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The Sceptre & the Stylus #2
Perplexity
Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.
Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.
Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.
As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.
Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.
Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.
As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
352 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2026
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 7, 2026
The Princess of Imagination has penned another novel that’s as poignant as it is extraordinary!
“Perplexity” by Chawna Schroeder is a gripping tale of grief and betrayal, gleaming with illuminations of wonder and hope. The second addition to The Scepter & the Stylus trilogy, the book features a page-turning plot, endearing characters, and an array of fascinating puzzles.
Fans of Jules Verne will delight in the fantasy world’s Victorian flair and steampunk gadgetry while readers of Sharon Hinck will be drawn to the heart-stirring faith themes explored through lyrical prose.
If you’re searching for a story you won’t want to end, Perplexity just might be your cup of tea!
📚 The Scepter & the Stylus
📖 1) Illuminary
📖 2) Perplexity
“Perplexity” by Chawna Schroeder is a gripping tale of grief and betrayal, gleaming with illuminations of wonder and hope. The second addition to The Scepter & the Stylus trilogy, the book features a page-turning plot, endearing characters, and an array of fascinating puzzles.
Fans of Jules Verne will delight in the fantasy world’s Victorian flair and steampunk gadgetry while readers of Sharon Hinck will be drawn to the heart-stirring faith themes explored through lyrical prose.
If you’re searching for a story you won’t want to end, Perplexity just might be your cup of tea!
📚 The Scepter & the Stylus
📖 1) Illuminary
📖 2) Perplexity
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Want to Read
December 25, 2025IM SOO EXCITED!!! I miss my boy Xander 🥹🙌
April 25, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher as thanks for being on their street team. A review was not required. The following review is my honest opinion.
I read the first book in this trilogy last year, and enjoyed it very much! It was described as a combination of “A Little Princess” and Joseph from the Bible. Not a direct retelling of either story, but it definitely had flavors from both, though “Illuminary” leaned a little more toward “A Little Princess” and the Joseph elements came in more strongly in “Perplexity.”
Something that I’ve enjoyed about this series so far is that it’s a gentler sort of fantasy. We aren’t dealing with world-ending stakes or big battles (or any battles at all) but there’s plenty of intrigue and tension while our main character, Yosi’s, ambitions have been forced to switch from academics to trying to get back home after being betrayed by family, kidnapped, and forced into indentured servitude. I hope that’s not too much of a spoiler since I already said there were Joseph elements. :)
Again, the story doesn’t follow Joseph’s or “A Little Princess’s” narratives exactly, though, so things stay fresh and unpredictable, with a murder mystery and assassination plot happening at the same time. It’s a really great combination of familiar elements and surprises.
I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers, but I was intrigued by this story from the beginning to the end, and came to love the characters more than ever. THAT ENDING, THOUGH!!! I NEED BOOK 3 NOW!!!! XD
The only reason I'm not going with 5 stars is simply because the story isn't finished yet, but I feel confident that the last book is going that rating. :)
Content Advisory:
This book was written for a teen audience and is very appropriate for teen readers.
Language:
None.
Violence/Scariness:
Mentions of the murder of a character that happened at the end of book one. The murder was/is never described. Yosi does have a vision where she sees from the person's perspective as the person was writing a letter right before the murder happened and there's mention of pain and confusion before they step into the light, implied to be heaven, but nothing more.
Later, she has another vision where she sees someone get shot with a dart.
Someone gets threatened with a knife. A small cut from it causes some minor bleeding.
Two women get kidnapped and someone gets shot trying to defend them. (Mildly described.) People get punched and knocked out.
Multiple assassination attempts (often involving guns being shot) result in tense moments, but no one gets killed.
Mention that someone has bruises and cuts from mistreatment, but the poor treatment isn’t described. Someone else is described as looking pretty beaten up, (injuries barely described) and they’re bedridden with a fever for a while, but they recover.
Yosi gets rope burns on her wrists, pain described.
Some women get threatened and chased, but they escape by tripping their attacker and knocking him over the head.
It's implied an antagonist's hired assassin has killed before, but these murders aren't described.
