This Ends in Embers (Divine Traitors #2): A Review
When I first cracked open This Ends in Embers by the talented author, I was buzzing with excitement. The previous installation, So Let Them Burn, had captured my heart and mind, leaving me craving more of the richly built world and dynamic characters. So, imagine my anticipation as I delved into the sequel, ready to embark on another adventure. Unfortunately, what I found was a mixed bag, leaving me with a slightly deflated sense of what I thought could have been a remarkable continuation of the story.
At its core, This Ends in Embers explores the impact of war and the lingering shadows of trauma—powerful themes that resonate deeply. We’re thrown back into the aftermath of the events that separated the two sisters we’ve come to know and care for. Their narratives intertwine as they navigate their fractured realities and the volatility surrounding them. I truly appreciated the early focus on generational trauma and its pervasive effects, only to be left with a sense of disappointment as the exploration of racial dynamics seemed to diminish in this sequel. While it’s not necessary for every chapter to delve into such intense subjects, the absence felt rather conspicuous, especially considering the depth it added to the first book.
One of the standout aspects of This Ends in Embers was its expansion of the world. The author did a commendable job introducing various cultures and magic systems that enrich the narrative. However, I found myself wishing for a more vivid description; often, these new locales blended together, losing their unique identities. The simplicity of the writing style is typical in young adult fiction, yet there were moments when transitions felt jarring. I often caught myself bewildered by the abrupt changes, as crucial details seemed to slip away without explanation. It was as though the author assumed we could fill in the gaps, leading me to reread sections and question if I had missed a page.
Character development is another facet that left me wanting more. The sisters, hardened by their experiences in a war zone, often acted—how shall I say?—immaturely, which felt inconsistent with their backgrounds. There were glimpses of growth, particularly from Queen Aveline, but the sisters often felt like shadows of themselves, overshadowed by circumstances that should have ignited a deeper resilience in them. This watered-down characterization weakens the emotional gravity that the narrative so clearly strives for.
As I reached the conclusion, the pacing became an issue; while the first three-quarters unraveled slowly, the ending felt rushed. The segmented point-of-view shifts left me feeling disconnected—brief flashes of action were quickly overshadowed by the next character’s perspective, leaving out vital moments that could have deepened the tension.
So where does this leave us? This Ends in Embers didn’t quite fulfill the hopes I had nurtured after reading its predecessor. It had its highs—certainly the world-building and ambition—but ultimately fell flat in character development and pacing. I wouldn’t shy away from recommending it to readers who enjoyed the first book, but I would advise approaching it with tempered expectations.
In the end, despite the disappointment, I’m not deterred from the author’s future works. There’s still a glimmer of talent and promise that I hope will flourish in subsequent stories. Happy reading, and here’s to hoping the next adventure reignites the passion I felt in the earlier pages!
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