My review for this book is similar to book one. I mostly read this one to distract my mind without an emotional connection. I did not connect with these characters either and although we got more world building, it simply wasn't enough for me to become fully invested in the story and plot.




Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe? Again, I'd go for the Haven Hart series first.


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: This is an interesting situation with the characters. We meet the Emperor of the Dragons, Aldrich, and if I'm quite honest, I have no idea why he was chosen to become the emperor of the dragons. It's not simply hereditary and there is a sacrifice involved for it to occur and nothing about his character really made me instinctively understand why he had the position. As for Emil, he's the most likeable of all of the characters so far (save one, who I think we are following in book three). But overall, their relationship felt very much the same as the first book. Even though they're 'fated', there simply wasn't any time to feel that the connection between them developed organically and felt realistic. I also skimmed the romance scenes here as well because I wasn't invested in the characters so much as the plot, and the romance scenes were very cliche overall, so I wasn't missing anything there, as it didn't feel like it fit the characters.




PLOT: This time the dragons come to Black Veil asking for help in saving one of their own who happens to be imprisoned in Black Veil by a new threat. The vampires and dragons end up working together to face off against this evil while Aldrich and Emil develop their romantic relationship throughout. This one had just a little bit more stakes, but the intensity is similar to book one and is over far too quickly to really feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment.




EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


1:5/low. Again, another great beach read for those of us who don't read a traditional 'beach read' book!



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 


25%. HEA, yes. But again, no emotional connection established so everything is wrapped up and done. Great distraction for the overwhelmed mind.