I love this series! So often the middle book in a trilogy is just there to keep the story going without giving us any resolution, this was not that. It introduced new characters while diving much deeper into the politics of the Great Houses. I truly enjoyed this deeper exploration of this world and look forward to the next book!

"A Whisper in the Walls" offers a compelling blend of mystery and urban fantasy. Reintgen crafts a world that feels both familiar and subtly off-kilter, drawing the reader into its hidden corners. The protagonist's struggles with their unique abilities add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, making them relatable even amidst the fantastical elements. While the plot occasionally meanders, the intriguing premise and well-developed characters kept me invested. The pacing could have been tighter in some sections, preventing it from reaching a full five stars, but overall, it's an engaging read that I'd recommend to fans of the genre.

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

This book kicks off a great new series for fans of dark academia novels in YA. The protagonist is also one you are not sure to root for or despise which makes the writing that much better. The magic system in the novel is very interesting and well-planned out. I re-read this novel recently for our teen book club and the kids really enjoyed it too. We will be reading part two soon.

<i>"Landwin's offer was clear. Abandon Theo. In doing so, Ren knew she'd also be abandoning her best chance of revenging her father. She was already inside. Like a whisper in the walls."</i>

TL;DR: A stunner of a sequel, which most definitely does not suffer from Second Book Syndrome. I once heard a strong sequel* described as one which is "surprising, but inevitable" and that applies here: the events seem like a logical follow-up to [book:A Door in the Dark|61273146], but [book:A Whisper in the Walls|176443027] doesn't tread the same ground. The plot is fresh, and just as fast-paced and full of twists and turns as the first book, but in a completely new and inventive way.
*I honestly can't remember if this was about a sequel or a series finale, but I feel like it applies either way.

I'm honestly surprised that I didn't review this book the first time I read it, so that's on me. But, I have an ARC of [book:A Burning in the Bones|214195165] burning a hole in my tablet, and I always prefer to reread the last book in the series before starting the next one.

And Second Book Syndrome is real, you know? When there's a planned trilogy -- or when one story gets split up and made into a trilogy -- all 3 parts are not necessarily created equal.
I mean, there's a reason we don't usually make it past 2 or 3 books in the Narnia series when we adapt them...and I would say Toy Story 2 is arguably the weakest of the franchise.

But sometimes...sometimes the second part defies expectations. My go-to example would be Peter Jackson's film version of _The Two Towers_, although I'm sure most people would probably point to _The Empire Strikes Back_. Either way -- those second parts take the world & plot established in the first part and expand it in a fresh way.

And that's what Scott Reintgen does here. In AWitW, we broaden out from Ren's perspective, introducing two new POV characters, the brother-and-sister duo of Dahvid and Nevelyn Tin'Vori. After seeing the events of Book 1 through Ren's eyes, it was a bit jarring at first to jump into people's "headspaces." But its necessary, I think. After all, the first part of Ren's journey *is* narrow in scope. But the second phase? It's broader in scope and ambition, and in order to execute it, Ren needs other people (reluctantly). So to find presumed-dead enemies of her enemy works -- especially because it's not all kumbaya-we-trust-each-other-implicitly.

Of the two, I think Dahvid's plot is the more action-based and keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, but I loved the character of Nevelyn. She's an interesting parallel to Ren, in a lot of ways: talented, smart, under-estimated. She's a bit "softer" than Ren, which I hesitate to say because she's not a soft character. But her dream of reading on the front porch of a cabin at dusk shows a side which Ren may or may not have.

And Ren is still my character MVP. I love how delightfully morally gray she is -- especially at the end -- and even though I'm not sure she's intended to be likable, I love her and I can't help but root for her. Which I'm almost positive means some form of horrific justice is headed her way in Book #3. I hope there are dragons though...we've alluded to them throughout both books and I feel like dragons only make a book better.

