The first thing I absolutely want to comment on is the fact that this book is beautifully written. Laini Taylor has a gift with prose. There were a number of times where I would find myself stopping and re-reading a phrase just to savor the words in my mind.
A few examples:
“For the way loneliness is worse when you return to it after a reprieve- like the soul’s version of putting on a wet bathing suit, clammy and miserable.”
“The Wishmonger’s voice was so deep it seemed almost the shadow of sound…”
“…clock towers across Prague started arguing midnight…”
Ahhh- now, to the story itself…
Star-crossed lovers? Check.
Beautiful Angels and Ugly Demons? Check.
Wishes and Magic? Check.
A girl who is lonely and looking for her place in the world? Check.
Ok, now toss everything you know about the above concepts out the window. Given how often these particular tropes have been used, it’s amazing how fresh Taylor’s perspective is. Just when you think you know where the story is going, it takes you to another place entirely…and the best part about it is you’ll enjoy the ride!
First and foremost, this is a story about hope. The hope of being able to visualize a world without war (let alone living in one), of being able to scale the walls of prejudice and hatred. The hope of finding that one person who fills the spaces within while you do the same for them. The hope that there could be something better than everything that is known or has come before.
The world building and mythology behind the various factions are not only fully realized and believable, but completely original and unique. I especially love the two completely different stories of origination for the two species, angels and chimearon. It really illustrated the different perspectives and how the warring sides could start off hating so much.
The characters are unique and the dialogue flows, it’s absolutely not stinted or halting. Karou is a character worthy of being a protagonist. She’s talented, feisty, loving, and vulnerable. Her friend Zuzanna is a wonderful counterpoint and brings charm and humor to the pages. She is Karou’s mooring and touchstone to humanity.
Akiva is…well, what to say about Akiva? He’s beautiful and suffering, noble and fierce. A puppet of war, bred for battle, and yet has the strength of character to recognize and pursue love across battle lines. I’m afraid to say more, for fear of revealing too much.
Can’t wait to read the second book in this series, Days of Blood and Starlight. November is too far away!
With that, I’ll leave you with two last quotes.
“Love is a luxury.” “No. Love is an element.” An element. Like air to breathe, earth to stand on.
“Never repent of your own goodness, child. To stay true in the face of evil is a feat of strength.
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