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Requiem Dark #2
City of Vicious Night
For the most hated crew on Requiem, the only way out is up.
It’s been four months since runaway heiress Asa crash-landed on the matriarchal outlaw colony Requiem, bringing a nasty AI and a host of deadly secrets with her. Now, she runs with her almost-girlfriend Riven’s smuggler crew, stealing kisses between gunfights and heists. But when a mysterious hacker sabotages their latest job, other gangs turn against them, blaming them for the destruction the rogue AI caused. Nowhere in the city is safe.
The only way to protect their crew is a series of trials for control of an underworld faction–and vying for a matriarch’s throne is a dream Riven can’t let go. But as the trials intensify, the saboteur hounds Asa and Riven’s every step, determined to kill Asa and right her father’s wrongs. When the saboteur reveals a horrific conspiracy threatening all of Requiem–one involving the crew member they thought they’d lost–the girls must decide whether to risk their own skins for a city that loathes them.
It’s been four months since runaway heiress Asa crash-landed on the matriarchal outlaw colony Requiem, bringing a nasty AI and a host of deadly secrets with her. Now, she runs with her almost-girlfriend Riven’s smuggler crew, stealing kisses between gunfights and heists. But when a mysterious hacker sabotages their latest job, other gangs turn against them, blaming them for the destruction the rogue AI caused. Nowhere in the city is safe.
The only way to protect their crew is a series of trials for control of an underworld faction–and vying for a matriarch’s throne is a dream Riven can’t let go. But as the trials intensify, the saboteur hounds Asa and Riven’s every step, determined to kill Asa and right her father’s wrongs. When the saboteur reveals a horrific conspiracy threatening all of Requiem–one involving the crew member they thought they’d lost–the girls must decide whether to risk their own skins for a city that loathes them.
456 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
About the author
Claire Winn
3 books154 followersClaire Winn spends her time immersed in other worlds—through LARP, video games, books, nerd conventions, and her own stories. Since graduating from Northwestern University, she’s worked as a legal writer and freelance editor. Aside from writing, she builds cosplay props and armor, tears up dance floors, and battles with boffer swords.
Her next book is CITY OF VICIOUS NIGHT (sequel to City of Shattered Light), a queer YA sci-fi adventure coming May 2023.
Her next book is CITY OF VICIOUS NIGHT (sequel to City of Shattered Light), a queer YA sci-fi adventure coming May 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 25, 2024
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you North Star Editions). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ World-building / Sci-fi vibe
✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Romance (FF)
🆗 Characters
🆗 Plot
Because they are now facing so many threats, Asa, Riven and her crew need to find a way to earn protection fast. The best way to do so, according to Riven, would be to participate in the upcoming competition to become a matriarch. If they win their spot, they would be protected and the bounty on their head wouldn’t mean anything anymore.
Honestly, I found this book boring. I remember enjoying the first one, the pace was good, the setting was refreshing, and the plot was engaging enough to keep me hooked, even though I do not read that many sci-fi books in general. This sequel was just bland.
There was some politics, as Asa and Riven’s crew are still trying to hide from Asa’s father, and basically everyone else as there is now a bounty on their head, but I can’t say that I was engaged in the plot. I skimmed some parts near the middle because it just got tedious and I struggled to remain focused on the story. The ideas were mostly good, but the execution in general was lacking. Some aspects of the story just seemed inconsequential too, and I kept on hoping that it would make more sense, or that I would finally understand how they were relevant, but there are still some parts of the story that seem pointless. I just wanted it to end so I can move on and read something more interesting.
Riven was also very frustrating in this book. She was impulsive, to begin with in the first book, but in this sequel, she just does whatever she wants to, without thinking about the consequences or how it affects others. She ended up putting her whole crew at risk many times, and still, she never got the results she wanted with her half-baked plans. She also seemed to be pretty self-centered at times, except of course when it came to romance. When it came to Asa, Riven decided to be a martyr and to stay away from her to protect her, although I fail to see how that will change anything, seeing as they are still living and traveling together as a crew. It was most probably a way for the author to add some drama to the story, but considering how little I cared about Riven, I was not involved in her romance with Asa. That being said, the romance did feel less forced than in the first book, so that’s good at least.
One relationship that I enjoyed more is Asa and Kaya’s. They get closer in this book, and I liked seeing their sisterly bond get stronger. Honestly, I don’t really know what else to say about this book. I had to force myself to continue reading it, not because it was bad, but because I didn’t care about the characters and the plot.
This book marks the end of this duology, but the ending is open enough for the author to continue this series with a new adventure if she chooses to do so. I do not think I will read any other book that might be released linked to this universe though, because I was disappointed and bored with this one. I am not the biggest fan of sci-fi (meaning that I am very picky when it comes to it), so maybe part of the problem here is me.
1. City of Shattered Light ⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Multiple POVs
✅ World-building / Sci-fi vibe
✅🆗 Pace
🆗 Romance (FF)
🆗 Characters
🆗 Plot
Because they are now facing so many threats, Asa, Riven and her crew need to find a way to earn protection fast. The best way to do so, according to Riven, would be to participate in the upcoming competition to become a matriarch. If they win their spot, they would be protected and the bounty on their head wouldn’t mean anything anymore.
Honestly, I found this book boring. I remember enjoying the first one, the pace was good, the setting was refreshing, and the plot was engaging enough to keep me hooked, even though I do not read that many sci-fi books in general. This sequel was just bland.
There was some politics, as Asa and Riven’s crew are still trying to hide from Asa’s father, and basically everyone else as there is now a bounty on their head, but I can’t say that I was engaged in the plot. I skimmed some parts near the middle because it just got tedious and I struggled to remain focused on the story. The ideas were mostly good, but the execution in general was lacking. Some aspects of the story just seemed inconsequential too, and I kept on hoping that it would make more sense, or that I would finally understand how they were relevant, but there are still some parts of the story that seem pointless. I just wanted it to end so I can move on and read something more interesting.
Riven was also very frustrating in this book. She was impulsive, to begin with in the first book, but in this sequel, she just does whatever she wants to, without thinking about the consequences or how it affects others. She ended up putting her whole crew at risk many times, and still, she never got the results she wanted with her half-baked plans. She also seemed to be pretty self-centered at times, except of course when it came to romance. When it came to Asa, Riven decided to be a martyr and to stay away from her to protect her, although I fail to see how that will change anything, seeing as they are still living and traveling together as a crew. It was most probably a way for the author to add some drama to the story, but considering how little I cared about Riven, I was not involved in her romance with Asa. That being said, the romance did feel less forced than in the first book, so that’s good at least.
One relationship that I enjoyed more is Asa and Kaya’s. They get closer in this book, and I liked seeing their sisterly bond get stronger. Honestly, I don’t really know what else to say about this book. I had to force myself to continue reading it, not because it was bad, but because I didn’t care about the characters and the plot.
This book marks the end of this duology, but the ending is open enough for the author to continue this series with a new adventure if she chooses to do so. I do not think I will read any other book that might be released linked to this universe though, because I was disappointed and bored with this one. I am not the biggest fan of sci-fi (meaning that I am very picky when it comes to it), so maybe part of the problem here is me.
1. City of Shattered Light ⭐⭐⭐.5
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October 7, 2022
Author’s note + content warnings below!
I’m so, so grateful to everyone who loved the first book and demanded a sequel. I'd always envisioned these characters' stories as two books, and here it is—a conclusion to a duology, but just open-ended enough for future adventures!
