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The Gods-Touched Duology #2
He Who Breaks the Earth
Wicked Saints meets There Will Come a Darkness in this sequel to the atmospheric, “tightly woven” (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author) She Who Rides the Storm that follows the four thieves turned unlikely allies as one of their own decides where their loyalties lie.
Mateo spent years believing he suffered from a strange wasting sickness, but he’s finally learned the much darker truth. Now he will do whatever it takes to save himself, even if it means betraying Lia, the one girl who’s ever made him care about something besides his research. It doesn’t help that his father kidnapped the last living member of Lia’s family, and Lia is only coming back into Mateo’s life to hunt him and his father down for revenge.
Anwei’s rage can’t be contained after the disaster at the tomb that ended with Knox almost dying. Worse, she learned that the brother she’d been desperate to avenge has been living a life of luxury, raised by the monster of her nightmares. With the power of an ancient, nameless god running in her veins, Anwei vows to end the shapeshifter once and for all.
But the members of her crew each have their own motivations—and their own gods whispering in their ears. As Anwei gets closer to the shapeshifter she’s chased for so long, she realizes the gods’ plans and her own might diverge. But she will destroy anyone standing in the way of her revenge.
Mateo spent years believing he suffered from a strange wasting sickness, but he’s finally learned the much darker truth. Now he will do whatever it takes to save himself, even if it means betraying Lia, the one girl who’s ever made him care about something besides his research. It doesn’t help that his father kidnapped the last living member of Lia’s family, and Lia is only coming back into Mateo’s life to hunt him and his father down for revenge.
Anwei’s rage can’t be contained after the disaster at the tomb that ended with Knox almost dying. Worse, she learned that the brother she’d been desperate to avenge has been living a life of luxury, raised by the monster of her nightmares. With the power of an ancient, nameless god running in her veins, Anwei vows to end the shapeshifter once and for all.
But the members of her crew each have their own motivations—and their own gods whispering in their ears. As Anwei gets closer to the shapeshifter she’s chased for so long, she realizes the gods’ plans and her own might diverge. But she will destroy anyone standing in the way of her revenge.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
17 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Sangster
7 books212 followersCaitlin Sangster is the author of the Last Star Burning Trilogy, She Who Rides the Storm, and A Baker's Guide to Robber Pie.
She grew up in the back woods of California and would rather go hiking, running, swimming, or general outdoorsing than just about anything else. If there aren’t any mountains, it doesn’t count as a real place. At eighteen, she moved to XinJiang, and at twenty-one it was Taiwan. She did eventually buckle down and graduate from Brigham Young University with a BA in Asian Studies and is now that person you avoid at parties because she'll probably start talking about Shang dynasty oracle bones.
Caitlin has been writing since middle school. She always thought of it as a silly sort of compulsive habit until she realized that people like reading stories and she liked writing them and there wasn’t much silly about that.
She currently lives in Montana with her husband and four children.
She grew up in the back woods of California and would rather go hiking, running, swimming, or general outdoorsing than just about anything else. If there aren’t any mountains, it doesn’t count as a real place. At eighteen, she moved to XinJiang, and at twenty-one it was Taiwan. She did eventually buckle down and graduate from Brigham Young University with a BA in Asian Studies and is now that person you avoid at parties because she'll probably start talking about Shang dynasty oracle bones.
Caitlin has been writing since middle school. She always thought of it as a silly sort of compulsive habit until she realized that people like reading stories and she liked writing them and there wasn’t much silly about that.
She currently lives in Montana with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 24, 2023
This book definitely surpassed my expectations! It was as good (if not better) as the first, and had plot twist after plot twist (I can’t even count the number of plot twists there was if I tried!). I couldn’t put down the book in the last 200 pages because it was that gripping! This book does not have as much attention as it deserves. I love the plot, characters, and world. Anwei got on my nerves a little because she kept making all the decisions without any input from others, but the author addressed that and used that as character growth for Anwei. I wasn’t as attached to Noa as the author was trying to go for, but by the end of the book I appreciated her more than I did in the beginning. I wish there could be another book in this series but at least both books are really long and I can always reread them.
