No second book syndrome here! A Forsaken Prophecy sets us right in the fire of our consequences and asks us if we can win the battle or the war. Keep reading this book review of A Forsaken Prophecy for my full thoughts.
Summary
In Belavere Trench, the Artisans and the Craftsmen are at war. Patrick, the last Alchemist, and Nina, the world’s only known earth Charmer, have been captured by the Artisans, putting Patrick’s rebel union in a precarious position.
Though he hasn’t forgiven Nina her betrayals, Patrick has other things to worry about. He is finally reunited with his father, a prisoner of the Artisans, and the group lands a narrow escape only with the help of Nina’s first love, Theo. Decoding an ancient prophecy, they set off in search of an infinite supply of idium that will determine the course of the war, should it prove more than a myth. Fleeing across Craftsman towns on the brink, they will encounter old friends—and enemies—in search of answers.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
A Forsaken Prophecy makes me so excited for the next one! We are thrown right amidst the chaos and consequences of our actions. Still delivering Peaky Blinders vibes, this sequel continually asks us whether we are willing to sacrifice the ones we love for the future, for the greater good. In the face of revolution, is our one role, our power, enough to tip the scales? The road to victory is paved with the bodies of the innocent. A Forsaken Prophecy reckons with asking ourselves if we can live at night with what we’ve done to win the battle. If we wait too long to tell the truth, it’ll bury us in the end. In this multiple POV story, we see the ways their choices are twisted against each other, against their love, and their ethics.
For me, A Forsaken Prophecy is a fantastic sequel. It puts our favorites – and not favorites – through the wringer, twisting guilt and shame. There’s this thirst for vengeance and retribution as the losses continue to pile up. I was actually shocked at how much I ended up empathizing with characters I hated – and maybe still do? – and that’s a good marker of character work. This sequel explores whether we have to get rid of the softer parts of us to survive, to be loyal. Is there a place for kindness and mercy? Desperation is king here and it means that we end up not recognizing ourselves in the mirror.
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A Forsaken Prophecy is a great sequel that begins to pose some hard hitting questions for the next book. The system is always counting on finding someone who’s willing to betray, who they can exploit. Can we bond together despite the desperation to know we are stronger together? All amidst a love that feels like it could ruin us. Find A Forsaken Prophecy on Goodreads, Storygraph, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.