Sparring romantic royals Sepora and Tarik secretly yearn for each other as a striking series of events unfolds: Sepora is kidnapped by an unknown group, an oddly persistent rain begins to fall in desertlike Theoria, and war seems imminent for Tarik's kingdom with not one but three different former allies. Fans of Banks' Nemesis (2016) will find more of the delicious sameness here, as alternating chapters told by Sepora (first-person) and Tarik (omniscient narrator) reveal their struggles with trust, betrayal, trickery, and more far-reaching familial deceit. Reading Nemesis is essential to understanding the push-pull of the romantic relationship, although the title seems a bit dramatic in view of the tenor and pitch of the relationship between the two stubborn lovers. Pacing lags a few times as readers are reminded of the pair's concerns, but Banks ramps up the action and accompanying tension for most of the book, and readers will be anxiously turning pages toward the end while they appreciate a few humorous moments along the way.

The sequel to Nemesis (Macmillan, 2016/VOYA October 2016) continues with Sepora’s precarious engagement to Tarik, the king of Theoria. Sepora is the last known creator of spectorium, a substance that can be used to treat the dying, plague-ridden Theorian citizens. Sepora’s father, the king of Serubul, wants to use the substance as a deadly weapon of war, so Sepora refuses to make it for either side. While her mother handles her father’s dangerous desires, Sepora works on answering the question about trusting Tarik: does he truly love her or just want to use her? Even with the ability to discern the truth from lies, Tarik is unable to determine where Sepora’s loyalties lie for she evades questions and keeps secrets. As damaging truths are uncovered and enemies to the kingdom make their moves, Sepora and Tarik discover alliances in unlikely places and traitors much closer to their hearts. Set in an Egyptian-inspired desert with dark-skinned Theorians, mystical creatures, and magical citizens, Ally has the potential to enthrall readers with its alluring cultures and deftly built world, but the sequel fails to live up to the first book's praise. Banks over-utilizes the all-too-familiar trope of miscommunication between dishonest lovers. This trope drives the majority of the plot, making it hard to reconnect with the characters. When the action finally comes, it is rushed, to the detriment of characters’ previous development and depth. Recommend this title only to fans of the first.—Jewel Davis.