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Dark Gifts #2
Tarnished City
A corrupted city. A dark dream of power.
Luke is a prisoner, condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. Abi is a fugitive, desperate to free him before magic breaks his mind. But as the Jardines tighten their grip on a turbulent Britain, brother and sister face a fight greater than their own.
New alliances and old feuds will remake the nation, leaving Abi and Luke questioning everything – and everyone – they know. And as Silyen Jardine hungers for the forgotten Skill of the legendary Wonder King, the country’s darkest hour approaches. Freedom and knowledge both come at a cost. So who will pay the price?
Luke is a prisoner, condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. Abi is a fugitive, desperate to free him before magic breaks his mind. But as the Jardines tighten their grip on a turbulent Britain, brother and sister face a fight greater than their own.
New alliances and old feuds will remake the nation, leaving Abi and Luke questioning everything – and everyone – they know. And as Silyen Jardine hungers for the forgotten Skill of the legendary Wonder King, the country’s darkest hour approaches. Freedom and knowledge both come at a cost. So who will pay the price?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
179 people are currently reading
3640 people want to read
About the author
Vic James
14 books723 followersVic lives in London’s Notting Hill, but her life is more action-adventure than rom-com.
She studied History and English at Merton College, Oxford where Tolkien was once professor. Relocating to Rome, she completed her doctorate in the Vatican Secret Archives (they’re nothing like The Da Vinci Code), then spent five years living in Tokyo where she learned Japanese and worked as a journalist. She now alternates writing full time with directing documentaries for the BBC.
Vic has scuba-dived on Easter Island, camped at Everest Base Camp, voyaged on one of the last mailboats to St Helena, hang-glided across Rio de Janeiro, and swum the Hellespont from Europe to Asia. But there’s little she loves more than lying in bed till midday with a good book and a supply of her favourite biscuits.
She studied History and English at Merton College, Oxford where Tolkien was once professor. Relocating to Rome, she completed her doctorate in the Vatican Secret Archives (they’re nothing like The Da Vinci Code), then spent five years living in Tokyo where she learned Japanese and worked as a journalist. She now alternates writing full time with directing documentaries for the BBC.
Vic has scuba-dived on Easter Island, camped at Everest Base Camp, voyaged on one of the last mailboats to St Helena, hang-glided across Rio de Janeiro, and swum the Hellespont from Europe to Asia. But there’s little she loves more than lying in bed till midday with a good book and a supply of her favourite biscuits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
February 7, 2018
On sale now! 4.5 stars. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Tarnished City, the second book in Vic James’s DARK GIFTS YA fantasy series, is a hard-hitting novel that picks right up where Gilded Cage left off, without any infodumping to remind the reader what happened in the first book. In this alternate version of our world, England is controlled by a minority group, the ironically-named Equals, who have magical powers and brutally use them to enforce their rule on everyone who isn’t magically skilled. The heaviest burden is the slavedays, a ten year period that each ordinary person is required to spend serving at the whim of the Equals.
In Gilded Cage (here’s your warning of some spoilers for that book), the Hadley family decided to serve their slavedays together, hoping to work them out on the Jardine estate in relative comfort. But the experience has turned disastrous in only a few months. Their teenage son Luke is now a prisoner of the sadistic Lord Crovan, accused of murdering a prominent Equal. Older daughter Abigail is a fugitive on the run, and the Hadley parents have been sent to the industrial slavetown Millmoor (conveniently removing them from the action). The youngest daughter Daisy remains with the Jardines as a babysitter for the baby daughter of their eldest son, Gavar Jardine.
Tarnished City, like Gilded Cage, shifts between the viewpoints of several characters. Its primary focus is on the teenage siblings Luke and Abi. Luke, now wearing Lord Crovan’s magical golden slave collar, is helicoptered to a remote estate in Scotland, where the worst political prisoners are given over to Crovan’s sadistic control. Luke is terrified of the mental and physical torture for which Crovan is infamous, but what actually happens at the inescapable Eilean Dòchais is something he had never imagined. Abi heads to the south of England to find the revolutionaries ― including some sympathetic Equals ― that her brother Luke had previously been working with. Her hope and goal is to rescue Luke with their assistance.
But Tarnished City also follows the viewpoints of a few key Equals: the oldest son and Jardine heir Gavar, a playboy who is beginning to take life more seriously and is finding himself at odds with his father’s plans to control England; Javar’s fiancée Bouda, an ambitious young woman who will do almost anything to increase her own power; and the youngest Jardine brother Silyan, an immensely gifted Equal who is following his own mysterious agenda.
Life is chaotic and holds unforeseen twists for all of these characters and others. The odds against the commoners and their few Equal allies are nearly overwhelming in the face of the immense magical powers of the Equals. Vic James uses this setting to examine the ills of slavery and humanity’s tendency to abuse power.
James’s characters are complex and do unexpected things. After two books, I still haven’t figured out the end game for some key characters, and whether they’re trustworthy or not, which adds a great element of suspense and intrigue. Two characters in particular undergo shocking shifts in their behavior and outlook, heading in opposite directions from where they started. In both cases it improves the plot tremendously, although the shift in characterization is so profound it left me with the sneaking suspicion that James had a change of heart and plans after writing Gilded Cage, possibly in response to some criticism of one particular plotline: Whether or not that’s true, I’m still a fan of the new directions for these characters.
I’m also a fan of this DARK GIFTS series, which creates an imaginative though brutal magical society, brimming with political and social intrigue and upheaval, and uses it to pose some serious questions. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley for review. Thank you!!
Initial review: Wow ... I need to process this. This is a hard-hitting YA fantasy novel that picks right up where Gilded Cage left off (no infodumping to remind you what happened in the first book; we're in the major leagues here). England is controlled by the ironically-named Equals, who have magical powers, and brutally enforce slavery conditions on everyone who isn't magically skilled.
Life is messy, the odds against our team are nearly overwhelming, characters are complex and do unexpected things - I still haven't figured out the end game for a couple of them, and that's a great thing in this case. And Vic James ripped my heart right out and stomped on it, and just when I had gotten it pieced back together and stuffed back in my chest she did it AGAIN.
Review to come soon. But yes - this series is definitely worth reading.
Initial post: Yay! I was finally approved for this on NetGalley ... about three months after I had requested it, and had almost given up hope. :) This is the sequel to last year's very good dystopian fantasy Gilded Cage.
Tarnished City, the second book in Vic James’s DARK GIFTS YA fantasy series, is a hard-hitting novel that picks right up where Gilded Cage left off, without any infodumping to remind the reader what happened in the first book. In this alternate version of our world, England is controlled by a minority group, the ironically-named Equals, who have magical powers and brutally use them to enforce their rule on everyone who isn’t magically skilled. The heaviest burden is the slavedays, a ten year period that each ordinary person is required to spend serving at the whim of the Equals.
In Gilded Cage (here’s your warning of some spoilers for that book), the Hadley family decided to serve their slavedays together, hoping to work them out on the Jardine estate in relative comfort. But the experience has turned disastrous in only a few months. Their teenage son Luke is now a prisoner of the sadistic Lord Crovan, accused of murdering a prominent Equal. Older daughter Abigail is a fugitive on the run, and the Hadley parents have been sent to the industrial slavetown Millmoor (conveniently removing them from the action). The youngest daughter Daisy remains with the Jardines as a babysitter for the baby daughter of their eldest son, Gavar Jardine.
Tarnished City, like Gilded Cage, shifts between the viewpoints of several characters. Its primary focus is on the teenage siblings Luke and Abi. Luke, now wearing Lord Crovan’s magical golden slave collar, is helicoptered to a remote estate in Scotland, where the worst political prisoners are given over to Crovan’s sadistic control. Luke is terrified of the mental and physical torture for which Crovan is infamous, but what actually happens at the inescapable Eilean Dòchais is something he had never imagined. Abi heads to the south of England to find the revolutionaries ― including some sympathetic Equals ― that her brother Luke had previously been working with. Her hope and goal is to rescue Luke with their assistance.
But Tarnished City also follows the viewpoints of a few key Equals: the oldest son and Jardine heir Gavar, a playboy who is beginning to take life more seriously and is finding himself at odds with his father’s plans to control England; Javar’s fiancée Bouda, an ambitious young woman who will do almost anything to increase her own power; and the youngest Jardine brother Silyan, an immensely gifted Equal who is following his own mysterious agenda.
Life is chaotic and holds unforeseen twists for all of these characters and others. The odds against the commoners and their few Equal allies are nearly overwhelming in the face of the immense magical powers of the Equals. Vic James uses this setting to examine the ills of slavery and humanity’s tendency to abuse power.
