Five characters face a prophesied Age of Darkness in this epic fantasy sequel.As the world starts to crumble under a dangerous cult whose political power increases as they persecute the magical Graced, the final pieces of the last prophecy finally align: Gambler Anton, the Last Prophet, has finally been revealed, and together with warrior Jude, the Keeper of the Word and Anton's protector, he must follow the path set by his visions in order to stop the world ending. Meanwhile, Prince Hassan-the Deceiver-risks everything he holds dear in order to regain his throne just as Ephyra, the ruthless assassin known as the Pale Hand, grows increasingly dangerous as she searches for Eleazar's Chalice, the relic that will save her revenant sister, Beru, who just may be the last harbinger herself. Adventurous relic-hunting, mind-blowing twists, budding love, and terrible betrayals feature in this multiple-narrator, character-driven study of power, agency, and identity and the ways these are affected by the interwoven threads of both history and legend. The promised rising darkness sees its characters facing their inner turmoil in preparation for their roles in the impending apocalypse, often making poor decisions and skirting the line (and, in at least one case, fully crossing it) between villainy and heroism in a story with plenty of empowered brown and queer characters.A strong sequel that deftly avoids middle-book syndrome and sets the stage for a promising finale. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Five characters face a prophesied Age of Darkness in this epic fantasy sequel.As the world starts to crumble under a dangerous cult whose political power increases as they persecute the magical Graced, the final pieces of the last prophecy finally align: Gambler Anton, the Last Prophet, has finally been revealed, and together with warrior Jude, the Keeper of the Word and Anton's protector, he must follow the path set by his visions in order to stop the world ending. Meanwhile, Prince Hassan-the Deceiver-risks everything he holds dear in order to regain his throne just as Ephyra, the ruthless assassin known as the Pale Hand, grows increasingly dangerous as she searches for Eleazar's Chalice, the relic that will save her revenant sister, Beru, who just may be the last harbinger herself. Adventurous relic-hunting, mind-blowing twists, budding love, and terrible betrayals feature in this multiple-narrator, character-driven study of power, agency, and identity and the ways these are affected by the interwoven threads of both history and legend. The promised rising darkness sees its characters facing their inner turmoil in preparation for their roles in the impending apocalypse, often making poor decisions and skirting the line (and, in at least one case, fully crossing it) between villainy and heroism in a story with plenty of empowered brown and queer characters.A strong sequel that deftly avoids middle-book syndrome and sets the stage for a promising finale. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Gr 9 Up-The first book in this series ended on the cusp of the Age of Darkness, as religious beliefs clashed in Nazirah and nearby lands. The main characters from There Will Come a Darkness drive alternating chapters: Jude struggles without his Grace, with Anton by his side and their mutual attraction becoming harder to deny. Rightful heir Hassan and fellow fighter and companion Khepri have joined the Scarab's Wing to depose false Queen Lethia and the Witnesses who support her rule. Ephyra is not pleased to be magically leashed to Illya, Anton's brother, yet much to her chagrin, she invites him to her bed. Revenants Beru and Hector share guilt and blame over the circumstances of their deaths, while their intermingled esha (life force) is drawing them closer. The hunt is on for four vital relics, and the many characters, in skin tones from pale to bronze to tan (and in one case, heavily tattooed), each have parts to play. The Necromancer King, the Hierophant, and a god long thought dead also play key parts in determining if the future is darkness or a reckoning for a new era. VERDICT The large cast of characters crosses miles and formidable obstacles while searching for relics, interpreting dreams, and occasionally seeking solace in each other's beds. Buy where the first book is popular.Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX