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Beyond The Red #2
Into the Black
The world ruler is dead, technology foundational to their society destroyed, and Safara is on the brink of collapse. Half-human, half-alien Eros is the rightful heir to the world throne, but before he can return to the capital, he's abducted by a rebel group of humans who call themselves The Remnant--and won't release him until he swears to help them overthrow the very government he's inheriting. With Eros missing, ex-queen Kora is determined to stave off mad grabs for the throne. But as royalty from across the territories flock to the capital, and a new charismatic candidate takes the spotlight, Kora sets off into the desert with a skilled prince-turned-bounty hunter to find Eros before it's too late for both the future king and his kingdom.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2017
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814 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2017
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions
* ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
This book was totally amazing! It’s been more than a year since I finished Beyond The Red but my anticipation for its sequel has never dwindled. After a long wait, I finally got to read the sequel which turns out to be even more better than the first book. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me and there are so many twists in this book that I never saw coming. It was also quite a diverse read. I’m so glad to meet Kora and Eros once again. I also enjoyed Deimos! He’s not the main character but he definitely plays a major role in this book. The only issue that I had with this book was that there is not much action in it as much as I hoped. However, I still found myself enjoying the story because it was so addictive. The below review contains spoilers for the first book, but if you want you can check out my review for Beyond The Red at here.
After the destruction of Nanites technology, the human race is saved from becoming extinct, but it left the whole Safara in the brink of Collapse. With the world ruler Roma’s death, half human half-Alien Eros is the only legitimate candidate to ascend the empty throne, but the Sepharons don’t want to accept Eros, an half blood as their next Sira(ruler). While on his way to Capital, Eros and his brother Mal gets captured by the rebel humans who wants him to take the throne and help them overthrow the government. Eros has no interest in taking the throne but to survive, it might be the only choice he has left. On the other hand, Kora stays in Asheron and becomes Eros representative even though her homeland Elja is in Chaos. She tries her best to make sure Eros claims the throne and she fights with the Emergency council who are trying to make a full sepharon as the next sira. With no appearance of Eros, Kora sets on a journey with an alluring bounty hunter to find him before it’s too late. After the betrayal in first book, things hasn’t been the same between Kora and Eros but they had to work together because Eros is the only last hope to bring the peace between the two races.
I loved Eros and Kora in the first book but I love them even more in this book! I enjoyed their character development and how they grew even more strong and mature. Eros is definitely my favorite character in this series and he’s actually a bi. I was a bit surprised with this new revelation and It made me love him even more. After the events in book 1 especially his torture session with Jarek and Dima, Eros has developed a PTSD. Despite struggling inside, he always stood strong and fought hard. Kora is very determined, brave, and strong character. She has failed her people as an avra(Queen) but she’s very determined to make Eros as the next Sira. Deimos is quite a fun and charming character! Whenever Eros loses hope, he is always there for him to lift up his spirits. I also enjoyed the bi tension between Eros and Deimos. Mal, Eros little brother is an adorable character! I liked the brotherly relationship between them and how they care for each other. A new character was introduced at the end of the book and I would love to know more about him. As for the romance, I don’t want to say anything about it because its a bit spoiler-ish and I don’t want to spoil the story for you.
The plot was interesting and engaging! It was a well written plot filled with lots of twists and turns. The pacing was good and the story was totally unpredictable. It made me go through so many emotions especially the relationship between Eros and Kora. I wish I could say more about them but It would be a huge spoiler. Although, I liked the political intrigue in this book, I wish there was more action because most of the story was focused on Eros fighting for his place on throne. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read and I was hooked to the story until the very last page. The writing was captivating throughout. I enjoyed reading the story from Eros and Kora’s first person POV. The world building was fantastic! With her Vivid description, Ava transports us back into this alien world that has two suns and four moons. I liked the language, the people, the culture and the technology. At the beginning I struggled a bit with the names and some terms because it’s been a year since I read the first book, but as the story progressed everything became easier for me.
Overall, I loved this book! It’s an entertaining read filled with adventure, political intrigue, romance, and some action. It’s definitely a great sequel to the first book. The ending was totally shocking! It wasn’t a huge cliffhanger but it still left me desperate for the next book. I can’t wait to read The Rising Gold! I hope it’s even more better and more action packed.
* ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
This book was totally amazing! It’s been more than a year since I finished Beyond The Red but my anticipation for its sequel has never dwindled. After a long wait, I finally got to read the sequel which turns out to be even more better than the first book. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me and there are so many twists in this book that I never saw coming. It was also quite a diverse read. I’m so glad to meet Kora and Eros once again. I also enjoyed Deimos! He’s not the main character but he definitely plays a major role in this book. The only issue that I had with this book was that there is not much action in it as much as I hoped. However, I still found myself enjoying the story because it was so addictive. The below review contains spoilers for the first book, but if you want you can check out my review for Beyond The Red at here.
After the destruction of Nanites technology, the human race is saved from becoming extinct, but it left the whole Safara in the brink of Collapse. With the world ruler Roma’s death, half human half-Alien Eros is the only legitimate candidate to ascend the empty throne, but the Sepharons don’t want to accept Eros, an half blood as their next Sira(ruler). While on his way to Capital, Eros and his brother Mal gets captured by the rebel humans who wants him to take the throne and help them overthrow the government. Eros has no interest in taking the throne but to survive, it might be the only choice he has left. On the other hand, Kora stays in Asheron and becomes Eros representative even though her homeland Elja is in Chaos. She tries her best to make sure Eros claims the throne and she fights with the Emergency council who are trying to make a full sepharon as the next sira. With no appearance of Eros, Kora sets on a journey with an alluring bounty hunter to find him before it’s too late. After the betrayal in first book, things hasn’t been the same between Kora and Eros but they had to work together because Eros is the only last hope to bring the peace between the two races.
