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The Witch Roads #2
The Nameless Land
Surprising betrayals, surprising alliances, and surprising discoveries of heritage abound in this energetic sequel to The Witch Roads.
When the royal party finds themselves in a land they never believed they could access, it will take all of Prince Gevulin's (admittedly impressive) diplomatic skills to forge a coalition with an unlikely group of would-be allies.
Meanwhile, as Erin mourns her lost love, an unwelcome visit to the land of her birth brings back the traumatic memories of the childhood she shared with her sister.
And a surprise visit from an unwelcome family member threatens to derail the plans of multiple opposing factions.
Loyalty cannot be demanded, only won
When the royal party finds themselves in a land they never believed they could access, it will take all of Prince Gevulin's (admittedly impressive) diplomatic skills to forge a coalition with an unlikely group of would-be allies.
Meanwhile, as Erin mourns her lost love, an unwelcome visit to the land of her birth brings back the traumatic memories of the childhood she shared with her sister.
And a surprise visit from an unwelcome family member threatens to derail the plans of multiple opposing factions.
Loyalty cannot be demanded, only won
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
53 people are currently reading
3795 people want to read
About the author
Kate Elliott
109 books2,910 followersAs a child in rural Oregon, Kate Elliott made up stories because she longed to escape to a world of lurid adventure fiction. She now writes fantasy, steampunk, and science fiction, often with a romantic edge. She currently lives in Hawaii, where she paddles outrigger canoes and spoils her schnauzer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 6, 2025
3.75 stars!
I definitely liked this more than the first one! I think if you're a big fan of the first book in the duology you'll be very satisfied with this.
After many years, Elen returns to the place she and Aoving ran from. Alongside the Prince's retinue, the group face new political challenges and Elen's past comes back to haunt (iykyk) her. I wasn't a big fan of the first book, and I think some of the problems I had with it continue in this one but I did like this more on the whole. The pace picks up a lot, and I think by nature of it being a second book the world building becomes a lot easier to swallow. I do like Elen, and as you get more insight into the Prince he becomes a more engaging character. I think the world building generally doesn't work for me because it feels like a lot of vague distinct fantasy elements without a lot of cohesion. Also, fantasy stories about traveling are kind of hard for me to stay engaged with because each scene feels procedural.
If you are a Kate Elliot fan or you really like the first book, this is a great sequel! However, if you didn't love the first book I don't think this one is going to redeem the series for you.
Thank you to Kate Elliot and Tor Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
I definitely liked this more than the first one! I think if you're a big fan of the first book in the duology you'll be very satisfied with this.
After many years, Elen returns to the place she and Aoving ran from. Alongside the Prince's retinue, the group face new political challenges and Elen's past comes back to haunt (iykyk) her. I wasn't a big fan of the first book, and I think some of the problems I had with it continue in this one but I did like this more on the whole. The pace picks up a lot, and I think by nature of it being a second book the world building becomes a lot easier to swallow. I do like Elen, and as you get more insight into the Prince he becomes a more engaging character. I think the world building generally doesn't work for me because it feels like a lot of vague distinct fantasy elements without a lot of cohesion. Also, fantasy stories about traveling are kind of hard for me to stay engaged with because each scene feels procedural.
If you are a Kate Elliot fan or you really like the first book, this is a great sequel! However, if you didn't love the first book I don't think this one is going to redeem the series for you.
Thank you to Kate Elliot and Tor Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
November 11, 2025
Video review here: https://youtu.be/FLQQQjmztfI
I received an eARC via NetGalley.
Elliott does it again with this riveting end to The Witch Roads duology! The Nameless Land picks up right where The Witch Roads leaves off, but with the fascinating world set up and the wonderfully developed characters things move very quickly! This book was very difficult to put down once I started!
Elliott's phenomenal worldbuilding and attention to characters is on full display, and while this ending is very satisfying, I can't help but want to keep exploring the lands set up here! Thematically the focus in this duology feels to be that people are people no matter the station, and those that may seem to be lowly can make a huge difference.
The biggest surprise for me in this duology was just how invested I was in the romantic subplot that features quite a bit in the second book. It's a unique take and one that's extremely nuanced, beautiful, and a bit tragic at time, but altogether just extremely compelling. This is a great starting point as a relatively short series that's just two books if you are looking to get into Elliott! It showcases her strengths while being very easy to read and get through! Definitely check it out!
I received an eARC via NetGalley.
Elliott does it again with this riveting end to The Witch Roads duology! The Nameless Land picks up right where The Witch Roads leaves off, but with the fascinating world set up and the wonderfully developed characters things move very quickly! This book was very difficult to put down once I started!
Elliott's phenomenal worldbuilding and attention to characters is on full display, and while this ending is very satisfying, I can't help but want to keep exploring the lands set up here! Thematically the focus in this duology feels to be that people are people no matter the station, and those that may seem to be lowly can make a huge difference.
The biggest surprise for me in this duology was just how invested I was in the romantic subplot that features quite a bit in the second book. It's a unique take and one that's extremely nuanced, beautiful, and a bit tragic at time, but altogether just extremely compelling. This is a great starting point as a relatively short series that's just two books if you are looking to get into Elliott! It showcases her strengths while being very easy to read and get through! Definitely check it out!
July 18, 2025
The Nameless Land picks up right where The Witch Roads left off. I read The Witch Roads right before tackling The Nameless Land, and I’d recommend doing the same. It’s really a long story cut in two, not a book one and its sequel.
Elen is a deputy courier, a person of humble birth thrown in with a prince and his retinue. She spends her life walking her route to deliver news, and palace intrigues are unfamiliar to her. She has no family but her young nephew, and her thoughts stray to his safety above all things, sometimes to her own peril. She becomes good friends with high born warden Xilsi, and she earns the respect of the other wardens guarding the prince. She has good sense and is usually in good humor, and it’s hard not to like her despite her lack of deference to the others. Xilsi is also a delight.
I found The Nameless Land to be not quite as engrossing as the first, mostly due to the absence of a main character from book one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. There are some surprises, predictable and unpredictable, and a lot of character development. I really enjoyed watching the characters bond and become friends, or at least get to understand each other better. Even the prince becomes a better person.
The world building is good – enough for us to understand, but not so much as to bore with unneeded detail. I like that some mysteries are left unsolved. It’s so refreshing to see likable and relatable adult characters and likable young adults still learning how to navigate the world.
