Dagger and Coin

Sword and Verse #2

by Kathy MacMillan

Soraya Gamo was meant to be queen of Qilara, until an Arnath slave rebellion destroyed the monarchy and the capital city. Now, improbably, she sits on the new Ruling Council beside her former enemies, finally holding the political power she always wanted - but over a nation in ruins. As she works to rebuild Qilara, she can, at last, use what everyone once told her to hide: her brain.

But not everyone is ready to accept the new equality that the Ruling Council has decreed between the Arnathim and Qilarites. So when a slave ship arrives in the city, full of Arnathim captured before Qilara fell—the civil unrest that has been bubbling since the rebellion erupts.

Forced to confront her own prejudices, Soraya struggles to gain the trust of the Arnath people she once disregarded and establish peace in what has become chaos. With the threat of attacks high, Gelti, a former guard captain, trains Soraya in self-defense. As the two grow close, tension within the city ramps up, with danger, betrayal, and deception meeting Soraya everywhere she turns. Friends become foes, adversaries become companions, and the clashing of classes threatens to unravel all the good Soraya has been trying to do. Can Soraya, raised to be a proper Qilarite lady, learn to be a true leader? Or will the sins of her past forever haunt the footsteps of her future?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, High Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Kathy MacMillan is a writer, American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and signing storyteller. She writes picture books (the Little Hands Signing series and The Runaway Shirt, Familius Press), children’s nonfiction (She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World, Familius Press), and young adult fantasy. Her debut young adult novel, Sword and Verse (2016) was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award, and its companion novel, Dagger and Coin (2018) has been called a “complex feminist fantasy” by author Heidi Heilig. She has also published 8 resource books for educators, librarians, and parents, including Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press). Kathy serves as the Mentorship Program Coordinator for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia Region of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Baltimore, MD. Find her online at www.kathymacmillan.com or on Twitter at @kathys_quill.

Reviews

[Kathy MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have asked what book 2 will be about:

-Dagger and Coin picks up about 30 days after the events of Sword and Verse. However, I prefer to think of it as a companion novel rather than a sequel, because it focuses on a different protagonist and can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first book.

-The main character in Dagger and Coin is Soraya Gamo, the heiress who was engaged to Mati and was all set to become queen. We saw in Sword and Verse that Soraya was much more than just a pretty rich girl, and in this book she has thrown her lot in with her former enemies in order to pursue her ambitions.

-Many of the major players from Sword and Verse appear in this book, especially Raisa, Mati, and Jonis. We also get to know some minor characters from the first book better: Deshti (Raisa’s adversary in the Arnath Resistance), Alshara (Soraya’s younger sister), and Gelti Dimmin (that handsome guard captain).

-Decisions made in Sword and Verse come back to haunt our characters in Dagger and Coin, particularly a big one made by Mati. Sword and Verse was about upending an unjust system; Dagger and Coin is about the messy, seemingly impossible task of constructing a better one in its place.

-This book is unabashedly, fiercely feminist. In 2016, I thought, “Oh, I wish this book were out now! It’s so relevant!” In 2017, I thought the same thing. Sadly, I don’t think this story is going to get any less relevant in coming years.

-I like to think of this book as a tale of a well-educated female policy wonk battling her misogynist foes. In case you are wondering about my politics. 😉

-I’m just going to put this out there right now, because some people have mentioned it: Soraya and Jonis are NOT EVER going to be a couple. Just not going to happen. Soraya’s relationship with Jonis is arguably the most important one in the book, but don’t look for kissing there. Just don’t.

-Look for kissing (and more) elsewhere, though. There is romance in this book, just not with Jonis.

-Like Sword and Verse, Dagger and Coin can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Of course, it also features lots of rewarding tidbits for readers of both books! And yes, if you read Dagger and Coin first, it will give you lots of spoilers for Sword and Verse, so be warned if that sort of thing bothers you. (Personally, I love spoilers, but I am weird that way.)

-I’m seriously considering making myself a bingo card of all the things that Soraya will undoubtedly be called once the book is out in the world. I mean, she’s an ambitious woman, see, so of course that means she must be inviting the whole world to comment on what’s wrong with her. A few of my predictions: too proud, too strong, too passive, too emotional, too icy, too ambitious, too shrill, too slutty, too prudish, too petty, too demanding, too calculating…

-The story of the gods comes into play in Dagger and Coin, but in a different way than it did in Sword and Verse, because Soraya’s relationship to the gods is completely different from Raisa’s.

