The Strength of A Sequel (or Two)

Everyone loves a good series, but I think we all know that sometimes there are certain books in our favorite series that just aren't as good when you judge the series as a whole. Normally the first book sets a very high bar, and the second book just doesn't measure up to the first. However I want to talk about the exact opposite today, these two books are both the second book in a trilogy, and I loved them considerably more than Book 1 of their respective series. I am talking about Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland and Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle. I will do my best to avoid major spoilers for both books.

I will start with Stranger Skies by Lacelle; this is a dark academia fantasy book with the magic being based on the phase of the moon and the tides which is super cool and unique. I first got into the series because of Wednesday on Netflix, I read Book 1 around the same time that Season 1 was on Netflix, and it totally gave off Nevermore vibes. Plus, the first book ended on such a cliffhanger, then when I got my hands on book 2, I was a little hesitant mostly because the book was huge. Also, it was leaning more towards Sci-fi as it introduced time travel. I usually don't like when this happens as I consider time travel in the middle of the series a total copout rather than have an original idea. Lacelle makes time travel work though!

The core four main characters all get a solid amount of character growth and the double cross at the end absolutely blew my mind. I cannot wait for the third and final book to come out in April, I need all my questions answered Ms. Lacelle!

Now as for Four Ruined Realms, this book completely changed my mind on the first book and the series as a whole. Now when I read Book 1, Five Broken Blades, I thought it was super cool premise about five assassins all trying to take down the same corrupt king. When I read the book though, oh my lord it was such a letdown. It focused more on the relationships of the main characters, and the main plot point did not even truly happen as it was halted by a plot twist. So, when I picked up Book 2, I had little to no expectations as I thought the second book was going to be "so bad its good", just like the first one. After reading Book 2 though I realize Book 1 was like the foundational setup for an amazing second title. In Realms I cared more about the characters and felt like I was along with them on their journey. The characters had depth, and the major character's death actually felt impactful because I had begun to care about them thanks to the groundwork Corland laid with Book 1. I am so excited to read the third and final book of the series, as it's been on my TBR for two months now.

Totally would recommend both series, and I will be posting my thoughts on both series as a whole once I finish them. Thanks for stopping by the Nest. :D