I loved Eros and Kora in the first book but I love them even more in this book! I enjoyed their character development and how they grew even more strong and mature. Eros is definitely my favorite character in this series and he’s actually a bi. I was a bit surprised with this new revelation and It made me love him even more. After the events in book 1 especially his torture session with Jarek and Dima, Eros has developed a PTSD. Despite struggling inside, he always stood strong and fought hard. Kora is very determined, brave, and strong character. She has failed her people as an avra(Queen) but she’s very determined to make Eros as the next Sira. Deimos is quite a fun and charming character! Whenever Eros loses hope, he is always there for him to lift up his spirits. I also enjoyed the bi tension between Eros and Deimos. Mal, Eros little brother is an adorable character! I liked the brotherly relationship between them and how they care for each other. A new character was introduced at the end of the book and I would love to know more about him. As for the romance, I don’t want to say anything about it because its a bit spoiler-ish and I don’t want to spoil the story for you.
The plot was interesting and engaging! It was a well written plot filled with lots of twists and turns. The pacing was good and the story was totally unpredictable. It made me go through so many emotions especially the relationship between Eros and Kora. I wish I could say more about them but It would be a huge spoiler. Although, I liked the political intrigue in this book, I wish there was more action because most of the story was focused on Eros fighting for his place on throne. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read and I was hooked to the story until the very last page. The writing was captivating throughout. I enjoyed reading the story from Eros and Kora’s first person POV. The world building was fantastic! With her Vivid description, Ava transports us back into this alien world that has two suns and four moons. I liked the language, the people, the culture and the technology. At the beginning I struggled a bit with the names and some terms because it’s been a year since I read the first book, but as the story progressed everything became easier for me.
Overall, I loved this book! It’s an entertaining read filled with adventure, political intrigue, romance, and some action. It’s definitely a great sequel to the first book. The ending was totally shocking! It wasn’t a huge cliffhanger but it still left me desperate for the next book. I can’t wait to read The Rising Gold! I hope it’s even more better and more action packed.
November 13, 2017
♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings
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I AM DEAD.
But, in a good way? lol
I am amazed with this book. It surprised the crap out of me, but in the best way possible. I am... dare I say? . . . SHOOK.
Into the Black picks up right where Beyond the Red left us. Things are basically in shambles after the reveal of who Eros truly is. Kora and Eros are separated and the future of the world is looking quite bleak if Eros doesn't become Sira. Kora is working as hard as she can to make this happen, while Eros is trying to make his way to the capital, but is sidetracked by a rebel group called The Remnant. Whilst with these rebels, Eros is blindsided with a HUGE revelation. IT IS CRAZY GOOD.
THE BAD
The only negative thing I have to say is that the book took a little bit of time to really take off. It moved a tad bit slow, but it was well worth it. Most of it was getting reaquainted with the characters, world, and situation, so I'm not mad at it. Just a note to make.
THE GOOD
Basically, everything. ;)
First of all, the diversity is amazing. I knew I could count on Ava Jae for this. I expected it and I was not disappointed.
Now... what I did not expect was for the romance to take a little turn! I will NOT spoil it, because that would totally take away from it if you read this book yourself, but prepare to be shocked and amazed. I LOVED IT. The direction things take is unexpected, but so so juicy and I am DYING for it. I can't wait to see where it goes in book three.
The plot, overall, thickens in this book, as more people come out of the woodwork to put in their two cents about Eros possibly becoming Sira. We also get a visit from some characters in book one that I didn't really expect to hear from. It was fantastic and I was on the edge of my seat through the entire thing.
Overall, this book was an amazing follow-up to Beyond the Red. It was definitely an unexpected turn in the story, but I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. If you read this book, be ready for some plot twists and a cliffhanger good enough to make you throw the book across the room (I wanted to, but I refrained). I highly recommend this series as a whole, and this book is a great second installment!
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Book source: From the publisher for review
Publisher: Sky Pony Press/Skyhorse Publishing
• For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
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Want to read
August 16, 2016I CAN'T WAIT :D
March 6, 2018
I thought about this book for awhile, going from a 3 star to a 2 star before I wrote this review. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Kora and Eros relationship had me hooked, regardless of what happened in the end. I was looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds - boy was I disappointed.
MINOR RELATIONSHIP SPOILERS AHEAD
The twist in this second book completely threw me off and I almost stopped reading. Not because of the actual situation but for me it completely did not fit with the story - one moment you are trying to build this intense relationship that's forbidden then the next moment you completely disregard it to start something that was not even touched upon in the first book. it was like I was reading a different character / book. It totally turned me off. I don't begrudge that feelings change, but when you present the relationship as the end all be all and how epic their feelings were and then all of a sudden it's not, well, I felt bereft for the previous relationship I was rooting for and it made no freakin sense. And the way that it ended was half assed as if it was done only to open up the way for the other relationship.
I struggled to read the remaining part of the book but I will say I will definitely not read the next book. Perhaps I was too invested in seeing where Kora and Eros would go but now I'm not interested cause the story is lost to me after this book.
MINOR RELATIONSHIP SPOILERS AHEAD
The twist in this second book completely threw me off and I almost stopped reading. Not because of the actual situation but for me it completely did not fit with the story - one moment you are trying to build this intense relationship that's forbidden then the next moment you completely disregard it to start something that was not even touched upon in the first book. it was like I was reading a different character / book. It totally turned me off. I don't begrudge that feelings change, but when you present the relationship as the end all be all and how epic their feelings were and then all of a sudden it's not, well, I felt bereft for the previous relationship I was rooting for and it made no freakin sense. And the way that it ended was half assed as if it was done only to open up the way for the other relationship.
