*I won this book from the author's newsletter giveaway!*

There Will Come a Darkness was one of the best group cast books of 2019, in my opinion. Katy Rose Pool wove a complex plot around these five people without even having them all interact. Naturally, I was really excited to see where she would take us in book 2.

As the Shadow Rises delves further into the Last Prophecy and the beginning of the end of the world. At the end of There Will Come a Darkness, the three Harbingers are revealed and Anton's vision is clear: darkness of coming. And while As the Shadow Rises doesn't quite take us into doomsday, it certainly puts us on the right road.

Book 2 sees Anton finding his place as a prophet alongside Jude, who is also struggling to figure out how to live without his Grace. Ephyra is still trying to track down Eleazar's Chalice, for the first time in a long time, she's apart from Beru. Meanwhile, Beru and Hector embark on a journey to find the Daughters of Mercy for answers about their revenant curse. Hassan is no longer Prophet or Prince. Herat is in the midst of rebellion, and he's caught up in it. But which side is he fighting for?

As the Shadow Rises does NOT suffer from second book syndrome. It is filled with twists and turns, unexpected allies and enemies, truth (and love) revealed. And it also features an epic build up to book 3.

4.5 stars

As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool suffers a bit from the middle novel syndrome. While I enjoyed the story, it does not contain that special something that made the first book so spectacular. We know the world, the characters, and the catastrophe they want to avoid. In my mind, As the Shadow Rises is simply more of the same.

This time around, I struggled with the characters and their additions to the story. This is especially true of Ephyra, who spends much of the novel analyzing her behavior and questioning whether her previous actions make her good or bad. In spite of this self-evaluation, she then continues down the same path. Her single-mindedness makes all of that analysis a frustrating hobby rather than an exercise in self-improvement, which means it becomes nothing but a waste of time for the reader.

At the same time, one of the main characters has the ability to see the future. When that occurs, the story becomes less about what will happen and more of how the foreseen future will happen. The distinction is slight but it certainly impacts the overall tension when you already know what will occur. In addition, it tends to disrupt the idea of free will versus destiny because the visions of the future always come true regardless of a character's choices. In this instance, destiny and free will appear to be the same thing.

As the Shadow Rises also has a tendency to include what I would consider to be plot twists of convenience. While I am sure Ms. Pool plotted the entirety of the trilogy arc, some of the bigger reveals in this middle story feel contrived. There are less shock and awe and more eye-rolling at the expediency.

I still enjoyed As the Shadow Rises and think Ms. Pool has a unique story to offer readers. However, I also think Ms. Pool had to meet a certain word quota that did not match where she needed her characters and the story to be at the end of it. As such, there appears to be a lot of unnecessary filler in the form of character self-analysis that does not go anywhere and a story that includes too much tell and not enough show. My hope is that she got all this out of the way so that the story's finale can shine. Time will tell.

An amazing sequel!
It certainly did not suffer the slow second book syndrome because I was hooked from the get-go.
I think one of my favorite parts to this sequel was witnessing the consequences of the characters previous decisions and how these actions affect life going forward.
Hassan, especially, was a character who grew on me during this book because he's trying to come back from manipulating his people and others. He was the weakest POV for me in the first book, and while he still is not my favorite to read, I liked that he gave the reader a city perspective since all the other characters were moving across the country. He kept us grounded with updates, and he learned a lot along the way about his ancestry.
Now just like in TWCAD- Beru is the standout POV for me because she is such a rarity in literature now a days. People continuously want to create characters mimicking extreme strength and power like Ephyra, but Beru is the compassionate, wholesome soul that I love to read about. She is not given a lot of POV time in this book, but each moment was a treasure to me. I adore her so much, and I'll forever gush about the sisterly love shared between Ephyra and Beru. They both may be at odds, but their love still is a standout to their personalities, which I think is a great contrast to Ilya and Anton, who also had an interesting turn of events and plot line to this sequel. Ephyra and Ilya's journey was not something I was expecting.
Moreover, Anton and Jude are the close second in my favorites list for this trilogy. They both grow and change throughout the course of this sequel, and they gave me some of the rare heartwarming moments in this otherwise dark world. I loved that Katy chose to focus on their relationship more in this sequel, and it really allowed them to become fleshed out beyond their fears from the previous book. Both are courageous and selfless. They deserve happiness!
Lastly, Ephyra's Indiana Jones moment was so... enlightening? I know Ephyra has her own agenda always, and she is the more ruthless between the sisters, but when she started to thaw a bit in this book, my heart roared with feelings. She's honestly more dainty at times than Beru because of what happens.
Overall, I enjoyed this sequel more than TWCAD, which is a wonderful sentiment! I cannot wait to see where our characters go next, and I'm still biting my nails from the last 5oish pages of this book. HOW IN THE WORLD DID SO MUCH HAPPEN?! How will the trilogy wrap up? So many questions and barely any of them answered!
P.S. There's some GREAT twists in this sequel, so if you're looking to have the rug pulled out from under you then do yourself a favor and grab this book ASAP.