-I really, really love this book and I can’t wait to share it with you!

[Tati]

Soooo, what's this going to be about?

(I didn't think there was room left for a sequel, to be honest)

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I was reading late into the night, and leaving all the things I should have been doing for another time. Dagger and Coin takes place shortly after then end of Sword and Verse, but this story is from the point of view of Soraya, one of the antagonists from Book 1.

Soraya was fascinating. She knew how to wield power, and she was smart and capable. Yet as a woman, she is constantly being underestimated and looked down on. This book is about bringing two groups who were once enemies together. About finding peace after war, about rebuilding after the upheaval. It can be so hard to trust those who were once on the opposite side, but without that, you have no foundation to build on.

I thought MacMillan did a brilliant job of portraying the aftermath. I couldn't look away, and I was astonished at how fearlessly she threw intrigue after intrigue, complication after complication at her characters. She could definitely teach a class about how to put your characters through the refining fire.

I should have probably re-read the first book before diving in, but I just couldn't wait. And while you can read this second book as a stand-alone, there are references that will make a lot more sense if you read book 1 first.

I highly recommend this one!

[Jamie Coudeville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. I thought it would be a difficult read since I don't remember much from the first book but it turns out that you don't really need to remember much. I loved Soraya as a main character. It really pissed me off that certain characters called her selfish because she only seemed to care about money. Do you guys not know who much money it takes to run a country?
Anyway, great sequel.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars I guess I'm doing quarter stars now.

In the biggest plot twist of the year, Dagger and Coin was actually quite good and no one is more surprised than me. After disliking Sword and Verse, I didn’t intend to continue the series but it just so happened that the book was on promotion for a very low price and I have this obsessive need to finish things soooooo I got it. And would you look at that it was worth it.

I always thought this world had some potential, but Sword and Verse was held back by uninteresting lead characters and a dry plot. So what does this book do? Firstly, it tosses Mati and Raisa out – who were so dull in the first book – and instead focuses on the flawed (aka interesting) characters of Soraya and Jonis. Secondly, it focuses on a much smaller conflict. The first book tried to cram an entire revolution into one book; Dagger and Coin concentrates on one localized event and examines its impact across the population. It also puts the religion/gods on the backburner and focuses on the tension amongst the people. This book is solely political; it is not fantasy, it is not an adventure, it is a class struggle. When it comes to pure politics in a YA fictional (not contemporary) world, this is honestly some of the best I’ve read. MacMillan clearly has keen understanding of sociopolitical movements. Every character reacted naturally and tensions escalated in a realistic manner. The city has just undergone a massive revolution which overthrew an oppressive regime, so what happens now? Well people aren’t so ready to accept change. Soraya is the viewpoint character of this book and she contributed to and benefitted from this unjust regime. Even though she is trying to help stabilize the new order, she is reluctant to engage with the ramifications of the previous system. She is defensive whenever someone tries to discuss her role in the oppression, and she quickly begins to insist that it should all be left in the past. However she still tries to be better and I felt bad for her when her actions were constantly misinterpreted and judged in the worst possible light. Jonas, the former leader of the revolution, is justifiably furious at the treatment of his people, but he is also quick to jump to conclusions and reluctant to look at the bigger picture.

The second half of the novel was a whirlwind of plot twists and drama. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I finished the last few hundred pages in one sitting. Soraya’s triumphs and mistakes were fascinating and it had a surprisingly strong feminist message. I noticed afterwards that MacMillan made it clear before publication that there wouldn’t be romance between Soraya and Jonas and I can’t deny that their platonic journey was much stronger. Still, I kinda wish she had written a bit of a romance because let’s just say the tension was there.

I don’t know if this novel can be read without Sword and Verse which makes it difficult to recommend; perhaps if you just read a summary of the previous book. The drastic difference between these two novels got me thinking about how creative industries leave so little room for second chances. Obviously if someone dislikes a book they’re unlikely to pick up another book by that author. I can’t blame anyone, there are only so many hours in the day. Consequently, publishers are less likely to support the author. But people need time to grow and Dagger and Coin has proved that MacMillan has potential. I’d definitely be open to reading any future books but I fear that is unlikely to happen.

