Godsgrave: Book Two of the Nevernight Chronicle

Where do I even begin writing a review for a book that I found to be simply flawless? Godsgrave is installment number two in Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicles, a trilogy that has only one more book to go. I'd been waiting for Godsgrave since I read the ARC of Nevernight last year in late June and completely fell in love with the world, characters, and writing style Kristoff created for this trilogy. Just as a preface before I fully dive in to this review: I'm going refrain from mentioning any specific plot points, largely because they could easily give away spoilers for Nevernight, and that's not something I want to do in case you are interested in this series and haven't yet read started the trilogy (my review for Nevernight can be found here!). The first thing about this book that I loved before I even read the first page was a beautiful, in-depth character list found at the beginning of the book. It listed all of the important characters from the first book along with a brief-but-thorough description of who they are and what they did/what happened to them in Nevernight. It was so helpful. This book was truly brilliant. Kristoff's worldbuilding is once again filled to the brim with fascinating details and vivid descriptions. It is a wonderful blend of Ancient Rome and Old World Venice, which creates a truly exciting backdrop for the events of this book, while also maintaining an overarching sense of a historical setting that is wonderfully appealing. Mia herself is such a fantastic character with so many things that I love about her. She's tough as hell, but at the same time... she's utterly human. She struggles just like the rest of us, and even though she seems like a tough shell that's impossible to crack, we reader are allowed to see that she still has doubts, uncertainties, and hard emotional struggles to deal with. However, she does possess a strong amount of confidence that grows throughout this book, although she is often knocked down a peg or two, which seems to keep both her character and the events of this book extremely realistic. Her confidence and ability to find strength in the hardest times is part of what is so enticing about her. I also love Mister Kindly and Eclipse. They are perfect in every way, and I can't get enough of their additions to the dialogue. Mister Kindly feels like that inner voice that we all (well, I, at least) have and he is absolutely one of the best characters. As much as I want to into depth about some of the other supporting characters, I'm going to refrain from doing so because the could be spoiler-y in general. However, I will say that new characters we meet are just as wonderfully crafted as Mia and every other character in Nevernight. One of the best things about Kristoff's writing is you never know what's going to happen. I'm pretty sure that he just delights in throwing curveball after curveball to keep his readers--and his characters-- on their toes. Just when you think you know how something will work out, he does something completely contrary to whatever you're thinking and it blew my mind. Even if you're right about how something will work out overall, the way in which it gets to that point is absolutely crazy. If you want a crazy, intense, amazing ride--read this book. Oh, and there's blood. Lots and lots of blood. And yes, many figures in this book will indeed meet a dark, bloody end. The last area I'd like to discuss is prose. Some people don't like Kristoff's narrative voice or his usage of footnotes in these books, but they are what make me love this book so so much. His voice is incredibly distinct and full of life -- it is witty, sarcastic, and wonderfully done. The footnotes only serve to further comment on and expand upon certain ideas or parts of the world, which only enhanced the worldbuilding. Overall, absolutely five stars!

Tons of action. Fast paced. High stakes. Wow. Just wow. I closed this book and my head is STILL spinning. There were so many twists and turns at the end, I’m still digesting some of the bombs that were dropped. This is one of those books that sticks with you. Not only was it better than the first, I cannot stop thinking about it. Every facet of it was glorious! The plot, the world building, the characters, all of it. Bravo, Mr. Kristoff. My favorite aspect was the world of the gladiators. It was a complete change compared to the setting and style of the first book. This gave it a fresh, different feel. I loved that. Also, I’ve always considered Rome’s history of its gladiators fascinating, so reading a story that centered entirely around that inspiration was fantastic! The writing and portrayal felt true to the source. I appreciated the harsh glimpse into the gladiator lifestyle and the struggle of slavery. Mia’s eyes were opened to something she hadn’t truly considered before, and that allowed her significant growth. One of the best things about this series is the plethora of morally gray, flawed characters. Every single character feels real. They have their own demons, imperfections, and arcs. The dialogue between them is soooo good. Mia was killing people left and right. Did I hate her for it? Of course not! I bet Jay (through Mia’s character) could tell me that every innocent human needs to die and I’d STILL love Mia’s character. I don’t know how he does it, but Jay Kristoff never ceases to impress me. Lastly, I’d like to re-emphasize how wonderful the world building in this book is. It’s clear that significant thought and attention is given to locations, history, and politics in a way that most authors gloss over. Jay utilizes footnotes to add context that isn’t necessary but appreciated! For someone like me who appreciates detail and depth, I go through EVERY footnote while I’m reading. But these can easily be skipped. This trilogy is quickly becoming a top favorite. Even though it’s not the sort of light-hearted fantasy I tend to prefer, its compelling and raw and gritty and just SO DAMN GOOD. I’m falling in love. With Mia. How could I not? 𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝟱/𝟱⭐️