The truth was, everyone in Britain wore a collar they couldn’t see. Millions of people, unquestioningly obeying the Equals. Slaving for ten years in appalling conditions. Subject to rulers they couldn’t choose or criticize. Confined to a country they couldn’t leave until their days were done. And accepting it all as normal.Tarnished City is a darker YA Fantasy, focusing on a culture of modern slavery that leads to foreseeable results, including murder and public executions, torture (both physical and psychological), profound betrayal, and hinted-at sexual assault.
Better to wear a collar you could see. That way you never forgot.
James’s characters are complex and do unexpected things. After two books, I still haven’t figured out the end game for some key characters, and whether they’re trustworthy or not, which adds a great element of suspense and intrigue. Two characters in particular undergo shocking shifts in their behavior and outlook, heading in opposite directions from where they started. In both cases it improves the plot tremendously, although the shift in characterization is so profound it left me with the sneaking suspicion that James had a change of heart and plans after writing Gilded Cage, possibly in response to some criticism of one particular plotline: Whether or not that’s true, I’m still a fan of the new directions for these characters.
I’m also a fan of this DARK GIFTS series, which creates an imaginative though brutal magical society, brimming with political and social intrigue and upheaval, and uses it to pose some serious questions. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley for review. Thank you!!
Initial review: Wow ... I need to process this. This is a hard-hitting YA fantasy novel that picks right up where Gilded Cage left off (no infodumping to remind you what happened in the first book; we're in the major leagues here). England is controlled by the ironically-named Equals, who have magical powers, and brutally enforce slavery conditions on everyone who isn't magically skilled.
Life is messy, the odds against our team are nearly overwhelming, characters are complex and do unexpected things - I still haven't figured out the end game for a couple of them, and that's a great thing in this case. And Vic James ripped my heart right out and stomped on it, and just when I had gotten it pieced back together and stuffed back in my chest she did it AGAIN.
Review to come soon. But yes - this series is definitely worth reading.
Initial post: Yay! I was finally approved for this on NetGalley ... about three months after I had requested it, and had almost given up hope. :) This is the sequel to last year's very good dystopian fantasy Gilded Cage.
February 1, 2018
Tarnished City by Vic James is the second book in the young adult fantasy Dark Gifts series. From the title of the series to the intense book cover one should guess that this series is not all rainbows and sunshine but one that is incredibly dark and sometimes disturbing. If at all possible I think Tarnished City got a little darker than Gilded Cage if that was possible.
The series takes place in a society in which the world is ruled by Equals who are aristocrats with magical gifts. Everyone else are known as commoners and at some point during their lifetimes they have to serve the Equals for a period of ten years as their slaves. Commoners can choose to serve at any point in their lives from 10 to 80 years old.
In Gilded Cage we met a family that when the youngest child turned ten the parents decided to sign the whole family up for their slave days to be completed together. Luke’s older sister Abi has arranged for the family to work together at a plantation owned by England’s most powerful family of Equals. But upon arrival the paperwork had been messed up and Luke is shipped off to a slave town separate from the rest of his family.
Now this is a series that definitely needs to be read from the beginning of the first book as the story only continues on from where that book ended and probably wouldn’t make much sense jumping into the middle. Tarnished City however does have subtle reminders of what had been happening to remind readers where they had left off as the story picks up again.
From the very moment the series began a part of me is just so darn angry at the whole idea of forcing kids/teens into signing up for their slavery days without actually letting them voice their own choice. Of course it would have to be done but the parents were able to put it off until they had built their life together so why take that choice away from their kids?
Of course the whole society and the way it’s set up comes into play in the overall plot to the series. The point of view changes in the series between several different key characters mainly from the commoner family that had signed up and the Equals with the powers that they are involved with but now there have been more added as the story has expanded even further.
While this one does have a bit of that middle book feel as it picked up from the first and left a bit of a cliffhanger at the end to lead into the second so I'd rate it at 3.5 stars myself but it was still a solid addition moving the story forward. I would definitely suggest too that this one is definitely for the more mature readers as I mentioned earlier it is a extremely dark read and I’m sure will only get more intense in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The series takes place in a society in which the world is ruled by Equals who are aristocrats with magical gifts. Everyone else are known as commoners and at some point during their lifetimes they have to serve the Equals for a period of ten years as their slaves. Commoners can choose to serve at any point in their lives from 10 to 80 years old.
In Gilded Cage we met a family that when the youngest child turned ten the parents decided to sign the whole family up for their slave days to be completed together. Luke’s older sister Abi has arranged for the family to work together at a plantation owned by England’s most powerful family of Equals. But upon arrival the paperwork had been messed up and Luke is shipped off to a slave town separate from the rest of his family.
Now this is a series that definitely needs to be read from the beginning of the first book as the story only continues on from where that book ended and probably wouldn’t make much sense jumping into the middle. Tarnished City however does have subtle reminders of what had been happening to remind readers where they had left off as the story picks up again.
From the very moment the series began a part of me is just so darn angry at the whole idea of forcing kids/teens into signing up for their slavery days without actually letting them voice their own choice. Of course it would have to be done but the parents were able to put it off until they had built their life together so why take that choice away from their kids?
Of course the whole society and the way it’s set up comes into play in the overall plot to the series. The point of view changes in the series between several different key characters mainly from the commoner family that had signed up and the Equals with the powers that they are involved with but now there have been more added as the story has expanded even further.
While this one does have a bit of that middle book feel as it picked up from the first and left a bit of a cliffhanger at the end to lead into the second so I'd rate it at 3.5 stars myself but it was still a solid addition moving the story forward. I would definitely suggest too that this one is definitely for the more mature readers as I mentioned earlier it is a extremely dark read and I’m sure will only get more intense in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 3, 2017
"I burn not shine."
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
In my review of the first book of this series, I stated it had an "unique magic-system, a compelling narrative structure, enthralling writing and an unguessable plot." After such highly-heaped praise I was hesitant to see how this would follow in its predecessor's strong footsteps. It has also been a full year since I read the original, and with such a complex plot, worried I would be overwhelmed when returning to this world. Within just a few pages I realised I need not have feared.
This provided the reader with a subtle refresher to world, without the need of a dreaded info-dump, and continued to be as action-orientated yet as intense in plot-line as the initial book in this series. This also followed on from the multitude of narratives of the former book, with its large cast of characters and perspectives, and introducing more, which furthered the reader's understanding of the rules governing this alternate reality.
Whilst still centrally focusing on just two families, this gave a wider knowledge of the world at large, and brought up interesting discussions of hierarchical class power and privilege. These debates proved timeless, and further fused the reader's interest to it. Whilst still an interesting and uniquely created world, this brought a degree of empathy to those suffering in it and also some subtle links to our own world.
This added density furthered my adoration for this series. The depth of topic broached and the exciting direction the plot was taken leads me to expect even greater things from the next instalment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Vic James, and the publisher, Pan Macmillan, for this opportunity.
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
In my review of the first book of this series, I stated it had an "unique magic-system, a compelling narrative structure, enthralling writing and an unguessable plot." After such highly-heaped praise I was hesitant to see how this would follow in its predecessor's strong footsteps. It has also been a full year since I read the original, and with such a complex plot, worried I would be overwhelmed when returning to this world. Within just a few pages I realised I need not have feared.
This provided the reader with a subtle refresher to world, without the need of a dreaded info-dump, and continued to be as action-orientated yet as intense in plot-line as the initial book in this series. This also followed on from the multitude of narratives of the former book, with its large cast of characters and perspectives, and introducing more, which furthered the reader's understanding of the rules governing this alternate reality.
Whilst still centrally focusing on just two families, this gave a wider knowledge of the world at large, and brought up interesting discussions of hierarchical class power and privilege. These debates proved timeless, and further fused the reader's interest to it. Whilst still an interesting and uniquely created world, this brought a degree of empathy to those suffering in it and also some subtle links to our own world.
This added density furthered my adoration for this series. The depth of topic broached and the exciting direction the plot was taken leads me to expect even greater things from the next instalment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Vic James, and the publisher, Pan Macmillan, for this opportunity.
August 14, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up.
This book was surprising! It's a darker and grittier read than its predecessor. Just as in Gilded Cage, the story is still 'a bit different' in ways that keep you reading. This is not a stand- alone and you need to read Gilded Cage first. Events pick up right where the first book left off. We see less of Luke and more of Abi.
Several unexpected events happened in this book, which left me admiring the author for her bold choices, while in many ways the plot progression was predictable. This is definitely a middle book which leaves intriguing questions about where the story will go. New alliances formed in this will change the game in the next book.
The most interesting characters in this are definitely Silyen and Corvan and the plot development around them, but we also see a lot of character development from some other key characters.