Writing this book felt like coming home. It’s a darker, slower-burn adventure than the first book, but with plenty of breakneck action and snark and kissing. If you love these things, get excited:
-crashing fancy parties
-queer found family who’ll kill for each other
-creepy cyberpunk brain-tech
-strange secrets beneath a dreamy, violent, labyrinthine city
-MOTORCYCLES?!
-deadly sapphic girls
-cinnamon buns in dire peril
-someone gave Riven a cyber-sword?! (it was Asa)
-matriarchal underworld politics
-cutthroat competition
-saboteurs in the shadows
-romantic angst
-more of your favorite bubblegum-pink bounty hunter
That said, there’s a few content warnings I think readers should be aware of. You can expect a similar level of tough content as the first book, including:
-mild blood/gore
-death (on-page and referenced)
-violence, including gun violence
-sexual content (including jokes and non-graphic scenes)
-strong language
-poverty
-body horror (including fungus)
-passing references to sexual assault and prostitution (none of MCs)
Overall 5/5 stars bc I love these disaster children and they’ve been through a lot!
I hope you’re ready, and I hope you love it almost as much as I do. <3
I’m so, so grateful to everyone who loved the first book and demanded a sequel. I'd always envisioned these characters' stories as two books, and here it is—a conclusion to a duology, but just open-ended enough for future adventures!
Writing this book felt like coming home. It’s a darker, slower-burn adventure than the first book, but with plenty of breakneck action and snark and kissing. If you love these things, get excited:
-crashing fancy parties
-queer found family who’ll kill for each other
-creepy cyberpunk brain-tech
-strange secrets beneath a dreamy, violent, labyrinthine city
-MOTORCYCLES?!
-deadly sapphic girls
-cinnamon buns in dire peril
-someone gave Riven a cyber-sword?! (it was Asa)
-matriarchal underworld politics
-cutthroat competition
-saboteurs in the shadows
-romantic angst
-more of your favorite bubblegum-pink bounty hunter
That said, there’s a few content warnings I think readers should be aware of. You can expect a similar level of tough content as the first book, including:
-mild blood/gore
-death (on-page and referenced)
-violence, including gun violence
-sexual content (including jokes and non-graphic scenes)
-strong language
-poverty
-body horror (including fungus)
-passing references to sexual assault and prostitution (none of MCs)
Overall 5/5 stars bc I love these disaster children and they’ve been through a lot!
I hope you’re ready, and I hope you love it almost as much as I do. <3
May 30, 2023
The Boomslang crew is closer than ever but still in danger. In the hopes of finally being safe, Riven suggests entering the trial to become the matriarch of the Rio Oscuro syndicate (read City of Shattered Light to find out why the syndicate needs a new boss). The trial has a cyberpunk Hunger Games feel. The gang has more enemies than just the other pretenders to the throne and if City of Vicious Night was a movie, there would be a lot of pew pew pew.
I love the energy and the worldbuilding in this series. The characters are growing, together and individually. Riven is more consistent than in the first book but hasn’t evolved much, whereas Asa is a much more complex and fascinating character. I still have the same issue as in book 1 with the characters’ age, they all feel a few years older than they’re written, if only because they’ve already had so many experiences in their shortish lives. But okay, it doesn’t matter too much. The many twists – some I saw coming, others were complete surprises – all make the story captivating and the pacing will keep you on your toes. The addition of Asa’s technomancer sister Kaya to the group gives it bonus nerd points and I hope we’ll get more of her in future books. There’s a novella coming out in the fall, titled One Last Midnight, that seems to centre on her and on the mystifying bounty hunter Morphett, and I’m looking forward to it.
Overall, I enjoyed this second book in the duology, slightly less than the first book – I find Riven frustrating – but enough that I hope there will be more books. The author kept the ending to this one open enough to allow for all sorts of adventures in the future.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
May 21, 2023
“It hit her how small and desperate they were, fighting to survive in the belly of a beast made of circuits and concrete. Where nothing was certain except the road beneath her and the tech at her command.”
Plot: 3/5
The premise of this sequel is loosely based around a competition where Riven is competing to become a matriarch. If she can do this, they’ll have protection from a new threat, Red Line, and Asa’s father. I think there was a lot going on and several different threats, it was hard to stay too invested in any plot line because none of them felt fully developed.
Characters: 3.5/5
TLDR; I like basically everyone except Riven.
Asa and her sister get a lot of depth added to their relationship. I loved the burgeoning interest between Ty and Kaya too, I think they made a really good match for each other. The other members of their crew are fairly strong as well. Though Samir kinda needed to make a decision and stick to it.
But ultimately Riven kept annoying me, she was absolutely thickheaded and really never EVER thought before doing anything. It constantly put everyone else at risk and never succeeded the way she wanted. I would have really liked to see some more character growth from her in this sequel.
Writing: 4/5
Claire Winn’s writing is neon. It’s sharp, easy to fall into, and filled with an eclectic energy that fits the sci-if genre really well. I think her style is very distinct and her handles multiple POV’s really well.
Overall: 3.5/5
It’s a bit of a bummer to come back to this series a year and a half later and realize I might not have loved it as much as I originally did. I still remember the original fondly but this sequel doesn’t totally hold up. I think this is because I’ve gotten very particular with my sci-if and this doesn’t quite have what I’m looking for anymore.
Plot: 3/5
The premise of this sequel is loosely based around a competition where Riven is competing to become a matriarch. If she can do this, they’ll have protection from a new threat, Red Line, and Asa’s father. I think there was a lot going on and several different threats, it was hard to stay too invested in any plot line because none of them felt fully developed.
Characters: 3.5/5
TLDR; I like basically everyone except Riven.
Asa and her sister get a lot of depth added to their relationship. I loved the burgeoning interest between Ty and Kaya too, I think they made a really good match for each other. The other members of their crew are fairly strong as well. Though Samir kinda needed to make a decision and stick to it.
But ultimately Riven kept annoying me, she was absolutely thickheaded and really never EVER thought before doing anything. It constantly put everyone else at risk and never succeeded the way she wanted. I would have really liked to see some more character growth from her in this sequel.
Writing: 4/5
Claire Winn’s writing is neon. It’s sharp, easy to fall into, and filled with an eclectic energy that fits the sci-if genre really well. I think her style is very distinct and her handles multiple POV’s really well.
Overall: 3.5/5
It’s a bit of a bummer to come back to this series a year and a half later and realize I might not have loved it as much as I originally did. I still remember the original fondly but this sequel doesn’t totally hold up. I think this is because I’ve gotten very particular with my sci-if and this doesn’t quite have what I’m looking for anymore.
June 30, 2023
THE FACT THAT I CAN'T READ THIS YET is a personal attack. I need 2023 to come asap, please and thank youuuu!
.
.
"The world was brighter through her eyes"
Here we are! City of Vicious Night was one of my most anticipated books since I finished City of Shattered Light back in 2021 and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!
If we got our heroes learning to fight together and stand together in the first installment of this duology, we saw them grow even closer in this sequel. With all the pain and hardship they went through, they stood together and learned how to talk to one another, to love one another and forgive even the gravest of mistakes.
