Glint

⭐⭐⭐.75

This book was definitely better than the first one. I’m rating it a solid 3.75.

The characters are mostly the same as last time, but we do get a new POV in this one, and honestly, it was much needed. That shift gave the story a little more depth and helped me see what’s really going on in this kingdom from a totally different angle. Do I like this new character? I’m not sure yet. Time will tell. But their perspective added something that was missing before.

The setting is the same as the last book, very standard fantasy vibes, and not much changes there. I’m hoping the next book moves things around a bit more because I’d love to see the characters in different places and situations. I think we’re headed in that direction, so I’m looking forward to that.

Plot-wise, it’s still got that basic fantasy feel, nothing super new or groundbreaking. But I will say the author made it feel dynamic even though, realistically, the characters were kind of stuck in the same place the whole time. The pacing worked for me, and even though it was predictable, I still wanted to keep reading. Sometimes knowing what’s coming can be comforting, and this had that feeling.

What really stood out to me this time were the themes. They hit way harder than in the first book. I really like the direction the main character is heading in, and I’m loving the side characters we’re meeting. They all seem to have a purpose, and I’m starting to get a better sense of the bigger story. It finally feels like we’re getting into the meat of the series.

Emotionally, this book left me feeling hopeful. Some tough stuff happens, but I think the characters needed it to grow. It changed how I felt about a few people from the first book, which I liked. I wouldn’t say I felt sad at any point, but there were definitely moments that made me angry, and that still counts as feeling something. The setup is definitely there for revenge, love, and maybe even heartbreak in the next books, and I’m here for it.

Overall, I really did enjoy this second book. It was stronger than the first, and I can tell the author is finding their rhythm and voice. I’m excited to continue the series, but I’m not in a huge rush to pick up the next one right away. I think a little break will be good so I can actually miss this world and these characters. I can already tell the books are getting bigger and deeper, so I want to make time to really dive in when I’m ready.