Book 2 in the Ember in the Ashes series.
The new emperor has been chosen, Helene is the Blood Shrike (#2 to the emperor and enforcer), Elias and Laia are fugitives. The main story driver is Laia pursuing her quest to free her brother Darin from prison. It turns out that Darin is only one of may layers of subterfuge, and the magical world is largely revealed in this story. We are introduced to a new people (the tribesmen) and the feud between the Helene and the Commandant (Elias' mother) heats up. This is outstanding fantasy storytelling, with both action and clarity and creativity of the world, but also finding the right mix of foreshadow/partial reveal/reveal/twist. Nothing is just "dropped in", and nothing is just obvious. The characters and the readers are simultaneously pursuing understanding and interpretation of events and prophecy. Very engaging.
4 stars (out of 4)
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