The Deepest Night (Sweetest Dark)

by Shana Abe

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

After the unexpected twist in The Sweetest Dark, I wasn't sure if I would continue on to like The Deepest Night. However, since the War played an integral part in the plot from the very beginning--instead of being randomly tacked on at the end--I found that I did get into it more, and ended up loving this sequel more than the first! It is full of magic, romance, longing, sadness, action, and pretty much a little bit of everything! Lora and Armand leave on what may very well be a suicide mission: rescuing Armand's thought-to-be dead brother from the Germans. It turns out that when his plan crashed, he survived and was taken prisoner. Now it's up to the last two dragons to bring him home.

Of course their journey is not an easy one. World War I is very much happening and they have to cross the front line without being seen. Not an easy feat for a giant, golden dragon. Lora and Armand run into plenty of trouble along the way, including getting shot down by German soldiers. However, they're determined to complete their mission. They also make a few stops to help more people effected by the war. They have these amazing gifts, so why not use them for good?

While the plot moved at a good pace and didn't fail to hold my attention, the relationship between Lora and Armand was easily my favorite part. I'm wary to say romance, since I think it wasn't quite there for most of the book and yet simultaneously beyond just a romance. It's very bittersweet. Their bond becomes deeper and deeper the more time they spend together. Part of it is due to the greater cosmic connection of being the last dragons, but there are also genuine feelings there. Lora has trouble accepting this because of her love for Jesse, but some things cannot be helped. My heart ached for all three of them. This is probably the most well done love triangle I have ever read. It's so different and beautiful and simply heartbreaking.

Basically I adored The Deepest Night. It definitely sold me on the World War I setting that kind of threw me off in the first book. The dragons and other magic continued to be developed beautifully. The romance was amazing and beautiful. Really, beautiful is the best word to describe this book. I think Shana Abé could easily work her way onto my favorite authors list.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.