Reviewed by Silvara on
I received this book for free from Philomel Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I liked the first book a little more than this one. But I still really enjoyed this book as well. One of the things I loved about the last one was the strong friendship between Edmund, Katherine and Tom. And how they worked together to save the children stolen by the Nethergrim. In this book they're separated for a great deal of the story. Tom is away with Katherine's father, and then ends up on a quest of his own. Edmund and Katherine are in the same village still, but they're kept apart by various things.
This book had a much darker feel than the first one. Which makes sense, both because of the friends not being together, as well as because of all the evil that they now know is loose in the world. Offsetting that, there are possible love interests for all three main characters. While it isn't a huge thread for Tom or Edmund, Katherine spends a lot of the book with hers.
We learn more about the magic, including the fact that there are three branches. We get to meet the Revered Elder for one of them. We also learn more about the last time the Nethergrim was active in the land. A little of the history about why she was allowed into the world that time, and how some of her minions were contained.
All three of the main characters are challenged in new ways. When they get back together, and fight the new evil, you can see how they've grown and changed over the course of the book. Edmund has learned a few new tricks with magic. Katherine is even more sure of herself and her abilities. And Tom... Well, you'll see!
This was just as quick a read as the last book. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to do so!
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 25 June, 2016: Finished reading
- 25 June, 2016: Reviewed