The book finishes on a cliffhanger again and I will be one of the first in line for the next in series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book was surprising! It's a darker and grittier read than its predecessor. Just as in Gilded Cage, the story is still 'a bit different' in ways that keep you reading. This is not a stand- alone and you need to read Gilded Cage first. Events pick up right where the first book left off. We see less of Luke and more of Abi.
Several unexpected events happened in this book, which left me admiring the author for her bold choices, while in many ways the plot progression was predictable. This is definitely a middle book which leaves intriguing questions about where the story will go. New alliances formed in this will change the game in the next book.
The most interesting characters in this are definitely Silyen and Corvan and the plot development around them, but we also see a lot of character development from some other key characters.
The book finishes on a cliffhanger again and I will be one of the first in line for the next in series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2018
These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead.
This book is dark. Not simply beautifully, poetically dark, no, it is the sort of unpleasant darkness people want to turn away from. This book shines a light on some of the worst aspects of human nature. The things we all know exists, but so many people refuse to see. And for that, it is amazing.
When it comes to YA fiction, people seem to throw around the word dark whenever there is death or betrayal involved. Well, I will say to those people this book takes it to another level.
Be warned this is not your typical YA Fantasy.
The Cast:
Abi has always tried to do what right, but also what was expected of her. Previously, she never thought to challenge the status quo. But with her brother condemned for a crime he did not commit, her parents shipped off to Millmoor and her little sister beyond her reach at Kyneston, Abi steps up to the plate to right the wrongs the Equals have inflicted on her family and so many others.
Luke goes from an uncover rebel to a condemned criminal. But no matter what horrors he is forced to face, Luke refuses to let it break him. He fights as hard as he can to ensure he never gives into the basest aspects of human nature, to make sure he never become the monster Crovan, his torturer, says he will ultimately become.
Silyen continues to be the mysterious, ambitious, powerful young man whose actions constantly have to you questioning where his loyalties lie - if he has any at all.
Gavar goes from the spoiled heir, complicit in his families actions, to a young man who starts to question the very society to which he belongs. He starts to think of how things could be better, for his daughter, for everyone, if only Equals were willing to change.
Bouda is a girl who continues to do whatever, and whoever, it takes to claw her way to top. She is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the Equals society.
The Relationships *All discussion will be put in the spoiler tag because I do not trust myself to talk about them without spoiling anything*
Character Rankings:
Abi = Luke > Gavar > Silyen >>>>>> Bouda
Some of you might be thinking, wait, Gavar before Silyen?
I know. I know. If you had asked me my rankings at the very start of the book I do believe my answer would be different. But with Gavar finally showing some humanity and backbone, and Silyen still being confusing as heck, I think Gavar wins by a narrow margin.
One thing I think that set this book apart from others is that we get the PoV of not only our protagonists but also our antagonists. So not only do we get to see the struggles our heroes go through, we also get to see how life is on the other side. Which I personally enjoyed, since it helped flesh out the characters a bit, but I can understand how so many PoV may overwhelm some people.
This is a story rooted in politics. With some individuals and families striving for power and glory, others fighting for justice, for freedom, for change, and then there are those simply looking for answers. With so many deaths, twist and turns, betrayals and questionable motives this book keeps you guessing and questioning everything up to the very last page.
This book is a breath of fresh air in the realm YA fantasy where the usual formulas and tropes are used on repeat. And I would definitely recommend it for fans of darker YA Fantasy. But as I said before, be warned, when I say it is dark I mean it.
The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads First to Reads in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you Del Rey Books for this opportunity, and to the author, Vic James, for this stunning book.
________________________
Possible Alternative Titles for this Book:
A Labyrinth of Twists and Turns
Death and Betrayal
Ambition Above All Else
The Crazy World of Equals
How many characters can we kill off and still retain shock value?["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
This book is dark. Not simply beautifully, poetically dark, no, it is the sort of unpleasant darkness people want to turn away from. This book shines a light on some of the worst aspects of human nature. The things we all know exists, but so many people refuse to see. And for that, it is amazing.
When it comes to YA fiction, people seem to throw around the word dark whenever there is death or betrayal involved. Well, I will say to those people this book takes it to another level.
Be warned this is not your typical YA Fantasy.
The Cast:
Abi has always tried to do what right, but also what was expected of her. Previously, she never thought to challenge the status quo. But with her brother condemned for a crime he did not commit, her parents shipped off to Millmoor and her little sister beyond her reach at Kyneston, Abi steps up to the plate to right the wrongs the Equals have inflicted on her family and so many others.
Luke goes from an uncover rebel to a condemned criminal. But no matter what horrors he is forced to face, Luke refuses to let it break him. He fights as hard as he can to ensure he never gives into the basest aspects of human nature, to make sure he never become the monster Crovan, his torturer, says he will ultimately become.
Silyen continues to be the mysterious, ambitious, powerful young man whose actions constantly have to you questioning where his loyalties lie - if he has any at all.
Gavar goes from the spoiled heir, complicit in his families actions, to a young man who starts to question the very society to which he belongs. He starts to think of how things could be better, for his daughter, for everyone, if only Equals were willing to change.
Bouda is a girl who continues to do whatever, and whoever, it takes to claw her way to top. She is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the Equals society.
The Relationships *All discussion will be put in the spoiler tag because I do not trust myself to talk about them without spoiling anything*
Character Rankings:
Abi = Luke > Gavar > Silyen >>>>>> Bouda
Some of you might be thinking, wait, Gavar before Silyen?
I know. I know. If you had asked me my rankings at the very start of the book I do believe my answer would be different. But with Gavar finally showing some humanity and backbone, and Silyen still being confusing as heck, I think Gavar wins by a narrow margin.
One thing I think that set this book apart from others is that we get the PoV of not only our protagonists but also our antagonists. So not only do we get to see the struggles our heroes go through, we also get to see how life is on the other side. Which I personally enjoyed, since it helped flesh out the characters a bit, but I can understand how so many PoV may overwhelm some people.
This is a story rooted in politics. With some individuals and families striving for power and glory, others fighting for justice, for freedom, for change, and then there are those simply looking for answers. With so many deaths, twist and turns, betrayals and questionable motives this book keeps you guessing and questioning everything up to the very last page.
This book is a breath of fresh air in the realm YA fantasy where the usual formulas and tropes are used on repeat. And I would definitely recommend it for fans of darker YA Fantasy. But as I said before, be warned, when I say it is dark I mean it.
The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads First to Reads in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you Del Rey Books for this opportunity, and to the author, Vic James, for this stunning book.
________________________
Possible Alternative Titles for this Book:
A Labyrinth of Twists and Turns
Death and Betrayal
Ambition Above All Else
The Crazy World of Equals
How many characters can we kill off and still retain shock value?["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
June 4, 2018
Second books in a trilogy are always tough to review. This one in particular really has me staring at my computer screen with no idea what to type. It doesn't make things easier that I liked it, but also didn't at the same time.
The concept set up in the first book is intriguing as it blends fantasy and dystopian fiction. Set in modern-day Britain, magic rules everything. A very small percent of people are Equals who wield magic, while the rest of people are commoners. All commoners are required to give up 10 years of enforced slavelife and serve Equals. This work can be anything from serving in the home of an Equal (which is considered lucky) to working in one of the slavetowns where conditions are worse and you could be in the factories. Regardless, you give up all basic human rights while serving.
Through multiple perspectives, you get a clear view of this world from all angles. In the sequel, things pick up just after the events in Gilded Cage. It did take me a few chapters to truly remember all the details of that ending, so it was a bit confusing at first. The problem with this sequel is more that the story drags here. There are parts that I found exciting. More specifically..Luke's condemnation. Besides that, the political aspects slowed down here. There wasn't as much action or revelations. It didn't feel like the world was expanded on at all. I'll still be reading the third book to get the conclusion of the series, but this one definitely suffered from second book syndrome.
The concept set up in the first book is intriguing as it blends fantasy and dystopian fiction. Set in modern-day Britain, magic rules everything. A very small percent of people are Equals who wield magic, while the rest of people are commoners. All commoners are required to give up 10 years of enforced slavelife and serve Equals. This work can be anything from serving in the home of an Equal (which is considered lucky) to working in one of the slavetowns where conditions are worse and you could be in the factories. Regardless, you give up all basic human rights while serving.
Through multiple perspectives, you get a clear view of this world from all angles. In the sequel, things pick up just after the events in Gilded Cage. It did take me a few chapters to truly remember all the details of that ending, so it was a bit confusing at first. The problem with this sequel is more that the story drags here. There are parts that I found exciting. More specifically..Luke's condemnation. Besides that, the political aspects slowed down here. There wasn't as much action or revelations. It didn't feel like the world was expanded on at all. I'll still be reading the third book to get the conclusion of the series, but this one definitely suffered from second book syndrome.
