A Torch Against The Night

A fantastic sequel, "A Torch Against the Night" begins exactly where "An Ember in the Ashes" leaves off. Laia and Elias are fleeing to begin their quest to rescue Laia's brother from Kauf prison. The whole book takes place along their journey, alternating viewpoints from Laia, Elias and Helene. I absolutely loved every second of the adventure- it's a stunning sequel and a great book in its own right. The story is still growing and we are given more and more clues but the story is not complete by the end. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Helene was probably my favorite character in the first book and remains so in this book. She is torn between loyalty to her family, the empire, and to Elias, the boy whom she loves and who has been her friend for so long. She's courageous and bold and multifaceted. She is not perfect but she is constantly trying to do her best. She has a very difficult time of things in this book. I was really excited to get to read her perspective and learn more about her.

This book has some very harsh villains. It may be too much for younger readers. They surprised me at times, as did many of the other characters. I don't want to spoil anything, but this is a book wherein a lot of things change and characters evolve.

Overall, it's a fantastically woven story- I was given chills, brought to tears, and loving every second of the character's journey.

While to me, this installment was not as good as Ember was, it's still a great read! I loved getting Helene's point of view. I freaking love her! She's my favorite character in this whole series. She just outshines everyone else. She is so kickass and I just love her.

This one also moves a little slower till we get towards the middle then it freaking takes off and doesn't let you go! That ending is so mind blowing that it's worth getting through the little bit of slowness in the middle. Trust me.

Though after that ending, I went insane... two years. Two years for the next book. I can't even fathom that kind of wait. I'm going to die waiting that long! How can this be?! I would sell my right leg for a a way to time travel just skip ahead and get the book. Then I'd come back, after getting a few other books of course.

I love this audiobook, the narrators are superb at their job! Every single one of them. I was nervous going into a new POV, worried the voice wouldn't fit. I was nervous for no reason. They bring the story to life in ways that I'd miss otherwise.

*SPOILERS BELOW THIS WARNING*

The stakes are just as high in this one as in Ember. Elias is so close to death that I could feel it coming. There was no way he wasn't going to die, too much buildup and it was heart breaking to see. It was like a dentist appointment, you know you have to go and that it's going to happen, but you dread it anyway. I did like the twist that with his story, I thought it was fitting and I was just glad that he hasn't left the story because I need him in my life. I will kindly doctor sick Elias any time at all!

Laia... she is the reason that this story gets a star knocked off. How she flip flopped between Elias and Keenan so much. She even sleeps with Keenan when she really wants Elias but he's told her no because he's dying... just ugh no. Laia why?! You were getting stronger, smarter and I really loved you. Then you had to go off and sleep with the bad guy? Good job.

I never liked Keenan now I know why.

Helene's part I did love the best, I cried when her family was killed. I felt for her so much. She was just doing what was right and almost everyone she loved was killed. I still can't fully process it all. It was heartbreaking but the ending made up for it. Helene is totally going to get revenge and I hope she kills them all. They don't deserve her. She is a diamond in the rough for sure.

Lastly, the book can't get here fast enough. It's a great story, brutal and harsh with not much sweetness but it's a hard hitter and doesn't let up. A thrill ride!

As long as you fight the darkness you stand in the light.