The Brink of Darkness (sequel to The Edge of Everything) was beautifully written and engaging from start to finish. While the first half of the book was definitely slower, I was still kept interested in the world and the characters until the very end. This book had all the things I wanted that the first book didn’t. We get to explore so much more of the Lowlands as X searches for his mother in hopes that she will be able to set him free. I loved following X on the journey and meeting all the fun and interesting characters along the way.

A great part of this book was the development of the secondary characters. From Zoe’s sections, we get to see so much more or Val and Dallas. While both got on my nerves at varying points throughout the novel, it was nice getting to know them more and experiencing their quirky personalities. From X’s sections, we learn more of the backstories for several characters, including Ripper, Dervish, and Regent.

I found that I enjoyed X’s sections of the book more than Zoe’s, as they were more engaging, but both sides were definitely necessary for telling the story. And the sections where Zoe and X were together in the same place, be it the real word or the Lowlands, were definitely my favorites.

I also really liked that this book was less focused on Zoe and X’s relationship than The Edge of Everything. A big issue I had with the first book was the insta-love feeling their relationship gave off. This book not only addresses that issue, but spends more time focusing on the other plot lines of the story, which I really enjoyed.

Overall, I loved this amazing sequel to Zoe and X’s story. It was a roller coaster from start to finish but the ending left me completely satisfied. If you liked The Edge of Everything, you will love The Brink of Darkness!

I had I no idea what I was in for, but happily adored the first book in this series. This sequel was just as fantastic. I love the world that Giles has created and the release between hero and heroine is my favorite in a very long time!

I had read the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one.

I love love love Zoe and X. She’s smart and sassy and he’s just so good and loyal. Together they are adorable and it sweet to see them react to each other. Of course Val and Dallas are fun and I could have had a million more scenes with Ripper and it wouldn’t have been enough. There are a few new characters who were fantastic, but I’ll let you find those.

Plot wise, it was not at all what I expected. I was captivated at the direction it went and thank god the dog lived or I would have been so pissed. The build up was mild, then all of a sudden it was over, and while the ending is satisfying, my main complaint is that I just wanted more.

Overall, this has been a unique story with characters who were easy to root for from the very beginning. I think this is the end of the series, but I’m 10000000% here for another book.

**Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for providing the arc free of charge**

ARC provided by the publisher, Bloomsbury, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review is already posted on my goodreads account (https://www.goodreads.com/pinotandpages) and will be up on my blog (www.pinotandpages247.wordpress.com) tomorrow (6/25).

A solid 3.5/5 stars for The Brink of Darkness. I genuinely liked this book, and had a fantastic time reading it. It was a quick read and the storyline was great! I did have a few minor issues with it, but for me it didn't take away from the story that much. The Brink of Darkness picks up pretty much right where The Edge of Everything leaves off, so we aren't left wondering too long about our main characters. I do recommend reading The Edge of Everything prior to The Brink of Darkness, or you will be majorly lost. Let's get down to it:

WHAT I LOVED:
-More development for some side characters. I absolutely LOVED Ripper and Val, so I was super happy we got to spend more time with them. Did I mention this book has a TON of girl power?? Not just Zoe, but ALL the side characters, especially Zoe's mom. I also loved Dallas and Jonah, as well as a few of the new characters that were introduced.
-The banter and dialogue in this book is on POINT. I was laughing out loud for large portions of it, which I did not expect- it is a book about hell, after all. But I LOVE a book with witty or sarcastic dialogue, and The Brink of Darkness had it in spades. Well done, Mr. Giles.
-X. As far as the main character goes, he was for sure my favorite. He seemed to really grow as a character, and was actually able to make decisions without thinking JUST about Zoe, which I appreciated.
-The storyline. This was such a unique storyline, and told in such a great way. Giles really pulled me into his world, and I loved how unique and descriptive his depiction of Hell was. I have never read a story/series like this before, and I applaud the creativity. It is definitely a page-turner, and the pacing was much better in Book 2. I loved loved loved this story.
-Lesbian rep! Yay! Also minor touches on anxiety, depression, difficulties with coming out. I wish this had been fleshed out more instead of just a minor mention, because I love that some of these important issues are being brought to light.

WHAT I DIDN'T:
-Ok, I'm going to start with my major issue: Zoe. This girl annoyed the crap out of me for 50% of the book, which is an increase from 25% of the first book (The Edge of Everything). I was hoping her character would mature a little bit and show some growth from the first book, but unfortunately she just got MORE annoying. She makes really irrational, dumb, selfish, and dangerous decisions - MORE dangerous and stupid than book 1. There are some parts about Zoe that I really like - her banter with her friends, her sarcasm, the way she interacts with her little brother. There are parts of her that are really relatable. And THEN there are the parts where she (IF YOU HAVE NOT READ EDGE OF EVERYTHING, SPOILER ALERT) falls in love at first sight with a bounty hunter from hell and cannot stop thinking/talking/obsessing about him, and he factors into EVERY decision she makes - WHEN SHE IS 17.
-The insta-love in this series was especially hard for me to take. I actually liked Zoe and X a TON better in both books when they were focused on other tasks (such as finding their respective parents) and not on each other.
-Zoe's mom is literally the best parent in this entire series. Why does she get so little facetime? Give me more! I also wanted more time with Ripper, Val, and Sylvie. And also the dogs. I love dogs.

All in all, I really loved this series, and I hope Giles does a third installment, maybe after Zoe graduates high school and has matured a bit? The only reason this didn't get a 4 for me is because I have a tough time with books where I don't like the main character all that much. I recommend this series with all my heart, it is definitely not boring and the storyline is so unique!

The Brink of Darkness is released on July 10.

DNF @ 21%

I think I just lost interest for this series, but this is not a bad book in any sense at all, hence why I am giving it three stars. I just don’t think that reading this right now is worth my time.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the e-ARC.

THE BRINK OF DARKNESS takes a nightmarish hell that nevertheless manages to warm the heart and thrill the soul. A fantastic sequel, this book brings X's tale to new heights that will have you riveted to your seat, biting your nails in anticipation, and hugging the book tightly to your chest with a sweet sigh when finished. Beautifully shared, humor, charm, and horror bleed through these pages as an innocent bounty hunter fights for his freedom and for a love thought impossible.
-Pooled Ink

Loved this book more than the first! It was romantic and action packed!
What a great book and end to a story! It appears to be a duology. It wrapped up nicely though it left me wanting more!! I loved how this book explored the Lowlands and X! Zoe is a wonderful character who keeps growing. It's a great read for those in high school! Some mild language and violence!
Zoe is 17 and in high school so that limits where the story can go. I would have liked a epilogue set 5 or more years in the future! I would also love another book set in the Lowlands! There are so many characters I want to know more about!!! Maybe the author will surprise us later with more books set in this universe!

As I felt with book one, the series is a little too cliche for me. I struggled to read the first in this series and once again struggled with book two. It was an okay read.