Canyon of Crystal

12/07/24 - i am suffering

19/07/24 - OK, I've processed enough to finally piece together my thoughts for this book because W O W I was taken on a journey. Normally when I read a sequel, I don't hold my breath since I don't expect as much from it, but this book gave me everything I needed. Amazing fight scenes, details that I didn't even realise I needed, lovable characters with their own personalities and growth and actual meaning to plot moments.

Kiersten and A.J. have not held back on account of their readers feelings and emotions in this book. As soon as we pick up right where City of Mages left off, our characters are toiling through one issue after another. Why did you kill Lili? Why did you make us love her, give her so much hope, only to remind us that (like reality) things can come when you least expect it? And Beno, oh poor sweet Beno, who couldn't bear to be in a world without his sister, and now she'll have to survive without him.

While Alara was my favourite out of the two from Book One, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the character development and growth from Quenti in this one. I'd found her to be a bit of a naive character from the first book, despite her background. But after her interactions and chapters in this book, I can see that she's a victim of circumstance and upbringing. Her father was a real piece of work, and I doubt it'll be the last we see of him.

I really enjoyed this sequel, and I did not expect for it to end, so we'll need a third book! I am a mixed bag of feelings with this because I want more, but now I have to wait...