The two Witch Roads books are advertised as a duology, and the second book ends perfectly, and yet I think there is at least one more story with these characters to be told. Maybe even another duology. I hope the author will consider writing additional stories set in this world.
I read an advance reader copy of The Nameless Land from Netgalley.
Elen is a deputy courier, a person of humble birth thrown in with a prince and his retinue. She spends her life walking her route to deliver news, and palace intrigues are unfamiliar to her. She has no family but her young nephew, and her thoughts stray to his safety above all things, sometimes to her own peril. She becomes good friends with high born warden Xilsi, and she earns the respect of the other wardens guarding the prince. She has good sense and is usually in good humor, and it’s hard not to like her despite her lack of deference to the others. Xilsi is also a delight.
I found The Nameless Land to be not quite as engrossing as the first, mostly due to the absence of a main character from book one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. There are some surprises, predictable and unpredictable, and a lot of character development. I really enjoyed watching the characters bond and become friends, or at least get to understand each other better. Even the prince becomes a better person.
The world building is good – enough for us to understand, but not so much as to bore with unneeded detail. I like that some mysteries are left unsolved. It’s so refreshing to see likable and relatable adult characters and likable young adults still learning how to navigate the world.
The two Witch Roads books are advertised as a duology, and the second book ends perfectly, and yet I think there is at least one more story with these characters to be told. Maybe even another duology. I hope the author will consider writing additional stories set in this world.
I read an advance reader copy of The Nameless Land from Netgalley.
September 8, 2025
A satisfyingly heartfelt conclusion to the duology, with room to expand if Elliot chooses to. Compared to The Witch Roads, The Nameless Land feels like a shorter read, though the page count is similar, because the pacing is faster and there’s so much payoff for the mysteries set up in book one.
I’ve seen people say they didn’t want to continue after Witch Roads because they saw spoilers that said their favorite character isn’t in this one. He is! He remains delightful, and his relationship with El continued to provide both of them with opportunities to grow past their worst traits. She teaches him gratitude and true responsibility; he teaches her that she can trust other people to care for her and for themselves.
It’s the relationships that really shine for me in this second installment. There remains a great deal of worldbuilding to unravel, but I didn’t get the same thrill of discovery that I did from book one, mostly because the titular Nameless Land is really fucking bleak. Watching the characters I already love find a way through that bleakness together was not just delightful but actually genuinely inspiring. Like a lot of people, I’ve been carrying some big, existential depression since 2020, and the ways El finds to carry her trauma and grief and rage alongside her joy and love and hope resonated deeply with me. I’m going to talk about this book in therapy.
I received a free eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Happy ending?
I’ve seen people say they didn’t want to continue after Witch Roads because they saw spoilers that said their favorite character isn’t in this one. He is! He remains delightful, and his relationship with El continued to provide both of them with opportunities to grow past their worst traits. She teaches him gratitude and true responsibility; he teaches her that she can trust other people to care for her and for themselves.
It’s the relationships that really shine for me in this second installment. There remains a great deal of worldbuilding to unravel, but I didn’t get the same thrill of discovery that I did from book one, mostly because the titular Nameless Land is really fucking bleak. Watching the characters I already love find a way through that bleakness together was not just delightful but actually genuinely inspiring. Like a lot of people, I’ve been carrying some big, existential depression since 2020, and the ways El finds to carry her trauma and grief and rage alongside her joy and love and hope resonated deeply with me. I’m going to talk about this book in therapy.
I received a free eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Happy ending?
November 14, 2025
Poisonous deadly spores, warring factions, political power grasps, spiritual possession and mysterious pasts.
Really what’s not to like?
In this back half of The Witch Roads duology, we get all of that. We also get what Kate Elliott specializes in.
Characters that are grounded, relatable and have heart.
You aren’t just watching their journey. You are making the trek with them.
I know I go on and on about Crown of Stars (in my top 5 fantasy ever). Part of why I loved it so much were the characters and the attachment I had with them. A real humanizing quality that hooks your emotional bond.
That is all wonderfully present here as well, I’m happy to say. 😀
This might make an easier test run on Kate’s work being a tidy two books.
Great stuff.
Really what’s not to like?
In this back half of The Witch Roads duology, we get all of that. We also get what Kate Elliott specializes in.
Characters that are grounded, relatable and have heart.
You aren’t just watching their journey. You are making the trek with them.
I know I go on and on about Crown of Stars (in my top 5 fantasy ever). Part of why I loved it so much were the characters and the attachment I had with them. A real humanizing quality that hooks your emotional bond.
That is all wonderfully present here as well, I’m happy to say. 😀
This might make an easier test run on Kate’s work being a tidy two books.
Great stuff.
January 25, 2026
I thought this book was much more interesting than the first one. It had more action and political intrigue. Honestly, I feel like the two books should have been combined into one big book.
I really enjoyed the world building and character development. Everything felt very fleshed out, like there was serious thought put into the creation of the story. I also liked the inclusion of queer characters in a way that felt very natural to the world.
My biggest complaint is that the larger political/world plot felt unfinished by the end. I really hope there is another book coming eventually, because I really want to know what happens with the two countries, learn more about the pall and sorcery, and get more information on who/what Elen is.
Overall, The Nameless Land was a great intermediate book, but not a great series ending book. There was just too much left unexplained/covered. I would potentially increase my rating if I found out there was another book coming out.
I really enjoyed the world building and character development. Everything felt very fleshed out, like there was serious thought put into the creation of the story. I also liked the inclusion of queer characters in a way that felt very natural to the world.
My biggest complaint is that the larger political/world plot felt unfinished by the end. I really hope there is another book coming eventually, because I really want to know what happens with the two countries, learn more about the pall and sorcery, and get more information on who/what Elen is.
Overall, The Nameless Land was a great intermediate book, but not a great series ending book. There was just too much left unexplained/covered. I would potentially increase my rating if I found out there was another book coming out.
October 9, 2025
This epic fantasy is the sequel to The Witch Roads. Deputy courier Elen has been dragged into the affairs of princes. She has been swept into the retinue of Prince Gevulin who has treason in mind.
Gevulin is heading for the nameless lands in search of allies in his conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor who is his sister. He has drafted Elen as his guide not knowing that the nameless lands were lands she and her heart sister were glad to flee as young girls. Going back threatens her life and the life and safety of her young nephew who is also an apprentice warden in the party.
