Drown me with Dreams by Gabi Burton (Sing me to Sleep 2)
4 stars
Out: Now
Saiorse's identity has been compromised and even King Hayes cannot help her if she's caught. To save her he sends her on a mission past the barrier. She is forced to go with Carrik, her ex-friend turned betrayer. Along the way she uncovers things that endanger her family — the whole kingdom. Is saving them worth the price of betrayal?
The sequel jumps right back into the world and we are instantly comfortable in it. Comfortable with our likeable protagonist and her smirk-worthy quips. The author has a way of making the 1st person POV intimate yet still all-enveloping of everything that is happening. I never feel like the experience is one-sided, even though it is clearly Saiorse's story to share.
Unexpected words are strung together, descriptions exuding harmony, gifting the narrative with a feel of ethereal. But still grounding us in the captivating story. The plethora of details gives us more than enough to visualize the scene. The world has expanded, the author's imagination is roaring, as we finally see what is past the barrier. Is the grass greener on the other side?
The protagonist's strained relationship, both with Hayes and Carrick (don't worry there are still fun moments to be had) is depicted so well, as is the intensity of emotions in the storytelling. Sirens can taste emotions and it's like we can too. I enjoy that our hero is flawed, an antihero, painted a monster that invites hatred though you can't help but love her.
This is a book about freedom, freedom of choice, of being who you are. It is about wanting more out of life and belonging. It shows us that change, though inevitable, needs time.
I really liked the way the threads of the plot are woven together. It is intricate but laid out cleverly as to not confuse. Far from predictable, things become difficult for the characters and you genuinely do not know where things can go thanks to the obstacles thrown in solution's way. I have to admit the solution is genius. But when the grand plan is coming to fruition, suddenly a well-paced book becomes rushed, how the parties who take part are all brought together is not really shown or explained to us. In my opinion, it needed more time to breathe. That does not mean I did not like the ending
This is a thrilling finale, with spy novel flair, schemes upon schemes, deception, broken hearts and one long, hopeful road to liberty.
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