Sometimes I struggled in book one because there is no notice of a change in the character POV. I love them all and think that their voices are so distinct. This is a women-focused MC book and they are awesome. Honestly, I thought this was an improvement to book one! I think the characters grew leaps and bounds in this one and it was really great to see.

I was a bit nervous with this one because sometimes the series’ second book can be… not great. Together, the two women will have to come overcome their enemies, their history, and their heartbreak in order to find a way to secure Luca’s power and Touraine’s freedom.” And, even more importantly, if Luca’s uncle doesn’t ratify the treaty, the Qazali could end up right back where they started. But she soon realizes that leading a country and leading a revolution are two very different tasks. Touraine has found a home in the newly free country of Qazal. When he calls for a “Trial of Competence” and Luca’s allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet. The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal.

Clark’s Magic of the Lost trilogy, soldier Touraine and princess Luca must return to Balladaire to reclaim Luca’s throne and to face the consequences of dismantling an empire.

The faithless cl clark