I'm gonna keep the summary short so as not to spoil anyone who hasn't read book one yet, but basically, in CIty of Vicious Night we follow Riven and Asa and their crew on another deadly adventure that will put them in the running for the throne of one of the matriarchs - or lead to almost certain death. The story picks up a few months after the heart wrenching ending of COSL, when everyone is still hurting but also learning, slowly, to be okay again and to move on. On the other side of the universe, we have our "dead" boy, now captive to the horrifying and manipulative Almeida and used basically as a lab project. We follow two different storylines, both filled with pain but also hope that there is still a way out (even if it takes a while to get there, both for Ty and the rest of the dauntless squad).
I LOVE that we got to see the relationships in this found family deepen - from Asa and Riven of course (our beautiful star-crossed lovers. Also, in all seriousness, Riven is everyone's dream girl, not just Asa's, right? Right?), to Diego and Samir (we didn't see that much of them in the first book, but here they really shone and your honor, I love them), to Kaya and Asa being reunited again, determined to never be parted. I love all the love stories but also all the friendships - we got to see how Riven was with Emmett and Ty, how Samir joined their group, how Diego did and how the last two slowly fell for each other. I also loved Kaya interacting with everyone and forming friendships of her own despite the underlying tension and distrust due to her past.
The real show stealer however was the one and only Morphett. She was introduced as a certified villain in book one, but we learn of her anti-heroness in this book. Morphett works for what is good for Morphett and there is that and I STAN! She was amazing and I really hope Claire writes a spin-off or something like that for her! (also did I read that wrong or was Morpehett coded as asexual and aromantic?? HAPPINESS!!)
(also Zephyr aka the little doggo, my heart!!)
City of Vicious Night is an amazing read with a diverse set of characters (from their race to sexual orientation, physical disabilities, chronic pain rep, and more!) and exciting plot that also deals with important and heavy themes in a respectful and sensitive way. I loved going on another adventure with one of my favourite sets of characters and I honestly wouldn't mind it at all if Claire Winn decided to write six more books about them. This squad will be sorely missed.
Pick up this wonderful duology is you are looking for:
- a queer cast of characters
- space shenanigans and lots of close calls
- a ragtag team that would kill for each and every one of their members
- amazing sapphic main love story and an achilean side love story
Basically, just pick this amazing duology up already!
.
.
"The world was brighter through her eyes"
Here we are! City of Vicious Night was one of my most anticipated books since I finished City of Shattered Light back in 2021 and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!
If we got our heroes learning to fight together and stand together in the first installment of this duology, we saw them grow even closer in this sequel. With all the pain and hardship they went through, they stood together and learned how to talk to one another, to love one another and forgive even the gravest of mistakes.
I'm gonna keep the summary short so as not to spoil anyone who hasn't read book one yet, but basically, in CIty of Vicious Night we follow Riven and Asa and their crew on another deadly adventure that will put them in the running for the throne of one of the matriarchs - or lead to almost certain death. The story picks up a few months after the heart wrenching ending of COSL, when everyone is still hurting but also learning, slowly, to be okay again and to move on. On the other side of the universe, we have our "dead" boy, now captive to the horrifying and manipulative Almeida and used basically as a lab project. We follow two different storylines, both filled with pain but also hope that there is still a way out (even if it takes a while to get there, both for Ty and the rest of the dauntless squad).
I LOVE that we got to see the relationships in this found family deepen - from Asa and Riven of course (our beautiful star-crossed lovers. Also, in all seriousness, Riven is everyone's dream girl, not just Asa's, right? Right?), to Diego and Samir (we didn't see that much of them in the first book, but here they really shone and your honor, I love them), to Kaya and Asa being reunited again, determined to never be parted. I love all the love stories but also all the friendships - we got to see how Riven was with Emmett and Ty, how Samir joined their group, how Diego did and how the last two slowly fell for each other. I also loved Kaya interacting with everyone and forming friendships of her own despite the underlying tension and distrust due to her past.
The real show stealer however was the one and only Morphett. She was introduced as a certified villain in book one, but we learn of her anti-heroness in this book. Morphett works for what is good for Morphett and there is that and I STAN! She was amazing and I really hope Claire writes a spin-off or something like that for her! (also did I read that wrong or was Morpehett coded as asexual and aromantic?? HAPPINESS!!)
(also Zephyr aka the little doggo, my heart!!)
City of Vicious Night is an amazing read with a diverse set of characters (from their race to sexual orientation, physical disabilities, chronic pain rep, and more!) and exciting plot that also deals with important and heavy themes in a respectful and sensitive way. I loved going on another adventure with one of my favourite sets of characters and I honestly wouldn't mind it at all if Claire Winn decided to write six more books about them. This squad will be sorely missed.
Pick up this wonderful duology is you are looking for:
- a queer cast of characters
- space shenanigans and lots of close calls
- a ragtag team that would kill for each and every one of their members
- amazing sapphic main love story and an achilean side love story
Basically, just pick this amazing duology up already!
Want to read
June 25, 2022WE'RE GETTING A SEQUEL IM YODELING OUT MY WINDOW
May 17, 2023
Thank you to Flux Books for both an eARC and finished paperback in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.
I loved City of Shattered Light so much and this one was high on my TBR!
Nothing better than some space gays on a cloudy day. City of Vicious Night picks up with our crew immediately after the events of City of Shattered Light. They’re drained from their losses and trying to pull together a semblance of safety. But during a job, Asa becomes a target for a new enemy, Redline. When the crew finds out trials for the new Matriarch of Requiem are being held, they know the trials are the key to securing safety for them all. Now, they just need to be invited.
Book 2 in Requiem Dark is just as much a high octane adventure as book 1. And I know for sure because I just reread book 1 yesterday. The audiobook was so good. Anyway, I really enjoyed CoVN and loved the way the relationships in this book deepened. Plus the way everything resolves at the end!! Holy fuck. Loved it so much! There was an unlikely alliance for our crew and it was perhaps my favorite part of the book.
This one wraps things up pretty well, but there’s definitely more things that could be explored in the world. I, for one, wouldn’t be sad if there were more space adventures featuring Riven and Asa 👀. Regardless, I am forever a Claire Winn fan and I can’t wait for the next adventure!
Rep: Chronically ill white bisexual cis female MC, BIPOC (Asian coded, most likely Filipina) bisexual cis female MC, gay BIPOC male side characters (Western Asian coded), achillean BIPOC (Latino coded) cis male side character, aromantic cis female side with cybernetic implants, nonbinary side character, WLW side couple, queer normative world.
CWs (included in the book): violence, mild gore, blood, chronic/terminal illness, sexual content (brief, one scene), strong language, alcohol consumption and misuse, body horror including non-consensual experimentation of cybernetic implants, mental manipulation through simulations, threatened suicide, suicidal ideation, vomiting, gun violence, use of medical needles, fictional drug use, mild torture, mild references to poverty, sex work and sexual assault.
I loved City of Shattered Light so much and this one was high on my TBR!
Nothing better than some space gays on a cloudy day. City of Vicious Night picks up with our crew immediately after the events of City of Shattered Light. They’re drained from their losses and trying to pull together a semblance of safety. But during a job, Asa becomes a target for a new enemy, Redline. When the crew finds out trials for the new Matriarch of Requiem are being held, they know the trials are the key to securing safety for them all. Now, they just need to be invited.
Book 2 in Requiem Dark is just as much a high octane adventure as book 1. And I know for sure because I just reread book 1 yesterday. The audiobook was so good. Anyway, I really enjoyed CoVN and loved the way the relationships in this book deepened. Plus the way everything resolves at the end!! Holy fuck. Loved it so much! There was an unlikely alliance for our crew and it was perhaps my favorite part of the book.
