A sequel that made my heart glow

Read my 5-star review for the sequel and finale to the Song of the Leytouched duology by Emile Baz, a simultaneously cozy and exhilarating sword and sorcery fantasy.

Isolde is now the only Arcane Vessel as far as they know, and Felix is her Warden. She is attempting to 'resurrect' the Nexus when her father arrives and causes tension because he thinks he will take charge. Unfortunately, they need him. Concurrently, the magic is surging and of course the Mages are coming to take over again. Amongst those mages is Zevryn, someone from Mia's past who can cause them a lot of trouble. Isolde must decide who their enemies are and who their allies are while she saves them all.

First and foremost, I must applaud Emilie Baz for the recap at the start of the book. Authors take notes.

The prologue sets the tone of a story full of angling for power that is permeated with danger. The story continues as it should, on the foundations of book one, making sense for the weaving of this tale and not excluding the aftereffects that plague the characters and their relationships. What happens when you've reached your destination? The wonderful quest vibes are still prominent, even if they are mostly not going anywhere. Remember, I said mostly. The author's friendly narrative tone makes me gobble up pages, as does the warm humor. Her creative image-conjuring gleams in her descriptions as I willingly lose myself in this story. A story that makes my heart glow.

Isolde's unwavering thirst for learning is always infectious — always there — although she carries the weight of the world's fate on her shoulders. It pleased me immensely that she wasn't an instant leader — instant badass. The tale is grounded in respect to everyone learning their roles (well trying to), in not being infallible. The delightful found family dynamic continues here. Their combined sense of duty to this cause and its essence is best described by Leif: "I've been pulled into this thing that's bigger than myself. And I don't want to walk away from it."

Their situation is simultaneously dire and humorous, and the author depicts it with the emotional earnestness required. Plots upon plots, butting of heads, double-dealings, and betrayals. I did audibly gasp and want to yell at the book often (if you didn't know, that's a good thing). I cannot count the times I wanted to smack Isolde's father silly. Another one I expected to want to, I didn't. Of course, there were delightfully awkward and not-so-awkward situations & musings that make you smile, a thing the author excels at. Reading this, I frequently laughed with all my being. The scene with the lute and the serenading... That is all I will say.

This book champions against any sort of oppression, in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, and I treasure that. Other themes that embellish the writing are: getting past the ghosts of your past and standing your ground. Also, the allure of control and sacrifice. Without hitting us over the head, it asks us to choose kindness. To choose good. I will add that you should choose Emile Baz as a must-read author of yours.

There is nothing more satisfying than a sequel that surpasses its predecessor. And a finale full of promise...