"Severin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost -- one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Severin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumored to grant its possessor the power of God. Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into the icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all. As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined. A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job."
Both amazing installments for this series. I really enjoyed Severin's arc even though I hated it in the moment and some of his choices. It was human and realistic and I wanted him to reach out to his friends the whole time. And I love Laila and how they wrapped up their story at the end. The pairings are great and the banter between them all is always a great piece of dialog. Combined with its unique magic setting and industrial revolutionary history makes this a wonderful and unique trilogy.
"It's 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.
To hunt down the ancient artefact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood. Together, they will join Severin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history--but only if they can stay alive."
Historical heist plus a cool magic system?? Count me in! I loved the industrial vibes combined with the interesting magic system that reminded me of the small science from the Grisha universe. I have so many questions after finishing, not to mention a pile of tissues from the ending, I cannot wait to start the next one!