Elen is also mourning the loss of the being who had taken over Gevulin and the first book and then left him to complete his own mission. Gevulin wasn't supposed to remember being taken over but that part of the deal didn't work. Remembering has told him things about Elen that put her and her nephew in danger.
But her lost love isn't quite as lost as she had thought. He is given permission by one of the prince's potential allies to take over her body which reunites the lost lovers for a while.
This was engaging epic fantasy seen through the eyes of someone with very little social standing but quite epic powers. Elen is a woman who has a past she doesn't remember and a skill that could lead a prince to control of the empire if she can stay alive.
I liked the worldbuilding with its varied creatures. I liked the characters even the prince grew on me a bit as I got to know him as something other than a man willing to do anything to get the throne. Elen was intriguing. She was a woman who had modest goals: enough to eat nine days out of ten and a pair of good boots. She was also willing to do anything to make sure her nephew had a safe and fulfilling life.
While this story can stand alone, it gains richness and depth by reading The Witch Roads first.
Gevulin is heading for the nameless lands in search of allies in his conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor who is his sister. He has drafted Elen as his guide not knowing that the nameless lands were lands she and her heart sister were glad to flee as young girls. Going back threatens her life and the life and safety of her young nephew who is also an apprentice warden in the party.
Elen is also mourning the loss of the being who had taken over Gevulin and the first book and then left him to complete his own mission. Gevulin wasn't supposed to remember being taken over but that part of the deal didn't work. Remembering has told him things about Elen that put her and her nephew in danger.
But her lost love isn't quite as lost as she had thought. He is given permission by one of the prince's potential allies to take over her body which reunites the lost lovers for a while.
This was engaging epic fantasy seen through the eyes of someone with very little social standing but quite epic powers. Elen is a woman who has a past she doesn't remember and a skill that could lead a prince to control of the empire if she can stay alive.
I liked the worldbuilding with its varied creatures. I liked the characters even the prince grew on me a bit as I got to know him as something other than a man willing to do anything to get the throne. Elen was intriguing. She was a woman who had modest goals: enough to eat nine days out of ten and a pair of good boots. She was also willing to do anything to make sure her nephew had a safe and fulfilling life.
While this story can stand alone, it gains richness and depth by reading The Witch Roads first.
February 3, 2026
What a great ending to an excellent duology. My only gripe is that there isn't more, but it ended as it only could, really.
February 1, 2026
Elen has my heart. I would happily read more in this series and I hope there is more to come!!!
"Every soul was vulnerable. She'd staked her life on that understanding, never taking for granted any scrap of peace or happiness and cherishing all that flowed her way for the blessing it was."
"Every soul was vulnerable. She'd staked her life on that understanding, never taking for granted any scrap of peace or happiness and cherishing all that flowed her way for the blessing it was."
November 13, 2025
Don't know about the love affair between our heroin and the "shorn," who in fact is a dragon. I guess damsels can fall in love with dragons. To be clear, the dragon occupies a human body. Other than that bit of corniest, the tale overall was entertaining.
Political infighting, learning the strange ways of the far-land, i.e., nameless land, and running battles make up this tale. And one does not buck the pecking order of the inhabitants. There are masters and princes and below that the low life. But even the low life has status of a certain order.
Good, but not a "great" read.
Political infighting, learning the strange ways of the far-land, i.e., nameless land, and running battles make up this tale. And one does not buck the pecking order of the inhabitants. There are masters and princes and below that the low life. But even the low life has status of a certain order.
Good, but not a "great" read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
Gevulin’s story arc was a lovely surprise. It’s also so refreshing to see fmcs older than like 17. basically, this won’t change ur life or anything but it’s a charming duology that’s kind of like game of thrones without the violence against women
October 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
This was a whirlwind, fast paced, expertly crafted sequel to The Witch Roads. I finished it within 48 hours; I just could not put it down.
The book starts off exactly where The Witch Roads ends and wastes no time, diving into urgent retreats and risky alliances with those North of the Pall. While the Witch Roads mostly felt like a leisurely stroll through an epic fantasy world, this book felt like a sprint through mountains of delicious political intrigue. Elliott sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! The political machinations were so well constructed, I was blindsided more than once in a style that felt similar to Game of Thrones, though namely less overtly violent.
The characters at times feel somewhat distant or detached on an emotional level to me, though I think this might be Elliot’s third person style of writing. Altogether, they are multilayered and tangible, with deeply seeded relationships that build over the course of these two books. The villains felt profoundly unsettling (thinking of a specific Lord from the North here) in their privilege and blatant disregard for the lives of those considered “lesser than”, though this also tracks into our protagonists’ party as well. We get to see some growth on that regard from many of the characters which I liked. El’s resilience in the face of grief and her past trauma was impactful to watch unfold and resonated with me. I even started to like Prince Gevulin more in this book as his motivations came to light. Kem and El’s relationship was still my favourite, apart from El and the Haunt’s.
The descriptions in this book, especially of the landscape, are beautiful, albeit at times bleak when directed towards the injustices and status differences in the world. Elliott’s world building continues to astound me in the best possible way. While this was a satisfying ending to this stunning duology, there were some threads that felt unfinished/open ended. I hope this is a sign Elliott is planning further books as I can’t help wanting more stories in this world.
If you’re a fan of complex world building in a high fantasy setting with excellent political intrigue (and a romantic subplot), I think you’d really enjoy this book.
4.5/5 stars
This was a whirlwind, fast paced, expertly crafted sequel to The Witch Roads. I finished it within 48 hours; I just could not put it down.
The book starts off exactly where The Witch Roads ends and wastes no time, diving into urgent retreats and risky alliances with those North of the Pall. While the Witch Roads mostly felt like a leisurely stroll through an epic fantasy world, this book felt like a sprint through mountains of delicious political intrigue. Elliott sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! The political machinations were so well constructed, I was blindsided more than once in a style that felt similar to Game of Thrones, though namely less overtly violent.
