Emily Thiede

This Cursed Light

Ellie M.

What a story. I waited for so long and this SERVED. Truly such a spectacular conclusion to the story of The Last Finestra! Emily Thiede knew the hell she was doing when she gave this to us. I loved the creativity, lore, romance, and the action-packed writing of the first book but I didn’t expect to love a sequel so much because the banter, found family, and hilarious dynamics between the characters were absolutely enjoyable. Sadly, it has come to an end, but I will forever recommend how much of a beauty this duology is. I would pay so much money to read these books for the first time again. 

This messed with my feelings that I cannot put into words because it was that good, but I hope to get therapy <3

I absolutely adored the first one, and while my memory of it was a bit fuzzy, this book definitely weaves in reminders seamlessly, so I think both people who haven't read the first one in a long time and those who just picked it up right after finishing the first one will both be able to read it without feeling confused or bogged down.

This Cursed Light picks up several months after Divorando, and while Dante is physically healed, he still doesn't have his ghiotte powers which is impacting his mental state negatively. Meanwhile Alessa is dealing with the aftermath of touching a scarabeo and there's a darkness creeping in her mind. Dante's still seeing visions from Dea, so they gather the gang to find the ghiotte stronghold and fight the final battle against Crollo. 

This book is so good. I will say there's a lot of melodrama in here, but it makes sense and isn't pointless. There were a couple of miscommunication issues which are not my favorite. I love Alessa and Dante as a couple, and though Dante has softened, he still keeps that grumpy exterior we all know and love. Some of the quotes... I am a puddle of lovesick goo on the floor🫠

The gang is still great, the found family is strong here--they add needed levity to the whole "the world is ending" plotline. 

I called some of the twists and turns, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! Some reveals just didn't shock me as intended. 

My one pet peeve is that some of the language used is a bit too... modern? It felt a bit jarring to go from this land of no electricity and dresses and no technology to hear some descriptions that didn't fit with the implied time period. The ending was also a bit rushed, and I wanted to know if Kaleb and Alessa got a divorce/annulment? Was Dea giving them hints to save Alessa, or did that count as going against the terms of the bargain? Did Blaise live? Will Dante get some therapy? Will everyone get some therapy??

I cannot express how excited I was for this book, and the scream I scrumpt when I received this e-arc. I don't think this is a totally unbiased review because I really loved the first one! Regardless, I really loved this duology and it will always have a very special place in my heart.

Thank you so very, very much to Netgalley and the publisher for graciously allowing me to get my grubby little hands on this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

Holly

Official review:

I absolutely adored the first one, and while my memory of it was a bit fuzzy, this book definitely weaves in reminders seamlessly, so I think both people who haven't read the first one in a long time and those who just picked it up right after finishing the first one will both be able to read it without feeling confused or bogged down.

This Cursed Light picks up several months after Divorando, and while Dante is physically healed, he still doesn't have his ghiotte powers which is impacting his mental state negatively. Meanwhile Alessa is dealing with the aftermath of touching a scarabeo and there's a darkness creeping in her mind. Dante's still seeing visions from Dea, so they gather the gang to find the ghiotte stronghold and fight the final battle against Crollo. 

This book is so good. I will say there's a lot of melodrama in here, but it makes sense and isn't pointless. There were a couple of miscommunication issues which are not my favorite. I love Alessa and Dante as a couple, and though Dante has softened, he still keeps that grumpy exterior we all know and love. Some of the quotes... I am a puddle of lovesick goo on the floor🫠

The gang is still great, the found family is strong here--they add needed levity to the whole "the world is ending" plotline. 

I called some of the twists and turns, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! Some reveals just didn't shock me as intended. 

My one pet peeve is that some of the language used is a bit too... modern? It felt a bit jarring to go from this land of no electricity and dresses and no technology to hear some descriptions that didn't fit with the implied time period. The ending was also a bit rushed, and I wanted to know if Kaleb and Alessa got a divorce/annulment? Was Dea giving them hints to save Alessa, or did that count as going against the terms of the bargain? Did Blaise live? Will Dante get some therapy? Will everyone get some therapy??

I cannot express how excited I was for this book, and the scream I scrumpt when I received this e-arc. I don't think this is a totally unbiased review because I really loved the first one! Regardless, I really loved this duology and it will always have a very special place in my heart.

Thank you so very, very much to Netgalley and the publisher for graciously allowing me to get my grubby little hands on this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

This Cursed Light

Reviews