I struggled to read the remaining part of the book but I will say I will definitely not read the next book. Perhaps I was too invested in seeing where Kora and Eros would go but now I'm not interested cause the story is lost to me after this book.
January 23, 2018
Overall was a good follow up (so glad it didn't just end and they were able to pursue the second..and third). I really loved the dynamic between Eros and Kora in the first book and was sad to see the characters develop beyond that this book.
**SPOILERS***
Big kudos for diversity and inclusiveness, but was not impressed with Eros unannounced bi-sexuality. Had it been hinted at in the previous book (I know not everyone is always thinking about sex, but it would make sense that even someone not trying to focus on it would notice if/when they found someone else attractive), it would have made for a more fluid transition to this book. But it wasn't. And so it seemed rather abrupt.
Although I do enjoy Deimos as a new character edition, something about it seems "too perfect," (though to be fair Serek was this too in the last book, and turned out to NOT be too good to be true, so who knows). I wonder if it's going to go along the story lines of Prince Hans from Frozen (last in line of 12 brothers, vying for a way to take the throne by marriage since he has no chance to inherit it).
Overall, I'm glad to have some closure and the next book is definitely on my "too read list."
**SPOILERS***
Big kudos for diversity and inclusiveness, but was not impressed with Eros unannounced bi-sexuality. Had it been hinted at in the previous book (I know not everyone is always thinking about sex, but it would make sense that even someone not trying to focus on it would notice if/when they found someone else attractive), it would have made for a more fluid transition to this book. But it wasn't. And so it seemed rather abrupt.
Although I do enjoy Deimos as a new character edition, something about it seems "too perfect," (though to be fair Serek was this too in the last book, and turned out to NOT be too good to be true, so who knows). I wonder if it's going to go along the story lines of Prince Hans from Frozen (last in line of 12 brothers, vying for a way to take the throne by marriage since he has no chance to inherit it).
Overall, I'm glad to have some closure and the next book is definitely on my "too read list."
July 15, 2018
I was hoping Jae would devote some more time to worldbuilding in this sequel, and she did! Some definite improvements have been made, so I have even more hope for the third.
About that romantic twist, though.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
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Unexpected doesn't begin to cover it. Eros's bisexuality comes completely out of the blue and doesn't fit at all with the narrative Jae fed us throughout the first book. I'm supposed to buy that Eros could feel comfortable enough around Kora, the queen who ordered the massacre of his people, to "let his guard down" and feel attraction from day one, but not with a single dude? We spent half the first book inside Eros's exclusive POV, and all he ever did was fantasize about Kora's curves.
I actually really like this new direction, but it doesn't feel authentic at all to me, because Jae didn't plant the seeds sooner. It honestly feels like the author/editor/publisher is trying to ride on the #wndb bandwagon, rather than striving for meaningful representation. I'll be curious to hear what those that belong to the LGTBQ community makes of this series.
About that romantic twist, though.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Unexpected doesn't begin to cover it. Eros's bisexuality comes completely out of the blue and doesn't fit at all with the narrative Jae fed us throughout the first book. I'm supposed to buy that Eros could feel comfortable enough around Kora, the queen who ordered the massacre of his people, to "let his guard down" and feel attraction from day one, but not with a single dude? We spent half the first book inside Eros's exclusive POV, and all he ever did was fantasize about Kora's curves.
I actually really like this new direction, but it doesn't feel authentic at all to me, because Jae didn't plant the seeds sooner. It honestly feels like the author/editor/publisher is trying to ride on the #wndb bandwagon, rather than striving for meaningful representation. I'll be curious to hear what those that belong to the LGTBQ community makes of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2017
I loved this one even more then the first. I however felt less invested in the 2 POV connection by the end and do not know how excited I am for book 3. The character development was incredible and the dialog between characters was up there with JLA. I think that Kora got the shaft. I know she made mistakes but I am sad to see the direction her POV went. I want more for her. I really hope she gets more in the final book. Sorry about these conflicting thoughts. I still gave this 4 stars and loved the journey. I also realize there is another book to come.
January 12, 2019
This book is the second in the series. And it was good on most parts. If you have read book one you would know of the relationship of the main characters. In this book it was like. Bye then we will but a stop to it when it had not even started. I had to stop and re check book one to see If I'd miss something. But pretty much a good read.
November 12, 2020
I was lucky enough to win a signed ARC in a Twitter giveaway from Gabe Cole Novoa himself, and holy Christ I'm so in love with this book! Though I loved Beyond the Red when I first read it, about a year or so ago, Into the Black, the continuation of Novoa's trilogious masterpiece of Star Thrones-slash-Game of Star Wars blows its predecessor out of the water, one of the most six-star-worthy books I've read this year - and bear in mind this has been a banner year for YA as it is, but publishing is really saving one of its best and brightest new books for the eleventh month (I almost said "hour," haha) with Into the Black, and it'll be my mission (which of course I choose to accept) to ensure you're not sleeping on it when the book comes out!
(Sorry, Cassie Clare, but I think you've fallen out of contention for one of the top prizes at the Pinecone Awards.)