The characters at times feel somewhat distant or detached on an emotional level to me, though I think this might be Elliot’s third person style of writing. Altogether, they are multilayered and tangible, with deeply seeded relationships that build over the course of these two books. The villains felt profoundly unsettling (thinking of a specific Lord from the North here) in their privilege and blatant disregard for the lives of those considered “lesser than”, though this also tracks into our protagonists’ party as well. We get to see some growth on that regard from many of the characters which I liked. El’s resilience in the face of grief and her past trauma was impactful to watch unfold and resonated with me. I even started to like Prince Gevulin more in this book as his motivations came to light. Kem and El’s relationship was still my favourite, apart from El and the Haunt’s.
The descriptions in this book, especially of the landscape, are beautiful, albeit at times bleak when directed towards the injustices and status differences in the world. Elliott’s world building continues to astound me in the best possible way. While this was a satisfying ending to this stunning duology, there were some threads that felt unfinished/open ended. I hope this is a sign Elliott is planning further books as I can’t help wanting more stories in this world.
If you’re a fan of complex world building in a high fantasy setting with excellent political intrigue (and a romantic subplot), I think you’d really enjoy this book.
November 10, 2025
Thank you, Tor and Netgalley, for the e-ARC. Thank you so much, Tor, for the finished copy! I am so thankful!! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I was so excited to jump back into this world. We start where the first book ends. Elliott has created such a unique and fascinating world. I was happy to explore more of the world and magic in this book. I appreciate that the world-building is vast, but it doesn’t feel like a bunch of information dumps. Don’t get me wrong, this is the type of fantasy that you cannot speed read. You have to take your time to delve into this story and the characters. I love a good fantasy that forces me to slow it down and take it all in.
The cast of characters is my favorite thing about this duology. Elen has come so far in her character arc! I loved seeing how this book focuses more on her past and her origins. There is still so much mystery around her and her lineage. Throughout the journey, I hit a lot of very emotional moments. Elliott did a fantastic job engrossing her readers. Not only that, but the cast of characters brings different personalities to the table. I loved the respect and relationships that evolved in this book. Xilsi is one that I was not sure about and ended up loving in this book!
There is a romance, but it’s such a slow burn. Their romance is beautifully done. This is the type of fantasy that is less focused on the romance, though. I know, people were upset that he isn’t the main focus in this book, but he is there! I won’t say more, but he is in this one. Personally, I loved how he took such a back seat to this book, and Elen became the main focus. Her story was important and tragic. I think we needed the romance to take a back seat to see how far she really has come.
Overall, I thought this was a great duology! Elliott did leave some things a mystery, and I was shocked to find out it was the end. I think there is definitely more to the story if she wants to go there. At the same time, it’s the worst open-ended book I’ve read. It’s satisfying, even if she doesn’t continue. I loved the rich and complex characters throughout the series. I think all my epic fantasy readers would enjoy The Witch Roads duology!
I was so excited to jump back into this world. We start where the first book ends. Elliott has created such a unique and fascinating world. I was happy to explore more of the world and magic in this book. I appreciate that the world-building is vast, but it doesn’t feel like a bunch of information dumps. Don’t get me wrong, this is the type of fantasy that you cannot speed read. You have to take your time to delve into this story and the characters. I love a good fantasy that forces me to slow it down and take it all in.
The cast of characters is my favorite thing about this duology. Elen has come so far in her character arc! I loved seeing how this book focuses more on her past and her origins. There is still so much mystery around her and her lineage. Throughout the journey, I hit a lot of very emotional moments. Elliott did a fantastic job engrossing her readers. Not only that, but the cast of characters brings different personalities to the table. I loved the respect and relationships that evolved in this book. Xilsi is one that I was not sure about and ended up loving in this book!
There is a romance, but it’s such a slow burn. Their romance is beautifully done. This is the type of fantasy that is less focused on the romance, though. I know, people were upset that he isn’t the main focus in this book, but he is there! I won’t say more, but he is in this one. Personally, I loved how he took such a back seat to this book, and Elen became the main focus. Her story was important and tragic. I think we needed the romance to take a back seat to see how far she really has come.
Overall, I thought this was a great duology! Elliott did leave some things a mystery, and I was shocked to find out it was the end. I think there is definitely more to the story if she wants to go there. At the same time, it’s the worst open-ended book I’ve read. It’s satisfying, even if she doesn’t continue. I loved the rich and complex characters throughout the series. I think all my epic fantasy readers would enjoy The Witch Roads duology!
October 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I read the first book in this duet for book club and loved it so much, I just had to request the arc for the sequel when it became available!
In this continuation, we see El grappling with the absence of the Haunt while also having to maneuver the political power play she’s been unfortunately pulled into because of Prince Gevulin. Being an ambitious and ruthless man, now that he knows what El literally had hiding up her sleeves he won’t be letting her go so easily. For the sake of her and her beloved boy’s wellbeing, El will need to play her cards just right to get herself and Kem away from the perilous schemes and from the maws of many wicked people eager to devour them. With her bravery, sharp wits, and possibly the help of a beloved dragon, she may just make it out of this alive.
It was so nice to be back in this world! Kate’s world building is phenomenal and her characters so compelling. Everyone from the prince to a minor servant was so well fleshed out, it’s like I’m observing them in person. The author does spend a lot of time describing the infrastructures in great details, and I did get a bit bored during those parts. There was also of course more traveling done in this sequel. So for those who don’t particularly care for quest- centered books, this may not be the story for you.
I am surprised that this is only a duology, as there were many loose ends left untied that there really should be another installment to wrap everything up. By the end, we still don’t know what El truly is and why she has a viper in her heart. I know authors like to leave openings for possible future stories but by doing that, it did leave the ending a little unsatisfying. Hopefully we get one more book in the future to get the answers and resolutions that weren’t given in this one.
In this continuation, we see El grappling with the absence of the Haunt while also having to maneuver the political power play she’s been unfortunately pulled into because of Prince Gevulin. Being an ambitious and ruthless man, now that he knows what El literally had hiding up her sleeves he won’t be letting her go so easily. For the sake of her and her beloved boy’s wellbeing, El will need to play her cards just right to get herself and Kem away from the perilous schemes and from the maws of many wicked people eager to devour them. With her bravery, sharp wits, and possibly the help of a beloved dragon, she may just make it out of this alive.
It was so nice to be back in this world! Kate’s world building is phenomenal and her characters so compelling. Everyone from the prince to a minor servant was so well fleshed out, it’s like I’m observing them in person. The author does spend a lot of time describing the infrastructures in great details, and I did get a bit bored during those parts. There was also of course more traveling done in this sequel. So for those who don’t particularly care for quest- centered books, this may not be the story for you.