[Catarina (TravelerBetweenWorlds)]

2018?? I was wondering if I would read this one or not but well I have plenty of time to think, though I would like to continue the series.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLUF: Well written, some political drama, mostly a girl learning not to be a bitch, Soraya = Hillary Clinton

Not sure why this is labeled as 'fiercely feminist' or a 'complex feminist fantasy' novel. It has a female protagonist dealing with a bunch of scummy guys in a fantasy world. The story is well written and I enjoyed the political drama of Soraya trying to figure out how to balance a budget with essentially no resources and everything going wrong, but fiercely feminist? I don't see it.

She bucks the trend of what's expected of her, doesn't crumple under the weight of a role she didn't ask for, doesn't seem to really want, and is abandoned to by the two main protagonists of the last book (probably a good thing, as the female MC was kinda grating and the male was a little too perfect). But she largely reads like an unlikable bitch for the first half of the book, not trusting anyone, despising most of the people that surround her (regardless of whether they're trying to help her or not), and yet still gets hoodwinked by people regularly. She trades on her father's name and is constantly battling budgetary nightmares (which we don't see the fruition of, given the short timeline this book deals with). She does make one decision late in the book which (without spoiling it) reads like what every feminist might want her to do (so tough, so brave!), but given who she is and what her goals/ambitions are, seems completely in character for her.

I couldn't quite nail down what I was supposed to learn about Soraya, but reading the author's review of her own book: "I like to think of this book as a tale of a well-educated female policy wonk battling her misogynist foes", I feel like Soraya is supposed to read like Hillary Clinton. I could see that, and perhaps your view of her character will be shaded by how you feel about that IRL "girl boss", but then there's this additional quote:

"I’m seriously considering making myself a bingo card of all the things that Soraya will undoubtedly be called once the book is out in the world. I mean, she’s an ambitious woman, see, so of course that means she must be inviting the whole world to comment on what’s wrong with her. A few of my predictions: too proud, too strong, too passive, too emotional, too icy, too ambitious, too shrill, too slutty, too prudish, too petty, too demanding, too calculating…"

Look, people comment on MCs with contradicting opinions all the time. Forums have been filled with similar comments to the above about Kvoth from NotW and other, male MCs. That's not special because your MC is a "fiercely feminist female", that's because she's the MC of a book and people have Opinions. If you're telling me ahead of time that I'm participating in wrong think because I might feel a certain way about your character, you're not making me want to read more of your novels. I would advise any author to invite contradicting opinions about their characters; it means people have identified with them and cared enough to form one.

I think the best part of the book was the situation the author put Soraya in, not Soraya herself. It was an interesting jam that had no great solution and invited lots and lots of repercussions regardless the direction and decisions Soraya made. Well done on the plot and the commentary on societies it implied.

Overall, I liked the book in spite of how I felt about Soraya directly.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember, when I wrote my review for MacMillan’s first book in this epic fantasy setting, SWORD AND VERSE, talking about how people conflagrate romance and fantasy. Particularly in the young adult genre, where romance subplots are so popular. My point was that some reviewers got so caught up in critiquing the romance bit that they didn’t even seem to acknowledge the fantasy. This seems like a trend that is so ubiquitous that people rarely question it anymore. SWORD AND VERSE is rife with actual fantastical elements—a story of gods that unfolds right next to the human drama—but readers see the setting mainly as the venue for another badass heroine to swoon over a prince and/or show off her stones.

This issue loomed in my mind while reading the SWORD AND VERSE “sequel” / companion novel, because fantastical elements were at a minimum here. There was no godly storyline unfolding right next to the human one (perhaps understandable, since there is only one god left.) The most supernatural we get, beyond reference to the faith of the populace or references to the mythology of their world, is a subtle hint that maybe Sotia is pulling some strings in the background. But this niggle only comes up once or twice in a 400-page novel that is otherwise a political intrigue set in a parallel, agrarian land.

Topically speaking, I am much more on board for this premise. Book one covers a revolution and book two covers the aftermath. Soraya, a minor noble in the first who was destined to be queen, now takes center stage as a member of the newly forged Ruling Council of recently slavery-free Qilara. From the offset, MacMillan sets the scene of broiling tensions between the two major groups of the land, the ex-slaver Qilarites and the ex-slave Arnathim. An attempt is made on former MC Raisa’s life, and she and her husband and co-council Mati slip away in order to conduct business away from the madness of the capital city.

