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When We Rise
Deep in despair over the betrayals of everyone he trusted, Domitris is now on the run with the very people who first deceived him. As he recovers from his injuries and unveils the secrets of Sinnan and his troupe, he is faced with a life entirely different from the one he knew.
On the verge of accepting this new life and identity, Domitris’ failures come back to haunt him, and he realizes that he alone has a chance to save his country—but a person from the troupe’s dark past returns, throwing another spoke in the wheel of their plans. With each step pushing them into greater peril, they have only each other to rely on as they face the rising threat of war.
On the verge of accepting this new life and identity, Domitris’ failures come back to haunt him, and he realizes that he alone has a chance to save his country—but a person from the troupe’s dark past returns, throwing another spoke in the wheel of their plans. With each step pushing them into greater peril, they have only each other to rely on as they face the rising threat of war.
402 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 17, 2025
Early reader here! My review is spoiler free (more or less).
I’ve had the luck and privilege of reading an advanced copy of "When We Rise" by Anya Wildt, and just finished it today, but I couldn't wait to rate it and share my thoughts and feelings about it.
The story begins without preamble, which feels natural for a sequel—there’s no need to reintroduce the world or the characters.
Where the first book carried the heavy task of presenting a rich, unfamiliar universe in the midst of political upheaval, along with a whole cast of characters to get to know, this second volume—freed from such constraints—focuses more intimately on the protagonists.
The opening chapters embrace a deliberately slow, almost introspective pace, allowing us to delve deeper into the dynamics of the group and to absorb the aftermath of the previous events.
The rhythm is slow but never dull. It unfolds with purpose, always shadowed by a subtle tension that keeps the reader on edge—just as the characters themselves are.
This is a volume for healing, for taking a breath, for exploring the emotional aftermath once the fires of the first book have burned through. Yet, it still offers intense moments and rising threats that reinvigorate the plot and keep pushing the characters forward.
The characters feel deeply human—flawed, vulnerable, and moving. I related to them more strongly in this second book than the first, understood them more, even if the main characters are still not my favorites of the lot.
Although the main focus remains on Domitris and Sinnan, I found myself especially drawn to the couple formed by Amelia and Jenine, who often steal the spotlight. To me, they embody a gentler, more tender side of love, contrasting with the chaos and intensity of Domitris and Sinnan.
Anya Wildt’s writing remains fluid, elegant, and vivid—both in emotional depth and in the description of the world they travel through.
Where the first book built on a seductive tension, charged with sensuality, deception, and the slow taming of hearts, this second installment explores the consequences of that bond. The passion has given way to something more uncertain—two people trying to find their footing again.
That said, the author doesn’t shy away from intensity. Her raw, evocative approach to physical connection still pulses through the story with striking force.
When We Rise stands as a rich, introspective sequel—more intimate, more assured—that deepens character bonds while laying the groundwork for what promises to be a powerful continuation.
This is a book of healing, of searching, of quiet strength. But as the final pages turn, a sense of gathering storm lingers in the air.
If this volume is about mending wounds and finding one’s place, it also leaves us bracing for the darker path ahead. And I can’t wait to see where Anya Wildt takes us next.
I’ve had the luck and privilege of reading an advanced copy of "When We Rise" by Anya Wildt, and just finished it today, but I couldn't wait to rate it and share my thoughts and feelings about it.
The story begins without preamble, which feels natural for a sequel—there’s no need to reintroduce the world or the characters.
Where the first book carried the heavy task of presenting a rich, unfamiliar universe in the midst of political upheaval, along with a whole cast of characters to get to know, this second volume—freed from such constraints—focuses more intimately on the protagonists.
The opening chapters embrace a deliberately slow, almost introspective pace, allowing us to delve deeper into the dynamics of the group and to absorb the aftermath of the previous events.
The rhythm is slow but never dull. It unfolds with purpose, always shadowed by a subtle tension that keeps the reader on edge—just as the characters themselves are.
This is a volume for healing, for taking a breath, for exploring the emotional aftermath once the fires of the first book have burned through. Yet, it still offers intense moments and rising threats that reinvigorate the plot and keep pushing the characters forward.
The characters feel deeply human—flawed, vulnerable, and moving. I related to them more strongly in this second book than the first, understood them more, even if the main characters are still not my favorites of the lot.
Although the main focus remains on Domitris and Sinnan, I found myself especially drawn to the couple formed by Amelia and Jenine, who often steal the spotlight. To me, they embody a gentler, more tender side of love, contrasting with the chaos and intensity of Domitris and Sinnan.
Anya Wildt’s writing remains fluid, elegant, and vivid—both in emotional depth and in the description of the world they travel through.
Where the first book built on a seductive tension, charged with sensuality, deception, and the slow taming of hearts, this second installment explores the consequences of that bond. The passion has given way to something more uncertain—two people trying to find their footing again.
That said, the author doesn’t shy away from intensity. Her raw, evocative approach to physical connection still pulses through the story with striking force.
When We Rise stands as a rich, introspective sequel—more intimate, more assured—that deepens character bonds while laying the groundwork for what promises to be a powerful continuation.
This is a book of healing, of searching, of quiet strength. But as the final pages turn, a sense of gathering storm lingers in the air.
If this volume is about mending wounds and finding one’s place, it also leaves us bracing for the darker path ahead. And I can’t wait to see where Anya Wildt takes us next.
April 4, 2025
Thank you Anya for giving me an ARC of this book!
I received this ARC on exchange for an honest review, so honest I will be, even though it pains my heart to be the first to review the book and give it a low rating. However, giving it a rating any higher would not reflect my true feelings while reading the book.
The first thoughts that come up when thinking about my reading experience would be “a drag” and “that’s it?”. This book suffers greatly from second book syndrome. Apart from a few scenes, nothing really happens. It relies heavily on character work. As much as I love it when books take their time diving into its characters, I did not feel that way here.
When I think about the characters, I would say I like them. Yet, the way the book worked on them was not interesting. For instance, a lot of backstories are revealed. That is exciting at first. However, they are all done in basically the same manner. Domitris has a conversation with a character. The character tells him a story about their past. Tada. And this happens so many times. About halfway through I got really tired of it.
Domitris remains a difficult character to like. I think for the most part because he showcases characteristics that make it very hard to believe that he is a good emperor. In the book Domitris doubts his ability to be emperor and to be honest, so am I. These two books make me believe he isn’t the right person for the job. Unless the rest of the series is doing something very unexpected and unlike other books like this, I highly doubt that is what’s supposed to happen.
