Other things I didn't say in my Goodread's review is that the author writes about stuff I don't think she has experienced. Like in the first book, her fight scenes are boring. The language the character's use (since written in first-person present) isn't congruent with the characters themselves. Since I don't feel the need to throw dirt on it, I will not be sharing this review to my social media. I'm sorry I did not like it and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read it.

GoodReads Review:

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. As this book is a sequel, I even went back to read the first book on Kindle Unlimited first to make sure I was fair and I didn't miss anything. My review on this book is very similar to the first one...it lacks heart, has a "show don't tell me" problem, the dialogue doesn't seem realistic, and the POVs are out of control.

Starting with the POVs, Mance, the FMC absorbs the power of every animal she kills. At the end of The Beasts we Bury, she ends up with her cousin's power where she can split herself into multiple physical beings based by emotions. For example, she split away her angry side and locked her in prison. This concept is fascinating to me, so I am very disappointed by the poor execution. Most of the chapters are told from one of Mance's personalities. So the story only crawls forward and gets confusing. Also, just like Mance and Silver's POVs don't really sound different, neither do Mance's personality POVs. Instead of telling me someone is poised or angry or happy, show me.

I do appreciate the title, how it connects to the first one, and how it makes sense with the story. I also love the cover art for both books. But ultimately, this book disappointed me. It is slow, lacks twists, and the plot and characters seemed forced. Which is a shame, because it was a great idea.

Rating: 1.5/5

My favorite quote is “We may not get to choose the beasts that our parents-that life buries in our hearts,” Mance continues. But we do get to choose the beasts we raise.” I loved this book as much as if not more than the first. The audiobook is so good. I highly recommended it.

Copied from Goodreads:

AHHHHHH THIS BOOK. This was such a satisfying and beautiful ending. I’m really happy with it. I was definitely stressing throughout the middle (SO MUCH CONFLICT) and I’m so grateful that the trope-y opportunities the author had weren’t taken. Instead, the book carried on in such a natural and thoughtful way that was so refreshing.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley, and I’m not being compensated for this review. All thoughts are entirely my own.

I was so fortunate to receive an eARC for this book after reading book one earlier in the year. D. L. Taylor writes such an interesting world with a very unique magic system where people must enter the Broken Citadel to gain magic, but this magic is twisted and dark.

This book takes place months after the events of book one and Mance and Silver are dealing with the aftermath of Mance’s father’s actions and Mance’s response to being Prime now that she’s defeated her father. Mance is grappling with her new powers and all the different aspects of herself while Silver is dealing with his feelings of inadequacy and struggling to see where he fits in everything beyond loving Mance. In dealing with their respective problems, Silver somewhat gets left in the dust as Mance has to deal with another obstacle, a proposal from another Prime.

This book tackles the topics and themes it is discussing so fantastically. Figuring out how to deal with the darker parts of oneself, the response to war and trauma, dealing with drowning in your insecurities. And seeing the different perspectives of the different sides of Mance was a brilliant choice.

Now here are my spoiler thoughts: Silver’s power being driven by fears and insecurities was such a genius way to have him sort through his insecurities. Livid saving the day and showing Mance that she is just as scared and Mance can’t lock up the “undesirable” parts of herself. Also hilarious that Livid was staying with Vie. I thought the reveal of the Prime being Ruin and releasing Mance’s father was so good. I also loved the resolution of the magic fueled by fear and trauma starting to heal itself by the magic users healing themselves was a perfect way to discuss grappling with trauma. And the magic only being corrupt because it was only used for power and war was such a brilliant way to talk about power as a whole.

Overall, I loved this book. The first book was five stars and this one is too! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my early copy!

The beasts we raise is the second book in this biology. I enjoyed the story and it held my attention . I especially loved the relationship between mace and silver . This was a wonderful Romantasy from the author. I went back to read the first book on kindle. This was my first time reading this author .

This is the second book in the Broken Citadel series and omg did it not disappoint. This book picked up right where the Beasts We Bury leaves off and I was once again hooked with Mance and Silvers journey. Without giving too much away we follow both characters as they uncover the truths behind generations of hatred and work to restore what was broken. Thank you so much to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

D.L. Taylor has done it again! I was completely captivated by The Beasts We Raise, the gripping conclusion to The Broken Citadel duology. Mancella's journey is both heart-wrenching and empowering, The concept of her splitting into different versions of herself was so unique and really added depth to her inner conflict.The dynamic between Mance and Silver continues to be electric, filled with tension, trust, and deep emotional resonance. Taylor's writing is immersive and evocative.It made it impossible for me to put the book down.
If you’re into dark romantasy with heart, angst, and a fierce heroine, this duology is 100% worth reading.

This is the second book in the broken citadel duology so reading this review might spoil the ending of the first book if you haven’t read it yet.
The story continues to follow Mance who can now split herself by emotion thanks to her new powers from the last book. The personalities are heart, livid, asset and poise. If she doesn’t want to feel one she can lock it out of her in a duplicate body of herself.
Much like the movie Inside Out, this book shows that every emotion especially the hard ones has a purpose.
I will say this book felt like a sharp turn from the first book. I was interested in the first book so much because of the unique magic pertaining to animals. This book focused a lot on her new power as she navigates her new role in the court and much less on the animals within her. It took a little getting used to but a great duology overall. There really has a great message in there about accepting all of yourself and facing your feelings instead of locking them out.

Had ne hooked in chapter one. I typically read a lot of fantasy and while every single one is different and special this one took the cake. Havent stopped thinking about it.

I have not had a lot of fantasy books in my reads yet but this one did not disappoint one bit at all! It was so eye-catching from the first chapter until the very end! I found myself seeing bits and pieces of myself in the characters. I could feel the inner battles that were going on and it wasn't just want was being said but also reading between the lines!