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

Another good one

While karou's naïveté gets a little annoying, overall this was another captivating story. I was especially impressed with the story as a second book. Didn't feel like a "middle" and had a well- conceived plot.

Couldn't stop listening

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

I enjoyed listening to Days of Blood & Starlight. The speaker brought life to the characters and the story was enthralling.

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

No, it was too long, but whenever I has a free listening moment, I played the book.

Beautiful and captivating

The language is beyond beautiful and the story is more engaging and captivating than almost any book I've read before. This series is incredible... just incredible.

Should have a content warning

There is some pretty graphic violence and sexual assault in the book that should be considered by readers for whom such content may be traumatic.

Another enjoyable story from Laini Taylor

I enjoyed listening to this story while I was at work. I first read Daughter of Smoke and Bone from paperback but decided I would give the audio book a chance. I flew through Days of Blood and Starlight in 1/4 the time and still enjoyed every minute.

Great Combination of Story and Reader

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

I loved that Zuzana continues to be present and charming under pressure. This story has wonderful dialogue and a reader who knows how to deliver it.

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

I don't want to spoil it, but revenge is sweet.

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

This is my second experience with the narrator and she is consistently great.

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

Zuzana and Mik, trudging throught the desert to find Karou.

Love the series! Makes me want blue hair!

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

It is a fun fantasy series with a strong woman as the lead in the story. The love story and friendships developed thru the series are wonderful and several characters just make me laugh. I' ready for the next book.

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

City of Bones

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

Not at first. It started slow but once in to it, yes.

Pt2 of this beautiful, haunting, amazing trilogy

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

Destiny. Love. Pain.

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

Seriously. There's no comparison. But, alas, this is similar to Romeo & Juliet (amped up quite a bit) and, perhaps, Hunger Games (for rebellion under impossible conditions).
But you'd have to add angels, demons, interconnected worlds, beautiful writing, and humor in unexpected places. Also, the surprises. So many.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the thurible with the "Karou" note is attached is opened.

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

This book makes me laugh and cry in several places. It's bleak without being hopeless. A love story with no simple answers or clear paths forward. It's about friendship and kinship and fighting against the odds.

Any additional comments?

This is book 2 of one of my most favorite trilogies ever. It definitely does not suffer from book 2 doldrums. Love this series so much.

Cannot wait until the 3rd(?) book!!!

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

Yes - if they have read Daughter of Smoke and Bone, this was a wonderful second installment of the series (trilogy?). I love the story and the twists.

Love this series. Cannot wait for the next book.

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

Didn't read the print version.

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

Can't say it would spoil the story for others.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't say it would spoil the story for others.

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

Can't say it would spoil the story for others.