Bright Burns the Night

By: Sara B. Larson

Narrated by: Amy Shiels

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

The conclusion to critically acclaimed author Sara B. Larson's haunting and romantic reimagining of Swan Lake, a YA duology packed with action, betrayal, romance, and twists.

Ten years ago, King Lorcan of the Dark Kingdom Dorjhalon defeated Queen Evelayn and cut her conduit stone from her. Since then, he has kept her trapped in her swan form. With the loss of balance between Dark and Light, winter has descended and the Draíolon of Éadrolan lose more power every day. But once a year, Lorcan transforms her back to her Draíolon form and offers a truce. And every year Evelayn refuses - for he requires her to bind herself to him for life.

But now, with an Ancient power bearing down upon them, everything may change. Evelayn will learn that the truths she once believed have shattered, and that she may need her enemies even more than her allies. Lorcan and Evelayn become partners in a desperate quest to return the balance of power to Lachalonia. How far will this partnership go? Can friendship - perhaps even love - bloom where hatred has taken root?

Sara B. Larson delivers a thrillingly romantic and hauntingly satisfying end to this extraordinary duology.

©2018 Sara B. Larson (P)2018 Scholastic Inc.

Frustrating storyline-Psych abuse wins in the end?

The story line of the second book was quite frustrating, didn’t follow its own parameters. The story of the first book was fine, not extraordinary, but ok. But the second failed to keep you, or follow logical expectations based on the characters development to that point. Tamvir was condemned for deceiving Evelyn to save his sister from torture, but Larkin was easily understood and his horrific acts were glossed over and accepted, with no condemnation??? Evelyn actually says he never lied to her, even though the deceit he orchestrated was so very much worse and comprehensive. Also, Tamvir’s lies were orchestrated and demanded by Larkin! That’s like punishing the puppet and not the puppet master??
I think the author also purposely guides the reader to overlook what motivated Larkin, he wanted the crown and to rule over both kingdoms, Tamvir was trying to save his sister, yet the book goes on about Tamvir’s betrayal ... If Larkin only wanted to rid the world of his father, he could have done it without Involving Evelyn and just let the crown go to his younger brother, but no, he wanted it all. At one point Larkin is portrayed as “rescuing” Tamvir’s sister from her imprisonment when he really just used her continued torture to make Tamvir do more for him! (??? Definition of “rescue” begs to differ). Larkin also worked with his Father to kill Evelyn’s mother, but Evelyn just never seems to recall that. I was astounded how the author pointed out how Tamvir always had a choice, but never goes into the choice Larkin had, with good reason as he had more of a choice than Tamvir.
I get that sometimes there’s an attraction to “bad boys”, but what was portrayed and then not condemned with any lasting effect is psychological abuse and cruel manipulation and a kind of torture (imprisonment until you bind with me). But all is forgotten when he looks intently in her eyes. That’s a frightening road to lead your readers down.
Finally, in the second book Tamvir’s character does a 180 as suddenly he becomes self absorbed, useless, not helping anyone, while Larkin saves the day. How convenient. What happened to his character from the first book? I get he told lies but he still desperately loves Evelyn and his sister. Overall, poorly written and bad storyline. The narration was good.

Love it!

Great book! I love the narrator and the storyline is well paced and a wonderful book!

Another successful ending for Sara B Larsons books

Exciting, intense, fun adventure! These original characters were so much to read and loved the twist. Great ending to the duology. The reader has a great voice.

such a great ending to this series!

I can't say enough good things about this series and author. clean and fulfilling! perfection!

Well written, but needed more

I genuinely enjoyed this book, but I had a few issues with it. The main issue was the lack of closure. I felt like the ending was so rushed and abrupt. I wanted to see more of what came after. And there was no real closure with what happened with Tanvir. If the ending had continued on to an epilogue about where all of the relationships go, I would have been more satisfied and probably would have given the book 5 stars.