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

Different, but Still Lovely

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

Yes. Although it is a complete 180 from the first book in the series, I still feel in love with the story, the prose, and the characters.

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

Daughter of Smoke and Bone, because it is its predecessor.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really can't answer this. There were so many scenes that I loved that were painted beautifully by Laini Taylor

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

Yes, I did. I could not stop listening to it--I brought my phone with me everywhere until I was finished. I laughed and cried. And, after I finished listening to it, I couldn't stop smiling dumbly at nothing for a few minutes.

Any additional comments?

Like others, I was worried this would turn into another fantasy love book completely centered and concentrated on Karou and Akiva's relationship. But, I loved the world and Taylor's writing, so I picked this one up to listen. Although I expect there are many who would be disappointed, their relationship isn't the forefront of this book--the war between seraphs and chimaera is. And, I loved that. This book is much darker and has much more violent themes in the book. The first book was whimsical, light, and fun, with a hint of the dark side of things under the surface. In the second book, that dark side comes through at full throttle. We see more character development of our old, loved characters without them losing themselves completely from the first book, and we meet new characters. I loved it, and I would recommend it to anyone. I can't wait for the third!

A Gritty middle chapter

If you could sum up Days of Blood & Starlight in three words, what would they be?

Forgiveness
Hope
Revenge

Without giving anything away because the story is designed to go in blind and it's a LOT better that way, but Karou seeks forgivness, has and is Hope, and there is revenge exacted.

What did you like best about this story?

Zuzanna and Mick are fantastic characters and are used in the right amount during the story.

I think my favorite parts of this book were how the characters evolved and developed. From Karou and Akiva to the supporting cast, there was a lot of character building and it made everyone feel whole.

What about Khristine Hvam’s performance did you like?

She does an outstanding job giving each character a voice and using that voice to convey emotion. She uses her narration skills to bring the listener into the story and it helps us feel more like an observer than someone being read to.

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

No, there's a few parts that are slower paced and while it's not a struggle to listen to, it does provide good stopping points. I find that to be a good thing, it lets us the listener catch a breath and prepare for what's next.

Any additional comments?

I'm really waiting to see the conclusion to this story and hope it lives up to some high expectations.

READ THIS SERIES!!

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

How much the world has changed and all the twists and turns weaved into the story.

What did you like best about this story?

Mick and Zuz lol, they are my favorite, But honestly the whole story was epic.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end!

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

It definitely brought on emotions, and that was because of both the smooth telling by narrator and poetic writing by the author.

Any additional comments?

READ THIS SERIES!

oh my goodness!!! Amazing

this series is amazing. the author draws you in. perfect narrator as well. truly a great series!!!

Amazing Series, Fantastic Narrator

What made the experience of listening to Days of Blood & Starlight the most enjoyable?

A beautifully told young adult fantasy that subverts the angel/demon trope beautifully. A must read/listen for any fans of the genre.

i love this series so much

I love this series so much it's a series that I can reread over million times and still get drawn in by the emotion and action of the story and the narrator does a wonderful job interpretating it all it's a story that will live on for Generations

Amazing 2nd book in this captivating series!

Where does Days of Blood & Starlight rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right at the top!

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

It's nothing like anything I've listened to before. It's in a class of it's own!

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

Suzanna!

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

It constantly surprised me. I never knew what to expect.

Any additional comments?

The story is a standout, but the narration by Khristine Hvam brings the story to life and allows the listener to experience this amazing book in a whole new light!

Great Narrator; Excellent Story

Would you listen to Days of Blood & Starlight again? Why?

I would listen to it again, but not right away. I thought the book was excellent. I had read the print version first, then listened to the audio. The narrator is great--multiple voices, smooth storytelling. The book itself had some slow parts but overall, once the action picked up it was a non stop roller coaster to the end. I can't wait for book three!

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

Not your usual YA selection; has more plot and emotion than your usual fluffy categorized books. Definitely a keeper. I can't think of any other books to compare it to, because they all fall a little short or aren't in the right category.

Which scene was your favorite?

Without giving any spoilers-The scene when Akiva is in his father's chambers is one of my favorites. There were so many powerful scenes in this book it is hard to select just one as a favorite.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

*Spoiler*
When Akiva and his sister bring their brother to Karou, I cried. Just the desperation in her voice, which is conveyed so well by the narrator...

Any additional comments?

This book is better than the first, which I greatly enjoyed. Definitely worth your credit!

Gripping story. stunning performance

This is a great series. The author has a way of building you up then tearing you down. I could not stop listening to this great book. Awesome narration as well!

Breathtaking and beautifully written

Amazing narrator to a truly unique and beautifully told story. I was transported to the world of the story in evocative detail.