Lingering questions...
...what happened to the file Landwin had on Ren? I feel like it got lost in that duel scene and we don't know what happened to it.
...who is "this master" Agnes is meeting with? And have we already met them?
...does Ava have any other magic like her siblings? Is there any more House Tin'Vori mythology to explore?
...DO DRAGONS COME INTO PLAY? I feel like they were a big part of the foundational mythology of Book 1, but weren't really a part of Book 2, which feels like the kind of set-up Scott would do...
...and speaking of Book 1, will any of those characters / events come back into play? I'm thinking of Devlin (and the concept of Paladins, which was set up, so seems important...) and also of that drug family living outside of the city...

...I NEED THIS THIRD BOOK.

A Whisper in the Walls follows Ren in her mission to unseat the Brood family as new threats emerge and shifting alliances complicate her plans. With the Broods facing opposition from vengeful siblings and Ren’s own feelings for Theo evolving, everything intensifies.

My favorite thing about this book was the characters. I loved the gladiatorial intensity of Dahvid’s POV, Nevelyn’s ingenuity, and Ren’s sharp adaptability. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and the ending left me eager for the finale. I especially appreciated the creativity of Dahvid’s image-bearing magic as well as Ava and her humor.

However, some aspects felt underdeveloped. Theo’s role felt minimal, and I wanted more of Ava. Cath and Dahvid’s relationship lacked spark, and Nevelyn’s infatuation with Garth felt unnecessary with him contributing very little to the story. The pacing was also a little disjointed to me.

Overall, A Whisper in the Walls is an engaging sequel with compelling characters and strong world-building, though the romantic and character dynamics could have been stronger. I’m excited to see how it all concludes in the last book! I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an innovative magic system and dynamic, morally grey characters.

Received a copy from NetGalley (but life happened) and finished it with a library copy of the audio.

This was hard for me to rate. I really enjoyed the first book. This one not as much, but primary because of the extra POVs. I didn't actually care much about either of the two new characters. And then Theo, the only character from the first book, wasn't really in it.

I do like all the plotting and moving parts. (I just had a hard time being interested in the sibling's POVs.)

Even though I did struggle through the middle, at the end I really wanted the next book. So my rating went from a 3 to a 4.

And goodness, by the end I really hope they get the point that revenge is not worth it.

A Whisper in the Walls, the sequel to Scott Reintgen’s A Door in the Dark, introduces new characters that add to this series's overall tension and world-building. Ren is still determined to avenge her father’s death and use Theo to help her (even if she might be falling for him). When Theo’s father banishes him to “guard” a faraway castle in Nostra, Ren seeks help with her plan to take down the Brood family. The Tin’Vori family is thought to be dead, but siblings Dahvid and Nevelyn have their own revenge plans for the Brood family. This adds a whole new twist to the Waxways series. The ending cliffhanger is enormous and I am anxiously waiting for the next book.

The follow up to A Door In the Dark was surprisingly better than the first! This was a fast paced read that included multiple POVs! After hearing so much from Ren in the first book, I was happy to see the additional POVs.

When I first read this book, I was not aware that there would be an additional story so I waited to relate it. I was left with questions but now that I know there will be a 3rd book, I went back and reread it again and got more enjoyment from the experience! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book to see how it all wraps up!

Overall a fine sequel that acts more like a bridge from book 1 to book 3. I personally found this book to be a little on the boring side, mainly because the information and political aspects of this world was more at the center, and the action felt sprinkled in. Some of it was interesting, some of it felt a little much. I was really hoping for more of the magic school setting in book 2 because we spent such little time in there in the first book. A bit disappointed we didn’t get very much more of it.

I actually liked the revenge driven plot, only I felt like so much of the plan was being built up that the pacing of the story slowed. The idea is there, the author has great storytelling style.

I think this one is a great follow up to the first book! I loved the world building and it took the story in places I didn't expect. Definitely will recommend his books to others!

I love the first line I found myself screaming at the characters and so engaged with the story that I had a physical response. It was so intense for YA Book that I was so surprised. The second book even better still at the edge of my seat. So engaged the pacing was perfect. The suspense was amazing and perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better book.