Sexual/Romance:
Yosi and Xander have a very chaste, sweet attraction. It doesn't go farther than holding hands.
Some vague hints at the widowed queen’s past relationship with her husband. Passing mentions of the king’s infidelity (which produced Xander.) No description in either case.
It’s vaguely implied that if a woman doesn’t pay her debts, the debt might be paid for in other ways. This is so vague it was unclear to me if the person threatening her meant sexual payment or violence. (Neither thing actually happens.)
Passing mention of a brothel and the possibility that some female indentures could get sent to work there, but someone stops this from happening.
Some men leer at a woman.
Spiritual/Magic:
This is fantasy, but there’s nothing that would qualify as “magic” so far.
Yosi is among those who are born with a natural gifting where sometimes she can touch objects and see visions (we’re told these are from “Sustainer” which is one of this world’s names for God) about past, current, or future events related to that thing. Her mother had this gifting as well.
Several mentions that when a certain assassin enters and leaves a room (often mysteriously and almost impossibly) people feel a sensation of static electricity, but the reason for this isn't explained.
Many mentions of “Sustainer” and “Effulgence” which are both names for God. Many mentions of this story world’s version of Scripture. Yosi and Xander both pray and lean on their faith in times of trouble.
Other:
A side character contemplates overdosing on sleeping droughts to escape a situation where she's being threatened for money, but she ends up doing the right thing and going to the police instead, even though it means owning up to her own illegal actions.
I read the first book in this trilogy last year, and enjoyed it very much! It was described as a combination of “A Little Princess” and Joseph from the Bible. Not a direct retelling of either story, but it definitely had flavors from both, though “Illuminary” leaned a little more toward “A Little Princess” and the Joseph elements came in more strongly in “Perplexity.”
Something that I’ve enjoyed about this series so far is that it’s a gentler sort of fantasy. We aren’t dealing with world-ending stakes or big battles (or any battles at all) but there’s plenty of intrigue and tension while our main character, Yosi’s, ambitions have been forced to switch from academics to trying to get back home after being betrayed by family, kidnapped, and forced into indentured servitude. I hope that’s not too much of a spoiler since I already said there were Joseph elements. :)
Again, the story doesn’t follow Joseph’s or “A Little Princess’s” narratives exactly, though, so things stay fresh and unpredictable, with a murder mystery and assassination plot happening at the same time. It’s a really great combination of familiar elements and surprises.
I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers, but I was intrigued by this story from the beginning to the end, and came to love the characters more than ever. THAT ENDING, THOUGH!!! I NEED BOOK 3 NOW!!!! XD
The only reason I'm not going with 5 stars is simply because the story isn't finished yet, but I feel confident that the last book is going that rating. :)
Content Advisory:
This book was written for a teen audience and is very appropriate for teen readers.
Language:
None.
Violence/Scariness:
Mentions of the murder of a character that happened at the end of book one. The murder was/is never described. Yosi does have a vision where she sees from the person's perspective as the person was writing a letter right before the murder happened and there's mention of pain and confusion before they step into the light, implied to be heaven, but nothing more.
Later, she has another vision where she sees someone get shot with a dart.
Someone gets threatened with a knife. A small cut from it causes some minor bleeding.
Two women get kidnapped and someone gets shot trying to defend them. (Mildly described.) People get punched and knocked out.
Multiple assassination attempts (often involving guns being shot) result in tense moments, but no one gets killed.
Mention that someone has bruises and cuts from mistreatment, but the poor treatment isn’t described. Someone else is described as looking pretty beaten up, (injuries barely described) and they’re bedridden with a fever for a while, but they recover.
Yosi gets rope burns on her wrists, pain described.
Some women get threatened and chased, but they escape by tripping their attacker and knocking him over the head.
It's implied an antagonist's hired assassin has killed before, but these murders aren't described.
Sexual/Romance:
Yosi and Xander have a very chaste, sweet attraction. It doesn't go farther than holding hands.
Some vague hints at the widowed queen’s past relationship with her husband. Passing mentions of the king’s infidelity (which produced Xander.) No description in either case.
