Splendor and Spark

Shimmer and Burn #2

by Mary Taranta

In this exciting follow-up to Shimmer and Burn , Faris has given up love to save her sister’s life and the dying kingdom of Avinea, but will her sacrifices be enough to overcome the poisoned magic and villains surrounding her on all sides?

The fight is just beginning.

Faris has been forced to give up the man she loves for a dangerous but necessary alliance. Her loyalty is bound by magic to his future bride, the villainous Bryn. And her mother’s powerful spell that could be the key to saving Avinea fights with poisoned magic for control of her heart.

None of that matters though because everything Faris has done has been for Cadence, the little sister she’s been trying to rescue from the king’s slavery. Now they’re finally reunited, but Cadence has a gut-wrenching she remembers everything from while she was under the king’s enchantment. She wants nothing to do with Faris.

Heartbroken, Faris focuses on tracking Merlock, the king who must be killed to stop The Burn, by manipulating her mother’s spell through her dreams. Before long though, Faris realizes these aren’t normal dreams, they might just be real, and they may show her a way to kill Merlock herself.

But there are things darker than poison that lie in The Burn, and not even the spell deep in Faris’s chest can stop them. Faris will again be faced with impossible choices. Does she risk everything to save Avinea, even if she might lose North and further betray her sister’s trust? Or does she succumb to the poison inside that begs her to think this time, finally, of herself?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy

336 pages, Hardcover

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

I write stories about bloodshed and tears, and in some cases, kissing.

Born and raised in rural Ohio, I now live in the sprawling suburbs of Central Florida wherein I complain about the heat, pay homage to the air conditioner, and prefer to drink my iced tea sweet.

Reviews

[mith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I reviewing every book i read in the past and left no review for? No, but also yes. Ish.

I’ll be frank: I didn’t think this was as good as the first book. There was a significant lack of North, but I wanna pride myself on being the kind of person that only relies on just the love interest being there lmao. (I am tho so yikes.)

Anyway I’ll keep this short: while a strong sequel and a good finale, I couldn’t enjoy this as much as book one. I missed my vicious princess and I hated the little sister take. I mean, in the end it was satisfying, but still.

BUT STILL indeed. Mary Taranta is a talented author it is a damn shame S&S doesn’t promote her book more often. Taranta’s writing is impeccable and it shows in this book. It shows with Faris’ character, with the strong plot, with the range of feelings this book will give you.

The ending made up for a lot but I will say this: I hope something more for Alistair. If I didn’t love North so much, I would’ve loved to see him and Faris as something even more angsty and complicated.

[Rox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might be alone in this, but please can this have more Alistair??

Review:
Alright so, there was a little more Alistair but not nearly enough.
Also - I admit defeat in that I once again climbed on the wrong ship. Wrong in the sense that it is not going to set sail, I mean. I'm still of the belief it would have been a great ship! Alas, I will be sitting on this dusty old ship that's going nowhere.

"Poison on the tongue comes from poison in the heart. Not all monsters are bred in the Burn."

Anyway. This was a good sequel. The plot stayed quite solid and our characters experienced some growth. Faris maybe got on my nerves a little.
There has been a nice setup for the third book and I am quite excited to see where it all goes.

[Beatrice in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

"Poison on the tongue comes from poison in the heart. Not all monsters are bred in the Burn."

1) Shimmer and burn ★★★★☆

This duology deserves so many more fans, it's sad that the majority of readers is sleeping on it. It has everything that you want from a ya fantasy: it has a sweet and angsty romance, an original worldbuilding and complex magic system and Faris, an amazing protagonist.

I don't want to spoil anything because the book is going to be released in a a few months but I can say that the book picks up a few weeks after the events of Shimmer and burn. Faris and North are still under Bryn's control, Cadence is stupid and convinced that Faris is satan (she gets better, don't worry) and everyone's getting ready to go into the Burn for the mission.

The ending is good and it leaves us with the possibility of an additional book, but every major plot point is resolved and we get to see the protagonists finally catching a break. I did feel like there needed to be something more between the last chapter and the epilogue, tho.

[Sheila G]

1) Shimmer and Burn: ★★★★½

YESSSSS!!! GIVE ME MORE!!!



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[Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the first book in this series. I was so excited for this second part. I just didn’t feel the same vibe as I did in book one. It drug for the first half. It really picked up at the end and was very exciting. I am glad I stayed with it.

