I really don't know where to begin with this book, since I know that so many people are anticipating it. So I will tell you my only downside I experienced while reading this book: I had a bit of trouble getting started. The beginning starts off slowly, and I wasn't hooked immediately. But I soon was, and when I was in, I was all in.
So why did I love this book? Let's talk about it!
- The writing was undeniably gorgeous from start to finish. Laini Taylor writes in such a lyrical and captivating way that I could not help but be pulled into the story. But here's the thing: it isn't just beautiful prose for the sake of beautiful prose. Every word meant something, and that made it all the more special.
- I positively loved the characters. This is Lazlo's story, yes, but Sarai stole the show on many occasions. And I adored Lazlo, but at times, I adored Sarai more. But does it even matter? Because the point is, they are fabulous. And the cast of secondary characters is no less great. They were all so very complex and fleshed out and really brought so much to the story. The interactions between the characters were incredible as well. The rapport Lazlo had with a lot of the people he encountered on his journeys added so much to the story. There was banter, and wittiness, and it was a great way to showcase the very best of Lazlo's personality. And Sarai's story just completely captured my interest from the moment she was introduced.
- The romance was super slow burning, but also incredibly swoon-worthy. It's complicated, and it is unsure, and it is just everything that a really great romance should be. I can't say much more, other than I am a fan, so we'll leave it at that.
- The plot was incredibly complex, and there was a lot I did not see coming. There were plot points that had me cheering, some that had me horrified, some that had me in tears, and some that had me holding back laughter. My emotions ran the gamut in this book, and I loved that.
- While the world building was incredible, it also kept a lot of room open to learn new things in the next book. I think it was a great balance between the reader being familiarized with the world, and knowing just as much as they needed to know to be comfortable reading, and mysteries that will undoubtedly unravel as the story goes on. The atmosphere fit the story completely, too, and was woven into the plot so, so well.
Will I Read The Sequel? Um, YES. Can someone just give it to me now? Please and thank you? Splendid.
Bottom Line: I was originally going to go with 4.5 stars, because of the trouble I had in the beginning. But you know what? It is too good to even deduct the half star. So just know that it starts a little slow, but that it ends up being worth that little bit of slowness. Because it is truly a phenomenal story with amazing characters. It's wildly imaginative, unique, and written in the loveliest of ways. Absolutely met- no, surpassed- my expectations.