2.5 stars.

It pains me to say this, but this sequel wasn't what I expected. And not in a good way.

I loved the first book, Descendants of Fire & Water. Give me anything with a fantasy military school plotline and I'll read it. Add magic into the mix and I'll definitely read it. And if it's one with a female MC, I'll move it to the top of my TBR.

So naturally, I was pretty excited to read the sequel. I thought it'd be a continuation of Essien being a tough, no holds barred elite soldier who can do magic. But wow, was I wrong.

This book really dragged and felt like watching a season of your favorite streaming show whose plot became meandering because it was stretched out to reach a word count. I don't think the main plotline actually found its footing.

It felt like Essien was thrown into situations left and right. The rebels plotline really fizzled. And after that, it was essentially Essien navigating political drama while also having to deal with a really abusive relationship with the president.

I wouldn't mind an exploration of abuse and power between a superior and subordinate, but this aspect pretty much became the main plotline and it wasn't really something I signed up for. It was too much to the point where it read like Shadow and Bone Alina/Darkling fanfic.

I really wanted to like the scenes where Essien visited each and every one of the leaders across the country. While the descriptions of each community and their practices were really cool, it started to drag after a while.

I'll keep reading to see where the story goes. But it's more of a "walk, not run" situation.

Thank you to Keylight Books and NetGalley for this arc.

Gripping Tale of Rebellion and Self-Discovery 🔥

Wielders of Floods & Flames plunges you into Essien's tumultuous journey from captive to reluctant rebel to a woman fighting for her own destiny. The author masterfully weaves a narrative of political intrigue, internal struggle, and the intoxicating pull of power. Essien's desperate fight to control her abilities while navigating the treacherous landscapes of Alkebulan and the manipulative President Gabriel kept me utterly captivated.

The exploration of captivity in its various forms – political, emotional, and even self-imposed – is both seductive and disturbing. Essien's growth from a pawn to a potential queen is compelling, even as the lines between resistance and another form of control blur. The stakes are high, and the tension palpable as Essien faces impossible choices.

While the pacing occasionally wavered, the rich world-building and complex characters, particularly Essien and the enigmatic Gabriel, more than compensate. This is a story that lingers long after the final page. A strong 4 stars!