Read
June 5, 2023Dnfed at page 46
I just couldn't enter into the book, into the story. Had to read the same passages more than once. Could be I was tired, but dnfed for now
I just couldn't enter into the book, into the story. Had to read the same passages more than once. Could be I was tired, but dnfed for now
June 9, 2023
SO GOOD!!!! Honestly Caitlyn you outdid yourself. I am literally blown away at how well written this sequel was… the character development was top notch. Better than pretty much all other YA books I’ve read! I loved how every character ended up accepting and getting past their own demons, but in such a realistic and heartfelt way. Totally had me when Mateo gave Anwei the sword and said ‘I want YOU to live’ even though that’s what he’s been using to justify being a shapeshifter for the whole book! And I also almost died when Lia pretended to kill herself. And I swear Anwei and Knox better go on to have such a long life together after all of this. Overall, total six out of five stars, awesome plot and characters and romance and friendship and loyalty and difficult decisions and forgiveness and second chances and sister power and heists and I WISH THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK I NEED MORE but it’s okay I’ll survive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
This series has a lot of potential and a great set of characters (my only gripe with that is the inclusion of Noa’s perspective in this book as she doesn’t actually contribute anything to the plot) but suffers from a lack of scene exposition. There’s enough there to feel mostly immersed and grasp the gist but it is something that should probably get worked more into editing. I did enjoy it though and am a Mateo defender always
February 23, 2025
upping the book from four stars to five
SUPREME. it reminds me of decaf coffee
SUPREME. it reminds me of decaf coffee
September 12, 2023
(originally reviewed at
thelibraryladies.com
)
I always love being able to read books in a series back-to-back. I suspect this inclination is the same as the one that has lead to the preference for binge watching shows for many viewers. I just want to sink into a world and stay there as along as I can. Also, as a SFF reader, many of the stories I consume require a decent amount of brain power and memory to fully understand the world and culture of the story. So there’s a premium to be found in not having to re-learn all of that from book to book when there’s a year plus waiting between stories. All of that to say, I was excited to jump right on to the second and final book in this duology after finishing up the first one.
After the explosive events at the end of the previous book, nothing is as it seemed. Anwei’s entire world has been shaken. Her brother, a beloved sibling whose “death” she has been trying to avenge for much of her life, has instead been alive and well living with her worst enemies. What’s worse, she almost lost Knox in the pursuit of this vengeance. But now her fury cannot be contained, and she vows to hunt down the shapeshifters who have so destroyed her life. For his part, her brother Mateo has had to face some harsh truths about his own existence. Now, both siblings will have to confront just how far they will go in the pursuit of their goals. And who they are willing to sacrifice along the way.
I was in a pretty good place to start this book coming off the last one. While the first book was quite a commitment, page-length-wise, this definitely felt like one of those reads that would benefit from a back-to-back read. For one thing, the pacing and reveals came hot and heavy towards the end of the first book, leaving most of character reeling from one discovery or near miss or another. There was a lot revealed, and I was excited to see how it would all be resolved here in the second book.
One of the things that has stood out from the very beginning of this read was the quality of the writing itself. It is clear that the author has a very clear vision for her characters, both their strengths and flaws. This last part, in particular, is difficult to pull off. How do you write characters who behave badly, who make selfish choices, who risk others in the pursuit of their own goals without alienating readers from those same characters who, ostensibly, are still the “heroes” of the story? But I think Sangster really has a handle on how to do this. As alluded to in the book description, both Anwei and Mateo face choices that will seem them prioritizing themselves and their goals over the ones they care about. However, the characterization is so solid that their decisions, even while questionable and, at times, incredibly poor, make sense within the realm of them both being flawed individuals.
I also still very much like the overall world-building and the use of shape-shifters. Shape shifters are the sorts of paranormal creatures that you rarely see, often falling to the side in favor of the ever popular vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. There were some interesting twists and turns to be found in this aspect of the story, as well. I also really liked the way the gods and their powers/connections with each character were used.
