So often we read books that are uplifting, have a happy ending and are overall positive and uplifting. And while those kind of books are definitely a joy to read, books that are darker in nature can be a real treat to enjoy. That’s the theme of the two books in this weeks review. One is a series that I have really enjoyed but turned really dark in this book. The other book is one that just caught my eye. Books with darker themes and tones, if done well, can be really enjoyable because of how different they are.
Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake is third entry in the Three Dark Crowns series that has kept me on my toes for the entire series. And as each book has gotten progressively darker as the series has progressed.
The world building in this series has always been strength of the books and it continues here. You get your first look at life on the Mainland and it is a stark contrast to what life is like on Fennbirn. They despise the outsiders and think that those coming from Fennbirn are backwards thinking. But I think the biggest world building aspect added here is the addition of the Blue Queen. The fourth born sister is revealed in splendid fashion in this book. Coming to Arsinoe through visions, a story line, which I will not reveal, is told that shatters many previous stories and sets a of the three courses that the final book could go. The dream scenes are well done and doesn’t allow you to guess the massive plot twist.
And while the saga of the Blue Queen occupies most of Mirabella and Arsinoe’s time, the Blue Queen also shapes Katherine’s story. As the Mist that surrounds Fennbirn beings to deposit bodies onto the island, Katherine begins to suspect that the dead queens are responsible. The dead queens that currently inhabit her drive her emotions, her actions. They drive her whole story which makes her story unpredictable and really good. And the ending of her story in this, the last pages of the book, again change the complexion of the final book.
The one story line that I had guessed from the second book is the Jules plot line. It takes away from the Katherine, Mirabella and Arisnoe. And unlike the story lines involving the three sisters, Jules’ story line is predictable. And like the other two stories, her story is going to determine the course of the final.
The most remarkable thing about this book is that I never knew where this book was going, save for the Jules plot line. I was constantly on my toes and once the last chapter or two hit, I was stunned at the ending the implications that the ending implied.
All in all, this was yet another fantastic entry in the series. The additional world building adds another layer to the book. Plus the plot lines are fantastic. They constantly keep you on your toes and you never really know where the book will go. The only issue I have is the Jules story line and it’s a pretty significant one.
Verdict- 4 Stars. A wonderful book, only brought down by one poor plot line.
The next book is one I stumbled upon purely by accident. Give The Dark My Love by Beth Revis is truly a one of a kind book in terms of books that I have read. It’s dark, grim, enjoyable and illustrates the lengths some of us will go.
Our main character Nedra is a good main character. She is smart, determined and confident. Going to a prestigious medicinal alchemy school, Nedra longs to cure a plague that is spreading across the island. Along with the “romantic lead” Grey Astor, it’s a race against time. These two are contrasting styles. Nedra is single minded and once she sets of heart on something, she does it. Grey tries to keep her free and easy but in the end it doesn’t pan out that way.
The world building is solid in this book. The history is very well thought out and plays a HUGE part in this book. It is referenced numerous times in the book when it comes to certain characters, events or places. It is detailed and isn’t just a throw in. It is an integral part of the story and helps determine the fate of the story.
The story itself is not bad. It isn’t full of action, romance or even intrigue. It has a mixture of all three, although in very small doses. The plot is not a grandiose one but it does offer surprises at multiple turns. The ending in particular leaves me wondering where this book goes. The story is a fast paced story, even though it lacks the action of a faster paced story. Not a bad plot by any means, by not a remarkable one either.
But the strength of this book for me was the tone of this book. Normally, this is the type of book that would not work. It was dark, grim, involved LOTS of necromancy and didn’t have the expected conclusion that everyone assumes must happen in a YA Fantasy novel. But here, the darkness of the book really stands out as the difference maker. It was so different and unique from books that I have read that I found myself enjoying it, even though it is not that remarkable of a book. The tone and mood really help make this book a fine read.
Overall it’s a solid book that I found enjoyable but not memorably remarkable. I think it works because it is so different from other books of its kind. The darkness, grim edge and unexpected conclusion make this a halfway decent read despite not really standing out in any way.
Verdict- 4 Stars. While not remarkable by any means, it is a good book mostly due to its dark and grim tone.
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