I am surprised that this is only a duology, as there were many loose ends left untied that there really should be another installment to wrap everything up. By the end, we still don’t know what El truly is and why she has a viper in her heart. I know authors like to leave openings for possible future stories but by doing that, it did leave the ending a little unsatisfying. Hopefully we get one more book in the future to get the answers and resolutions that weren’t given in this one.
November 26, 2025
ok first i loved this world and the structure of it all - i would like more in this series!
i was hoping to find out more about all the mysteries that had been dropped along the way - the desolation and the changing paths, where the aivur came/come from, what the hell is elen (bc, i’m sorry, what, an egg in your heart, just happens sometimes…), does kem get to rule the world eventually, the pall is what now? and are there more shorn laying around?
but no. just… an incredibly RUSHED, mostly hea (so, FINE. fine.), ending. it was also obvious what would happen, although not who… so the dithering and sad ‘oh it was better to have met him even though we can never be togetherrrrr’ over and over was a bit much. i feel like that specifically is the editor’s fault more than the author though - and maybe there was a deadline or someone was like, "only two books not three, make it snappy" which is sad?
so. anyways. kate elliott is STILL one of my favorite authors of all time. will read anything she writes.
and. i have my fingers crossed she’s not heading towards the GGK moralizing/thinking out loud/elder wisdom dumps throughout forthcoming stories - there was a little cringe of that here but not nearly enough to make the story irritating or unreadable, whew.
i was hoping to find out more about all the mysteries that had been dropped along the way - the desolation and the changing paths, where the aivur came/come from, what the hell is elen (bc, i’m sorry, what, an egg in your heart, just happens sometimes…), does kem get to rule the world eventually, the pall is what now? and are there more shorn laying around?
but no. just… an incredibly RUSHED, mostly hea (so, FINE. fine.), ending. it was also obvious what would happen, although not who… so the dithering and sad ‘oh it was better to have met him even though we can never be togetherrrrr’ over and over was a bit much. i feel like that specifically is the editor’s fault more than the author though - and maybe there was a deadline or someone was like, "only two books not three, make it snappy" which is sad?
so. anyways. kate elliott is STILL one of my favorite authors of all time. will read anything she writes.
and. i have my fingers crossed she’s not heading towards the GGK moralizing/thinking out loud/elder wisdom dumps throughout forthcoming stories - there was a little cringe of that here but not nearly enough to make the story irritating or unreadable, whew.
December 24, 2025
Its a road story, that is really about palace intruque.
Niether title is important. the jaunt to the nameless lands, or four lands, didn't really matter, except to give Elen's background an explanation.
Big problem was no map.
Also only 140 years passed since the Pall, so can't believe the four lands totally forgot their history and created a new religion.
Plenty of back story to explore for this world, as well as continued journey for Elen
The book ends as you would expect it to.
Niether title is important. the jaunt to the nameless lands, or four lands, didn't really matter, except to give Elen's background an explanation.
Big problem was no map.
Also only 140 years passed since the Pall, so can't believe the four lands totally forgot their history and created a new religion.
Plenty of back story to explore for this world, as well as continued journey for Elen
The book ends as you would expect it to.
December 11, 2025
A fabulous sequel.
November 26, 2025
Pulled that together nicely, and left enough space in the world to invite future stories. Really fun series.
November 6, 2025
This picks up straight after The Witch Roads and forms one extended story. There’s lots going on but Elen is the heart of this enthralling fantasy- her integrity drives the plot forward. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2025
Quick very high level summary.
The Nameless Land continues the Journey begun in The Witch Roads. The royal party finds themselves in a mythical land they never imagined they would reach. Its a journey of betrayal, difficult choices, with consequences of the past and demanding that the characters constantly fight for survival. While Erin confronts her past, Prince Gevulin must forge alliances If they wish to survive this journey.
My Take.
The world building is amazing. Such a vivid picture of the politics and social class that are at the center of the plot. There is a lot of information to take in so those who are not used to epic fantasy world building may find it tedious and a bit overwhelming. Me personally, this is just the kind of detail I live for. Elliott paints not just a picture of the journey but she pulls the reader in and immerses them in the story. Through out this book we see both the Prince and Erin continue to develop and grow as they face many life threatening challenges. Overall I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. We are left with some open ended questions so I am sad this is a duology but not mad about the ending at all.
The Nameless Land continues the Journey begun in The Witch Roads. The royal party finds themselves in a mythical land they never imagined they would reach. Its a journey of betrayal, difficult choices, with consequences of the past and demanding that the characters constantly fight for survival. While Erin confronts her past, Prince Gevulin must forge alliances If they wish to survive this journey.
My Take.
The world building is amazing. Such a vivid picture of the politics and social class that are at the center of the plot. There is a lot of information to take in so those who are not used to epic fantasy world building may find it tedious and a bit overwhelming. Me personally, this is just the kind of detail I live for. Elliott paints not just a picture of the journey but she pulls the reader in and immerses them in the story. Through out this book we see both the Prince and Erin continue to develop and grow as they face many life threatening challenges. Overall I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. We are left with some open ended questions so I am sad this is a duology but not mad about the ending at all.
July 3, 2025
Me gasping when I saw that my request for an e-arc has been accpeted. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for graciously granting me an e-arc
I just love this world and the characters that Kate Elliott has woven. I know this is a duology, but I would be ecstatic if more books came out! That said, I am satiated and satisifed with the conclusion of this duology.
There is more travelling in this installment, but I think it's on a quicker pace than the first book and we meet more characters and receive more information about the world. I would gladly read more books in this series just for more lore and world building. The Prince Gevulin has also grown on me with his character development in a surprising way. He was irksome in the first book, but grew into a character I enjoyed, particularly so because of something he does near the end of the book that I shall not spoil.
I believe with the conclusion of this duology that it's been cemented as one of my favorites of this year, I also read it in like a day because I was so excited for it.
5 🌟
I just love this world and the characters that Kate Elliott has woven. I know this is a duology, but I would be ecstatic if more books came out! That said, I am satiated and satisifed with the conclusion of this duology.
There is more travelling in this installment, but I think it's on a quicker pace than the first book and we meet more characters and receive more information about the world. I would gladly read more books in this series just for more lore and world building. The Prince Gevulin has also grown on me with his character development in a surprising way. He was irksome in the first book, but grew into a character I enjoyed, particularly so because of something he does near the end of the book that I shall not spoil.
