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A review by whatsheread
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede
5.0
THIS CURSED LIGHT by Emily Thiede is everything you want from a sequel and series ender. For a debut novel, THIS VICIOUS GRACE was impressive. What Ms. Thiede accomplishes with the sequel is just as excellent. She grabs your attention with the first sentence, doesn't let it go until the last, and gives you a story that is as romantic, surprising, and suspenseful as you wish.
You start THIS CURSED LIGHT knowing the path to their happily ever after will not be easy for Alessa and Dante. Even with that knowledge, what Ms. Thiede puts them through is, in many ways, cruel. Because saving the world one time isn't enough, they must test the limits of their relationship, faith in each other, and humanity.
While it sounds like a cheesy write-up, Ms. Thiede makes it much better. She manages to keep Dante's struggles relatable and Alessa's fears on point. While there are times that the story is too focused on their relationship, Ms. Thiede ensures that we can see the bigger picture - that Dante's and Alessa's relationship issues are only small waves in a much larger ocean.
Because THIS CURSED LIGHT is about relationships but not individual ones. It's about the preconceived notions and hatred that ensue between groups. It uses the gods' feud to show how difficult it is for people to forgive or forget societal ills and that we do not expect people to do what is best for society versus what is best for themselves. Ms. Thiede shows what it means to put others before ourselves, and she does it in a way that is entertaining, sometimes comical, romantic, and hopeful.
I also want to express my relief that Ms. Thiede does not use the miscommunication trope to create tension between Alessa and Dante. Well, she doesn't use it too much. I detest that trope, but Ms. Thiede only makes us suffer through it briefly. Ultimately, both characters understand that miscommunication does not make for a strong relationship, nor does it show respect to your partner. Thank you, Ms. Thiede!
I loved every second of THIS CURSED LIGHT. I read it way past my bedtime and obsessed about it when I wasn't reading it. It was the type of story I didn't want to end. I believe the ending is just about perfect, but I didn't want my time with any characters to end. THE CURSED LIGHT was one of the best books I read all month, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Thiede has for us next.
You start THIS CURSED LIGHT knowing the path to their happily ever after will not be easy for Alessa and Dante. Even with that knowledge, what Ms. Thiede puts them through is, in many ways, cruel. Because saving the world one time isn't enough, they must test the limits of their relationship, faith in each other, and humanity.
While it sounds like a cheesy write-up, Ms. Thiede makes it much better. She manages to keep Dante's struggles relatable and Alessa's fears on point. While there are times that the story is too focused on their relationship, Ms. Thiede ensures that we can see the bigger picture - that Dante's and Alessa's relationship issues are only small waves in a much larger ocean.
Because THIS CURSED LIGHT is about relationships but not individual ones. It's about the preconceived notions and hatred that ensue between groups. It uses the gods' feud to show how difficult it is for people to forgive or forget societal ills and that we do not expect people to do what is best for society versus what is best for themselves. Ms. Thiede shows what it means to put others before ourselves, and she does it in a way that is entertaining, sometimes comical, romantic, and hopeful.
I also want to express my relief that Ms. Thiede does not use the miscommunication trope to create tension between Alessa and Dante. Well, she doesn't use it too much. I detest that trope, but Ms. Thiede only makes us suffer through it briefly. Ultimately, both characters understand that miscommunication does not make for a strong relationship, nor does it show respect to your partner. Thank you, Ms. Thiede!
I loved every second of THIS CURSED LIGHT. I read it way past my bedtime and obsessed about it when I wasn't reading it. It was the type of story I didn't want to end. I believe the ending is just about perfect, but I didn't want my time with any characters to end. THE CURSED LIGHT was one of the best books I read all month, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Thiede has for us next.