This one wraps things up pretty well, but there’s definitely more things that could be explored in the world. I, for one, wouldn’t be sad if there were more space adventures featuring Riven and Asa 👀. Regardless, I am forever a Claire Winn fan and I can’t wait for the next adventure!
Rep: Chronically ill white bisexual cis female MC, BIPOC (Asian coded, most likely Filipina) bisexual cis female MC, gay BIPOC male side characters (Western Asian coded), achillean BIPOC (Latino coded) cis male side character, aromantic cis female side with cybernetic implants, nonbinary side character, WLW side couple, queer normative world.
CWs (included in the book): violence, mild gore, blood, chronic/terminal illness, sexual content (brief, one scene), strong language, alcohol consumption and misuse, body horror including non-consensual experimentation of cybernetic implants, mental manipulation through simulations, threatened suicide, suicidal ideation, vomiting, gun violence, use of medical needles, fictional drug use, mild torture, mild references to poverty, sex work and sexual assault.
September 24, 2023
Rep: Chronically ill white bisexual cis female MC, BIPOC (Portuguese spoken by Asa so I'm saying she's Portuguese) bisexual cis female MC, gay BIPOC male side characters (Western Asian coded), achillean BIPOC (Latino coded) cis male side character, aromantic cis female side with cybernetic implants, nonbinary side character, WLW side couple, queer normative world.
CWs (included in the book): violence, mild gore, blood, chronic/terminal illness, sexual content (brief, one scene), strong language, alcohol consumption and misuse, body horror including non-consensual experimentation of cybernetic implants, mental manipulation through simulations, threatened suicide, suicidal ideation, vomiting, gun violence, use of medical needles, fictional drug use, mild torture, mild references to poverty, sex work and sexual assault.
(above taken from Andy's review)
This was a fantastic sequel to City of Shattered Light.
It had as much action, intrigue, and amazing characters as the first. I loved seeing all of the Boomslang crew again, and what new hijinks they would get themselves into.
Also, people - remove the lesbian tag from your posts! This is a bi/bi book - stop the bisexual erasure!!
CWs (included in the book): violence, mild gore, blood, chronic/terminal illness, sexual content (brief, one scene), strong language, alcohol consumption and misuse, body horror including non-consensual experimentation of cybernetic implants, mental manipulation through simulations, threatened suicide, suicidal ideation, vomiting, gun violence, use of medical needles, fictional drug use, mild torture, mild references to poverty, sex work and sexual assault.
(above taken from Andy's review)
This was a fantastic sequel to City of Shattered Light.
It had as much action, intrigue, and amazing characters as the first. I loved seeing all of the Boomslang crew again, and what new hijinks they would get themselves into.
Also, people - remove the lesbian tag from your posts! This is a bi/bi book - stop the bisexual erasure!!
June 17, 2024
3.5/5 stars
this one slightly frustrates me more and some parts of the storyline felt like it wasn't as fleshed out, but it was still a fun fun story and i love kaya being part of the team 🫶🏽
this one slightly frustrates me more and some parts of the storyline felt like it wasn't as fleshed out, but it was still a fun fun story and i love kaya being part of the team 🫶🏽
August 7, 2023
Badass girls, sapphic & found family! Really good book.
February 13, 2023
"The world was brighter through her eyes"
Here we are! City of Vicious Night was one of my most anticipated books since I finished City of Shattered Light back in 2021 and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!
If we got our heroes learning to fight together and stand together in the first installment of this duology, we saw them grow even closer in this sequel. With all the pain and hardship they went through, they stood together and learned how to talk to one another, to love one another and forgive even the gravest of mistakes.
I'm gonna keep the summary short so as not to spoil anyone who hasn't read book one yet, but basically, in CIty of Vicious Night we follow Riven and Asa and their crew on another deadly adventure that will put them in the running for the throne of one of the matriarchs - or lead to almost certain death. The story picks up a few months after the heart wrenching ending of COSL, when everyone is still hurting but also learning, slowly, to be okay again and to move on. On the other side of the universe, we have our "dead" boy, now captive to the horrifying and manipulative Almeida and used basically as a lab project. We follow two different storylines, both filled with pain but also hope that there is still a way out (even if it takes a while to get there, both for Ty and the rest of the dauntless squad).
I LOVE that we got to see the relationships in this found family deepen - from Asa and Riven of course (our beautiful star-crossed lovers. Also, in all seriousness, Riven is everyone's dream girl, not just Asa's, right? Right?), to Diego and Samir (we didn't see that much of them in the first book, but here they really shone and your honor, I love them), to Kaya and Asa being reunited again, determined to never be parted. I love all the love stories but also all the friendships - we got to see how Riven was with Emmett and Ty, how Samir joined their group, how Diego did and how the last two slowly fell for each other. I also loved Kaya interacting with everyone and forming friendships of her own despite the underlying tension and distrust due to her past.
The real show stealer however was the one and only Morphett. She was introduced as a certified villain in book one, but we learn of her anti-heroness in this book. Morphett works for what is good for Morphett and there is that and I STAN! She was amazing and I really hope Claire writes a spin-off or something like that for her! (also did I read that wrong or was Morpehett coded as asexual and aromantic?? HAPPINESS!!)
(also Zephyr aka the little doggo, my heart!!)
City of Vicious Night is an amazing read with a diverse set of characters (from their race to sexual orientation, physical disabilities, chronic pain rep, and more!) and exciting plot that also deals with important and heavy themes in a respectful and sensitive way. I loved going on another adventure with one of my favourite sets of characters and I honestly wouldn't mind it at all if Claire Winn decided to write six more books about them. This squad will be sorely missed.
Pick up this wonderful duology is you are looking for:
- a queer cast of characters
- space shenanigans and lots of close calls
- a ragtag team that would kill for each and every one of their members
- amazing sapphic main love story and an achilean side love story
Basically, just pick this amazing duology up already!
Here we are! City of Vicious Night was one of my most anticipated books since I finished City of Shattered Light back in 2021 and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!
If we got our heroes learning to fight together and stand together in the first installment of this duology, we saw them grow even closer in this sequel. With all the pain and hardship they went through, they stood together and learned how to talk to one another, to love one another and forgive even the gravest of mistakes.
I'm gonna keep the summary short so as not to spoil anyone who hasn't read book one yet, but basically, in CIty of Vicious Night we follow Riven and Asa and their crew on another deadly adventure that will put them in the running for the throne of one of the matriarchs - or lead to almost certain death. The story picks up a few months after the heart wrenching ending of COSL, when everyone is still hurting but also learning, slowly, to be okay again and to move on. On the other side of the universe, we have our "dead" boy, now captive to the horrifying and manipulative Almeida and used basically as a lab project. We follow two different storylines, both filled with pain but also hope that there is still a way out (even if it takes a while to get there, both for Ty and the rest of the dauntless squad).
I LOVE that we got to see the relationships in this found family deepen - from Asa and Riven of course (our beautiful star-crossed lovers. Also, in all seriousness, Riven is everyone's dream girl, not just Asa's, right? Right?), to Diego and Samir (we didn't see that much of them in the first book, but here they really shone and your honor, I love them), to Kaya and Asa being reunited again, determined to never be parted. I love all the love stories but also all the friendships - we got to see how Riven was with Emmett and Ty, how Samir joined their group, how Diego did and how the last two slowly fell for each other. I also loved Kaya interacting with everyone and forming friendships of her own despite the underlying tension and distrust due to her past.
