The Ever Cruel Kingdom

Never Tilting World, Book 2

By: Rin Chupeco

Narrated by: Amy Landon, Karissa Vacker, Emily Rankin, Anthony Rey Perez, Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Bone Witch, the thrilling sequel to The Never Tilting World spins elemental magic, fierce sisterhood, and vast, incredible landscapes into a YA fantasy epic perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.

After a treacherous journey and a life-shattering introduction to a twin neither knew she had, sisters Haidee and Odessa expected to emerge from the Great Abyss to a world set right. But though the planet is turning once again, the creatures of the abyss refuse to rest without another goddess’s sacrifice.

To break the cycle, Haidee and Odessa need answers that lie beyond the seven gates of the underworld, within the Cruel Kingdom itself. The shadows of the underworld may hunger to tear them apart, but these two sisters are determined to heal their world - together.

©2020 Rin Chupeco (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Exceptional

I waited for the second half of this story for so long and it did not disappoint. This is a heartwarming yet adventurous story. The ending is wonderful, I highly recommend a read, you will not be able to put it down.

Rin imagination at its best

final chapter to Nevertilting World was just as great as all of Rin masterpieces. everyone, I listen to her world building. I am amazed that these books have not been made I to movies. Her stories have all the required qualities in it to become a successful series.. anyway, I love the conclusion on The ever cruel kingdom with our heroins Odessa and Haidee. I would have loved more of the epilogue, but that is just me being greedy

heartbreaking

The Ever Cruel Kingdom was heartbreaking but a fitting end. I loved reading from everyone's point of view and how it always kept me at the edge of my seat. You think you know the ending but nope 🙅🏻. She surprises us with twist. Everyone's backs stories was touching. The characters are relatable is so many ways and you grow so attach to them that you understand exactly how they feel. I loved the 2 book series.

Even better than the first!

This is a stunning fantasy series. I enjoyed this one even more than the second, especially bc so much of the focus was on the twins and their mothers. Rin Chupeco is an expert at weaving worlds like this but I still was craving further explanations for certain things. The vocabulary used and writing style overall is incredibly impressive.

(Spoilers and warnings) If you dislike LGBT characters and plots, this series is not for you. I’m not particularly fond of them when they are crowbarred in but these I felt were very well done and added nicely to the main plot. Haedee and Arjun are still my favorite couple in the story but I found the addition of Lysette and Vanya to be charming and entertaining. Even the loyalty of the former cannibals was surprisingly touching.

I really enjoyed the return of the old flame of Asteria’s but I really wish we’d gotten more of an explanation of the twins’ past, particularly exactly what happened with Aren. Who met him first? Who fell in love with him first? Did he know that Asteria loved him romantically? How exactly did he die and how did the baby twins get separated yet not killed at the breaking? If any of these questions were answered, it was unclear to me. There could honestly be two prequels dedicated to Asteria and Latona so I hope the author keeps that in mind.

I love that the story is told from multiple POVs but I wish it was third person vs first person. First person is sloppy and odd sounding to me. I’m glad they reined in the Lan perspectives in the sequel bc while she’s a great character, she is my least fav of the four. I am looking forward to re-reading this series, especially the ending bc I am still not truly certain why Asteria and Latona’s sacrifice was not enough to truly free their daughters. You def cannot space out even a second while reading this compelling story.

Highly recommend to fantasy, romance fans and fans of Rin Chupeco! She is currently my favorite modern writer and she helps inspire my own works.

An entertaining read

It was pretty decent actually, I was expecting worse because of the reviews but decided to try it anyway. I really like the overall concept of how the world was set up although I wish it was built out a little more as in some flashbacks of the other goddesses timelines since there was already so many povs anyway. Some of the "clues" they kept coming across had really obvious meanings which is fine but i was annoyed at how long it took them to figure out. I hated Arjun as a character in every single way including the way his voice was portrayed in his povs. I adored Odessa & Lans relationship from beginning to end. Overall I would give this series like 3.5/ or 4 because even though it dragged on a little longer than it needed to, it was entertaining for the most part.

Great Book

Loved it, hard to stop once started. Love this author. Check out the Bone Witch

Absolutely Amazing

I'm so sad I finished the book I wish it would go on forever 😢

Oh my heart!

I don’t want it to be over! I have loved both of the books so much. This book will pull at your heart strings! 10/10 recommend