The second installment of the Daevabad Trilogy only builds up the plot and provides a landlocked situation for the protagonists.

Less than hour in reading (or, in my case, listening to) the book, my notes say, “There are so many things going wrong at this point that I would highly doubt the author has thought of a way out if it didn’t have another book following it and ratings to support it. “

The book starts off with a 5 year jump and there’s a build up towards a big day. The three protagonists are scattered throughout the world, coming together under the rule of a common enemy who holds the reins of power in the current world politics. All three of them are wielding far greater power than they comprehend.

Highlights of the plot, there’s a political marriage destined to fail, a long-dead mother who is apparently very much alive and Nahri’s life has been turned upside down with no one by her side.

It is the impeccable story-telling that keeps the readers hooked in this plot even in book two.

What struck me most is the heartbreaking depiction of two idealists living in a dysfunctional society under a tyrannical rule. There is this unending war being waged across generations and Nahri and Ali are portrayed as the harbingers of change. The focus on bloodlines and discrimination against the half-bloods intensifies in this plot.

Dara being a pawn in the hands of powerful rulers has been a sad reality of his life even before he was enslaved.

There is pure chaos captured in the last ten chapters. There are monsters conjured up from nightmares that they have to fight off while they process new information that shifts the power dynamics in the political world. The greed for power is the driving force behind all actions of most characters here as well and that has been executed perfectly in this story line.

The heartwarming point of the plot, the companionship between Muntadhir and Nahri.

But Ali begins to become annoying in his lack of pragmatism, something he is forced to check in the coming book. The true chaos of the ending presents a sort of reality check. I wouldn’t lie, the storytelling falters little with too much going on throughout the whole plot. There could have been scenes that were better written or confusion, more acute, but what we have is the basis of the inspirations I have, so definitely not complaining (too much).

The character arc of Dara is inspiring. He begins to think through his orders, after a life of slavery, that is novel to him and refreshing for the readers as we get to see some autonomous action by the end of the book.

I have a personal vendetta against Ali at this point. His character development is superior but he remains annoying.

Immortal lives have intensified the grudges and made them practically unending. It gets difficult to keep track of the relationship dynamics as more characters are introduced and old characters show true colors.

The way that the ending of the book pits a mother against her daughter is difficult to digest. I am looking forward to how the author makes a return from this.

This is a recommended series for its Eastern setting and culture and a plot that moves away from the usual fantasy story line. Amazing how it has held onto the charm of the plot throughout the second book as well. Looking forward to reading the third book.