Ever since that ending of Kingdom of Souls I have been anticipating this explosive sequel. A story of sacrifice, old gods returning, and family, Reaper of Souls is an action packed sequel that will leave you gasping. While it’s been some time since I read the first book, I fell into the sequel easily and managed to consume this book in only a few days. Read this book review to find out my full thoughts on one of the buzziest debut trilogies!
Summary
After so many years yearning for the gift of magic, Arrah has the one thing she’s always wanted – but it came at too steep a price. Now the last surviving witchdoctor, she’s been left to pick up the shattered pieces of a family that betrayed her, a kingdom plunged into chaos, and a love that can never be.
While Arrah returns to the tribal lands to search for survivors of the demons’ attack, her beloved Rudjek hunts down the remnants of the demon army – and uncovers a plot that would destroy what’s left of their world.
The Demon King wants Arrah, and if she and Rudjek can’t unravel his schemes, he will destroy everything, and everyone, standing in his way.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Reaper of Souls is a story about the fate of the world they live in, but at the same time it’s a story about love. Fluid and descriptive, Reaper of Souls has some fantastic writing twists that made me pause. Full of a love that would tear them apart, Arrah and Rudjeck face a love that repeals each other, one that could unmake them. But can they overcome it together despite the odds? Reaper of Souls hooks you from the beginning with action which demands that Arrah move forwards.
Because at the heart of this story is the question: can we escape the mistakes of our past? It’s easy to think that the past shouldn’t define us. That the actions of our parents should have no bearing on our present. But what happens when we are confronted with the same choices, the same compromises? How do we make sure we don’t fall into the same cycle of mistakes? What starts out as Arrah resisting the legacy of her mother, becomes more complicated as Arrah must fight for her life.
Change & Destiny
Change is a difficult force to resist. Even more difficult to influence. When we act out of fear it becomes even more complex. Reaper of Souls is an action packed sequel which only increases the stakes from Kingdom of Souls. Full of revelations and sacrifices, this second book explores the nature of choices. Barron doesn’t allow readers to make a clear distinction between villain and heroes. Instead, Barron showcases the complexity of our past, our intentions which be merciful, but end up as cruelty.
Reaper of Souls brings the same action you might expect from the first book, while also introducing new thought provoking elements. It’s a complex story about destiny, struggling against the odds, and this cycle of pain and revenge. Sometimes we don’t know when to move on. It can become difficult to see the path forwards when we are consumed with the past. Finding a different ending can seem impossible when we are only used to seeing our mistakes.
Find Reaper of Souls on Goodreads, Amazon (US) (UK), Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.