The book starts off really strong with action and adventures on the high seas, via Lila, her new Captain, Alucard, and the crew of the Night Spire. This was by far my favourite section of the whole book and I wish I could have read a bit more about these privateers and the haunting Sarows. I think there was so much more potential to this section, even with it being as good as it was, to show more of Lila's magical learning and even more more action. I enjoyed Lila's learning to use magic and her drive and determination to prove herself as more than a magicless Grey Londoner. She is as crafty as ever, willing to do whatever it takes to take what she wants. Her methods are questionable and her reason for continuing her charades non existent, but she is always Lila (bound to her decisions and needing to figure herself out). When she finally catches up with Kell sparks are reignited and their chemistry returns full force. Once again Kell warns caution and Lila throws that caution to the wind, at the expense of her own body and safety. Their meeting pulls what had been a boring, long winded middle, to an exciting end that had me aching for more. Kell was more maudlin than ever, feeling trapped and alone, surrounded by mistrust and reverence. The King and Queen treat him terribly, blaming him completely for the situation with the black plague. I was waiting patiently (read impatiently) for more of his backstory, how he became the adopted son of the King and Queen of Arnes, where his family hails from, why he cannot remember them. I was disappointed there was nothing really mentioned about that, except for one brief moment with the Queen. If the King and Queen had treated him more as a beloved son and less as a symbol of power, I think the story would have unfolded much differently. Kell must continuously give himself to others, leaving very little for himself. The additions of Alucard and Hastra were perfect. Both brought humour and light to an ever increasingly dark novel. I was glad they were not unceremoniously killed off, like characters were in the first book, and I am looking forward to what they will bring to the rest of the series. Alucard was a good foil for Kell and companion for Lila, while Hastra acted as a much needed support system for a lonely Kell. Ojka, from White London, was also a phenomenal addition. Another strong woman with a vested interest in magic and her own abilities. She drives the terrifying Holland plotline forward, while creating empathy for the plight of her dying world and sympathy for her desire to fight and her loyalty. The magic was further developed in this novel, with an introduction to the belief systems of other countries within Red London. The Essen Tasch allowed readers to be immersed in magic and how those with immense magical gifts can bend elemental magic to their will. It also showed how far Lila had developed, how powerful Alucard is, and how different Kell is from everyone else as an Antari (that just flexing a little of his power is able to defeat the best of the players). Overall a decent middle novel in the trilogy, moves the plot forward and makes the reader interested in more. Some slower sections and did not answer too many questions, but I am excited for A Conjuring of Light.
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