Godsgrave

Description:

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

Set in the world of Nevernight, which Publishers Weekly called “absorbing in its complexity and bold in its bloodiness,” Godsgrave will continue to thrill and satisfy fantasy fans everywhere.

My review:

“She'd grown up inside books. No matter how dark life became, shutting out the hurt was as easy as opening a cover. A child of murdered parents and a failed rebellion, she'd still walked in the boots of scholars and warriors, queens and conquerors.
The heavens grant us only one life, but through books, we live a thousand.” 
― Jay Kristoff, Godsgrave

And the crowd roared: Mia, Mia, Mia!!! 

Hold on for this read, check your heart monitors and don’t forget to breathe, because this is a non-stop thrill ride of a book. 
Mia Corvere continues on her vengeance and fights her way from one battle to the next. And there are so many of them, I can’t recall each scene. 

“Silver at her throat. Stone at her feet. Iron in her heart.” 
― Jay Kristoff, Godsgrave

For those that enjoy gladiator tournaments and battle scenes, let me say, you will not be disappointed. Written very vibrantly to convey a visual, you can basically hear the crowd cheering and feel the daggers flying. At times, gory, hateful, brutal and victorious, you will go through all the emotions with the characters. 

“You can keep the glory. I'm just here for the blood.” 
― Jay Kristoff, Godsgrave

But where do Mia’s loyalty lie and whom can she trust? At the end, will it all be worth it? Is she successful or will there be one more pawn played against her?

I enjoyed the book, but it was almost too much for me. Too much of battle, not enough of depth in the characters or their individual storylines. I enjoyed the first book very much, this one a bit less. It was long. A bit like running to get somewhere and never getting there.
However, I understand why the crowd loves this book so much. It is unlike anything out there and perfect for many. It is amazing in its own right. Kristoff is very gifted in his craft and can bring you up and tear you down with his words. An absolute thrill for sure. 

Thanks to Goodreads, I had the pleasure of listening to this novel on CD’s, after entering and winning a give-a-way copy. Thank you!