cbr17bingo: family
This sequel picks up not long after the first one ends. Dymitr decides to return to Poland with Ala to accomplish a task in exchange for something he needs. While there, this task unexpectedly intersects with a mission Niko is on.
Where this book really shines is character development. While I acknowledged that there was limited room for character exploration in the first novella, it was still something I hoped we would get more of in this book, and we did. I now feel like I have a much better understanding of who Ala and Niko are, and I really loved the relationships among Dymitr, Ala, and Niko. We also spend more time with Dymitr’s family in this one because part of the reason he returns home is to attend a funeral. We learn more about the emotional challenges of growing up in a household of Knights.
I also appreciated the expansion of Slavic folklore in this one. The first book primarily focuses on zmora and strzyga. This one adds in a wieszczi, a dybbuk, and some time with a wila. If there’s ever a third book, I hope it continues to delve into the lives of these various creatures.
I really enjoyed this book. It does get dark at times, so check trigger warnings, but the plot was compelling, and the character work really kept me hooked. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but there is a clear opening for a third book, and I hope Veronica Roth eventually returns to this world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the eARC. All opinions are my own.