A Light So Blinding by Emma HammMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
I was so excited to get this book. I already read and loved the first book in the series, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one the moment it released. A Light So Blinding takes place in the same world as the first book but follows two new characters, making it feel like an interlocking standalone.
While I’d absolutely recommend reading book one for the best experience, book two does give enough information for you to follow along if you haven’t. But honestly… skipping book one would be a tragedy because both books are so worth it.
The opening of this book was fantastic. We’re introduced to Astrid, one of many priestesses, and I loved learning about her role and the lives of the women around her. Their duties were fascinating and at times horrifying. It genuinely shocked me how some of these women were treated. You know it’s a good book when you start plotting certain characters’ downfall because they’re so vile you want them stopped immediately. Watching beloved characters suffer under awful people made for a deeply emotional reading experience.
Astrid and Bjorn are both incredibly well-written characters. At first, they seem like they’ve led completely different lives, but the more you learn, the more you see how much they actually share. Both have been used, pushed, and shaped by others just to survive. That shared pain is part of what makes their connection so strong and believable.
The author did an amazing job not only showing who they were before the story began, but also letting us watch them evolve. The versions of themselves at the start feel like shells compared to who they become. Their growth was powerful and beautifully done.
The storyline was clear, engaging, and full of depth. I hate when books have no plot or rely only on fluff this was definitely not fluff. This book has action, danger, tension, heartache, and moments that make you genuinely fear for the characters. But it also has a wonderful romance and a great level of spice that adds warmth and breaks up the intensity in the best way.
There were a few moments where I skimmed and had to pull myself back into the story maybe two small sections felt a little empty. I also enjoyed the ending, though I do feel like it could have had a bit more added to make it hit even harder.
Still, it was a fantastic read overall.
What I Liked:
Astrid and Bjorn incredibly detailed characters with strong backstories that made them easy to understand and love.
The world beautifully detailed, blending breathtaking imagery with horrifying realities.
The portrayal of King James’s rule shocking, dark, and honestly enough to make me pack my things and run to a troll cave.
The romance and spice slow-building, emotional, and ultimately scorching.
Watching the characters grow and change.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
There were a few slower moments where I skimmed.
The ending was great, but I did wish for a little more (can’t explain without spoilers!).
Would I Recommend This Book?
Yes absolutely!
Would I Reread?
Yes, I definitely would.
How I’d Sum It Up:
Dark and action-filled at times, warm and tender at others packed with everything you could want. A fantastic addition to the series.
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