3.75, its a combo of a solid 2 star for most of the book but the last 25% or so saved it from being dnf'ed, so 4 stars. I was not very happy with this book, the first one is snarky and fun with Emma and the Day King. But throw in some curses, an evil villain, some secrets and witches and bam- super convoluted and dark.
It starts right off the cliffy from the last book without any explanation (which I prefer). I had to wait a little while for this one due to wi-fi while traveling but at least I didn't have to wait 3 years for this sequel like some reviewers mentioned! At least LA finished it compared to an author I love that can't seem to finish her way out of a paper bag...
Selene, an Obsidian witch, was the best part at 20%, which says A LOT about the tone of this story.
"Disgusting.” Selene pokes Grimelda’s withered arm. “So dry. Not tasty.”
“I didn’t bring you here to eat her.”
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at 56%- there were not many occasions to highlight unfortunately:
“It’s the curse.” I finish my whiskey and pour another.
“What curse?”
“Selene’s. Her death curse still hangs over the realm.”
“She betrayed you.” He nods as if he knew all along, which I suppose he did.
“She betrayed us, then saved us, then perhaps betrayed us again. I can’t keep count.”
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And I really liked it when the banter returned between Sol and Emma:
“Selene told me your mother’s secret.”
“How to seduce a man with nothing more than needle and thread?”
There were a few sex scenes that felt thrown in, 1 in particular didn't seem appropriate? If that's the word, it was weird timing.
Emma is now a seeker, transformed by Eraldon but responsible for his death. I think it ended well:
"He shoves me away, and I stumble back. But I don’t give up. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”
I scream. With my last wisp of energy, I jump on him again, clawing his chest with my good arm as I tear out his throat."
I just want to point out she just ripped his throat out before this:
"For the first time since Eraldon took me, I can take a breath without fear. “I’m all yours.”
I kiss Solano hard, and he answers, his feral purring loud in his chest."
BLECH. But then blood and gore is overlooked for such overwhelming passion. lol.
I loved "the Book of G" and may try Lily's other books but I am reluctant to invest in yet another series that drags me along. I didn't even realize the first one was not stand alone! Sigh.