Week 42 Review: The Caged Queen

From Goodreads:

Kristen Ciccarelli's distinct brand of lyrical, haunting fantasy continues in the companion to her bestselling debut, The Last Namsara. Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and Renee Ahdieh.

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. Roa and Essie called it the hum. It was a magic they cherished—until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax—the heir to Firgaard's throne—was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered.

Roa made him a deal: she'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen. Only as queen could she save her people from Firgaard's rule.

Then a chance arises to right every wrong—an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa discovers she can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

My Review:
This was such a fantastic sequel, I enjoyed being in this world again, and seeing some of the characters that we'd previously met, and meeting some new ones! I just wanted to know more about what was going on-and what was going to happen next!

Parts of this story started off in the first book, with Dax and Roa becoming the ruling couple of the country. But that wasn't from their perspective, so I really enjoyed seeing how they got to that point-and what their life is like now, that they're in charge.

We met Dax in the first book, he's Asha's brother, and in that book, he was on her side. So it was interesting to see him from a negative perspective. Roa really doesn't get along with him because of how he was involved in her sister's death, and I can't blame her. But they were kids, and as we slowly find out what happened then, well, it was more complicated then it seemed. 

Dax is not a warrior, he's a strategist. So it was really entertaining to watch Roa have this plot to end his life. Their back and forth was really entertaining to read! Watching them get closer, with their different plots and schemes, and spending this time together that makes them aware of certain feelings...chef's kiss! 

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to finish off the series! 

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Series: Iskari #2
Read: October 15th, 2022
Source: Bought
Reason Why: Sounded really good, I enjoyed the first book, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2022 Book and a Sophomore Challenge Book! 
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: September 25th 2018

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars