A very good sequel to a very good book.The author has a solid writing style which is mixed with some fairly good world-building; nothing exceptional but it has to be pointed out that the focus is largely on the various conflicts, with the narrative rarely pausing to make time for us to explore the world.This is both Staveley's strength and biggest weakness within the novel. The unending action makes for a gripping, thrilling plot, that leaves you captivated (I only put down the novel as I had an exam and needed sleep) but at the same time it can definitely become a little too much for the reader. It is hard, with the three points of view, to keep a track of who is thinking what and why they are doing whatever they do.That said, it is a brilliant continuation to the series, in my opinion even better than the opening book, and it leaves me aching for the final installment. Which will probably only be out in a year's time... This was an excellent continuation from where the first book ended. Staveley again manages to use a fairly banal genre in new and intriguing ways. While there is still a large amount to cover in the upcoming volumes, it doesn't seem as if Staveley is making anything too cumbersome. The differing paths the three siblings take become even more murky and dangerous, and each becomes a very well defined character by the end. I do find the readiness to trust/believe whatever is said by Adare and Valyn to be frustrating at times, but that is not enough of a criticism to detract from the experience of the book.
What do You think about The Providence Of Fire (2000)?
So much better than the first,could be a 5 star if not for the 'Kent kissing ending..Holy Hull....
—Citta