I believe with the conclusion of this duology that it's been cemented as one of my favorites of this year, I also read it in like a day because I was so excited for it.
5 🌟
November 30, 2025
Wonderfully interesting and intricate world building but if there was ever a book that needed an epilogue, this was it. Left with way too many unanswered questions at the end. I was terribly put off by the fate of a major character, too.
November 6, 2025
DNF at 20%. Maybe it's because I just read a few beautifully written books, but the writing that gave me slight pause when reading the first book just was too much for me in this. And why did we have so much detail about the latrine and not about other things? Very odd. I don't think I'll finish this duology
January 11, 2026
Yay, a worth second book and a nice wrap-up to El's story. (Also, yay, the library book came in so much sooner than I expected, so I was able to keep all the details fresh!)
Some said they liked this book more than the first...I do think I liked book 1 a tad more, possibly because there was more interaction between El and the haunt, possibly because the "Nameless Place" WAS quite a dismal place to hang out for part of the journey. But this one still kept my attention the entire time, and I found myself wanting to pick it up whenever I had a free moment.
There aren't neat answers to every question the books pose but I found I didn't mind too much, because the REASON for the book was for El to find her happiness after so much hardship. I would not be opposed to a future story in this world, perhaps featuring .
So I kind of played myself a bit (this is why you shouldn't try to flip to the end to look for spoilers) but
I liked that Gevulin
All in all, if you enjoy a certain type of fantasy, well-crafted writing, good pacing, and excellent characters, I think you'd like this duology. I am definitely going to reach back out into Elliott's catalogue and see what else there is to uncover from this new-to-me author!
Some said they liked this book more than the first...I do think I liked book 1 a tad more, possibly because there was more interaction between El and the haunt, possibly because the "Nameless Place" WAS quite a dismal place to hang out for part of the journey. But this one still kept my attention the entire time, and I found myself wanting to pick it up whenever I had a free moment.
There aren't neat answers to every question the books pose but I found I didn't mind too much, because the REASON for the book was for El to find her happiness after so much hardship. I would not be opposed to a future story in this world, perhaps featuring .
So I kind of played myself a bit (this is why you shouldn't try to flip to the end to look for spoilers) but
I liked that Gevulin
All in all, if you enjoy a certain type of fantasy, well-crafted writing, good pacing, and excellent characters, I think you'd like this duology. I am definitely going to reach back out into Elliott's catalogue and see what else there is to uncover from this new-to-me author!
December 8, 2025
EASILY one of my favourites of the year, EASILY full five stars. Kinda combining this with my review for The Witch Roads because they're basically a single volume cut in two and they came out so close together. This book has it all - interrogating imperialism, weird magics, spores! And of course on the socio-isms end, very queer friendly, very good woman lead. In fact, El as a book lead... has probably ruined me for female main characters. The standard is now SO HIGH. El doesn't give a shiiiit about The Main Plot, and it kept striking me every time I read it, because it shook me out of "Fantasy Main Character" syndrome and into the realm of realizing that if I lived in this world, I'd also be running for the hills the moment Destiny or The Plot came knocking. It's just so REFRESHING. She's refreshing.
And how much her decisions are locked around Kem - I understand why it's easier to write main characters who are freed from familial obligations and stuff, but... you know, given how much of my real life, of woman's real lives, are "curtailed" by having to make sure our loved ones are okay and make it before we can think about ourselves, it all hit kind of hard. Like, for one, I was on board with protecting Kem, I came to love and worry about Kem as much as El did, her decisions being based around making sure Kem was going to be okay made perfect sense. But in a different way, it got me really emotional, because this duology is really... really determined to show that El - older women who are in the position of needing to be the caretakers, who have picked up obligations to their family, the people in families (usually older women) who have the role of needing to be available to be the safety nets for their kids or relatives - still get to be the main character. And are still worth focusing a story on. I don't know if it's passé to call things feminist in earnest anymore, but damn, this is a very (positively, affectionately, awesomely) feminist move.
And can I say, hoo boy, the haunt has me blushing. I cannot say enough how refreshing it is to get "an answer" to the YA template of brooding bad guy as the romantic lead; it's well enough in small doses and when I was younger, but now I feel more like El. In reality, I do prefer men like the haunt: funny, clever, same values, and comfortable enough to laugh at himself. Kate Elliott managed to convince me that their love was actually doomed, managed to make my heart ache in the effort of rooting for them anyway,
WHAT A BOOK. These two, Witch Roads and Nameless Land, were really a highlight of 2025. Thanks for these, they'll be happily on my shelf forever. <3
And how much her decisions are locked around Kem - I understand why it's easier to write main characters who are freed from familial obligations and stuff, but... you know, given how much of my real life, of woman's real lives, are "curtailed" by having to make sure our loved ones are okay and make it before we can think about ourselves, it all hit kind of hard. Like, for one, I was on board with protecting Kem, I came to love and worry about Kem as much as El did, her decisions being based around making sure Kem was going to be okay made perfect sense. But in a different way, it got me really emotional, because this duology is really... really determined to show that El - older women who are in the position of needing to be the caretakers, who have picked up obligations to their family, the people in families (usually older women) who have the role of needing to be available to be the safety nets for their kids or relatives - still get to be the main character. And are still worth focusing a story on. I don't know if it's passé to call things feminist in earnest anymore, but damn, this is a very (positively, affectionately, awesomely) feminist move.
And can I say, hoo boy, the haunt has me blushing. I cannot say enough how refreshing it is to get "an answer" to the YA template of brooding bad guy as the romantic lead; it's well enough in small doses and when I was younger, but now I feel more like El. In reality, I do prefer men like the haunt: funny, clever, same values, and comfortable enough to laugh at himself. Kate Elliott managed to convince me that their love was actually doomed, managed to make my heart ache in the effort of rooting for them anyway,
WHAT A BOOK. These two, Witch Roads and Nameless Land, were really a highlight of 2025. Thanks for these, they'll be happily on my shelf forever. <3
October 26, 2025
The Nameless Land is the fantastic sequel to Kate Elliott's fantasy, The Witch Roads, and is the second book in the series of the same name.
