Review of "Fürchte das Licht" (Black Bird Academy #2)
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to stories that tantalize the imagination and ignite a sense of wonder. "Fürchte das Licht," the second installment in the Black Bird Academy series by Stella Tack, immediately caught my attention after the cliffhanger ending of the first book. It was a perfect Halloween read, with its enchanting mix of demons, exorcists, and a dark academy that had me captivated from the very first page.
From the start, I was ready to dive back into this world that feels both familiar and thrillingly original. Tack excels at weaving a rich tapestry of lore surrounding her characters, particularly the sassy demon, Lore. Personally, I found myself wanting more of his quick-witted banter and charm. Every scene with Lore brought a smile to my face, and I couldn’t help but wish he had a larger role in this sequel. His delightful sarcasm, coupled with the layered complexity of Crain, made them the standout characters for me—carrying much of the narrative’s emotional weight.
Speaking of the plot, I appreciate how Tack maintains the originality that characterized the first book. The exploration of the world of exorcists and demons broadens in this sequel, reminiscent of the thrilling universe of "Shadowhunters," which I adore. However, I found the pacing to be a mixed bag. While the beginning was gripping, the middle felt unnecessarily stretched, causing certain plot points to lag. This stretching made the climax feel rushed and chaotic, which took me out of the otherwise immersive experience.
One significant letdown for me was the tournament of demon hunters, which I had hoped would play a more pivotal role in the plot. Instead, it drifted to the sidelines, with other story elements taking center stage. The buildup lacked the tension I craved, and I wished for a more cohesive narrative that could have kept me on the edge of my seat.
Romantically, the relationship between Leaf and Falco did not resonate with me. Their dynamics felt stagnant, and I found Leaf’s character to be somewhat lacking in depth and agency, leading me to feel indifferent to their arc. I found myself more invested in the friendships and rivalries than in any romantic entanglements, which, fortunately, doesn’t detract from Tack’s gift for storytelling.
Yet, despite these critiques, I remain eager for the third book. Tack has crafted a world that, while it has its flaws, still manages to hook me with its intricacies and character-driven plot twists. I found myself gasping at unexpected turns that I certainly didn’t see coming. If anything, "Fürchte das Licht" left me with a hunger for resolution, particularly for the fates of Leaf, Lore, and Crain, among others.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of young adult fantasy with an intriguing mix of humor, mystery, and supernatural elements, you’ll likely enjoy this continuation of the Black Bird Academy saga. Tack’s skill in world-building is commendable, even if “Fürchte das Licht” falls into some of the pitfalls of pacing and character development. I can’t wait to see how this thrilling journey wraps up, and I couldn’t recommend it enough to those who crave rich lore and entertaining characters. Just be prepared for some quirks in the editing that might give you a chuckle—like suddenly encountering a “Krzysiek” when you were expecting “Crain”!
Happy reading! 📚✨
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