Wilde's Army

So clearly from my review of the first book, I wasn't the biggest fan there. This one also does so many of the same things I didn't like: Moves too fast, too much just relating what is going on, and the weird relationship stuff.

The author constantly felt the need to immediately hook up all the characters like some over-excited matchmaker. Every time a new member joins the group someone becomes instantly attracted and we had to go through a lot of groan-inducing side plots to get them together. Don't get me wrong I understand perfectly well that people are gonna do just that, especially in this scenario, but it still felt so forced.

Although thankfully here there aren't any overly silly scenes where characters did the dumbest stuff and frustrated me. There's also a load of fun action scenes that I did genuinely enjoy.

A lot of it felt like The Walking Dead TV show and that I say that to summon up all the good and bad that statement brings to mind. There's a section where the group goes up against a crazed group leader called the Preacher and it was enjoyable. A lot of the usual zombie story tropes are there and I suppose that's just how it will always go in these things.

The change in character point of view didn't freshen it up as much as I would have liked as it was still written all the same. I had a hard time remembering what character was what because honestly they aren't very developed and mostly just described by their relationships and skillsets.

But as I was nearing the end I found myself being won over and I actually enjoyed this book overall. It had fun action and an impactful ending.

This review might not be spoilerish for Wilde's Army but might be for Wilde's Fire.

There is a lot going on in Wilde's Army. Kate finds herself alone at the end of Wilde's Fire. The turn of events experienced in the last few pages leads her to face reality real quick. In Wilde's Army you meet a new and refined Kate. This chick is strong, determined, confident and very much worthy of the immense responsibility of having to save a dying world and its people.

The writing once again was impressive as was this world created by Kyrstal Wade. In fact I think everything was much better as a whole in Wilde's Army than in Wilde's Fire. The storyline came together nicely and I think the author set out to manipulate my feelings at times and did exactly that with much success. I was held in suspense at all times trying and dying to find out what came next.

I felt that the middle in Army was very much like Fire in that it was kind of slow. Although the details found in the middle of the book were necessary, it could've been summarized/edited a bit better to keep the momentum going while maintaining the integrity of the story and still gaining the knowledge revealed in those pages. Brit, Kate's sister, had some minor inconsistencies which I thought should have been nixed. I can't mention specifics because it's a spoiler but let's just say she has a “nah nah nah nah nah, I get to touch Arland and you don't” kind of moment moments after revealing how hurt she felt in a similar situation.

There is an underlying theme in this series and a lesson to be learned. I'm not sure if this is the author's real intent but this is what really stood out for me. These were the things that made me say hmm...

1. This is a battle between good and evil; Darkness and Light.
2. Power and wealth is evil.
3. The people of Encardia need to start believing in gods again by praying to them and using old magic.
4. Darkness has become stronger because of the loss of prayers, belief in the gods and old magic.
5. Kate is a female messiah.

So yeah... hmm. I don't have a problem with it just... Things that make you say hmm.

On another note, I think it is important to mention that in this series love is huge. It's all about love. The fate of this world is determined by the strength of Kate and Arland's love. Consider yourself warned that love is in your face at all times. I don't mind it. In fact I think this is the first book I've read where the love and happiness is up front and center AND you can't get around it. It's all or nothing. There's a lot more to this book but the romance is something you can't ignore.

With that said... I can't wait for book 3, Wilde's (insert here)!

I'm wishing the author much success because this is a very nice series indeed.

ARC provided by Curiosity Quills Press via NetGalley