Godsgrave Review

Title: Godsgrave
Author: Jay Kristoff
Series: The Nevernight Chronicles #2
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: 07 September 2017
Source: Jonathan Ball Publishers 
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 464
Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.


Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:


At the point where I received Godsgrave, I had never read Nevernight before. I was still a fledgeling when it came to New Adult fantasy and wasn't quite sure if this would even be a series I would enjoy. Nevertheless, I knew that this series was well-loved and I wanted to give it a shot. Then, I did not know that I would love this series so much. I've reread Nevernight twice to get ready for this book and I can safely say... I am not ready for this one. 

A huge big thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book! Just a quick disclaimer for those reading this review. I have received this book for free. Please note that this does not affect my opinions in any way. All thoughts are my own!

Writing Thoughts:

As always, it does take a bit to get back into the writing of this series which does cause the beginning to be a bit slow. However, Kristoff does an incredible job of weaving the past and present together. This helps to create the atmosphere that I love about this series. The writing is rich and, with the aid of the footnotes, creates a unique world. The dialogue is filled with snark and sarcasm. 

Plot Thoughts:

The plot picks up a little after the ending of the first and we follow Mia on her journey as a blade. But Mia is a girl with a story to tell and things just get crazy from there. I absolutely loved the route that Kristoff took with this book. It was dark and bloody and graphic. It's safe to say that I loved it. Let's also not forget the smut, Kristoff himself says that this is one of his smuttiest books. I don't want to say too much but there is one word that you need to know. Gladiators. 

Character Thoughts:

We don't necessarily see Mia grow in this book but she does continue to be a well-rounded character. For me, this book was more about the development of certain side characters and forging new relationships that would perhaps aid Mia in her quest to kill those who have wronged her. I definitely enjoyed the shift in the love interest and I liked how Mia could truly be herself with this character. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this book was incredible. It definitely kicks things up a notch from the first book and it does not disappoint. Mia stronger and more sarcastic in this second instalment than ever. I really liked how the writing remained rich and the world continued to grow as we ventured into new environments. The plot was definitely more graphic and action-packed but it is not without its sweet romantic moments. The characters in this series continue to grow and become more well rounded, especially in regards to the side characters (new and old). I would highly recommend this series to everyone and anyone who liked fantasy. Please be warned that this series is quite graphic! I actually don't know what to say without giving spoilers but YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIES. Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book! 

Yours in Reading,
Melleny

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