Between Earth and Sky #2

Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

Summary from NetGalley:

There are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart. —Teek saying

The great city of Tova is shattered. The sun is held within the smothering grip of the Crow God’s eclipse, but a comet that marks the death of a ruler and heralds the rise of a new order is imminent.

The Meridian: a land where magic has been codified and the worship of gods suppressed. How do you live when legends come to life, and the faith you had is rewarded?

As sea captain Xiala is swept up in the chaos and currents of change, she finds an unexpected ally in the former Priest of Knives. For the Clan Matriarchs of Tova, tense alliances form as far-flung enemies gather and the war in the heavens is reflected upon the earth.

And for Serapio and Naranpa, both now living avatars, the struggle for free will and personhood in the face of destiny rages. How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy and surrounded by those who desire only his power? Is there a future for Naranpa in a transformed Tova without her total destruction?

ARC provided by Gallery Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

Confession:

This second book in the series moves a bit slower than the first, but it is no less fascinating and is just as dark as the first. There is a lot going on, with a brewing war, lots of political intrigue and families fighting and reuniting. Such a marvelous world that never fails to keep you interested in the characters and what happens to them.

All of the main characters are back and continuing their journeys. I enjoyed reading about all of them and what happens to them after that startling ending in book one. I especially was interested in Serapio’s and Naranpa’ story. Both of their character arcs were amazing and totally had me on the edge about their difficulties. I also enjoyed Xiala’s journey both in her character and in the actual journey she takes. We get to see more of Meridian through her. I was a little bit disappointed with Okoa’s role this time around though. I still want to see a bit more from his point of view and to understand him better.

The story pretty much picks up right where book one ended, and only covers about a week’s time in the plot. But a lot sure happens in that week. This is very much a middle book though, so don’t expect any conclusions to any of the plot lines. This one spends most of the story setting up the plots in the next book. The writing remains beautiful and I continue to be impressed by the world building. There are some slow sections, but there is a steady and rhythmic pace to the whole book.

I think those of you who loved the first book will enjoy this one as well. This series still has a lot going for it, and I can’t wait for the next book.