I throughly enjoyed the first book in this series so when our request on here for the ARC was approved I was so excited to get back to these characters!

I’ll start with my highlights; I loved getting further insight into Alexis’ and also diving into Blaise’s background and thought process. We dived deeper into the elemental powers of our main characters and Ian - what they can really do and the depths they can go to! We also got to meet a couple of new characters, one in particular stuck out for me, I am always here for female boss energy and a woman that does not need saving! Round of applause for the artwork in this book - absolutely beautiful!!

Now onto a couple of points that made this book fall a little flat for me… firstly the pacing felt off for me, a large portion of this book is focused on a few hours alone and whilst I really appreciate detail, it left me wanting more than just those few hours! There is still so much mystery surrounding a lot of our characters, I would have really appreciated some answers being given in this book vs more questions. There were a couple of plot twists at the end of the book and I wish one of them had been fleshed out a little more; vs so long being spent over the few hours mentioned above. Finally, we were introduced to other types of beings in this book and it felt a little unnecessary - I would have much preferred we stuck to elementals, mortals & shadowless!

I’m not sure if it’s been announced how many books are going to be in the series, whilst I loved being back with the characters and Andy’s writing is so wonderful, the world feels so real, the characters emotions and traumas are so raw, you absolutely cannot fault how he brings these characters to life! However, I needed more plot, I don’t feel like enough happened compared to the first book. I gave this a 3.5 star rating overall!

Absolutely beautiful writing that continues an amazing story. I was obsessed with the first book of the series and this one went above my expectations. Brilliant descriptions of the setting with amazing cast of characters and plot. It has to be one of my all time favourite fantasy series.

You fall back right into the story with the characters which feel like your friends. The emotions run so high that although you’re at the edge of your seat, you feel like you’re part of the story yourself.

Couldn’t recommend picking up this book/series more!

I loved The Light That Blinds Us and had already ordered its sequel by the time it came onto NetGalley. Andy Darcy Theo continues the gripping story of the Children of the Elements who, having come into their true powers in the first book, must now use their skills to defend the Haven and the world of the Elementals. The title hints at the more mature themes that lie ahead and there are some horrific moments which are skillfully written but may upset younger readers. This book is firmly in mature, young adult category.

The main focus in the first book was Alexis and while we still see plenty of his thoughts, the point of view is widened to include Blaise. This is hugely effective in showing the truly nuanced characters that Theo has created. The ending is a classic, second-book-in-a-series cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next installment. I can't wait.

Book aesthetic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The cover is gorgeous, the title is fitting, the authors note and dedication is perfect and the graphic design before and after the prologue are breathtaking.

Structure and writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story and plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Calling each chapter a different word and starting the chapter with a small foreword that gives the definition of that word is something so unique to me in the best way possible. It helps hint at the chapter while also giving more understanding and knowledge throughout the book. I really like this detail as it's not something I see often.
I did find the writing a little 'choppy' when reading in some areas but amazing and action packed in others. "But just because I cry, it does not make me weak" is such a powerful line especially in today's society. I love how relatedable this is for a fantasy book.

The story overall was a really good story with depth, prophecies, power. I loved the spin on the elements (the children of the elements) and using that in the story and LOVE plots where there are powers for light and dark. It reminds me of a mix between the shadow and bone series and the darkest minds series. I think this book will be wildly popular with fans of both.

This book ticks all the boxes for a good fantasy story while keeping it easy to relate to, especially with the undertones of struggling with bad mental health. This isn't seen enough in fantasy books and that just makes me love it more.

A writer's dream and a reader's haven. (no pun intended... okay, maybe a little.)

This was absolutely sensational. I absolutely loved the adventure of book one, but the emotional depth, the character developments, the romance and found family subplot was brilliant in this book.

I can not fathom or explain how incredible Andy's writing is, and how he brings these characters to life in so many ways. How real the world feels, how raw these characters emotions and trauma we learn about are.

A huge portion of this book is a battle, but it takes small pauses where emotion comes in, where we get moments of joy and agony and then we get right back into fighting again. There is a good balance of friendship, romance and action!

This book broke me in so many ways, I cried, I laughed, I gasped so hard so many times my throat hurts. Please be careful and read triggers. This is a YA but there are some horrific moments in this book, lots of talk surrounding darkness so please look after yourselves!

The character art we're blessed with in this book is INSANE. So if you struggle to visualise, these are a real help and also sooo cool.

The ending gives way for another book and you best believe I will be devouring that too. I will never be ready to let go of these characters, they're a part of me now.

✨4 stars✨

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and so when I received this ARC on NetGalley, I couldn’t wait to jump back into this story and characters.

In the first book we focused more on Alexis, whereas in this book the emphasis was definitely placed on Blaise with I thoroughly appreciated.

Overall, this was a solid sequel that built upon the plot and characters that we were introduced to in the first book! Also that ending?! I cannot wait to see where this series takes us!

I would definitely recommend if you enjoyed the first book, and I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun YA fantasy that contains elemental magic.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!