Y’all, when I tell you Marina Lostetter has me in a chokehold right now. I read the first book of this series, The Helm of Midnight and it was one of my favorite books ever. I immediately ordered the sequel, which I never do. The fact that I also read it within months of reading the first book?? The Cage of Dark Hours has changed me, I swear.
Book Info
Publisher: Tor Books | Release Date: February 2023 | Pages: 464
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Hardcover | Source: Bought
Krona and her Regulators survived their encounter with Charbon, the long-dead serial killer who returned to their city, but the illusions of their world were shattered forever.
Allied with an old friend they will battle the elite who have ruled their world with deception, cold steel, and tight control of the magic that could threaten their power, while also confronting beasts from beyond the foggy barrier that binds their world.
Now they must follow every thread to uncover the truth behind the Thalo, once thought of as only a children’s tale, who are the quiet, creeping puppet masters of their world.
On the Page
- Abusive relationships
- Amnesia and memory disorders
- Blood and gore depictions
- Body horror
- Classism
- Dead bodies and body parts
- Depression
- Nightmares and night terrors
Referenced
- Abandonment
- Animal testing and experimentation (sorta)
- Loss of autonomy and mind control/possession
- War themes/military violence
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- The multi-POV. I really liked not only that we got POV again, but the characters we got to see things from. In particular, the Thalo Child chapters were…gods, intense.
- Characters, new and old. It was so good to be with Krona and Thibaut again. (Though, my heart equally broke and grew frustrated by Krona) Juliette was absolutely fascinating, while Mandip surprisingly grew on me. Also, I would die for Hinostep.
- Ending. So, if you’ve read the book, you can already guess why the ending hit me so hard, based on what I wrote above. If not, I won’t spoil it for you, but gods. The ending hurt, shocked me and left me desperate for book three.
Dislikes
- Took a minute to really figure out the plot. I’m not sure exactly where I thought it would go, after book one. But it did take a bit longer for me to realize the plot. BUT, once I realized the stakes, I was in.
Rating
The Cage of Dark Hours was absolutely riveting. It was fascinating to see the effects of book one (The Helm of Midnight), while also setting up what can only be an amazing book three. (Can you tell I’m not over the ending yet?)
If you haven’t yet read this series, friends, I highly, highly recommend it. It’s some of the most unique and reeling worldbuilding I’ve ever encountered. Please read it, so I have someone else to talk to about it with? 🥺
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![I'm so excited to stop by today and share a client highlight. This time, celebrating the publication of Veo Corva's novel, THE BEAUTIFUL DECAY, out today!
I had the pleasure of proofreading this earlier this year and when I tell you I have been dying for it to release to hype it up!! The second book in the Tombtown series, it is set in a queernorm world where our main antagonist is creepy fungi. 🍄
From the characters to the queer rep to the amazing world building of building a society surrounded by necromancy, this is a series you don't want to miss and an author you should absolutely support!!
Buy a copy here: https://veocorva.xyz/books/the-beautiful-decay-by-veo-corva/
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Thank you for sharing your intense and captivating experience with “The Cage of Dark Hours” by Marina Lostetter! It’s clear that the book has left a profound impact on you. The way you describe the multi-POV narration and the depth of characters, both new and old, highlights the complexity and depth of the story. It’s always a journey to fully immerse oneself in a plot, and it’s great to hear that once you grasped the stakes, you were completely engrossed. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and your recommendation makes me eager to explore this series. It’s wonderful to connect with fellow readers who share the same passion for a book’s world and characters. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 📚🤗
Thank you so much, Rosalie!! I really hope you love this series if you give it a try. I’m (obviously, as you picked up on) quite enamored!