The real show stealer however was the one and only Morphett. She was introduced as a certified villain in book one, but we learn of her anti-heroness in this book. Morphett works for what is good for Morphett and there is that and I STAN! She was amazing and I really hope Claire writes a spin-off or something like that for her! (also did I read that wrong or was Morpehett coded as asexual and aromantic?? HAPPINESS!!)
(also Zephyr aka the little doggo, my heart!!)
City of Vicious Night is an amazing read with a diverse set of characters (from their race to sexual orientation, physical disabilities, chronic pain rep, and more!) and exciting plot that also deals with important and heavy themes in a respectful and sensitive way. I loved going on another adventure with one of my favourite sets of characters and I honestly wouldn't mind it at all if Claire Winn decided to write six more books about them. This squad will be sorely missed.
Pick up this wonderful duology is you are looking for:
- a queer cast of characters
- space shenanigans and lots of close calls
- a ragtag team that would kill for each and every one of their members
- amazing sapphic main love story and an achilean side love story
Basically, just pick this amazing duology up already!
December 31, 2022
The perfect sequel to City of Shattered Light! The only thing I loved more than the AI, cybernetics, and space ships was Riven and Asa and their gang. I loved how they grew as characters since the first book, and how they challenged and supported each other. Highly recommended if you like fast paced sci-fi with heart.
January 16, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Minor spoilers ahead.
We pick up with Riven, Asa and the gang about 4 months after the end of book 1. They are just trying to scrap by when a new threat arises, someone named Redline. Redline has it out for Asa and is telling all of Requiem that she is responsible for the Banshee issue. This puts a huge target on Asa and the only option they have is to join the trial to have Riven become a matriarch. Chaos and drama ensues, old enemies become allies and the gang realizes Luca Almeida isn't done with them. There are twists and surprises along the way in this fast paced sequel. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Minor spoilers ahead.
We pick up with Riven, Asa and the gang about 4 months after the end of book 1. They are just trying to scrap by when a new threat arises, someone named Redline. Redline has it out for Asa and is telling all of Requiem that she is responsible for the Banshee issue. This puts a huge target on Asa and the only option they have is to join the trial to have Riven become a matriarch. Chaos and drama ensues, old enemies become allies and the gang realizes Luca Almeida isn't done with them. There are twists and surprises along the way in this fast paced sequel. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
April 3, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my full review on my blog, thisbellereadstoo
review
With the current state of the world in Requiem and having a huge corporation ferreting out the group, Riven, and her friends are constantly in danger. Losing the protection of a wider organization, the team is left without any safeguard. Nowhere is safe but the Boomslang Faction needs to defend its own. Asa and Kaya’s father is searching for them and they are a key part of his plans to control the minds of the masses.
Someone is after Asa which meant someone is after the crew. The threat of being caught is gaining up on them but the group is trapped in Requiem with no way of leaving. Guilt-ridden for the death of Ty and taking responsibility for the bad things that happened, Riven is just lost. The Ascension Trial might just ensure all of their safety… and more.
Riven and Asa’s feelings might be deepening but it doesn’t mean that the former is willing to let anything develop further than that. Knowing that she might die anytime soon, Riven is afraid of promising Asa the future even though Asa doesn’t care. Although the rest of the team is finding the cure for Riven’s illness, she doesn’t think it’s worth it. Not when their survival is in question. However, she would do anything in her power to retrieve or save any member if they were to be at risk.
In the City of Vicious Night, the group is pretty close knitted but they do have their own problems. While they do have conflicting viewpoints, they ultimately stuck with each other. The dynamics within this found family felt realistic. There are ups and downs in the relationships which also made their concerns more believable. The world of cybernetics in Requiem gave the exploration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and enhanced mechanisms added to human features. This was one of the aspects of the duology that I was looking forward to diving into.
Overall, the duology ended with a good conclusion! There was no knowing who would survive until the final moment. City of Shattered Light was still standalone when the publication was first announced and I’m glad that Claire Winn expanded it beyond one.
Check out my full review on my blog, thisbellereadstoo
review
With the current state of the world in Requiem and having a huge corporation ferreting out the group, Riven, and her friends are constantly in danger. Losing the protection of a wider organization, the team is left without any safeguard. Nowhere is safe but the Boomslang Faction needs to defend its own. Asa and Kaya’s father is searching for them and they are a key part of his plans to control the minds of the masses.
Someone is after Asa which meant someone is after the crew. The threat of being caught is gaining up on them but the group is trapped in Requiem with no way of leaving. Guilt-ridden for the death of Ty and taking responsibility for the bad things that happened, Riven is just lost. The Ascension Trial might just ensure all of their safety… and more.
Riven and Asa’s feelings might be deepening but it doesn’t mean that the former is willing to let anything develop further than that. Knowing that she might die anytime soon, Riven is afraid of promising Asa the future even though Asa doesn’t care. Although the rest of the team is finding the cure for Riven’s illness, she doesn’t think it’s worth it. Not when their survival is in question. However, she would do anything in her power to retrieve or save any member if they were to be at risk.
In the City of Vicious Night, the group is pretty close knitted but they do have their own problems. While they do have conflicting viewpoints, they ultimately stuck with each other. The dynamics within this found family felt realistic. There are ups and downs in the relationships which also made their concerns more believable. The world of cybernetics in Requiem gave the exploration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and enhanced mechanisms added to human features. This was one of the aspects of the duology that I was looking forward to diving into.
Overall, the duology ended with a good conclusion! There was no knowing who would survive until the final moment. City of Shattered Light was still standalone when the publication was first announced and I’m glad that Claire Winn expanded it beyond one.
December 27, 2022
What another amazing adventure with the Boomslang Faction! I want to start off this review with a huge thank NetGalley and Ms. Winn for allowing me to read the book before publish. It was an absolute pleasure of a read and it was amazing to get my Boomslang fix before the May release date.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this second adventure on Requiem. City of Vicious Night, as expected, threw the reader right into action with the introduction of my favorite villain of the series; RedLine. What an absolutely awesome villain. Something about their all-see presence was a constant shroud of uncertainty over the gang. It gave me the feeling of being watched, making me read more and more between the lines for where RedLine might be hiding. The introduction of this character was also very satisfying - "While this girl is his heir - I am his antithesis." I mean, what a cool phrase, am I right?!
On the same vein of the new character, Ms. Winn continues to create characters who are very much autonomous. Their actions, decisions, thoughts, and reactions are all 1000% what the character would do. It felt so authentic, reading through their responses to each and every obstacle. The author did an amazing job of giving her characters a voice while keeping hers out.
I also really loved the return to Yllath. After the ending of the previous book I was wondering what happened to them. Having them present and helping Ty, while unexpected with the lack of ulterior motive, was a good way to progress Ty's time in the lab.
Ultimately, this sequel did City of Shattered Light justice. It was absolutely a worthy successor and will likely be a great hit once it hits the shelf.
I did, however, have to give this book a 4 star rating for a few reasons. While keeping it high level, I did not personally connect with the main relationship with the novel. As well, there were some subplots I didn't personally connect with. But, as noted in the previous two sentences, these are personal preferences and the book is otherwise wonderful and a great read!
