Empress crowned in red

Gr 9 Up--Jazmyne has taken the throne of Aiyca, but the magic she should have inherited from her deceased mother has not yet come. Her position is tenuous until she can get the approval of her people. Iraya has taken her revenge and now seeks to free Aiyca for her people, but a new enemy is on the horizon. She and Jazmyne will have to become temporary allies once again--better the enemy you know--to stop the nightmare army. The Machiavellian machinations create a lot of plot threads to keep track of, which rewards a careful reader. Smart's prose is occasionally burdensome, but overall, the story proceeds apace. VERDICT This Jamaican-inspired fantasy is unique in the YA space, but given its length, it'll likely appeal only to dedicated fantasy readers. An additional purchase.

Two young witches continue their efforts to rule their beloved matriarchal society of Aiyca in this follow-up to Witches Steeped in Gold (2021). Jazmyne assumes the throne previously held by her now-dead mother, but having not yet inherited her magic, she is not officially granted the title of doyenne. Jazmyne perceives the underlying message of lack of faith from her citizens, and though it stings, she must endure it and try to earn their confidence. Iraya still has her sights on vengeance and taking back Aiyca for her people, the Obeah. Once again, the young women find that they must put aside their mutual personal grudges and become allies, if only temporarily, in order to have a chance of achieving their individual goals. With a new foe arising and bringing many twists and turns--both foreseen and unpredictable--it's crucial that Jazmyne and Iraya keep their wits about them as they try to navigate a world in which deception and betrayal run rampant. As before, Smart's style is rather wordy, and the voices of the two protagonists are at times too similar. But those who were drawn in by the previous volume and readers looking for a complex story that demands careful focus will be taken with this novel set in a world infused with Jamaican influences. A fitting duology closer that maintains the flow of its predecessor. (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.