[Take Me Away To A Great Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to this duology. Magical, swoon worthy, and action packed. The ending is tied up nicely, while still leaving it slightly open for more if Mary wants to write anything else in the world.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5

*Thoughts*

Splendor and Spark is the second installment in author Mary Taranta's Shimmer and Burn duology. To save her sister Cadence's life, Faris Locke smuggled magic that was given to her by her mother into a plague-ridden neighboring kingdom of Avinea that is slowly being over taken by the Burn. But, after Cadence was caught trying to flee the kingdom and was sold into slavery, Faris reluctantly agreed to a lucrative scheme to buy her back, inadvertently binding herself to the power-hungry Princess Bryn, who wants to steal her father’s throne.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Maryanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Megan Houde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but not as much as the first. In a way I wanted a little more. More from Faris and North and their future. Though it does end happily, again I just wanted more!

[Amber Crabb (Walker) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stand by what I said after the first book. I think they have a wonderful plot line, convincing characters, but there's just something stilted about the writing, almost like it was rushed. I feel like these books could be twice as long as what they would be and they would be a classic.

[Bookish Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't wait for more Faris and North !

[Kimberly (Book Swoon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPLENDOR AND SPARK by Mary Taranta is the second book in the Shimmer and Burn series that is filled danger, dark enchantments, and manipulative intrigue!

The story takes place shortly after the ending of Shimmer and Burn as the dangers of the Burn still threatens the kingdom of Avinea. In this book, readers can look forward to discovering the backstory of North’s father and the magic that created the Burn.

Once again, the setting is brimming with darkness and danger as the Burn comes ever closer to the kingdom of Avinea.

Faris begins to have dreams leading her ever closer to Merlock (the king who created The Burn) only she realizes these are not just ordinary dreams but part of her mother’s magic she gave to Faris in order to fight Merlock. I really enjoyed these dreamscapes and the fantastic landscapes filled with strange creatures and magic.

“I am my mother’s daughter, and ten years ago she cut me open and made me stronger. I didn’t want to be a fighter, but I became one out of necessity—a consequence of her choice for me, which means my choice is simple.
There are monsters in Avinea, and I have the ability to stop them.”

Taranta expertly weaves complicated relationships like tangled threads in this series, and with Splendor and Spark.

Faris finds herself surrounded by enemies she cannot trust and loved ones she must give up. I love how loyalty plays such a great role in the way Faris handles certain situations, even if it causes her heartbreak.

North is now engaged to Princess Bryn and Faris finds her torn. Her love for North and the magical spell that binds her to Bryn only complicated matters, as already dangerous alliances leave little room for mistakes. Making matters worse is the realization that her sister Cadence remembers everything that transpired during her enchantment and holds Faris accountable.

The ending takes Faris into the heart of danger as she risks everything to save Avinea.

Readers will be on edge wondering if she will lose the love and trust of both North, and her sister Cadence, as she follows the enchantment that leads her into the heart of the Burn as poisoned magic threatens to overtake her.

In the End, Splendor and Spark is an exciting conclusion to the Shimmer and Burn duology.

Mary Taranta creates a world of addicting magic and danger and populates it with fascinating characters. Faris makes a compelling heroine filled with fierce determination and North is still swoon-worthy as a tortured hero. Both characters grow and change so much in these two books, and I enjoyed seeing their relationships evolve and the intricate steps they had to take for it. I can’t wait for more from author Mary Taranta and definitely hope more readers check this unique YA fantasy series out.

[Hetal · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ ALERT: Can't remember what happened in Shimmer and Burn?
Visit my new blog Recap the Rapture for in-depth recaps of some of your favorite books!]


3.65ish

Splendor and Spark is a lovely follow up to Mary Taranta's debut novel Shimmer and Burn. We pick up with Faris and North who have kind of been bamboozled by King Perrote and Bryn. North's people hate him and want an easy way out. They want the burn gone and they want clean magic solve their problems once again. However North is determined to save his people and Faris is determined to save North. Oh and her sister Cadence absolutely loathes her guts because she is ungrateful crap.