This book feels a lot smaller than it is. With almost 400 pages, one would think you can write about quite a lot. However, I feel like this would be the plot of the first 150/200 pages of a book. We give the character and relationship development some time and then we return to moving the plot forward. I see what was attempted and I understand the choice to spend time with the characters and relationships to really build that found family vibe and make Domitri’s development realistic. However, the way it was executed failed at making this approach an entertaining one to read.
This book also utilises a trope that I do not enjoy. It’s this thing where the main character starts something with a group of friends but the MC is convinced they have to continue on their own. The group tries to convince MC that this is a bad idea. MC end up realising they are stronger together and reunite. That’s what happens in this book several times. I’d basically call this the main plot. Domitris wants to leave and do things on his own, for several different reasons throughout the book, but then it ends up not happening for different reasons and Domitris feels bad because the group is being so kind to him. It feels like a constant back and forth. Domitris doesn’t really seem to learn anything from it, as he keeps trying to separate again and again. It annoyed me more than anything.
In conclusion, I sadly have to say the book was not an enjoyable reading experience. I just waited for things to happen and for it to pick up some speed.
Anya, if you read this, sorry, you are awesome, but I also want to be as honest as I always am in reviews.
I received this ARC on exchange for an honest review, so honest I will be, even though it pains my heart to be the first to review the book and give it a low rating. However, giving it a rating any higher would not reflect my true feelings while reading the book.
The first thoughts that come up when thinking about my reading experience would be “a drag” and “that’s it?”. This book suffers greatly from second book syndrome. Apart from a few scenes, nothing really happens. It relies heavily on character work. As much as I love it when books take their time diving into its characters, I did not feel that way here.
When I think about the characters, I would say I like them. Yet, the way the book worked on them was not interesting. For instance, a lot of backstories are revealed. That is exciting at first. However, they are all done in basically the same manner. Domitris has a conversation with a character. The character tells him a story about their past. Tada. And this happens so many times. About halfway through I got really tired of it.
Domitris remains a difficult character to like. I think for the most part because he showcases characteristics that make it very hard to believe that he is a good emperor. In the book Domitris doubts his ability to be emperor and to be honest, so am I. These two books make me believe he isn’t the right person for the job. Unless the rest of the series is doing something very unexpected and unlike other books like this, I highly doubt that is what’s supposed to happen.
This book feels a lot smaller than it is. With almost 400 pages, one would think you can write about quite a lot. However, I feel like this would be the plot of the first 150/200 pages of a book. We give the character and relationship development some time and then we return to moving the plot forward. I see what was attempted and I understand the choice to spend time with the characters and relationships to really build that found family vibe and make Domitri’s development realistic. However, the way it was executed failed at making this approach an entertaining one to read.
This book also utilises a trope that I do not enjoy. It’s this thing where the main character starts something with a group of friends but the MC is convinced they have to continue on their own. The group tries to convince MC that this is a bad idea. MC end up realising they are stronger together and reunite. That’s what happens in this book several times. I’d basically call this the main plot. Domitris wants to leave and do things on his own, for several different reasons throughout the book, but then it ends up not happening for different reasons and Domitris feels bad because the group is being so kind to him. It feels like a constant back and forth. Domitris doesn’t really seem to learn anything from it, as he keeps trying to separate again and again. It annoyed me more than anything.
In conclusion, I sadly have to say the book was not an enjoyable reading experience. I just waited for things to happen and for it to pick up some speed.
Anya, if you read this, sorry, you are awesome, but I also want to be as honest as I always am in reviews.
May 20, 2025
I received When We Rise as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I originally found Anya through TikTok and decided to give her first book a try and I was immediately hooked. The mix of political intrigue, queer romance, and fantasy really pulled me in. After finishing it, I signed up for her ARC program through her mailing list to get early access to the sequel.
This second book takes a different approach than the first. While the first was filled with multiple plots, politics, and layered characters, When We Rise slows things down to focus more on character development, especially the performing troop/misfits connected to Sinen, Domitris’s love interest.
The book starts with Domitris at his lowest point, grappling with his new reality after the events of book one. Much of the story is about his acceptance of his situation and his gradual connection with the group. From there, it dives into the backstories of these side characters, helping us better understand people we only knew briefly before.
I thought the character building was well done and meaningful, but personally, I preferred the tone and pacing of the first book. The political complexity and romance that originally hooked me took more of a back seat here. The romance in particular was very minimal until the last third of the book, which left me wanting a bit more.
That said, if you enjoyed the first book and want to explore the world and its characters more deeply, I’d still recommend this. It feels like a quiet but necessary chapter in the series, one that’s setting the groundwork for bigger things to come. I’m definitely excited for the next book and where the story is headed!
This second book takes a different approach than the first. While the first was filled with multiple plots, politics, and layered characters, When We Rise slows things down to focus more on character development, especially the performing troop/misfits connected to Sinen, Domitris’s love interest.
The book starts with Domitris at his lowest point, grappling with his new reality after the events of book one. Much of the story is about his acceptance of his situation and his gradual connection with the group. From there, it dives into the backstories of these side characters, helping us better understand people we only knew briefly before.
I thought the character building was well done and meaningful, but personally, I preferred the tone and pacing of the first book. The political complexity and romance that originally hooked me took more of a back seat here. The romance in particular was very minimal until the last third of the book, which left me wanting a bit more.
That said, if you enjoyed the first book and want to explore the world and its characters more deeply, I’d still recommend this. It feels like a quiet but necessary chapter in the series, one that’s setting the groundwork for bigger things to come. I’m definitely excited for the next book and where the story is headed!
April 9, 2025
I’m fresh after finishing so I guess I’ll be parsing through plot events from the end but also spoiler free so don’t expect to see here too much about the plot. I’ve also read the first review that showed up and as usual - I shouldn’t have done it, as it impacts my own thoughts. Although in this case I have a different opinion.
Huge plus for not ending the book with as disruptive cliffhanger as volume one. I was super lucky that I could read ARC directly after volume one.
For me this was much better book and better writing than volume one and I see a writer that quickly steps up her craft. More focus on characters, their evolution and their backgrounds did a lot of good. Domitris became much more believable character for me compared to volume one where I finally got a reason why this soft and self doubting personality could become the first elected emperor. I still do like his companions more though 😅
A bit sad that there’s really only one sex scene but the buildup through the book and final heartwarming notes in the plot after so much struggle of the band have lead to quite astonishing physical intimacy and intensity.