The royal intrigue in which Kora and Eros find themselves entangled forms most of the story's backbone, but its real appeal lies in a lot of smaller moments and character developments. Eros' endless affection for Mal, for instance. Also the spot-on incorporation of themes of prejudice and marginalization, even more so than in Beyond the Red, particularly since Eros now provides good intersectional rep. He's bi, and pretty well in the closet throughout most of the book because he's spent his life in environments that aren't at all queer-inclusive, and then he meets the right guy who helps him start coming out of his shell in all the ways. Though I loved the Kora/Eros ship in Book 1, I'm so much more here for Eros and Deimos and their dynamic, easily comparable to Mateo and Rufus from They Both Die At The End. I see way too much of myself in Eros, especially how he feels unsafe coming out (and yet watch me, hiding behind my online alias, being a lot more open about it like Simon chatting with Blue), and for that reason, this #ownvoices bi reader gives Novoa all the thumbs up.
As for the main story, getting Eros to really stake his claim to the throne...well, I can't really go into that because spoilers. But what I can tell you is that Novoa, using his gift for action when he's not weaponizing his gift for romance, throws down an intense climax combining elements of Beyond Thunderdome, Insurgent, and Taran Matharu's The Novice. You'll read it gasping for breath the whole time, then be sorely disappointed that you'll have to wait at least another year for the trilogy's finale in The Rising Gold.
(And speaking of that book, I'm kinda hoping for the cover to have blue as its dominant color, to complete the bi-pride color scheme we have with the pinkish Beyond the Red and purplish Into the Black covers.)
Gabe Cole Novoa, you awe and some genius, I salute ye.
(Sorry, Cassie Clare, but I think you've fallen out of contention for one of the top prizes at the Pinecone Awards.)
The royal intrigue in which Kora and Eros find themselves entangled forms most of the story's backbone, but its real appeal lies in a lot of smaller moments and character developments. Eros' endless affection for Mal, for instance. Also the spot-on incorporation of themes of prejudice and marginalization, even more so than in Beyond the Red, particularly since Eros now provides good intersectional rep. He's bi, and pretty well in the closet throughout most of the book because he's spent his life in environments that aren't at all queer-inclusive, and then he meets the right guy who helps him start coming out of his shell in all the ways. Though I loved the Kora/Eros ship in Book 1, I'm so much more here for Eros and Deimos and their dynamic, easily comparable to Mateo and Rufus from They Both Die At The End. I see way too much of myself in Eros, especially how he feels unsafe coming out (and yet watch me, hiding behind my online alias, being a lot more open about it like Simon chatting with Blue), and for that reason, this #ownvoices bi reader gives Novoa all the thumbs up.
As for the main story, getting Eros to really stake his claim to the throne...well, I can't really go into that because spoilers. But what I can tell you is that Novoa, using his gift for action when he's not weaponizing his gift for romance, throws down an intense climax combining elements of Beyond Thunderdome, Insurgent, and Taran Matharu's The Novice. You'll read it gasping for breath the whole time, then be sorely disappointed that you'll have to wait at least another year for the trilogy's finale in The Rising Gold.
(And speaking of that book, I'm kinda hoping for the cover to have blue as its dominant color, to complete the bi-pride color scheme we have with the pinkish Beyond the Red and purplish Into the Black covers.)
Gabe Cole Novoa, you awe and some genius, I salute ye.
December 27, 2017
***Minor spoilers***
Into the Black makes a very worthy sequel to Beyond the Red. Whereas the first book focused mostly on Kora’s troubles as ruler and her need to find a husband, this one focuses on Eros and his campaign for the throne of Safara.
I actually liked Eros more in this book than I did in BTR. I think seeing him interact with his nephew Mal shows off his compassionate side more. Kora also has a lot of character development as she navigates her strained relationships with her brother and Eros. There was also a new major supporting character, Deimos, who I really, really liked. I hope he gets a lot of attention in the third book.
Another thing I liked was finding out more about Safara and its territories, and how Sephari society works. I found the information about the Sephari religion especially interesting, and the scene where Eros is evaluated in the temple may be my favorite in the whole book.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like, though I feel like the pacing overall could have been a bit faster. I also think the romance between Eros and Deimos might have progressed a bit too fast — Eros went from curious interest to “OMG I totally want to spend the rest of my life with this guy” within a relatively short time span (and yes, they went through a lot together in that relatively short time, but Eros doesn’t strike me as the sort of person to be declaring undying love within a matter of weeks of meeting someone). Finally, I caught a few typos throughout the book, though they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, Into the Black did a great job of continuing Kora and Eros’ story, and I can’t wait for The Rising Gold to wrap it all up.
Into the Black makes a very worthy sequel to Beyond the Red. Whereas the first book focused mostly on Kora’s troubles as ruler and her need to find a husband, this one focuses on Eros and his campaign for the throne of Safara.
I actually liked Eros more in this book than I did in BTR. I think seeing him interact with his nephew Mal shows off his compassionate side more. Kora also has a lot of character development as she navigates her strained relationships with her brother and Eros. There was also a new major supporting character, Deimos, who I really, really liked. I hope he gets a lot of attention in the third book.
Another thing I liked was finding out more about Safara and its territories, and how Sephari society works. I found the information about the Sephari religion especially interesting, and the scene where Eros is evaluated in the temple may be my favorite in the whole book.
There wasn’t much I didn’t like, though I feel like the pacing overall could have been a bit faster. I also think the romance between Eros and Deimos might have progressed a bit too fast — Eros went from curious interest to “OMG I totally want to spend the rest of my life with this guy” within a relatively short time span (and yes, they went through a lot together in that relatively short time, but Eros doesn’t strike me as the sort of person to be declaring undying love within a matter of weeks of meeting someone). Finally, I caught a few typos throughout the book, though they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, Into the Black did a great job of continuing Kora and Eros’ story, and I can’t wait for The Rising Gold to wrap it all up.