As the Shadow Rises opens as our cast of characters is dealing with the fallout from the end of There Will Come a Darkness. While each character finds themselves in their own unique struggle, Pool's strength is in drawing unlikely characters together and letting them grapple with morality and complex emotions together. Expanded world building, twists & turns, and compelling relationships make this a page turner that is sure to satisfy fans of the first installment.

A great continuation to the story "There Will Come a Darkness" began! With a comparatively large ensemble cast, keeping track of everyone's whereabouts and goals could easily get confusing but as with the first book, each chapter is short enough to keep the progression manageable and you're never away from one character long enough to forget them.

This series does a really great job of slowly revealing information, the author knows just when to keep a secret and for how long.

**I received this book from netgalley in exchange for a review**

"You ready?"
"No," Anton answered [...], "But that's not going to stop me this time."†

I actually really struggled a little with There Will Come a Darkness, just because I found it a bit confusing. There was a lot of world building to remember, and so many “main” characters to keep track of across different settings. But now that I knew the world, knew the characters, and knew the prophecy, I was able to jump right into book 2. AND IT WAS SO DAMN GOOD!

Katy Rose Poole did SUCH a great job at seamlessly recapping book one. I have an absolutely horrible memory when it comes to series, so I was a little worried I was going to be lost. That was not at all the case here. Poole did a fantastic job at reminding readers of the major plot points from book 1 without making any of it feel like a recap.

The pacing in this book was FLAWLESS. I seriously could not put this book down. Every time I calmed down from the previous plot-bomb, there was another.

For the most part, the POV characters in this series are morally grey. In some books, this type of protagonist can be difficult to relate to, depending where their motivations are coming from... In book 1, I know I struggled with this because I didn't really understand why a couple of the POV-characters were acting the way that they were... We really got more in depth with book 2 and I ended up loving ALL of the POVs. (This is a rarity for me in books with so many POVs... I usually end up hating at least 1 or 2).

SO MUCH CHARACTER GROWTH!! I have so many highlights on my e-arc because they all really snapped in this book. They were great, and the new side characters were great. UGH, I am going to miss my children. I am so regretting reading this ARC because now I have to wait a million years for the next book.

†check against final text

3.75/5✨
A huge thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review

Going into the sequel of a book you love you just hope that it will live up to the first book and elevate the series. I can truly say As The Shadow Rises does exactly that. Everything you loved from book one is now completely elevated. This world is one that is so unique and has so many layers to it that it feels as if we will never touch the surface.

In this book we got to see so much more of Jude and Anton who I just adored in book one. Every character is so unique and I love having an insight into their minds, but I definitely cannot get enough of Jude and Anton.

With most books that do have multiple POVs there is also cases where you don’t necessarily mess with a certain characters story line. Throughout the story I was just never that invested in Hassan POV, but overall it never made me not excited to pick up this truly past paced book!

Once again a huge thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

BOOK REPORT for As the Shadow Rises (The Age of Darkness #2) by Katy Rose Pool

Cover Story: Cabin in the Woods
BFF Charm: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Bridge Book
Bonus Factor: Quests
Anti-Bonus Factor: Men
Relationship Status: As the Connection Rises

Cover Story: Cabin in the Woods
Not to spoil a movie that's been out for nearly a decade, but the large hand on this cover bursting out of the coliseum totally reminds me of the end of Cabin in the Woods. (Actually quite appropriate, considering the plot of the book …)

Side note: I'm looking forward to seeing what the cover of the third book looks like. As a series, these are really gorgeous. And the colors are so striking! (I have a guess it'll mostly be white with red, black, and gold/silver accents. Putting this here, now, so we can see if I'm correct!)

The Deal:
The Last Prophet has been found, and the Age of Darkness is at hand. Jude and Anton are trying to figure out their place in the Order of the Last Light—and with each other; Prince Hassan is struggling to find his way back onto the throne, particularly due to the Hierophant and his Witnesses gaining power; Ephyra's looking for a way to save Beru, even if Beru doesn't want to be saved; and Beru's looking for a way to atone before she fades completely.