It’s vaguely implied that if a woman doesn’t pay her debts, the debt might be paid for in other ways. This is so vague it was unclear to me if the person threatening her meant sexual payment or violence. (Neither thing actually happens.)
Passing mention of a brothel and the possibility that some female indentures could get sent to work there, but someone stops this from happening.
Some men leer at a woman.
Spiritual/Magic:
This is fantasy, but there’s nothing that would qualify as “magic” so far.
Yosi is among those who are born with a natural gifting where sometimes she can touch objects and see visions (we’re told these are from “Sustainer” which is one of this world’s names for God) about past, current, or future events related to that thing. Her mother had this gifting as well.
Several mentions that when a certain assassin enters and leaves a room (often mysteriously and almost impossibly) people feel a sensation of static electricity, but the reason for this isn't explained.
Many mentions of “Sustainer” and “Effulgence” which are both names for God. Many mentions of this story world’s version of Scripture. Yosi and Xander both pray and lean on their faith in times of trouble.
Other:
A side character contemplates overdosing on sleeping droughts to escape a situation where she's being threatened for money, but she ends up doing the right thing and going to the police instead, even though it means owning up to her own illegal actions.
March 15, 2026
I was so thrilled to jump back into the world of The Sceptre and the Stylus series! Let me just start off by saying, one of my least favorite stories is the Little Princess. It just always made me so sad as a kid. But I was pleasantly surprised by Perplexity. It still gave me the vibes of The Little Princess, but because of the hope that Yosari had, I enjoyed it so much more. That was one of my favorite aspects. Even though Yosari had to go through a terrible experience, she still was able to be a light to those around her, and her testimony shone through. It was a great reminder for me that even when I go through hard things, I still can have rest and peace. I can trust that even though I may not see the reason, God does, and He is working it all together for my good and His glory. I appreciated that there was a hint of romance, but that it was not at all the focal point of the book. The mystery was well written as well and the mystery POV was a nice addition. I felt like the pacing was good, and the story didn't feel rushed. Overall, a beautiful sequel to Illusionary, and I can't wait for book 3! Thank you to Enclave Publishing for letting me read it early.
April 8, 2026
I have never cried so much while reading a book, nor come so close to throwing said book across the room upon finishing it. The cliffhanger after Illuminary was bad, but this one?!? I have no words!
Gah. My mind is churning in so many directions, it’s hard to out any coherent thoughts together. Yosi and Xander were good in Illuminary, but here, they blossomed in a whole new way. The way they are both fundamentally unchanged by the differences in their circumstances, and yet experience things that grow and mature them in good but hard ways, revealing who they are more deeply is a testament to the Schroeder’s skill and abilities.
Schroeder did an incredible job of crafting a high-stakes plot that wasn’t a thrill ride, but rather a realistically paced unfolding of life that allowed Yosi and Xander to be known and loved and grown with. And the themes of hardship and suffering and injustice and where God is in the midst of it were so well written, with such challenging but true conclusions and no pat answers- because in real life, such things don’t exist.
I cannot wait for book three, to see how the rest of the story unfolds, but you can also bet that I’ll be revisiting both Illuminary and Perplexity as I wait. Both because the characters and story are so good I want to spend more time with them, and because the truths within it are so rich one cannot fully absorb everything on just one reading.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
SPOILERS:
As someone who deeply values family, I despised Lavidah from the first time she set foot on the page. But after finishing Perplexity, I believe I may admire her. Her actions, in the end, set her apart from the villain, and a good, honest redemption arc like I think we’re going to get in book three is about the only thing that can override such poor behavior throughout two books.
Gah. My mind is churning in so many directions, it’s hard to out any coherent thoughts together. Yosi and Xander were good in Illuminary, but here, they blossomed in a whole new way. The way they are both fundamentally unchanged by the differences in their circumstances, and yet experience things that grow and mature them in good but hard ways, revealing who they are more deeply is a testament to the Schroeder’s skill and abilities.
Schroeder did an incredible job of crafting a high-stakes plot that wasn’t a thrill ride, but rather a realistically paced unfolding of life that allowed Yosi and Xander to be known and loved and grown with. And the themes of hardship and suffering and injustice and where God is in the midst of it were so well written, with such challenging but true conclusions and no pat answers- because in real life, such things don’t exist.
