Within the Endless Dark, a fallen star is worshipped as a goddess within a gilded cage.
Hidden beneath the ruined Surface of Elendria, Krystopolis survives behind immense Shields that shelter it from the brutal Cycles above. Within its latticed towers, power is governed by strict Doctrine—blood magic, ritual, and spectacle designed to keep the Void itself in balance.
Fifty-three years ago, the Resh’Agar—Krystopolis’s immortal god of war—brought a strange girl from the Surface and named her his Sokâr.
The Council called her an ornament. The People called her a heretic.
Auryn has spent decades learning the city that never wanted her. Watching. Listening. Waiting.
Now she is quietly building influence of her own—spying on the Council, fighting for the forgotten districts, and uncovering the terrible truth behind the rituals that sustain Krystopolis… and devour the man she loves piece by piece.
Walking beside the Resh’Agar is dangerous. Holding his favor is worse. And loving him may be the most dangerous choice of all.
As Auryn’s power grows, so do the enemies gathering in the shadows of the city.
Because the Void must remain impartial.
And a Sokâr who begins to change the balance of Krystopolis may bring the entire empire crashing down.
Ravenna Vale is a disabled worldweaver with a dream of blending classical epic fantasy with the best features of modern romantasy. She writes inclusive fiction which spotlights diversity and disability. She is also the illustrator for all of her works.
Sokâr is the rare sequel that does not merely continue a story, it deepens it.
From the opening pages, I felt immediately pulled back into Ravenna Vale’s world, but what struck me most was how much larger it had become. The scope expands dramatically, yet never at the expense of intimacy. The world feels older, stranger, and more enchanting than before, as though the reader is moving from the edges of a map into its forgotten heart.
What continues to impress me most about this series is Vale’s commitment to complexity. This is not fantasy interested in easy victories or simplistic morality. The political structures, cultural histories, and personal loyalties are tangled in ways that feel deeply human. Every choice carries consequence. Every victory demands sacrifice.
Auryn and Kailorien remain compelling not because they are extraordinary, but because they are flawed. Their journeys are difficult, frustrating, and profoundly authentic. They make mistakes. They endure. They evolve. In an era where many fantasy protagonists are polished into archetypes, these characters feel startlingly real.
Equally impressive is the treatment of the supporting cast. Too often, secondary characters exist merely to advance the central plot. Here, they possess their own agency, desires, failures, and growth. The subplots are not decorative additions but essential threads in a larger tapestry. Remove any one of them, and the story would lose part of its emotional and thematic weight.
Despite its length, not a single section felt unnecessary. Every conversation, every historical detail, every moment of reflection contributes to a richer understanding of the world and its people. Vale writes with remarkable intentionality, creating a reading experience that is wholly immersive. This is a novel that asks the reader to inhabit its world rather than simply observe it.
There is a particular quality to Sokâr that is difficult to articulate. It is not merely entertaining. It lingers. The story settles into you. Long after finishing, I found myself thinking about its characters, its questions, and the costs of the choices made throughout its pages.
If Breath of Starlight was an invitation into this world, Sokâr is the moment it opens completely before you.
A masterful continuation of the Nine Rivers Odyssey and one of the most immersive fantasy novels I have read in recent memory.
Sometimes you read a book that is so good, you want to adjust most of your 5 star reads down because it soars above those. This is one of those books.
This story begins with a sense of motion and an immediate feel of oppressive melancholy. (I mean this in the best way!There is nothing better than an author that can strum my emotions like the strings of a guitar.) There is no stagnation in the way this world is presented. You are simple there, moving along with these characters in this world that feels very much alive. The writing is elegant, poetic and emotional. You know what these characters are feeling because you KNOW who they are. There’s never a question as to the motivations of the main characters because you are intimately aware of them as emotional beings. There is a lingering sense of foreboding throughout, a tension that warns you something is going to explode and SOON. This world is masterfully crafted, somber at times, but achingly beautiful. The climax had me pacing with my kindle in hand. So much tension. I loved it.
Ultimately, it is the love that brings so much depth to this story. Their romance is precious, emotive and dangerous.
*The characters
Auryn is both soft and unrelenting. I just adore her. Kailorien is deliciously devoted, actually, he’s just delicious. Lu’ma is fierce and loyal and I looked forward to her POVs. Shu’Khan reminded me of Thrandruil and I found myself so interested in what makes him tick. The Riven and The Vagrún have me questioning my loyalties I don’t want to give anything away about the others but I am VERY excited to watch them grow throughout this series.
*The vibe
There is spice, but it flows with the plot. It’s not an anatomy lesson, it’s poetic and loving and deeply devotional.
The world building, political intrigue, and indoctrinated society all feel so real. This world is very immersive and the story is very much epic, high fantasy. I feel so lucky to have been given early access to this book as an ARC reader but I will also absolutely buy a physical copy for my trophy shelf.