Their paths might all seem at odds, but they'll soon realize that they're all heading in the same direction.

BFF Charm: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor
Once again, the five POVs of As the Shadow Rises (Jude, Anton, Hassan, Ephyra, and Beru) give insight into each of the characters and shows them to be complex, flawed, and beautiful people, each in their own distinct ways. But I'm still not sure any of them would have time to accept my BFF charm, much less actually be my friend. Things have only escalated since we got together last.

Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Like I said, there's a lot going on for our heroes. But tense situations make for heightened emotions … And sometimes physical relationships aren't about swoony emotions at all.

Talky Talk: Bridge Book

Many trilogies fall prey to the dreaded Bridge Book Blues in which the middle book is merely a means of transitioning from the first book to the last, and, in the grand scheme of things, doesn't make much of an impact on the story as a whole. Thankfully, As the Shadow Rises doesn't seem superfluous; in fact, there's a lot that happens in the book that would seem too rushed if it was jammed in the last book, and there's a lot yet left to sort out. Pool continues to weave an interesting, if slightly confusing, world of magic and mystery that gets bigger with every reveal. But her characters are the shining stars of the book, and their many layers, flaws, and successes are what make the story so compelling.

Bonus Factor: Quests
Where the focus in There Will Come a Darkness was slightly more on the character's personal changes, the action in As the Shadow Rises focuses more on missions that have world-altering/world-saving consequences. And I loved seeing all the various threads come together like they did. (Semi-spoiler, sorry!)

Anti-Bonus Factor: Men
It might just be 2020 talking, but I am really tired of dudes who think they know everything and are obsessed with power being the villains of so many stories. I mean, it makes sense, because these kind of dudes are The Worst, but there's gotta be more dynamic villains out there somewhere, yes? Is it playing it too safe to have villains like these?

Relationship Status: As the Connection Rises
You're full of surprises, Book, and not all of them I like. But you certainly aren't boring, and your tales continue to intrigue and your characters impress. I don't know if what we're experiencing is a forever thing, but you've made an impact for sure.

Review posted across all platforms on 9/1. Fully formatted review at Novellives.Com (also blurbed at Barnes and Noble)

As The Shadow Rises (The Age Of Darkness #2) By Katy Rose Pool

For those of you who have been around since last July? Let me extend my apologies for being around all this time. Also, love you! You know that There Will Come A Darkness (The Age Of Darkness #1) was one of my favorite books of the year, favorite debuts of the year (how is it even Katy Rose Pool's debut). Plus, it was definitely my favorite new series of 2019. That left me dying for As the Shadow Rises for over a year, now. For those of you that are new to these parts of the interweb, welcome. That is, welcome to the site and to the fandom!

Now, with a deep breath, I can honestly say that As The Shadow Rises blows There Will Come A Darkness out of the water. Mind you, this is coming from someone that felt like she'd been hit by a bullet train after finishing There Will Come A Darkness.

Note: This has nothing to do with Six of Crows. They are nothing alike. I don't know what bad marketing ploy decided this is a good idea. If you are reading this and thinking, "I love Six of Crows too." STOP. STOP RIGHT NOW. They are not the same and should not be comped. It isn't fair to this series or Katy Rose Pool. At all. This is amazing work, on its own merit, structure, and content. End of story. And honestly, this is true for a lot of bad comps.

As The Shadow Rises is the second in Katy Rose Pool's The Age of Darkness Trilogy. This dark fantasy series features an ancient prophecy, morally gray characters, and an ever-expanding world on the brink of destruction.

"A birthright is not a destiny... What must you surrender to meet yours?"

There Will Come A Darkness Spoiler Disclaimer- ONLY There Will Come A Darkness

If you have not read There Will Come A Darkness? First, stop here. There are spoilers for There Will Come A Darkness. Next, cancel all plans and go read There Will Come A Darkness RIGHT NOW. Third, come back and read my review of As the Shadow Rises. Then read As the Shadow Rises. Don't worry when you have a heart attack.

THERE AREN'T ANY SPOILERS for As the Shadow Rises, which took some serious choice of wording and memes on my part. Ok. Flat out? It was hell.

Becky was a huge help because her review schooled me. It is funny how some of the buddy reads are starting to show up in our reviews. 

Last, here is Becky's Review, which is incredible (also containing spoilers for There Will Come A Darkness)  After Maddie and Lili post their reviews, I will link those, as well. That will give you four reviews to jump around and read. Second, my spoiler-free review of There Will Come a Darkness is above.