I cannot wait for book three, to see how the rest of the story unfolds, but you can also bet that I’ll be revisiting both Illuminary and Perplexity as I wait. Both because the characters and story are so good I want to spend more time with them, and because the truths within it are so rich one cannot fully absorb everything on just one reading.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
SPOILERS:
As someone who deeply values family, I despised Lavidah from the first time she set foot on the page. But after finishing Perplexity, I believe I may admire her. Her actions, in the end, set her apart from the villain, and a good, honest redemption arc like I think we’re going to get in book three is about the only thing that can override such poor behavior throughout two books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Illuminary. I like that. It's better than princess."
Perplexity is a written masterpiece. There's a depth and richness to Chawna's writing that never fails to captivate me whole-heartedly. I lost count of the number of sentences I reread/highlighted because of the sheer power of their impact. This is a story that demands to be savoured. When I reached the end, I had the immediate urge to start all over again.
I connected with Yosi on a whole new level in Perplexity. I can't mention specifics because of spoilers, but Yosi's circumstances are horrid. The book opens with her suffering a great personal loss, then immediately after, a second awful thing happens that literally had me death gripping my phone as I read. Grief is a wealth of emotions that differs from person to person, and through Yosi, Chawna displays how these emotions can be used to positively or negatively shape the lives of those grieving and the people who surround them. Even in our darkest moments, we have the choice and the capacity to be lights.
Once again, found family is at the heart of this series. I love the complexity and the interconnectedness of this cast of characters. Specifically, I have a soft spot for Xander's little niece, Ellie. She's curious, honest, and keeps all the adults in her life on their toes. However, there's a special moment between Ellie and Yosi that melted my heart. It's one I won't soon forget, and I think it's one of my top five favourite scenes of the series. Again, I can't say too much cause it's a major part of the book, but the conversation between these two will stick with me for a long time.
Perplexity does not suffer from middle book syndrome. I am so ready for book 3!! It can't come soon enough.
*I recieved an e-arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Perplexity is a written masterpiece. There's a depth and richness to Chawna's writing that never fails to captivate me whole-heartedly. I lost count of the number of sentences I reread/highlighted because of the sheer power of their impact. This is a story that demands to be savoured. When I reached the end, I had the immediate urge to start all over again.
I connected with Yosi on a whole new level in Perplexity. I can't mention specifics because of spoilers, but Yosi's circumstances are horrid. The book opens with her suffering a great personal loss, then immediately after, a second awful thing happens that literally had me death gripping my phone as I read. Grief is a wealth of emotions that differs from person to person, and through Yosi, Chawna displays how these emotions can be used to positively or negatively shape the lives of those grieving and the people who surround them. Even in our darkest moments, we have the choice and the capacity to be lights.
Once again, found family is at the heart of this series. I love the complexity and the interconnectedness of this cast of characters. Specifically, I have a soft spot for Xander's little niece, Ellie. She's curious, honest, and keeps all the adults in her life on their toes. However, there's a special moment between Ellie and Yosi that melted my heart. It's one I won't soon forget, and I think it's one of my top five favourite scenes of the series. Again, I can't say too much cause it's a major part of the book, but the conversation between these two will stick with me for a long time.
Perplexity does not suffer from middle book syndrome. I am so ready for book 3!! It can't come soon enough.
*I recieved an e-arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2026
Chawna Schroeder did an excellent job of continuing the world she built in Illuminary. I just wish there had been a summary of the first book to refresh my memory of the story to date. As it is, it took a little bit to get back into the story.
Yosi is dealing with the death (possibly murder) of her father, which left her in charge of the family estate. She learns there are debts that must be paid. She is also trying to finish her education in the midst of her grief. When she goes to complete her final exams, her cousin kidnaps her and sells her to pay some debts.
Yosi is a good friend of Xander, who is also dealing with the death of his father and learning how to run the kingdom his father left to him. There is also someone who is trying to assassinate him.
Perplexity is full of mystery and intrigue - solving the mystery of Yosi’s father’s murder, solving the mystery of who is trying to assassinate Xander, and trying to find Yosi and her maid, who have been sold as indentured servants.