November 13, 2017
Three and a half stars
A worthy follow up to Beyond the Red with a very big change for Kora and a broader, more diverse cast of characters.
Like the first book, there's an epic science fiction story here with the fate of the world at stake. This book is more focused on Eros who's in the running to be the grand poohbah of the world. Kora is there to guide him on what's ahead, but then her story takes a turn to give her something much more active. (I definitely didn't see that coming.)
Where Beyond the Red used its story to illustrate how difficult it is for bi-cultural people to assimilate, Into the Black spotlights marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA+ and non-binary gender identity. It's great to see so much diversity so extra points for that.
I enjoyed the new characters and the new relationships, but I do miss the Eros/Kora relationship from the first book. It'll be interesting to see where it all goes in the next book!
Thanks to Sky Pony Press for providing a copy of the book for review.
A worthy follow up to Beyond the Red with a very big change for Kora and a broader, more diverse cast of characters.
Like the first book, there's an epic science fiction story here with the fate of the world at stake. This book is more focused on Eros who's in the running to be the grand poohbah of the world. Kora is there to guide him on what's ahead, but then her story takes a turn to give her something much more active. (I definitely didn't see that coming.)
Where Beyond the Red used its story to illustrate how difficult it is for bi-cultural people to assimilate, Into the Black spotlights marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA+ and non-binary gender identity. It's great to see so much diversity so extra points for that.
I enjoyed the new characters and the new relationships, but I do miss the Eros/Kora relationship from the first book. It'll be interesting to see where it all goes in the next book!
Thanks to Sky Pony Press for providing a copy of the book for review.
August 20, 2019
So disappointed. The first book was AMAZING! So much so that I immediately started the next book but this book was really disappointed to read. Few reasons. Its a really slow start and it takes quite a bit of time for it to pick up.
Second the relationship.
SPOILER ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP
I love that there is LGBTQ representation in this book. But Eros spent the whole first book lusting after Kora and he forgave her for attacking his base and all the bad things she did as queen and he started to love her but he can’t get over her pulling away and regretting a kiss?? Kill my people? It’s cool you’re hot and kind. Hurt my feelings? Nah I’m gonna get with the dude over here. Now that’s might not really be fair I know but i dislike change. I shipped the two the entire first book and the book paints a very clear picture they will somehow end up together. So when did he suddenly become bi? I wish it would’ve been hinted in the first book so I could’ve prepared myself. Here it just seems like this gorgeous new guy comes in and he forgets Kora. He spends so much of the book just roasting her but this chick saved his life so many times and fought for him to get on the throne. Koras fault here is not communicating her feelings and pulling away but can you blame the girl? All dudes she tries to gets with are either murders or die. But it felt like the author made him be that affected just so she can get Eros with Deimos.
Idk I feel like I invested so many emotions into this and got absolutely nothing
Second the relationship.
SPOILER ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP
I love that there is LGBTQ representation in this book. But Eros spent the whole first book lusting after Kora and he forgave her for attacking his base and all the bad things she did as queen and he started to love her but he can’t get over her pulling away and regretting a kiss?? Kill my people? It’s cool you’re hot and kind. Hurt my feelings? Nah I’m gonna get with the dude over here. Now that’s might not really be fair I know but i dislike change. I shipped the two the entire first book and the book paints a very clear picture they will somehow end up together. So when did he suddenly become bi? I wish it would’ve been hinted in the first book so I could’ve prepared myself. Here it just seems like this gorgeous new guy comes in and he forgets Kora. He spends so much of the book just roasting her but this chick saved his life so many times and fought for him to get on the throne. Koras fault here is not communicating her feelings and pulling away but can you blame the girl? All dudes she tries to gets with are either murders or die. But it felt like the author made him be that affected just so she can get Eros with Deimos.
Idk I feel like I invested so many emotions into this and got absolutely nothing
May 12, 2023
This book was severly disappointing after the first in this series was sooo good. I think the author was still figuring out who they are as a person and still coming to terms with their own sexuality while righting this series. The series started with an opposite sex couple falling for each other in the first book. Then, in the second book, suddenly everyone is gay🤣🤦♀️. Its not that the fact she made her characters gay that bothered me. It was how she severed their connections in the book with no real reason at all other than she came out as gay/trans and wanted her characters to be like her i guess. It just made the story really go downhill the way she did it. Also, theres quite a few editing errors and the plot in this one was a bit boring. Nothing significant happened really until the end. It just took forever to get there and once we got there it was over in a couple of paragraphs. I mean, i waited throughout the whole book for this to happen and then its over that quickly? Talk about a letdown. The majority if not all of the book was just politics, politics, politics which I am not a fan of anyways but it was dragged out way too long. Ill give the third book a try only because I've already bought it but heres hoping its as good as the first one and not as lame as the second book is.
February 2, 2018
Into The Black is the sequel to Beyond The Red, written by author/blogger Ava Jae. I gave the original book five stars, so I was eager to read this one also.
At the beginning, I wasn't quite sure that I would like this book as well as I liked the first. Jae uses some terms in her writing (kinduf, sortuf, fucken, and some others) that pulled me out of the story when encountering them - however, that turned out to be a short-term problem and I stopped having a problem once I got 50-100 pages into the book. I seem to recall this same thing happening when I read the first book as well. In any case, the more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. I think the best written scene of the book was when Eros was interviewed by the high priest, it was my favorite scene of the book.
I gave Into The Black five stars as well. I care about the characters, though I feel the romance between Deimos and Eros is a bit forced. All of the characters and plot pieces are in place for a great conclusion to this series - I'm looking forward to it.