Book 2, was not as much fun for me, mainly stemming from the plot being too rushed and the characters not being fleshed out enough. I still enjoyed the story quite a bit though.
Faris is kind ofa big bitch to Alastair. There was so much opportunity and potential for his character to be a big player, but instead you're forced to pity him and see him as a victim that is desperately trying to do good and survive. ALAS, his character was not fleshed out at all and we are given only glimpses of who he could have been. The only one to see him in the truly shitty situation that he really is in is surprisingly Cadence.

Bryn is also fairly straightforward in book 2. She continues to manipulate people and discarded them when they are not useful. She plays the Savior and the kind big sister that Cadence needs to help keep Faris under her thumb. She is the graceful and elegant big sister who indulges Cadence in finery. She seems to be sister who will not leave her behind like Faris did. This is further perpetuated when Faris must leave again, going into the burn to find Merlock and attempt to put a stop to the poison and spoiled magic ruining the land once and for all.
There is a substantial lack of growth in Faris and North's relationship, what with the poison magic thing and you know, North being forced to marry Bryn at the very beginning of the book.

The ending was confusing and I'm still not sure exactly what happened,or how, for that matter. We got no real flesh to the story, rather, left wondering what Faris' mother's motivations truly were and who she was as a person. There could have been so much more in terms of delving into the history off the burn and the magic whitewalkers hellborne. Honestly, the whole Baedan plot was just to not descriptive enough for me to really care. And I'm still not truly sure about the whole leave Faris with a spell , blood daggar something something, heart beating out of chest, magic tied to the land being tied to one person...? Did North's father ever love him? I wish we'd gotten a little more into that relationship. If this truly is the ending of the Shimmer and Burn series, I would say that it was a very poor and rushed excuse of an ending. Especially for North, Faris, and Alistair. However, if it is a lead-in to book 3, then I suspect Taranta has set the plot up perfectly, because the ending leaves more than not unresolved and is completely open ended to the point of frustration.

Oh and PS: Tobek is an absolutely ungrateful spineless twat who does not deserve even word of mention in this review because he has terrible and bitter and I just hate him, okay?

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Splendor and Spark (Shimmer and Burn #2) by Mary Taranta, 320 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2018. $18.99

Language: PG-13 (20 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Faris feels trapped—by Bryn’s and her mother’s spells, by the poison in North’s blood and her own blood, by the emotional distance that now separates her from Cadence. Saving Cadence has always been Faris’s priority, but now, with Perrote in North’s castle and Merlock out in the Burn somewhere, saving her sister might cost more than Faris ever imagined.

Picking up this book was impossible without rereading the first, and, while that helped me understand the magic of Taranta’s world better, I continued to have a difficult time remembering all the nuances of what had to happen for the heroes to win. Not understanding all the magic, though, did not stop me from needing to know what would happen. I was desperate to get away from the vile antagonists barring every avenue of happiness for the heroes but unable to set the book down because of my insatiable yearning to see the sweet victory I fervently hoped was waiting at the end.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...

[Plum Report (Kimberly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of SPLENDOR AND SPARK from the author, Mary Taranta in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

North's quest to save the kingdom of Avinea and Faris's quest to save her sister, Cadence continue in this second book of the duology series.

SPLENDOR AND SPARK ventures into the Burn with more action and adventure. As much as I enjoyed book 1, I enjoyed book 2 even more. It's hard to compare the two books since they're both a part of a larger story. Plus, it's as if North and Faris are two different people from book 1 to book 2. Overall, I was impressed with how the characters evolved into their new roles yet still held their same mission goals.

There's an old-world feel with castles and kingdoms. A magical Burn spreads over the lands in which the hellbourne roam in search for clean magic. Their addiction and need to consume clean magic is just one obstacle North and Faris must face in their quests to save Avinea and Faris's sister, Cadence.

Full review on the Plum Report site coming soon:)

[Allison Lassiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong finish for this two part series. I am deeply appreciative that Taranta doesn’t stretch this into three books. Unlike many authors, she has a clear understanding of her narrative and it’s cadence and doesn’t slow it down in order to add “deleted scene” type content. The pace of both books was excellent but particularly here. There were not any slow sequences though there were moments where it could have happened. The first book didn’t feel slow to me either on the first reading; it was only on the second perusal that I felt certain places were slow and that was simply because I knew where we were headed.
Taranta is also noticeably talented. She creates complex characters with relatable flaws and baggage. She develops a plot that is intriguing and not overly complex. The only thing I struggled with was the complexity of the two nations and their interaction. This was cleared up in the end but I struggled to find solid ground to get my bearings at least in the first book.
Highly recommend.

