Just as in the first installment, Taylor's writing is fluid and stunning, and while I enjoyed but did not love SMOKE & BONE, BLOOD & STARLIGHT blew me away. It started out a bit slow for me, and then about 200p in I was hooked and could not stop reading. I have never been more invested in Karou and Akiva's story. Stakes are much higher in this novel, as we understand the magnitude of Akiva's acts at the end of book one, as well as what it means for all of Eretz: seraphim and chimera. My heart ached for these characters. Secondary ones were especially well-drawn. I adored Ziri. Thiago, the White Wolf, is as creepy and horrifying as ever. Zuzanna and Mik added a touch of humor and joy to an otherwise dark tale of war and bloodshed. I don't think I can do this novel justice. It simply needs to be read. 
 Originally posted here.