I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat}'s Reviews > Cold Light

I was enraptured by Fallen, book one of the After Trilogy. Slatton's voice, story-telling, romance, and world-building completely captivated me. Fallen was a book that I simply could not put down.

I expected more of the same when I started Cold Light, and while in many respects, Cold Light was just as good as Fallen, it lacked the intensity of book one. Fallen was so full of action and plot twists that I never knew what to expect next. Cold Light was singular in its mission to retrieve Beth from the raider camp, and I missed the surprises of Fallen.

It's unusual for me to be just as invested in a love story as I am in the fate of the entire world while reading a dystopian novel. Of course I want humanity to prevail over the mists, and I want the good guys to beat the hedonistic raiders, but through it all, I was constantly saying to myself "Who will Emma choose?" It was like a steady mantra running through my head the entire time I was reading. I love that Slatton was able to make me feel that way about Emma and her impossible love for two men. I honestly didn't know what I would do if I were in her place, and found myself just as tormented as Emma was, through her interactions with Haywood and Arthur.

I love the world Slatton has created. The premise of the mists is so unique and very well-done. I loved the characterization in Fallen and Cold Light does not disappoint there. We're introduced to a few new characters, who are just as interesting as the old friends from Fallen.

I really enjoyed Cold Light, and look forward to book three, the conclusion of the trilogy. Cold Light was definitely the middle book of the series: it tied up the loose ends from book one and sets up the new conflict for book three. It wasn't as action-packed as Fallen, but it was still a great read. I love Slatton's voice and look forward to reading more from her in the future!