REVIEW: Steadfast by Claudia Gray

Edition: Harper Collins Australia Paperback
Release Date: March 4 2014
Pages: 384
Series: The Spellcaster series #2
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy
Source: Received as an ARC from Harper Collins Australia (Thank you)
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website | Buy the book

Nadia, Mateo, and Verlaine have saved Captive's Sound from the dark Sorceress Elizabeth...or so they thought. Despite their best efforts, a crack opened and a new, greater evil seeped through. With Mateo as her Steadfast, Nadia's magic is magnified and she is more powerful than ever. But there is still so much she doesn't know about the craft, leaving her open and vulnerable to a darker magic...which has begun to call Nadia's name.

Steadfast by Claudia Gray is a awesome sequel. It's entertaining and there was always something happening. But for some reason, I didn't love it. But before I talk about that, I wanted to say that I love witch craft books. There are such limited YA witch books, this being probably the only witch series I've read.

I love the use of magic in this series and that a witch draws her ingredients from her own memories and emotions. But also from the bond with her steadfast. Captive Sound is a somewhat spooky place as it has faced the wrath of Sorceress Elizabeth and in this installment did again.

For me the outstanding characters where Verlaine and Asa. Although Verlaine had some moments of self pity, she's a character you sympathize with straight away. But she just keeps on keeping on and I have a lot of respect for her and that reason. She's a little fiesty and despite not being shown much love in her life, she is caring and loyal. I loved how Verlaine had a bigger storyline in book 2.

Asa was also a top contender for favourite character because he was such a diverse character. He was so conflicted and troubled. I loved it! The friendship (if you can call it that) between Asa and Verlaine was awesome. It was filled with snarky banter and intense awkwardness. I'm shipping it.

The plot was in full blast, even more complications constantly being thrown in. I love plot twists and stories that take you on an emotional rollercoaster. My only problem is that it became anti-climatic at some stages. They always found a way out of things. But some of the plot twists I did really enjoy.

I like Nadia because she does try her best to keep everyone safe. I also Mateo because he is supportive and makes a great match with Nadia. But I would have enjoyed more build up within their seemingly perfect relationship. After their relationship formed in Spellcaster, in Steadfast I found it too undeveloped and I don't know.. Cliche. I just wasn't feeling it which was such a shame.

I wanted more from Steadfast purely because I had such high expectations after thoroughly enjoying Spellcaster. But Steadfast was a good sequel and a entertaining read, I enjoyed it but just craved for a little more. I'll definitely be reading book 3 and I'm curious to see how this series is gonna wrap up. Also to see the male character named after me!