I could talk about this book and its predecessor, Breath of Starlight, all day but I’ll sum it up with a 10 star rating and a massive recommendation to read them both. I hope you love them as much as I did
"You are the stars above the world, the Nine Rivers running through its veins. You are the heart of me." - Sokâr
Tropes: Absolute Yearning Found Family Powerful but soft FMC Undying Love
This is one of the most beautiful books I have honestly read. I read Breath of Starlight and knew that I absolutely needed to read this one immediately. Like the first book, this one was so beautifully written that again, I have absolutely nothing to compare this one to. I quite literally have half the book either highlighted or underlined, and the amount of notes I took are insane. The writing is lyrical and enchanting, and I found myself drawn to the book even more.
In this book, we have a different adventure. Instead of a quite literal adventure through the mountains and forests, we instead adventure through Krystopolis and the political climate there. I absolutely love books that have a good amount of actual political intrigue, and this one is extremely well done. You really do need to understand the politics of this place to better understand the culture and doctrines they adhere to.
Once again, Auryn and Kail were absolutely amazing. Their relationship (outside of all the things they have to go through) is one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever read. Kail is one of the best MMC's I have ever read, and I absolutely love him so much. His love for Auryn is on an entire different level, and the things he does to protect her and keep her safe is - *chef's kiss*. Auryn, starts as a soft FMC, but I have to admit, by the end of the this, she was insane! She absolutely still is softer, but she's powerful in her compassion, her powers, and her political control. I loved how much she grew into herself. These two together are just absolutely perfect, and they have quite literally made me cry a few times!
One of the things I loved about this book was the inclusion of new and old characters -especially ones that are very close to Auryn. I found myself loving these new characters, and I wanted to know even more about them.
Thank you so much to the wonderful author, Ravenna, for sending me an eARC of this book!
Time and time again, Ravenna Vale has said on social media that her books are not for everyone. And honestly? She is absolutely right. Just like every movie is not meant for every viewer, Sokar will not be for every fantasy reader, and that is perfectly ok.
But this book was made for readers like me.
This is dark fantasy at its absolute best. The world is cruel simply for the sake of cruelty. Power belongs to the powerful, and they have no interest in protecting anyone except themselves. There is nothing soft or comforting about this world. Everything feels sharp, dangerous, and capable of drawing blood at any moment.
And somehow, despite all of that brutality, watching Auryn and Kailorien try to navigate the political treachery of this world while still attempting to create change was completely captivating. Their journey felt messy, difficult, and painfully realistic. Nothing comes easy in this series, and that is part of what makes it so compelling.
One of my favorite things about Ravenna Vale’s writing is how real her characters feel. They are flawed, complicated, and deeply human even in the middle of this dark fantasy setting. Nobody feels polished or idealized. They make mistakes, bad decisions, and sometimes survive purely through stubbornness and desperation.
I also really loved how the author handles time in this series. Months, years, even decades pass throughout the story, but it never feels jarring. If nothing major happens during a stretch of time, the story moves forward with quick summaries before dropping you right back into the important moments. It keeps the pacing moving while still making the world and characters feel like they are truly living through years of history and change.
And the ending was perfect. Not a cliffhanger, thankfully, but absolutely the kind of ending that leaves you desperate for the next book.
If you loved book one, you will probably love this one even more.
But if you are looking for a cozy fantasy romance full of soft vibes and feel-good comfort, this is not the book for you. This series has teeth.
In *Sokar*, we journey alongside Auryn in the harsh and unforgiving world of Krystopolis, where power and cruelty reign supreme, and empathy is often viewed as a weakness. Auryn faces daily struggles for survival in a society that devalues her worth, especially because of her perceived imperfections.
The narrative intensifies with the return of the Resh’Agar, a figure from Auryn's past, and present who has endured his own hardships while separated from her. His arrival is bittersweet; upon seeing her again, he feels a deep sorrow for what she has suffered, yet he must maintain a façade due to the watchful eyes around them. This tension adds depth to their relationship, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience.
Throughout the story, Auryn's journey becomes a powerful testament to strength in the face of adversity. She challenges societal norms that equate disability with inferiority, proving that one's worth is not defined by physical attributes or societal expectations. Her character embodies the message that strength comes in various forms, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the book.
The pacing of the narrative is well-crafted, with the right amount of tension and emotional depth, complemented by a perfect spice level that keeps you engaged. Ravenna has skillfully balances moments of despair with hope, allowing Auryn's character to shine as a beacon of resilience.
Overall, *Sokar* is a compelling exploration of love, endurance, and the fight against societal prejudice. Auryn's journey is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming her identity and proving her worth in a world that tries to diminish her.
