This series is truly turning out epic. It certainly brings out the full range of crazy emotions in me and has me terrified to turn each page because of the intensity of the situations. The characters are amazing, the setting is sublime and the story is completely outstanding. A romance that brings romance to a whole new level is just one amazing part of these books. This isn't a romance like in a romance book, this is so much more. And they have to face so much and overcome so many obstacles and all we can do is cheer them on and pray they survive each obstacle because trust me- it's certainly life or death situations!
I know many many bloggers that adore this series and count it among their favorites. I do love this series and think it is far above so many books that are out there but the intense-ness is a bit stressful for me. I mean seriously, life is in peril like on every single page! And there's nothing easy, it's obstacle after obstacle for pretty much every character. Now I really think that this isn't a bad thing really, but it keeps me from reading the book straight through because I start to get light-headed from lack of oxygen. I'm so involved that I forget to breathe! I also have a bit of a hard time with all the death and gore. This is just a personal issue, but the vampires in this book are truly evil and they keep herds of humans like livestock for feeding. They kill without regret and it's just hard to watch and read all the evil. At the same time all this adds to epicness of the book because you know these things going on are truly serious.
The first quarter of this book moved slowly for me but then it picked up and all the oxygen loss {on my part} began and continued through the remainder of the book. So many amazing events happened and Princess Adele truly shows some real strength. She's definitely grown from the first book as all these horrible things that have happened have forced her to become incredibly strong. She's certainly everything I wish for and more in a character. The Greyfriar was pretty amazing as well but showed more weakness in this one which wasn't always easy to swallow. It wasn't anything of his doing, just his situation, but was still a little hard to read.
Overall I think this is a truly amazing series. Action, adventure, romance and steampunk goodness abound and I highly recommend you pick it up. Just be aware of the horror elements as well and use caution for younger readers {this is an adult book but if lots of death, gore and horror don't bother a person it could be considered a YA crossover, I'd hesitate to recommend it to younger readers myself though}.
4.5/5 stars
Note: I'd give this one 5 but the horror element was a bit too much for my poor sensibilities and so I'm bringing it down a notch for that reason.
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11 comments:
Never heard of this one. But then again, I hardly read out of YA and MG. Horror doesn't seem to be my thing, but the book does seem pretty interesting! Great review, Candace!
LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I agree it's definitely intense and I often forget to breathe while reading too, but I love being that stressed over the characters. I need to read a light, fluffy book or watch a Disney movie after it though, just to help unwind all the knots I've tied myself up in:) Fabulous review Candace!
Yikes! I think that is part of the reason why I haven't started the series yet. The constant state of chaos would stress me out too. But it does have vampires in it so I'm determined to read it at some point. :)
I love this series too! I need to post reviews for both books before the final installment. I think I actually preferred Book One to Book Two but you are right, I did like seeing Adele step up her game. And Gareth, sigh, I just love Gareth:) Awesome review!
I have not heard of this series but it sounds so intense. I loved your discussion on life being in peril every page and suffering from lack of oxygen due to you forgetting to breath Sounds like a book NOT to read right before bed. Lots of fun. Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend...we need some sunshine!
LOVE that cover! Hmm, steampunk and vampires. This I've got to read!
Thanks for writing the review so that also people who haven't read the first ones still can read your review! I'm not sure if this is a series for me specially since you mention the horror elements.. I'm afraid it's too much for me...
I really loved the first book but this one dragged IMO. I like that the vampires are truly evil, it gives a sense of real danger to me but I can see what you mean if you don't like it this book is a tough read.
I'm hoping book three gets back to the sense of adventure that I felt in the first book.
This one's sitting on my shelf--sounds like I really need to read it. It's such an intricate world and so well-developed. Even in the first book, there was a seriously horrific vibe to the vamps. It gets worse? *shiver*
I think it's a series I need to try. I don't know why it's not done yet bit I'll ass the first one on my wishlist. Great review, thank you!
Normally I'm such an anti-horror fan that I would run in the other direction from this book but some blogger friends have gotten me to try darker books as of late. I think I just might be able to stomach this one!
Thanks for the great review!
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