So I seriously had to take about two weeks to let this one sit. Don’t get me wrong, it was good. I really enjoyed it… but I absolutely adored the first one in this series. Like fell in love, head over heels, with the first one, Broken Wish. And I didn’t quite get the same magical feeling this time.
Zora is such a sweet character and I adore her very much, and the beginning has such a strong start. You’re vaulted straight into the story and learn something bad happened and no one is talking about it. As the book continues, you meet such lovely supporting characters. I really love Jo, she’s just super fun and sweet. Zora is still my favorite, but Jo is a close second. Then Phillip, phew, love, love, love!!!
Anyway, the writing is really great. One scene moves quickly to the next without losing the reader. I was entertained the whole time and I just had to see who Zora is going to end up with and how her story ends!! But, yes, there is a but… This is definitely not Elva’s story of magic, love, and betrayal. There was so much drama and so many things that I love about Elva’s portion of this saga. The magic does play a large role here, but I wasn’t lifted away in a fairytale. Which I’ll admit happened in the first one.
That’s seriously my only complaint and I know it’s just me. This was so very good and I was completely into the book and what was happening to who, when and where… I was just really anticipating a Broken Wish type of tale, and this didn’t quite hit the mark for me. But I wholly recommend this to YA readers who enjoy drama, some crazy magic, falling in love, and some great Black representation. Zora and Jo are two amazing young women who are Black and trying to make it in the era of segregation. Watch out, there is some violence in this one.
My point is, I loved it, not quite as much as Broken Wish, but I’m still waiting eagerly for the next book in this amazing series!!
Thank you so very much to NetGalley, Disney Publishing, and Dhonielle Clayton for letting me read this for my honest and unbiased opinion. Very much appreciated!!!!
#DisneyPublishing #ShatteredMidnight #DhonielleClayton #NetGalley #YoungAdult