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?

Review - Godsgrave

Mia Corvere booksleeve and Nevernight Chronicle stack

Title: Godsgrave

Series: Nevernight Chronicle (Goodreads)
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Jay Kristoff   
Age Group: Adult
Source: Received as a gift

Review 

The one thing you should never do when reading a book about assassins is to become attached to the characters. This could be as deadly a mistake as the deaths given out by those very same assassins. When I first read Nevernight I wasn’t sure what to expect and from what other reviews said it didn’t completely sound like my kind of book. But I was super lucky to receive the series as a gift and I’m so glad I did because I consumed both Nevernight and Godsgrave within days. If you have read the first book than this series only gets better and more intense, if you haven’t then what are you waiting for? Seriously though if you haven’t yet read either of the books in the Nevernight chronicles then its one I’d suggest to readers who enjoy morally questionable characters, a strong female protagonist, and a complex mythology that isn’t instantly resolved by the end of the first two books. And very quickly for those that have read Nevernight this sequel is fantastic for the very reason that the world Mia lives in is expanded beyond the Red Church and the mystery of the Darkin is developed too. 

If you’ve read Nevernight then you are probably aware of Kristoff’s writing style but if you haven’t then it can potentially put readers off from reading the book. Personally, I struggled too to begin with because I wasn’t sure, but my advice is to give his writing a chance because once you get past the first few chapters and allow the story to develop you won’t even think about the style of writing in such an active way. Godsgrave is written in the same style as the first book and its actually become rather enjoyable. I personally now really admire the complexities of Kristoff’s writing style and the use of parallel scenes that I feel are tropes specific to Kristoff’s works. For me, and hopefully other readers of this series, I find that Kristoff is a very clever and creative writer. I think this is showcased very well during the opening chapters when Godsgrave shifts between past and present narration that builds up curiosity and confusion (but in a good way!) that merges very well into the whole books story.

What I really loved about Godsgrave, besides the development of Mia, was the introduction of the gladatii. Kristoff creates such complex and intriguing characters that are always fully developed, even when they are supporting characters. But he’s also super cruel too because readers can’t help but develop a love for these supporting characters only to have terrible things happen to them, I will not say what these events are, and I will only happily remind you along with myself that this is a book about a church of assassins so don’t expect nice things to happen! I fell very quickly into the trap of coming to like some of the new characters especially Sid, Maggot, and Bladesinger and very quickly felt my heart ripped apart by the events that occurred (more fool me, what was I expecting, nothing good happens when there are blood thirsty assassins!). It’s not only the readers who fall into the trap of falling for these characters and investing time in caring for them, but Mia our protagonist does too, and watching the fallout of her newly found relationships only serves more pain for ourselves and Mia. One scene that I think was worth sharing was between Maggot and Mia who has her wounds tended by the young physician and demonstrates why you’ll love the new characters too (some swearing included):

‘Maggot looked her digits over, stroking her chin. And gentle as falling leaves, she took hold of Mia’s smallest finger. “It won’t hurt,” she promised. “I’m very good at this.” “All riiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAGHH!” Mia howled as Maggot popped her finger back into place, quick as silver. She rose from the slab and bent double, clutching her hand. “That HURT!” she yelled. Maggot gave a solemn nod. “Yes.” “You promised it wouldn’t!” “And you believed me.” The girl smiled sweet as sugar-floss. “I told you, I’m very good at this.” She motioned to the slab again. “Sit back down.” [..] The little girl took hold of Mia’s ring finger, looked up at her with big, dark eyes. “I’m going to count three,” she said. “All riiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaFUCK!” Mia roared as Maggot snapped the joint back into place. She rose and half-danced, half-hopped about the room, wounded hand between her legs. “Shit cock twat fucking fuckitall!” “You swear an awful lot,” Maggot frowned. “You said you were going to count three!” Maggot nodded sadly. “You believed me again, didn’t you?” Mia winced, teeth gritted, looking the girl up and down. “ . . . You are very good at this,” she realized. Maggot smiled, patted the bench. “Last one.”

The other relationship worth mentioning that is rather enjoyable throughout Godsgrave is the interactions between Mia, Mr Kindly, and Eclipse. There are honestly far too many great examples that I could pick and share but what I will say is that I love the way that each time these three spend time together I’m left in fits of laughter and leaves me feeling less tense after some of the more violent events that occur throughout the book. Though, I would suggest that you don’t fall into the trap of thinking Mr Kindly and Eclipse nice beings, like many characters in this series beware of their double dealings and selfish motives. I leave you with this scene where Mr Kindly introduces himself and his kind personality to Sid (again, some swearing):

“You know. What I am.” Sid winced, trying to swallow. He whispered almost lower than she could hear. “Darkin.” Mia said nothing, dark eyes locked on his. “And that deserves a bloody strangling?” he pressed. “Keep your fucking voice down,” Mia spat, looking about the other cells. “ . . . advice best followed by everyone concerned . . . ?” Sidonius’s eyes grew wide as the shadowcat faded into view on Mia’s shoulder. “Bugger me . . . ,” he breathed. “ . . . a generous offer, but no, thank you . . .” “And thank you for telling me all looked clear,” Mia whispered. The not-cat tilted his head. “ . . . i can’t be perfect in every way . . .”