At the beginning, I wasn't quite sure that I would like this book as well as I liked the first. Jae uses some terms in her writing (kinduf, sortuf, fucken, and some others) that pulled me out of the story when encountering them - however, that turned out to be a short-term problem and I stopped having a problem once I got 50-100 pages into the book. I seem to recall this same thing happening when I read the first book as well. In any case, the more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. I think the best written scene of the book was when Eros was interviewed by the high priest, it was my favorite scene of the book.
I gave Into The Black five stars as well. I care about the characters, though I feel the romance between Deimos and Eros is a bit forced. All of the characters and plot pieces are in place for a great conclusion to this series - I'm looking forward to it.
March 26, 2018
me, yelling, crying, throwing my kindle across the room: perhaps eros will finally get some sort of break in the next chapt-
next chapter: bitch u thought
anyway don't talk to me! i love eros i wish he suffered less and did get a break and i don't see that happening any time soon but it's ok my guy i will be there by your side and freedom will win! (i love how when im bothered to write a review its always to talk about freedom winning. get on my level)
(i wanna note that its hilarious how the second eros said he was attracted to guys poor kora disappeared in my mind I'M SORRY but also not sorry to be me also at that point i was getting my hopes up so much but then was PROVEN RIGHT!!! a miracle in march 2018)
ANYWAY originally, in my distress i was like i'm not giving this 5 stars if they don't kiss but you know what FUCK THIS. eros is beautiful and deserves 5 stars (100 even, i love him) and more importantly they WILL kiss and they won't stop there eros/deimos will RISE and they will change the world!!!!!!!!! (and freedom will win)
next chapter: bitch u thought
anyway don't talk to me! i love eros i wish he suffered less and did get a break and i don't see that happening any time soon but it's ok my guy i will be there by your side and freedom will win! (i love how when im bothered to write a review its always to talk about freedom winning. get on my level)
(i wanna note that its hilarious how the second eros said he was attracted to guys poor kora disappeared in my mind I'M SORRY but also not sorry to be me also at that point i was getting my hopes up so much but then was PROVEN RIGHT!!! a miracle in march 2018)
ANYWAY originally, in my distress i was like i'm not giving this 5 stars if they don't kiss but you know what FUCK THIS. eros is beautiful and deserves 5 stars (100 even, i love him) and more importantly they WILL kiss and they won't stop there eros/deimos will RISE and they will change the world!!!!!!!!! (and freedom will win)
April 30, 2020
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway a while back.this is the first book in the series I've read an the first book by the author I've read.
Again I find myself wishing Goodreads would allow for fractional star reviews this is a good 3.5 star book for me. I liked the characters and their interactions because they felt genuine. The book starts out a little confusing but I think that was more because I haven't read the first book in the series. Once I got past my confusion the flow was pretty good and the character really began to grow on me. While it is a sci-fi book it's also a book about politics and discrimination, it is very easy to relate what occurs in this story to our world and people.the down side for me was some of the speach patterns, the way certain phrases become 1 word really itched at my brain while reading the book. The out come was predictable but the method of getting there was different than I expected. All in all a pretty good book. If I get a chance I may pick up the first book and read books 1 & 2 together
Again I find myself wishing Goodreads would allow for fractional star reviews this is a good 3.5 star book for me. I liked the characters and their interactions because they felt genuine. The book starts out a little confusing but I think that was more because I haven't read the first book in the series. Once I got past my confusion the flow was pretty good and the character really began to grow on me. While it is a sci-fi book it's also a book about politics and discrimination, it is very easy to relate what occurs in this story to our world and people.the down side for me was some of the speach patterns, the way certain phrases become 1 word really itched at my brain while reading the book. The out come was predictable but the method of getting there was different than I expected. All in all a pretty good book. If I get a chance I may pick up the first book and read books 1 & 2 together
December 15, 2017
This isn't a solid review. This is just my thoughts immediately after finishing this book. I'll eventually write a full-bodied review.
I really enjoyed this sequel. I loved Eros with every page, seeing him struggle and fight and protect what's left of his life, immersing myself in his self-discovery. I enjoyed seeing Kora's development, although I didn't agree with her choices every step of the way. I was also pleasantly surprised by the queer representation.
I really enjoyed this sequel. I loved Eros with every page, seeing him struggle and fight and protect what's left of his life, immersing myself in his self-discovery. I enjoyed seeing Kora's development, although I didn't agree with her choices every step of the way. I was also pleasantly surprised by the queer representation.
February 3, 2018
Into the Black is the second installment of The Beyond the Red Trilogy. The story opens up with Eros being kidnapped and returned to a council to become the next Sira, which he technically is. Eros must make a long journey back to reclaim the throne and have the council to reinstate him. After a long journey, a battle to the death and anger, Eros tosses his father’s ring against a wall, it breaks and it is revealed to the council that he is indeed the true suitor. Set in a sci-fantasy world that has its own language, dictionary at the back, Into the Black is a story of adventure, finding ones character, and family. I recommend this books for 8th grade and up. Disclaimer: there are some curse words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2021
Ehh
I didn’t love the romantic twist this one made. I spent a whole book getting invested in one relationship and then bam. Done. Then new character…at first seems just like new character and then bam. More. What? They’re new character, I don’t even know if I like them yet! Now it’s like gonna be a thing? I’ve not even accepted the ending of the last one yet. Ugh. Just didn’t like it and it was unexpected. The whole thing left me feeling the it was done just to check another box on the ‘what to include in your novel’ list.
I also had issues with Eros’s character at times. He seemed weaker and more pliable than book 1.
