★★★★☆
Author: Adrienne Tooley
Genre: YA Fantasy
Reps: Sapphic
Content Warning: descriptions of anxiety and depression, depictions of self-harm, parental death (off-page), parental neglect, physical abuse at the hand of a parent, religious trauma, grief, trauma
Format/Source: e-arc/physical
From Goodreads: An epic clash of deities explores the two facets of pain—rage versus sadness—in this rousing conclusion to the Betrayal Prophecies, a dark crown fantasy duology with a sweeping sapphic romance.The centuries-old prophecy has been fulfilled at last: the New Maiden has returned to Velle. Unfortunately, so has a malicious demi-god, whose elusive prophet is intent on converting the New Maiden’s followers.
The Second Son is a vengeful, angry deity, whose psalm resonates with the disenfranchised.
With Elodie on the throne and Sabine in her own unique position of power, it should be easy enough to track down the culprit. Yet even as they’re falling in love, both girls are keeping dangerous secrets from each other. While the cult of the Second Son threatens to overthrow not only the Church of the New Maiden but also Velle’s monarchy, Elodie and Sabine must navigate impossible odds to dismantle the root of his power, all while their lives hang in the balance.
-My Thoughts-
I really enjoyed reading this immediately after our group read of The Third Daughter with TBR and Beyond! That really helped give me complete memory and submersion into the story.
Pros:
The exploration of:
- men
- emotions
- the toxic masculinity influences on our society.
The characters
- Elodie’s character arc was so engaging for me.
- Sabine’s sadness really crushed me in TTD but I really enjoyed how her character arc developed in TSS.
The world-building
- The world always feels very lush and real.
- The magic system worked well with the universe.
Cons:
- Lack of Closure
- Tal’s conclusion left me wanting for more.
- Sabine’s future really didn’t make me feel like we’ve closed the book on her.
- Forced Ignorance
- It didn’t really make sense that some of these characters were SO oblivious to clues or situations.
- Lack of Love Story focus
- I’m not a huge romance reader, but I was hooked by the romance in TTD.
- I was disappointed that it was not more central to the story.
Time to Vibe
This playlist is a cumulation of the songs that spoke to my soul while reading this novel. Sabine’s sadness and joy, Elodie’s determination, Tal’s betrayal. So many moments immortalized by music.
About the Author:
Adrienne Tooley (she/her) was born and raised in the desert suburbs of Southern California. She grew up in the theater, earning her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. She and her wife currently live in New York City with their puppy, Kit (short for Biscuit). She is the author of Sweet & Bitter Magic as well as the Indie Next List selection Sofi and the Bone Song. out now from S&S/McElderry. In 2023, she will publish The Third Daughter, the first in a duology from Christy Ottaviano Books/LBYR. In addition to writing novels she is also a singer/songwriter and has released several EPs which are available on Spotify & other streaming sites.
