Review: Days of Blood and Starlight - Laini Taylor

Release Date: November 6th 2012
Hardcover: 517 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.
This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.
 
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

What an adventure! Taylor really knows how to write a novel that is completely unpredictable. The pace is right, the characters act realistically and the story, well, is utterly amazing! Days of Blood & Starlight is at least as good as its prequel and you certainly won't be disappointed!

The Plot: I loved how the beginning was written. It draws you in, makes you curious about Karou, where is she? Another great thing were the different perspectives from Zuzana's to Akiva's and then back to Karou. Karou and Akiva don't have many scenes together so it was great to know what both of them were up to. Akiva's side of the story was really interesting. I really liked the development of his relationship with his siblings and the steps they take towards a revolution. Of course, nothing comes easy. Karou also has to suffer a lot working with the White Wolf against her will because she feels so guilty and alone. It was amazing how everything fell into place and the ending will leave you eager for more.

The Characters: It's no surprise now that I like each and every character in this series. And it's no surprise that they are still as awesome in this one! Zuzana is so funny! I really enjoyed her character in this one. Karou is conflicted and confused, which is completely understandable but she is a strong and versatile character. I can't wait to see how great she will be in the sequel. Akiva is a strong character, as well. He has to deal with his guilt but he is still willing to start a revolution, to attain his and Karou's goal: peace. And I really enjoyed Akiva's siblings in this one.

Overall, I LOVED DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT. Please give me the next one right now.

Hi there! I'm a writer of fantasy books for young people, but my books can be enjoyed by adults as well. My 'Dreamdark' books, Blackbringer (2007) and Silksinger (2009) are about faeries -- not dainty little flowery things, but warrior-faeries who battle devils. My first young adult book, Lips Touch, is a finalist for the 2009 National Book Award! It's creepy, sensual supernatural romance. . . about kissing. I am also an artist with a licensed gift product line called "Laini's Ladies." Website