I didn’t love the romantic twist this one made. I spent a whole book getting invested in one relationship and then bam. Done. Then new character…at first seems just like new character and then bam. More. What? They’re new character, I don’t even know if I like them yet! Now it’s like gonna be a thing? I’ve not even accepted the ending of the last one yet. Ugh. Just didn’t like it and it was unexpected. The whole thing left me feeling the it was done just to check another box on the ‘what to include in your novel’ list.
I also had issues with Eros’s character at times. He seemed weaker and more pliable than book 1.
February 15, 2018
This was an interesting scenario: The world ruler is dead and his outcast and half-caste son is in line. The novel covers a short period after the death of the ruler to the new version. It is, to me at least, overly lengthy and boring in places - which I skim read, but the notion of sucession on a different planet with its culture, rules and regulations was interesting. Shorten it by 30% (and remove a % of the detailed emotions) and it would have been better. Hey, I am a guy.
March 10, 2018
This book has amazingly deep, lush worldbuilding with so many details. The voices in it are great, especially Eros. I loved the character development for both main characters, and especially enjoyed the addition of Deimos as a side character. Certain relationships evolved (no spoilers!), and I felt that was natural, especially given the circumstances. Finally, I particularly loved the inclusiveness. Highly recommended!
July 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this series continuation! I was worried that I would have a hard time getting back into the world, but the author did a great job of recapping while keeping it interesting, and the first book came back to me pretty quickly. I’ll definitely be finishing this series, and I’m excited to see what else he puts out in the future!
September 17, 2018
I was kind of on the fence about how I felt at the beginning of the book, but by the middle of it I decided it was a great story and got right to the point without too much filler. Can't wait for the third book!
December 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
February 21, 2018
kill your darlings
May 28, 2018
Such a great sequel!! Eros <3 and Deimos!! This took a fantastic turn and I'm interested to see where the third book goes!
November 17, 2019
Although Beyond The Red had some problems, there is no denying the world of Sepharon is a brilliantly depicted world full of interesting aspects and characters. This one takes place after the nanites - a technology of which so many people are dependant on, have been destroyed after an attempted genocide of humans. Eros, after finding out he is of royal blood and that Mal, his only blood relative left alive, is suffering from blindness, races to Asherton to claim to cure his nephew. And Alien queen Kora tries to control the damage that has been done to her city and to Eros.
Into the Black has gotten rid of some of the problems that the previous book had - there is far less bloodshed and focuses more on Eros's PTSD and both his and Kora's preparations to prove themselves worthy leaders.
I noticed there was much more inclusion of LGBT characters in this book, as well as non-binary and characters of colour in the lead roles. Although I'm also gay myself and adore diversity in literature and media, I can't help but feel the author was trying to pander to those people and preaching out messages, which took me out of the story a little bit.
The biggest one of all of course is the revelation that Eros is bisexual and little by little falls in love with Deimos, the flirty prince/bounty hunter who takes him under his wing. It honestly should have been established in Beyond The Red that he likes men as well, rather than have paragraph after paragraph of him ogling Kora's thighs and obsessing over her curves. It just comes out of left field, even though I really love Eros and Deimos's relationship.
Into the Black has gotten rid of some of the problems that the previous book had - there is far less bloodshed and focuses more on Eros's PTSD and both his and Kora's preparations to prove themselves worthy leaders.
I noticed there was much more inclusion of LGBT characters in this book, as well as non-binary and characters of colour in the lead roles. Although I'm also gay myself and adore diversity in literature and media, I can't help but feel the author was trying to pander to those people and preaching out messages, which took me out of the story a little bit.
The biggest one of all of course is the revelation that Eros is bisexual and little by little falls in love with Deimos, the flirty prince/bounty hunter who takes him under his wing. It honestly should have been established in Beyond The Red that he likes men as well, rather than have paragraph after paragraph of him ogling Kora's thighs and obsessing over her curves. It just comes out of left field, even though I really love Eros and Deimos's relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2017
I actually won the first book last year during the RBT blog tour for Ava’s debut, but I hadn’t yet read it. So when I saw the announcement for this tour, I thought it was the perfect kick in the tush to get me to finally read Beyond the Red. And I’m so glad I did! I will readily admit I let other people’s perspectives on the book nudge me towards putting it off, and I’m kind of angry at myself for that. I had read some reviews that were 2 and 3 stars and folks had felt the book was maybe a little bland. I remember being disappointed about that, because I had been so looking forward to reading it -- I mean, it’s YA sci-fi, which is like my one true love! However, having finally read Beyond the Red in preparation for this tour, I can honestly say I absolutely love it and I am sorry that I waited so long to read it! But hey, there’s always a silver lining, right? I’d say my silver lining is that, in reading the books back to back, I was able to really immerse myself in the experience of visiting Safara and meeting Eros, Kora, and all the other great characters. And I loved it!
As soon as I finished Beyond the Red, I immediately jumped straight to reading Into the Black. I was so eager to continue Eros and Kora’s story and find out what would happen next. I feel like I have been both in the red sands of Vejla and the white sands of Asheron right along with Kora and Eros. I think Ava’s writing is fantastic, and I love the characters. I think the way they face situations and handle danger is very real and grounded. The romantic aspects of the story are handled in such a realistic manner. It’s a bit hard to explain precisely what I mean without spoilers, but basically, the characters recognize that some hurts may be too hard to come back from. It’s not a situation where the characters keep coming back to each other no matter what one of them may do to another.