In their wake, they leave the other two council members, Soraya and Jonis, in charge. Soraya is a scheming former noble and Jonis is the more brash former head of the Arnath resistance, so things would be simmering even without their past history of hostage/captor. From there the plot moves at a brisk clip. MacMillan introduces a central conflict of a returning, pre-revolution slave ship from the Arnathim homeland. Soraya and Jonis struggle to contain the former slaves and former masters as reactionary political groups use their arrival as a lightning rod for their own purposes.

It’s a rather juicy web of competing ideologies in the wake of political upheaval. Perhaps its not quite as fleshed out as it might be in a longer, adult book, but MacMillan doesn’t slouch either. She makes sure to leave room to draw distinctions between different classes of Qilarites, and the formerly enslaved and never enslaved Arnathim (in fact, the new arrivals refer to themselves as the Melarim.) But yes, there is also some personal drama—from the fact that former enemies and current councilmembers don’t really trust each other despite their lofty ambitions, vs the prerequisite young adult hormones. I’m not a huge fan of romance subplots, though in general I think I’m more forgiving than many of the fact that characters have emotional and sexual urges. I think that Soraya’s situation worked better for me than Raisa’s did in the first book, because it was tied so deeply into the frothing socio-economic upheaval. Soraya just wanted something familiar to hold onto.

That being said, she is a character who is defined by her personal sense of rebellion. Sure, in the previous world, she was more of a pawn for the whims of ambitious men. In this new world, she fiercely defends her independence. Not to say that she doesn’t play with others, but she definitely has a voice. I liked her more than I liked Raisa, which may speak to my own character. :P Raisa’s greatest flaw was that she loved too well, and Soraya’s greatest flaw was that past prejudices and a general sense of distrust hindered her alliances.

More to the point, Soraya was a member of the formerly oppressive ethnic group, and MacMillan did a good job of painting her complexly. She can’t help but cling a little bit to her old associations, though she is also trying to expand her worldview. She’s practical, if not idealistic, and respects that this is the world she lives in now, the world that gives her a modicum of self-determination, and also the place, though she might not always see it as such, which expands her horizons as a human. It’s a nice representation of a flawed but ultimately sympathetic character (and MacMillan also leaves room to highlight the impact of Soraya’s own losses in the revolution, because real revolutions don’t water down to angels vs demons. Anywho.) I think MacMillan also did a good job in showcasing complexity in ultimately less sympathetic characters, too. She definitely took seriously the social and political ramifications that she set up in the last book. Plus wrote a compelling story, which frankly sucked me in a bit more than the last one. I’m a fan of flawed and multidimensional heroines, big ethical questions, and even the intrigue of the plot.

One final, and perhaps relatively minor criticism, revolves around the issue of Soraya’s sister. She seemed a little one note in her brattiness, well, until the very end until Soraya saw a different side of her. Still, it kind of seemed like one of those convenient reveals of character complexity. I guess there’s really not enough time to flesh everyone and everything out. Anywho. Much like with the last book, this one ends with an open door but not exactly the promise of a sequel. We still have plenty of other characters who could chip in with something to say! I have no idea if MacMillan will ever return to this world, but I will certainly keep an eye out. Post-revolution is a rich playground…as is exploring possible supernatural influence. I’d be interested in both!

[Duckytwit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely surprised when “Sword and Verse” became a series but was super excited about the sequel, & MacMillan definitely delivered! Unlike “Sword and Verse”, “Dagger and Coin” follows Soraya Gamo, raised to marry the prince and be Queen of Qilara. Soraya’s life changed when Raisa became tutor, fell in love with Prince Mati, and finally, saved the city from the wrathful goddess, Sotia. Soraya was invited to represent former Scholar interests on the new governing board, alongside former slave and Tutor, Raisa, her former fiancé, Prince Mati, and finally, her former kidnapper and leader of the slave revolution, Jonis. As assassinations against the council begin, Soraya is torn between her old life as a future Queen (but controlled by her father) and her new life as a Councilor (controlled only by herself). To make matters worse, the city remains torn & alliances are not always as they appear. I loved this book & very much hope MacMillan is inspired to write more, whether or not it is for this series!

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as its predecessor (Sword and Verse) pulled no punches about slavery and the costs of revolution, this book pulls no punches about the difficulty of rebuilding after said revolution, when equality has been achieved in name only. A kingdom built on slavery will struggle to find new sources of income, other kingdoms will likely seek to take advantage of the shaky new government, former slaves now need to be paid for their labor (and some are demanding reparations, as well they should), and Soraya is juggling all these issues plus her lingering resentment against the girl who overturned slavery and the prince who supports her--the prince Soraya was meant to marry.

