Days of Blood & Starlight

By: Laini Taylor

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

An art student and monster's apprentice must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people in this riveting sequel to the mesmerizing, acclaimed book Daughter of Smoke & Bone by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor—now with a gorgeous new package!

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

©2012 Laini Taylor (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Found a new favorite narrator

I wasn't sure if it was possible, but damn, this book was just as good or BETTER than the first book, Daughter of Smoke & Bone. The saga continues between the fight of Angels and Demons. Both sides are fighting really dirty, as a war of over 1000 years would be. At the end of the first book I was left completely broken hearted and didn't know where Laini Taylor would take this story. Oh a story she did indeed.
I must say again, the narrator is phenomenal. She had different unique voice for every character which made it much easier to listen to the story. It made the story more interesting, if possible.

I have to say, which I didn't before, I'm super impressed by the author, Laini Taylor. In her method of writing, she again is able to change points of view between characters, change tenses and it just FLOWS. She makes it seem so easy, but I know a lot of other authors would have had me totally confused. Like Quentin Tarantino directing Pulp Fiction, she writes a scene and the reader isn't sure what happened to have gotten there. Then she slowly fills in the blanks and never without twists, turns and surprises.

I'll try and stop my ranting now! Zuzana, Karou's best friend is still in this one. She plays a larger role in this one and we are able to hear her POV more often. She is still funny and witty as ever. I totally love her!
Karou has been through a lot. She's still processing everything that happened in book 1. And just like the first book, there is SO much that happens in this book. I believe it was longer than the first which is saying something, since I thought that one was long. It feels like an epic fantasy novel, so indepth, so many different things happening at once. I LOVED IT!!

Surprises, betrayal, heart break, are some of the feelings I went through in this book. Along with feelings of hurt, disgust, love and amazement. I was definitely talking out loud in certain scenes of this book, since it was the audiobook it was a lot of 'HELL YEAH' and 'That's RIGHT'.

The end of this book is still left open for the next book, but it gives me more HOPE then the ending of the last. Karou and Akiva are in a slight better position and I hope they continue to work on their relationship and continue fighting to end the war.

An AMAZING second installment!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

OMG Yes!!! This book is full of action, fantasy, realness, pain, and love. It truly takes me on a journey into this world and it is written so poetically and narrated so beautifully that the book simply poured into my ears like honey.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gosh what a hard question! Karou with her blue hair, wry wit, and fierce strength? Akiva with his intense struggles, guilt-stricken consceince, and never ending love? No, I guess it would have to be Zuzanna. She's so child-like and adorable while at the same time being ferocious and funny. And her accent is played so marvelously by the narrator, that she simply springs to life in your ear.

Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is just as amazing as the other book I listened to her narrate, Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Intense connection, edge of my seat expectancy, gut renching longing, and a terrible terrible dissapointment when it was over. I laughed and even teared up a little a one point. Between the story, the writing, and the amazing narration, this book is unforgettably distinctive and far exceeds its genre counterparts.

Any additional comments?

BUY IT! READ IT!! You won't be sorry! (but read Daughter of Smoke and Bone first. Not because you can't enjoy this book without it, but because reading this one first would spoil the surprise conclusion of the original book. Also, you'll just want to have that experience. That book is phenomenal too!)

My favorite series!

I am really not sure I can write in words exactly how much I love this book and series. Taylor has a way of telling a story that makes you live it, breathe it, love it. She gives you enough tension and suspense that you absolutely cannot stop reading, without drawing it out so much that you lose interest. That's a hard balance to find, I think, and Taylor has mastered it. Her writing is colorful and alluring, and her imagination is unsurpassed.

Her characters are nothing short of amazing. This second book in the series delves deeper into the world of the Chimera and Seraphim. We find out more about the characters we loved (and loved to hate) from the first book and are also introduced to some new ones. Each individual character carved out into a unique being that fits into place in the story to reveal a piece of the puzzle Taylor has created with her words.

This second book is darker than the first. They are now in the midst of war, and there is fighting and violence all around. Through the darkness, though, there is sunshine, hope, love, and friendship. I am waiting quite impatiently for the next book. In the meantime, I will have to re-read the first two.

Audio Review: Khristine Hvam does such a great job making the characters come to life. She is able to add emotion where needed, and her voice is smooth and clear. She has quickly become one of my favorite narrators.

Laini Taylors is for real.

What did you love best about Days of Blood & Starlight?

The story was really nice and not at all repetative as some sequeals can be. The Love rules all is temporary thrown out to bring morals trials into play.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Days of Blood & Starlight?

When her friends show up after assuming she was there and not knowing completely. Her friends are crazy!

Any additional comments?

The only problem I have with this series is that they take to long to come back with the next book installment.

Amazing!

The narrator did a great job, and the story kept me interested. I look forward to the next book!

Fantastic Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Days of Blood & Starlight to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but love the way the production of the audiobook is done. The narrator does an excellent job with the voices, accents and intonations. The story is very well crafted and I love the author's writing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Days of Blood & Starlight?

When you realized Thiago was alive after Karou killed him and you are not sure how or why.

Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but she is an excellent narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I was sad when it ended. I can't wait for the next one.

180 Degree Plot Turn

Would you consider the audio edition of Days of Blood & Starlight to be better than the print version?

I have no idea. I haven't read the print version.

What I can say is that this book is a complete switch from the first book. Now Karou has to face who and what she is. She has to figure out who the bad guys are and how to keep herself and her friends safe.

What other book might you compare Days of Blood & Starlight to and why?

The only thing even close is the first book. The Daughter of Smoke and Bones

Which character – as performed by Khristine Hvam – was your favorite?

Karou

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I came close

Any additional comments?

This book rips at your heart a little bit. Karou feels betrayed, even though she needs to sit down and realize she really wasn't. You almost wish you could reach through the book and shake her to say "snap out of it." Toward the end she starts to buck up, but at times it gets a little tedious.

Interesting continuation

I found this to be an interesting continuation to the previous. I found that towards the end of the book that there was a nice turn of events. I will definitely look for the last installment. If you are like me and enjoy trilogies then this is a very good read.

This Series Just Keeps Getting Better...

The second book in a trilogy is always the worst. The protagonists are at their lowest, and it is mostly a downer. But not this one. I am awed by this author's talent. If I wasn't certain I am twice her age I would say that I want to write like her when I grow up! Well done!

Laini Taylor is Incredible!!

Laini Taylor restored my love for reading and this book is just another example of her incredible story telling. This book is awesome, intense, emotional, and thought-provoking. I can't describe how beautiful and incredible the writing is, you just have to experience it. The narration is also perfect for this book. The narrator captures the emotions and personalities of all the characters. If I could give this book 10 stars I would!

READ THIS SERIES AND ANYTHING ELSE BY LAINI TAYLOR. STRANGE, THE DREAMER IS ALSO AN INCREDIBLE SERIES!