I also love how, while there is definitely racism, prejudice, and discrimination, there are people bucking tradition and living life in the open anyway. There are presentations of bisexuality, homosexuality, and gender fluidity, right alongside the heterosexual relationships we see. Sometimes when an author wants to include representation all along the spectrum of sexuality (or race, color, gender, etc), it can feel very clunky, like a point has to be made to the reader so that they will notice. I felt Ava’s approach was much more natural and subtle -- the characters just ARE, and we take them as they are presented to us, with only minimal discussion of their “difference” and only if it makes sense in the moment. I just really like how Ava gives us characters who are what they are, and a character doesn’t have to be originally introduced to us as, say, “the bisexual, brown-skinned man currently in a relationship with a woman,” it still feels perfectly natural when we discover later that they are also attracted to men. Basically, more like how life really is! I hope that makes sense... it feels very vague, but I don’t want to give anything away or get too specific with examples.
Beyond loving the characters and the world-building, I also really like how this is the kind of book that you can read just for fun, on a more surface level, as an imaginative trip to a different planet, but you can also read it on a deeper level as saying something about our actual world, our reality and our moment in time. The prejudice, racism, and discrimination; the slavery, the income inequality, and the creep of authoritarianism; the fight of the younger generations looking to buck tradition and make society mirror their more progressive beliefs -- these are all things we can easily see in our own world. I think you can read these books as a call to action, maybe, or at least as a way to help people recognize their own, or their family and friends’, prejudices and work to change them. If we are outraged that humans are enslaved by the Sepharon or, if not enslaved, living in poverty and not making a living wage, shouldn’t we be outraged at what we see around us? If we think it’s crazy that a Sepharon and a human cannot be together, can’t we recognize that it also makes no sense to want to keep people of different races from loving each other? or people of the same sex? I hope that people will read Eros’s story and internalize some of the lessons that he learns and helps us learn. I think there are beautiful truths in these books, and I hope others are able to find them as well.
Well, this review has gone much longer than I anticipated! And I feel like I have been rambling without being able to get my point across. Hopefully that’s not entirely true, and that at least some of this makes sense! Bottom line -- or tl;dr, as the kids like to say -- I have absolutely loved my time in Safara, I’ve loved being able to read Beyond the Red and Into the Black back to back, and I would very much like to have book 3 in my hands ASAP, thank you very much! In the meantime, as I wait for it to arrive, I will be sure and recommend both of these books to my fellow lovers of YA sci-fi!
Rating: 5 stars in the purple Safaran sky!
Thank you to Sky Pony Press for the early review copy of this book, and to Rockstar Book Tours for letting me take part in this tour. This is my honest rating and review.
As soon as I finished Beyond the Red, I immediately jumped straight to reading Into the Black. I was so eager to continue Eros and Kora’s story and find out what would happen next. I feel like I have been both in the red sands of Vejla and the white sands of Asheron right along with Kora and Eros. I think Ava’s writing is fantastic, and I love the characters. I think the way they face situations and handle danger is very real and grounded. The romantic aspects of the story are handled in such a realistic manner. It’s a bit hard to explain precisely what I mean without spoilers, but basically, the characters recognize that some hurts may be too hard to come back from. It’s not a situation where the characters keep coming back to each other no matter what one of them may do to another.
I also love how, while there is definitely racism, prejudice, and discrimination, there are people bucking tradition and living life in the open anyway. There are presentations of bisexuality, homosexuality, and gender fluidity, right alongside the heterosexual relationships we see. Sometimes when an author wants to include representation all along the spectrum of sexuality (or race, color, gender, etc), it can feel very clunky, like a point has to be made to the reader so that they will notice. I felt Ava’s approach was much more natural and subtle -- the characters just ARE, and we take them as they are presented to us, with only minimal discussion of their “difference” and only if it makes sense in the moment. I just really like how Ava gives us characters who are what they are, and a character doesn’t have to be originally introduced to us as, say, “the bisexual, brown-skinned man currently in a relationship with a woman,” it still feels perfectly natural when we discover later that they are also attracted to men. Basically, more like how life really is! I hope that makes sense... it feels very vague, but I don’t want to give anything away or get too specific with examples.
Beyond loving the characters and the world-building, I also really like how this is the kind of book that you can read just for fun, on a more surface level, as an imaginative trip to a different planet, but you can also read it on a deeper level as saying something about our actual world, our reality and our moment in time. The prejudice, racism, and discrimination; the slavery, the income inequality, and the creep of authoritarianism; the fight of the younger generations looking to buck tradition and make society mirror their more progressive beliefs -- these are all things we can easily see in our own world. I think you can read these books as a call to action, maybe, or at least as a way to help people recognize their own, or their family and friends’, prejudices and work to change them. If we are outraged that humans are enslaved by the Sepharon or, if not enslaved, living in poverty and not making a living wage, shouldn’t we be outraged at what we see around us? If we think it’s crazy that a Sepharon and a human cannot be together, can’t we recognize that it also makes no sense to want to keep people of different races from loving each other? or people of the same sex? I hope that people will read Eros’s story and internalize some of the lessons that he learns and helps us learn. I think there are beautiful truths in these books, and I hope others are able to find them as well.
Well, this review has gone much longer than I anticipated! And I feel like I have been rambling without being able to get my point across. Hopefully that’s not entirely true, and that at least some of this makes sense! Bottom line -- or tl;dr, as the kids like to say -- I have absolutely loved my time in Safara, I’ve loved being able to read Beyond the Red and Into the Black back to back, and I would very much like to have book 3 in my hands ASAP, thank you very much! In the meantime, as I wait for it to arrive, I will be sure and recommend both of these books to my fellow lovers of YA sci-fi!
Rating: 5 stars in the purple Safaran sky!
Thank you to Sky Pony Press for the early review copy of this book, and to Rockstar Book Tours for letting me take part in this tour. This is my honest rating and review.
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