February 14, 2018
4.5/5 *
TARNISHED CITY is an amazing follow-up to last year's GILDED CAGE. In fact, I think I liked this one just a little bit more!
Even though I see this listed and shelved as YA, it's much darker than most YA I've tried, (which admittedly is not a lot because it's usually too angst-y for me.) In this case however, the author nixes a lot of the extraneous stuff and focuses on the characters and the intricately plotted story.
It took me a little while to get back into the flow, (it's been just over a year since I've visited this world), but once I did, I was so happy to be there! There's no real re-cap, which I appreciated. I feel that if an author's characters are strong enough, they should come back without my having to be reminded and these certainly did. There's a big cast here and the characters refer to other characters using the names by which they know them-sometimes resulting in 2 or 3 different names for a person, depending upon the point of view at the time.
I noted that a lot of what is going on in this book is going on in the real world right now. Perhaps not slavery exactly, (those with no Skill must serve 10 years as a slave), but classism, (against those born with no Skill), and the increasingly outspoken attitudes and acceptance of those with racist views. It comes all the way up to the sanction of violence against those who disagree or who dare to stand up against those in power. I guess I'm trying to say that it's obvious to me that the author knows what she's talking about as far as how the story relates to the world today, and it's downright scary.
I feel like I needed to make these points, but now that I have, I want to say how much I loved this tale! I loved the characters, they're well drawn and oh, so human. They aren't perfect, in fact, many of them are downright horrible people, but they're fun to read about. The machinations and the conniving going on rival that in any adult fantasy that I've read-with the added bonus of not having to wait 5+ years for the next book!
I say BRAVO, Vic James! You've created a compelling, fun and interesting world, populated with deep, complicated characters and I can't wait to come back to it once again. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
TARNISHED CITY is an amazing follow-up to last year's GILDED CAGE. In fact, I think I liked this one just a little bit more!
Even though I see this listed and shelved as YA, it's much darker than most YA I've tried, (which admittedly is not a lot because it's usually too angst-y for me.) In this case however, the author nixes a lot of the extraneous stuff and focuses on the characters and the intricately plotted story.
It took me a little while to get back into the flow, (it's been just over a year since I've visited this world), but once I did, I was so happy to be there! There's no real re-cap, which I appreciated. I feel that if an author's characters are strong enough, they should come back without my having to be reminded and these certainly did. There's a big cast here and the characters refer to other characters using the names by which they know them-sometimes resulting in 2 or 3 different names for a person, depending upon the point of view at the time.
I noted that a lot of what is going on in this book is going on in the real world right now. Perhaps not slavery exactly, (those with no Skill must serve 10 years as a slave), but classism, (against those born with no Skill), and the increasingly outspoken attitudes and acceptance of those with racist views. It comes all the way up to the sanction of violence against those who disagree or who dare to stand up against those in power. I guess I'm trying to say that it's obvious to me that the author knows what she's talking about as far as how the story relates to the world today, and it's downright scary.
I feel like I needed to make these points, but now that I have, I want to say how much I loved this tale! I loved the characters, they're well drawn and oh, so human. They aren't perfect, in fact, many of them are downright horrible people, but they're fun to read about. The machinations and the conniving going on rival that in any adult fantasy that I've read-with the added bonus of not having to wait 5+ years for the next book!
I say BRAVO, Vic James! You've created a compelling, fun and interesting world, populated with deep, complicated characters and I can't wait to come back to it once again. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
August 30, 2017
Having enjoyed, “Gilded Cage,” I was pleased to receive the second book in the Dark Gifts Trilogy, “Tarnished City,” for review. This is very much a sequel to the first book – it does not stand alone and you need to read, “Gilded Cage,” first. In fact, it begins at the very end of the last book, with Abi Hadley, and her family, sent to the slave town of Millmoor, after being banished from the Jardine estate. Of course, her brother Luke, had previously left Millmoor – but he is not going to join the rest of his family. In fact, they are split again, with young Daisy staying to care for Gavar’s daughter, Libby, and Luke being handed over to Lord Crovan as his new master.
This is a dark and exciting read. On the way to Millmoor, Abi manages to escape and joins up with the revolutionaries that Luke had previously worked with in the previous book. She hopes to rescue Luke and, in fact, this novel revolves more around Abi than Luke. However, we do also have Luke’s story, as he finds himself with the sinister Lord Crovan (a man who rivals Silyen for the role as most unpleasant Equal). For, in this alternate Britain, the Equals rule through Skill, a kind of powerful magic. The rest of the population live under their thumb; condemned to slavery for ten years of their lives. It was Abi’s decision for the family to do their slave days, hoping the family would have a relatively easy time of it, working for the wealthy, influential Jardine family. Of course, this plan goes horribly wrong and leaves the family separated and scarred.
In this novel, it is Luke who finds himself in opulent surroundings, while there is an undercurrent of violence and sadism. Meanwhile, while the protests that Luke had previously taken part in had been peaceful, those involved consider more violent methods of showing their anger. At heart, this is a novel about punishment and politics, with many of the characters from the last novel appearing in this story too. “Tarnished City,” is an exciting edition to the trilogy. It does suffer a little from being the ‘middle’ book, with lots of action, but no satisfactory beginning or conclusion. However, I will certainly read on and hope to discover what finally happens in the final instalment of the trilogy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
This is a dark and exciting read. On the way to Millmoor, Abi manages to escape and joins up with the revolutionaries that Luke had previously worked with in the previous book. She hopes to rescue Luke and, in fact, this novel revolves more around Abi than Luke. However, we do also have Luke’s story, as he finds himself with the sinister Lord Crovan (a man who rivals Silyen for the role as most unpleasant Equal). For, in this alternate Britain, the Equals rule through Skill, a kind of powerful magic. The rest of the population live under their thumb; condemned to slavery for ten years of their lives. It was Abi’s decision for the family to do their slave days, hoping the family would have a relatively easy time of it, working for the wealthy, influential Jardine family. Of course, this plan goes horribly wrong and leaves the family separated and scarred.
In this novel, it is Luke who finds himself in opulent surroundings, while there is an undercurrent of violence and sadism. Meanwhile, while the protests that Luke had previously taken part in had been peaceful, those involved consider more violent methods of showing their anger. At heart, this is a novel about punishment and politics, with many of the characters from the last novel appearing in this story too. “Tarnished City,” is an exciting edition to the trilogy. It does suffer a little from being the ‘middle’ book, with lots of action, but no satisfactory beginning or conclusion. However, I will certainly read on and hope to discover what finally happens in the final instalment of the trilogy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
June 27, 2019
5 Words: Power, control, torture, magic, rebellion.
If you know me then you'll know how much I loved the first book. So going into Tarnished City I was a little apprehensive. Because what if it wasn't as good? Turns out I needn't have worried as Tarnish City is just as excellent. Oh yes.
Again Avita Jay does a splendid job with the audiobook, bringing the characters to life.
I still have so much love in my heart for Silyen and Abi, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
If you know me then you'll know how much I loved the first book. So going into Tarnished City I was a little apprehensive. Because what if it wasn't as good? Turns out I needn't have worried as Tarnish City is just as excellent. Oh yes.
Again Avita Jay does a splendid job with the audiobook, bringing the characters to life.
I still have so much love in my heart for Silyen and Abi, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 9, 2018
***** 4.5 Stars *****
Cannot be read as a standalone.
"These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead."
My mind is reeling, and I'm still decompressing my thoughts and feelings about Tarnished City. What a sequel...
Luke is locked up for something he didn't do. Abi is on the run trying to find a way to get her brother back. And the Jardines are more powerful than ever.
Tarnished City is darker than book 1, and it reveals how cruel society can be. It's a complicated mess, and I can't wait for the next book to find out how everything ends.
Cannot be read as a standalone.
"These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead."
My mind is reeling, and I'm still decompressing my thoughts and feelings about Tarnished City. What a sequel...
Luke is locked up for something he didn't do. Abi is on the run trying to find a way to get her brother back. And the Jardines are more powerful than ever.
Tarnished City is darker than book 1, and it reveals how cruel society can be. It's a complicated mess, and I can't wait for the next book to find out how everything ends.
December 28, 2017
London's burning, she thought. Burning with the Skill of the Equals.
Such a gorgeous sequel! This was certainly one of those books that just became better and better the more you read, with more and more pieces added to the puzzle. And the complete picture is turning out much darker than you first believed it would.
As Luke is taken north to Lord Crovan's estate, Abi has escaped the carriage taking her and her parents to Millmoor, intent on finding a way to rescue her brother. She seeks out the Skill-deprived Heir Meilyr, who also hosts the remainder of the Millmoor rebels, and together they start to put together a plan to get Luke out. At the same time, Silyen manouvers himself into a position of power in the House of Light - and with Lord Jardin becoming a temporary chancellor, Gavar begins to worry that his father will push new, harsh rules onto the common folk, and people like his daughter.