[Lynndell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure within a dark fantasy world!
Thanks to NetGalley and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the opportunity to read and review Splendor and Spark by Mary Taranta!
North is on a path he doesn’t necessarily want but feels that he has to be on. Faris and Cadence are prisoners still. Bryn seems to be gaining everything she wants, power and to be queen. Cadence adores Bryn and she shows nothing but disdain for Faris. Faris struggles to let her sister be until she finally gives in to the fact that letting Cadence make her own choices is the right thing to do. North striving to find his father becomes more and more complicated. North and Faris lose much but learn a lot and, as their wisdom grows, they understand what they need to do to accomplish their goals, North with his father and Faris finding a place where she belongs. The world building is descriptive and thorough while the characters are dynamic. I especially like Alistair because he fascinates me and I want to know more about his background and past experiences. 4 stars for this dark fantasy adventure!

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Language: PG13 (20 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Faris feels trapped—by Bryn’s and her mother’s spells, by the poison in North’s blood and her own blood, by the emotional distance that now separates her from Cadence. Saving Cadence has always been Faris’s priority, but now, with Perrote in North’s castle and Merlock out in the Burn somewhere, saving her sister might cost more than Faris ever imagined.
Picking up this book was impossible without rereading the first, and, while that helped me understand the magic of Taranta’s world better, I continued to have a difficult time remembering all the nuances of what had to happen for the heroes to win. Not understanding all the magic, though, did not stop me from needing to know what would happen. I was desperate to get away from the vile antagonists barring every avenue of happiness for the heroes but unable to set the book down because of my insatiable yearning to see the sweet victory I fervently hoped was waiting at the end.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Daria Danley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just as fantastic as the last!

I almost never give 5 stars for a reason, I almost always find something I don't like about a book. With this one: there was not enough North.

Splendor and Spark was a fabulous conclusion to a wonderful duology. There is magic, blood, battle, wicked kings. The pacing was great, I was aching to read every chapter. There were spots where the plot could have dragged on and on and on, but it didn't. Everything was so fast paced and I was truly amazed.

Although I know that Bryn was supposed to be part of the villainous party, I was glad that Taranta showed her human side. Believe me, she was incredibly infuriating! But there were times when I felt bad for her, although I don't approve of her methods. It was refreshing to see that villains are never just villains in whole, and it all depends on perception.

All in all, it was a great finale and I am very very happy. The conclusion was set up as if the story could keep going, and I wish it would!!

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was not as good as the first book, something is missing.

Prince Corbin, aka North have married Bryn and now act like a stranger toward Faris. Her little sister blames her for the misery she suffers and hate her. Thankfully, Bryn and Cadence are not too present in this book and I found them quite detestable.

Corbin, Faris & a team travel in order to fin & kill King Merlock, it is the only way to end the Burn once and for all. Then it a game of hide a seek for ¾ of the book with a few victims. There is also Perotte, Bryn father who wants the kingdom and it magic for himself.

There was barely any romance, North & Faris were keeping each other at arm’s length and it was tiering.

I wish Alistair was more develop, he seems like an interesting character but was mostly in the background.

Even after two books, I am still confused with the magic system and could not even explain it in this review.

Ok ending, but I was expecting more.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. After only getting about 1/3 of the way through with this one, and then taking a month “off” to read Romance, I have finally finished this book. And I’m so glad! Not only because I’ve been “Currently Reading” it for a month, but because it was an excellent sequel to this duology!

I had read a review that said North was not featured a lot in this book, and I got scared and sad. I knew romance was not going to be big in this one, given everything (and there wasn’t), but I’d say North was part of the story pretty often, so I’m glad that ended up happening. The last third of the book was where all the crazy action, slight plot twists, and secrets bloomed and it made my head spin. In a fun way.

Given that this was a sequel, I had to remember things (wasn’t a problem)...and add a month break from it? Kinda forgot some things but I caught on, I think. Besides all that, I did enjoy this novel and hope the best for the future of Avinea.

