Melancholy: Book Two of The Cure (Omnibus Edition)

t's been some time since I had read Fury, and honestly, I was nervous about heading into book two without a re-read. There was a lot that happened in Fury and I was hoping I would be able to remember the small details. Especially since Charlotte does such amazing work at foreshadowing, I didn't want to feel left behind and blind. But fear not, because things came back to me quickly and again, thanks to Charlotte's amazing writing, she intricately weaved in the details without a huge recap. It was brilliant.

Melancholy started right where Fury left off. Josi has unconscious Luke and they're on their way to the West where rumor has it the resistance camp is. We meet so many new characters; some good and some not so good. It's nonstop action and the twisty plot will keep you on your toes!

One of my favorite things about Charlotte's books is her ability to not only create these amazing characters but her ability to paint the world so sad and so dissolute yet challenges you as the reader in your beliefs of right and wrong. What sounds like a good thing; lack of anger and now sadness, really makes you wonder if you could experience the opposite emotion and had me question a few times if I would be willing to do it. I was challenged on RIGHT vs WRONG many times. You don't want to root for murder and mayhem, but at the same time, you do.

Again, the character's are nothing short of amazing. Josi was and still is my favorite. She has so much growth as a person throughout the book, and my respect and love for her grew. She made a few decisions early on that had my heart hurting, simply because I just wanted her to be HAPPY. But there was a lot she had to come to terms with on her own before she was able to move on. Once she does, though, she is an unstoppable force and one to be reckoned with.

Josi aside, each character is written unique and complex. Even the evil ones! I just don't know how she does it. We get 3 POVs in the story, all first person, and they're all written with distinct voices. Luke continues to be my next favorite, not just because his relationship with Josi, but because he's smart, cunning and his devotion to right all the wrongs that not only he has committed but the Government he works for, has my respect for him grow.

Plot wise - there is a lot going on. Besides the new mandate for the sadness cure, I honestly don't even want to get into many details, as with the first book, because one leads to another and spoilers are inevitable. It's action packed, gory, thought-provoking and full of heart-stopping twists. There were a few revelations that had my gasping; in horror, excitement, and heartbreak. This series is not good for my health!

I'll go back to the characters and mention the romance(s). It's very important to the story, not only for the characters individually but because you see such love, devotion and sweet moments it makes the hardships and journey worth it.

And that ending! AH!!!!

All in all - I loved Melancholy. Charlotte's breathtaking writing, amazing characters, and nonstop action make this series a MUST READ. If you haven't started this series yet, PLEASE DO!

I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.