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⭐️

First off, let me say I LOVE this series and now all three books in it. This second installment was really fun to read and established some excellent character depth to Mia, Ash, and even Jess. Other well-fleshed out characters also occur here, and the addition to the world building in this installment was well done. For those who say that the general story arc of this novel is the same as the movie Gladiator, well, ok sure. It was. That didn't really ruin it for me, just as the first one being essentially Hogwarts for teenage assassins didn't really ruin the first one. Finally, as in the first novel, I really enjoyed the sidebars and tongue in cheek humor of the narrator; I see hints of Terry Pratchett in there, which is high praise in my estimation. Why only 4 stars? Well, I hate to nitpick, but, here goes. I took off one half star for some of the battle scenes. Not because I don't like the blood (I actually enjoyed it), but because some of it was just so unrealistic as to be eye roll inducing. I think authors who write such scenes should at least visit an ER sometime. Example: If you have your jugular vein sliced open, and a deep penetration to your lung, what you will not be able to do is effectively land a punch on someone, let alone someone "fast as shadows" (whatever that means; Chapter 3). Conversely, in the same chapter, someone punctured by crossbow bolt will probably not "spout great gouts of blood" (at least people in bow hunting accidents do seem to do that). I get that he wants big gore for the visual effect of it, but at least be reasonable what you expect to happen with your gore. I, like others, also took off half a star for pointless lengthy sex scenes with the ridiculous language of cheap romance novels. Again, I'm not a prude, but at least make some of the sex have a point, and try limiting the use of "heaving" to once a chapter, and references to flowers to a minimum (hey I like Georgia O'Keefe too, but come on). Those minor eye-roll inducing moments aside, this is a series I will re-read. I will because there is some truly pulse quickening action, tear inducing tenderness, and bone satisfying climaxes that are worth reliving, but most of all to be alongside one of my favorite heroines of all time, Mia Corvere, who I put in the pantheon next to Ellen Ripley, Alita, Cirrocco Jones, and Princess Leia Organa. Higher praise I cannot give.

Well to say I enjoyed this one more than the first would be a disservice to this book. Holy smokes this was so good! Everything I enjoyed about Nevernight was here on display and cranked up a notch. More enjoyable characters with endless witty banter and dialog. The fight scenes were dialed up and were fantastic. The plot twists, oh the plot twists!!

Book two in The Nevernight Chronicle continues to follow Mia Corvere, darkin assassin, driven to avenging her family’s death by order of corrupt tyrannical politicians. While much of Nevernight took place at the Red Church, where Mia competed to become one of the Dark Mother’s blades, this one has a completely new setting and plot. Say bye-bye to the church for a while and hello to this: <INSERT gif from the movie "Gladiator"> Without giving too much away, let’s just say Mia finds herself amongst the gladiatii, slaves who fight in arenas as entertainment for blood thirsty audiences. Mia’s fellow gladiatii are a wonderful rag-tag crew. We have the brother and sister duo, who fight as a team by chariot. Bladesinger, the seven foot tall female who knows how to use her sword. Sidonius is the buddy comedy relief (if there is such a thing in a Jay Kristoff book). Maggot is the young slave who serves as doctor for the group (you don’t want to know why she’s called that). Executus is the ex-gladiatii who leads and trains them (grumpy dude, this guy). Furian is the champion and Mia might have more in common with him than either of them wants. And Dona Leona is their master, the daughter of the leader of the most famous collegium in the Republic, the Lions of Leonides. This book is a roller coaster, but I expected no less. Kristoff does not do “beach read” books. He doesn’t do romantic or light and fluffy. No one is safe. This is not a love story, people die, there is a lot of violence, it's dark. But this is the kind of fantasy I like to read! I also sometimes like to read lighter fantasy romances, but you NEVER get that in a Kristoff book! It's just not his style. I have learned this after reading six of his books. *shrug* Just like in the Lotus Wars trilogy and in Nevernight, the world-building is complex and requires an investment of your time, energy, and emotions. Whereas The Lotus Wars had a sort of reimagined Japanese steampunk vibe, this has an Italian/Roman vibe. So many things happen that I can’t wait to see what those of you who loved Nevernight think. There are (obviously) a few scenes that stand out, and without spoiling, I’ll just say: That scene with the retchwyrm. That scene with Ishkah, the silkling. That ending. Five stars and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Wow, what a book. It’s intense, it’s bloody, and it’s brilliant. I read the first book in the series, Nevernight, a little over a year ago, and while I liked it, I think the sequel surpasses it by leaps and bounds. The major theme of Godsgrave is the gladiatii and their battles, which is at least half the reason why I loved this book so much. Gladiatorial fights are fascinating and brutal, and this book has them in spades. Each bout is different, the stakes are always sky-high, and the author writes some incredible fight scenes. And Mia is determined to prove herself, no matter the cost. She’s an interesting character; calculating, ruthless, and yet, she’ll risk herself for those she considers friends. Just don’t betray her. Ever. She’ll stop at nothing to get her revenge. Mia learns more about who and what she is in this book, not all of it good. Truths are revealed about her past—at least one of them a major twist I was not expecting—and she uncovers another aspect of what it means to be darkin. But this book ended leaving me with more questions than answers. I have no choice but to move straight on to book 3, because I need to know how this story ends. Godsgrave was a wild ride, and so, so good.

