Published: January 2023
Pages: 650
Summary
As the nations of Angall move closer to a Holy War, the four Illborn are to face momentous challenges, while seeking answers about who they are and what their growing powers mean.
After Arion and Allana are drawn to opposing sides in the coming conflict, their mutual obsession threatens to bring ruin to them both. In Arlais, Leanna finds herself a target of both the Holy Church and of the killers who are closing in on her. And in Karn, Corin must respond to a deadly new peril, whilst coping with the devastating aftermath of the attack on his wife.
How will the choices and actions of the four shape each of their destinies? Only this much is certain; the mysteries of the Gate and of their dreams still await them, and there will be no peace for the Illborn.
My thoughts
That was another great instalment of this saga! Everything I really liked about book one and more. Do I really only have one more book to read? I need to get my hands on a copy!
This book continues with the complex plotline and weaving of different timelines. We get more context to what happened with Aiduel which led to the five illborn. We don’t get all the answers but I have my own thoughts and I’ll need to read on to see if I’m right! Saying that, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more twists and turns in the finale. This book was filled with them too!
The writing style is fantastic, I still can’t believe this is only his second published novel. I said this in my review for Illborn but the writing reminds me of Rothfuss meets Kristoff. It’s well articulated, descriptive and immersive. He has built this richly detailed world, with a complex history and political landscape. We continue to see the illborn’s powers grow and their connection to the mysterious gate.
Where are our characters now
Of our four main characters Corin is still my absolute favourite. He is brilliant. He carries a level of self importance but I found him to be more down to earth. He truly cares for his people despite the past. He loves his wife, he is devoted to his gods and he protects those around him. He’s also incredibly smart in his planning and how he behaves around the clans. He leverages the skills of those around him, he has stepped into that role of leader and it suits him. I am curious where his character leads and the role the Felrin play in the end.
What isn’t a surprise is my feelings towards Allana, she was even worse than book one which I didn’t think was possible. Her chapters were my hardest to get through, I find her attitude and behaviour insufferable. She seems to be spiralling and I anticipate that she will be her own downfall. I don’t anticipate a good ending for her and I’m not routing for one either. Much of her behaviour I can reflect and understand. She has been dealt some serious trauma and life threatening situations. However her behaviour started at the very beginning of book one and she hasn’t changed an ounce. Her narrative is constant repetition of her delusions and excuses. She looks for only a reason to justify her awful actions.
Now, Arion, the elephant in the room. I loved his development and growth in book one, but sadly my love for Arion has been greatly depleted. He’s almost as insufferable as Alana which is a true shocker. Many things in his life he did not deserve, that was the sad part for me. I wasn’t sad for him but sad for the people in his life that his negligent, selfish decisions impacted. It’s alarming for such a strong willed veteran to lack so much common sense and I don’t want to stereotype due to his gender but I can’t think of any reasons for the decisions he’s made. Knowing what he has at home I finally thought he had rounded a corner and was moving passed his childish behaviours. I am eager to see how this plays out in book three, I still have hope for redemption as I don’t think he’s too far gone.
I struggle with Leanna. Her holy, self-sacrificing attitude is frustrating. I stand by my opinion of her and her naivety but now it’s turning into wilful ignorance. She needs to listen more to the people around her and leverage their knowledge. Yes she can help people but she needs to think bigger and I’d love to see her do that.
Intricate plot that brings together politics across different timelines
This story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are raised as political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal vendettas intertwine, leading to unexpected revelations and thrilling action sequences.
Would I recommend?
Completely! This is a great second book in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I need to pick up the final book in this series and get my answers!