I’m not a professional literary critic and obviously my evaluation and 5-star rating is very subjective. As a reader I am very much satisfied! Usually I give 4 stars for books I really liked and 5 only for titles that do satisfy me to the core. Iv’e graded volume one for 4 stars and here honestly I would give 4,5 or bit higher which by math rounding rules go up to 5 but even without rounding - it’s not far from reaching this max rating.
What saddens me though is that now I have to wait for continuation ☹️ after all Anya Wildt just finished writing this and barely started writing volume 3 😭 Sooo… this is my recommendation - I want to know what happens next!
Huge plus for not ending the book with as disruptive cliffhanger as volume one. I was super lucky that I could read ARC directly after volume one.
For me this was much better book and better writing than volume one and I see a writer that quickly steps up her craft. More focus on characters, their evolution and their backgrounds did a lot of good. Domitris became much more believable character for me compared to volume one where I finally got a reason why this soft and self doubting personality could become the first elected emperor. I still do like his companions more though 😅
A bit sad that there’s really only one sex scene but the buildup through the book and final heartwarming notes in the plot after so much struggle of the band have lead to quite astonishing physical intimacy and intensity.
I’m not a professional literary critic and obviously my evaluation and 5-star rating is very subjective. As a reader I am very much satisfied! Usually I give 4 stars for books I really liked and 5 only for titles that do satisfy me to the core. Iv’e graded volume one for 4 stars and here honestly I would give 4,5 or bit higher which by math rounding rules go up to 5 but even without rounding - it’s not far from reaching this max rating.
What saddens me though is that now I have to wait for continuation ☹️ after all Anya Wildt just finished writing this and barely started writing volume 3 😭 Sooo… this is my recommendation - I want to know what happens next!
May 12, 2025
First things first: I received the book early as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'll do my best to keep this as spoiler-free as possible.
I re-read the first book before diving into this one because it had been a while since my last read and I wanted to be immersed in the world of "As We Fall" and Anya's writing style again.
While the first book concentrated on large-scale events, the second book focuses on Domitris dealing with the fallout from book one and trying to figure out where to go from there.
Contrary to other reviewers, I really liked the fact that this is a process that takes time and involves a lot of personal struggle along the way. Even though I wasn't Domitris' biggest fan in the first book, these struggles made him feel deeply human and three-dimensional. I especially liked that his progress wasn't linear.
In my honest opinion the current market is flooded with stories of heroes that just dust themselves off after the most traumatic events of their entire life and immediately go back to being heroes. "When We Rise" felt like a breeze of fresh air in that regard and I got way more invested than I thought I'd be.
I'd like to point out that it's not like only character development happens in this book. Yes, we get a lot of backstory for the rest of the troupe - but also glimpses into the horrors of war (especially for civilians), more information on other regions, political systems, cultures, and significant progress in the overall war plot, even if our main characters aren't directly involved in a lot of it.
All in all I feel like this is a very well written sequel that didn't only show Anya's progress as a writer but really gave the entire series more depth and gets the reader even more involved in the story.
I am positively terrified of the next book because I can tell that one will probably involve some painful tradeoffs and I can't wait to have my heart ripped out by it!
I'll do my best to keep this as spoiler-free as possible.
I re-read the first book before diving into this one because it had been a while since my last read and I wanted to be immersed in the world of "As We Fall" and Anya's writing style again.
While the first book concentrated on large-scale events, the second book focuses on Domitris dealing with the fallout from book one and trying to figure out where to go from there.
Contrary to other reviewers, I really liked the fact that this is a process that takes time and involves a lot of personal struggle along the way. Even though I wasn't Domitris' biggest fan in the first book, these struggles made him feel deeply human and three-dimensional. I especially liked that his progress wasn't linear.
In my honest opinion the current market is flooded with stories of heroes that just dust themselves off after the most traumatic events of their entire life and immediately go back to being heroes. "When We Rise" felt like a breeze of fresh air in that regard and I got way more invested than I thought I'd be.
I'd like to point out that it's not like only character development happens in this book. Yes, we get a lot of backstory for the rest of the troupe - but also glimpses into the horrors of war (especially for civilians), more information on other regions, political systems, cultures, and significant progress in the overall war plot, even if our main characters aren't directly involved in a lot of it.
All in all I feel like this is a very well written sequel that didn't only show Anya's progress as a writer but really gave the entire series more depth and gets the reader even more involved in the story.
I am positively terrified of the next book because I can tell that one will probably involve some painful tradeoffs and I can't wait to have my heart ripped out by it!
June 6, 2025
First off, thank you Anya for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review~ I have followed you along this journey and am happy to be a part of it.
I am giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars because at 50% is only when it really started to get interesting. In the first half of the book, we are told not shown all the backstories and bonding. Domitris' inner dialouge is pretty much the same, and while I see other reviews not liking him, I don't agree. I do like his internal struggle and development because he has flaws as everyone else does. The side characters are where it started to get repetitive for me. Everyone in the group just felt like they all had specific roles, and that's all they fit into. Jenine is the optimistic sunshine, Amelia is grumpy, etc. When everyone's backstory was simply told to Domitris, it didn't make them more interesting as it just locked them in place. The 2nd half the pacing was also a bit difficult for me, and it feels like this book is suffering from 2nd book syndrome.
The writing is good, and the plot in this one was definitely lacking. It is very character heavy, and while I see the vision and arc, it is just taking too long to get there for me. I think a lot of people will like this, but it wasn't for me, unfortunately.
I am giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars because at 50% is only when it really started to get interesting. In the first half of the book, we are told not shown all the backstories and bonding. Domitris' inner dialouge is pretty much the same, and while I see other reviews not liking him, I don't agree. I do like his internal struggle and development because he has flaws as everyone else does. The side characters are where it started to get repetitive for me. Everyone in the group just felt like they all had specific roles, and that's all they fit into. Jenine is the optimistic sunshine, Amelia is grumpy, etc. When everyone's backstory was simply told to Domitris, it didn't make them more interesting as it just locked them in place. The 2nd half the pacing was also a bit difficult for me, and it feels like this book is suffering from 2nd book syndrome.
