A Torch Against the Night

Really solid sequel to ‘an ember in the ashes', glad it picked right up where the last one ended. I would've given five stars but truthfully I didn't feel connected to the characters (i.e. I felt very dispassionate), maybe because of the consistent pov changes I never had enough time to be fully immersed in the characters' minds? I felt the same for the first book too, so maybe it's just the way they're written that leaves me unaffected. Either way, the plot is good and keeps the story flowing smoothly and it's worth the read.

I did see Keenan being a bad guy coming from the jump, which is a little disappointing. I generally enjoy when the 'secret' villains are more subtle. As a fan of romance in general, and fantasy romance especially, I'm glad that it's a slow slow burn between Laia and Elis, too often the relationship feels so rushed (as it did with Laia and Keenan) that it makes me lose all investment with the story. Which is why I'm glad Keenan was a baddie, 'cause otherwise the whole plotline with them would've felt too ridiculously short even though it was over the course of months. also RIP Izzi, I wish it was Helene instead, 'cause boy did I disliked her chapters the most.