BOOK REVIEW: Dark Tempest (Red Winter Trilogy #2) by Annette Marie

Dark Tempest (Red Winter Trilogy #2)
by Annette Marie
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Emi has dedicated her life to becoming the perfect vessel for the goddess Amaterasu, but the insidious betrayal of another deity has changed everything. Now Amaterasu has charged Emi with an urgent mission: to find and free the earthly gods before mankind is brought to its knees beneath divine tyranny.

At her side is Shiro, the mysterious fox spirit. When she first saved his life, she could never have imagined that behind his cunning and confidence, he was lost--his power bound by a devastating curse and his memories obscured. His veiled history is somehow tied to the missing gods, but he can't remember how or why.

As their search leads them into the murky depths of the spirit realm, the shadows of Shiro's past begin to emerge. With each brief awakening of his true self, she loses a little more of him. The fate of the heavens and earth rest in her mortal hands, and she must find the missing gods before time runs out for her world--and for Shiro.

Review:

*Buddy read with Sophie @ Beware of the Reader and Raven @ Dreamy Addictions*

 

Dark Tempest was a lush and vivid story and in this second installment, the ante was upped even more!  There was adventure, it was action packed and there were so many impossible hurdles in their way.  Yet there were moments that made me laugh, smile and melt into a puddle.  This book had it all!  Here are some of my favorite reasons why you should pick up this series…..

✮ An intricate story line that held me in it’s clutches:

“Does it get easier when you live a long time?” she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Or does pain still cause the same suffering? Does regret still make it hard to breathe?”

Nervous energy fitted through me as I read Dark Tempest and I found myself laughing because I was so excited with how it kept playing out. Pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, yet they kept coming up against impossible feats.  So yes I had sweaty palms and was extremely nervous in some moments.  Other times it was eerie, creepy or my claustrophobic self was freaking out.  I even screamed out loud, much to the dismay of my husband sleeping next to me.  And towards the end of the book, I even had tears in my eyes.  It’s just that I was completely immersed in their world. Nothing existed around me except Emi, Shiro and their story.

 

✮ An Unlikely Team:

Emi didn’t move as he stopped beside her and gazed down with those solid silver eyes. A shiver of fear ran down her spine.
Then he extended his hand to her.
“Today, we claim victory.” His ever-unreadable expression softened fractionally. “Well fought, Emi.”
Her breath caught. He had actually called her by name. She managed an exhausted smile as she reached up to take his hand. – Yumei

A kitsune, a Tengu and a mortal girl.  They couldn’t be more different if they tried.  Yet Shiro, Yumei and Emi made an unlikely but strong team. It took them a while to get there, but I loved watching their journey.  I loved each trial that pushed them closer together, that had them working as a team.  They had to find trust.  They had to have hope.  And I loved that they made me laugh at times.  We added two more to this group, as the story progressed, and I loved seeing how it all played out.

 

✮ A Great Love That Can’t Be, Yet I Still Hold Out Hope:

“Say the words, Emi,” he breathed. “Tell me you don’t want me.”
Eyes wide, she trembled, unable to speak, unable to think. He was telling her what to say, but she couldn’t say it. She didn’t want to.
“Shiro.” She wasn’t sure what she’d intended to say, but his name came out in a pleading whisper and even she could hear the longing in it.
That was all the answer he needed.

Throughout Red Winter, Shiro and Emi had been through so many trials and tribulations that it all felt so effortless for them to help each other now. Their relationship progressed and the trust that was there was built on a solid foundation.  And even though Shiro and Emi weren’t together, because they couldn’t risk the future, it still all felt so monumental.  What they sacrificed for each other.  The lengths they would go to protect one another.  It was beautiful.  Plus their their banter was fabulous.  I kept hoping for their HEA, but with the revelations in this book, my heart will keep trying to find hope.

 

✮ A Heroine We Can Respect:

His hand closed on her sleeve. “You have to run.”
“Not without you. Get up, Shiro.”
“Emi …” His eyes lost focus entirely and his eyelids drooped.
As she sucked in a panicked gasp, she realized how slow his breathing was. “Get up, Shiro!”

Emi was given an impossible task from Amaterasu.  She was to find the other Kunitsukami, the earthly gods, and free them since Izanami had imprisoned them.  On top of that, she had to fight for others to believe her.  To trust her and her judgement.  And I loved how she earned allies and others respect.  I loved that she refused to back down and that she found her voice.  And I loved that she stood up for what she thought was right.  Emi was brave, fierce and I was so proud of her and for how much she grew!

 

✮ A Hero I Love:

“I don’t know how I’ll feel about anything when my memories return.” His arms tightened around her. “But I know I fear losing you more than anything that might befall me.”
Tears stung her eyes. “Shiro …”
He would lose her no matter what. She was destined to die, to be consumed by Amaterasu in only a few short weeks.

Even though Shiro’s past and memories were still bound, he always felt larger than life to me.  Shiro was oh so cocky and I loved the fire inside of him.  He could be fierce and lethal when he needed to be.  And I loved how he was always protective of Emi.  His actions and intent always showed he cared.  Plus there were so many little details that tugged at my heart…..like I adored that he called her little miko, and I loved when he called her Emi, since it was so rare.  Shiro continued to capture my heart.

From within the shadows of his gaze, something ancient looked out at her, something wise and cunning and dangerous. Something that whispered to her and called to her soul.

With snowy, winter vibes and magical places that set the scene, I absolutely loved this second book!  And while there was a huge revelation, that I guessed in the first book, there were so many aspects to this story that kept me on my toes.  These characters have my heart and even though I didn’t talk about him above, I love Yumei.  Yumei was still brutal, harsh and seemed to have no remorse at times.  Yet he captured a piece of mind heart too.  I couldn’t wait to see what happened in the final book, and I’m so thankful I was able to drive right in.  And just in case you can’t tell, I definitely recommend this series!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Red Winter   #1 Review: Jen	Dark Tempest #2 Reviews: Jen	Immortal Fire   #3 Reviews: Jen

Related Posts