I will say that I some of my positive reception of this book could come down to the fact that I was able to read it immediately after the first one. For readers who have had to wait the full year, there is a lot of wading in that will likely need to be done to refamiliarize yourself with this world and the characters. As such, the pacing can also feel a bit slow and tedious at times. I do wonder, overall, whether this series and Sangster’s writing in general might have better translated to adult fantasy. I think some of the pacing and expansive world-building might have worked better with that audience than with younger readers who like faster moving stories.
Overall, if you enjoyed the first book, I think this is a good conclusion to the duology and will appeal to those fans. In general, readers who are looking for a more “meaty” YA fantasy, this might be a good read for you!
Rating 8: A solid conclusion to a unique YA fantasy duology, though the overall pacing might be slower than younger audiences may appreciate.
I always love being able to read books in a series back-to-back. I suspect this inclination is the same as the one that has lead to the preference for binge watching shows for many viewers. I just want to sink into a world and stay there as along as I can. Also, as a SFF reader, many of the stories I consume require a decent amount of brain power and memory to fully understand the world and culture of the story. So there’s a premium to be found in not having to re-learn all of that from book to book when there’s a year plus waiting between stories. All of that to say, I was excited to jump right on to the second and final book in this duology after finishing up the first one.
After the explosive events at the end of the previous book, nothing is as it seemed. Anwei’s entire world has been shaken. Her brother, a beloved sibling whose “death” she has been trying to avenge for much of her life, has instead been alive and well living with her worst enemies. What’s worse, she almost lost Knox in the pursuit of this vengeance. But now her fury cannot be contained, and she vows to hunt down the shapeshifters who have so destroyed her life. For his part, her brother Mateo has had to face some harsh truths about his own existence. Now, both siblings will have to confront just how far they will go in the pursuit of their goals. And who they are willing to sacrifice along the way.
I was in a pretty good place to start this book coming off the last one. While the first book was quite a commitment, page-length-wise, this definitely felt like one of those reads that would benefit from a back-to-back read. For one thing, the pacing and reveals came hot and heavy towards the end of the first book, leaving most of character reeling from one discovery or near miss or another. There was a lot revealed, and I was excited to see how it would all be resolved here in the second book.
One of the things that has stood out from the very beginning of this read was the quality of the writing itself. It is clear that the author has a very clear vision for her characters, both their strengths and flaws. This last part, in particular, is difficult to pull off. How do you write characters who behave badly, who make selfish choices, who risk others in the pursuit of their own goals without alienating readers from those same characters who, ostensibly, are still the “heroes” of the story? But I think Sangster really has a handle on how to do this. As alluded to in the book description, both Anwei and Mateo face choices that will seem them prioritizing themselves and their goals over the ones they care about. However, the characterization is so solid that their decisions, even while questionable and, at times, incredibly poor, make sense within the realm of them both being flawed individuals.
I also still very much like the overall world-building and the use of shape-shifters. Shape shifters are the sorts of paranormal creatures that you rarely see, often falling to the side in favor of the ever popular vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. There were some interesting twists and turns to be found in this aspect of the story, as well. I also really liked the way the gods and their powers/connections with each character were used.
I will say that I some of my positive reception of this book could come down to the fact that I was able to read it immediately after the first one. For readers who have had to wait the full year, there is a lot of wading in that will likely need to be done to refamiliarize yourself with this world and the characters. As such, the pacing can also feel a bit slow and tedious at times. I do wonder, overall, whether this series and Sangster’s writing in general might have better translated to adult fantasy. I think some of the pacing and expansive world-building might have worked better with that audience than with younger readers who like faster moving stories.
Overall, if you enjoyed the first book, I think this is a good conclusion to the duology and will appeal to those fans. In general, readers who are looking for a more “meaty” YA fantasy, this might be a good read for you!
Rating 8: A solid conclusion to a unique YA fantasy duology, though the overall pacing might be slower than younger audiences may appreciate.
