Bright Burns the Night
(Dark Breaks the Dawn #2)
by Sara B. Larson
May 29, 2018
320 pages
320 pages
Goodreads Summary:
Ten years ago, King Lorcan of the Dark Kingdom Dorjhalon defeated Queen Evelayn and cut her conduit stone from her. Since then, he has kept her trapped in her swan form. With the loss of balance between Dark and Light, winter has descended and the Draíolon of Éadrolan lose more power every day. But once a year, Lorcan transforms her back to her Draíolon form and offers a truce. And every year Evelayn refuses -- for he requires her to Bind herself to him for life.
But now, with an Ancient power bearing down upon them, everything may change. Evelayn will learn that the truths she once believed have shattered, and that she may need her enemies even more than her allies. Lorcan and Evelayn become partners in a desperate quest to return the balance of power to Lachalonia. How far will this partnership go? Can friendship -- perhaps even love -- bloom where hatred has taken root?
Sara B. Larson delivers a thrillingly romantic and hauntingly satisfying end to this extraordinary duology.
Review
When I read the synopsis to Bright Burns the Night I knew it was a sequel I had to pick up- even if I didn't quite love Dark Breaks the Dawn. Questions I had from the first book were answered and admittedly I actually enjoyed the instalove romance (maybe because I kind of knew it was coming?).
The first thing I have to address about Bright Burns the Night is its accelerated timeline. I believe everything happens in the span of three to four days (and that's being generous...)? Even though the quickness affected the believability of the relationships, it surprisingly worked for me. Events were happening fast but they didn't feel awkward once I adjusted myself to the pacing.
It was interesting to see plot twists from the first book come to fruition. I wasn't expecting to receive many explanations so they were a pleasant surprise. I probably should have felt more for Tanvir's appearance/betrayal but I never did care much for him in the first book. The multiple POVs were easy to identify and the short chapters helped move the story along. Despite some obvious plot holes Bright Burns the Night was an amusing read.
Lorcan easily filled the dominant protector role while Evelayn was every bit the pure-hearted queen. They were total opposites but the attraction was clear as day. He was not the evil ruler people made him out to be and she was not as immune to him as she wanted to be. Evelayn gawked a lot at Lorcan's physique while he silently longed for her in every way. Their romance was laughable and predictable but it was hard not to root for them. The instalove/lust was rather fun to watch.
I liked the characters but the story honestly wasn't anything special. By the time the real conflict came around, I didn’t find myself caring all that much. It felt trivial. And once again it was hard not to notice the similarities to A Court of Thorns and Roses. To anyone who's read the ACOTAR books the parallels will be easy to pick up on.
I have complicated feelings regarding the Dark Breaks the Dawn books. Bright Burns the Night is a good conclusion but the duology, while satisfying in an overall sense, feels very average. Try it out for a darker fantasy read.
The first thing I have to address about Bright Burns the Night is its accelerated timeline. I believe everything happens in the span of three to four days (and that's being generous...)? Even though the quickness affected the believability of the relationships, it surprisingly worked for me. Events were happening fast but they didn't feel awkward once I adjusted myself to the pacing.
It was interesting to see plot twists from the first book come to fruition. I wasn't expecting to receive many explanations so they were a pleasant surprise. I probably should have felt more for Tanvir's appearance/betrayal but I never did care much for him in the first book. The multiple POVs were easy to identify and the short chapters helped move the story along. Despite some obvious plot holes Bright Burns the Night was an amusing read.
Lorcan easily filled the dominant protector role while Evelayn was every bit the pure-hearted queen. They were total opposites but the attraction was clear as day. He was not the evil ruler people made him out to be and she was not as immune to him as she wanted to be. Evelayn gawked a lot at Lorcan's physique while he silently longed for her in every way. Their romance was laughable and predictable but it was hard not to root for them. The instalove/lust was rather fun to watch.
I liked the characters but the story honestly wasn't anything special. By the time the real conflict came around, I didn’t find myself caring all that much. It felt trivial. And once again it was hard not to notice the similarities to A Court of Thorns and Roses. To anyone who's read the ACOTAR books the parallels will be easy to pick up on.
I have complicated feelings regarding the Dark Breaks the Dawn books. Bright Burns the Night is a good conclusion but the duology, while satisfying in an overall sense, feels very average. Try it out for a darker fantasy read.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.
Glad your questions were answered here. I think you're one of the few people I know who don't mind instant-love in a romance, though I don't mind them, too once in a while. It all depends how realistic the chemistry was for the characters.
ReplyDeletei hope you'll continue to enjoy this series!
I actually hate insta-love but it was so obviously in the making in BBtN I totally knew it was coming. Funny what you can accept when you know what to expect ;)
DeleteI was not a big fan of the world and characters from Dark Breaks the Dawn, but there was this addictive feel to that one that made me want to read this one. :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean! I felt the same way about the first book too. The synopsis of this one pushed me to pick it up. If you do give it a chance I hope you enjoy it :)
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