Publisher: Hachette Audio (Audio); Little Brown (Print)
Source: Purchased
Publication Date: 06 Nov 2012 (Audio & Print)
Series or Standalone: Series
Series or Standalone: Series
ISBN: 1611132975 (Audio), 0316134023 (Hardcover)
Format: Audio
Audio Length: ~15.5 hrs
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
The Author on the Web:
Place(s) Traveled to: Prague, Czech Republic // Morocco // Eretz
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
First Line: Prague, early May. The sky weighed gray over fairy-tale rooftops, and all the world was watching.
First Line: Prague, early May. The sky weighed gray over fairy-tale rooftops, and all the world was watching.
Buy the Book:
Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series Order
Book 2: Days of Blood and Starlight
Book 3: Untitled (Spring 2014 - aka FOREVER!!)
These words come to you from beyond the grave because I have died and Laini Taylor and her newest release, The Days of Blood and Starlight is the cause. Taylor has reached her hand into my heart, my soul and torn them both out. Crushing them into the dirt and dust on the ground and left me an empty vessel.
Now long time readers of my humble blog might recall the love that I had for the first book in this series, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but know this that book doesn't even hold a candle to this one. The Days of Blood and Starlight is definitely among one of the best books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Second books in a series always leave me wary as you never know how they will move the story along. Days not only moves the story along but it leaves its predecessor in the dust with how brilliant and amazing it is.
Laini Taylor's prose combined with Khristine Hvam's narration is a combination that defies words. I loved Hvam's narration in Daughter but she brings things to new heights in this book. All of her voices are solid and I'd often find myself forgetting that only one person was reading this book. Hvam's narration just builds a world around you and it all feels so real. I often found myself finding excuses to be in my car just so I could listen to more of this beauitful book.
Days takes all that we throught we knew in Daughter and expands it and changes it and kept me on the edge of my seat with each new twist. This book put my emotions through a roller coaster ride and it bruised my soul. If you think that Romeo and Juliet have a star crossed love then you haven't met Akiva and Karou. Those two...I...I have no words to describe all that I feel about this pair.
The story itself is also one that is hard to put into thoughts. Its like nothing I have read before and I have absolutely no clue as to where things might go in the third book. Often I'll have a hint of how a trilogy will progress but Laini Taylor has such a gift for the surprise that anything can happen. And no matter how this story ends I think I'll be an emotional wreck and yet extremely satisfied. I loved every word of this story even though there were so many scenes that just tugged at my soul. I love how real it feels and I just love each and every character (even those of so evil ones.)
I love how Days is told from many points of view as it just helps to add so many layers to the story. I love how it broke my heart, mended it, and then broke it all over again. I love how even though there were tears in my eyes that it was filled with hope. Hope is a very powerful thing and I have hope in the events to come that are still untold. But I also dread the day when the third book is released. Because even though its at least a year away I am not ready to let go of this world and these characters. I just want to live in this world forever and I know that this book, this series, will be a favorite of mine for years to come.
Days takes all that we throught we knew in Daughter and expands it and changes it and kept me on the edge of my seat with each new twist. This book put my emotions through a roller coaster ride and it bruised my soul. If you think that Romeo and Juliet have a star crossed love then you haven't met Akiva and Karou. Those two...I...I have no words to describe all that I feel about this pair.
The story itself is also one that is hard to put into thoughts. Its like nothing I have read before and I have absolutely no clue as to where things might go in the third book. Often I'll have a hint of how a trilogy will progress but Laini Taylor has such a gift for the surprise that anything can happen. And no matter how this story ends I think I'll be an emotional wreck and yet extremely satisfied. I loved every word of this story even though there were so many scenes that just tugged at my soul. I love how real it feels and I just love each and every character (even those of so evil ones.)
I love how Days is told from many points of view as it just helps to add so many layers to the story. I love how it broke my heart, mended it, and then broke it all over again. I love how even though there were tears in my eyes that it was filled with hope. Hope is a very powerful thing and I have hope in the events to come that are still untold. But I also dread the day when the third book is released. Because even though its at least a year away I am not ready to let go of this world and these characters. I just want to live in this world forever and I know that this book, this series, will be a favorite of mine for years to come.
I keep reading great reviews of this series yet I hesitate to read it. I'm just not sure it's for me. I'm glad to see you loved it!
ReplyDeleteKathy - you should give it a try. I think this series might surprise you!
DeleteWow, wow, I can't wait now! I really liked Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but it was hard for me, I think because it wasn't the usual schlocky paranormal that I'm used to! But now I'm prepped and ready for this one! :--)
ReplyDeleteI just posted my review of this and saw yours on Audiobook Jukebox. I liked Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but I thought Days of Blood & Starlight was purely brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to a lot of YA, and I can have a low tolerance for sappy romance but this novel was wonderful.
I agree that it's hard to put the experience into words. I struggled at first to get back into the story, but I never struggled with the beauty of Taylor's writing.