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A review by readwithanna
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
OKAY. I can get behind this.
ATATN is a big improvement from AEITA. I wasn't too keen on the characters when we first met them. But the world building was the weakest point. The world itself felt rather small, and while it is expanded upon a little in ATATN there's still some to be desired.
But what bothered me the most in AEITA was that we were constantly told how brutal this world was but then hardly showed it. That's absolutely changed now. I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not often an author just goes this hard in book 2. Love to see it.
Why this isn't a 5 star is because emotions don't really stick with the characters. Horrible things happens to the characters but it doesn't seem to affect them beyond that scene. I get that compartmentalisation is a thing. But isn't it convenient how all the characters, regardless of upbringing, are all great at compartmentalisation?
I shouldn't nitpick like this. The book is good.
ATATN is a big improvement from AEITA. I wasn't too keen on the characters when we first met them. But the world building was the weakest point. The world itself felt rather small, and while it is expanded upon a little in ATATN there's still some to be desired.
But what bothered me the most in AEITA was that we were constantly told how brutal this world was but then hardly showed it. That's absolutely changed now. I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not often an author just goes this hard in book 2. Love to see it.
Why this isn't a 5 star is because emotions don't really stick with the characters. Horrible things happens to the characters but it doesn't seem to affect them beyond that scene. I get that compartmentalisation is a thing. But isn't it convenient how all the characters, regardless of upbringing, are all great at compartmentalisation?
I shouldn't nitpick like this. The book is good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Sexual violence