I finished this yesterday and I'm still trying to decide if this was better or worse than the first in this series. I certainly enjoyed the first one, and the second is no exception, it just didn't stand out. Some aspects were worse this time around, some the same, and others better.
Better comes with the new additions. We're introduced to new settings, new technology, and new characters. They're interesting and add more layers to this dystopian tale. Lash might be my new favourite, and Teagan is a solid character that I wouldn't mind seeing a spin-off of. The chemistry between Riser and Maia, despite what happens, is palpable, and I found myself squeeing each time they had a moment together. In case you haven't noticed, I ship them hard. Caspian can just go away, matched DNA or no.
Worse might be the pacing. It's rather slow and repetitive in some places. We get a little bit of action, but then that bit of action repeats three times, like the Blood Court or Swifter sections. Also, Maia is a bit much to swallow as a main character. She comes across as too determined and desperate to be the hero at times. Granted, I understand why, but it's too much all the time. It gets to the point where even when she does have a light hearted moment, it's lost on me.
About the same is the writing itself. Grey has lovely descriptions, something I forgot to comment about with my review of the first novel. However, there is still the issue where things aren't explained enough to avoid slight confusion. Even though I read the first less than a month ago, I needed that brief recap of events found in most second instalments. Grey didn't deliver on that.
Overall, I'm still interested in reading the third as Grey has left several new developments twisting in the wind that I'd like to see come to life.
3/5

The author did a wonderful job with sucking me into this story right off the bat I couldn't put it down. The writing was wonderful and unique and it didn't take more than the first chapter to get me hooked on this world and story once again. I was so happy to be back in this world which the author has done a fantastic job with creating a world that is beautiful and mystical. The flow and pacing of the story worked well and I never felt lost. The story was fast paced but not too fast there was a lot of action as well as some great banter and snarky commentary which was great! I really enjoyed that we also got some backstory that was much wanted and needed. The characters were also great, Grey did well with the development of both main and secondary characters.

The ending of this one left me wanting more and man was that a twist I didnt see coming! I really cant wait to get book three and many thanks to Netgalley and Blaze Publishing for the review copy!

This review will be posted on Nov 13, 2017:



Wow! I just finished reading this book and have two disappointments: the first is that this is again a book 2 and I haven't read book 1 and the second is that I'm going to have to wait for book 3.


This is a great story full of revenge, rebellion and moments of romance. If you liked the Hunger Games series, the Divergent series or the Graceling series, then you are likely to fall in love with the cast of characters from the Shadow Fall series.


Like I mentioned before, this is yet again a story that I am reading in the middle of the series. I was able to read book 2, Shadow Rise, as a stand alone. Mrs. Grey provided enough prior moments from the first book to help me understand the context of the story. And yet, I could tell that I was missing some of the defining moments. I plan on reading the first book to help me catch up and in preparation of her eventual third book. There were moments that would most likely been heart wrenching for readers of her first book and I escaped some of those as I had not formed previous attachments to the characters.


The central figure of this book is Maia Greystone. She has faced odds that none of us would relish. She was orphaned by the murder of her father and the removal of her mother. She was forced to abandon her younger brother in the hopes of protecting him. She was placed in a trial of some gruesome nature (more details must be in the first book). She was groomed to infiltrate the enemy and assassinate the leader. All the while, she is trying to figure out how to fulfill a promise she made to her father. She has been thrust into a position where she is trusted by neither side in a terrible war.


She must face a former friend, ally and love that seems to either disdain her or does not remember her. She must face her brother, whose view of events differ vastly from hers. She must find a way to save the world through a promise she made to her father.


She is joined by an unlikely crew of rebels: a beautiful young woman, labeled a subversive because she loves another woman; a crippled Lothario, who wants nothing more than to be given a chance to prove he is still able despite his injury; a former friend, who is plagued by an addiction to the drug tar; and others she collects along the way.


Through it all, Maia's strength of character shines through. There are moments when I had hoped she would take the easy way, but I was so glad when she chose the more difficult path of purpose or honor.


This is a great, clean read. There is no profanity and no explicit scenes. The focus is on a strong female character and a cast of unexpected friends. There are sci-fi, revenge, rebellion, fighting, and coming of age elements.

4.5 wowed stars for me. The first one was pretty cool with the secrets and deceit to get revenge on an empire that was killing people, but this one went past the uppity Trials and down into the dirt with the rebels, where everything is very real, and very dangerous. It's a place where Maia has an equal chance of dying, just like in the emperor's hands during her tortuous time under the Archduchess. I enjoyed the story immensely, loving her interacting with the rebels that helped shoot her into this frightening path. A lot of the bad things that happened played on my emotions, and I felt down when she did. I adored the people who befriended her, especially the slightly lecherous Lash. He was just- amazing lol.

The plot is slowed down a little, giving Maia more time to gather a plan for herself before faving off against the empire who's taken a lot of things from everyone. Seeing old and mentioned faces was cool, I loved the action when that's not normally a big thing with me. Loved the mental plays. A few times, I pondered over Maia's constant back and forth with some things, but otherwise, I thought this was a great read. It's got that exciting adventure you want to go on but can't because it's too dangerous. It's written with a style that sucks you in, and will have you smiling at Maia's accomplishments after falling so many times. After the way this left things, I can't wait for the third book.

Ok, so first of all I have to say a HUGE thanks to the publishers for letting me read and review this book. I was beyond excited when I saw my request was approved.

I loved Shadow Fall so much, and I am so happy to say that I loved Shadow Rise just as much.

Wow.... The character development and secondary characters were spot on. The story was fast paced and full of action, and there was lots of witty banter and snide comments that I love so much. The love triangle is still in full force - but I have to say that this is one love triangle that I fully support. I honestly can't choose between Riser and Caspian. They are both so perfect for Maia in their own way. I'll be heartbroken no matter who she ends up choosing.

We got a little more back story, which answered some lingering questions I had from Shadow Fall (sorry, no spoilers here!)

There was a pretty cool twist at the end that I didn't see coming - so now, of course, I am left desperately waiting for the next book! Please Audrey Grey - don't leave me hanging too long!

I found the first book, ‘Shadow Fall’ to be a captivating, imaginative and expertly written YA dystopian novel. My favorite aspects were the world-building, the MC's internal struggles over whom to trust, and the intrigue of court life.

Sadly, 'Shadow Rise' lacks all of these, as the world is already built. The book seems to occur over the course of only days, and though we're privy to the MC's thoughts, they aren't memories or hopes, it is all sadness and frustration that nothing is going her way. She's a very sympathetic character and I care what happens to her, but very little actually...happens...in this book.