Ok. That is your warning.

There Will Come A Darkness Only
As The Shadow Rises...So Does My Blood Pressure

If There Will Come a Darkness hit me like a bullet train, As the Shadow Rises put me on the bullet train. It put me on a bullet train that was on fire, hurtling towards a cataclysmic impact that was destined to destroy my heart. My doctor says I'm not allowed to read Katy Rose Pool's books anymore. I told him to go to hell and give me blood pressure medication because once you board this speeding death train, you can't get off.

As the Shadow Rises picks up at the end of There Will Come a Darkness. And the struggle is real. Ephyra is chasing the chalice. Jude has no grace, the council might kick him out of the order, and Anton is straight-up confused and overwhelmed. Hassan is stalking Witnesses, Beru is attempting to atone at underground MMA fights, with what little life she has left from the stolen esha at the end of There Will Come a Darkness.

Each chapter has something to reveal, something to answer, and a new question to rise. There were so many possibilities and paths that Katy Pool set-up that it was impossible to put the book down.

Each cross-continental book discussion ranged from fun to shock to, why hasn't Jude and Anton done it yet, to the deep philosophical questions over fate, destiny, and free-will. And of course, it always involved




Also, lots of...

OH and...

OK, fine. Maybe that last one was just me.

World-Building

Hey! Shuri! What was that you said?

Bless you Chad Boseman...

Katy Rose Pool built an expansive and dynamic world in There Will Come a Darkness. In the same vein, the Graced magic system was one of a kind, detailed, and purposed. There was no reason to believe or expect that either would become more expansive. Yet here it is and here we are.

Thank you to Henry Holt for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The world kept exploding off of each page. From deserts to an oasis, claustrophobic inducing undergrounds, and sweaty fighting pits. Pool brought each landscape to life without skipping a beat. The Graced, well, I'm not going to spoil anything, but let's just say that there is a lot more to it, depths that are explored, doors (figurative) that are unlocked. And with each, come challenges, revelations, and growth. All of it comes together to make one hell of a ride for the characters and readers.

A Moment For Indiana Jones

Look I have some love for Indiana Jones. There was so much action in As the Shadow Rises that it could be marketed as an easy way to burn weight. I was out of breath and sweating the whole time. But can I just have a minute to talk about Ephyra and Illya's journey? Cause I was completely in love with everything. I'm not spoiling anything here. I'm just saying that if you like that kind of action (and not just one movie in particular, but some of each), then you will love their journey to pieces.

And it is fitting because this is you and the characters trying to get to the end with Pool throwing everything but the kitchen sink at you...

Themes

Themes were incredibly heavy in There Will Come a Darkness, but it didn't weigh it down. Not only did Pool build on them in As the Shadow Rises, but there were additions. We kept walking down the free will vs. destiny path while adding in acceptance (of yourself and others), ethics, and figuring that like Billy Joel says, just because you can see when you are wrong? You also need to see when you are right.

"You burned your Grace out deliberately?" His eyes roved over the Witness, taking in the scars. "Why?"

"To purify myself of its corruption," he answered. "And to prove that I am the most loyal of the Hierophant's followers... The flames destroyed me and remade me. I emerged from them brand-new, pure and whole at last."

Next up, you have grief, support and when does support become enabling? The idea of letting go because when you don't know how to let go, you can make things a whole lot worse. Also, atonement and forgiveness. For yourself, and for others. These themes didn't just stop at how we normally perceive them, but also the idea of grief when you lose pieces of yourself, or what you consider foundational parts of your life. Can faith save you? Can you maintain faith when something that was a core piece of is disrupted? And then that disruption is disrupted, and then twisted, and... well you get the idea.

Characters

Outside of Hassan (but I think that is set-up for the final book in The Age of Darkness), who's arc isn't as developed, our returning characters grow spectacularly. And as they should. They deserve it after everything Pool throws at them from the beginning of the book. Jude is battling self-doubt while having obstacles galore, secrets, and his feelings for Anton all being thrown at him, at once. Jude is fighting what everyone around him expects of him, what he expects of himself, and weighing it against what he actually wants for himself.  And if he even knows what that is, what it means, and if he is ok to think it.

Anton doesn't know how to handle his role as prophet, let alone that the only person he trusts is the person he isn't supposed to be with. Being the last prophet isn't easy. It isn't something anyone could be ready for and everyone, including Anton has no problem saying he ain't ready for it over and over again. But Anton has to find his feat for himself, for Jude, at times. And whether he is ready or not? He is the last prophet, and if he doesn't figure out all of what he was running from in There Will Come A Darkness, there is no hope.