Writing a review for A Whisper in the Walls has been difficult. Believe me when I say I have tried to write this review multiple times since I finished the book. But nothing is good enough. Nothing explains how much I loved this book. From start to finish, this book had me invested, which is no surprise because I have been a fan of Scott Reintgen for forever now.

The Waxways series has me hooked. When I finished A Door in the Dark, I won't lie, I was nervous. The story took such a turn that I was not prepared for. But Scott Reintgen did not disappoint. A Whisper in the Walls has been one of the best sequels I have read.

And because I was blessed with an early copy, I got to read along with the audiobook. And let me tell you, the narration was fantastic. 10/10

If you want to pick up one of this author's books, this series is the one. I mean truthfully, you cannot go wrong with any of them. They are all brilliant, but this one holds a special place in my heart.

The plotting in this! Sneaky! Loved learning about new ways to do magic, different types of vessels. Really enjoying this world and magic system. More review to come, this was just off the top of my head.

While it took me awhile (not until Part 3) to get into the book, I actually really enjoyed A Whisper in the Walls. I found A Door in the Dark to be quite unique. I wasn't sure how to feel or where it was going to go with everyone dying, but I think that's what made it so necessary to read the second book. I had to know where it was going.

I liked the addition of the siblings as points of view. While it took some time for their paths to cross, I liked how the three of them formulated a plan to take down House Brood. It helped the pacing that the different points of view were completely different storylines. Dahvid had to win the guantlet and Nevelyn needed to worm her way into Tessa Brood's life. Meanwhile, Ren was hoping that Theo's strained relationship with his father would continue to strain and that he would choose her side when it came to destroying House Brood. At times it did feel slow, but the plan was necessary in order for Part 3 - The Execution.

Part 3 was my favorite. Everything converged and their were a few surprises that definitely made this section of the book the best. Some threads of the storyline are tied up, but not without consequences. The epilogue left me with SO many questions that I'm excited for book three. Without spoilers, I really thought there was going to be a modicum of a "happy ending." I know this is a triology, but I just wasn't expecting the end. It was very well done. While one thing wrapped up, it still left some loose strings that need to be addressed in the third book. I'm anticipating a three-way betrayal, but I'm hoping for only two...

Also, I love Vega and the role her kind (livestones) play in the plot.

I'm all in for the third book.

This is a book series that you can easily get hooked into quickly. The story is unique in that I don't think i've read anything similar before. It's refreshing to see the other side of when a plan comes together well.

Thank you so much to Scott Reintgen and team for my physical and eARC copies of this book. All opinions are my own!

4.5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect going into the second installment of the waxways, and I was hesitant when we started out with three POVs but OH MY GOSH did it work. I loved getting to know House Tin'Vori and see more of Ren. I loved getting to know more of the Houses in general, and how they all connect. The twist at the end had me audibly gasp and I appreciated its theatrical timing.

I thought the bond magic was really interesting and I'm curious to see it explained further in the third book, especially with the special features of the bond that reared their heads throughout and at the end of this book. Theo Brood is an interesting character in this and I was taken aback when he so readily agreed to the downfall of his own house, but I could see it in the sense that it's his first love and his family does suck. It was fun to watch Theo and Ren fall for each other despite not wanting to, but I hope we get to see him buck up a little in the next book. It was hard to watch him just play the pawn in Ren's story.

Towards the end, Scott absolutely said, "oh yeah you have a heart? HEHE NOT ANYMORE SORRY" and I'd like to have some words about that, but it hit in the best way and I am so excited (scared) to see what book three has in store for us.

Scott Reintgen's A Whisper in the Walls is the second installment in the author's Waxways series. In this sequel to A Door in the Dark, Ren’s intellect and cunning are stretched to the limit in her quest to take down the system that stole her father’s life. Key Characters: Ren Monroe, Landwin Brood, Theo Brood, Dahvid Tin'Vori, and Nevelyn Tin'Vori. This story actually revolves around Ren, Dahvid, and Nevelyn as each character is fighting not only for survival but for revenge on House Brood.