When the book opens, we join Elen, Kem, and the prince's group where we left them at the end of book one, at Far Boundary Vigil, the northernmost point of the Tranquil Empire. The haunt, has entered the Pall, and Elen must now face Prince Gevulin and his wrath, but soon the whole party is once again under threat and they must all learn to work together to survive.
Reading book one is a must before picking up this book, as the reader will be completely lost otherwise. This world and the relationships between the characters are complex, and I don't think someone could easily fill in the blanks without having read The Witch Roads.
Once again, the story is told in third person from Elen's point of view, with the exception of a few journal entries from another character which appear at the beginning of some of the chapters.
In The Nameless Land we finally get more insight into Elen's childhood as the party heads north, across the Pall, to the land where Elen grew up, and later escaped with her chosen sister.
The Nameless Land continues to build on the political intrigue of the first book, with alliances rising and falling throughout the book. The author has built a complex world, with characters to match. The one character I was most impressed with was Prince Gevulin. He as an arrogant, mean character when he was himself (if you've read book one you'll know what I'm talking about), but in this book I almost came to like him by the end.
I really enjoyed The Nameless Land, it was full of adventure, intrigue, betrayals, friendship, and a dash of romance. I recommend this duology to anyone who enjoys reading epic adventures in fantasy lands. The Witch Roads is advertised as a duology, but I sincerely hope the author writes more in this world, as I think there are more stories to explore with Elen as The Nameless Land comes to a close.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When the book opens, we join Elen, Kem, and the prince's group where we left them at the end of book one, at Far Boundary Vigil, the northernmost point of the Tranquil Empire. The haunt, has entered the Pall, and Elen must now face Prince Gevulin and his wrath, but soon the whole party is once again under threat and they must all learn to work together to survive.
Reading book one is a must before picking up this book, as the reader will be completely lost otherwise. This world and the relationships between the characters are complex, and I don't think someone could easily fill in the blanks without having read The Witch Roads.
Once again, the story is told in third person from Elen's point of view, with the exception of a few journal entries from another character which appear at the beginning of some of the chapters.
In The Nameless Land we finally get more insight into Elen's childhood as the party heads north, across the Pall, to the land where Elen grew up, and later escaped with her chosen sister.
The Nameless Land continues to build on the political intrigue of the first book, with alliances rising and falling throughout the book. The author has built a complex world, with characters to match. The one character I was most impressed with was Prince Gevulin. He as an arrogant, mean character when he was himself (if you've read book one you'll know what I'm talking about), but in this book I almost came to like him by the end.
I really enjoyed The Nameless Land, it was full of adventure, intrigue, betrayals, friendship, and a dash of romance. I recommend this duology to anyone who enjoys reading epic adventures in fantasy lands. The Witch Roads is advertised as a duology, but I sincerely hope the author writes more in this world, as I think there are more stories to explore with Elen as The Nameless Land comes to a close.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2025
Thank you to Kate Elliott and Tor Publishing Group (through Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Sequel to The Witch Roads, The Nameless Land, picks up right where the first book left off. Thank goodness because the cliffhanger from the first book left me wanting MORE.
These two books are my first encounters with Elliott, and there is a reason she is a renowned Fantasy author. The nerd in me was tickled pink. Immersive world building, an intriguing magic system (for lack of a better explanation), intense politics, and loveable characters. I could not ask for more.
While the first book was quite heavy in world building and politics, this one focused more on the characters and their relationships with each other. There was strong character development and relationship building. I can say, with honesty, that I enjoyed every single one of the characters in El’s forced circled. And even grew to love some that I normally would have adamantly disliked.
The adventure was abundant. Skirmishes, escapes, strategic planning. It was all there. My mouth physically dropped open at a specific part towards the end of the book. I was shook (and invested). And again, A CLIFFHANGER! Although not quite as dire as the first. I cannot wait for the third book to come out (there's going to be a third book right??).
It is very rare for this reader to enjoy a sequel more than the first. The Nameless Land delivered. I adored it. It hit every single one of my boxes for a solid fantasy. And I will be working my way through Kate Elliott’s backlog soon.
Available (yesterday) November 4, 2025.
Sequel to The Witch Roads, The Nameless Land, picks up right where the first book left off. Thank goodness because the cliffhanger from the first book left me wanting MORE.
These two books are my first encounters with Elliott, and there is a reason she is a renowned Fantasy author. The nerd in me was tickled pink. Immersive world building, an intriguing magic system (for lack of a better explanation), intense politics, and loveable characters. I could not ask for more.
While the first book was quite heavy in world building and politics, this one focused more on the characters and their relationships with each other. There was strong character development and relationship building. I can say, with honesty, that I enjoyed every single one of the characters in El’s forced circled. And even grew to love some that I normally would have adamantly disliked.
The adventure was abundant. Skirmishes, escapes, strategic planning. It was all there. My mouth physically dropped open at a specific part towards the end of the book. I was shook (and invested). And again, A CLIFFHANGER! Although not quite as dire as the first. I cannot wait for the third book to come out (there's going to be a third book right??).
It is very rare for this reader to enjoy a sequel more than the first. The Nameless Land delivered. I adored it. It hit every single one of my boxes for a solid fantasy. And I will be working my way through Kate Elliott’s backlog soon.
Available (yesterday) November 4, 2025.
October 15, 2025
I received an eARC of this title via NetGalley.
I had never had the pleasure of reading one of Kate Elliott's novels (despite enjoying her short work), mostly because my time for leisure reading was so limited that I spent over a decade shying away from "doorstop" novels for the most part. Long books were a *commitment* and I didn't feel as though I had the bandwidth to really engage.
The thing is, commitments are often very worthwhile. It's a matter of picking the right one.
The Nameless Land is the second book in the Witch Roads series. I had not read the first, but there is enough backstory provided to ensure that I understood what was going on nonetheless.
The worldbuilding in this novel is fabulous. The Pall (a deadly, poisonous fog that permeates the lands of this novel after a cataclysmic event) is a character, a catalyst, and an implacable villain of the highest order, because it cannot be reasoned with, thwarted, or defeated. At best, one can survive it. The sense of dread and fear from the Pall is palpable, and the world Elliott has created shows a wide variety of responses to the Pall among multiple peoples, societies, and social strata. There is court intrigue; there is pointed social commentary; there is mutual aid and efforts at understanding.
