Booky

3.5 stars, rounded down.

If it weren't for Six of Crows, this novel wouldn't have been nearly as successful. That might sound obvious; It's a sequel. But this book relies far too much on its prequel's work. That was fine, for me, some of the time, but I often found myself bored. Much of the cast became static (especially Nina and Matthias), relying on back stories from the first novel.

Kaz and Inej, though. INEJ, one of my favourite heroines OF ALL TIME. She propelled me through until the end. And while I really think the novel needed more Kaz chapters (or at least some more of his introspection - the opportunity for some fantastic development was there), the development of their relationship was still worth waiting for. Even if it moved along at an excrutiating pace. And even if it was ridiculously tame.

The twist at the end, written to jerk my heart strings, made me feel nothing. I wish I had, but I think it's because there was little character development carried over from the first installment.

But still, this novel continued with characters that I loved - CLIMB, INEJ - and I still enjoyed my time spent with them. I'll take all I can get.