Review: Noir (The Illumination Paradox #2) by Jacqueline Garlick

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Title: Noir

Series: The Illumination Paradox #2

Author: Jacqueline Garlick

Publisher: Skyscape

Publication Date: January 26, 2015

Pages: 372

Genres: young adult, steampunk, science fiction, fantasy, romance, historical fiction

Source: Review copy from Netgalley

Rating: 4

I received this book for free from Skyscape via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Losing him would make her overcast world one shade darker.…

Navigating her way through nightmarish lands devoid of sunlight, Eyelet Elsworth races to free her beloved Urlick Babbit, the first person to understand and accept her—differences and all. Framed for murder and sentenced to execution, Urlick is running out of time. And the Commonwealth’s tyrannical new ruler, Penelope Rapture, is strangely eager to speed up the clock.

Aided by a band of unusual yet loyal associates, Eyelet stumbles upon a startling rumor. And as she unravels a secret that could challenge Penelope’s claim to the throne, Penelope vows to divert Eyelet’s journey—straight to a dark and deadly end.

In Noir, the second thrilling addition to Jacqueline Garlick’s Illumination Paradox series, familiar friends struggle against new and old enemies, shocking secrets come to light, and the truth that could save this captivating steampunk world is revealed…if it doesn’t destroy everything first.

My Review

The world that Garlick creates is so very involved and compelling. There are so many details and mysterious things to muddle over in your brain as you read. This book is a great sequel! This book is a non-stop adventure that you can't pull away from.

What I liked

I really loved the dual point of views. Hearing things from the point of view of each characters is awesome. It really helps to get a better feel for the story when you can see what's going on in each characters mind. It leaves less speculation and makes for a great story.

I also loved the introduction of new characters in this. We get to meet new characters and they are described so very vividly that it makes you feel like you are there with them. The details are what really make these characters come to life. I also loved the character development, not only of the new characters but of the characters from the first book as well. 

The world that Garlick has created is unique. It has so many different elements in it and it is quite involved. So much detail and great descriptions really make this world stand out as you are reading.

What I didn't like

I would have liked to have had more of the questions answered in this book that popped up in the first book. We have mention of a world in the clouds, but have not discovered if it exists and how. There really isn't a good explanation for her mother becoming a Valkyrie. What is the significance of the device and how did it make the world fall apart? How do these things fit together? These things aren't really answered and I think that a little more details or clues would have made the book that much stronger. 

I am not too keen on cliffhangers, and this book has a cliffhanger ending. Now please excuse me while I bang my head on the wall for a few moments. Argh.

Would I Recommend It

I would absolutely recommend this book to others. For those that are imaginative and love good twists and exciting adventures, this is just the book for you! Go get this series now. You will thank me later. Now bring on the next book, pretty please?