I had such high hopes for this book when I finished the first one. The first book was adventurous and action filled and although it clearly drew on some existing works for inspiration, it was a unique read. This book, however, let me down. But I know others will love it more than the first so please don't see my lesser enjoyment of this book and immediately disregard it as the story wasn't inherently bad in any way.

The book picks up where the last one left off. This is definitely not a standalone - it does not describe the world or technology again. It had been a little while since I read the last book (last year) and even I was a little confused at the start and had to go remind myself of how this world works. I think it could really have benefitted from an introduction or even a bullet list to outline some of the basics (although I guess now that both books are out most people won't have a yearish long break between reading them so will probably be fine).

This book is quite a bit longer than the last one but I wouldn't say that it has more plot. It basically jumps between the events of the story and characters (Aurora and Tayo) being horny at each other. And this is a lot of where my lesser enjoyment comes from as this is not the kind of book I usually like reading. I know others love it though so if that's your kind of thing it's definitely worth giving this a shot. I actually really enjoyed the plot (minus the horniness). I loved getting to see a little more of the institute and learning more about magic and seeing characters explore the world outside of the one that has been presented to them their whole lives. There is, however, too much making out and taking cold showers and sneaking around to make out even more between the plot - it probably makes up around half the book. There is no detailed sexual content as this is marketed as being YA (so many "I need to take a cold shower" moments to prevent escalation) but there are details about other physical intimacies that nearly lead to sex. And then the author reintroduces a love triangle to add something more to this aspect of the book. I found the outcome pretty predictable though.

If you are interested in this book I would recommend waiting till the final book in the trilogy is released. It ends on a massive cliff-hanger and honestly, it feel more like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book. I think this may have worked better as a duology, but I can also understand why it was split into three. Despite not giving this book a high rating I might still give the final book a shot when it is released. I would love some answers to the events that happened in the last part of the book and hope that the final book gives more page time to plot as I have noticed a pattern like this (with the middle book being more romance heavy) in other YA series I've read. ( )

This is the second book in the Puracordis series. After discovering that she has magic, Aurora begins to explore her powers with Tayo, a boy from her past. I hate to write this review, but I really disliked this book. The first book in the series was really good and I was looking forward to this one. I'm not sure what happened to the storytelling. The entire first half of the book was two characters making out and seeing how far they could go without actually having sex. Plot wise, nothing else was happening. In the second half of the book, Aurora told her best friend and her match about puracordis. Their reaction was pure excitement. This seemed at odds in a society who deems magic malevolent and seeks to exterminate it at any costs. Sadly, this book just did not work for me. ( )

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so good. I enjoyed reading this book more than the 1st one. It did take me a while to read it but that's my own fault, any spare moment I had I kept picking it back up. The love triangle is good and frustrating at times which could end up with me changing which person I want her to end up with. I can't believe that ending! I now can't wait to pick up the 3rd book in the series. ( )

This is the second book in the Puracordis series. After discovering that she has magic, Aurora begins to explore her powers with Tayo, a boy from her past. I hate to write this review, but I really disliked this book. The first book in the series was really good and I was looking forward to this one. I'm not sure what happened to the storytelling. The entire first half of the book was two characters making out and seeing how far they could go without actually having sex. Plot wise, nothing else was happening. In the second half of the book, Aurora told her best friend and her match about puracordis. Their reaction was pure excitement. This seemed at odds in a society who deems magic malevolent and seeks to exterminate it at any costs. Sadly, this book just did not work for me. ( )

Trust is nearly impossible in a world, where martial tyranny rules, magic is a plague, and one girl finds herself in a dangerous weave of reality and lies.

This takes off right where book one ended and can't be read as a stand-alone. This is a series, which does need to be read in order.

Aurora is just beginning to touch the surface of the knot of lies and secrets surrounding her and those around her. While she's slowly accepting her ability to use magic, the need to hide it only grows. With all the drama and problems happening around her, though, keeping a secret isn't her only problem. Friendship and love interests have been her foundation in a tough world, and even these can no longer be trusted.

While Aurora has grown since the beginning of book one, she's still just beginning to realize what her future expects. She's still a bit mouthy and has a quick temper, but she's beginning to mature and gain patience and caution. Like in book one, the author does a very good job at character development and not only with Aurora. Those around her have their own histories, goals, secrets, and intentions. And not all of them are easy to recognize. Especially the romance end, filters in more than a few highs and lows as the plot twists and turns.

The background and history of this world gain depth in this second novel, while the intrigue builds. It's carefully woven, which makes it easy to sink into the action and adventure. There are more than a few surprises, and just as many emotional moments. The mix of scifi with magic creates a vivid world, and with the constant threat of danger, it's a hard book to put down. It's just as grabbing as the first book and holds the promise of much more excitement to come.
I received a DRC and enjoyed this read enough to look forward to book three. ( )