A Poison Dark and Drowning (Kingdom on Fire #2)

My Rating: 3.75 Stars

Because I gave the first book in the series 4 stars, I felt inclined to give this one just a bit of a lower rating. I liked it just a touch less than A Shadow Bright and Burning. Just a touch.

The first thing I feel I need to address is the romance. What the hell is Henrietta putting in the London water? How many attractive, interesting men will declare their love for her by the time the series ends? And most importantly: how can I make a similar potion so that the men in Houston will fall helplessly in love with me? Im sitting at home with cats writing a book review on a Saturday night, and this girl has half of Londons men swooning. But I digress

The romance was, admittedly, the most frustrating part of the novel for me. There are technically three romantic interests (though, upon reflection, I do believe there is a clear front runner). I just didnt feel any real chemistry in Henriettas relationships in this book. In A Shadow Bright and Burning, Magnus and Henrietta gave me goosebumps and butterflies. No such luck with Henriettas two suitors in this book. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks! If Cluess is planning what I think she is, I will be very content with the romance in book 3.

Romance aside, A Poison Dark and Drowning didnt disappoint in any other aspect. It was darker than the first novel and showed a lot of character growth: both in Henriettas relationships and within herself. With Magnus and Henriettas relationship strained, and her relationship with Blackwood becoming stronger, the group dynamic shifted in an interesting way. My favorite relationship in the book, however, was between Henrietta and Mickelmas. He was one of my favorite characters in book one and I was thrilled by his return.

Though this book contains no shocking betrayals, there is one unexpected twist. It did take me by surprise, but failed to shock me. I know that sounded kind of confusing so let me explain! As I was reading through it, I just kept thinking: Ah, that makes so much sense. A shocking twist wouldve had me thinking WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED? See the difference?

My Takeaway: The romance in this novel suffered a bit for me (Henrietta, Im patiently waiting for a love potion recipe), however, I believe I will like the direction Cluess is heading in. The action was as thrilling as ever, and there was never a dull moment. A Poison Dark and Drowning was definitely one of those books that kept me on the edge of my seat.

**spoilery**

Some of the reviews I read said this book wasn’t as good as the first. I actually felt this book was better than the first. You’re a little more settled into this world and how it works, you are a bit more familiar with the characters and the author kept the plot moving at a breakneck pace.

The stakes are higher here, Henrietta is a commended sorcerer who is pretending to be the chosen one and you can really feel that pressure on her to show some results. Poor Blackwood is the head of the household and there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders coming at him from every direction. Even Magnus, who is still fun and charismatic, seems to be feeling the heavy burden of war. Several times throughout reading I had to remind myself that these characters are 16-17 years old and they are handling the agony of war and societal demands quite well. The Henrietta/Blackwood “romantic” development was a bit out of left field for me, but it’s justification makes sense – poor Blackwood has never been able to be free and honest with anyone in his life until Henrietta comes along and that forms a deep bond that Henrietta didn’t even fully grasp. I really do feel sympathetic to these characters, the author has done a great job fleshing out the main characters and making them dynamic. Though I am a little worried Blackwood is going to let the authority go to his head…

I’m not usually surprised by developments in books because if you’re paying attention you can see something is about to happen, whether I know the exact thing or not, you know a twist is coming. In this book, I got shocked twice! The R’hlem/daddy reveal and Queen Mab’s deception and support of R’hlem got me. Both were shocking yet fit right into the story and kept that pace moving!

Overall, I really liked this book and definitely would recommend it. If you read the first book and were on the fence, this will bring it home.

I loved this book – the first one was a bit “out there” and crazy, and the second was equally so, but compelling in a weird way. I loved the characters – they are all really well written so you do get involved, and I think this author is interesting so I’m really looking forward to 3rd book.

Everything very good

I’ve had this book sat on my shelf since it came out – so when I saw someone I knew reading book 1 and enjoying it, I decided it was about time to pick up book 2. I really enjoyed this instalment and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

This book starts off where the previous left off. I liked the fact that not a lot of time had passed between the end of book 1 and the start of this one because there wasn’t a lot to catch up on. It was easy to remember what had previously happened so it was easy to follow.

Having said that, it took a little while for me to get into.I often felt that the beginning of the story felt a little disjointed and jarring in some places. I didn’t feel that the events joined together in a manner that flowed well for the first two chapters and it really affected the way in which I connected to the story and the characters in general. After a few chapters, the flow sorted itself out and it became easier to really get lost in the story and the characters.

Loved reconnecting with Blackwoods character. It was really interesting watching him develop throughout the book, whether it was good or bad. I liked watching the moments where he acted like his dad and how he handled it. In the first book, Blackwood was a relatively closed off character and I liked watching him begin toped umpire towards Henrietta and the connection that he felt toward her, even if she didn’t see it herself at the time. It was interesting watching his character develop – even if there were moments where he acted like his father.

I did find myself screaming at the characters. I wasn’t a huge Rook shipper, in either the first booker this book. I felt that Rook was more of a brotherly kind of character andI didn’t seem with Henrietta in any kind of romantic aspect… I just wanted to push him out of the picture.

I also enjoyed the fact that we got more of a backstory in this book. It was great to see how the monsters cam into the world ad how all of the characters were linked before Henrietta’s time. I liked the way in which the story started to come together, but in a way that kept the main elements of what we have already learned, but also introducing new elements to the backstory which kept it interesting.

I had guessed a major plot point before it had happened, but it didn’t detract from what had happened at the end and how it all came together. I liked the end and the way in which the characters and their connections really began to come to light and I am looking forward to seeing how things will continue in the next instalment.

All I all, I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward t the net instalment. I loved the plot and the character development in this bookend I am really looking forward to seeing how develops in the book – especially after the ending! I have this book 4/5 stars.

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