Days of Blood and Starlight

REVIEW

Days of Blood and Starlight

Laini Taylor

After reading and falling in deep love with Daughter of Smoke and Bone I thought it impossible for Laini Taylor to exceed the excellence of the first book. I was wrong. Days of Blood and Starlight is possibly one of the best sequels I have ever read - which says a lot considering how much I adored it's predecessor. 

In this book, Laini Taylor tackles bigger issues, greater philosophies and develops the characters I loved in to characters I admire also. Akiva is a brilliant demonstration of wonderful character development; although much loved by me, he seemed a hazy, impulsive and love-struck young boy in 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone'. In this novel, however, we witness his moral evolution and courage, his broken heart seemingly opening his eyes to the truths of their lives. Karou, on the other hand, appears to have lost the hope that Akiva has gained, and is seeking revenge and determinedly tortures herself for it. 

We learn more of the world and lives of the Seraphim and ascertain the conflicts between their kind and the Chimera. Our understanding of Brimstone and his work is further deepened and a new world of pain and morbidity is unveiled to the readers. There is a much darker tone to 'Days of Blood and Starlight' which only contrasts and emphasises the glimpses of light and hope within the story. 

This novel was a breathtaking roller-coaster ride and Laini Taylor maintains her beautiful prose throughout the entire book. The plot was always suspenseful and thrilling and unpredictable. Days of Blood and Starlight has further established this trilogy to be one that is unique and simply brilliant. I truly cannot wait to read Dreams of Gods and Monsters!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

REVIEW

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Laini Taylor

Karou is an art student with blue hair and tattoos, living in Prague. She wears unusual beaded jewellery and her sketchbook is filled with drawings of intriguing creatures. But Karou's hair is not dyed, her beads grant wishes, and the creatures in her sketchbook are real. Running errands across the globe for a monster Wishmonger, Brimstone, who is the closest thing to family, Karou lives a life that is a mystery even to herself. But not for long. After an errand goes awry when she encounters the one responsible for burning handprints on to Brimstone's portals, Karou's world is shaken. And she might just find the answers to questions that have always plagued her Elsewhere.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone has got to be one of the most beautifully written books I have read in a long time. I am enamoured by Laini Taylor's style of writing - a style I have always strived for myself, but failed. Throughout the novel, everything is consistently elaborate in criminally pulchritudinous and encapsulating descriptions. Yet, nothing is unnecessary or dragging. Take all that is good and lovely in the YA and Fantasy genres, multiply it by tenfold, turn it on it's head and you'll have Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Which is why I cannot help but gush about how much I loved this book and Laini Taylor. She is as magical as her stories. 

However, this is not just a beautifully told story, but a wonderful story in itself. The plot, the mystery, the characters, the world-building. Everything is just breathtaking. Not to mention the fact that the pace of the story is also perfect, in my opinion, and the way everything comes together in the end. Never, whilst reading, did I ever lose interest. The story and the story-telling is so compelling and gripping, from beginning to end, and clichés are minimum to none. 

Karou is a fiery character who is rational, brave and intellectually sound - far from a Mary Sue - and she makes for an amazing protagonist. All the supporting characters also make a great mix of personalities and really just bring life to the story. 

I don't think I can criticise this book, for the moment at least. It was just such an enjoyable and epic read and I am overjoyed that I can look forward to two more books. Needless to say, I highly recommend Daughter of Smoke and Bone, especially for those who are partial to High Fantasy.