(Review #396)
4.8/5 stars for this YA fantasy, “Even The Darkest Stars” by Heather Fawcett. I’ll be starting the sequel immediately called, “All The Wandering Light.” Written in one point of view, the heroine is a strong, bad ass, ice-climbing expert.
Here’s my thoughts while reading:
Kamzin dreams of being an explorer and today may be her lucky day.
It’s rough that she and her sister don’t get along well and that her best friend doesn’t fully support or understand her goal.
For some reason her main goal of climbing the mountain isn’t resonating with me as much as I want it to, so I don’t care much. I need her to show me why climbing means so much… But when the possible romantic interested was introduced, I’m suddenly much more invested.
When they start their journey I’m glad she wants to protect her sister yet is also furious with her sister. This increases the sibling dynamic between them. Also, the possible love triangle is set up so may when the best friend may already have feelings for Kamzin. Who will she choose later on?
The idea that spells fade over time and need recast is brilliant.
The Fiangul creatures are written so well!
Chapter 9 -I’m starting to become more suspicious of River. There’s something he hasn’t told us.
At the halfway mark, the biggest thing I can say without spoilers is that I’m super excited about the fire demon.
Her sister is such a bitch… geez.
Kamzin wants to save her village so badly, but the author hasn’t shown her intense connection with her people. If the first chapter showed her bonding with neighbors more, it would be more believable.
So, I didn’t write any notes in the second half because I was too intrigued to pause. This book is very unique and stands out among other fantasy stories because of the weather elements and Mount Everest comparisons. I love the little creatures and the twist and how I felt on the edge of my seat watching a survival of the elements movie.
By the way, at the end, the title of the book makes no sense to me.