Tarnished City is much darker, grittier and more politically inclined than Gilded Cage was. We lose several important characters, but find just as many new and intriguing ones. This, however, makes things a bit complicated as the book has so, so many POVs. Yes, they intertwine with one another, but they also disrupt the flow of the story a bit. I can see the need for them, though, as each POV brings a new perspective on the situation to us readers - but sometimes it takes far too long to get back to certain characters.
Either way, I'm already excited for Bright Ruin!
April 29, 2018
These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead.
* * * *
4 / 5
Tarnished City is leaps and bounds better than Gilded Cage, the first book in this series. It's more critical of power and slavery, more developed in it's exploration of morally dubious characters like Gavar and Silyen, and far more emotionally impactful. At one point I almost cried. Best of all, the "romance" between Jenner and Abi is mostly thrown out the window. This book is a wild, complicated, messy, gloriously convoluted ride and I loved it.
Better to wear a collar you could see. That way you never forgot.
Having read Gilded Cage a little while ago, it did take me time to remember what had happened (I couldn't find a recap online and James doesn't go into all the details at the start of Tarnished City). We left Luke Hadley Condemned for the murder of Chancellor Zelston, smoking gun in hand and no memory of the act, on his way to the home of supreme torturer Lord Crovan. Abi has leapt from the moving vehicle that was taking her and her parents to Millmoor, now on the run and looking for a way to rescue her brother. Heir Meilyr, stripped of his Skill and physically damaged, has fled with his fiance Bodina Matravers to Castle Highwithel, whilst her sister, Bouda, attempts to hasten her wedding to Gavar Jardine to cement her political power. Silyen is manoeuvring himself like a slippery serpent whilst working with his Aunt Euterpia "Terpy" on Skill use.
"What are you, Silyen Jardine?"
Which was a good question. Silyen thought about it.
"Curious"
Tarnished City has got the politics. It's got families striving for power, for justice, for freedom, for family itself (in an interesting development of Gavar Jardine), and, in the case of Silyen, for mayhem for mayhem's sake. We've got Bouda trying to lever herself into power, realising that despite everything (including a really horrible scene), there's not much she can do in the face of misogyny. There's shifting allegiances and surprise twists which managed to captivate me despite them involving only minor characters like Lord Rix. Thrown into this mess is a handful of new characters including a character who I hope will feature prominently in the next book: Midsummer Zelston, a young, gay, black woman steals the thunder at the end. Almost literally.
"Omnes vulnerant; ultima necat.
All hours wound; the last one kills."
This does lead me to my only criticism: too many POVs. It's a problem I had with Gilded Cage, that there are so many intriguing characters that I can definitely understand why James wants to spend time with each of them, but the hopping around still makes the book feel disjointed. We go massive swathes of pages without seeing Luke, whose time at Loch Eilean was fascinating and inventive, or Abi. Again, it should either have been a longer book or less POVs, in my opinion. What James did fix was the issue I had with Abi and Jenner, where the obvious inequality in their relationship was never acknowledged sufficiently; a slave cannot love their master because they are not free to act as they wish. This point was explicitly acknowledged in Tarnished City.
"Watch," the boy murmured. "Watch and understand."
"What am I supposed to understand?"
"That you don't get to save everybody"
Speaking of romance, it is virtually banished in favour of high stakes. In some scenes literal stakes. There's blood, guts, gore, sacrifice, and revolution. There's Heir Meilyr, still bold and brave, perhaps foolishly so, in the face of his loss of Skill. There's Bodina Matravers burning bright with grief and anger, The Angel In The North. There's Abi Hadley resentful that they need an Equal at all to front a revolution against the Equals, grappling with an age old problem: your oppressors cannot truly understand your pain, but you need them to liberate you from themselves. Because if someone does not see you as truly human why would they listen to you? As Lord Jarvine puts it: the truth is what we say it is. And it's so terribly unfair. In a way, this book is about sacrifice, and it's really pulled at my heartstrings.
London's burning, she thought. Burning with the Skill of the Equals. Could it ever be put out?
Bound into this story is the mystery of the Skill. What can these people do? Why? How? Why is Silyen so powerful when Jenner cannot even open a gate? It's a question that I think is going to come to the fore in Bright Ruin, which I'm very much looking forward to. I absolutely devoured Tarnished City and I think this book is a perfect intro (after Gilded Cage!) for readers into darker, grittier fantasy.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book
Read this review and more on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
* * * *
4 / 5
Tarnished City is leaps and bounds better than Gilded Cage, the first book in this series. It's more critical of power and slavery, more developed in it's exploration of morally dubious characters like Gavar and Silyen, and far more emotionally impactful. At one point I almost cried. Best of all, the "romance" between Jenner and Abi is mostly thrown out the window. This book is a wild, complicated, messy, gloriously convoluted ride and I loved it.
Better to wear a collar you could see. That way you never forgot.
Having read Gilded Cage a little while ago, it did take me time to remember what had happened (I couldn't find a recap online and James doesn't go into all the details at the start of Tarnished City). We left Luke Hadley Condemned for the murder of Chancellor Zelston, smoking gun in hand and no memory of the act, on his way to the home of supreme torturer Lord Crovan. Abi has leapt from the moving vehicle that was taking her and her parents to Millmoor, now on the run and looking for a way to rescue her brother. Heir Meilyr, stripped of his Skill and physically damaged, has fled with his fiance Bodina Matravers to Castle Highwithel, whilst her sister, Bouda, attempts to hasten her wedding to Gavar Jardine to cement her political power. Silyen is manoeuvring himself like a slippery serpent whilst working with his Aunt Euterpia "Terpy" on Skill use.
"What are you, Silyen Jardine?"
Which was a good question. Silyen thought about it.
"Curious"
Tarnished City has got the politics. It's got families striving for power, for justice, for freedom, for family itself (in an interesting development of Gavar Jardine), and, in the case of Silyen, for mayhem for mayhem's sake. We've got Bouda trying to lever herself into power, realising that despite everything (including a really horrible scene), there's not much she can do in the face of misogyny. There's shifting allegiances and surprise twists which managed to captivate me despite them involving only minor characters like Lord Rix. Thrown into this mess is a handful of new characters including a character who I hope will feature prominently in the next book: Midsummer Zelston, a young, gay, black woman steals the thunder at the end. Almost literally.
"Omnes vulnerant; ultima necat.
All hours wound; the last one kills."
This does lead me to my only criticism: too many POVs. It's a problem I had with Gilded Cage, that there are so many intriguing characters that I can definitely understand why James wants to spend time with each of them, but the hopping around still makes the book feel disjointed. We go massive swathes of pages without seeing Luke, whose time at Loch Eilean was fascinating and inventive, or Abi. Again, it should either have been a longer book or less POVs, in my opinion. What James did fix was the issue I had with Abi and Jenner, where the obvious inequality in their relationship was never acknowledged sufficiently; a slave cannot love their master because they are not free to act as they wish. This point was explicitly acknowledged in Tarnished City.
"Watch," the boy murmured. "Watch and understand."
"What am I supposed to understand?"
"That you don't get to save everybody"
Speaking of romance, it is virtually banished in favour of high stakes. In some scenes literal stakes. There's blood, guts, gore, sacrifice, and revolution. There's Heir Meilyr, still bold and brave, perhaps foolishly so, in the face of his loss of Skill. There's Bodina Matravers burning bright with grief and anger, The Angel In The North. There's Abi Hadley resentful that they need an Equal at all to front a revolution against the Equals, grappling with an age old problem: your oppressors cannot truly understand your pain, but you need them to liberate you from themselves. Because if someone does not see you as truly human why would they listen to you? As Lord Jarvine puts it: the truth is what we say it is. And it's so terribly unfair. In a way, this book is about sacrifice, and it's really pulled at my heartstrings.
London's burning, she thought. Burning with the Skill of the Equals. Could it ever be put out?
Bound into this story is the mystery of the Skill. What can these people do? Why? How? Why is Silyen so powerful when Jenner cannot even open a gate? It's a question that I think is going to come to the fore in Bright Ruin, which I'm very much looking forward to. I absolutely devoured Tarnished City and I think this book is a perfect intro (after Gilded Cage!) for readers into darker, grittier fantasy.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book
Read this review and more on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
July 3, 2018
4.5 Stars.
This is one of my favourite YA trilogies. I met the author at MCM in London, and she kindly signed my paperback copy, and took a few minutes to talk to us. A wonderful and kind lady.
I'm not going to say too much about the plot, this being a sequel and everything, but let me explain what exactly I love about these books: politics and that both sides get point of view chapters.
