I don't think I've ever hated a sixteen-year-old boy more than I hate Sebastian ... my commitment to my beef with a fictional teenager is probably concerning, to be honest.

Among Serpents is the thrilling sequel to Sky's End, and I still think it totally matches the vibes of the Ascendance trilogy. While this book takes on a more political focus, the worldbuilding is expanded immensely, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Conrad is now the Prince of the Skylands, but he's still the Captain of the Gladian as he is sent on a mission to find a secret weapon to save the Skylands. Once again, the story was incredibly fast-paced, and there were a ton of twists and betrayals. I called most of the twists, but I was still pleased with them. I really enjoyed the high stakes and the action scenes, and the ending of the book leaves me excited for book three.
The cast of characters has expanded as well, and I think it definitely worked in the book's favor. I really liked seeing Conrad's character arc and his internal conflicts. Bryce's backstory was interesting, and I like her as a character, but I hope she gets more page time in the next book. Roderick and Keeton are my favorites (I'm praying for a happy ending), but I also really like Pound and his arc. Ella, Arika, and Yez were interesting, but they're not my favorites. Sebastian can die in a hole. Or, better yet, we can feed him to the gigataun.
The stakes are raised in this second installation to the Above the Black series, Among Serpents.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.25/5

Review: An awesome follow up novel to Sky's End. The author writes for the Brat-pack but this attempt at YA is strangely palatable. Most of the characters behave reasonably well within the context of the story line. No odd crushing coupled with erratic behavior. Just straight "I like you, you like me" directness. The author could not help himself throwing in some lesbians. Standard fare if you want to push sales across a broad audience.

A slight downer from the previous novel is Prince d-bags development. It has steadily trended into the mundane world of whining and constantly caring too much about others that he is often hurt when these sacrifices occur. YAWN. "My new Famwy needs me! I will never let them down!" over and over and.......... This trend is relentless in presentation. The always questioning of "self" does not a confident character make. Perhaps that is the point that stabs relentlessly into your back.

There is a solid continuance of progression coupled with great movement and world building. This novel has it all, and if you are not into YA (like me) you may still enjoy the ride.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

3.6/5

This series is so freaking thrilling. It is such a wonderful fantasy, and it's dystopian edge brings everything to another level. It doesn't fear going big, in throwing itself headfirst into battle after battle, and continuously offering new beasts to fight.