Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I really like this series and I love how this book built on the character development and mythology in the last. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this series will end!

City of Dust is the follow up to Book of Fire which for me was the perfect blend of history, mythology and science all set in a vividly imaginative dystopian setting. I originally thought that City of Dust would take place immediately after the catastrophic and emotionally crippling ending of Book of Fire…. oh no, Kenney has quite rightly mixed up the timeline so months and months have passed since the ending. However that meant I was missing one of my favourite characters for a little while, woe is me! This added just another layer of love and anticipation to the story, you get to catch up with characters to see how they’re faring and all the while yearning for the later chapters.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was very much an anticipated read of mine and having read another book by the same author I knew I needed to get my hands on this.

Whilst it wasn’t as good as the first this book really did have me hooked. I love the writing style and the character development just kept me hooked. I really did relate to the characters, I felt this helped me along the journey with the hook it kept me intrigued and wanting more.

My only criticism is that I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first but I honestly cannot put my finger on why this is. It potentially is because it took me a little bit longer to read as the first I just flew straight through in one sitting.

I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC. I am so happy that I got to read this and will be reading the conclusion when it comes out! Great series!

Second in a series and I hadn’t read the first so I was a bit lost to begin with but I caught up eventually , worth the confusion because I loved this book, off to buy the first and read in the correct order now ! Can’t wait for the next, fast paced and interesting, great characters all round a good read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Great adventure, but for some reason, I didn't connect with the style as much as with the first book. This is a case of "it's not you, it's me," though, since the plot was brilliant and i can see well loved by others.

While with Book of Fire, I breezed through the pages, eager to know what happens next, with City of Dust I couldn't binge read because the writing was a little overly dense. Usually I don't pick up on this with books, but there was an overabundance of adverbs that made it hard to spend long periods of time reading it straight. Silly, I know. But it took me a month off and on to finish reading it. The proof of the great plot is that I didn't DNF' it: I just had to know what happens next!

I love Tal's growth since the first book, and Eli is so different, I love it. I wish there was most August, but I can see why he was kept out of a major part of it. once again there is a brilliant blending of Genetics and Rome, such a fantastic concept I need more of in my life.

So all in all, great story, but I didn't connect the way I did with book one. It's probably on me.

This is the second book in a series I did not realize this at first so it took me a while to work out what was going on. But it was interesting so i kept reading and once I got into it, City of Dust kept me interested until the end. Well worth reading

City of Dust is the heartbreaking sequel to Book of Fire. Whilst a little slow in the beginning, the latter half of the book more than makes up for it. I love how true to both science and history the book is and will definitely be pre-ordering the final book of this trilogy!

This is the much anticipated sequel to Book of Fire which I read and loved last year. Tal is back in Arafel. She (and everyone else there) is struggling with the loss of her grandfather. She is with Max now, but her feelings are complicated because she still cares deeply for August. This gives us a great love triangle in this book, which is sometimes really awkward to read, and packed with feelings on all sides. I loved it. Aelia comes to Arafel to see Tal and takes something she shouldn’t, leading Tal to head back into Pantheon where some seriously dark things are happening. The Pantheon experiments and plans in this book chilled me to the bone; Cassius is a terrifying man. I loved the reappearance of Unus, who is still my absolute favourite character (although is someone wants to get their hands on a vampire bat for me, I wouldn’t turn it down) and I also really enjoyed the new character, Lake. City of Dust is a brilliant, fast-paced adventure with some serious twists and shocking betrayals. It kept me to on my toes from start to finish. A perfect sequel.

Such an amazing continuation of the series I breezed through it. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster though, but the ups and downs and twists and turns came together to make a stunning book that I couldn't put down.

This is an intriguing mix of typical YA dystopian fare alongside forerunners The Hunger Games and The Mazerunner, with a side helping of Greek and Roman mythology thrown into the mix via genetic moulding and tinkering.
Talia, struggling with the events of the first book, reaches new heights of adventure and self discovery alongside potential romantic partners - an action packed ride against a totalitarian enemy.
There is a lot to like in these books - they're easy read, and Talia is likable and well fleshed out. The world building is well constructed and there's obvious goals to achieve.
I think my main criticism is that this set of books is very of its genre. Its a little to reminiscent of all those that have come before, and has some tropes within that I can't stand - the love triangle for example. Whilst I get that young people often have their hearts pulled in different ways as they grow and mature, I still hate having two men rival each other for the main characters regard. It's just not for me.
I also found the mythology and heavy emphasis on the Roman theme a bit jarring against the Sci fi technological dystopia - although I can see exactly what the author intends, personally I did not find it meshing well.
Well recommended if you are a fan of the genre, a well written read.
If you're a more mature reader, you may find it a little too genre specific.

Characters
Talia is back on fighting form, with Max and her twin right at her side. The book jumps right back into Arafel life and brings with it a reunion of old friends and introduction of new players.
Talia continues to remain a character that will forever remain the perfect heroine that from the very start joined the ranks along with Katniss, Triss and Hermione. The impact of Book of Fire is clearly ingrained; she’s battle bruised and trying to keep her thoughts on track. It’s only really when she’s set on a new path that her strength is really propelled to the limelight.
While those who have given their hearts to August will have to wait patiently for his presence within the pages, it only gives you the opportunity to consider Max as a strong character and romantic partner for Talia. He’s Talia’s equal and not scared to show his annoyance. There was the briefest of minutes when I’d forgotten about August.

Story
The world building is as immersive as ever and will consume you completely. The description of the desolate streets are hauntingly beautiful. Aside from the characters, the world building is my favourite part of this series.
The story sees Tailia back in old territory and searching for a stolen item. However, it’s only the tip of the iceberg as the plot opens up to an exploration of eugenics of mythic proportions.
Readers will need to breath when they can, because as the story reaches its final act you won’t get opportunity to. It’s fast paced and epic showdown will leave your heart in your mouth. No one is safe and the fates of many will be left clinging to the edge of a shocking cliff when the final page comes around.

Writing
Just like meeting up with an old friend, the words envelope you in a comfortable hug. Just like Book of Fire, City of Dust contains a glossary for terms. However, the world is so beautifully written, and the action so carefully crafted that the words don’t need the glossary.
The only negative would be that it’s so good that it’s going to be a painful wait for the next instalment.