Evanescent (Chronicles of Nerissette, #2)

by Andria Buchanan

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Picking up just three months after the end of Everlast, Evanescent begins with Allie adjusting to her role as queen of Nerissette now that the Fate Maker is out of the picture. However, he's not gone for good, and soon enough the temporary peace is over. It's back to war for Allie and her subjects, and this time it's even more brutal. Allie is also searching for one of the lost relics that she must destroy before the Fate Maker can get his hands on it and use it for evil. She only has three days to find it, and with a war raging around her palace the pressure is on. The fate of Nerissette and "the real world" are in her teenage hands.

Even though the first book wrapped up nicely and could have stood alone, I liked how the events (big and small) weren't forgotten in Evanescent. Life does go on, but Allie hasn't forgotten Heidi and Jesse. There are comments about them scattered throughout, so it's not like they were there and now they're not. Also, Mercedes' desperation to return home is still there. While she seems to be settling into her new life as a dryad, she still thinks it's all temporary. I really liked seeing how this effected her relationship with Allie. It's clear that Allie is alienating her friend somewhat, since all she talks about is how to save the kingdom, and how to use the relics to save Nerissette instead of taking them back to their home. Winston on the otherhand, is the voice of reason. He's accepted that they may be stuck there forever, but he also makes it clear what he wouldn't leave Allie behind. Their growing relationship is super adorable! I just wish that he had some kind of flaw. Things are too perfect between them.

The plot of Evanescent is pretty much the same as Everlast, but with the Dragon's Tear relic thrown in. It's still good versus evil, Allie versus the Fate Maker. But it's all a bit less fluffy. There's more battles, and lots more death. The stress of the situation is really getting to Allie, but she's doing the best that she can. There are a few twists along the way, but one was fairly predictable. The book was still a fun read though, especially since we get more world building! Allie is interacting with more of her subjects, so as a result there's more information about the different species, particularly the mermaids and the dryads. The hunt for the Dragon's Tear also introduced us to more of the world's myths and legends, which were clearly well thought out.

In the end, Evanescent was a great sequel! Sure it may have been a little predictable, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I absolutely love this fairy tale world come to life and I've come to adore the characters within it, too. Once again, evil has been defeated for the moment, but Allie hasn't won her kingdom over just yet. Aside from the Fate Maker, she still has to deal with her evil aunt who wants to rule in her place and has an army waiting. I can't wait to see how Allie manages to overcome all this in the final book!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.