Review - Darkdawn

Nevernight Chronicles

Title: Darkdawn

Series: Nevernight Chronicle (Goodreads)

Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Jay Kristoff   
Age Group: Adult
Source: Received as a gift

Review

Very rarely does a book make me cry, I could probably count the few that have managed this on one hand, and Kristoff’s Darkdawn is definitely among them. Also, without a doubt Jay Kristoff knows how to destroy souls and break hearts. If you have read Nevernight and Godsgrave there is still nothing that will prepare for the end!

What has been most important throughout the entirety of the Nevernight Chronicles is the importance of family and Darkdawn is no exception. There is a new character introduced to us in Darkdawn that is very important to Mia, I will not share their identity as it would ruin the books, all I will say is that they bring to the forefront once again the significance of family. Throughout the Chronicles Mia has fought to avenge her family and the wrong that was done to them all and so even though there is brutal murder, bloodshed, and yes smutty sex the one overriding theme and reason for Mia’s actions has always been her familia! I believe the following quote sums up the importance of family perfectly:

“… IT MEANS FAMILIA CAN HURT YOU MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE. BUT THAT IS ONLY BECAUSE THEY MATTER MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE. WHEN YOU SPEAK SO, THOUGH MIA DOES NOT SHOW IT, IT WOUNDS HER…”

There is only one other author who rivals or equals Kristoff’s theme of family and that is currently for me Sarah J Maas. They both equally illustrate that family whether it is those we choose or cannot, will be the most important individuals and relationships in our lives, that even though family can cause each other pain like none other there is nothing that can destroy the bonds of family.

Darkdawn could not have been complete without bloodshed, murder and death. What friendships Mia has built over the past two books are pushed to the limits and of course not everyone survives, if you have read the previous books or other Kristoff books, you could not have expected less. If you are a new to Kristoff’s books, welcome, and enjoy the pain!

Finally, it has been one hell of a wild ride Mia Corvere, and I have enjoyed every single moment. From the beginning of the Chronicles Mia has been a complex antiheroine, the best kind of strong woman if you ask me. As a male author Kristoff did not once diminish the experience of a young woman. Instead, he gave readers a strong independent women with a will of her own and a sword to wield against her oppressors. For this very reason I adored her foul mouthed journey from the beginning, she never once stated that she was the hero of the story, only that she a had a will and desire to avenge her family and that only made me respect her more. So I leave you with the following quote and remind you all to never flinch…

“I know it,” she finally said. “I hurt people all the time. […] How do you kill a monster without becoming one yourself?” “I don’t know,” he replied. Mia shook her head, staring out at the wastes around them. “You can’t,” she sighed.’

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Mia Corvere, gladiatii, escaped slave and infamous assassin, is on the run.

After the greatest games in Godsgrave’s history ended with the most audacious murders in the history of the Itreyan Republic, Mia finds herself pursued by Blades of the Red Church and soldiers of the Luminatii legion. She may never escape the City of Bridges and Bones alive.

Her mentor Mercurio is now in the clutches of her enemies. Her own family wishes her dead. And her nemesis, Consul Julius Scaeva, stands but a breath from total dominance over the Republic.

But beneath the city, a dark secret awaits. Together with her lover Ashlinn, brother Jonnen and a mysterious benefactor returned from beyond the veil of death, she must undertake a perilous journey across the Republic, seeking the final answer to the riddle of her life. Truedark approaches.

Night is falling on the Republic for perhaps the final time.

Key Quotes 

‘Out in the dark, a bookworm roared again. Closer this time. Aelius drew long and deep on his cigarillo, embers sparking in his eyes, his fingers stained with ink. “Don’t fuck with librarians, young lady. We know the power of words.”

“… shhhh…,” came a murmur at her feet. “… do you hear that…?” “… Hear what?” “… it appears to be the sound of … breasts tilting skyward…?” Mia scowled at the jest, dragging her sopping hair over her shoulder.’

‘Lightning flashed, tearing the skies in fury. The waves crashed and rolled. The Ladies of Storms and Oceans, the terrible twins, reaching out toward her with all their hatred. Mia hauled herself to her feet, Eclipse beside her, the shadows swaying like serpents. She dragged her sodden tricorn off, clawed her hair from her face, and she laughed. Her eyes alight. Her heart warmed by dark flame, burning in her chest. All they had, they’d thrown. All their hate, they’d given. All their fury, spent. Mia raised the knuckles to the sky. “Still standing, bitches.”

Similar reads

Aurora Rising, A ​Court of Silver Flames, Ninth House, The Poppy War, The Priory of the Orange Tree, House of Earth and Blood, Illuminae

Afterthoughts

What did you think of Darkdawn?

Did you enjoy the Nevernight Chronicles?

How far would you go to avenge your family?

What would you recommend to readers who enjoyed Darkdawn and the Nevernight Chronicles?