Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Shadow of Light
Author: Molly E. Lee
Book Series: Ember of Night Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For…: young adult readers, fantasy, urban fantasy, angels, demons
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, violence, gore, kidnapping, animal abuse, sexual content, religion, possession, and language)
Explanation of CWs: There is some abuse flashbacks shown. Violence and gore are frequent. Kidnapping is mentioned, not shown. Animal abuse to a dog is shown very briefly but it’s during a big fight by the villains of the novel and the dog limps away and is later fine. Sexual content is shown. Religion is brought up a few times and inspiration is taken from it. There are a couple of possession scenes. Curse words are frequent.
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 400
Synopsis: I just saved the boy I’m falling for from a gruesome death by a demon. And what does he have to say? I’m the key to opening the gates of Hell. I mean, a thank-you would’ve been nice. Or another scorching-hot, forbidden kiss. Either way, destiny will have to find someone else to torment, because I’m so done.
Or I was, until my little sister starts cackling exorcist-style and stares at me with eyes that aren’t hers. They’re Marid’s, the Greater Demon I just kicked back to the dark realm he came from. Possessing Ray whenever he wants is his ultimate revenge.
The only way to break the tether between them includes a road trip through Hell, aka the Ather. I quickly discover nothing is as it seems in this place. Yeah, there are realms of terror, greed, and desire, but there’s also peace, and a beauty I never knew existed…and it’s eerily familiar.
With each obstacle we encounter, I slip a little further into the chaotic energy of my growing dark powers. And when an unexpected betrayal hits me square in the chest, I freefall into them.
Fate painted me as the monster of nightmares, and after this? Destiny is about to learn just how monstrous I can be.
Review: Overall, I really loved this book as well! I thought it was a well done sequel and it held its own with its own story and issues separate from the first book but still connected. The character development was sound, I loved the new characters, I loved all the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the world building. The book also had a strong plot and I enjoyed the ride. I also highly enjoyed having the triggers in the front of the book.
However, I did think that some of the book was repetitive in the plot. I felt like the same conflict resolution conflict resolution rhythm repeated a few times in the book and it was a bit dull in the middle and a little at the end. The book also kind of did the same thing with the romance aspects. The book’s pacing also slowed down in the center and a little towards the end.
Verdict: It was great! Loved it!
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