This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of empowerment and personal growth amidst adversity. My personal favorite character Resh but there is one more that has my heart you’ll have to read to find out who he is.
O.M.G 🤯 if anyone had the feeling of "I think I know where this is going" after finishing the first book ....oohhhh no... you didn't! I bring you a huge "nope, you have NO idea"!
I already liked Auryn on book 1. I adore this woman on book 2!!!! I already loved Kailorien on book 1, I'm in absolute adoration x100 with him on book 2 (and.... what he has to endure just by being who he is will become beyond painful 😭).
The political conflicts are no joke here!!! Nasty!! I want to 🔪 a certain brother!!
Now.... if there is a thing that I love more than "touch her and I ☠️ you" is "touch HIM and I ☠️ you"! 😌💯❤️❤️❤️
This books picks up right where book 1 ends. Too many things needed to be brought into light to our beloved Kailorien and we know that loves runs deep in their union, so he does all he can to help Auryn (… and sometimes that can be a little too much controlling on things, but his heart is in the right place and for this part it was much needed). We get a lot more insight in what’s going on… and there is a LOT going on.
I can’t even begin to try to express how deeply profound Auryn and Kailorien’s relationship and soulmate dynamics is because it’s deep. This book does a beautiful job in portraying the balance between the male and female union and the challenges of balancing it with respecting the counterpart’s will, feelings, and desires.
These books (both of them) transcend words. They need to be experienced. I cannot wait for book 3 because I was not very fine where we ended.
Before you pick up this book, do yourself a favor and read Breath of Starlight first. 📚✨
Sokar is Book 2 of the Nine Rivers Odyssey, and this is a true continuation of the story. Ravenna Vale doesn't hit reset—she takes everything she built in book one and dives even deeper.
This time we continue following Auryn and Kailorien while meeting a host of new characters, and honestly? The side characters in this series are every bit as compelling as the main characters. 👏
Every time someone new appeared, I found myself wanting to know their story too.
This book is packed with political intrigue, competing loyalties, and difficult choices. 👑⚔️
The kind of story where every decision demands you pick a side—and then deal with the consequences.
It was an intense read. Not cozy. Not light. But absolutely fascinating.
The layers of this world continue to unfold, intersect, and collide in ways that kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
“I will find a way to show I am not small. I will break the silence.”
If you love epic fantasy with political maneuvering, complex characters, and a world that keeps expanding with every chapter, this series deserves a spot on your TBR. 🖤📚
Book 2 in the Nine Rivers Odyssey: Resh and Auryn. This is a found family, political unrest, intense and unique magic system, fated mates, size difference, disability representation, scheming and political plot, protective “soft only for her” MMC, gods and monsters, epic fantasy romance. This book. This series. Wow. This book was intense. There was so much going on. The political plot with all its backstabbing and scheming, the romance between Resh and Auryn, the constant threat of war and political unrest. This isn’t like any fantasy book I’ve ever read. And it isn’t light, this is definitely an epic fantasy with so many moving parts and so unique. I 100% recommend this read if you are looking for something to keep you on edge and your mind in this amazing world trying to figure out what’s going to happen next! (You need to read book 1 before diving into this book)
Even more brilliant to read and immersive than Breath fo Starlight, Ravenna's first book in the Nine Rivers Series. I really identify with the love and honour in the main relationship, the camaraderie and protective nature of Auryn and Resh's nearest and dearest friends is lovely and introduces their found family. There is political strife which Auryn handled with power and wisdom beyond her years. And she challenges people's views of her an her stature. Being weaker of body that the warriors surrounding her she is constantly proving them wrong and making Resh proud every time she does. There love is health, eternal, soulful and a wonder to behold on the page. I am so very excited for more books from Ravenna and can't wait until I re-read the full series when it is all released!
Ravenna Vale does it again! Her writing is absolutely unmatched. Honestly, she knows how to grab ahold of your soul and not let go.
Sokar is the second book in the Nine Rivers Odyssey series. There is so much that takes place in this book that there is no way I could possibly cover or remember it all. It is intense, political, spicy, ethereal, and so much more… It is definitely a book you must experience for yourself. The characters will steal your heart, especially Auryn. She epitomizes resiliency and strength against all odds. And the yearningggg wheewww! I just honestly don’t have the words for these books, because nothing could ever explain the pure intensity that comes with this world.
Addicting from start to finish! I was so excited to continue the story from book one! This book was so good it made me call into question all my other five-star reads. I felt every emotion imaginable, anger, happiness, sadness. If you loved Breath of Starlight then you’ll LOVE Sokâr!
Ravenna has this beautiful flow to her writing, and I enjoyed Sokâr just at much as I did Breath of Starlight. Kailorien is the best green flag MMC I've read in a long time.