4.5 stars!

Despite bemoaning the fact that Flowridia and Ayla’s romance has been put on hold — though the fourth book’s cover makes it obvious that Ayla will be back someday soon — I was very impressed by this second installment in the Fallen Gods series! It was quick-paced and packed with the kind of adventure I so adore in fantasy books.

I loved seeing Casvir through Flowra’s eyes. His brusque, domineering personality notwithstanding, I feel like he’s the kind of mentor (and dare I say, even father-figure?) Flowra needs to realize her full potential as a witch/necromancer. She’s gained so much self-confidence during their quests. She’s still the sweet and kind-hearted girl we met in the prequel, but she’s been disillusioned one time too many, and she’s finally ready to stand up for herself!

The horror factor intensified here, as well. The things we learned about Flowridia’s beloved, Ayla Darkleaf — The Endless Night, Scourge of the Sun Elves, The Gaping Maw — were ghastly and macabre and just about made my hair stand on end! (I loved it, though!) I think I should delete the quotation marks from my previous review, because she’s not a ‘monster’ — she’s a Monster. But that’s what makes her love for Flowra so extraordinary and heartbreaking.

I’m in awe of Flowra’s resolve to bring her back. She’s so brave. To go as far as to meet Ayla’s demonic progenitor and agree to his terms… Ahhh, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! ( )

This one was fine. Probably a little closer to a 3.5 than just a 3, to be honest. I enjoyed it. I like the whole (possible, who knows where this train is really going, tbh) “making of a monster” narrative that it seems like Flowridia is going on. I’m excited to pick up the next one and see just where exactly this is going, because as much as I LOVE me a girl who becomes a monster because she fucking can and wants to, I’m not sure what I actually want for Flowridia. ( )