I was really excited to read the sequel to To Dwell Among Cedars, as I loved Lukio! He is a troubled soul throughout the first book, but he tries so hard to keep from hurting, I can’t help but love him. And now we have am entire sequel about him! And Soshana, who made a brief appearance in the first novel too. I really think you should read book 1 in order to enjoy this fully though it can be read as a standalone (but why would you, when you can place these beautiful covers together and have a complete picture?).
We’re ten years later, and Lukio has left his adoptive family and is back in Philistia where he has built a name and fortune for himself as a fighter. But he has bigger plans, he wants to be rid of the toxic influence of his cousin, and approaches the king with his ideas for a festival of sports. The king hires him om spot and adds a bonus: one of his daughters.
Meanwhile Soshana finds herself in a very different situation, she has lost her husband and finds herself enslaved by the enemy, Lukio’s people. And of course, she meets Lukio again and I can tell you the situation could NOT have been more awkward, exactly when he meets his new fiancee. Old feeling arise, but also old hurts and their new situation complicate everything, so Lukio’s comfortable life is turned upside down and he has te reevaluate everything he thought he knew. And Soshana has some secrets of her own…
I absolutely lived for their relationship. It kept me on edge, because there were so many unresolved things! And the plot was very intense, a lot is happening, but it doesn’t take away from the character development. I just had to keep reading! It got bad as I accidentally read for an entire night. I can’t say much without spoilers, but Soshana is amazing and brave and loyal and I love her.
And the setting! I never read a book about Philistia before, but it was so interesting! I think a lot of research went into it, and it shows as the setting feels very authentic and yet a bit foreign which is perfect, it felt so real! I have to mention, this culture is not for the faint of heart. I think the author balanced it out very well, showing the very realistic struggles, yet not too graphic and through the darkness it always ends with hope. The spiritual message of the prodigal son is very subtly woven through, and I think this book can be very uplifting to many people.
I also loved how the author stayed clear of clichés, the fiancee of Lukio was extremely sweet and fierce at the same time, and I loved her (can we get another book with her as main character?). The other side characters were all very interesting and complex. And the end had me in tears. Happy tears.
All in all it’s safe to say I loved everything lol!
I received a free e-arc through Netgalley, thanks to Bethany House, but it hasn’t influenced my opinions.
Yellow Mockingjay 