Stalking Darkness

“It's alright, talí”

Well damn, guess I didn't need my heart anymore from the 70% mark and onwards... what a roller coaster of events.

I knew things would go terribly wrong, but I didn't anticipate that all the best characters would go through hell and back. While I can't say that I'm surprised by Nysander's actions, it was still really sad because of what it did to Seregil. As a consolation though, I'm happy that my boy Thero made a glorious comeback, and I can't wait to see what he does next!

As for Micum, I wasn't a huge fan of him in the first book, but he definitely grew on me in this one. His unwavering loyalty and “mother hen” attitude towards Seregil and Alec made him all the more endearing. This time, however, I had a problem with his daughter Beka. I'm not sure why she was made such a prominent character in this book (nor why there were two Vanguards at the same time?? Wasn't there supposed to be just one set of Four at a time?), But maybe she'll grow on me in the next book like her father did in this one.

Now for Alec. Oh my god, I love him so much. He was so brave and selfless during the whole book, and I love how he went to Seregil and initiated rather than the other way around. Even though Seregil realized he was in love with him from early on, he never acted on it, and Alec's slow realization of his own feelings was beautifully crafted. I love them!! I almost wish that Seregil had managed his escape at the end. I think that would have provided a great opening for the third book, but I'm glad that Alec caught up and knocked some sense into him.

In the end, I'm going to be thinking about these two for a long time. Now, onto the third book!