Godsgrave

Starred review from September 4, 2017
In Kristoff’s triumphant second Nevernight Chronicle fantasy epic (after Nevernight), assassin Mia Corvere continues on her blood-soaked path to revenge for the destruction of her family, which was orchestrated by two of the most powerful men in the land, Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo. She sells her sword and her freedom to participate in gladiatorial games, and now she must prevail over the enslaved gladiatii to take her shot at Scaeva and Duomo, who will be appearing at the conclusion of the games, even though that means killing them in front of the entire republic. Kristoff again graces his story with hilarious asides, vicious competition, and a protagonist as relentless as she is fearless. Her brutal world is populated with a fascinating array of characters who often meet dismal and bloody fates. The thrilling first section of interwoven timelines proceeds at a breakneck pace; later sections are more linear and tense with anticipation, leavened with witty footnotes. Through tragedy, betrayal, and victory, this glorious adventure thrills and satisfies with cold violence, terrifying monsters, roaring crowds, and bloody honor.