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church hierarchy think she's far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she's no closer to ending the men who destroyed her familia; in fact, she's told directly that Consul Scaeva is off limits. But after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia's suspicions about the Red Church's true motives begin to grow.

Key Quotes

‘The Hanging Gardens of Ashkah. Its flowers made of flesh and bone.’

‘She was still covered in dried blood, old sweat, dust. Sitting in the straw, she tried not to picture the faces of the men she’d killed in the Pit. She’d needed to impress, and she’d done so . . . after a fashion. She’d killed dozens who’d stood in her way before now. But still, those Pit fighters had only been doing as they were bid . . . “I feel like shit,” she sighed. “ . . . you do not smell particularly pleasant either . . .” “That’s not what I—” “ . . . you cannot afford to pity those men, mia. swimming this deep, your compassion will only serve to drown you. you must be as hard and as sharp as the men you hunt . . .”

‘She felt her shadow ripple, the dark swelling at her feet. “ . . . dangerous, that one . . .” “The same could be said of every woman I know.”

‘Nothing brings the familia together like a nice afternoon of slaughter.’

Similar reads

Aurora Rising, Ninth House, Game of Thrones, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Six of Crows, Illuminae, The Poppy War, Gideon the Ninth, The Cruel Prince.

Afterthoughts

I really enjoyed the developed relationship between Mia and Ash as well as Mercurio too.

Mia continues to be one of my favourite strong female protagonists, I love her complexities and the difficulties she has to face which challenge her, either for the best or worse.

Have you read this book, if so what did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Have you read this series? What did you think?

Review - Nevernight

Nevernight

Title: Nevernight

Series: Nevernight Chronicle (Goodreads)
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Jay Kristoff   
Age Group: Adult
Source: Received as a gift

Review 

This is my first time reading a Jay Kristoff book and for a while I put off reading it because I was unsure about other reviewers concerns for trigger issues and whether I would be comfortable reading Nevernight because of this. However, in the end I decided I would in fact read this book and was so glad I did because it was absolutely amazing. Yes, there are difficult themes and issues but I personally felt they were handled safely, respectfully, and considerately by the author. This is in no way a young adult book, though there are a number of mature young adults that have read it, but notably Nevernight is classed as an adult fantasy. If you are considering reading this book then do, you will not be disappointed, but you need to be aware that there are some themes and issues that might trigger some readers more than others. Key trigger warnings are the discussion of child slavery and rape. Other triggers to note are scenes involving sex, crude language and violence. As I already said this is an adult book but there are some young adults, such as 18 year olds, that may choose to read this and I think it only right that they are aware of some difficult issues that may arise without giving in-depth spoilers.

At first, reading Nevernight I was left feeling rather jarred by the way the narrator speaks and felt rather unsure of whether this books narration would work for me. But I did not let it stop me from reading and even though I was initially unsure I actually grew to enjoy the books form of narration. Mr Kristoff is a fantastic writer because even though readers might come into the book unsure of his chosen narrative tone they mostly leave having enjoyed the book and this is because of the strength of his character development and exciting world building. The opening chapter was so clever and in its own way beautiful because of Mr Kristoff’s chosen language and descriptions. Without giving too much away the opening chapter begins with us meeting Mia, the protagonist, as she takes part in two actions one involving sex and the other involving a murder. Though these actions do not take place at the same time they are introduced together because the language used to describe them is almost the same, because some phrases are used to describe both, and I actually really enjoyed how Kristoff cleverly brought these scenes together. Below is an extract from the simultaneous scenes which I believe encompass some of the cleverness and strength of Kristoff’s writing abilities (please be aware that the first is alluding to sexual scenes and the other to an assassins murder):

Was this the way it should feel? Was this the way it should be? [...] And she’d known the first was usually the worst. She’d thought herself ready; soft enough, wet enough, wanting enough. That everything the other street girls had said between the giggles and the knowing glances wouldn’t be true for her. 'Close your eyes,' they’d counselled. 'It’ll be over soon enough.'

Is this the way it should feel? Is this the way it should be? […] And she knew the first was usually the worst. She’d thought she wasn’t ready; not strong enough, not cold enough, that Old Mercurio’s reassurances wouldn’t be true for her. 'Remember to breathe,' he’d counselled. 'It’ll be over soon enough.'