I once again want to thank those involved for helping me get a copy of this book early. It was an awesome way to round out my reading for this year and I am very excited to see what this author does next.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this second adventure on Requiem. City of Vicious Night, as expected, threw the reader right into action with the introduction of my favorite villain of the series; RedLine. What an absolutely awesome villain. Something about their all-see presence was a constant shroud of uncertainty over the gang. It gave me the feeling of being watched, making me read more and more between the lines for where RedLine might be hiding. The introduction of this character was also very satisfying - "While this girl is his heir - I am his antithesis." I mean, what a cool phrase, am I right?!
On the same vein of the new character, Ms. Winn continues to create characters who are very much autonomous. Their actions, decisions, thoughts, and reactions are all 1000% what the character would do. It felt so authentic, reading through their responses to each and every obstacle. The author did an amazing job of giving her characters a voice while keeping hers out.
I also really loved the return to Yllath. After the ending of the previous book I was wondering what happened to them. Having them present and helping Ty, while unexpected with the lack of ulterior motive, was a good way to progress Ty's time in the lab.
Ultimately, this sequel did City of Shattered Light justice. It was absolutely a worthy successor and will likely be a great hit once it hits the shelf.
I did, however, have to give this book a 4 star rating for a few reasons. While keeping it high level, I did not personally connect with the main relationship with the novel. As well, there were some subplots I didn't personally connect with. But, as noted in the previous two sentences, these are personal preferences and the book is otherwise wonderful and a great read!
I once again want to thank those involved for helping me get a copy of this book early. It was an awesome way to round out my reading for this year and I am very excited to see what this author does next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"City of Vicious Night" by Claire Winn takes us on another adventure with Boomslang Faction full of unexpected twists that threaten the lives of the main characters practically on daily basis.
My rating: 5/5
Read the full review here: https://nikasreviews.wordpress.com/20...
"City of Vicious Night" by Claire Winn takes us on another adventure with Boomslang Faction full of unexpected twists that threaten the lives of the main characters practically on daily basis.
My rating: 5/5
Read the full review here: https://nikasreviews.wordpress.com/20...
December 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Flux, and of course the talented Claire Winn for sharing a digital ARC.
As with the first book, City of Shattered Light, I had the distinct privilege of seeing this book come together and I'm happy to report, it definitely delivers the goods, as well as successfully creates a sequel that not only builds upon book one, but actually surpasses it in both story but in fun.
Reeling from the fallout on Requiem, Riven, Asa, and the rest of the surviving crew become embroiled in another cybertastic attack, this time from someone with a personal vendetta against Asa's family. With all of Requiem thinking the crew are responsible for the AI in book one, they become marked pariahs, even outcast by the matriarchs. But opportunity knocks as the matriarchs prepare a trial to add to their ranks. If Riven and Asa can succeed, they might not only survive to the next dawn but also see all their problems resolved. Old friends return and old nemeses rear their bubble-gum-chomping heads in this action-packed adventure where a lot of blood is spilled, some hearts broken in the process.
It's pretty obvious that Claire Winn loves this fully immersive world as the expansion she displays in this sequel is in full effect. We get more backstory about the alien race on this bass thumping moon. We see more gritty underbelly activities of the matriarchs. We get a deeper dive into Asa's father's evil plans (from a returning character no less), but we also get a violent trial. Who doesn't love a trial where a bullet-happy-gungslinging character like Riven can't pop off a hundred rounds.
Although the trial is the overarching plot point, it's not the sole focus, and I think that was the smart choice here. And there are a number of ways these tropes are twisted enough to keep us on our toes, one excellent example is through a shocking character death I hadn't seen coming. There are also a number of potential antagonists so we never truly know who might be the ultimate bad.
The pace of the book matches the first, a mad dash to the finish. That said, we aren't given underbaked characters because weaved into the breakneck speed are moments of true character growth. And not just for main characters Riven and Asa (who do go through a gamut of emotional and physical tests). The rest of the crew are given their moments to shine in the neon glow of this corrupt moon. We also are treated to a third POV character who is apart from the main crew for the majority of the book, which serves as a way to expand this book's world.
If there are any criticisms, they are very very minor and reflect this particular reader's preferences, defintely nothing to derail this bullet train of a story.
All in all, this book neatly ties up at the end while allowing for potential future stories to be told. An excellent sci-fi read, highly recommend if you like cyber hackers, AI tech, gun-happy angry girls, underworld trials, and enough destroyed mechs to build a starship.
As with the first book, City of Shattered Light, I had the distinct privilege of seeing this book come together and I'm happy to report, it definitely delivers the goods, as well as successfully creates a sequel that not only builds upon book one, but actually surpasses it in both story but in fun.
Reeling from the fallout on Requiem, Riven, Asa, and the rest of the surviving crew become embroiled in another cybertastic attack, this time from someone with a personal vendetta against Asa's family. With all of Requiem thinking the crew are responsible for the AI in book one, they become marked pariahs, even outcast by the matriarchs. But opportunity knocks as the matriarchs prepare a trial to add to their ranks. If Riven and Asa can succeed, they might not only survive to the next dawn but also see all their problems resolved. Old friends return and old nemeses rear their bubble-gum-chomping heads in this action-packed adventure where a lot of blood is spilled, some hearts broken in the process.
It's pretty obvious that Claire Winn loves this fully immersive world as the expansion she displays in this sequel is in full effect. We get more backstory about the alien race on this bass thumping moon. We see more gritty underbelly activities of the matriarchs. We get a deeper dive into Asa's father's evil plans (from a returning character no less), but we also get a violent trial. Who doesn't love a trial where a bullet-happy-gungslinging character like Riven can't pop off a hundred rounds.
Although the trial is the overarching plot point, it's not the sole focus, and I think that was the smart choice here. And there are a number of ways these tropes are twisted enough to keep us on our toes, one excellent example is through a shocking character death I hadn't seen coming. There are also a number of potential antagonists so we never truly know who might be the ultimate bad.
The pace of the book matches the first, a mad dash to the finish. That said, we aren't given underbaked characters because weaved into the breakneck speed are moments of true character growth. And not just for main characters Riven and Asa (who do go through a gamut of emotional and physical tests). The rest of the crew are given their moments to shine in the neon glow of this corrupt moon. We also are treated to a third POV character who is apart from the main crew for the majority of the book, which serves as a way to expand this book's world.
If there are any criticisms, they are very very minor and reflect this particular reader's preferences, defintely nothing to derail this bullet train of a story.
All in all, this book neatly ties up at the end while allowing for potential future stories to be told. An excellent sci-fi read, highly recommend if you like cyber hackers, AI tech, gun-happy angry girls, underworld trials, and enough destroyed mechs to build a starship.
March 12, 2023
4.25 stars
TW: Alcohol Abuse, Blood/Gore, Body Horror, Death, Drug Use, Human Experimentation, passing references to Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation, Violence (Combat, Gun)
After the previous events in City of Shattered Light, Riven, Asa and the gang are working for Requiem’s crime syndicate and nursing their wounds. The crew jumps on the opportunity to compete in deadly trials to take over a crime sector, but an unknown hacker threatens to take them down before they can even compete and save each other, let alone their city.
Just like the first in the series, this sequel is action-packed from the get-go. We are thrown into another crazy story where everything is on the line, and danger is lurking around every corner. You really feel the stakes, and all of the characters have something to lose…you get caught up in politics, twists and betrayals that expose unlikely alliances and shed light on their past mistakes.