See, in this world, a sort of modern-day Britain, magic users control everything. If you're not one of them, you owe them ten years of service.
Of course, part of this is a bit on the nose, I agree, but Vic James does a great job at presenting both sides of the story. We get to see the struggle among the aristocrats, those opposed to the ten years of service, those trying to abolish them, and those in favour. We don't just get to follow the struggles against the regime, we get to see those in the middle of it, some of them in favour, some of them not entirely happy with everything that's going on. And, of course, fascism is on the rise.
Tarnished City took a few turns I didn't expect, and I enjoyed reading about all of these characters that have become dear to me. In fact, when I met Vic James, she asked who my favourite character is, and I did not know what to answer. Hours later, I realised, I should have said: politics! Because the politics is what I enjoy most about these books.
Tarnished City is darker, ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for the last book: Bright Ruin. Recommended to all YA fantasy fans.
This is one of my favourite YA trilogies. I met the author at MCM in London, and she kindly signed my paperback copy, and took a few minutes to talk to us. A wonderful and kind lady.
I'm not going to say too much about the plot, this being a sequel and everything, but let me explain what exactly I love about these books: politics and that both sides get point of view chapters.
See, in this world, a sort of modern-day Britain, magic users control everything. If you're not one of them, you owe them ten years of service.
Of course, part of this is a bit on the nose, I agree, but Vic James does a great job at presenting both sides of the story. We get to see the struggle among the aristocrats, those opposed to the ten years of service, those trying to abolish them, and those in favour. We don't just get to follow the struggles against the regime, we get to see those in the middle of it, some of them in favour, some of them not entirely happy with everything that's going on. And, of course, fascism is on the rise.
Tarnished City took a few turns I didn't expect, and I enjoyed reading about all of these characters that have become dear to me. In fact, when I met Vic James, she asked who my favourite character is, and I did not know what to answer. Hours later, I realised, I should have said: politics! Because the politics is what I enjoy most about these books.
Tarnished City is darker, ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for the last book: Bright Ruin. Recommended to all YA fantasy fans.
February 27, 2018
I was really hoping for an improvement over Book 1 (Gilded Cage). Unfortunately I think I got the exact same book in terms of pacing, boring political parts, intense action at the end, and only liking a few characters. I could probably lift my Gilded Cage review and put it in here with few edits.
It's really unfortunate because I really think Vic James has created a great world. But she has made the exact same mistakes in this second book that she did in the first. Now I realize it was possibly already written and whatnot before book 1 was released but given the timing between the books there would have been time to revisit it to make some improvements.
Second Book Syndrome
Any long time series reader knows what I mean. A trilogy usually has a middle book that is weaker than the rest. There is a little bit of that in Tarnished City. Certainly an inability to move the plot forward until the very end of the book is telling that it's all just a set-up for book 3.
I also think some second book syndrome set in here when it came to characters we heard from (each chapter is from one character Point of View). It's the same mistake George R.R. Martin makes in his later Song of Fire and Ice books; which is to drop certain character POVs (who are not dead) from the narrative. The problem with this is that if they are your beloved characters then it is harder to keep people's attention. I would have loved to see at least one or two chapters from Daisy (who has a unique view on everything now) and from the parents of our lead teens who are also now in a different location. Instead we get to hear from Garvan, Bouda, and others that I just don't care about that much. Yes they are important, but I'd honestly rather read about them and the politics from the viewpoints of more interesting people.
And don't even start me on the lack of Jenner point of views... (see note at bottom for rant).
Overview
I'll definitely read book 3 as I'm interested in where this goes. What I'm really hoping for is that after this series James can come out with something totally new in the YA fantasy genre and blow us away with everything she learned from writing her first trilogy. Because I really do believe there is potential here (she is amazing at writing cliffhanger endings and action sequences) it's just been diluted with poor choices and boring narrative in places.
Note: My fan girl self, for those familiar with the series, is very, very disappointed in the serious lack of Jenner in this novel. The last half he might as well (nearly) not exist until the very end. This was really hard for me to be okay with. I know James is holding back with him so that a mystery isn't revealed but I just missed him a lot. Not even because I'm a fan girl for him necessarily but because he has THE most unique situation of all (and isn't a child).
It's really unfortunate because I really think Vic James has created a great world. But she has made the exact same mistakes in this second book that she did in the first. Now I realize it was possibly already written and whatnot before book 1 was released but given the timing between the books there would have been time to revisit it to make some improvements.
Second Book Syndrome
Any long time series reader knows what I mean. A trilogy usually has a middle book that is weaker than the rest. There is a little bit of that in Tarnished City. Certainly an inability to move the plot forward until the very end of the book is telling that it's all just a set-up for book 3.
I also think some second book syndrome set in here when it came to characters we heard from (each chapter is from one character Point of View). It's the same mistake George R.R. Martin makes in his later Song of Fire and Ice books; which is to drop certain character POVs (who are not dead) from the narrative. The problem with this is that if they are your beloved characters then it is harder to keep people's attention. I would have loved to see at least one or two chapters from Daisy (who has a unique view on everything now) and from the parents of our lead teens who are also now in a different location. Instead we get to hear from Garvan, Bouda, and others that I just don't care about that much. Yes they are important, but I'd honestly rather read about them and the politics from the viewpoints of more interesting people.
And don't even start me on the lack of Jenner point of views... (see note at bottom for rant).
Overview
I'll definitely read book 3 as I'm interested in where this goes. What I'm really hoping for is that after this series James can come out with something totally new in the YA fantasy genre and blow us away with everything she learned from writing her first trilogy. Because I really do believe there is potential here (she is amazing at writing cliffhanger endings and action sequences) it's just been diluted with poor choices and boring narrative in places.
Note: My fan girl self, for those familiar with the series, is very, very disappointed in the serious lack of Jenner in this novel. The last half he might as well (nearly) not exist until the very end. This was really hard for me to be okay with. I know James is holding back with him so that a mystery isn't revealed but I just missed him a lot. Not even because I'm a fan girl for him necessarily but because he has THE most unique situation of all (and isn't a child).
October 28, 2020
Esta novela continúa donde terminó la anterior de la trilogía Dones Oscuros.
La trama de este segundo libro es más interesante y tiene mucha más acción, así que he devorado el libro, los personajes están muy bien definidos, aunque me gusta sobre todo, Sylien Jardine.
Es un libro muy completo en el que tendremos muchas intrigas, asesinatos, traiciones,etc....te mantiene todo el rato en vilo sin que sepas que puede ocurrir a continuación.
El final ha sido totalmente inesperado, me ha encantado y espero que pronto salga la última parte de la trilogía porque me he quedado con ganas de más.
La trama de este segundo libro es más interesante y tiene mucha más acción, así que he devorado el libro, los personajes están muy bien definidos, aunque me gusta sobre todo, Sylien Jardine.
Es un libro muy completo en el que tendremos muchas intrigas, asesinatos, traiciones,etc....te mantiene todo el rato en vilo sin que sepas que puede ocurrir a continuación.
El final ha sido totalmente inesperado, me ha encantado y espero que pronto salga la última parte de la trilogía porque me he quedado con ganas de más.
February 3, 2018
Dark and exciting, this was a great follow up to Gilded Cage. Even though their family has been torn apart, Luke and Abi continue to stay strong and try to fight against the injustice visited on them and also the unSkilled population at large. Abi in particular steps up and her character is much stronger and self-assured than in the first book.
Tarnished City was filled with surprises and twists and turns, making it an exciting read right to the end. The final chapter set the stage for what is sure to be an explosive conclusion in the final book of the trilogy, Bright Ruin. I will definitely be reading it as soon as it comes out.
Tarnished City was filled with surprises and twists and turns, making it an exciting read right to the end. The final chapter set the stage for what is sure to be an explosive conclusion in the final book of the trilogy, Bright Ruin. I will definitely be reading it as soon as it comes out.
Read
January 4, 2018I was invited by NetGalley to read and review this ARC edition. I didn't realize it was the second book of a series and have discovered after about 30 pages that one MUST read book one!
Therefore, I will NOT be reviewing or rating this book! it is unfair to the author, the book and myself to do otherwise.
Therefore, I will NOT be reviewing or rating this book! it is unfair to the author, the book and myself to do otherwise.
April 3, 2018
4.2 Out Of 5 "Tarnished...But Not Broken" STARS
I was torn as to whether I was going to continue this series because I struggled to get through the first book. Then way before it (Tarnished City) was due to release, I noticed my library had already purchased it in audiobook format…I thought…hmmm…maybe I could eliminate some my issues with Gilded Cage by listening to Tarnished City, rather than reading it.