Because they call them growing pains for a reason- good or bad- they hurt.

Ephyra is still fighting to keep her sister alive despite Beru making it perfectly clear that she doesn't want anything to do with that life anymore, nor Ephyra to be a part of murdering in her name. But still, Ephrya is chasing down the chalice that she discovers a map to at the end of There Will Come A Darkness in order to save Beru for good.

The best part of all of this? Through the character interactions, we often find out more about how each is growing than through their own. How Jude and Anton grow together tells us more than each apart. Illya and Ephyra's dynamic is strange, insane, and just out of nowhere refreshing. Also, some downright honest shit that I can't even get into because of spoilers. There is another pair but again... spoilers.

Dialogue

As if I haven't damn near gushed over Pool's brilliance enough, here's the thing. Among all this heaviness? There are some damn fine moments of dry-wit, sarcastic, out of nowhere, snotty-giggly-juice out of your nose moments throughout As the Shadow Rises. Towards the end, there is one part between two characters that was so damn funny and so unexpected I may go back to it a million times. And when the third book is out? I am going to have to talk about it just because I can't, now.

Also, on a general note, without spoilers. There are some damn fantastic moments of pure spit-fire honesty from characters when they start reuniting when they are just like:

...and they are catching up on not just--- you- as in you the person but you, the role they play in the plot. It is like everyone knows everyone but doesn't at the same time. Maybe that doesn't make sense now because I can't get specific but remember this, read it, and come back. Maybe, if I remember, I'll label this after the series is over or something because it would be HYSTERICAL.  OK. Fine. I think it would be hysterical.

Also, at one point, someone says (and I'm paraphrasing) ... you know what after everything I've heard today? I'm just gonna go with you on this. That completely reminded me of:

It was so perfect, so honest and real that I died. It was exactly what I was thinking in my head (again that is a complete paraphrase as to not spoil anything) but it was just perfect timing, right characters. I cackled. Also at the very beginning of the book, I would like to give Beru a standing ovation for this, which I'm going to quote:

"Oh, for Keric's sake," Beru muttered, pushing herself between them. "You might as well take out your dicks and measure them."

MA'AM.

Wrap-up/Ending/Summary

Frighteningly enough there is so much more I want to say or could say but I can't. Just. Read it. At the end of the day, it is just a complete mind bend. If you don't like it, throw it at me. I don't even care. It is worth you taking the chance. Katy Rose Pool deserves it. That's it. That's all I've got without spoilers.

What would your Grace be?

The Grace of Sight- Being able to sense and locate people could help do good in the world, I think.

What would happen to your Grace on PMS?

If people start disappearing from the earth... -_-

If you liked… You will like As the Shadow Rises

If you want to go darker/older, I want to say the Nevernight series (this is not an easy series to do this with so shaddup), if you want to go younger, I'd say Dark Shores/Dark Skies

Part of me also wants to say Ink in the Blood, just because ... I don't even know why.  I just do. Maybe Scavenge the Stars?

This was a great continuation to The Age of Darkness. Since it is a high fantasy I struggled a bit to keep up with everything going on and all the characters, but it was still very enjoyable. I thought the different POVs were interesting to read from but Jude and Anton were my favorite. I’m so excited to see how the series will be finished off with the next book, considering the crazy twist I have high expectations.

- “We must never give up on finding a home. Sometimes you must make one for yourself”
- “How?”
- You find something you want to come back to, and then you stay”

received an arc from netgalley for an honest review

oh my god... this book???
I really waited to read book one and two until now huh?... EVEN THOUGH I KNEW i would LOVE THEM?!? what’s wrong with me?? GOD!

Just like the first one, this was FULL of action and so FAST paced it made stopping reading to concentrate on classes so HARD!!!!

4.5 STARS


The end of the world begins indeed!

Picking up almost immediately after where we left off in There Will Come a Darkness, As the Shadow Rises is ready to explore the consequences of our POV characters' actions in the previous book. Everything they've learned, everything they've sacrificed is sliding into place in a greater scheme, even as it all unravels.

Jude and Anton must reckon with the Order and broken oaths. Hassan grapples with the damage to his beloved city, Nazirah. And as Beru searches for a way to escape her half-life entirely, Ephyra does everything in her power and then some to prevent it from coming to pass.

There are no easy choices. In this series, there never were.

