A ruthless young assassin continues her journey for revenge in this new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

Set in the world of Nevernight, which Publishers Weekly called “absorbing in its complexity and bold in its bloodiness,” Godsgrave will continue to thrill and satisfy fantasy fans everywhere.

“She'd grown up inside books. No matter how dark life became, shutting out the hurt was as easy as opening a cover. A child of murdered parents and a failed rebellion, she'd still walked in the boots of scholars and warriors, queens and conquerors.

The heavens grant us only one life, but through books, we live a thousand.” 

Gentlefriends, I am sHoOk. 

I wasn't really productive for the past few days, but I managed to finish Godsgrave after almost two weeks of procrastinating (that has nothing to do with the quality of this book I just had too many things to do and was really tired all the time). And I wasn't disappointed! 

Godsgrave continues the story of Mia Corvere 8 months after events that ended Nevernight happened. In the beginning there are two parallel stories, in fact, it is the same story but two different time periods. There is a main plot of Mia and her plan to sell herself in slavery in order to get a chance for revenge on Scaeva and Duomo. Along with usual narrative, there are retrospectives on how did she end up there. I didn’t like those retrospectives and constant interruptions at first, but I got used to it later and it became quite enjoyable after all, especially because of parallels and unexpected revelations. I must say it was very well written and easy to read.

Second installment of The Nevernight Chronicles is mostly about Mia trying to prove herself as gladiatii and fight her way through the biggest slavery fighting event – Venatus Magni. Although her plan sounds plain and simple- fight, win and kill Scaeva, there is surprisingly big number of things that could go wrong. Every time I thought Mia had clear passage towards her goal, there would be some unexpected obstacle. Or when I lost all hope in some character and everything seemed pretty much hopelessly, Kristoff would surprise me with another scheme or twist. This book is never boring and there is always something to look forward to or something to dread. 

I really liked path this story has taken. There was so many new characters and a whole perspective of Mia’s story has changed (and I have a feeling it is going to change even more). There is just a perfect amount of fight, revenge, politics and Darkin powers whose origin yet remains to be discovered. 

“You can keep the glory. I'm just here for the blood.” 

As in the first book there isn’t much travelling, which I don’t mind because happenings in Crow’s Nest were interesting enough, but I would like to read more about other places that are constantly mentioned. 

After long list of complaints about Nevernight’s writing style I was pleasantly surprised there was not one thing about it that vexed me in Godsgrave. There was no weird metaphors and I felt like the story itself flowed more naturally. I can’t point out any obvious changes in writing style (besides unduly use of metaphors), but I surely like the direction in which this book has taken. I got used to purple prose, more even, I started to like it (seriously, some parts left me with chills). 

I was more than pleasantly surprised with Mia’s character development. Actually, I wouldn’t call it development, more like reader’s discovering her inner depths and more of her character. Fearless assassin determined to avenge her family. Well, that sounds cool for a good story but if it’s all we get I wouldn’t call it some interesting or original MC. I did like Mia in Nevernight, but I actually started to SEE her in Godsgrave. 

“Conquer your fear, and you can conquer the world.” 

Two shadows taking her fear away from her, but when she needs them the most she has to fend for herself and deal with her demons alone… That and the fact that she isn’t ruthless like she seems are things that impressed me most. After all she’s done to accomplish her goal, I thought there will be nothing to stop her from accomplishing it, but Mia Corvere shows herself to be more than just a killer: she is loyal and full of love. I thought she would become boring and all-consumed with her revenge, but still she found ‘the bigger picture’ and *may be spoiler* did everything to save her friends. 

There is a lot of potential for the story with the origin of the Darkin and their powers. It is amazing how Mia takes the initiative to find answers to her heritage, not just accepts and neglects it. 

I liked romance in this book, first thing first, because it doesn’t take over the plot at all. *spoiler* I didn’t expect her and Ashlinn, but they are honestly really cute, but I liiiiittle bit rushed. 

Aside from love interests this book beautifully portrays friendship and love for family. Mia tries to convince herself all of them are just means to an end, but what do you have of vengeance if it leaves you with empty soul? 

“If Vengeance has a mother, her name is Patience.” 

Big cliffhanger. But I don’t mind. In fact, ending was amazing, because I really hoped Mia would get her revenge although it was unrealistic to expect her to get it before ending of the series. I really liked that after a lot of fighting there is politics and betrayal, ’bigger picture’ and all. This book left so many questions open that must be answered. 

*Spoilers for ending in following paragraph* 

Like, what is with the map? What does Sceava and Red Church really plan? What are Darkin? I don’t mean to brag, but I kind of predicted Luciano was Scaeva’s son/Mia’s brother, but I didn’t see Mia being his son coming. And last but not the least- Don Tric. I somehow knew he wasn’t dead, but I can’t evaluate the state he is in. I just hope there won’t be any weird love triangles in Darkdawn. 

“No. I hear you say the word, as if I sat in the room beside you. I see you, bent over the tome in your hand with a frown on your face and a curse on your lips, as if I were puddled in the shadow at your feet. The realization that there are no more pages is sinking in now. I hear it. I see it. No, you say again. What of Mia and Jonnen? Of Scaeva? Mercurio and Ashlinn and Tric? The secrets of the darkin? The Crown of the Moon? I promised ruins in her wake. Pale light glittering on waters that drank a city of bridges and bones. All these questions unanswered, and yet the book is at its end? No, you say. It cannot end like that. Fear not, little mortal. The song is not yet sung. This is but the calm before the crescendo. This tale is only two of three. Birth. And life. And death. So patience, gentlefriends. Patience. Close your eyes. Take my hand. And walk with me.” 

If you read Nevernight and have second thoughts about this one, you should definitely read it. It is so worth it. And if you haven’t rea Nevernight I suggest you start reading it because you have no idea what are you missing.