Adventure within a dark fantasy world!
Thanks to NetGalley and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the opportunity to read and review Splendor and Spark by Mary Taranta!
North is on a path he doesn’t necessarily want but feels that he has to be on. Faris and Cadence are prisoners still. Bryn seems to be gaining everything she wants, power and to be queen. Cadence adores Bryn and she shows nothing but disdain for Faris. Faris struggles to let her sister be until she finally gives in to the fact that letting Cadence make her own choices is the right thing to do. North striving to find his father becomes more and more complicated. North and Faris lose much but learn a lot and, as their wisdom grows, they understand what they need to do to accomplish their goals, North with his father and Faris finding a place where she belongs. The world building is descriptive and thorough while the characters are dynamic. I especially like Alistair because he fascinates me and I want to know more about his background and past experiences. 4 stars for this dark fantasy adventure!

Splendor and Spark is the second book in a duology about family, fantasy, and sacrifice. I think that if you liked The Cruel Prince or Jenna Black's Glimmerglass series this one will appeal to you! The main character keeps you from putting this novel down.

Splendor and Spark is the second book in the Shimmer and Burn book series and can be read as a standalone novel. However, once you read you will want to read the first book in the series. Taranta has created a unique fantasy that is compelling and unexpected.