Overall, I'm happy that I gave this series a second chance because this world that Vic James has created is darkly captivating and dangerously alluring. I applaud her ingenuity with the unique plot and the complex characters. She also threw in some very clever twists. While there are still many elements to this that I found confusing and I know I didn't always comprehend the situations totally, I did enjoy it, nonetheless.
I was torn as to whether I was going to continue this series because I struggled to get through the first book. Then way before it (Tarnished City) was due to release, I noticed my library had already purchased it in audiobook format…I thought…hmmm…maybe I could eliminate some my issues with Gilded Cage by listening to Tarnished City, rather than reading it.
Overall, I'm happy that I gave this series a second chance because this world that Vic James has created is darkly captivating and dangerously alluring. I applaud her ingenuity with the unique plot and the complex characters. She also threw in some very clever twists. While there are still many elements to this that I found confusing and I know I didn't always comprehend the situations totally, I did enjoy it, nonetheless.
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~MY RATING~
4.2/5 STARS - GRADE=B+
๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏
~~~~~~~~~~~~~๏~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~๏~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters~ 4.3/5
Secondary Characters~ 4.3/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 4.2/5 Cliffhanger~ More or less…yes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~๏~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Cover~ Awesome, I think this darker version goes with the story better.
Narration~ ☆4.3☆ Avita Jay, for having an accent, which I always seem to struggle with, I thought she was pretty good.
Series~ Dark Gifts #2
Setting~ England & Scotland
Source~ Audiobook (Library)
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March 29, 2025
”These people. Their power. The good they could do with it, and the evil they chose instead.”
Втора част започва ударно в момента, в който приключи предната книга. Уитъм Жардин е на път да основе автокрация в алтернативна републиканска Англия, владяна от магическите сили на Равните, докато робството се разраства. Бауда навлиза във властта, Силиън Жардин - в дебрите на тъмните си дарби, Люк Хадли - в кошмарния свят на оправомощен от обществото садист, Абигейл Хадли - в съпротивата срещу жестокостта. Гавар Жардин пък се мята между уискито и натрупващия се гняв.
С две думи - разкошно продължение в трилогията, с много обрати и силни главни и второстепенни образи. Кръвта се лее изобилно (но не сюжетно безпричинно), трупат се стари и нови предателства и посоката остава приятно непредсказуема. Добре обрисуван свят, в който робството е легално в много държави, включително в оцелялата до 21 век американска конфедерация. А силните на деня умело подръпват струните на най-низките страсти у простолюдието и сеят невежество и сляпо подчинение. Средствата за това, представени в измислен свят, изглеждат плашещо реални и актуални.
Жалко, че “Рива” не са превели цялата поредица - силна е, но определено не е в общия успешно пласиран шаблон на полуфабрикатните заготовки. Тук съдържанието е по-впечатлявашо от корицата…
—————————
“The problem’s not love. It’s power. ”
“That’s what experiments are, doing things badly, until you do them better. ”
“The most frightening thing wasn’t that Jardine wanted a Blood Fair, she realized. It was that the people might want it, too.”
“ ‘I have no idea how to run a country. But I’m pretty sure it’s not like this.”
Втора част започва ударно в момента, в който приключи предната книга. Уитъм Жардин е на път да основе автокрация в алтернативна републиканска Англия, владяна от магическите сили на Равните, докато робството се разраства. Бауда навлиза във властта, Силиън Жардин - в дебрите на тъмните си дарби, Люк Хадли - в кошмарния свят на оправомощен от обществото садист, Абигейл Хадли - в съпротивата срещу жестокостта. Гавар Жардин пък се мята между уискито и натрупващия се гняв.
С две думи - разкошно продължение в трилогията, с много обрати и силни главни и второстепенни образи. Кръвта се лее изобилно (но не сюжетно безпричинно), трупат се стари и нови предателства и посоката остава приятно непредсказуема. Добре обрисуван свят, в който робството е легално в много държави, включително в оцелялата до 21 век американска конфедерация. А силните на деня умело подръпват струните на най-низките страсти у простолюдието и сеят невежество и сляпо подчинение. Средствата за това, представени в измислен свят, изглеждат плашещо реални и актуални.
Жалко, че “Рива” не са превели цялата поредица - силна е, но определено не е в общия успешно пласиран шаблон на полуфабрикатните заготовки. Тук съдържанието е по-впечатлявашо от корицата…
—————————
“The problem’s not love. It’s power. ”
“That’s what experiments are, doing things badly, until you do them better. ”
“The most frightening thing wasn’t that Jardine wanted a Blood Fair, she realized. It was that the people might want it, too.”
“ ‘I have no idea how to run a country. But I’m pretty sure it’s not like this.”
March 7, 2018
Book 2 in the Dark Gifts series carries on right where Book 1, Gilded Cage, left off. The story is centered mainly on brother and sister Luke and Abigail Hadley and their struggles with the Gifted who control the British government and make slaves of commoners. Luke has been locked away in a remote castle in Scotland, condemned for murder, and Abi is struggling to find a way to free him with the help of fellow resisters and some friendly Gifted. But who can she trust in this twisted world of magic, mind games and politics? Lots of surprises keep the reader entertained and eager for book 3.
March 18, 2018
omg this book was so irritating. Tedious and boring up till about 90%.
And THEN, just when things start getting interesting - REALLY interesting -- ...the book fricken ends!
And now I feel like there's no way I can't not read the last book. Even though I didn't really like this book at all. But, you know, cliffhanger.
So fucking irritating.
p.s. - I was excited to see more Silyen POVs, but after all was said and done, I ended up not caring for any of them. It was a letdown. His character is more interesting from other people's perspectives.
And THEN, just when things start getting interesting - REALLY interesting -- ...the book fricken ends!
And now I feel like there's no way I can't not read the last book. Even though I didn't really like this book at all. But, you know, cliffhanger.
So fucking irritating.
p.s. - I was excited to see more Silyen POVs, but after all was said and done, I ended up not caring for any of them. It was a letdown. His character is more interesting from other people's perspectives.
December 20, 2017
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Tarnished City is the second installment in author Vic James Dark Gifts trilogy. This story picks up right exactly where Gilded Cage left off, so if you haven't yet read that story, make haste and do so now. This series is set in a sort of modern Britain with a very dystopian feel to it. Magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Tarnished City is the second installment in author Vic James Dark Gifts trilogy. This story picks up right exactly where Gilded Cage left off, so if you haven't yet read that story, make haste and do so now. This series is set in a sort of modern Britain with a very dystopian feel to it. Magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
January 15, 2020
Die Tür nimmt dir das Leben, wie alle Dinge, die töten.
2,5 Sterne
Zweieinhalb enttäuschte Sterne.
Menno. Der erste Band war mir als gut in Erinnerung. Dieses Buch schwankte permanent zwischen "OMG, wie gut ist das denn?!" und "gibt es noch etwas Langweiligeres/Komplizierteres?!". Und das alles bezüglich sowohl der Schreibweise, der Charaktere und auch der Geschichte.
Bin dennoch gespannt, wie es weitergeht.
Read
November 21, 2017IS IT SEPTEMBER YET
September 6, 2017
This series is literally a rollercoaster ride. I loved Gilded Cage and you can check out my review of that here: https://lifehasafunnywayofsneakingupo...
Tarnished City was even better, which is quite rare for a Middle novel in a trilogy, usually I find the Middle novel a bit of a 'filler' with not much going on, but this was action packed to say the least. Following the events of Gilded Cage (spoilers for book 1 ahead) Tarnished City explains what happens next to the main characters. Abi is desperately trying to save her brother Luke by appealing to His old friends from the Millmoor Games and Social Club. Luke meanwhile is trapped in Crovan's Scottish castle desperately trying to find a way out and back to his friends and family. Meanwhile Silyen is back to his old tricks and all I can say about Gavar and Jenner is that they're about to both undergo big changes...
Tarnished City is equally as fast paced as Gilded Cage but there is a lot more action in this one now that the author has free reign after the character and world building needed in book one. We start to see a lot more of the in depth personality traits of the characters and I was definitely correct in my original assumption that not everyone is who they seem! There's a lot more violence in this one also as the story takes a darker turn than in the first book.
I was really pleased with the character development overall, I feel like I've got a good idea of who everyone is deep down now as I've been able to see the darker and lighter sides of their characters. In the words of Sirius Black (ok.. JK Rowling) 'we've all got both light and dark inside of us, what matters most is the part we choose to act on, that's who we really are.' I feel that's a really fitting summary of the people in this book.
I literally cannot wait for the next instalment in what has fast become one of my favourite fantasy series'.