Once I was back into the storyline, I enjoyed every word of the book and could not put it down. I look forward to the next book in the series, as Perplexity ends in a cliffhanger.
Perplexity would be a great addition to the fantasy section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Perplexity. This is my honest review.
Yosi is dealing with the death (possibly murder) of her father, which left her in charge of the family estate. She learns there are debts that must be paid. She is also trying to finish her education in the midst of her grief. When she goes to complete her final exams, her cousin kidnaps her and sells her to pay some debts.
Yosi is a good friend of Xander, who is also dealing with the death of his father and learning how to run the kingdom his father left to him. There is also someone who is trying to assassinate him.
Perplexity is full of mystery and intrigue - solving the mystery of Yosi’s father’s murder, solving the mystery of who is trying to assassinate Xander, and trying to find Yosi and her maid, who have been sold as indentured servants.
Once I was back into the storyline, I enjoyed every word of the book and could not put it down. I look forward to the next book in the series, as Perplexity ends in a cliffhanger.
Perplexity would be a great addition to the fantasy section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Perplexity. This is my honest review.
May 4, 2026
If you haven’t read the first book in this series it is a must. The author delivers a cast of characters who intrigued me. Opening the story we find Yosi grieving the loss of her father. I liked how it is illustrated that grief is a process and does take time. Slowly Yosi begins to understand that grief can overwhelm you but must be dealt with. The mystery starts right away in the book with the suspicious death of Yosi’s father. Is it possible that he was murdered? If so who and for what purpose? Is greed and power behind his death?
With so much going on in the story I was kept on my toes. Xander is also dealing with the death of his father. This loss catapults Xander to a role he didn’t really want. Can he run the kingdom even though his heart is not fully into it? Xander finds himself trying to uncover miss handled funds that put him in the middle of danger. He soon discovers that someone wants him dead. Will he be able to survive the chaos around him?
I liked how Xander wants to help Yosi when he discovers that she has been kidnapped. Throughout the story we witness threads of faith and determination for the truth. This is definitely a story to read as the author’s gift of writing a story where good vs evil collide is powerful.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
With so much going on in the story I was kept on my toes. Xander is also dealing with the death of his father. This loss catapults Xander to a role he didn’t really want. Can he run the kingdom even though his heart is not fully into it? Xander finds himself trying to uncover miss handled funds that put him in the middle of danger. He soon discovers that someone wants him dead. Will he be able to survive the chaos around him?
I liked how Xander wants to help Yosi when he discovers that she has been kidnapped. Throughout the story we witness threads of faith and determination for the truth. This is definitely a story to read as the author’s gift of writing a story where good vs evil collide is powerful.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 7, 2026
"Perplexity" by Chawna Schroeder is such a well-written novel. This book has so many twists, turns and emotions that the reader experiences along the way. This book has fantasy, steampunk and is a loose retelling of Joseph from the Bible and "A Little Princess".
Yosi and Xander are characters we meet in the first book of the series. We continue to see both of them grow and evolve. We see Yosi betrayed by her cousin and Xander trying to find out who is threatening his life. Yosi goes through some terrible things in the book but manages to find some light in what she deals with. So much happens though to both of them and the reader is left on a cliffhanger until Book 3.
I highlighted so many passages in this book to be able to go back to and re-read. Each chapter has a different theme and an introduction based what will happen in the lives of the characters in the chapter. These passages are so beautifully written and had wonderful points for the reader to ponder. These introductions were one of my favorite parts of the entire novel.
This is book 2 in "The Sceptre & the Styus" trilogy. I highly recommend the reader read the first book before starting on this one. It builds upon happenings in the previous book.
Thank you to Enclave Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Yosi and Xander are characters we meet in the first book of the series. We continue to see both of them grow and evolve. We see Yosi betrayed by her cousin and Xander trying to find out who is threatening his life. Yosi goes through some terrible things in the book but manages to find some light in what she deals with. So much happens though to both of them and the reader is left on a cliffhanger until Book 3.
