Week 2 Review: Wrath & Mercy

From Goodreads:

Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch, this epic second book in Russian folklore–based YA fantasy duology The Bright & the Pale follows Valeria as she works to truly free her people from the Czar and the Bright God—at whatever the cost.

Surviving the ill-fated expedition to Knnot, Valeria, Alik, and the others have found refuge in Valeria's village. With her family at long last released from the curse that trapped them in ice for a decade, Valeria should find comfort in their reunion. But everything has changed—including herself. For now, Valeria is the Pale God's chosen champion. And she is ready for revenge on the Czar.

With the power gifted to her by the Pale God, she will do whatever it takes to liberate her people. Even if that means stealing the Czar's son away from the safety of the Winter Palace. As Alik watches Valeria struggle to maintain control over the god she holds captive, he begs her to sever the connection. For it is clear the Pale God plans a revenge of his own.

The inevitable is coming—one final battle. And Valeria must be ready to sacrifice everything—even her love for Alik—to win.

My Review:
I had a pretty great time reading this book! It was really great to be back in this world again, and I needed to know what was going to happen next! We knew from the series title that it was going to be a duology, and I couldn't wait to see how things would wrap up! 

I am a little sad, because I read some negative reviews of the first book, basically saying that it was another generic YA fantasy. And while I really enjoyed the first book, and I enjoyed this one, it wasn't as much as the first one, I kept noticing flaws. And that was too bad.

Valeria is pretty angry at the world. She wants the war with the Czar after the way that he treated her people. Adding in the Pale God's influence, she was a little bit out of control. Which isn't the best state to be in when you're looking at a war, but she did have good people around her! 

And that ending? I mean the synopsis did talk about how the Pale God had revenge plans of his own, but I was not expecting that! But oh, it was so fantastic to read! I love the place that it left the characters, they're srebuilding to do, but they have the peace to do so, and that's so great! 

This was a really great read, and I can't wait to read more by Jessica Rubinkowski! 

Author: Jessica Rubinkowski
Series: The Bright & the Pale Duology #2
Read: January 7th, 2023
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Loved the first book, and it's a End of Series 2023 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Published: March 22nd 2022

5/5 Hearts

4/5 Books

3/5 Stars