When I read EDGE OF THE FALLS, the first book in this series, I fell in love Sabah and the people around her. Her story was so much about learning who she was and fighting for what she wanted, no matter the cost. This second book focuses on so many of the people that we meet in the first story. We see the children that Sabah cared for all grown up and we see the consequences of her actions and choices. I had mixed feelings about this story but once I finished and took a step back I appreciated the difference in focus from the first book and the challenges CHASING THE WIND presents.
In this book we see Kai, the little girl who grew up. She is so full of emotions, both positive and negative, attempting to find her place in the world. She has lived both on the outside of the cities and on the inside- learning about everything the world has to offer. Yet there are some places she has been forced to go in the name of love and friendship. When she is sent from the city to save Guin’s life, Kai and Cedric are sent on a dangerous journey to find what has been stolen. They have 60 days to do this or Guin’s life will be payment. Whereas Sabah’s story was all about her choices and her personal growth as a character, Kai’s story is about relationships and embracing where you are meant to be. Kai’s relationship with Cedric and Guin is quite unconventional and at first I was a bit shocked. This little girl has learned to adapt in very unique ways and this trio is bonded together in ways that forever changed them.
Hawke is a character from the first story- the perpetual flirt that has matured and fought for survival. He is alone, a Rover and wanderer, living his own path. When they cross paths he protects Kai in every way he can, never truly understanding her intentions and goals. The relationships in this story are complex and a bit messy. Yet that shows so much. Relationships are never perfect- they are full of highs and lows. All the relationships in this story are unique: the strained relationship between Sabah and Kai, the complicated relationship with Guin, Kai, and Cedric, as well as the relationship between Kai and Hawke. The relationship dynamics are what make this story fresh and unique. They are all so different and their influences are great.
If you have read the first book, you will remember Sabah’s struggle to leave the children behind. We see the consequences of her choice in the way that Guin, Kai, and Cedric grew up. There is anger, bitterness, and many abandonment issues. Years later her choices have molded these characters and it is fascinating to see what has happened and the choices they, in turn, make till the very end of this story! I love this world that Nazarea has created and the characters she has shared. They are all so unique and vibrant in different ways. I cannot wait for more. I am hoping for a story on Merc, Guin, and the princess.