"There's something dark inside of us."

I think what makes As the Shadow Rises so strong of a sequel is its commitment to bad choices. Not bad choices on the author's part, but bad choices from the characters. Though they have good intentions, even loving ones, their actions have consequences that ripple out into the wider reaches of Pelagos. And when their intentions are far from good?

Friends, I am fragile.

Truth be told, this feels like a section I should dedicate to Ephyra. The other four main characters mostly find their motivation in noble goals, or at least goals that seek to do more good than harm. And while Ephyra's quest is to save Beru's life, she's willing to do terrible things along the way. Unlike the other characters, she crosses lines so much more readily, and with much less deliberation. She will quite literally do anything for Beru, and it absolutely wrecks me.

Even worse? When she thinks she's out of options, she's as self-destructive as it gets. That, really, is what makes Ephyra my favorite character. Sometimes, she doesn't have an angle. Sometimes, she loses sight of her purpose. And when that happens, all hell breaks loose. It's a fantastic character study of what happens when a good character spirals out of control and knows they're making bad decisions, and it's intensely refreshing to read about.

And of course, the rest of the cast was a joy in so many ways. Anton and Jude remain a delightful duo even under pressure, Hassan is trying so hard to navigate life in Nazirah under the Hierophant's control, and Beru aims to do something right with her stolen life before her revenant body fails at last. But at the end of the day, Ephyra is absolutely my favorite, and a shining example of how to make a complex, flawed character worth rooting for.

As the Shadow Rises also excels in opening up the world of Pelagos!

Previously, with all the characters wandering Pallas Athos, we didn't get much of a chance to explore the wider world. Now, though, with everyone scattered to the winds in the wake of the Hierophant's actions in Nazirah, it's an entirely new place. I loved our trip further into the desert, both in the cities along the way and the landmarks in between. Glimpsing other cities and wonders, too, like the Floating Gardens labeled on the map, was a treat (though I'm biased toward this one because it's just such a beautiful concept)!

I do wish that the new supporting cast had half the charm of the expanded world, though. Really, I think this is the one part of As the Shadow Rises that didn't stick the landing. Ephyra in particular gets to accompany a new miniature cast, and in the end, I felt like a number of leads fell away where there could have been greater substance. I mean, if you're going to have characters withhold secrets, at least tie it in to the broader plot?

And if you're going to hand me a group of thieves, don't squander them, I'm begging you. Yes, this is about Parthenia and Numir, and no, I will not accept anything less than further backstory. I'm getting sapphic warrior/librarian vibes and refuse to back down. (Plus, Ephyra's initial reaction to Parthenia? Bi as hell. Please let her be bi.)

Anyway, that little drawback doesn't outweigh the enjoyment I got out of As the Shadow Rises, not by any means! It remains a fantastic series, and the new world-building really shines. The addition of new locales breathes life in the setting, and the added lore? The Relics?

Precisely my kind of thing. 👀

So, happy book birthday to As the Shadow Rises!

It's out on shelves now, so you no longer have to wait to see what these five teenage disasters are up to! And cut them some slack, will you? They're all under twenty and trying to intimidate a prophecy into going their way. Pretty bold of them, and damn exhausting, I'm sure. (Can you tell that I really just want to protect all five of them? 🥺)

If you loved There Will Come a Darkness, it's time to get to this sequel as soon as you can. Based on As the Shadow Rises alone, I think we're in for an absolute storm of a finale when the last book arrives...


CW: violence, gambling, loss of a loved one, suicide, human trafficking

[This review will go live on Hail & Well Read at 10 am EST on 9/1/20.]

AHHHH!!!!

This book was everything I'd hoped it would be and more!! I loved loved loved how this story progressed and I was riveted from the first page to the last. Ok...ok...I'll admit there were some POVs that didn't thrill me as much in this book as in the first - where I loved them all. In Shadow Rises, a couple were just a wee bit boring for me, but with how this story is formatted and how the POV swaps from chapter to chapter these slower sections did not quell my love of the story or lesson the pace of the book.

Shadow Rises further delves into the lore of this world and its faster paced than There Will Come a Darkness as much of the world building and character development aspects have already been established. It was so easy to get sucked into this world and I gasped a few times at some of the reveals. I raced through these pages knowing that I should try to savor them more as Book 3 is just a glimmer on the horizon and seems impossibly far away. This gang of misfit strangers must learn to trust one another in a world that has always betrayed them in one way or another. But if they fail to come together than the entire world and everything they've ever known is at stake.