There were a few things that this sequel actually did better than the first story in the series! The romances and friendships were much more fleshed out and believable (for all of the characters with love interests, especially). We got more clarity in these relationships, and they worked out for the better, IMO. I felt the character development more in this novel, and felt more for their interpersonal relationships in general.
However, my lack of 5 stars lies in the matriarch competition, which was much too confusing for me to understand. I would go back and re-read passages to further understand how the competition worked, but it never clicked for me. I loved the idea of this competition, but the execution was confusing and a bit lackluster. I much prefer the other plot (which I shall keep secret!). That was super compelling, and I wanted more. I think the first novel did plot really well, and the second novel built on the relationships better.
I think this sequel was more dark and dangerous than the first, so expect a bumpy ride, and hopefully you'll make it out alive ;)
YA Sci-fi Reads: https://youtu.be/cddSq8PPvFE
TW: Alcohol Abuse, Blood/Gore, Body Horror, Death, Drug Use, Human Experimentation, passing references to Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation, Violence (Combat, Gun)
After the previous events in City of Shattered Light, Riven, Asa and the gang are working for Requiem’s crime syndicate and nursing their wounds. The crew jumps on the opportunity to compete in deadly trials to take over a crime sector, but an unknown hacker threatens to take them down before they can even compete and save each other, let alone their city.
Just like the first in the series, this sequel is action-packed from the get-go. We are thrown into another crazy story where everything is on the line, and danger is lurking around every corner. You really feel the stakes, and all of the characters have something to lose…you get caught up in politics, twists and betrayals that expose unlikely alliances and shed light on their past mistakes.
There were a few things that this sequel actually did better than the first story in the series! The romances and friendships were much more fleshed out and believable (for all of the characters with love interests, especially). We got more clarity in these relationships, and they worked out for the better, IMO. I felt the character development more in this novel, and felt more for their interpersonal relationships in general.
However, my lack of 5 stars lies in the matriarch competition, which was much too confusing for me to understand. I would go back and re-read passages to further understand how the competition worked, but it never clicked for me. I loved the idea of this competition, but the execution was confusing and a bit lackluster. I much prefer the other plot (which I shall keep secret!). That was super compelling, and I wanted more. I think the first novel did plot really well, and the second novel built on the relationships better.
I think this sequel was more dark and dangerous than the first, so expect a bumpy ride, and hopefully you'll make it out alive ;)
YA Sci-fi Reads: https://youtu.be/cddSq8PPvFE
February 9, 2023
I was excited but nervous for this sequel. I did enjoy the first book but I did have a few problems and that made me nervous the problems would transfer onto the sequel. Thankfully, a lot of my worries evaporated by the halfway mark.
My biggest problem with the first book was how predictable it was. I don’t mind predictability, that is a common characteristic in fiction. Not everything needs to have five million plot twists and have the readers beyond lost. My issue comes in when I was losing interest because I felt like I already knew what was going to happen. Readers keep reading to find out what happens but already knowing what happens loses the appeal to continue. So I was beyond terrified the sequel would have this. The shock that went through my body at realizing this wouldn’t be the case was insane. I was not prepared to be blown away.
The first half of the story moved a little slowly but I wasn’t too upset because there was a lot going on and moving too fast would’ve blurred everything together. When the story picked up at the 52% mark I was extremely pleased. The plot was really thickening and it held my interested. I fell in love with a character at this marker as well. It was perfect.
When I read series there’s always that chance of inconsistencies from book to book. Characters will suddenly develop differently or details will go haywire that change things in dramatic ways. That always drives me nuts and I was fully prepared for this sequel to do that. I was prepared to look away during moments but phew did I eat my words. This was easily one of the most consistent sequels I’ve read. The characters had development that didn’t change their characteristics. They stayed true to who they are as a person. There was also a perfect balance of including past characters to the story while giving new characters. Finishing off the old storyline while effectively creating a new one.
Overall, I was immensely surprised and impressed by how well this sequel was. The found family aspect really had me rooting for everyone, especially since we had Ty’s pov. He is family even if he wasn’t there for a second. The character that got roped into the family has a special place in my heart. She is cold and ruthless and I truly fell in love. Gays in space, truly couldn’t get better than that.
My biggest problem with the first book was how predictable it was. I don’t mind predictability, that is a common characteristic in fiction. Not everything needs to have five million plot twists and have the readers beyond lost. My issue comes in when I was losing interest because I felt like I already knew what was going to happen. Readers keep reading to find out what happens but already knowing what happens loses the appeal to continue. So I was beyond terrified the sequel would have this. The shock that went through my body at realizing this wouldn’t be the case was insane. I was not prepared to be blown away.
The first half of the story moved a little slowly but I wasn’t too upset because there was a lot going on and moving too fast would’ve blurred everything together. When the story picked up at the 52% mark I was extremely pleased. The plot was really thickening and it held my interested. I fell in love with a character at this marker as well. It was perfect.
When I read series there’s always that chance of inconsistencies from book to book. Characters will suddenly develop differently or details will go haywire that change things in dramatic ways. That always drives me nuts and I was fully prepared for this sequel to do that. I was prepared to look away during moments but phew did I eat my words. This was easily one of the most consistent sequels I’ve read. The characters had development that didn’t change their characteristics. They stayed true to who they are as a person. There was also a perfect balance of including past characters to the story while giving new characters. Finishing off the old storyline while effectively creating a new one.
Overall, I was immensely surprised and impressed by how well this sequel was. The found family aspect really had me rooting for everyone, especially since we had Ty’s pov. He is family even if he wasn’t there for a second. The character that got roped into the family has a special place in my heart. She is cold and ruthless and I truly fell in love. Gays in space, truly couldn’t get better than that.
May 11, 2023
This sequel picks up a few months after the first book ended, and is pretty action-packed from the beginning. During a mission, a new enemy calling themselves Redline makes themselves known by first almost killing Asa, but then blaming Riven and her gang for the release of Banshee, the rogue AI that was dealt with in the first book. This puts the gang in the crosshairs of everyone who was affected by Banshee and causes them to do something drastic and enter a trial to figure out who the newest Matriarch should be. Now not only are they dealing with a new enemy, but their old one is still kicking around and full of horrible plans for his daughter and they both must be stopped, so they definitely have their work cut out for them.
Asa has really grown from when we first met her, while Riven mostly seems the same, very angry, keeping everyone at arm's length, but willing to kill with no hesitation if any of them are threatened, and they make an adorable almost couple.
There are a lot of emotional moments, lots of action, and great fight scenes, along with some really great twists that flipped everything upside down. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see when the next shoe would drop and how everything was going to end, which I really enjoyed and loved how it felt complete but was left a bit opened ended.
Asa has really grown from when we first met her, while Riven mostly seems the same, very angry, keeping everyone at arm's length, but willing to kill with no hesitation if any of them are threatened, and they make an adorable almost couple.
There are a lot of emotional moments, lots of action, and great fight scenes, along with some really great twists that flipped everything upside down. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see when the next shoe would drop and how everything was going to end, which I really enjoyed and loved how it felt complete but was left a bit opened ended.
December 9, 2022
My greatest gratitude goes towards the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an eARC of this anticipated sequel! I was already able to review the first book of the series before release and was very happy to get the chance to do the same for the second one.
