Igniting Fate

March 1, 2025
The second installment in the Waking Fire duology delivers a relentless, action-packed continuation of the story. Picking up shortly after the events of the previous installment, the book reunites readers with Naira, who's still haunted by visions from the Three-Faced God. She begins a treacherous journey across the unforgiving salt pans in search of Gamikal the Long-Lasting, a figure she believes holds the key to defeating the oppressive force of Sothpike. Struggling to control the fire magic she discovered in the first book, Naira faces external threats and internal turmoil as she leads her companions through a series of landscapes filled with danger and revelations. Naira's quest to find Sothpike drives the plot, but the overwhelming pace and influx of new characters and mythological elements often make it difficult to fully engage with the story. While the world surrounding the brown-skinned characters is richly inspired by a blend of diverse cultures and traditions, the narrative offers limited time for reflection or a deeper understanding of these influences. Naira's struggles add emotional depth but are often overshadowed by the rapid storytelling. Her relationships feel underdeveloped and lacking in maturity when compared to the complexity of the worldbuilding. Despite these shortcomings, the strong narrative momentum and vivid imagery make this a gripping, if somewhat chaotic, read for those already invested in Naira's journey. A series closer set in an expansive fantasy realm that's let down by a rushed pace. (map)(Fantasy. 13-18)

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