The writing is good, and the plot in this one was definitely lacking. It is very character heavy, and while I see the vision and arc, it is just taking too long to get there for me. I think a lot of people will like this, but it wasn't for me, unfortunately.
June 27, 2025
When We Rise was exactly what I needed after the dramatic climax of As We Fall. I relished the chance to delve deeper into the characters we met in the first book, and to thoroughly explore their dynamics with each other. Domitris' journey, both literal and figurative, was a delight to follow, and I found myself falling even more in love with these complex, nuanced characters and the beautiful world Wildt has created.
This book is a breath of fresh air, and sets us up perfectly for what I'm sure will be a thrilling next instalment!
This book is a breath of fresh air, and sets us up perfectly for what I'm sure will be a thrilling next instalment!
May 4, 2025
I want to start this review by saying thank you to Anya, as I was lucky enough to be given an ARC, and that I also read As We Fall previously.
When We Rise picks up as an immediate sequel to As We Fall, mere days passing since Domitris was desperately rescued by Sinnan and company. In a slower paced approach to storytelling, When We Rise follows the troupe and an injured Domitris as they navigate a country gearing for war in the aftermath of a coup d'état. Personal, interpersonal, and international affairs collide, providing a rich and illustrative journey through page after page of mastercraft writing. The big, intense feelings of As We Fall are replaced by deliberate, aching, and festering emotions to be overcome through each passing day, while still leaving room for the flashy and dramatic moments of action, intrigue, and rupture. In what I would consider the perfect sequel to an outstanding first entry, When We Rise captivated me from page one and had me struggling to turn out my nightlight, yearning ever for just one more chapter before bed. Every time I set it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again, earger to follow along with the next engaging entry. It's unclear how Wildt has written my, easily, two favorite novels back to back, but I applaud them from the bottom of my heart. I can wholeheartedly recommend this as a necessary read for anyone who enjoyed As We Fall, enjoys fantasy inspired by ancient Rome, and certainly to all my fellow queer romantacy readers. Another breathtaking installment in the series and another opportunity to say, "I cannot WAIT for the next book!"
When We Rise picks up as an immediate sequel to As We Fall, mere days passing since Domitris was desperately rescued by Sinnan and company. In a slower paced approach to storytelling, When We Rise follows the troupe and an injured Domitris as they navigate a country gearing for war in the aftermath of a coup d'état. Personal, interpersonal, and international affairs collide, providing a rich and illustrative journey through page after page of mastercraft writing. The big, intense feelings of As We Fall are replaced by deliberate, aching, and festering emotions to be overcome through each passing day, while still leaving room for the flashy and dramatic moments of action, intrigue, and rupture. In what I would consider the perfect sequel to an outstanding first entry, When We Rise captivated me from page one and had me struggling to turn out my nightlight, yearning ever for just one more chapter before bed. Every time I set it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again, earger to follow along with the next engaging entry. It's unclear how Wildt has written my, easily, two favorite novels back to back, but I applaud them from the bottom of my heart. I can wholeheartedly recommend this as a necessary read for anyone who enjoyed As We Fall, enjoys fantasy inspired by ancient Rome, and certainly to all my fellow queer romantacy readers. Another breathtaking installment in the series and another opportunity to say, "I cannot WAIT for the next book!"
April 17, 2025
3.5 stars, but I can only do whole starts and it's closer to 3 than 4.
I should start this by saying that I got this book as an Arc and I'm incredibly happy that I had the opportunity to be one of the arc readers as I loved the first book a lot! I should also mention that I didn't reread the first book before reading this one, witch was both a good and bad thing at different parts but we'll get to that. Lastly this review will contain some small spoilers for book 1 of the series, but I will mention that at the start of the paragraph.
I don't think I have ever hated a main character as much as I hated Domitris at the beginning of the book! The first 20% of the book where pretty difficult to get through because of that and the overall speed of the plot. And I get that part of the point was that he was in this spiral, but it's incredibly annoying to see the main character make the same mistakes again and again. After about 30% I'd say that he became a lot better and I started to genuinely like him, even if he did still do some stupid stuff.
As for Sinnan, I liked him a lot and I feel like this book gave a lot more insight into his character and I honestly loved spending time with him throughout this story. What I did hate was how everybody (including Sinnan at times) talked about him.
The other characters in the group where amazing! I really enjoined getting to know them better, and spending this much time with them. One of them, however, was a bit more annoying when flip-flopping on there attitude to both Domitris and Sinnan constantly. It got to the point were they felt like more of a plot devise than a character.
This paragraph has some small spoilers for book 1:
This book felt very different form whet I remember the first one being, specifically the way the story was told. For example, in book one Domitris is a lot more hands on, like traveling to the library to follow up on a lead. Then the whole sequence with the library happens and the book just feels very proactive and like a lot happened. There was always a problem to solve and something to do. This book felt like the opposite of that, where there were not a lot of action sequences and at times it felt like we were going no where. And I think that stark contrast would have been very annoying if I had read them back to back. Like I said I did really enjoy this book and this is not a bad way to tell a story, I just think that 2 books in the same series shouldn't be this different.
One of the main things that I found really annoying was that the book felt very directionless at times. Of course the characters weren't sure where they were going either, but I prefer to know what the next step/plan is, even if that doesn't end up happening at least it won't feel like wandering around aimlessly.
The entire book also felt like one big flashback and I felt like we didn't accomplish anything! Domitris just went from conversation to (usually interrupted) conversation. And all we really did was get to know the side characters and their backstory. Which was very fascinating and I enjoyed spending all that time with them, I would just have liked if we had done something in the mean time. And when we did have more action filled sequences I didn't think it furthered the plot much. For example we have a new 'bad guy' ('cause obviously we can't spend the second book directly up against the main bad guy), but he wasn't mentioned once in the first book and I feel like we could easily go the rest of the series without seeing him again. The entire part with him felt like a side quest and we easily could have arrived at the same point in the plot without him being in the book at all.
Here I will briefly talk about the last few chapters of the book, but I will keep it very vague.
One thing that this book does that I find to be quite unforgivable has to do with two characters form book 1. About halfway through, we meet up with a character from the first book and they have not been mentioned once in the first 50%. And when they are introduced I had to figure out through context clues who they where, this wasn't to bad but it happens again. This time at the end of the book, we see a character after not having mentioned or thought about them once for 350+ pages! Even not at points where, thinking back, it would have made a lot of sense to mention them. And when we see them they are introduced by just there name?! I genuinely had to put the book down to grab the first one and look up who this character was and it was supposed to be a big deal that they where there! It took me about 3 days to read this book so if I had read the first book right before this it wouldn't have been a big deal for me, but if someone takes a month to read the book how are they supposed to remember this character by just the name?