Without giving away a serious plot event (it's not rape/assault), let me say that Soraya works her way through guilt and anger and sorrow very believably. I am glad that the situation was portrayed as not (quite) the end of the world, but still a shattering thing for a young woman to have to deal with, and that Soraya's pain was never minimized.

[Natelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soraya Gamo takes over telling the tale of Qilara after she trades her chance to be queen to become a member of the newly formed council that now rules. As she uses her skills and what remains of her family’s assets to rebuild the kingdom, she struggles with who to trust. Two of the members of the council seek support from the south and the other remaining councilor despises her. Then rumors of a group calling themselves the Swords of Qilara prove real and Soraya finds herself back in a loop of distrust. Will she place her trust in the right people? Or will the kingdom fall to the Swords of Qilara?

[Audrey Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo much better than the 1st book! I felt that Sword and Verse had a ton of potential, and I loved the world it created. However, I felt that the plot and characters fell flat. I decided to go ahead and give this sequel a try. I am so glad I did! The character development was great and the world building became even more interesting and complex. I enjoyed all of the political intrigue, conflict, and scheming. A fun read that kept me on my toes!

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the “Sword and Verse” series is gripping, exciting, and a lesson in finding one’s voice and independence. Written in first person from Soraya’s viewpoint, it points out the problems with always doing what is expected of you rather than what you know to be right. This is a tale set in a medieval world of the author’s invention. The world is believable and self-contained.

[Andrea]

Such an awesome follow-up to Sword and Verse! Where Raisa was kind, brave, and sweet, Soraya is spiky and clever and unstoppable. Kathy MacMillan places her heroine in an impossible political situation, which was quite stressful, but the twists and turns kept me reading until the end. Tough women doing awesome things… how can you not love that?

[Toni Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi I love Soraya Gamo.
This was a ride full of frustration and danger and a lot of thrills. This council has my heart and I am very glad to have had more time in this world especially through Soraya’s eyes. So much political intrigue and drama and fear honestly. So good.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good follow up

I enjoyed having this book be from Soraya's POV. She is a much stronger character then Raisa so this book was unique from the first. Now I really want a Jonis book. I want him to have is HEA.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very god continuation and an interesting consept of seeing there world though another perspection and every twist and turn was amazing and kept me reading, not wanting to miss what happened next.

[kwolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not see the plot twist coming in this one. I really liked the main character's point-of-view. The conflict was complex and made you think about the theme of overcoming prejudice. Enjoy!

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters were bland. Blegh.

[Caitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was better then the first book. However, it was not until the last third of the book before it started to get intriguing.

[Tabitha Driver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed by the lack of magic, but I loved the protagonist!

[Alicia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story, a worthy sequel to Sword & Verse. Soraya is the focus of this novel. Her reactions and actions shape her throughout the book. I very much enjoyed it.

[Meg Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Sword & Verse was how MacMillan constantly subverted my expectations and painted a complicated portrait of what it means to fight for freedom, and how to change the world around you. No perfect idealizations, but the tough complicated questions that really make us think.

Dagger & Coin fails to disappoint in this way as well--especially towards the end, we as readers have to constantly check our expectations and assumptions. I don't want to spoil anything, but some really surprising turns happen towards the end that are SO EARNED, and made me literally gasp out loud!

Dagger & Coin really interrogates how women are defined in their culture, and shows the portrait of a young woman subverting cultural expectations to pave her own path. It also interrogates the complicated, messy business of making a better society. The world and the struggles are so real and particularly relevant to contemporary concerns that I CAN'T OVEREMPHASIZE HOW MUCH I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, particularly as a book club read or something to launch into discussions with other readers!!

Soraya is a very different protagonist than Raisa. Both are feminists, but have different strengths and approaches to the world around them. It took me a while to get into Soraya's voice, but I realized that this was largely because of my own expectations and assumptions (again, I LOVE this about MacMillan's work--not only does it interrogate the world of the story, but made me interrogate myself--so much love!). I realized I was labelling Soraya based on bizarre cultural expectations I didn't even realize I had internalized. I initially found her "cold" and "unfeeling." Then I started thinking about all the other situations in which women are labelled "cold" and "unfeeling" just because they don't meet some cultural expectation of femininity, and I was like WOW. What am I doing????

