
Review:
I’ve read this book twice (this genre isn’t so much my taste anymore, but I wanted to finish the series that I’d started years ago and needed to refresh my memory) and have decided to rewrite my review to try and reflect my feelings for both reads.
– The first time I read this, I felt it was sort of choppy at first, and I was confused about exactly what was going on and how much time was passing. But, perhaps because I knew more about everything, I didn’t have that issue the second time. I guess you just have to trust that everything will start to make more sense and flow more smoothly.
– Weirdly, my first read, I felt the book jumped straight into the action and plot, whereas my second read, I felt it was a bit slow. But still interesting enough to keep me reading.
– Maia’s reconstruction threw me off in the first book, but this time she just seemed to be herself, so I found her easier to understand and connect with. And I liked her; she stayed focused on what was important, even when the decisions she had to make were tough ones.
– Riser was still interesting—not quite as feral, but kind of smooth and observant and predatory.
– Other characters were great too, including some new one. Lash was friendly, playful, flirty, and so likeable. Tegan was fun too. I really liked Maia’s friendship with them both. I was glad for Maia to have Max back, even if the relationship still needs work. I felt for Caspian.
– There was some great chemistry and tension between Maia and Riser.
– I also liked the different sort of tension, more like a sad frayed tether, between Maia and Caspian.
– A warning for anyone who hasn’t read the first book yet, things in this series are very extreme, especially when it comes to violence and dangerous situations. Sometimes things get pretty graphic.
– Both times reading this, I was frustrated at everyone thinking Maia was a traitor, but I was more frustrated at Maia for not explaining anything and for continually doing things that only reinforced everyone’s belief.
So a bit of frustration, but overall, I did end up enjoying this book. I liked some of the characters, the touching moments among them, and the intensity of the story as it went on.
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 2nd read.*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Audrey Grey's Shadow Fall series. Anyone who likes YA dystopian, violence with all the gruesome details, characters who can be feral or cold but also sweet and compassionate, and a bit of romance.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: Shadow Fall (Shadow Fall Book 1) by Audrey Grey
Book Review: Shadow Rise (Shadow Fall Book 2) by Audrey Grey
Book Review: Shadow Ruin (Shadow Fall Book 3) by Audrey Grey
I haven’t really read books that are gritty or extreme. There have been a few that really push the boundaries, but nothing that made me want to stop reading. I used to read a lot of YA, but now I’ve transitioned into mostly Adult Paranormal Romance–nothing really crazy, lol. The blurb for the first book seems interesting, though. I read the second blurb first, but it didn’t make a lot of sense (obviously).
It’s not the most extreme I’ve ever read, but it’s certainly significant enough to warrant a warning since I know some people can’t handle that. Yeah this is one of those books with a blurb that isn’t going to make sense if you haven’t read the first lol.
Pretty awesome cover. YA dystopian that’s a little grittier huh? Sounds pretty good other than the communication issues (why are those so prevalent in books?). Like if you’re being called a traitor, seems like you’d explain why you’re not. Still, Maia sounds like a good character.
The asteroid does sound like a bit of a problem. 🙂
Yeah I just felt like, if I were in her situation, I would’ve immediately tried to explain and defend myself. But still not a bad book! Maia is… intense, but she’s one you can usually stand behind.
Just a tiny problem 😉
I like the cover, it’s quite striking. I feel like a lot of YA dystopia has great covers, I’m almost jealous they’re not my genre because they look so pretty lol
It’s great this one hooked you into the series, I hope the next one is enjoyable too!
It is a nice cover. Lol I know the feeling of being jealous that a book with a great cover isn’t your kinda book. Thanks!
A really thorough, informative review, Kristen. Thank you for sharing:)
Thanks!
Hey *raises hand* I like violence with all the gruesome details! This series sounds really good. Sometimes the first book is one big set up so that the reader can get a gist of the world. It is nice to hear that the story picks up in the second book. It also sounds like this book didn’t suffer 2nd book syndrome. Great review!
Then you might like this one! Thanks 🙂
I am glad you stuck it out and ended up enjoying the story. Great review.
Thanks!
I like gruesome details. Nice that the pace was better, despite the issues. I need to know where I am in a book too so that jumping around without clear indications would drive me, nutters. You do have me curious about Riser though. Great review.
I appreciate the gruesome details too. I was def confused about time though. Riser is a super interesting character! Thanks 🙂
I’m glad to read you did enjoy this book. It sounds like an interesting read. But I’m not really into the ‘over the top’ stuff. And as a nurse I see enough horrible stuff that I don’t really like it if a book has too much gruesome details. I do love that cover though. 😉
Thanks 🙂 Totally understandable! I had never even thought about how being a nurse might impact someone’s reading like that, so that’s interesting to know!
I love it when continuing a series seems to actually be worth it. I am very much a person who either commits to a series for far longer than I should or abandons it altogether if I have reservations after reading the first book. I don’t think I could put up with the story extremes you get in this but the dynamic between the characters and the growing relationships with them all sound really great. There are definitely elements which are worth reading for this series
I used to either stop after the first book or commit to the whole thing. Now I just play it by ear. But when there’s only one book left in a series, most of the time I keep going because it feels like a waste not to finish. Sometimes series do get better though, so it’s hard to know when to give up or keep trying! But anyway, I did really like the relationships, so yes there are def some good elements here 🙂
Hmmm I like dystopian worlds a lot and you have a great sounding cast here! It sounds like her writing is improving as she goes which is good but doesn’t make for the best beginning… is this like a space opera? ♥️ glad you found it redeemable Kristen!
Not a space opera, it takes place on Earth (I think). But yeah, I notice that sometimes authors seem to improve as they go. Thanks 🙂
Sorry to hear the series didn’t get better and the writing was choppy. I know exactly what you mean. To me is hard to connect if I keep stumbling! The cover is gorgeous thought! You always have the best covers here!
Exactly! Anything that makes you feel confused pulls you out of the story and makes it harder to connect. But at least it got better eventually. Lol I agree, it is a nice cover!
I’m so glad to see this one picked up for you! It’s always nice when you choose to stick with a lukewarm series and the payoff is there!
Great review.
Thanks!