I would like to end this by saying that even though I did just spend a few paragraphs pointing out everything that I didn't like about this book, I did enjoy the reading experience (except the end) and I genuinely cannot wait to read the third book and see where the story and the characters go!
I should start this by saying that I got this book as an Arc and I'm incredibly happy that I had the opportunity to be one of the arc readers as I loved the first book a lot! I should also mention that I didn't reread the first book before reading this one, witch was both a good and bad thing at different parts but we'll get to that. Lastly this review will contain some small spoilers for book 1 of the series, but I will mention that at the start of the paragraph.
I don't think I have ever hated a main character as much as I hated Domitris at the beginning of the book! The first 20% of the book where pretty difficult to get through because of that and the overall speed of the plot. And I get that part of the point was that he was in this spiral, but it's incredibly annoying to see the main character make the same mistakes again and again. After about 30% I'd say that he became a lot better and I started to genuinely like him, even if he did still do some stupid stuff.
As for Sinnan, I liked him a lot and I feel like this book gave a lot more insight into his character and I honestly loved spending time with him throughout this story. What I did hate was how everybody (including Sinnan at times) talked about him.
The other characters in the group where amazing! I really enjoined getting to know them better, and spending this much time with them. One of them, however, was a bit more annoying when flip-flopping on there attitude to both Domitris and Sinnan constantly. It got to the point were they felt like more of a plot devise than a character.
This paragraph has some small spoilers for book 1:
This book felt very different form whet I remember the first one being, specifically the way the story was told. For example, in book one Domitris is a lot more hands on, like traveling to the library to follow up on a lead. Then the whole sequence with the library happens and the book just feels very proactive and like a lot happened. There was always a problem to solve and something to do. This book felt like the opposite of that, where there were not a lot of action sequences and at times it felt like we were going no where. And I think that stark contrast would have been very annoying if I had read them back to back. Like I said I did really enjoy this book and this is not a bad way to tell a story, I just think that 2 books in the same series shouldn't be this different.
One of the main things that I found really annoying was that the book felt very directionless at times. Of course the characters weren't sure where they were going either, but I prefer to know what the next step/plan is, even if that doesn't end up happening at least it won't feel like wandering around aimlessly.
The entire book also felt like one big flashback and I felt like we didn't accomplish anything! Domitris just went from conversation to (usually interrupted) conversation. And all we really did was get to know the side characters and their backstory. Which was very fascinating and I enjoyed spending all that time with them, I would just have liked if we had done something in the mean time. And when we did have more action filled sequences I didn't think it furthered the plot much. For example we have a new 'bad guy' ('cause obviously we can't spend the second book directly up against the main bad guy), but he wasn't mentioned once in the first book and I feel like we could easily go the rest of the series without seeing him again. The entire part with him felt like a side quest and we easily could have arrived at the same point in the plot without him being in the book at all.
Here I will briefly talk about the last few chapters of the book, but I will keep it very vague.
One thing that this book does that I find to be quite unforgivable has to do with two characters form book 1. About halfway through, we meet up with a character from the first book and they have not been mentioned once in the first 50%. And when they are introduced I had to figure out through context clues who they where, this wasn't to bad but it happens again. This time at the end of the book, we see a character after not having mentioned or thought about them once for 350+ pages! Even not at points where, thinking back, it would have made a lot of sense to mention them. And when we see them they are introduced by just there name?! I genuinely had to put the book down to grab the first one and look up who this character was and it was supposed to be a big deal that they where there! It took me about 3 days to read this book so if I had read the first book right before this it wouldn't have been a big deal for me, but if someone takes a month to read the book how are they supposed to remember this character by just the name?
I would like to end this by saying that even though I did just spend a few paragraphs pointing out everything that I didn't like about this book, I did enjoy the reading experience (except the end) and I genuinely cannot wait to read the third book and see where the story and the characters go!
April 18, 2025
When We Rise is the sweet, aching, beautiful sequel to As We Fall, and it didn't disappoint. Full of character development, relationship development, and backstory reveals, it does more character work than the first book, which gives it a different pace and atmosphere but one that is no less aching and intense.
Some who really enjoyed the first book may not like this sequel because it doesn't feature the same dramatic political intrigue and mystery "whodunnit" plot. However, as the second book in a four book series, and as someone who enjoys character-centric stories, I adored this sequel.
Getting to dive deeper into Domitris's psyche felt like a treat when such introspection wasn't possible in the first book with its external forces and mechanisms dictating Domitris's harrowing days. Now we get to slow down and revel in the shattered aftermath of book one, watching as Domitris picks up the pieces of his life and slowly weaves himself back together with the support (of varying levels) from the people who used and betrayed him in the first book. We get to see the development of Domitris and Sinnan's relationship in all its bittersweet, tangled, complicated emotions and revelations. We get to explore the culture and world outside of Concordia, and we, of course, get some insight into how things went down in Concordia and how it is faring after the end of book one.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned my hope of getting to know more about Sinnan and the troupe, and especially witness more of their interactions together, and I was beyond pleased that that's what we get in this book. They have such an interesting dynamic all together, this rag-tag group filled with wildly different people from all walks of life, yet they have still managed to build a cohesive, loving, sometimes-messy family. They bicker, and fight, and disagree, but in the end they love each other deeply and always come back to move forward, together. Seeing Domitris slowly get absorbed into this dynamic in a realistic way, his presence welcomed by some and disapproved by others, was interesting and sweet and, in the end, satisfying.
I wouldn't say it's anything like a "slice of life" though - there are still plenty of intensely nail-biting scenes in this book, with action and consequences and plot development. I think it does a good job balancing the two, though it errs on the side of character over plot. Which, for me, is a refreshing change of pace from these fantasy epics where you hardly get to take a breath before the next big, dramatic, in-your-face action sequence happens. I *want* to know more about the characters and relationships I'm supposed to be invested in as they put themselves in danger to "save the world." You can tell this series is building up to a delicious, emotionally intense crescendo, and diving deeper into the emotions at this point in the story allows that to simmer over the next books, waiting for it all to boil over. I, for one, can't wait.
