This sequel series to ‘The Faithful and the Fallen’, succeeds not just by continuing the story, but by deepening and evolving it in meaningful ways. Rather than simply revisiting familiar territory, Gwynne uses this sequel to explore the consequences of what came before; showing how victory doesn’t end conflict, but often reshapes it into something even more dangerous.

You’ll meet some old characters from the prequel, but you’ll get to meet a lot of new ones as wel. What I particularly appreciate is how Gwynne manages to introduce new elements into the story in a way that feels natural but not forced.