April 5, 2023
HE WHO BREAKS THE EARTH is an engaging YA fantasy that follows four characters. Each of the four is dealing with their own problems and desires, and they are on a collision course with fate. Mateo has a new voice in his head, and he is trying to determine his path forward, especially since he knows it might put him at odds with the girl he loves. Lia is heading his way, but with darker things on her mind since her last remaining family member has been kidnapped by his father.
Anwei is seeking revenge for those who have wronged her, and her path is dangerous but determined. Knox is recovering and still confused about what has happened, hoping the bond with Willow has been severed - but learning that it was not so simple. As the story continues, bonds will be challenged and choices will be made.
Although this is a thick book, the pace felt quite quick and steady with a plot that propels the story forward. There is a lot of action throughout with nary a dull moment. As each of the four perspectives are given, it keeps the reader on their toes and moving forward. While four could seem like a lot, each of the characters felt distinct and it was easy to keep track of who was who. The character arcs for the four are continuing to develop in this story and they will be challenged by the paths they are forging for themselves.
As a second book, the writing does not spend a lot of time recapping the previous or explaining the world, so it would definitely help to have recently read the first book. That being said, this world is infinitely interesting with its own religion and beliefs that have been shaped by those in power. These types of political/power structures are interesting to examine, particularly for the lies that have been held as truths through the retellings over time. This type of malicious misinformation can be seen throughout history in our world, and is brought to the forefront in theirs as they seek the truths and revenge.
While the character development is not the primary element of the writing, each of the characters was compelling and distinct with their own desires and goals. While they are aligned, they forge the alliances they need, and while they care for each other, they are each battling their own goals and those of the gods who have influence on them. The implications for free will and religion are interesting to consider.
The ending is ultimately satisfying, bringing closure to the duology in a way that fans of the first book will appreciate.
Ultimately, HE WHO BREAKS THE EARTH is an engaging and fast-paced YA fantasy with compelling characters and intriguing themes. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Anwei is seeking revenge for those who have wronged her, and her path is dangerous but determined. Knox is recovering and still confused about what has happened, hoping the bond with Willow has been severed - but learning that it was not so simple. As the story continues, bonds will be challenged and choices will be made.
Although this is a thick book, the pace felt quite quick and steady with a plot that propels the story forward. There is a lot of action throughout with nary a dull moment. As each of the four perspectives are given, it keeps the reader on their toes and moving forward. While four could seem like a lot, each of the characters felt distinct and it was easy to keep track of who was who. The character arcs for the four are continuing to develop in this story and they will be challenged by the paths they are forging for themselves.
As a second book, the writing does not spend a lot of time recapping the previous or explaining the world, so it would definitely help to have recently read the first book. That being said, this world is infinitely interesting with its own religion and beliefs that have been shaped by those in power. These types of political/power structures are interesting to examine, particularly for the lies that have been held as truths through the retellings over time. This type of malicious misinformation can be seen throughout history in our world, and is brought to the forefront in theirs as they seek the truths and revenge.
While the character development is not the primary element of the writing, each of the characters was compelling and distinct with their own desires and goals. While they are aligned, they forge the alliances they need, and while they care for each other, they are each battling their own goals and those of the gods who have influence on them. The implications for free will and religion are interesting to consider.
The ending is ultimately satisfying, bringing closure to the duology in a way that fans of the first book will appreciate.
Ultimately, HE WHO BREAKS THE EARTH is an engaging and fast-paced YA fantasy with compelling characters and intriguing themes. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2023
This is the second book in a duology. The first book, She Who Rides the Storm, is basically a heist story with unlikely allies (I’m a sucker for those) that goes horribly awry.
It’s been about a year and a half since I read the first book, but it didn’t take long to become reacquainted with these characters I enjoyed so much (especially Mateo). Each is struggling with the cards they were dealt at the end of book one – Anwei is still on a revenge quest after shocking revelations, Mateo has a new voice in his head, Knox is slowly recovering and a little fuzzy on what happened in the tomb, and Lia is determined to find her kidnapped sister. I was eager to see how each characters’ story played out – especially when Mateo and Lia met up – but Anwei frustrated me. Yes she’s dealing with a lot, but I wanted her to quit complaining and do something about it.