He did it AGAIN!!! Left me bereft as me eyes scanned the last page as quick as my brain could process word and thought. Nevernight was a dark masterpiece. Gogdsgrave.....a darker masterpiece. The further travels of Mia Corvere pretty much consist of her wading through the blood of the freshly slaughtered. By her own hand of course. My favorite wise cracking assasain with a heart of darkness didn't disappoint one bit. Harder and colder than ever yet stubbornly clinging to that shred of humanity that almost saw her a "Hand" rather than a "Blade", Mia now takes on the role of gladiatrix in a crafty bid to finally avenge her familia. That's right folks. We get to see Mia go all Spartacus style. Blood and Sand. And did I mention blood? 😊 A new cast of characters are introduced and swiftly become just as beloved as the old ones from Hogwarts the murder cult edition. Old characters are expanded. Including Mia herself as she inches closer towards finding out what Darkin like herself truly are. Old and new favorites are killed off in true Kristoff fashion. Never does do to become too attached.....although you won't be able to help it. Hero's fall. Villains rise. Or perhaps it's the other way round since Kristoff's characters are all pretty fifty shades of darkest gray. Plot twist after plot occurs and then comes the punch right in your guts as you are reminded that the Mother keeps only what she needs and realize this story is SO far from over. Might just be picking up steam really. You'll just have to wait. Bastard. If Godsgrave could be said to have flaws......and mind you I'm picking at straws here..... 1. Seeing Mia tramsform into Spartacus was a delight but also a tad too familiar of a story. It literally was like he re-wrote the Blood and Sand TV series and threw in a couple horror fantasy beasts to keep it....well....fantasy. 2. Some of the story arc seemed a bit forced. Clever. But forced. Ashlinn herself and the entire Murder/Assasain/Death Goddess Cult twist was just a bit too pat. I'll buy it for a dime. But you're pushing it. Happens I just didn't really care it was such a great ride. 3. I'm eternally grateful the goddess DOES only keep what she needs however that last big twist was a SO Deus ex machina. I suspected it long before the end of Nevernight. Forgot about it. And then grinned in delight with my heart in my throat when it occurred. Yeah.....not sure myself if this last point is really a critique or a compliment. I'll have to see where it goes. There better be a damn good explanation. And truthfully I'm betting there will be. BRAVO!!!!! ENCORE!!!!!! READ THIS SERIES. JUST DOOOO IT. 😁

“You cannot afford to pity those men, Mia. Swimming this deep, your compassion will only serve to drown you. You must be as hard and as sharp as the men you hunt.” Gentlefriends, I don’t know how I am going to string together words about this one. Have you ever felt trolled by a narrator before? Because The Final Word in Godsgrave was like a punch to the soul. One of the reasons I put off reading this trilogy until now was because I heard the ending was a Time, but I had no idea what was in store for me. Despite being warned by the narrator that Mia is not a hero and she will die come the end of the trilogy, I can’t help but love and root for her even though it feels pointless. She’s just as dogged in her pursuit of vengeance for her familia but still holds on to that part of herself the Red Church hasn’t been able to destroy. I love that Mia is a complex character who struggles with her own sense of right and wrong while pursuing her goals. It is her connection with people that I really enjoy the most, especially when she kind of goes with her gut. “Fear is the only enemy in your path. Conquer your fear, and you can conquer the world.” Godsgrave delves a bit deeper into Mia’s sexuality. Through her actions in Nevernight, it was obvious without a bunch of fanfare that Mia is bisexual, and this book sees her with both men and women. The f/f relationship that develops is absolutely beautiful to watch unfold for how it opens her up (even though I am still more than a little sus, sorry). “Death is the only promise we all keep. This life we live… there is no room in it for love, Mia. But a love like autumn leaves. Beautiful one turn. A bonfire the next. Only ashes the remainder.” Even though the world is so different from that which we know on Earth, it remains accessible and feels true somehow. Days are turns, night only happens once every couple of years, and there are three suns – but the world is tinged with Roman influence, the people just as power-hungry and vengeful as depicted in our history books. Kristoff manages to expand the world-building even further in this installment without weighing down the narrative. “The heavens grant us only one life, but through books, we live a thousand.” As a nerdy person, I relish in the Roman inspiration and Latin phrases found in this trilogy. As much of a pain in the ass it was to study Latin (I am convinced that the Roman Empire’s downfall was in fact the pluperfect verb tense), it remains ingrained in one’s brain. I outright laughed during the play – ¿ Et Tu, Brute? – and the world’s own version of Julius Caesar. Just as with Nevernight, the book is fast-paced and action-packed. In my opinion, the narrative is more driven by the action itself primarily rather than the characters or plot. Sure, the action drives the plot… but I found myself less interested with the fight scenes and looking for where our characters are talking to one another or the plot moves forward after the fighting. And since this book takes place in a coliseum, there is a lot of fighting, which for me personally is never fun to read copious amounts of. Overall, I found Godsgrave to be a fantastic sequel that doesn’t stop pulling punches. Although I personally found myself a little bored with some of the action scenes (it’s a me thing), I am so here for Mia’s journey and am excited & sad to see how it ends. Lots of questions were raised at the end of Godsgrave that I cannot wait to see answered in Darkdawn.