Give Up the Night (Moonstruck, #2)

GIVE UP THE NIGHT is the second and final book in the Moonstruck Duology. Following right after the ending of book 1, this dual-POV book follows Wren and Lee as they try to figure out their next steps. Filled with actions and emotions, this book is truly a journey.

What I Loved:
The action scenes in this book were so gripping! They kept the plot moving at a pretty speedy pace and they drew me into the story. The authors clearly knew what they wanted to get out of those scenes. Pages and time flew by as I was immersed in the world.

The authors didn't shy away from some of the heavier topics that comes with a book like this. The characters are dealing with complicated emotions around grief, distrust, finding themselves, and more. It was all handled really well though. The authors allowed the characters time to grow and feel these emotions, even at times when the plot felt like it was moving quickly.

What Left Me Wanting More:
At times the dialogue reads as someone younger than the characters are. The characters are 18, or close to it, but at times they speak like a 13 or 14 year old. This may have been done as a way to appeal to a broader audience, but some readers may have a hard time getting past it and into the story.

The world of Moonstruck seems so interesting and it's a shame that it didn't feel explored enough. I understand not wanting to overwhelm readers, but it might have been nice to get a deeper look at everything going on.

When the action is going, GIVE UP THE NIGHT is a thrilling fast-paced book. The characters are given space to develop as people and the relationship is also allowed to develop as they grow as well. The plot was interesting enough and the book serves as a good conclusion to the Moonstruck duology. Some readers may find the dialogue off-putting though.

Full of action and magic, GIVE UP THE NIGHT is a great closer to the Moonstruck duology as it takes readers on a ride after Wren's world was upended at the ending of Book 1.

GIVE UP THE NIGHT is an engaging conclusion to a magic- and action-packed fantasy duology. This book picks up right after the first left off with Wren's life feeling completely upended. Not knowing fully who she can trust, she is on the run with the elemental who has been helping her- and with additional purpose understanding that she has a larger role to play in correcting the actions of the past. Her journey will take her into a world of magic where she will need to overcome obstacles and connect with other elementals to have any hopes of her and her friends making it out alive.

What I loved: This was an action-packed sequel with a heavy adventure element. The book's pace felt quite fast and the story moved quickly. The book is told in two parts between Wren and Lee, though they are separated for the majority of the book, so they are developed separately. While their relationship is still there, the story focuses on what they need to learn and the steps they need to take to right the wrongs of the past and make it out alive.

At the same time, they are both heavily dealing with grief, defining themselves and their futures, grappling with authority figures and lies, and focusing on doing the right thing, even when it is tough. These themes were really well done throughout and will speak to teen readers. In terms of the characters, both Wren and Lee continue to grow and develop in this story, forging their own paths and questioning what they have been told. They are each compelling in their own ways, and their chapters complement each other, though they are apart.

The story is wrapped up nicely in this sequel, and the ending felt satisfying. This world of magic, quests, and adventure is one that is tough to leave though, and I wouldn't mind seeing more from it!

Final verdict: GIVE UP THE NIGHT is an engaging conclusion to a gripping YA fantasy duology that I recommend for readers who enjoy lots of adventure/questing, magic, and a quick pace.