[Megan Amaral · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a little while to start, but once I was reading it, it took me not that long to get through. It was a good fast and short read. A good ending to a duology. I was curious to see how they were going to finish this series in a 300 page book, but the author did it systematically, with a kind of feel-good ending that literally was solved in the last two chapters, in the last 15 pages. I wasn't mad with the ending and wasn't mad with the characters either. I finished the book satisfied. I was annoyed by the characters in the beginning, especially the mains, but I appreciate that most of the characters stayed true to their character, even when a bad character decided to be good for a second, or vice versa. I was sad though, by one of the deaths in this book, and kind of wish there was this big twist that revolved around them. But no. Once someone died, they died in this book. No twists. No turns. Just a very simple read.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has a lot of potential. She's not one of my favorites yet but I would definitely read another book by her should she decided to write more.
Splendor and Spark was intriguing with enough twists that it wasn't completely predictable like some books. It ended well leaving the possibility of a 3rd open but also summing it up enough that another book is not necessary.
However, the author needs to explain what happened to Faris and North's mothers. Enough was mentioned about them that they've become more than just meager pieces of the main character's back stories; they’ve become important characters themselves. There are still some questions about the two women’s relationship with Merlock and the kingdom of Avinea there were left unanswered. With that said, I believe a prequel is in order.

[Shells · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have many conflicts with this book. I really wanted to like it and I had high expectations because I thought the first book was very good with a lot of potential. However, it seemed like a very SLOOOOOOW book, but what bothered me the most was that in most of the book, Faris was only worried about her sister (I understand, it's his sister, but fucking STOP IT) AND her sister being an ungrateful bitch 99% of the book......Also, the fact that I didn't feel such a strong connection from Faris towards North this time (WHAAAT? despite everything they've been through), on many occasions she acted indifferent or cold when North was speaking to her with his heart ( FRUSTRATIIING).... This is a story with so much potential, I don't know..I didn't really enjoy it this time, a little disappointed.

[Julianna Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This duology was intriguing and had a ton of potential but I agree with some of the other reviews…
I felt like the first book did a good job of making you love North but halfway through this one I forgot why we liked him anymore. Faris was annoying and the ending just was rushed and unsatisfying. It took me awhile to get to the good part, too. The beginning of the book was just rough for me.
What i do love/hate about this book, and in a good way, was how perfect of a villain Bryn is! She was perfectly written, and odious in every way!
I will say: if this had been a trilogy- and the author took more time to develop the live story and characters, then it would have been a much higher rating for me

[Karma Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I need to stop having such specific things I want to see happen in sequels, it only leads to disappointment. Reading this book was fraught with annoyance. I was so irritated with Faris and equally North. Nothing happened with Alistair the way I wanted it to - he said a couple of things that got my hopes up but in the end.......he was a very minor player in the story. Cadence may go down as one of the most irritating characters of all time!!! I suppose all's well that ends well but I definitely wanted more from this story. Loved the first book, muddled through the second - not my favorite way to end a story.

[Vanessa Precious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the plot of the book. The way each character is portrayed is fantastic, and I especially enjoyed seeing Alistair get his moment to shine. One of the biggest shocks for me was discovering that Cadence-Bryn's sister-was conscious while under the spell. That twist was unexpected and added a new layer of complexity to the story.

Merlock, on the other hand, left e a bit puzzled; I'm still trying to understand his character. I was disappointed that Bryn and North couldn't be together throughout the story, but I'm glad they got their deserved endings. Overall, it's a compelling read with well-developed characters and intriguing plot twists.

[Audrey Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been probably a year since I read the first book in this series so it took awhile for me to get back into the swing of things. I do like though that a lot of the first few chapters weren't used up with repetitive backstory from the previous novel. That drives me bonkers. As far as storytelling goes I liked the plague elements, and they more than made up for the YA boring as hell love story. A solid 3.5 stars and I'd recommend it if you need a popcorn level book to take on vacation.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! We have a title "SPLENDOR AND SPARK". And the cover is very pretty. Love it!
Expected Pub date: 08/14/2018
So far away but I'll try to be not so impatient.

Cover and title reveal today (and synopsis). In case you missed it, you can check it out here: http://rivetedlit.com/book/splendor-a...

[Sydneyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes

I had read the first book of this story when it came out a a year ago and I love whatever it is Mary Taranta does that gripped me so tightly in them and now with these books. I can’t believe how short this one was and yet so much fit inside it? Without feeling rushed or flat? Magic. Must be.
Would love to visit this land and set of characters again.