Author: Sherry Thomas
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Alternate History
Release Date: 16 September, 2014
Source: Balzer + Bray via Edelweiss
Goodreads
After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.Review by Nara
Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.
Not gonna lie, one of the main things that motivated me to start this series were the beautiful covers. I mean, seriously, look at the one for The Perilous Sea. DAT COVER. However, what kept me continuing with the series was obviously much more than just the covers. It was the strong female lead, the interesting and well thought out magic system, the action, the mystery, the slow burning romance- just to name a few.
This book was split into two timelines- the first was the "future/present" timeline, where both Iolanthe and Titus are in the Saharan desert for some unknown reason, and both have lost their memories. I couldn't quite remember what happened at the end of The Burning Sky, so initially, this timeline just confused me. But of course, we actually weren't supposed to have known what was going on- this was slowly revealed throughout the novel. The second timeline is the "past" timeline which has all the explanations (and both protagonists have intact memories).
Gah, the frustration in this book! In the "past" timeline, Titus makes some discoveries from his mother's diary that causes a few problems to arise with the romance. This takes some time to deal with, and the entire time, all I could think was "talk it out, people." Other than that though, the romance is seriously an adorable one, complete with snarky banter and all the feels.
OH MY GOD THE REVEALS IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THE BOOK. Just did not expect them at all. The worst thing is that I feel like I should have seen them coming. There were so damned many clues! I feel like I need to go over the book again to pick up on them all...
And can I just say, HOLY CLIFFHANGER. Seriously, what kind of ending is that, Ms Thomas?! If it was meant to make me want to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible, congratulations. You have succeeded.
Really liked it
Ratings
Overall: 8/10
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 5/5