Shadows Rise is a hard book to review as its book 2 in a series so can't say too much without giving the entire plot away. Just know that this book doesn't fall into the book 2 slump that's mostly filler and where not much is added to the story. Because there is a lot that happens and I am dying to see how it will all turn out in the third and final book.

Recommended for fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and Six of Crows Duology

This book! Oh my god this book was more than I expected. Similar to the first one, there are parts that you can see coming and then there are others where you’re like ‘what just happened?!’

The pacing was good throughout. Kept wanting to read more but life said no and that’s why it took me so long to read.

I loved that you get important information or something dramatic would happen at the end of each chapter only to switch to another perspective. Making you wait to find out what happened to the previous character.

A thing I didn’t enjoy was Beru’s and Ephyra’s relationship. I had to keep reminding myself they’re teens and follow their emotions and not rational thought. So that’s more on me than the writing.

The main downside is there’s going to be another book and I have to wait for that one to come out. 😭

I may need to reread the first one and take notes. The world building Pool built is insane, in a good way. So many different facts/Easter eggs in the first one that once you read the second one you have a realization. All the pieces come together.


I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read and really fell in love with There Will Come a Darkness last year, especially the characters. So I was super excited to join back up with the gang in this sequel! (To be wholly honest, I thought this was a duology. I have no idea why I thought that, but I did. It isn't, there is definitely a third book!) Anyway, I am going to get my only negative out of the way first: I did have a bit of trouble getting back into it, remembering who/what/where everyone was, etc. There are quite a few main characters, and they ended up all over the place, and I did struggle a little at the start. But it was totally worth it, because once I got into it, I really got into it!

The characters, as in the first book, are just the best. They are all so incredibly well-developed, with such complex personalities and story arcs, yet still it doesn't feel overwhelming. Their relationships with each other are equally complex, and so well done. I loved wondering who was going to meet up with who, and whether they'd fight or join forces!

As for the stakes, they're sky high. We learn in book one that there is a doomsday prophecy of sorts, and so you can imagine that everyone is on edge, and rightfully so. There are factions who want the prophecy to come to fruition, those who don't, and those who have their own agendas entirely. It's good stuff, especially when you grow to care about the characters so much that you can kind of see everyone's points of view. Makes for some awesome gray morality, which I love! And frankly, the whole thing was just plain entertaining!

Bottom Line: A very solid sequel that features all the characters we've grown to love, along with an exciting morally gray plot. Looking very forward to the next book!

Title: As the Shadow Rises
Author: Katy Rose Pool
Pub. Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: 3.75

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t really know how to convey my thoughts about this book.
On one hand, it was engaging, a quick read and enjoyable. It was fun being back with the cast of characters, and I liked how we explored their stories more, and how things are starting to really unfurl.
On the other hand, this book felt lacking. I don’t know if it’s because of how much I loved There Will Come Aa Darkness, the hype, or it’s just suffering from second book syndrome, but I just feel kind of ‘meh’ about it.

I liked the ending, and expected Katy to leave us with a mind-blowing cliffhanger that would leave us desperate for the third book. I’m for sure going to read it, but overall, this book just kind of left me a bit underwhelmed. I even sort of found myself wondering when it was going to be over. I hate saying that, because I absolutely loved TWCAD. It was one of my favorite reads of 2019. I stayed up all night reading it and it left me shook. I recommended it to everyone.

Overall, this book is good, it’s enjoyable and it’s a relatively quick read despite its length. I knocked it out in a handful of hours across a few days. But it just felt like we were biding time until the big final showdown.
There’s also a plot line that just felt kind of forced, and not really relevant and definitely anticlimactic. There are a lot of ships in this book – ranging from enemies to lovers and duty says I can’t have you, but damn do I want you – and I’m here for both of those things. Jude and Anton’s POVs are probs my fave, with Ephyra and her time with Illya coming in a close second. Hassan seemed unimportant in this book, his character felt out of place, and while I like Beru, I just didn’t really care.

Jude’s internal struggle is probably my favorite part of this book. He has the most personal growth, and I loved seeing him come to terms and be honest with himself. The moment he really, truly makes that decision, and seeing him come into himself – so good, so satisfying.

Like in TWCAD, Katy’s writing brings this world, these characters to life. Despite my overall feelings, there were moments that I was on the edge of my seat, wholly invested and feeling what the characters felt. The world came to life in my mind.

