"This second installment of the Threads of Destiny series continues to bring life to the beautiful world Jones has created. We met Nasima in Love in the Face of Death, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth of the internal struggles she was facing.
The battle between Nasima’s sense of duty and her own personal desires was a constant driving force throughout the story that manifested in her struggle with anxiety, which was painfully relatable. We often see book heroines portrayed as seemingly invincible and unflappable, but getting to see Nasima’s internal conflicts and struggles made her character feel so much more authentic. Her self-doubt made her victories even more sweet, and it made her easy to root for.
One of my favorite things about this world Jones has created is how openly queer it is, and The Echo of Stars in Water is no exception. It is so refreshing to be able to read an epic fantasy with both a female lead and a female love interest. Nasima and Cas’s chemistry was off the charts, and their flirtations banter had me giggling regularly. It was both surprising and delightful to see that no one in this world batted an eye at two women being in love, when so often queer love stories are fraught with strife from homophobic characters.
This story had everything I could have wanted: adventure, romance, diversity, mental health representation, and a strong female lead who is willing to embrace her struggles and fight for the ones she loves. I cannot wait to see where this epic journey takes us next!"
"Nasima has suffered terrible loss. Her mother was killed before her very eyes as she was carried out to the raging sea and soon thereafter, her father, who could not handle the loss, virtually disappeared from her life. That left Nasima to struggle through life on her own, which was not without consequences. When her people needed her most, she was called into action, her blessing within and a good friend, Cassandra, at her side. What started as a quest to save the day, ended with the fulfillment of some of life's most precious gifts: love and peace. Although there was much left to be done, Nasima finally found everything she ever hoped she would."
"The Threads of Destiny series is a thoughtfully interwoven fantasy story. The characterization is inclusive and fresh. This story reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean meets Indiana Jones with courts, crowns, and gods and goddesses. The path that drives these books forward becomes increasingly clear, yet the new predicaments that arise keep you reading on. I highly recommend these books to people who value fantasy, representation, action, romance, and a strongly descriptive world."
