But when Pyre storms back into her life, Shiv finds their connection deepening in ways she never expected, the relationship edging toward trust—and maybe even love. Scichilone’s sequel is even more epic than the first book, but also even more intimate, with the two main perspective characters—Shiv and her cousin Satyra—tour-guiding readers through dark caves, magic pools, secret libraries, and other richly imagined surprises. Satyra’s chapters take place on an Earth wracked with climate disasters connected to the rage of Shiv, whom Satyra and the lovably weird Grimsbane family are striving to rescue from what they presume to be Hell. Both storylines center on tense, exciting issues of trust and attraction, especially as one-time adversaries seem to join the cause—and Satyra joins up with a rebellion.
Scichilone’s grand scope, strong characterization, inventive creatures (especially the nightmarish steed Nihility), memorably fantastical set pieces, and understanding of the heart will give fans of dark fantasy much to enjoy, though the dual stories move slowly, with occasionally awkward prose, and the many pages of conversation prove both an engaging strength but also at times overwhelming.
Takeaway: Vividly imagined realms-crossing romantic fantasy of gods and under worlds.
Comparable Titles: Kelsey Kicklighter’s Of Beast and Burden, Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
