Action packed and gloriously intense; Kamilah Cole’s jaw dropping, dragon filled conclusion to the Divine Traitors series, was everything I had hoped it would be and more! 

Following on from the shocking events of So Let Them Burn, we once again follow sisters and POV characters, Faron and Elara, who (for the first time ever) find themselves caught on opposite sides of an upcoming, and all consuming war. One that threatens to tear their very world (and everything they love) apart. 

The worldbuilding was still as gorgeously vivid, and the writing just as beautifully evocative as the first book. With rich prose that delved into the lore and magic surrounding San Irie (especially involving the first Empyrean), which I felt really added a layer of complexity and depth to this high stakes (and dangerously fraught) world.

If you enjoyed the evocative, Jamaican-inspired setting of So Let Them Burn and getting to witness the rebuilding of a nation (along with the pieceing together of its surviving culture and identity) in the aftermath of colonialist rule. Then you definitely won’t want to miss this, as Cole poignantly explores themes of anti-colonialism, genocide, trauma and war; by examining the true cost of oppression and the toll (both physical and psychological) that war can have. 

I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil the plot. But I can say the emotional trauma that Faron and Elara endure, and the challenges they find themselves facing had me in a literal chokehold until that very last page. 

I did love that we got to delve into Faron’s POV a bit more, something we didn’t get as much of in book 1. Exploring her inner conflicts and attempts to stop the violence escalating, (in hopes of saving both her sister and the boy she has feelings for— whilst also navigating the blurred lines between hero and villain) was pretty intense—I was on the edge of my seat for every one of her scenes. And though I had no idea how (or even if) she’d manage to save everyone, I couldn’t help but root for her to find a way.

 

Overall, this was a fast paced and emotional read about sisterhood and survival —that fans of timely, epic fantasy (or dragons) definitely need to consider checking out.

Also a huge thank you to Shalini & Atom Books for the finished copies.