After the events of City of Shattered Light, the protagonists Riven and Asa and their crew have found a secure spot within the crime syndicate of Requiem. However, their newest job is sabotaged by an unknown hacker with personal motives, which paints a target on all of them. In order to find safety and escape bounty hunters, the hacker and the consequences of Asa’s escape from her father, Riven and her crew join a deadly trial in order to take over one of the crime sectors of Requiem.
Even after a bit of a break between the books, it was very easy to get back into the story. The characters are quite memorable, after all, and the city of Requiem still fascinates me. It helped a lot that the plot moves forwards with breathtaking speed. I love the experience of being so immersed in a book that half of it is gone by the time I manage to lift my eyes from the pages.
Compared to the first book of the duology, the character developments truly shine. Riven doesn’t behave likable at all, but because her terminal illness is reaching its end, her actions all make sense and feel natural. Asa is still not a very hardened criminal, but she had lost her naivety and fits in well with the others. The other crew members also gain a lot of depth and it feels like I got to know everyone really well. That made me root for them even more!
The only small criticisms I have are not too problematic. As much as I loved the fast pace, clear goals and number of antagonists, I felt overwhelmed by everything at times. There are multiple sources of danger for the crew and following up with everything was sometimes confusing. That is why I was also left a bit unsatisfied by the ending. I feel like we didn’t properly see each antagonist off and I wonder what exactly happened to them. Then again, there wasn’t that much time in the book, so I understand why these aspects fell flat.
All in all, I wholeheartedly enjoyed reading this book. It is a worthy sequel for a fantastic queer sci-fi adventure with lots of action, high stakes, and a found family at its heart. I can only recommend it!
After the events of City of Shattered Light, the protagonists Riven and Asa and their crew have found a secure spot within the crime syndicate of Requiem. However, their newest job is sabotaged by an unknown hacker with personal motives, which paints a target on all of them. In order to find safety and escape bounty hunters, the hacker and the consequences of Asa’s escape from her father, Riven and her crew join a deadly trial in order to take over one of the crime sectors of Requiem.
Even after a bit of a break between the books, it was very easy to get back into the story. The characters are quite memorable, after all, and the city of Requiem still fascinates me. It helped a lot that the plot moves forwards with breathtaking speed. I love the experience of being so immersed in a book that half of it is gone by the time I manage to lift my eyes from the pages.
Compared to the first book of the duology, the character developments truly shine. Riven doesn’t behave likable at all, but because her terminal illness is reaching its end, her actions all make sense and feel natural. Asa is still not a very hardened criminal, but she had lost her naivety and fits in well with the others. The other crew members also gain a lot of depth and it feels like I got to know everyone really well. That made me root for them even more!
The only small criticisms I have are not too problematic. As much as I loved the fast pace, clear goals and number of antagonists, I felt overwhelmed by everything at times. There are multiple sources of danger for the crew and following up with everything was sometimes confusing. That is why I was also left a bit unsatisfied by the ending. I feel like we didn’t properly see each antagonist off and I wonder what exactly happened to them. Then again, there wasn’t that much time in the book, so I understand why these aspects fell flat.
All in all, I wholeheartedly enjoyed reading this book. It is a worthy sequel for a fantastic queer sci-fi adventure with lots of action, high stakes, and a found family at its heart. I can only recommend it!
November 28, 2023
It took me a while to get back into this one and remember who everyone was and what had happened in the previous book, but once it hooked me I really enjoyed it. It was fun to see Riven and Asa and the gang on their new adventure, and it was good to see them learn things.
I feel like it wasn't concluded as conclusively as I would expect for the end to a series. There were too many loose ends and too many things I wanted answers for. Things were also pretty easy for our band of misfits. They tended to coincidentally find whatever or whoever they needed to solve any problem.
It was a solid adventure though overall and they all had some character growth which I appreciated. It also kept me hooked and I enjoyed the whole thing.
The audiobook was performed well and added to the story.
*Thanks to NetGalley, North Star Editions, and Flux for providing an early copy for review.
I feel like it wasn't concluded as conclusively as I would expect for the end to a series. There were too many loose ends and too many things I wanted answers for. Things were also pretty easy for our band of misfits. They tended to coincidentally find whatever or whoever they needed to solve any problem.
It was a solid adventure though overall and they all had some character growth which I appreciated. It also kept me hooked and I enjoyed the whole thing.
The audiobook was performed well and added to the story.
*Thanks to NetGalley, North Star Editions, and Flux for providing an early copy for review.
January 13, 2023
City of Vicious Night is a fast-paced, neon-drenched cyberpunk romp filled with imaginative tech, gritty settings, and disaster bisexuals galore.
Fans of sci-fi gunslinging, underworld politics, and Netflix's Arcane won't want to miss this kickass sequel.
Fans of sci-fi gunslinging, underworld politics, and Netflix's Arcane won't want to miss this kickass sequel.
Want to read
October 7, 2022I'm not going to lie I didn't love the first book but THIS LOOKS SO GOOD AND IM SO EXCITED (*TERRIFIED) FOR WHATS GONNA HAPPEN TO YK WHO
AND HOLY SHIT THE COVER IS AWESOME?!??!??!?
AND HOLY SHIT THE COVER IS AWESOME?!??!??!?
May 14, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
City of Vicious Night is the sequel to City of Shattered Light and follows the characters as they continue their adventures through requiem with a whole lot of drama and action. I enjoyed this a lot and thought it ended well. These characters are all so interesting and add something special to the story. There’s no character that I’m ever bored with. The same goes for the plot! It was action packed and was rarely any dull moments. I was always looking forward to how the story would progress and how the characters would fight their way out of each scenario.
I would definitely recommend this one!
City of Vicious Night is the sequel to City of Shattered Light and follows the characters as they continue their adventures through requiem with a whole lot of drama and action. I enjoyed this a lot and thought it ended well. These characters are all so interesting and add something special to the story. There’s no character that I’m ever bored with. The same goes for the plot! It was action packed and was rarely any dull moments. I was always looking forward to how the story would progress and how the characters would fight their way out of each scenario.
I would definitely recommend this one!
July 24, 2023
Badass sapphics and the best found family trope <3
April 25, 2024
Listened to both books back-to-back, and I loved every moment of them both!! This was such a great ride!! Asa and Riven are spectacular characters, and the rest of the crew is just as great!!
Currently reading
November 19, 2023Excuse me??? How did I not know that this book has been out for months??? I will be unavailable for the foreseeable future
May 31, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: human experimentation, alcohol abuse, drug use, suicidal ideation, sexual assault
City of Vicious Night has action from day one. Hitting the ground running, we're absorbed back into this world of corruption, betrayal, and old mistakes coming back to haunt us. If you loved the world or the characters from City of Shattered Light, this is a must read. Not only are there twists that expose a web of shadows and unlikely alliances, but also there's a common theme of sacrifice and protection. A wonder how do we protect those we love in the face of danger.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
TW: human experimentation, alcohol abuse, drug use, suicidal ideation, sexual assault
City of Vicious Night has action from day one. Hitting the ground running, we're absorbed back into this world of corruption, betrayal, and old mistakes coming back to haunt us. If you loved the world or the characters from City of Shattered Light, this is a must read. Not only are there twists that expose a web of shadows and unlikely alliances, but also there's a common theme of sacrifice and protection. A wonder how do we protect those we love in the face of danger.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
July 11, 2022
What a fun, joyride of a sequel! Perfect for fans of Mass Effect.
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