I really loved Nevernight's protagonist Mia Corvere she is most definitely an anti-heroine but one who you cannot help but love and become heavily invested in her journey to seeking revenge for her wronged family. I always love a book that has a strong female protagonist and Mia certainly does not disappoint in this respect. Not only can she wield a blade and kill as assassin’s are known to do but she also wields a filthy mouth, and honestly some of her language will leave you open-mouthed in astonishment. Though most people don’t use such crude and violent language it is not inconceivable that women would be afraid to speak it either, in most cases used in emotional distress or anger, and for that reason I respect Mia because she is not a mollycoddled young lady but one who is openly expressive and unapologetic. Below is an extract of dialogue which I think exhibits some of Mia’s unapologetic speech and attitude (caution! there is some crude language): 

'You know, I’ve never understood that. How being named for a woman’s nethers is somehow more grievous than any other insult. Seems to me calling someone after a man’s privates is worse. I mean, what do you picture when you hear a fellow called a cock?' […] 'You imagine an oaf, don’t you?' […] An exhalation of clove-sweet grey into the air between them. 'Cock is just another word for "fool." But you call someone a c–t, well…' The girl smiled.

The most endearing relationship for me was between Mia and Mr Kindly, if you are to learn one thing it’s that Kristoff loves some irony. Many of Mia and Mr Kindly’s interactions left me entertained most than some of the other characters interactions. What I loved most was their shared sarcasm and dry wit as well as their to-and-fro jibes at one another, that hinted at a subtle underlying love and respect for one another. Their relationship for me was definitely the strongest element of this book. Thus, I leave you with a short and sweet dialogue between Mia and Mr Kindly (though I have saved you the best for when you read the book):

'…bravo…' Mister Kindly had said. '…if only i had hands to applaud…' Mia smacked her backside. 'I’d settle for lips to kiss my sweet behind.' '…i would have to find it first…' 'Arses are like wine, Mister Kindly. Better too little than too much.' '…a beauty and a philosopher. be still, my beating heart…'

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Mia Corvere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.

Destined to destroy empires, the child raised in shadows made a promise on the day she lost everything: to avenge herself on those that shattered her world.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, and Mia must become a weapon without equal. Before she seeks vengeance, she must seek training among the infamous assassins of the Red Church of Itreya.

Inside the Church's halls, Mia must prove herself against the deadliest of opponents and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and daemons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Church is no ordinary school. But Mia is no ordinary student.

The Red Church is no ordinary school, but Mia is no ordinary student.

The shadows love her.

And they drink her fear.

Key Quotes

'Truth is, there’s no difference between your nethers and mine. Aside from the obvious, of course. But one doesn’t carry any more weight than the other. Why should what’s between my legs be considered any smarter or stupider, any worse or better? It’s all just meat, Don Tric. In the end, it’s all just food for worms...'

'Your mind will serve you better than any trinket under the suns,' she’d said. 'It is a weapon, Mia. And like any weapon, you need practice to be any good at wielding it.' 'But mother—' 'No, Mia Corvere. Beauty you’re born with, but brains you earn.'

'Why did you attack us?' 'If Naev had attacked her, the sands would be redder. Naev asked why they followed her. And now Naev knows. Naev wonders at the girl’s skill. And now Naev sees.' The veiled woman looked back and forth between them, made a slurping sound. 'Sees a pair of fools.' […] 'Who are you calling fool, shorty?' The woman glanced in his direction. 'The boy whose throat Naev could have cut.' 

“…Sometimes weakness is a weapon. If you’re smart enough to use it.” 

'I think it’s time to recruit the most dangerous man in these halls,' she said. Tric looked back up to the Hall of Songs, the Shahiid they’d just fled from. “I thought we just ran away from the most dangerous man in these halls.” Mia tried to smile. Settled for shaking her head. 'You’ve obviously not spent enough time with librarians, Don Tric.'

Similar reads

Game of Thrones, Throne of Glass, Six of Crows, Red Sister, The Shadowdance Trilogy, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Aurora Rising, Ninth House, Wicked Saints, Vicious.

Afterthoughts

I actually really enjoyed the additional footnotes and felt they helped with the world building for the book. It maybe didn't phase me as much as some readers because I am so used to reading footnotes for classical books I studied in school.

Mia is a very strong protagonist and very complex, for me books that contain complex characters are always more enjoyable because you have to work at understanding the protagonist and other characters.

Other characters that I enjoyed in this book were the supporting Naev and Chronicler Aelius.

Have you read this book, if so what did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

If you haven't yet read this book or series do you think you will consider reading it? I hope I have potentially convinced a few of reading this series if they haven't already, and if you do I'd love to hear your thoughts.