i’m glad this book didn’t suffer second book syndrome; despite a slow start, this had hit all the points of a stellar sequel. 

each of the characters, both familiar and new, are reacting to the upheaval of power at the end of the first book, and throughout the book we see how it changes them. this book is more emotionally raw, particularly for my favourite characters xiala and serapio, who are both struggling with trauma and identity, separated from the familiar and each other. the environments and the people they find themselves surrounded in shapes their perspectives on the world and themselves, although it’s hard to discern if it’s for better or for worse. 

family, and kinship, is another strong theme in this book, the source of turmoil and intrigue, and the many ways loyalty is shown, tested and broken displays the importance of these relationships in this series. my particular favourite is okoa and ese, and i can’t wait for more of their dynamic in the last book. 

speaking of the last book, i’m all the more excited for it. this one ended in a way i didn’t expect, with the characters in places surprising for me but will make for an intriguing read in the finale.