I also found it funny that I jumped to these expectations because I RELATE TO SORAYA SO MUCH. I'm very business minded. Efficiency minded. I like doing my work and doing it well. I don't like anyone getting in the way of my plan or system. I'm not a "Gamo" but I'm an "Eden" and I have pride in what I perceive as my family's traits and values. I don't have accounting scrolls but I do have Excel :) And I LOVE that there's representation of this type of character as a female MC, especially in YA!

And over time, I fell more and more in love with Soraya. She internally challenges how others call her "cold" (like I did at the beginning!), and has some really raw and real self-doubt. I didn't always agree with her choices, but I related to them 110% and felt just as shocked as she did to some twists toward the end. I really loved seeing her strength--which again, was different than Raisa's strength--but I love that together, these books paint two different portraits of what strength can look like.

I'm going to be super honest though--it took me a while to get into this book. That's less because of Dagger & Coin itself and more because I'm not super into politically driven stories. That said, if you're like me and start reading and are like, "Eh I'm not sure I'm invested in the politics," KEEP READING. If you're not like me and are super into politics, then well, you'll just be hooked from the start! There are a lot of characters and a lot of threads to follow (which I'm not very good at), but don't miss the forest for the trees. Dagger & Coin is an important feminist story, and no matter where your interests lie as a reader, I'm confident you'll find a string that pulls you in and won't let you go until you're done. :)

[Ellie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: revolution, strong female leads, magic, political intrigue, court politics

This one was much better than Sword and Verse . I think MacMillan listened to some reviewers or maybe reread her own writing, but 1) the narrator here had a much stronger and more mature voice, and 2) the narrator even pointed out how naive Raisa and Mati were in the previous book at the beginning of this one.

Soraya, the ex-fiancee of Mati and one of the members of the newly formed council, narrates this book. From the start she's far more of ruthless and cunning than the other characters. The first line of her narration is, after all, "My father would have been ashamed that the assassin didn't target me" (3), and if that's not a sign of a strong character with political motivations and a backbone to go along with them, then I don't know what is. I appreciated getting to know Soraya better after the few scenes we really got to see her in from Raisa's perspective in the first book. Going into it, I wasn't really sure what to expect of Soraya; Raisa hadn't been a huge fan of her and Soraya was clearly aggravated at being kept prisoner by the revolutionaries, but the first book didn't really go into detail about her, her life, or her personality. I'm pleased to say she's a fantastic character. While she also has a bit of that ignorance/naivete that Mati and Raisa have, she handles it much better and it's about far less obvious things.

I also liked that we got to see more of Jonis in this book as well. In Sword, he was a mostly angry revolution leader, but here we get to see the calculating side that led to him becoming leader. We also get to see how much he truly cares for his people, as well as his deeply mistrustful stance on just about everyone around him. He provided some interesting conflict in terms of the different ways leaders handle situations and how misunderstandings can happen oh-so easily. For those who might've been worried about whether Jonis would become the flower child Raisa seems to hope everyone will become, don't worry, he's still his lovable vengeful self.

The main plot of the novel is that the Swords of Qilara are hellbent on taking the newly-formed council down and get rid of all of the 'First Laws' that were enacted--laws that protect women's rights, the rights of all the freed slaves, the law saying that all slaves should be freed. The Swords are pretty clumsy at first, but as the novel progresses, they get more manipulative with their plans and objectives until it leads into the final showdown, which is very action-packed and much more human driven than the finale in Sword . The plot also had several twists and turns, and the fun game of 'who really betrayed who,' that played into court intrigue and politics. It was definitely a more defined plot and a far more character-driven plot than in the previous book.

I was tentative going into the book, but ended up enjoying it far more than the first one. Soraya is a fierce character whose willing to manipulate and twist in order to get things to go her way, and almost always has a way to get a back-up plan in place. The characters in all are far less naive than in the first book as well, and it's written as a regular book instead of someone chronicling their events like Sword was, which probably helped elevate the maturity of the narrator's voice as well. All in all, a good book, and much better than its predecessor.

[Iza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb caught my attention. The heroine sounded like someone I'd like.

And that is absolutely true. However, that's just about it because it took a turn I didn't see coming and didn't like.

Also, the story didn't keep my interest much, so I managed to read 80% of the book, then flip-read/fast forwarded to the end, purely for the heroine. She was the only thing not meh in the book. So the 3 stars are for her.