(Image for book cover taken from the internet.)
Here we are, more dystopian, suspense, and definitely more romance!
It’s rare that I say this about a book where romance is only part of the main course / more of a side thing, but honestly, I think the romance might’ve been my favorite part of it all. Mellie and Friedrich are just so average and I just really enjoy watching them fumble through their relationship together, while at the same time growing closer to one another. I also enjoy the fact that the fumbling is realistic and not based on a whole bunch of fabricated drama and misunderstandings. MILD SPOILER: So cute that they're dating now!
Friedrich is still amazing, but I still like Mellie better as a character. Friedrich’s determination to protect others is admirable, but I think it verges on pride. He seems to think that if he makes all the right choices, then everyone will be saved. I’d like to see him realize that it’s wrong to assume that he is in control of those types of things, and to turn his loved ones over to God in faith that He will take care of them. He needs to realize that he is not in control of these things and stop blaming himself so much.
Aubra (the young mother mentioned in the blurb) definitely added a new twist. Just going to put it right out there, this book (and the person writing this review right here) are pro-life. If you can’t handle that, go ahead and leave.
That being said, it’s not depicted that being a mother, especially in the situation that Aubra is in, is an easy thing. The stress and anxiety of it is not down-played, and I appreciate that. Yes, we are pro-life, and killing a child is not the right answer, but we can’t forget that this is a tough situation to be in and that we must support both women and children in these situations.
As for plot, I didn’t like it as much as book 1 in this series, but it definitely kept things on edge. Karl is a PAIN. He just will not go away *wrinkles nose*. And of course he would be the particular source of all the angst and suspense in this particular book, which I’m sure he is quite proud of.
Oh, how could I nearly forget to mention that the switching between 1st and 3rd person is so cool! I meant to say that in my review of Midnight Will Come. Now, the switching could be jerky, but it’s not, Kristina pulls it off so that it’s fluid and it really works for this story.
So overall, a good romance / dystopian / suspense novel. Whatever it may have lacked plot wise for me, I think it made up for it in the romance department 😉 .
I was given a free copy of this book for honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much Kristina for letting me read this book despite my terribly late reviews! I look forward to the conclusion of this series, Shadows Close In.
Until the next review,
Abby