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A review by cryosphinx
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Fantastic sequel that I think I like more than the first book.
Book 2 adds another POV so it's nice to go between Laia, who is from the downtrodden caste and a former slave, to Elias, a soldier who ran from the Empire and Helene, his best friend who is still very much a part of the Empire and believes in it. We got more backstory into each of their stories, we learned more about the world including the tribes and mythical creatures and magic, and there's a high stakes prison break. The characters really shine and nobody is 100% good or bad, they all have motivations and flaws. But the bad guys are still very much the bad guys an I want them to suffer.
What I love is that this is a YA so it's an easier read, but Tahir does a lot with less words, painting everything without being too wordy and can move the plot along. And maybe I'm done, but there were several points when a twist happened and I had to set the book down and stew.
Book 2 adds another POV so it's nice to go between Laia, who is from the downtrodden caste and a former slave, to Elias, a soldier who ran from the Empire and Helene, his best friend who is still very much a part of the Empire and believes in it. We got more backstory into each of their stories, we learned more about the world including the tribes and mythical creatures and magic, and there's a high stakes prison break. The characters really shine and nobody is 100% good or bad, they all have motivations and flaws. But the bad guys are still very much the bad guys an I want them to suffer.
What I love is that this is a YA so it's an easier read, but Tahir does a lot with less words, painting everything without being too wordy and can move the plot along. And maybe I'm done, but there were several points when a twist happened and I had to set the book down and stew.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Slavery, and Torture
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape, Sexism, and Sexual violence