Review of All Shall Mourn (None Shall Sleep, #3) by Ellie Marney
When I first picked up All Shall Mourn, I was buzzing with excitement. The preceding books in the None Shall Sleep series swept me away with their intricate character dynamics and gripping storytelling. Ellie Marney had crafted such a rich world filled with the complexities of trauma, and by the end of the second book, I was utterly devoted not just to Emma, but to the relationship she shared with Simon. Fast-forward to this third installment, and well… my heart took quite a beating.
Let’s get right into it: the biggest shock for me was how Emma, who had so brilliantly led the story thus far, was relegated to a supporting role. To be completely honest, I struggled with this shift. Travis, who plays a pivotal role in this narrative, seemed to take the spotlight, and frankly, I don’t think he had the gravitas to carry it as the central figure. I found it bewildering how the dynamic between Emma and Simon—the compelling emotional undercurrent of the series—dissolved into the background.
The writing style I loved in previous books felt somewhat lost here, buried beneath a convoluted plot focused too much on Travis’ inner struggles and not enough on Emma’s powerful arc. There were moments when I almost questioned if this was still Emma’s story or merely a side note to Travis’ journey. Her relationship with the twins, especially Kristin, was stripped of its profound emotional core, which had previously given us insight into their psyches and shared traumas. Instead, we get Travis’ narrative thread, which, for me, felt like a distraction rather than a compelling story.
One scene that particularly stood out (and not in a good way) was Kristin’s death—if ever there was a moment that called for Emma’s perspective, this was it. I kept thinking about how beautifully emotive it could have been if it had been told through Emma’s eyes, rather than given the Travis treatment. Intended shock moments felt underwhelming, and pivotal character revelations lacked punch because the emotional weight was missed.
Simon, for all his sociopathic charm and depth we’ve come to expect, felt like a ghost of his former self. His interactions with Emma felt diluted; their once electric connection was minimized to mere mentions and passing thoughts. It was hard to reconcile the Simon who fought for Emma in the previous books with this new version who almost seemed indifferent.
To be frank, I finished the book feeling disillusioned. The pacing often felt uneven, with scattered moments of hope overshadowed by a looming sense of disappointment. In a series that so strongly emphasized emotional resilience and complex relationships, this felt like a missed opportunity.
In conclusion, while All Shall Mourn may attract the loyal readers who thrived on the tension and stakes of the earlier installments, I believe many will share my frustrations, especially those who were drawn to Emma’s empowering narrative. Perhaps if you love character exploration more than action-centric plots, this book could still resonate. However, for me, it culminated in a longing for the emotionally rich arcs we had built on through the first two books. Here’s hoping that Marney might find a way to reclaim Emma’s fierce spirit should she decide to return to this world.
If you’ve found solace and strength in Emma’s journey as I have, tread carefully into this third installment—it might not provide the catharsis you once craved.
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