Novels and Necklaces: ARC Review: City of Bastards (Royal Bastards, #2)

About The Book:

Title: City of Bastards (Royal Bastards, #2)

Author: Andrew Shvarts
Pub. Date: June 5th, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Rate: 2.5/5 stars

Synopsis :

Tilla, bastard of House Kent, has it made. Safe from her murderous father in the dazzling capital of Lightspire, she lives a life of luxury under the protection of the Volaris King, alongside her boyfriend Zell and best friend, Princess Lyriana.

So why isn’t she happy? Maybe it’s the whispers and stares that follow her wherever she goes, as the daughter of the traitor waging war against Lightspire. Or maybe it’s the memories of her beloved brother, Jax, who lies cold in his grave even as she tries to settle into a life in the city's prestigious University.

Then, Tilla stumbles upon the body of a classmate, a friend. The authorities are quick to rule it a suicide and sweep it under the rug, but when Tilla herself is attacked by a mysterious man with terrifying powers, she’s convinced of a conspiracy. Her friends beg her to stay silent; what she's suggesting is impossible... and treasonous.

But Tilla can't, won't, let it go. And the deeper she digs, the more questions she uncovers. How is the West beating the supposedly invincible Lightspire Mages in battle? Is it connected to the shadowy cult wreaking havoc in Lightspire? Nothing is as it seems in the glorious capital, and Tilla’s presence might just be the spark that sets the Kingdom aflame.

Review:

City of Bastards is the second installment in the Royal Bastards series. I initially read Royal Bastards last spring, and I really liked it! I thought it was unique and fun, something a lot different than I'm used to reading. Unfortunately, I thought City of Bastards was just ok compared to its predecessor.

The gang was finally in Lightspire, home of Princess Lyriana. I loved the idea of them finally staying in one place, since everyone was basically on the run for the entirety of Royal Bastards. Lyriana told everyone how safe and happy they would be in Lightspire, which obviously seemed too good to be true. Everyone there thought Tilla was a traitor and Zell was Zitochi scum. When Tilla's roommate is killed, questions about loyalties start to bubble up. However, with this installment, instead of the focus being on power struggles of the different nations, it seems more focused on religious zealots trying to destroy the Volaris. In this novel, both the Volaris and the Westerners aren't portrayed nicely. They both seem to have no regard to human life other than royalty. With that being said, this book took a lot of the focus off of bastards - the illigetimate royal children, and that was disappointing because that's what this series is based on!

Tilla is definitely more of a spitfire than your typical YA heroine. She has realistic flaws (so hypocritical and also loves alcohol) and a hardcore personality. I didn't see much character development with her or Zell in this novel, but wow lots of character development with Princess Lyriana. I absolutely love her and Ellarion. They evolved so much from book 1. Both of them surprised me in this novel in regards to their loyalties and originality. Aside from the main characters we already know, there were so many new characters we meet in Lightspire. Unfortunately, a lot of them seemed to blur together. I don't feel like the newer characters were given the attention they deserved, so they fell pretty flat for me. I did really enjoy Markiska's character, though.

So, City of Bastards didn't quite live up to my expectations after Royal Bastards. It was ok, but I was expecting a bit more after how imaginative the first installment was. I loved the diversity and the characters we already got to know, but I was a bit disappointed in the newer characters. Did you get a chance to read Royal Bastards last year? What did you think of it? Will you be picking up City of Bastards and joining the crew in Lightspire?