An incredible second installment in an engaging, dark, and complex series. I love how it’s based off of Rome/Venice and the gritty and corrupt Republic Kristoff has created. 

Jay Kristoff’s Godsgrave is the second book in his Nevernight trilogy. This book continues to impress with the amount of detail and complexity as the first in this series. However, I prefer the shift in Mia’s character here, as she continues in her journey of vengeance. There are so many twists along the way that kept me in my toes as a reader, which I deeply appreciate from such an intricate fantasy world. This series forces me to change my reading style, slowing down and absorbing each and every sentence as to not miss anything. While normally I find books like this taxing and too slow-moving, Kristoff pulls off the pace and tone effortlessly. I have been thoroughly enjoying this series despite the speed at which I’m reading it suggesting otherwise. I feel like I really need to sit with the events for more time and let them fully sink in. This series is proving to be an epic journey of revenge, and I cannot wait to see how the third novel unfolds. 

INTRODUCTION

'Byss and Blood!

In Godsgrave, the second book in the Nevernight Chronicle series, Mia's quest for revenge leads her deeper into the world of assassins and the politics of the Republic of Itreya. She becomes embroiled in a deadly game of power and influence, where betrayal is common.

Mia enters the deadly gladiatorial games in Godsgrave, fighting not just for survival but to get closer to her ultimate target. The games are brutal, and Mia must use all her skills to stay alive. She will end up a totally different person, not because of the fighting.

Finally, as she navigates the treacherous waters of her life as an assassin, she uncovers more about her dark powers and the shadows that follow her. The lore of the world expands, revealing secrets that tie back to the larger narrative.

WHAT I LIKED

It's hard not to really like Mia, her daemons too, and the way she grows along the bloody vengeful path she walks.
Also, the larger narrative on her family background and her being a darkin get clearer but also more mysterious and engaging.
Finally, Kristoff Jay's signature writing style, combining sharp wit, elaborate world-building, plot twists and a cliff-hanger that left me dumbstruck. He is a real prodigy of the fantasy genre.

WHAT I DISLIKED

The way Dona Leona's arc wraps up is a bit anticlimactic, just like Mia's fight with the Unfallen (which I was hoping would be magnificent).
Also, I withhold any comments on how the book ends, as I need to see how it is explained in the third and final book.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
'Byss and Blood, yes! Mia, Mr Kindly and Eclipse's banter, the fights, the footnotes (!), the world-building etc are all top-notch.

I don’t know why this took me so long to read because I really enjoyed it