Stones of Light- Review *Spoilers*
I had meant this review to be out before the book was released, my apologies to Mr. Argyle for not getting it out sooner. Before I get to the meat of this review here's a brief synopsis of Stones of Light, Book 2 in the Threadlight series by Zack Argyle
Also this synopsis seems a bitter spoilery so read at your own risk
The coreseal is shattered and a new darkness is coming.
Chrys swore to never again let the Apogee take control but, in a moment of desperation, he gave in. Now, he will learn what the Apogee truly wants.
In Alchea, Laurel will do anything to get her threadlight back, even if it means working for the leader of the Bloodthieves. But she has no choice...a life without threadlight is no life at all.
To the west, Alverax travels with the Zeda people to the large port city of Felia, where they seek refuge after the fires in the Fairenwild. But he shattered the coreseal, and no one quite knows what the consequences will be. They only know it won't be good.
Together, they doomed the world...now, they must save it.
To see my review of Book One, Voice of War, check out the Book Review page.
As far as book 2's tend to go, I was a bit hesitant picking this up, not gonna lie. The second book in a series generally lags a bit and sets up for a better third. I am glad to say I didn't have to worry about it with this book. I was told I was going to hate a specific part in the book, but I must admit I don't know what part that was going to be. Was it with the Princess? That was kind of a given? Alabella? Also a given, just surprised it took that long, although Laurel....your timing is shit. I liked the direction Zack took this book with the Wastelands and the Apogee. Wasn't expecting the story to unfold quite as it did and it was a nice surprise.
A few things to note. I did feel like the middle of the book slogged a little bit, but not to a large degree, just enough to want to get through it. And when I talk slog I'm most definitely talking about Laurel. Her character was decent in Voice, but I really couldn't stand her in this one. I cant threadweave, wah wah wah. Gah she was just so whiney and it seemed like she didn't do anything close to worthwhile (in comparison to the other MC's) This isn't a knack on his writing, the character was written well, I just couldn't stand her. I was secretly hoping she woulda had the surgery and not made it, just so I didn't have to hear her nag anymore.
Let's get back to the positives, will we. Chrys... I wan't more scenes in the Wastelands.. Cool word-building, especially when they went underground. The highlight of the book was Alverax, and I'm glad that the princess didn't follow through but come on, why would you not be like... Hey guys, I't wasn't me...no cap. I hope book three focuses the most on Alerverax, I believe it was Zack's strongest written character.
Being overly positive in a review doesn't help the author, but I don't have criticisms without a justification. Great book, anxious for Book 3. I'd give it a solid 4/5 and recommend it for fans of Sanderson. It doesn't really have many morally grey characters, besides maybe Alabella, but we won't have to worry about her anymore.
Before I forget, Was going to mention how anytime the word Corespawn or Coreseal was mentioned I just couldn't stop thinking about The Painted Man by Peter Brett. Now that was a disappointing continuation of a series, Painted Man was enjoyable then it just went downhill.
So far Zack is improving in his writing and plotting and am looking forward to Book 3, especially if Alverax is front and center. I also am hopeful that Laurel will become more likable in the third but that's not a reason to not continue with the series. For only two books in his writing career, he's well on his way to being a mainstay in the fantasy genre.
You can buy Voice of War and Stones of Light from Amazon at Buy Here
Zack is also on Twitter, his handle is @SFFauthor
Till next time