Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Pages: 450
Publisher: Entangled Teen
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMPORTANT: This is the second book in the Amassia series. If you have not read the first book, Crown of Bones, you may not want to read further in this post so as not to spoil anything.
My review of Crown of Bones:
This book is one great adventure. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view which allowed me to see deeper into the diverse cast of characters. The setting is created beautifully, with complex and intriguing systems of magic, making it an immersive experience. The world-building, hierarchies, and social structures were expertly crafted. I enjoyed being transported into Baiseen. There are multiple, simultaneous plots converging as characters are brought together in unexpected ways. We get to see perspectives from important figures on both sides of an all-out war, blurring the lines between friend and foe. This is something I’ve rarely seen and it was done magnificently well. I found myself conflicted more than once about who I was rooting for and I think this gave the story so much more depth. This is an epic fantasy you don’t want to miss! It is a must-read for any fantasy lover and I anxiously await the sequel.
Publisher’s synopsis for Curse of Shadows:
“For fans of epic fantasy with adventure and romance, Curse of Shadows reveals a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable love.
Amassia teeters on the brink of the next Great Dying.
The second sun has returned as our Bone Throwers foresaw–casting the nine realms into war.
My name is Ash, and I fell in the battle for Baiseen. But I’m awake now, slowly putting the pieces back together.
My Heir has lost his throne
My sailor is gone.
And there is an emptiness inside me I can’t explain.
Amid the chaos, someone must collect the original twelve whistle bones from all corners of the world. Marcus is named to lead the cause, but with his volatile phantom, he’ll need diplomacy as much as his sword. And we are not the only ones to seek the bones.
Yet succeed we must.
Because if we don’t, it will be death to all…”
My Review:
When I saw the ARC of this book available on Netgalley… I’ve never sent a request so fast. This book is one of my most anticipated releases for this year and, oh man, it was everything I could have hoped for.
If I could rate these books higher than five stars, I most definitely would. Pre-ordered because I need this one on my shelf. I’m just so excited about this book and so grateful that it lived up to all my hopes and expectations.
Curse of Shadows picks up right where we left off in the first book, Crown of Bones. Our reluctant heroes are back in Baiseen after their harrowing journey and adventures of Aku. The Bone Throwers have tasked Marcus with a new quest, and the group must embark to find the original whistle bones and save all of Amassia from the Next Great Dying.
We have a few new perspectives added that the story is being told from. I really liked this choice that the author made as it allowed us to get to know other characters better. The relationships are blossoming and give you all the feels. All of the characters have such depth and relatability.
One person I wish I could have gotten to know more is the villain, Atikis. I feel like there is more to his back story than we are told and it would have made him, as a threat, feel more real.
The lore and world-building are so rich and intricate. From prophecies, to magic systems, to political kingdoms, this series has it all. I love everything about this story world and I’m very pleased that we get so much detail about it. The scenes are remarkably painted with vivid detail.
All the perilous adventures that we loved in the first book continue in this second installment. And there are so many more surprises that are yet to come and to be revealed along the way.
If you love a book that has multiple plots intertwining, then this is a fantasy series for you. The author has put some series work into developing the plot arcs and it really shines through.
The tension that builds throughout this second book is tantalizing and kept me turning the pages. And, amazingly, it’s not over yet, which means I have even more to look forward to with these characters I love and the thrilling adventures they endure.
I feel like we’ve hit the precipice in this story and I can’t wait for a legendary conclusion to the saga. I’m not sure if this is going to be a trilogy or more, but either way, I’m permanently along for the ride.
And OH EM GEE the last section of this book is shattering! I was reeling trying to process the emotional intensity of the events and reveals. I can’t wait for the next one.
This story just gets better and better as the layers are piled on and unfolded. This is an epic second book and you don’t want to miss it. So many times the second books can be disappointing, but not this one.
If you are an avid young adult (or even adult) fantasy reader and you haven’t picked up this series yet, go get it immediately. It’s amazing and you’ll love it as much as I do.
I think this is one of the most underrated fantasy series right now. Seriously, where is the hype for this masterpiece? I, for one, will be sharing my love for it with anyone who will listen. Entangled, my message to you, step it up on the marketing for these books, sheesh. And to my fellow readers who love this also, let’s get the word out there on all the socials.
I just really can’t believe it’s not more popular because it checks all the boxes for expert narrative crafting and enjoyable reading experience. Also, kudos to the cover designer(s) because wow are they gorgeous and eye-catching.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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