kind of finale that every series deserves." It functioned well on its own as a story, and closed out the overall plot for the series perfectly.
Although I Rule the Night was what I'd categorize as super-long (over 600 pages), it never felt that way. I devoured every sentence and couldn't help but read way past my bedtime. The pacing was thrilling without feeling rushed, and Ironside balanced the light scenes of Em enjoying college well with the darker plot-driven scenes. Honestly, if not for other obligations, I would have probably would have finished this within two or three days.
The plot was complex and mysterious, but never outright confusing. Seeing all of the pieces come together while the characters scrambled a bit to figure it out themselves was entertaining (and sometimes frustrating, but in the best way.) I was definitely never ever bored while reading this book.
Something I've noticed and absolutely love about Ironside's writing is that she makes the setting an important part of the story. It feels like a character in its own right. She weaves in the place's history and description so well that I almost feel like I had traveled there myself. For me, that is such an amazing part of these books, because although I've never seen to the UK, I get to experience it through the eyes of someone who reveres and cherishes its beauty and history.
Also on the subject of writing, the format of this one is a little different, with Amy's interludes, but I really loved seeing an outsider's perspective on Em and her actions. You don't realize how unreliable of a narrator she is at times until you see Amy's side of things. That being said, as always, I LOVED Em's narration. She doesn't always have the most finesse when dealing with her interpersonal relationships, but she always means well. Additionally, she is a strong, independent female character that I think every girl can learn something from (well, maybe minus all the haunting stuff.)
Em and Ciaran's relationship was integral in I Rule the Night, and thought sometimes fraught with drama, it also added that lightness that every dark, supernatural novel should have. Their issues were relatable and actually helped the plot move forward, so it definitely added way more to the story than it took away. Moreover, just as their individual characters matured throughout the book, I felt that their relationship grew healthier by the end as well. I loved seeing that development.
Lastly, but not least, I felt that Ironside effortlessly included diverse characters and important themes into her novel in a respectful way that neither exploited or patronized the groups she represented.
I'm deeply sad that this series has come to a close, but I am satisfied with how it ended and happy to have been a part of its audience. It was a pleasure to see not only the characters within the story grow, but Ironside grow in her writing as the books went on. I have no doubt that her future books will be even more amazing and successful, and I look forward to reading them as well.
jaironside's review
5.0
It was really interesting to look at the story from Em's father's perspective. Set the Christmas after book 1, this contains some interesting back story and tantalising hints about the rest of the series.
Free on my site at http://www.jaironside.com/?page_id=352
Free on my site at http://www.jaironside.com/?page_id=352
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