(Originally posted to GoodReads September 13, 2017)
Where does one even begin? This is definitely NOT your grandmother's ho hum sequel.
An explosive first scene had me riveted immediately and the rest of the book kept the pace. I don't usually consider reading an adrenaline rush, but DANG. I kept wondering what was going to happen next, where the characters were going to take me, WHEN I would figure it all out, and whether I was going to get the happy ending we all crave.
Initially, I just wanted to dive into the book to find out if the romantic sub plot was going to continue, though part of me was worried it had peaked in the first book. IT DIDN'T. I was so pleased that the love story side of the plot wasn't overly dramatic, and it also wasn't boring. They challenge each other, the relationship is a challenge, it's what I imagine things would be like in real life were I in love with a man that didn't understand himself.
The Wraith Team was as snarky and full of banter as ever, but none of it felt like I was reading the same things over and over. The team culture was written well and it felt real and accurate and organic between the characters. Ram and Tox still butt heads, Cell never failed to deliver well placed sarcasm.
There was a new character introduced that gelled well with the story and the addition was appreciated. Other "supporting" characters revisited. No one was there without purpose. Nothing was written as filler. There was nothing "sequel" about this story. I feel like it could have even stood alone if it needed to.
We all have our stuff. Tox had plenty of stuff in Crown of Souls. His stuff was handled well and he even got to keep his Man Card in the process.
Well done, Ms. Kendig
Do recommend 5/5
