Voices in the Dark: The Last Descendants #2 [Hardcover]

After reading the first book (Eyes of a King) I expected more developments on Leo's life, and him coming to terms with the loss in his family. While all this is in the book, it's told from Anselm's perspective (but 16 years later). I found the book quite different to the first one, mainly because the focus of the first book was the deep character development of Leo, and how the tragic story of his family deeply shape both his morals and who he choses to become as a person. The pace in this book is a lot faster, there are many more events, and it is all set in a background of political instability. The focus definitely shifted from Leo's emotions to the political events of Malonia, and to Anselm's family as a whole rather than any single individual. I liked the first book very much; Leo's psychology really captivated me...though I can understand why some might not, as it doesn't have lots of high-paced action (for that you should read Alex Rider). The many events in this book (not to mention very well-placed foreshadowing) make this book a lot more entertaining for the averege reader. Also, Catherine Banner's style has definitely improved a lot(!), both in the general flow of the story but most importantly in how the plot is laid out. By looking at other reviews, lots of people seem to have found the first book hard to follow sometimes; this is not likely to happen in this one (though there's still lots of margin to figure stuff out on your own which I found lots of fun :) ).
I gave this book 5 stars because it kept me entertained and curious to see what happens next right from the start of the book to the very end, because I really grew to care for the characters and because I found the book, put plainly, a very good story.

Anselm Adams is a confidant to his mother, a confessor to his stepfather, a caring brother to his sister. Things in his life seemed fairly normal with magic, until he discovers that his past and parentage aren't exactly what they seem.

With the Imperialist Order and their thugs taking over the capital city and their order targeting anyone who has magical abilities, Anselm is forced to flee his home.

Soon, he is going to have to make a choice: his life or his magic.

A suspense-filled, action-packed adventure. The characters are memorable, the plot is unique. Readers who have not read the first book in the series, however, will be lost reading this book. Those who like fantasy and have read THE EYES OF A KING, though, will enjoy reading VOICES IN THE DARK.

Reviewed by: Kira M

Book two of 'The Last Descendants Trilogy' is Catherine Banner's VOICES IN THE DARK telling of teen Anselm Andros who has played different roles in his family - a family of growing magical abilities and secrets. When politics affect their lives, Anselm finds his choices and talents are linked to both past and future of Maldonia and its parallel world England in this fine fantasy.