After surviving the nightmare in the jungle, being only one of two survivors, and bonding with Theo Brood, Ren is trying to finish her mission of getting payback on the man who was responsible for the death of her father 10 years ago. After Theo is appointed the next watcher of the valley, meaning exile, Ren's plans take a bit of urgency to them. With Landwin demanding that Ren break the bond with Theo, and trying to catch her in a lie, Ren needs to find willing cohorts for her plans to work.

Years ago, House Brood led an unprecedented raid to destroy a fellow House of Kathor. But a few siblings (Dahvid & Nevelyn Tin'Vori) survived, and they haven’t forgotten the horrors waged against their family. Quietly, they’ve plotted their own revenge, waiting for the right moment to strike. And Ren Monroe might be their best chance. Like fire, the Tin’Vori siblings are as dangerous as they are useful, both gifted in rare magics.

Ren must decide how to unleash them against House Brood without hurting Theo in the process. Her feelings for Theo are growing past the boundaries of their bond, and Ren finds herself balanced on a knife’s edge, a breath away from immense power or utter ruin knowing she is going to need Theo for her plans to work. To make things even more interesting, Ren's mother, Agnes, who allegedly gave up her magic, now seems to be working alongside a mysterious man named Harlow. Who is Harlow really, and what does he want?

The added narratives of Dahvid and Nevelyn make this book much stronger, while also expanding the world Reintgen created. So many things happen in this book, that you really need to pay attention. There are multiple revenge plans, surprising identities, political intrigue, betrayals, and even a little romance. And the ending? Another staggering cliffhanger I didn’t see coming as well as a death of a character which was truly heartbreaking.

This series started out as an interesting take on portal magic and mostly morphs into standard palace intrigue in the second book. The ending leaves it unclear but very possible that the series will continue.

I didn’t mind this, but like most YA Fantasy these days, it’s nothing really new. The story follows a fairly standard formula, as does the magical system. The characters are likable but tropey and underdeveloped, and the story is predictable, but moves well and feels satisfying if not terribly unique.

I would read another of these, though I wish the series either worked harder to create more evocative setting, or took the story in a direction we haven’t seen dozens of times before in books like it.

The cliffhanger at the end of the first book in this series had me picking my jaw up off the floor. To say I was anxious to get my hands on this sequel is an understatement.

I didn’t care much for Ren in the first book until her revenge plan was unveiled. Then she immediately became more interesting to me. With her soul bond to Theo, Ren is now a part of House Brood. And Landwin Brood, Theo’s father, isn’t happy about it. In fact, he’ll try anything to break that bond and rid House Brood of her. Ren’s next step is to secure allies. Enter new characters Nevelyn and Dahvid Tin’Vori. They have their own bone to pick with the Broods and are more than happy to enter an alliance with Ren. Their added POVs only make the plot more intense, and I loved both of their individual stories.

After a few chapters, I was afraid this novel might be a filler before the final book in the series. I was so glad to be proven wrong. So many things are happening – multiple revenge plans, surprising identities, political intrigue, betrayals, and even a little romance. And the ending? Another staggering cliffhanger I didn’t see coming, and I’m excited to see how it affects other characters.

The next book (I think it’s the final in the series?) is absolutely on my list of anticipated reads for 2025. Recommended for readers who enjoy magical fantasy worlds, revenge-fueled motives, and a complex plot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Our anti hero Ren is back, thrown into the world she wanted to be a part of with stronger feelings developing for Theo. As much as I wanted to dislike her after the conclusion of the first novel, she is still a well written character who leaves me wanting to turn the page. In comparison, this one started off much slower than the previous, focusing more on developing the new characters rather than the story. It left me missing the fantasy world that we were vastly dropped into with the first of the duology.

For a second part of a series, I felt there was too much set up. About half way through, I was ready for an adventure much like the first one and felt myself wanting to skip ahead. So my main thought or complaint about this one, would probably be wishing it was formatted much more like the first one. But glad to read it. I did enjoy the multiple points of view, just to take a break from the repetition of Ren’s narrative. Overall, be patient. The last third of the book picks up a bit.