I have anxiously been awaiting the release of Isle of Ember since I read the first book of the series back in April. As soon as I’d finished the advance reader copy (ARC) of that one, I let the author know how much I’d loved it and told her to please sign me up for all subsequent books. Luckily, she took me up on that and I got an ARC of this one as well. I am so excited to continue along on this journey, which will total seven books in all. The author is incredibly sweet and working with her has been a pleasure.

This one will be coming out on September 2nd and is currently available for preorder.

Summary:

Vivienne’s homeland is under a curse. Not everyone knows this, but everyone inside the kingdom suffers the effects. As researchers, her parents were on an expedition seeking answers when they went missing. They’re presumed dead. It’s been too long since anyone heard from them. Since she was their apprentice as well as their daughter, the king demands that Vivienne pick up where they left off. Should she refuse, she’ll lose her remaining loved ones.

Along with the crew of the Zephyrus and her best friend stuck at her side, she’ll need to set sail and visit each of the Enchanted Isles. Each one hides another piece of the puzzle she must discover. The image it creates is growing progressively uglier, but there’s too much at stake to stop looking. Besides, there’s a cutthroat rival crew hot on their tail. Unlike the crew of the Zephyrus, they’re not looking to help anyone but themselves. They’re after those same puzzle pieces, and have already proven how violently they’re willing to slash and burn anything or anyone that stands in their way.

My Thoughts:

Alycia has a remarkable way of making readers feel strongly about her characters. Surely everyone will have their favorites, (especially when it comes to romantic competitors) but it feels impossible to not love the whole of the Zephyrus crew and their allies. I should note that we have a few new loveable additions to the cast with this new book. Personalities vary widely, and yet you find yourself rooting for them enthusiastically on their smallest endeavors. Much of this is done through small touches of detail that give disproportionate insight to the depth of their character. However, even more of it is the phenomenal banter present all the way through. The various senses of humor mesh very well, characters still keep their distinct voices while sharing similar sharpness of wit. Conversely, the foulness of the rival crew and its captain Enyo practically oozes off the page. It’s a very visceral contempt that forms, taken to new levels in this second installment.

The islands get the same treatment as her characters. Each one is a world unto itself with its own brand of magic. Both the landscape and any inhabitants are entirely unique from the surrounding islands. This is true for individuals and cultures alike. The author has a masterful sense of when and where to provide detail enough to paint an extremely vivid picture without becoming overly verbose. It helps to create a much faster pacing. Although this book is notably longer than The Enchanted Isles is, it moves much more quickly. It’s like mixing Pirates of the Caribbean with Indiana Jones. The constant action is a lot of fun.

First book spoiler incoming, but we also have more romantic plot in this book than the first as well. While Vivienne has a few suitors, she made a choice in book one that she’s now living with in Isle of Ember. I really enjoyed seeing characters directly address it when they saw aspects of a relationship appear unhealthy. When things are imperfect, they’re portrayed that way. The characters name them as such. There’s no ignoring or romanticizing, only concern for a friend or two.

I’m very excited for the next book already. It’s clear that this story is still ramping up. There’s obviously a lot more in store for Vivienne and the crew. The ending of this one makes big promises for the next. I can’t wait to see how those play out.

Content Warnings: Imprisonment, Genocide, Colonialism, War, Fire & Burn Injuries, Parent Loss, Grief, Explosions, Terrorism, Religious Extremism, Torture, Graphic Descriptions of Violence & Injuries, Toxic Relationship Dynamics, Infidelity

After I Finished Isle of Ember

When I had just started Isle of Ember, I got an email about another ARC I had been approved for. This one had a very short turnaround time. The only way I’d get my review done in time is if I dove into it immediately after finishing Isle of Ember. That’s exactly what I did, and I was very happy to do so. I knew exactly how many ARCs I had in my schedule all coming due this same week, but I wanted it anyway because it sounded so good. It didn’t disappoint.

My next review will be for The Serpent’s Bride by Kathryn Ann Kinglsey.