The characters in this novel are complex, nuanced, and fascinating, even when they aren't particularly likeable (looking at you, Prince Gevulin). Elen, our protagonist, is world weary and grieving the loss of a partner. She's also resilient, quietly thoughtful, and fiercely protective of her people. The novel features a cast of characters who all approach their lives -- and their choices -- in ways that feel true and real and solid. They don't always choose well or correctly; but their choices make *sense* based on who they are, and what they know and value. Loyalties are tested, divided, and restored. While the plot is well-constructed and has enough twists to be satisfying without being annoying, what I savored the most about this novel was the opportunity to spend time in this world, and with these characters.
Strongly recommended.
I had never had the pleasure of reading one of Kate Elliott's novels (despite enjoying her short work), mostly because my time for leisure reading was so limited that I spent over a decade shying away from "doorstop" novels for the most part. Long books were a *commitment* and I didn't feel as though I had the bandwidth to really engage.
The thing is, commitments are often very worthwhile. It's a matter of picking the right one.
The Nameless Land is the second book in the Witch Roads series. I had not read the first, but there is enough backstory provided to ensure that I understood what was going on nonetheless.
The worldbuilding in this novel is fabulous. The Pall (a deadly, poisonous fog that permeates the lands of this novel after a cataclysmic event) is a character, a catalyst, and an implacable villain of the highest order, because it cannot be reasoned with, thwarted, or defeated. At best, one can survive it. The sense of dread and fear from the Pall is palpable, and the world Elliott has created shows a wide variety of responses to the Pall among multiple peoples, societies, and social strata. There is court intrigue; there is pointed social commentary; there is mutual aid and efforts at understanding.
The characters in this novel are complex, nuanced, and fascinating, even when they aren't particularly likeable (looking at you, Prince Gevulin). Elen, our protagonist, is world weary and grieving the loss of a partner. She's also resilient, quietly thoughtful, and fiercely protective of her people. The novel features a cast of characters who all approach their lives -- and their choices -- in ways that feel true and real and solid. They don't always choose well or correctly; but their choices make *sense* based on who they are, and what they know and value. Loyalties are tested, divided, and restored. While the plot is well-constructed and has enough twists to be satisfying without being annoying, what I savored the most about this novel was the opportunity to spend time in this world, and with these characters.
Strongly recommended.
December 15, 2025
I absolutely loved the Witch Roads and was enthralled with the story and needed this second book right away after that ending! Thankfully this book starts up right when the Witch Roads ends (so you should probably read one right after the other). I also loved this one, though the first half was not as easy to read due to the absence of the one character that I adored (besides Elen of course).
Though it still is a fast read because the action just does not stop with the prince following the path of the one who is trying to kill him off, and Elen is dragged along for the ride now that the prince knows her secret and has his own plans for her. It was a bit jarring at times with the prince (who is definitely different than the haunt) and I did not like him very much. The story is rife with betrayals, secrets, intriguing mysteries (especially since in this book we get to travel through the pall to the lands where Elen's childhood as an atoner lived), royal plots, but also strong friendships and bonds that last through anything. Plus it was cool (and sad) to learn more about Elen's past and her mysterious powers.
This was a cool world to visit (as long as I get to travel with Elen and the haunt) and while this is toted as a duology and does end nicely, there are still many loose threads and questions that I would love to have more books written in this same world (which is so big and full of many possibilities). I am very glad I got to read this though and do highly recommend this duology and that Kate Elliott is a great author who weaves wondrously interesting worlds.
Though it still is a fast read because the action just does not stop with the prince following the path of the one who is trying to kill him off, and Elen is dragged along for the ride now that the prince knows her secret and has his own plans for her. It was a bit jarring at times with the prince (who is definitely different than the haunt) and I did not like him very much. The story is rife with betrayals, secrets, intriguing mysteries (especially since in this book we get to travel through the pall to the lands where Elen's childhood as an atoner lived), royal plots, but also strong friendships and bonds that last through anything. Plus it was cool (and sad) to learn more about Elen's past and her mysterious powers.
This was a cool world to visit (as long as I get to travel with Elen and the haunt) and while this is toted as a duology and does end nicely, there are still many loose threads and questions that I would love to have more books written in this same world (which is so big and full of many possibilities). I am very glad I got to read this though and do highly recommend this duology and that Kate Elliott is a great author who weaves wondrously interesting worlds.
November 17, 2025
This high fantasy title is the second book in a two-book series. The audiobook of this title isn’t out until February 2026, so I read it with my eyes only. Since I have dyslexia, I really struggle with reading unless I have both the ebook and the audiobook versions for immersion. This is especially true for books with a lot of descriptive language and those with unfamiliar place or character names; this book has all of that.
The world building in this series is complex and immersive. The main character, Elen, is so full of hope and optimism, even after surviving extreme hardships and mistreatment. The language is interesting and the mythology, physics, magic, magical creatures, and political systems are so completely foreign and thoroughly fleshed out.
This story has adventure, travel, and several exciting battles. The flashbacks into Elen’s past are well placed to parse information at appropriate times while still moving the plot forward. The complicated world structure and evocative language keep the pacing slower, but the action and the chapter and timeline breaks are expertly placed to compel the reader to want more. The relationship development and found family aspects of this series are such a slow build, but around halfway through this second book, we start to see some really satisfying payoff.
I would recommend this title to readers who enjoy detailed and intricate world building; those who appreciate adventure stories and relationship building through adversity/shared enemies; and fans of Brandon Sanderson, Tolkien, and other writers of epic fantasy.
The world building in this series is complex and immersive. The main character, Elen, is so full of hope and optimism, even after surviving extreme hardships and mistreatment. The language is interesting and the mythology, physics, magic, magical creatures, and political systems are so completely foreign and thoroughly fleshed out.
This story has adventure, travel, and several exciting battles. The flashbacks into Elen’s past are well placed to parse information at appropriate times while still moving the plot forward. The complicated world structure and evocative language keep the pacing slower, but the action and the chapter and timeline breaks are expertly placed to compel the reader to want more. The relationship development and found family aspects of this series are such a slow build, but around halfway through this second book, we start to see some really satisfying payoff.
I would recommend this title to readers who enjoy detailed and intricate world building; those who appreciate adventure stories and relationship building through adversity/shared enemies; and fans of Brandon Sanderson, Tolkien, and other writers of epic fantasy.
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