Some who really enjoyed the first book may not like this sequel because it doesn't feature the same dramatic political intrigue and mystery "whodunnit" plot. However, as the second book in a four book series, and as someone who enjoys character-centric stories, I adored this sequel.
Getting to dive deeper into Domitris's psyche felt like a treat when such introspection wasn't possible in the first book with its external forces and mechanisms dictating Domitris's harrowing days. Now we get to slow down and revel in the shattered aftermath of book one, watching as Domitris picks up the pieces of his life and slowly weaves himself back together with the support (of varying levels) from the people who used and betrayed him in the first book. We get to see the development of Domitris and Sinnan's relationship in all its bittersweet, tangled, complicated emotions and revelations. We get to explore the culture and world outside of Concordia, and we, of course, get some insight into how things went down in Concordia and how it is faring after the end of book one.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned my hope of getting to know more about Sinnan and the troupe, and especially witness more of their interactions together, and I was beyond pleased that that's what we get in this book. They have such an interesting dynamic all together, this rag-tag group filled with wildly different people from all walks of life, yet they have still managed to build a cohesive, loving, sometimes-messy family. They bicker, and fight, and disagree, but in the end they love each other deeply and always come back to move forward, together. Seeing Domitris slowly get absorbed into this dynamic in a realistic way, his presence welcomed by some and disapproved by others, was interesting and sweet and, in the end, satisfying.
I wouldn't say it's anything like a "slice of life" though - there are still plenty of intensely nail-biting scenes in this book, with action and consequences and plot development. I think it does a good job balancing the two, though it errs on the side of character over plot. Which, for me, is a refreshing change of pace from these fantasy epics where you hardly get to take a breath before the next big, dramatic, in-your-face action sequence happens. I *want* to know more about the characters and relationships I'm supposed to be invested in as they put themselves in danger to "save the world." You can tell this series is building up to a delicious, emotionally intense crescendo, and diving deeper into the emotions at this point in the story allows that to simmer over the next books, waiting for it all to boil over. I, for one, can't wait.
April 24, 2025
"I wished on every single one of the bright lights rushing by."
Domitris looked at him. "What did you wish for?"
Sinnan met his eyes with a sorrowful expression. "Freedom."
After loving the first book, I was thrilled to be an ARC reader for the sequel (thank you Anya!). There are no spoilers for either books in this review :)
I don't want to say I'm disappointed, but definitely underwhelmed–sadly.
Anya Wildt created a wonderful, lush and history-rich world in her debut As We Fall, that felt as real and lively as the characters in it. Her writing style is vibrant yet easy to follow and is really comfortable to read. While these things are still true for the sequel, the plot and overall story-arch of When We Rise was underwhelming.
This book can be summarized in two words: traveling and backstory. Nothing else really happens. The entire plot plays on the road, filled with conversations about the past from each troupe-member. It's always the same pattern, and that grew really boring after some time, no matter how likable the characters are. There were a few scattered action scenes which were always a badly needed breath of fresh air.
Despite what I've read in other reviews, I don't mind Domitris as a main character. His crash-out in the beginning was totally valid in my opinion and made him relatable to me. His frustration and depression felt real and understandable in his situation. I also enjoyed his and Sinnan's relationship arc, I truly do like these two together. Still–I think the characters and their growth and backstories would have profited from a clearer plot. If more had happened outside of the group, their past would've had more impact on the reader. Instead, I was tired after the fifth deep and backstory-filled conversation each member had with Domitris.
It seems like this books suffers from second-book-syndrom. There was a lot of build-up and judging by the way it ended, things are going to pick up in the third book again. I merely wish the focus had been more on Domitris and his journey as the emperor, and less on the other characters. It feels like Anya herself loves the side-characters more than the main one. The first book had a lot of political intrigue, I wished this one had the same rich world-building.
I will definitely be reading the next book and am excited for Domitris' journey and how the upcoming war and fate of the empire will play out. Just be aware that if you start into this book right after finishing the first one, it might surprise you how slow it is. It's a character-heavy one, and therefore might be underwhelming. It sadly was for me.
I do want to say again that this book was not written badly in any way. I still love Anya's writing style and the way she perfectly blends neutral and straight-forward writing with flowery prose. Not once did her writing annoy me, which often happens in other books. It's the plot that fell flat for me since I lately enjoy more plot-heavy books.
Thanks again for the opportunity of being an early reader, I'm looking forward to the third installment in this series!
Domitris looked at him. "What did you wish for?"
Sinnan met his eyes with a sorrowful expression. "Freedom."
After loving the first book, I was thrilled to be an ARC reader for the sequel (thank you Anya!). There are no spoilers for either books in this review :)
I don't want to say I'm disappointed, but definitely underwhelmed–sadly.
Anya Wildt created a wonderful, lush and history-rich world in her debut As We Fall, that felt as real and lively as the characters in it. Her writing style is vibrant yet easy to follow and is really comfortable to read. While these things are still true for the sequel, the plot and overall story-arch of When We Rise was underwhelming.
This book can be summarized in two words: traveling and backstory. Nothing else really happens. The entire plot plays on the road, filled with conversations about the past from each troupe-member. It's always the same pattern, and that grew really boring after some time, no matter how likable the characters are. There were a few scattered action scenes which were always a badly needed breath of fresh air.
Despite what I've read in other reviews, I don't mind Domitris as a main character. His crash-out in the beginning was totally valid in my opinion and made him relatable to me. His frustration and depression felt real and understandable in his situation. I also enjoyed his and Sinnan's relationship arc, I truly do like these two together. Still–I think the characters and their growth and backstories would have profited from a clearer plot. If more had happened outside of the group, their past would've had more impact on the reader. Instead, I was tired after the fifth deep and backstory-filled conversation each member had with Domitris.
It seems like this books suffers from second-book-syndrom. There was a lot of build-up and judging by the way it ended, things are going to pick up in the third book again. I merely wish the focus had been more on Domitris and his journey as the emperor, and less on the other characters. It feels like Anya herself loves the side-characters more than the main one. The first book had a lot of political intrigue, I wished this one had the same rich world-building.
I will definitely be reading the next book and am excited for Domitris' journey and how the upcoming war and fate of the empire will play out. Just be aware that if you start into this book right after finishing the first one, it might surprise you how slow it is. It's a character-heavy one, and therefore might be underwhelming. It sadly was for me.
