4 ⭐ CW: violence, blood, ICE and children in cages, minor homophobia, death 

An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco is book two in the A Hundred Names for Magic series. I enjoyed this second book, but honestly I thought it was too long. I think 20% could have been shaved off or done more efficiently. 

We continue following Tala and the other Banders now in Avalon as they continue to try to help incoming immigrants in America from ICE detention centers while also still trying to figure out how to defeat the Snow Queen. On top of that, now portals are popping up all over Avalon with monsters coming through. We also get some themes about corporate greed and how rich people always get away with everything. All of the social issues are pretty on the nose. 

All the while the Banders are each trying to figure out their own Dooms or trying to prevent them. I thought some of the stuff happening with Dooms and relationships was a little obvious, but I did enjoy the character moments. I just don't think the Dooms storylines need to be dragged out so much. The Banders finally figure out who has betrayed them, even though it was telegraphed pretty heavily at the end of book one. 

Although these books aren't terribly difficult to read or deep, they are fun and enjoyable. A great palette cleanse series for sure!