We love to see duologies and action packed endings! Even though it’s been a while since Hunted By the Sky, I fell right back into the sequel. I wasn’t sure where it was going to go, but I ended up loving the action and the ways Gul and Cavas has to come to terms with war and their powers. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
With King Lohar dead and a usurper queen in power, Gul and Cavas face a new tyrannical government that is bent on killing them both. Their roles in King Lohar’s death have not gone unnoticed, and the new queen is out for blood. What she doesn’t know is that Gul and Cavas have a connection that runs deeper than romance, and together, they just might have the strength and magic to end her for good.
Then a grave mistake ends with Cavas taken prisoner by the government. Gul must train an army of warriors alone. With alliances shifting and the thirst for vengeance growing, the fate of Ambar seems ever more uncertain. It will take every ounce of strength, love, and sacrifice for Gul and Cavas to reach their final goal―and build a more just world than they’ve ever known.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: mention of rape of SC, torture
Rising Like a Storm manages to deliver a book that examines one’s responsibility, rebellion, and leadership. What begins as Gul struggling to embrace her powers, ends with epic battle scenes and questions about how to fight for the future. The character, and plot, development throughout Rising Like a Storm is a journey. Gul has to figure out what embracing her power means not only for herself, but also her relationship with Cavas. All while the world, and larger plot, has to figure out how to fight for freedom.
Overall,
While Gul’s journey took center stage for me, especially at the end, I loved how epic Rising Like a Storm got! If you were craving some battle scenes, Bhathena delivers action, loss, and sacrifice all in one. If you enjoyed the dynamic between Cavas and Gul in Hunted By the Sky, Rising Like a Storm deepens it further and I found myself becoming more invested as I read.
Even if you may have been on the fence about the first, the sequel hits all the right spots! I enjoyed Hunted By the Sky, but I wasn’t sure if I should prioritize the sequel but then Fanna wanted to buddy read and I’m so glad! Rising Like a Storm delivers a fascinating sequel because of the ways it expands on the foundational conflict and political manipulations. The intrigue, battles, and necessity of alliances.
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