While I enjoyed this second installment, it didn’t have that insistent action of Oathbraker. There is plenty of action, but it was more character development in my opinion.
In this story, Alana has been brought back to the Citadel and learned that the Tsar is her father. It takes a little while for her to break through the defenses she herself put into place before she remembers most of who she was. However, the person she has been in the recent past is not the same as the one she was before, and she must suppress the newer version of herself in order to become who she is expected to be.
Meanwhile, Devon and Killian have set off from the Northlands in order to rescue Alana. Along the way, they make a new acquaintance and then strike a bargain with who is basically the undeclared ruler of the city of Trola. They then set off for the Citadel, but find themselves in dangerous company.
Braden and Anala have remained in the Northlands to continue Braden’s study of his Magick. When word comes of Braden’s unexpected lineage, things get tense with the queen due to threats that have been sent through emissaries. Eventually, Braden cannot wait any longer to get to his sister, so he and Anala set off on their own journey.
* Slight spoilers ahead *
When Devon and Killian arrive, they do not get the reception they are expecting, and end up with an old man in a cell. They don’t find out until later who this man is, but he is an important part of the history of the three Nations, as well as the upcoming battle. Fans of the Sword of Light Trilogy will be happy to see another old friend.
During the denouement of this story, Alana has been reminded of the missing parts of her memory, and she tries to take action against her enemy. Unfortunately, he has the power of hundreds of Magickers under his control, and she is easily subdued. But, all is not lost, because heroes of the past and present come to fight the evil. Along the way, more of the Tsar’s history is revealed, and we learn of even more lives he has destroyed in the past. In order to allow everyone to escape, the old man makes the ultimate sacrifice and is able to district the Tsar just long enough.
And though there are some good outcomes in the book, there is also heartache and the loss of heroes along the way. I was heartbroken for our characters and myself by the losses they endured, although one of the sacrifices did not surprise me a great deal.
Overall, as with almost all fantasy series, this is the book that fills in the blanks. Although it’s not the heart racing, action packed, thrill ride the first book was, it is just as important to the story.
I think the narrator did a good job. I still wish that the characters were a little more differentiated, but he is a very good story teller.
* I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review. *