I highlighted so many passages in this book to be able to go back to and re-read. Each chapter has a different theme and an introduction based what will happen in the lives of the characters in the chapter. These passages are so beautifully written and had wonderful points for the reader to ponder. These introductions were one of my favorite parts of the entire novel.
This is book 2 in "The Sceptre & the Styus" trilogy. I highly recommend the reader read the first book before starting on this one. It builds upon happenings in the previous book.
Thank you to Enclave Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.3 stars rounded down
Chawna Shroeder is a master storyteller, and she weaves together beautiful characterization, intense emotions, technology from the imagination, and a twisty-turny plot into a beautiful symphony of a story that springs to life from the first page.
Illuminary was fascinating, and this only multiplies the appeal. Chawna's grasp of the Scriptures shines through in startling ways, bringing much-needed truth and clarity with a biblical focus that impacts the characters' lives in real and relatable ways.
The writing itself is also lovely, flowing like a song instead of a slog. While the Seven Realms are sometimes difficult to keep track of, their varying characteristics and the steampunk influence of this story were fascinating. Every piece of tech is well thought out, but the effusive story of the characters and their emotions is what keeps the reader's heart in the story; I could visualize every scene perfectly. She balanced light and dark in a way so indicative of real life.
Additionally, I love the way Chawna incorporates poetry and prophecies into this story; every page is a work of art, and she has an incredible gift of words. I am absolutely dying to see how this trilogy ends!
Chawna Shroeder is a master storyteller, and she weaves together beautiful characterization, intense emotions, technology from the imagination, and a twisty-turny plot into a beautiful symphony of a story that springs to life from the first page.
Illuminary was fascinating, and this only multiplies the appeal. Chawna's grasp of the Scriptures shines through in startling ways, bringing much-needed truth and clarity with a biblical focus that impacts the characters' lives in real and relatable ways.
The writing itself is also lovely, flowing like a song instead of a slog. While the Seven Realms are sometimes difficult to keep track of, their varying characteristics and the steampunk influence of this story were fascinating. Every piece of tech is well thought out, but the effusive story of the characters and their emotions is what keeps the reader's heart in the story; I could visualize every scene perfectly. She balanced light and dark in a way so indicative of real life.
Additionally, I love the way Chawna incorporates poetry and prophecies into this story; every page is a work of art, and she has an incredible gift of words. I am absolutely dying to see how this trilogy ends!
April 14, 2026
Excellent sequel! I need book 3 ASAP! Absolutely a five star read.
So many meaningful quotes and scenes throughout the book; one of my favorites was this quote from page 113:
“The light comes from Effulgence, not you. You just provided a window for Him to shine through.”
I love that.
This story-journey is NOT fun for the characters! But I love how all the different story-threads are being woven together. There’s beauty and hope within these pages too.
I cannot wait to find out what Yosi and Xander will do next! I have questions that need answers!
So many meaningful quotes and scenes throughout the book; one of my favorites was this quote from page 113:
“The light comes from Effulgence, not you. You just provided a window for Him to shine through.”
I love that.
This story-journey is NOT fun for the characters! But I love how all the different story-threads are being woven together. There’s beauty and hope within these pages too.
I cannot wait to find out what Yosi and Xander will do next! I have questions that need answers!
April 22, 2026
In this book you are entering a world of political intrigue, mystery, and puzzles as Xander and Yosi must each battle things that are bigger than them that are at work. I enjoyed the faith component in the story and Xander and Yosi depending upon the Creator for help and wisdom.
I loved the cover for its beautiful patterns. It drew me in, made me curious to want to learn more about the story. I thought it complimented the story well.
This is the second book in the trilogy, and I needed to read the first book to understand fully what was happening in the story. I would advise you to read Illuminary before reading this story.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I loved the cover for its beautiful patterns. It drew me in, made me curious to want to learn more about the story. I thought it complimented the story well.
This is the second book in the trilogy, and I needed to read the first book to understand fully what was happening in the story. I would advise you to read Illuminary before reading this story.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2026
A beautiful tale with themes of suffering and surrender, truth and trials. Chawna has a gift for weaving biblical themes in her writing. Very much enjoyed this one, and am looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews