Before we start this review I want to point out that it has been 16 months since I read, and loved, Nevernight, and I have finally finished the sequel. No, I don’t know what I was doing either. I knew I would love this, but for some reason I just kept putting it off. I think it was because I didn’t want to not have it on my tbr pile. But still, 16 months is a long time to wait, considering I have actually owned this book since Christmas 2017 (oops). I’ve read it now though, and it was just as fantastic as I thought it would be, probably even better than Nevernight, I adored it, and I can’t wait for Darkdawn because that ending was not freaking fair.
Mia is such a fantastic protagonist. She’s so damn ruthless, driven by vengeance and fury, but she also has a fantastic character arc in Godsgrave, where she realises that everyone has hopes and dreams and fears, but not everyone is valued in that way. And I loved the exploration of her sexuality and her relationship with Ash, who is also an amazing character. To be honest, all the characters in this book are fabulous. Most of them are horrible people – in no way could they be described as good. But even perhaps the antagonist of the story, Leona, is fleshed out in a way that you can understand her, if not forgive her. She is a slave owner, and she does terrible things, but she also has a human side with fears and ambitions, and this is how it is for all the characters. (except furian. that annoying dude can yeet himself out of this book for all I care because he was so infuriating!!)
Jay Kristoff’s writing and structure is also a masterpiece. I love the footnotes, the sarcasm and the wit. I reckon they must have had so much fun putting in all those little historical details, which I think are fascinating and make this book so unique. I know they are not for everyone, but personally I really enjoy them. And his writing in general is just incredible; the imagery and the way he crafts his characters and plot (which was also super intricate). These books are so well written and I love them to pieces and I’m going to be so sad when this series is over. These are an all time favourite and I think will suffer many rereads.
The Nevernight Chronicle is a fantastic fantasy. It’s dark and bloody and gritty and dirty and witty and heartbreaking all in one. And I loved every page, from the gladiatii to the kissing to the murdering to the arguments between Eclipse and Mr Kindly (yes, those parts were unarguable the best, you must agree). The story, the writing, the characters, the plot; all are so skilfully created. These books are incredible, and they will always have a place on my shelf.
The Bookish Courtier 