THIS BOOK WILL RIP YOUR HEART OUT AND LAUGH WHILE DOING SO. I thought Godsgrave could not get better than Nevernight. I was so wrong. SO WRONG. What can I say except I FREAKING LOVED IT??? Maw’s teeth, I thought this book couldn’t get more brutal, twisty and altogether more brilliant. ‘Byss and blood I’m still reeling from the ending. It took me a week and a half to be able to put my whirling thoughts and shattered emotions together long enough to write this review. Then I found out that Darkdawn is only releasing in September 2019 and I absolutely lost it. HOW CAN I WAIT A YEAR AND A HALF FOR IT??? I can’t do anything about it… and I feel so helpless. The least I can do is to convince every other person on this planet to read Godsgrave (actually maybe even to just read 😛 ) so they can suffer along with me. The book starts off with two separate storylines, one happening a couple of months prior to the other, but both about Mia. So you’re dropped into the middle of one story, not knowing how you got there, but immersed in the action and engaging storytelling immediately nonetheless. At this point, you’re also guessing as to how Mia got to the point where she’s at, so here comes the second storyline! Together, switching fluidly between the two narratives, Godsgrave takes the reader on a wild, wild ride as you once again get swept away by Mia Corvere’s story. Usually when books switch between two or more narratives, at least one of them tend to be boring and totally not what I’d want to read because I’d be itching to get back to the better ones. But every single time there was a switch here, it held my attention to the fullest. I didn’t want to leave either story every time a part ended, but a few sentences in, I’ll be all for the next one. Jay Kristoff is a mastermind! Mia’s training to be a Gladiatii (gladiator) this time so that if she wins the Venatus Magni, the grandest games in the Republic of Itreya, she can come close enough to Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo when they are at their most vulnerable, and be able to end them once and for all. Mia is honestly one of THE BEST. I love her so much omg. She’s even better than in Nevernight (I told you, every single freaking thing is better in this wonderful book, so go read it). I love how she’s all “REVENGE” and “NO MERCY” but also cares so much for the people around her? And how she slowly learns about the Republic’s true nature. Even with her horrible childhood, she’s been shielded from many of the atrocities committed by the Republic, and you can see the desire for trying to correct it warring with her desire for revenge. The friendships develop wonderfully in the novel and I was so invested in all these characters that every death felt like a punch in the gut. (Yes Jay Kristoff wrote this, of course there are going to be deaths don’t try to fool yourself). And a female/female relationship??? Wow, I was so glad that was included! I don’t see much of that in YA novels (maybe I’m just not reading the right ones) and especially not in high fantasy! I ship Ash and Mia so much ❤ ❤ ❤ It was really nice to see how Mia learned to slowly trust Ash and finally to acknowledge what she felt! So CUTE! But I need answers. I am drowning deep in my own pit of unanswered questions because THIS BOOK SIMPLY HAS TO GO AND HAVE THE MOST BRILLIANT TWISTS. Not one, not two, BUT SO MANY WICKEDLY MIND-TWISTING TURNS TO THE STORY. Lies and secrets and betrayal and changing loyalties. Clever, cunning plots and scheming, sly killers. I never saw anything coming. I ADORE this book. I am overcome with more emotion than I’ve had in a long time. Also, COVER LOVE! I mean, just look at those gorgeous covers… I am going to marry this book. And another thing: My friend found a heartbreaking parallel to Avengers: Infinity War in Godsgrave! Spoilers for both Infinity War and Godsgrave ahead: The scene where Maggot dies of the poison in Godsgrave is so similar to when Peter Parker dies of the snap in Infinity War! Tony holds Peter when he’s dying and Peter says “I don’t feel so good” before crumbling. Mia holds Maggot while she’s dying, and maggot says “I don’t feel so good” before succumbing to the poison!

"This life we live... there is room in it for love, Mia. But a love like autumn leaves. Beautiful one turn. A bonfire the next. Only ashes the remainder." To find the right kind of words for a masterpiece like "Godsgrave" from Jay Kristoff is an awful heavy task, gentlefriends! Mia Corvere ist jetzt eine Blade der Red Church. Nach etlichen Morden führt ihr nächster Auftrag zurück nach Godsgrave, wo sie Ashlinn wieder begegnet. Dieses Aufeinandertreffen deckt Intriegen auf, die Mia in ihren Racheplänen noch bestärkt. Um Cardinal Duomo und Justicus Scaeva endlich zur Strecke zu bringen schmiedet sie einen wahnsinnigen Plan. Nur als Siegerin der Venstus Magni wird sie den Beiden gegenüberstehen. Auf ihrem Weg zur Gladiatii watet sie durch Blut, findet jedoch auch Freunde und Liebe. Meine Güte war das irre! Mia is more badass than ever! Und das Ende, gentlefriends... das Ende lässt den Leser fassungslos zurück. Ich bewundere alle, die nach dieser grandiosen Fortsetzung auf Band 3 warten mussten. Wie habt ihr das bitte überstanden?

I’ve bought the whole series in English and then in my native language. Generally, the paper back are easier to break, but they(this included) came in a good condition. However, the vocabulary is pretty hard to read if you’re not used to reading in English. 4/5 just because it’s kinda hard to read 😅

La edición es muy bonita, el producto llegó en tiempo y forma. En relación a la trama: 1. El libro es la segunda parte de la trilogía, sin embargo un pequeño hecho sirve para desarrollarlo. Ahora bien, omitiendolo, este libro pareciera ser una historia de otro mundo de fantasía y sin conexión alguna dentro de la trilogía. Teniendo esto en cuenta, la historia es buena pero enajenada de su propio mundo, pasando de una escuela de asesinos a un capítulo de espartacus. 2. Los personajes siguen igual de planos y con poco desaroolo. 3. Muchos capitulos son irrelevantes y extensos que de ser omitidos no alteran la compresión de la trama. 4. Sexo y sangre sin importancia en la trama pero muy frecuente en el desarrollo del libro.

Excellente continuation! Maintenant faut patienter pour la suite