Tarnished City was even better, which is quite rare for a Middle novel in a trilogy, usually I find the Middle novel a bit of a 'filler' with not much going on, but this was action packed to say the least. Following the events of Gilded Cage (spoilers for book 1 ahead) Tarnished City explains what happens next to the main characters. Abi is desperately trying to save her brother Luke by appealing to His old friends from the Millmoor Games and Social Club. Luke meanwhile is trapped in Crovan's Scottish castle desperately trying to find a way out and back to his friends and family. Meanwhile Silyen is back to his old tricks and all I can say about Gavar and Jenner is that they're about to both undergo big changes...
Tarnished City is equally as fast paced as Gilded Cage but there is a lot more action in this one now that the author has free reign after the character and world building needed in book one. We start to see a lot more of the in depth personality traits of the characters and I was definitely correct in my original assumption that not everyone is who they seem! There's a lot more violence in this one also as the story takes a darker turn than in the first book.
I was really pleased with the character development overall, I feel like I've got a good idea of who everyone is deep down now as I've been able to see the darker and lighter sides of their characters. In the words of Sirius Black (ok.. JK Rowling) 'we've all got both light and dark inside of us, what matters most is the part we choose to act on, that's who we really are.' I feel that's a really fitting summary of the people in this book.
I literally cannot wait for the next instalment in what has fast become one of my favourite fantasy series'.
August 9, 2018
A little slower than book one, but definitely expands the world. Pretty sure Vic James has been taking lessons from George Martin though. Death all over the place in this one. Ready to pick up book three! This one really left it at yet another torturous cliffhanger!
January 14, 2020
Oh my god. Holy cliff hanger! I wasn’t in love with Gilded Cage but it was okay enough for me to continue the series. I couldn’t put this one down! I hopped in my car and went directly to the library to get the third book and final book, Bright Ruin.
June 3, 2018
Tarnished City Review on K-Books <- goes live on June 20, 2018
"She used to think 'courage' was a reckless, slightly stupid thing. She understood it a little better now. It was doing what was right, even when every shred of self-preservation screamed against it."
Wow! There are literally no words that I have right now to describe what I have just read. I really enjoyed Gilded Cage, the first book in this trilogy and was really looking forward to continuing with Tarnished City. I in no way expected to love Tarnished City as much as I did. I was completely expecting this book to be a case of 'second book syndrome' but I couldn't have been more wrong. In my opinion Tarnished City surpasses the first book by far. I loved it so much more and couldn't put it down.
Following the shocking climax of Gilded Cage, Tarnished City follows Luke as he becomes a 'condemned' and his sister Abi as she runs away from her family and joins a rebellion knowing she will stop at nothing to save her younger brother. But Abi finds that saving Luke may not be the most important thing. As she learns more and more about the skilled and the prestigious Jardine family, the more she is determined to stop them. But can she stop them and save her brother?
I adored Tarnished City. Absolutely adored it. I found it a little slow to begin but it quickly picked up and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. In Gilded Cage, I fell in love with Abi and Luke's family and even thought some positive things about all three of the Jardine brothers. Tarnished City changes everything that you think you know about these characters. There were so many twists and turns and at times I was sat reading with my mouth agape as I just couldn't believe what was happening. Especially as we drew closer and closer to the end. This book completely shocked me and I was completely heartbreaking.
Gilded Cage was already a deceptively dark series but I really didn't think it could get much darker. I was completely and utterly wrong. Vic James is such a genius author but I'm also a little scared and intimidated that something this dark and disturbing can come from her imagination. She writes this series in such a perfect and amazing way. She slowly draws you in to this incredible (yet terrifying) fantastical world and then just breaks you and shocks you in every way possible.
Tarnished City was absolutely incredible. I loved every single moment of it and although it made me cry and broke my heart I was left in complete awe of this incredible book. I am now counting down the days until Bright Ruin, the final book in the trilogy is released. Luckily, I don't have to wait much longer. This entire series is just so addictive and I really urge anyone who hasn't read it to give it a go. It's so unique and different from any of the other series I have ever read, and I have loved every single second of this series so far. Roll on July so I can see how this series is going to end.
"Only dull people have plans, Luke. 'Go here. Do this. Hope other people do that.' It never works. No, clever people embrace possibilities. Seize opportunities."
"She used to think 'courage' was a reckless, slightly stupid thing. She understood it a little better now. It was doing what was right, even when every shred of self-preservation screamed against it."
Wow! There are literally no words that I have right now to describe what I have just read. I really enjoyed Gilded Cage, the first book in this trilogy and was really looking forward to continuing with Tarnished City. I in no way expected to love Tarnished City as much as I did. I was completely expecting this book to be a case of 'second book syndrome' but I couldn't have been more wrong. In my opinion Tarnished City surpasses the first book by far. I loved it so much more and couldn't put it down.
Following the shocking climax of Gilded Cage, Tarnished City follows Luke as he becomes a 'condemned' and his sister Abi as she runs away from her family and joins a rebellion knowing she will stop at nothing to save her younger brother. But Abi finds that saving Luke may not be the most important thing. As she learns more and more about the skilled and the prestigious Jardine family, the more she is determined to stop them. But can she stop them and save her brother?
I adored Tarnished City. Absolutely adored it. I found it a little slow to begin but it quickly picked up and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. In Gilded Cage, I fell in love with Abi and Luke's family and even thought some positive things about all three of the Jardine brothers. Tarnished City changes everything that you think you know about these characters. There were so many twists and turns and at times I was sat reading with my mouth agape as I just couldn't believe what was happening. Especially as we drew closer and closer to the end. This book completely shocked me and I was completely heartbreaking.
Gilded Cage was already a deceptively dark series but I really didn't think it could get much darker. I was completely and utterly wrong. Vic James is such a genius author but I'm also a little scared and intimidated that something this dark and disturbing can come from her imagination. She writes this series in such a perfect and amazing way. She slowly draws you in to this incredible (yet terrifying) fantastical world and then just breaks you and shocks you in every way possible.
Tarnished City was absolutely incredible. I loved every single moment of it and although it made me cry and broke my heart I was left in complete awe of this incredible book. I am now counting down the days until Bright Ruin, the final book in the trilogy is released. Luckily, I don't have to wait much longer. This entire series is just so addictive and I really urge anyone who hasn't read it to give it a go. It's so unique and different from any of the other series I have ever read, and I have loved every single second of this series so far. Roll on July so I can see how this series is going to end.
"Only dull people have plans, Luke. 'Go here. Do this. Hope other people do that.' It never works. No, clever people embrace possibilities. Seize opportunities."
July 24, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me this book to review.
Tarnished city is a really good YA paranormal dystopian novel which is even darker and violent and the previous book Gilded Cage. It is fast paced and with all of its twists, political manoeuvring and unpredictability it makes you not want to put the book down. It did not suffer from middle book syndrome and I felt the characters have become more interesting and those who were a bit two-dimensional in the first book have developed a lot more.
I felt like Luke had the least character growth in this book, partly because his story arc did not grab me as much but also, he was the character who had developed the most in Gilded Cage. However, Abi had the most growth as she is still determined to save her family but she understands that change is needed. She has also lost her naivety and her belief that her family can stay impartial. Silyen is just as mysterious and complex as before and I still have no clue what his plans are all for. The most surprising character was Gavar as he was so much more interesting in this book and developed into a character I was not expecting.
The ending was a bit confusing and did end on a massive cliffhanger but I am looking forward to reading the next book Bright Ruin. I would recommend Tarnished City to those who enjoyed the first book Gilded Cage, and this series to those who like dystopian alternative worlds.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Tarnished city is a really good YA paranormal dystopian novel which is even darker and violent and the previous book Gilded Cage. It is fast paced and with all of its twists, political manoeuvring and unpredictability it makes you not want to put the book down. It did not suffer from middle book syndrome and I felt the characters have become more interesting and those who were a bit two-dimensional in the first book have developed a lot more.
I felt like Luke had the least character growth in this book, partly because his story arc did not grab me as much but also, he was the character who had developed the most in Gilded Cage. However, Abi had the most growth as she is still determined to save her family but she understands that change is needed. She has also lost her naivety and her belief that her family can stay impartial. Silyen is just as mysterious and complex as before and I still have no clue what his plans are all for. The most surprising character was Gavar as he was so much more interesting in this book and developed into a character I was not expecting.
The ending was a bit confusing and did end on a massive cliffhanger but I am looking forward to reading the next book Bright Ruin. I would recommend Tarnished City to those who enjoyed the first book Gilded Cage, and this series to those who like dystopian alternative worlds.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
September 28, 2017
I love how the Dark Gifts series is a YA trilogy that does not understimate the reader. It is a complex story with nuanced characters, and that has lots of parallels with the world we live in. A lovely combination of "I can't put it down" and "I don't want it to end". I will be rereading the first too installments in preparation for the release of Bright Ruin
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!)
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