Review | Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff

By Birdie

Godsgrave

About the Book: Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

The Nevernight Chronicles #2
Fantasy
Thomas Dunne Books | September 5, 2017
amazon2 bn2

Man, was this book super close to getting me all riled up!  Without giving anything away, I was crushed when I thought Mia wasn’t who I thought she was!  I need to be able to understand my hero, even if they aren’t heroic, and Mia walked a very narrow road.  Thankfully I was crazy about Godsgrave, and it was what helped me get past my fear.  It was everything I look for in a Fantasy novel.

It had amazing characters, well developed and multi dimensional.  Mia is a character led by vengeance, but you can feel how underneath she has a wonderful heart.  Mister Kindly is the perfect familiar for Mia, with his quick wit and sharp sarcasm.  Then you have characters who were thought to be good, but weren’t.  And you have one specific character you hated, but then you start thinking your perception may have been wrong.  -I know there’s a huge momentum for Ashlinn, but I’m personally still on the fence.  I, like Mr Kindly, just don’t quite trust her yet.  There’s something in me, probably bitterness, that refuses to forgive her, and I admit to feeling frustration that Mia has.  I guess there are some things I’m not able to let go.  And I loved Tric! (highlight for spoiler)-  Anyway, it also has a well plotted and paced plot, full of twists and turns, slowly revealing secrets to us.  There was only one surprise I guessed early on, and a second I figured out just before I was supposed to.  Then, there were hundreds more I never saw coming!  Kudos, Mr. Kristoff.

What Godsgrave had going for it, over Nevernight, was the cast of secondary characters.  In Nevernight there were a few characters I loved.  (Tric, Mia, Ash and Hush.)  The teachers and the world of the Red Church was good, but the Gladiatii group was exceptional!  I especially loved Sid and Mia.  They had a rapport that reminded me of an older brother/uncle type of relationship.  I’m really hoping we haven’t seen the last of him!

And of course, who doesn’t love the developing paternal relationship between Mercurio and Mia.  I know I do.  I love how strongly these two care about each other.

Basically, my review comes down to this.  I loved.  I loved, I loved, I loved.

I can’t wait for MORE.

5-feathers

About Birdie

Don’t look for her in any bar, club, crazy raging party, or anywhere there may be a large gathering of strangers. She’s more likely to be found tucked into the corner of the couch watching one of her favorite shows, or preferably under a comforter with her current novel.

13 Responses

      1. frayedbooks

        I’m actually terrible at guessing things so I was pretty surprised! Although Game of Thrones should have taught me by now, unless you see a body don’t assume anyone is dead 😮

        Like

      2. Birdie

        But, I kinda think he still is though… it’s almost like he’s that shadow man?? And I had no idea that would happen. I didn’t figure out anything. I was just so so hopeful we wouldn’t see the last of him.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. LizScanlon

        Ha, well, nope, definitely not me 😀 I was more like- NOOOO Mia, don’t even think about Ash! 😀
        Yep, I also think there’s still something shady there with her… Kristoff defo didn’t manage to convince me that Ash is all sincere now… but… Book 3, we needs it to find out! 😀

        Like

      2. Birdie

        I think it doesn’t help that Mister Kindly keeps saying the same thing. There’s something not to be trusted…. I’d love even a book 3 name! Or a cover! I keep going to check. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  5. 2017 Best of the Best | Part 2 – Birdie Bookworm

    […] Adult fantasy novels scare me.  They’re so detailed and elaborate that they usually take me forever to read.  It’s such a commitment, and right now I have a hard time giving that much time.  It’s for that reason I put off Nevernight and Godsgrave.  I’m glad I finally read it, because it’s one of the best epic fantasy books I’ve ever read!  Mia is fierce! (My Review) […]

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