I know that sounds like a contradiction to “I just feel kind of ‘meh’ about it” but I it’s the truth. My thoughts and feelings about this book are so conflicted. I think it does suffer a little bit from second book syndrome, but I think, mainly, my expectations were so high, and I was looking forward to it so much, that it had no chance in hell of actually living up to them.

I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in book 3. I really think Katy is going to have us all on the edge of our seats, our minds blown and unable to process what’s going to happen. Something has been unleashed, and now it’s up to Ephrya, Anton, Jude, Hassan, Beru, Illya and Hector to figure out how to stop the Age of Darkness, but now they have contend with the fact that maybe the history they know, isn’t all that it seems.

Which might have been my favorite reveal in this book. I didn’t see it coming and it was a nice, shocking, pleasant surprise and I can’t wait to see how it’s going to impact everything – well, more than it already has.
If you read There Will Come AA Darkness, you’re going to want to pick this book up and find out what happens next. As the Shadow Rises is out September 1, so make sure you grab your copy!

Thank you Netgalley for the free eArc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really great continuation of There Will Come A Darkness! It was a little difficult to keep up with who is where, doing what, but if you read slow it’s easier to keep up. I absolutely adore Anton and Jude the most! I can't wait to see where the story goes from here!

This book took me a second to get into because it's been so long since I've read the first one, but the multiple POVs and the plot's adventurous intrigue made it pretty easy for me to become immersed in this world once again.

I really love the multiple POVs in this book. As in the first book, the characters were easily distinguishable and had their ups and downs. I liked seeing how everyone's paths would converge while reading their individual chapters. As much as I like the multiple POVs, I'll admit that most of the characters in this book seemed to lack the character development I felt in the first book. Jude and Anton's chapters have to be my favorites because they seemed to have this development and a very fast-paced storyline.

I really enjoyed the way the story developed. There were many twists in the plot and many questions left unanswered by the end. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! I love the world this author has created and can't wait to see where our characters go from here.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in return for a review! I'm so glad I got to finish right before it comes out!

I love this book perhaps even more than the first, which is usually a very difficult feat for a sequel.

I had to read this book in bits and pieces because of everything going on, but the thing I love most about the author's writing is that she leaves us in a place at the beginning of the chapters that make it easy to remember what has happened before it and what is currently going on. Even if a span of time has passed since the last time you picked it up, it is very easy to jump right back in.

What draws me constantly to this series in particular is the characters. I love the fact that we have multiple main characters, different perspectives, and the fact that it's done well. Multiple P.O.V.s can be difficult to manage.

But in this book we get to see familiar faces develop, we learn more about their wants and desires, and what drives them. Some characters go through a lot of change and others don't. I know this might upset some people, but as someone who teaches English, I understand the need for characters who are mostly static, as opposed to those who are dynamic. Each has a place in the story and help drive it and the plot forward. We also get to meet some new faces as well!

There was a lot to like, and once things get rolling, they go full steam ahead! This book was exciting and is difficult to put down! I adore the voices in each character and seeing where their desires lead them. I don't intend to spoil anything for those of you who will begin to read soon but it's great to finally see how everything becomes entwined here!

There are so many great things revealed, the worldbuilding is fantastic, there are surprises that just keep coming and so many fantastic themes. Hope versus despair, light vs dark, embracing your destiny vs fighting it, and what to do when you have to question all of your beliefs and reevaluate what is truly important in the end, even if it may bring about the end of the world.

I feel deeply for all these characters. I love them all for vastly different reasons, even if we can see that their determination and stubbornness may lead them down the wrong path. But I think Jude and Anton may have the number one spot in my heart.

I am already eagerly awaiting the next part. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

If you are wondering whether you should read this or not, the answer is a complete and unequivocal: YES.

As the Shadow Rises is like watching the reckoning of all the consequences from There Will Come a Darkness pass. Not THE Reckoning, but we watch the ripples of their actions spread out throughout the entire book. The conflicts of faith, of our heart, and the ethics which are tested. This sequel retains all the elements I loved from There Will Come a Darkness - like the emotional characters and multiple POV - and adds a whole new level as history begins to unravel. Are we sure that the world around us, the beliefs we hold dear to us, unfolded the way we were taught? Were our heroes not human too?

In As the Shadow Rises all our old enemies return back from our nightmares. It's a sequel of fear, power struggles in the void, and uncertainty in the shadow of change to come. It is action packed as allegiances change with the slightest breeze, everyone looking out for themselves. Some of my favorite characters ended up taking twists and turns I was NOT expecting. I loved watching the characters we thought we knew, be put through even more than they imagined, coming out the other side something else.