I do want to say again that this book was not written badly in any way. I still love Anya's writing style and the way she perfectly blends neutral and straight-forward writing with flowery prose. Not once did her writing annoy me, which often happens in other books. It's the plot that fell flat for me since I lately enjoy more plot-heavy books.
Thanks again for the opportunity of being an early reader, I'm looking forward to the third installment in this series!
June 4, 2025
I received this book as an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review, so here we go.
If you read book one of this series, you know what to expect by now - gorgeous writing full of small details that bring the world to life without being overboarding or boring as well as complicated, very human characters.
The story picks up directly after the ending of As We Fall, which I really loved. We get to see Domitris dealing with the fallout of everything that happened and I think I can say without spoiling too much that it is not going well.
As a person who has gone through trauma, I loved that he didn’t just brush off what happened, and is not dealing with it in a picture perfect way, either. Personally, I found him incredibly relatable and really enjoyed this portrayal.
The pacing of this book is slower than book one and the focus mainly lies on the characters, their development and the decision of what will happen next. It subverts the expectations of The Hero rushing right back into the fight and magically winning even if the odds are against them.
It feels like a much-needed breather after everything that happened during book one, and the ending promises more action again in book three.
I really enjoyed that all the little glimpses we got of the characters' back stories and of the personalities of the troupe around Sinnan are finally explored, that we really get to know these characters and their dynamic.
If you are a fan of found family, I can’t recommend this book enough.
The relationship between Sinnan and Domitris also grows and changes and develops in ways that feel incredibly real and natural.
Again, I hope I don’t spoil anything, but if you feel like the whole “I can fix him” trope is overdone /not your cup of tea, you will probably enjoy this book a lot.
All in all, I really enjoyed how real this felt to me. We dive deep into these characters and the struggles that come after big events happen, and I think Anya did an amazing job portraying these.
While it is slower paced, there still is a lot of tension and development, which led me to pretty much devouring it. I can only recommend reading this whole series, and am waiting impatiently for book three.
If you read book one of this series, you know what to expect by now - gorgeous writing full of small details that bring the world to life without being overboarding or boring as well as complicated, very human characters.
The story picks up directly after the ending of As We Fall, which I really loved. We get to see Domitris dealing with the fallout of everything that happened and I think I can say without spoiling too much that it is not going well.
As a person who has gone through trauma, I loved that he didn’t just brush off what happened, and is not dealing with it in a picture perfect way, either. Personally, I found him incredibly relatable and really enjoyed this portrayal.
The pacing of this book is slower than book one and the focus mainly lies on the characters, their development and the decision of what will happen next. It subverts the expectations of The Hero rushing right back into the fight and magically winning even if the odds are against them.
It feels like a much-needed breather after everything that happened during book one, and the ending promises more action again in book three.
I really enjoyed that all the little glimpses we got of the characters' back stories and of the personalities of the troupe around Sinnan are finally explored, that we really get to know these characters and their dynamic.
If you are a fan of found family, I can’t recommend this book enough.
The relationship between Sinnan and Domitris also grows and changes and develops in ways that feel incredibly real and natural.
Again, I hope I don’t spoil anything, but if you feel like the whole “I can fix him” trope is overdone /not your cup of tea, you will probably enjoy this book a lot.
All in all, I really enjoyed how real this felt to me. We dive deep into these characters and the struggles that come after big events happen, and I think Anya did an amazing job portraying these.
While it is slower paced, there still is a lot of tension and development, which led me to pretty much devouring it. I can only recommend reading this whole series, and am waiting impatiently for book three.
May 21, 2025
I LOVED EVERY PART OF THIS AMAZING SEQUEL!
(ARC reader after having read book 1 which I bought at a book store and just had to know more!)
I didn’t expect too much before, as the cliffhanger of book 1 left it quite open, and I wanted to be surprised on where the story was going, and OMG was I entranced from the start! I was honestly very entertained (though at times the future seemed so hopeless, even the pain felt so real) and I was excited about exploring a bit more outside the main city, and what might happen next. The world-building was wonderful, again was just enjoying how everything evolved.
Then there was the emotional state:
The roller coaster experience of having your heart ripped into pieces, on so many multiple occasions during the development— the pain and the very graphic and sometimes disturbing pictures painted was SO WELL DONE!
I also loved the somewhat quick pace at times mixed with a more slow tarvel to build up the backstories, the deepening of each character, and the evolution of the story, while we’re slowly realizing that this MC maybe hasn’t figured everything out yet, and aren’t the lifesaving hero he/we thought he was! But ofc we still love him and his thick skull <3 and Sinnan, oh boy, he’s just as lost and you want to hug him so much! Well done, Anya! I loved every moment reading this!
I can’t wait for the third book, and to read more about Sinnan and Dom <3
(ARC reader after having read book 1 which I bought at a book store and just had to know more!)
I didn’t expect too much before, as the cliffhanger of book 1 left it quite open, and I wanted to be surprised on where the story was going, and OMG was I entranced from the start! I was honestly very entertained (though at times the future seemed so hopeless, even the pain felt so real) and I was excited about exploring a bit more outside the main city, and what might happen next. The world-building was wonderful, again was just enjoying how everything evolved.
Then there was the emotional state:
The roller coaster experience of having your heart ripped into pieces, on so many multiple occasions during the development— the pain and the very graphic and sometimes disturbing pictures painted was SO WELL DONE!
I also loved the somewhat quick pace at times mixed with a more slow tarvel to build up the backstories, the deepening of each character, and the evolution of the story, while we’re slowly realizing that this MC maybe hasn’t figured everything out yet, and aren’t the lifesaving hero he/we thought he was! But ofc we still love him and his thick skull <3 and Sinnan, oh boy, he’s just as lost and you want to hug him so much! Well done, Anya! I loved every moment reading this!
I can’t wait for the third book, and to read more about Sinnan and Dom <3
June 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
This is a beautiful and contemplative sequel to a wonderful debut novel.
The book opens with Domitris at its lowest, grappling with deep feelings of betrayal, grief and failure as he is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters. One of my gripes with the first novel was the lack of development for secondary characters - this is not the case here! The cast are all well developed, written, and all get their time to shine.
I personally love the main character Domitris and find him relatable - and I love a story of a priviledged royal being put out of their element. I think his characterization was very real and human.
