Review by Booklist Review
After betraying her people to save her sister, Faron is stuck with her bond to Iya, held captive by a monster wearing the face of someone she loves. Unbeknownst to Iya (maybe), Faron's loyalty is nonexistent; she will betray him at the first opportunity to save her sister Elara, even in the wake of all they have lost. Meanwhile, Elara's new position as the Maiden Empyrean puts her at direct odds with Iya, as she works to rebuild the very nation he wants to break down. Trapped in opposition to each other by forces with immense power, Faron and Elara's dedication to each other continues to be tested against their bravery. This dramatic, sweeping finale to an explosive fantasy duology continues its exploration of the effects of war on young people from its unique post-childhood-trauma perspective. Combining the dragon-riding, breath-taking action of Rosaria Munda's Fireborne (2019) with the political intrigue and complex relationship dynamics of Rena Barron's Kingdom of Souls (2019), this is a stunning conclusion to the sisters' story
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Faron and Elara return in this duology closer following 2024'sSo Let Them Burn--and their magic and relationships face even greater tests. As the Childe Empyrean, a magical vessel and protector of San Irie, Faron Vincent was revered like a deity by her people and trusted by the gods to be a conduit of their power. And then she betrayed them. To save Elara, her sister whose bond with a dragon posed a potentially fatal threat, Faron joined forces with the deity Iya--who waged war on and sought to claim San Irie--to help build his army and enact his plan of destroying more nations. Racked with guilt, Faron has no faith she'll ever be able to return home. But that doesn't stop her from trying to take down the very entity she chose over her people, to end his days of chaos and spare other nations. Elara, now in the role of Maiden Empyrean, will do everything in her power to rebuild San Irie and bring her sister back, no matter the cost. Will the sisters survive a war when they're forced to be on rival sides? Cole maintains her fresh and engaging prose as the primarily Black characters grapple with inner turmoil, external conflict, human relationships, and supernatural bonds. Readers will be better served by having read the first installment. Complex connections, higher stakes, and more dire repercussions combine to make this a compelling read. (map)(Fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
