Splinter (Reliquary, 2)

4-4.5 Stars!
I enjoyed reading Reliquary, and this reader is a happy reader in that I enjoyed Splinter even more!
This is the second book in a series, and Reliquary should be read first for maximum enjoyment

“The last few hours had pulled me apart and rearranged me, and now I was trying to slide the pieces into place again, but they weren’t fitting the way the way they used to.” – Mattie, Reliquary

^^This pretty much sums up where we find Mattie at the beginning of Splinter. Mattie is the stubborn toddler who continues to jam the same puzzle piece where it just doesn’t fit…over and over again. It’s so frustrating to watch because you can see that if they would just turn the piece a different way or pick up the piece right next to them, it would fit…but you know they have to figure it out for themselves.

In Reliquary, the world and magic system really drove my enjoyment. I LOVED the different types of magic and the black market underworld feel of magic with its dealings, commerce, the magic crime lords and territories. In Splinter, the characterization was the driving factor for me. Everything I loved about Reliquary was still there, but in Splinter I really appreciated the character growth. Mattie’s journey was excruciating, frustrating, and intense. A couple months after Reliquary, we find Mattie in pretty bad shape. Literally, her body is in pain and falling apart and figuratively, Mattie is completely lost.

“But then there’s the knowing that comes for you at night, after layers of consciousness have been peeled off by the exhaustion of the day. The kind of knowing that won’t let you rest until you finally surrender and let it, in all its ferocity and hideous glory, step into the light.” (psst…the pieces don’t fit Mattie…)

Mattie has a single-minded focus to reclaim her life and live out her hopes and dreams, a life she envisions with Ben leaving the magic world (and Asa) far far behind. The problem is, whether she likes it or not, the magical world is not ready to let her go. Deep down she may not be ready to let a broody and infuriating; but at the same time inexplicably lovable certain someone go (it’s the dog you guys, I mean any guy that treats his dog better than most humans…instant swoon.) It really matters not as an immense betrayal has Mattie right back in the thick of things…and you know what? It’s a good thing because Mattie shines “in the thick of things.” There were moments when I wanted to grab Mattie by her fictional shoulders and shake some sense into her…to yell at her to just LET GO, and CHOOSE YOURSELF;but it's really easy to be objective when you’re on the outside looking in. So I think Mattie’s journey, her conflict and inner turmoil was realistic and ultimately necessary.

All of the action, magic, intensity and the banter, conflict, and tension interspersed with some swoony sweetness that was present in Reliquary is present here; and I enjoyed all of it. Bring on Mosiac!!

I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not shape or change my opinion of the book. Thank you 47North and Netgalley for the review copy!

Easy and fun read. I loved the story and especially the characters

i really enjoyed this book

This series just keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to read Mosaic. Also, I love the dynamic between Asa and Mattie. They make great partners. Seriously, I cannot recommend this series enough. Go pick up the first book, Reliquary; you won't regret it.

SPLINTER
By Sarah Fine

Rating: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

For me, Reliquary, is the nuts and bolts of the story. It sets the stage.. the lay of the land so to speak. Whereas, Splinter is the cast…the people. And l love both of them!

Reliquary, is more about building and forming this magic world of the drug lords. Everything magic is closely guarded with the use of Ekstazos (givers of pleasure), Strikons (givers of pain), Knedas ( brain manipulators) and Sensilos (those who can sense magic) who are employed or “enslaved” by the magic lords . They control ALL THINGS MAGIC, including the movement of magic to, from and within their territory, the finding and storing of magic, as well as having their own reliquaries and conduits. The balance of power is perilous to begin with; but when you add a reliquary who is also a vault and a rogue freelance sensor...well, let's just say that definitely changes the mix. The magic world gets a bit edgier and a lot more dangerous. Throw in a few misfits or dropouts of this magic world and there is bound to be an explosion...and you can bet that Asa and Mattie are somewhere close by. All of this and more is present in Splinter. you must understand this world if you are going to understand and enjoy Splinter.

As much as I loved all of this, I was ready for the emphasis on characters and character development in Splinter. Splinter focuses on Mattie, Ben and Asa; but others are brought onto the scene as well. The carnival scene seemed sooo out of context that it just fit. After all, it is magic, in every sense of the word. I just loved the carnie characters. They brought some levity; but they also brought survival to the table…how to survive in a non-magical world by choice. Another character that came to life was Daria. I, for one, would love to know her story. Not everyone is likable by any stretch of the imagination. There are some that are so evil that the ugliness simply oozes out of them. Then there is Jack...

Mattie, Ben and Asa. The conflict between Mattie and Ben intensifies and the oil and water relationship between Mattie and Asa, well, there is fire there too. These characters grew and came alive as they intertwined. Something had to give and it did. Splinter is about the journeys of these three; Mattie, Ben and Asa. Three very different people and three very different journeys. All three are significant.

“Dammit, Asa.”
I stayed out there for a long time, building a fence around my memories of him. He didn't want to be in a cage, but in my head, there was no other safe place to keep him. So I built the walls high, with razor wire along the top, trapping him along with everything else in the strange world of magic I had discovered. It didn't fit with the future I'd chosen. ~Mattie from Reliquary

Mattie and Ben are going to be married in six weeks. She has made her bed and now she must lie in it as my grandmother would have said. But that doesn't mean she can't change her mind. Mattie is sick. Very sick, in fact, she is literally dying. She is crashing fast physically and emotionally. She has resigned herself to her decision to marry Ben and her dream of the perfect couple, in their perfect home and working at their animal clinic. Ben is Ben and he hasn't changed and Mattie continues to take it. Asa...is who knows where. Then it all goes to hell in a hand basket. Mattie is thrown back into the magic world which she has tried so hard to isolate herself from by yet another betrayal that almost gets her killed. But Mattie doesn't want to die. She wants to live. There are all kinds of warning signals, none of which are going off in her brain. Unless you have walked in those shoes, you have no idea. You keep hoping that it will change, that it will get better and when it doesn't somehow it’s your fault. It is easy to say she should have, could have, why didn't she or why didn't she do more to defend or protect herself. It’s sooo easy to pass judgement and we, the sisterhood of women, are our own worse enemy. We do it to each other. Mattie knows it is decision time.

Ben is running out of time and he is desperate. He knows that he has so damaged his and Mattie’s relationship beyond repair that he again tries to appeal to her heart. Ben has to learn to stand up on his own. Ben’s journey is one of awakening in that he has to accept and own his actions…be responsible, be accountable. In the past, He has always relied on everyone else to do that for him. He always had someone to blame and someone to use. Now it is just him.

Asa’s journey is a little different. He doesn't like cages, doesn't want to be trapped or hurt. He values his freedom above all else; but freedom comes in all kinds of forms and it comes with a price. He has to choose which kind is worth fighting for. He has built his own “cage” around himself to keep everyone and everything out. It is his safe haven. The only one who he has allowed in is Gracie, his pit bull, who is his anchor. His wall is impregnable, well almost. Mattie has managed to put a few chinks and cracks in the wall. He knows that.

For me, there is just one loose thread still out there dangling. I guess, I'll just have to read Mosaic and find out what happens…and I will!

I have received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way shaped or influenced my opinion of the book. I would like to thank 47North and NetGalley