This book is slower than the first, with a lot of time spent establishing the characters and the internal feelings of the MC. I personally love it, as I love slow books that take their time to breathe, world build and properly let its themes stew (A Feast for Crows above A Storm of Swords kind of taste aha).
I was missing the political intrigue and city setting of the first a little bit, as well as the romance, which takes a back seat for the better part of this book (though I do love a good slowburn and tension, so I didn't mind it that much aha) - but I have no doubt I will be served with the rest of this wonderful series, and I can't wait to spend more time with Domitris, Sinnan and all the others!
This is a beautiful and contemplative sequel to a wonderful debut novel.
The book opens with Domitris at its lowest, grappling with deep feelings of betrayal, grief and failure as he is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters. One of my gripes with the first novel was the lack of development for secondary characters - this is not the case here! The cast are all well developed, written, and all get their time to shine.
I personally love the main character Domitris and find him relatable - and I love a story of a priviledged royal being put out of their element. I think his characterization was very real and human.
This book is slower than the first, with a lot of time spent establishing the characters and the internal feelings of the MC. I personally love it, as I love slow books that take their time to breathe, world build and properly let its themes stew (A Feast for Crows above A Storm of Swords kind of taste aha).
I was missing the political intrigue and city setting of the first a little bit, as well as the romance, which takes a back seat for the better part of this book (though I do love a good slowburn and tension, so I didn't mind it that much aha) - but I have no doubt I will be served with the rest of this wonderful series, and I can't wait to spend more time with Domitris, Sinnan and all the others!
September 27, 2025
*light spoilers* I was a little harsh with the first book, but it was a good start and showed a lot of potential from the author. Now this second book… I love it. I heard that many find it mid due to one of the character’s actions in the first 1-10 chapters, but I loved it! It was honest and how most people would actually react to such a grim situation. I understood what they were going through and it was pleasing to get a realistic reaction to trauma, instead of just the typical “It has changed me and I will now be better and stronger.” Which still happens, just not within an unrealistic short period of time. And the found family trope? Ugh! Perfection. The beginning is a little rocky to say the least, but they practice honest communication while also being in denial and it ends up as some very interesting reading.
And the bad guy in this book? Hoo… he gives me Game of Thrones vibes, in the psycho kind of way, well written and easy to dislike because he is just straight up nasty! The book ends on another cliffhanger, which only makes it harder to wait for the next one but I am HOOKED! I am a very slow reader but I got through this one in 10 days which to me is a record.
And the bad guy in this book? Hoo… he gives me Game of Thrones vibes, in the psycho kind of way, well written and easy to dislike because he is just straight up nasty! The book ends on another cliffhanger, which only makes it harder to wait for the next one but I am HOOKED! I am a very slow reader but I got through this one in 10 days which to me is a record.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
A page turner with heart and soul!
When We Rise, the second book in the As We Fall series, takes a more introspective perspective and follows Domitris and the troupe trying to reestablish themselves after the events of the first book.
Compared to the first book, there is much less political intrigue and negotiations of treaties. Instead we get to see this world from the common folks’ perspective and the plights that follow. This form of world building works very well from the point of view of the privileged Domitris who suddenly is a fish out of water. Moreover, it also retrospectively makes the first book better in that Domitris’ lack of awareness of these things brings a new depth to the series.
The character building in When We Rise is also strong. All the members of the troupe are given their time to shine and their strengths and flaws are realistically explored. The slower pace of this book (though there are plenty of action scenes sprinkled in throughout) works very well and I very much look forward to the third book in the series!
When We Rise, the second book in the As We Fall series, takes a more introspective perspective and follows Domitris and the troupe trying to reestablish themselves after the events of the first book.
Compared to the first book, there is much less political intrigue and negotiations of treaties. Instead we get to see this world from the common folks’ perspective and the plights that follow. This form of world building works very well from the point of view of the privileged Domitris who suddenly is a fish out of water. Moreover, it also retrospectively makes the first book better in that Domitris’ lack of awareness of these things brings a new depth to the series.
The character building in When We Rise is also strong. All the members of the troupe are given their time to shine and their strengths and flaws are realistically explored. The slower pace of this book (though there are plenty of action scenes sprinkled in throughout) works very well and I very much look forward to the third book in the series!
September 23, 2025
Diversity: bipoc mcs , bcs, and scs ,
Queerness : Queer Mcs , Sapphic mcs
So this is the second book from the as we fall series and I feel like this was kind of a filler book and im not mad at it . I feel like there is character development within this book that will become needed in the third book.
The family that domitris found in this book had me like 🥹 but now i don't want to wait for the next book
I need it now
Queerness : Queer Mcs , Sapphic mcs
So this is the second book from the as we fall series and I feel like this was kind of a filler book and im not mad at it . I feel like there is character development within this book that will become needed in the third book.
The family that domitris found in this book had me like 🥹 but now i don't want to wait for the next book
I need it now
June 2, 2025
This second book has all of the charm and suspense of the first, with a healthy dose of character growth (we love to see it)! I was so happy to return to this world and continue along these characters' journeys, this author has succeeded in making a gorgeous universe that I'm happy to revisit time and time again.
November 8, 2025
I got an arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great sequel to As We Fall. It did exactly what I want for the majority of the book. Diving into the supporting cast, getting to know them and building a found family, and I think Anya did it well. I care for all of the little crew.
The prose is still heavily on tell, but it might not bother all people, so I'm not gonna recommend against reading the book. Sadly, it did leave me skimming from time to time.
At first, I was very worried that Anya would direct Domitris' story in a direction I really didn't want, but I *think* it's gonna play out very differently, so I'm very excited and pleased.
I still care so so deeply for Sinnan, my darling, but Amelia grew a lot on me and I love her attitude.
I'm very excited for the third book and will be buying that one too.
This was a great sequel to As We Fall. It did exactly what I want for the majority of the book. Diving into the supporting cast, getting to know them and building a found family, and I think Anya did it well. I care for all of the little crew.
The prose is still heavily on tell, but it might not bother all people, so I'm not gonna recommend against reading the book. Sadly, it did leave me skimming from time to time.
At first, I was very worried that Anya would direct Domitris' story in a direction I really didn't want, but I *think* it's gonna play out very differently, so I'm very excited and pleased.
I still care so so deeply for Sinnan, my darling, but Amelia grew a lot on me and I love her attitude.
I'm very excited for the third book and will be buying that one too.
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