The tone of this sequel is darker, and the theology of this world is delved into, more so than in the first book. But it’s not all gloom and doom – humorous moments are still sprinkled throughout, and there’s no shortage of twists and surprises. The ending is fast-paced, but also very satisfying, and I think readers will be pleased.
At nearly one thousand pages this duology requires a time investment, but with complex world-building, high stakes, and strong characterization, it’s an engaging read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It’s been about a year and a half since I read the first book, but it didn’t take long to become reacquainted with these characters I enjoyed so much (especially Mateo). Each is struggling with the cards they were dealt at the end of book one – Anwei is still on a revenge quest after shocking revelations, Mateo has a new voice in his head, Knox is slowly recovering and a little fuzzy on what happened in the tomb, and Lia is determined to find her kidnapped sister. I was eager to see how each characters’ story played out – especially when Mateo and Lia met up – but Anwei frustrated me. Yes she’s dealing with a lot, but I wanted her to quit complaining and do something about it.
The tone of this sequel is darker, and the theology of this world is delved into, more so than in the first book. But it’s not all gloom and doom – humorous moments are still sprinkled throughout, and there’s no shortage of twists and surprises. The ending is fast-paced, but also very satisfying, and I think readers will be pleased.
At nearly one thousand pages this duology requires a time investment, but with complex world-building, high stakes, and strong characterization, it’s an engaging read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 1, 2024
Why is this just The Last of Us Part II. It is an absolutely tired "revenge doesn't make you feel better" plot executed so poorly I hated nearly every character by the end of it.
On a technical level, this book is riddled with typos. I don't know how this made it to print with dropped periods, possessives, and all other sorts of grammatical issues fully on display.
Scenes were repeated over and over. One character spends most of the book unconscious. People ask each other what they really want ad nauseam.
Pretty much everything I enjoyed about the first book was destroyed. Anwei became so despicable, I actually pity Knox for having to be with her. She sold out all of her friends at one point or another. My jaw almost dropped when she revealed Noa's lineage without even consulting her. Holy cow, did I come to detest her.
Same with Mateo. I truly don't know why he was given a redemption arc when he spends most of the book planning on actually killing the girl who's supposed to be his love interest.
Noa and Altahn are a nothing couple. I didn't care about them getting together at all. Three straight couples in one series is so utterly boring.
Hated this.
On a technical level, this book is riddled with typos. I don't know how this made it to print with dropped periods, possessives, and all other sorts of grammatical issues fully on display.
Scenes were repeated over and over. One character spends most of the book unconscious. People ask each other what they really want ad nauseam.
Pretty much everything I enjoyed about the first book was destroyed. Anwei became so despicable, I actually pity Knox for having to be with her. She sold out all of her friends at one point or another. My jaw almost dropped when she revealed Noa's lineage without even consulting her. Holy cow, did I come to detest her.
Same with Mateo. I truly don't know why he was given a redemption arc when he spends most of the book planning on actually killing the girl who's supposed to be his love interest.
Noa and Altahn are a nothing couple. I didn't care about them getting together at all. Three straight couples in one series is so utterly boring.
Hated this.
April 21, 2025
This conclusion to the duology was satisfying enough. Similar to the first book, the sequel suffers from lots of repetitive phrases and flashbacks. To its credit, I feel the plot is less all-over-the-place in this one. Anwei also goes through a challenging and believable character arch, though her flaws sure do make her an annoying narrator perspective. Unfortunately, I don’t think I was ever convinced that she and Knox are romantically destined to be together, and it doesn’t help that this book has Knox knocked out for most of the book. Mateo and his father are the most interesting characters, though Willow’s possession of Mateo makes it very difficult to see how much of his decisions/desires were his own versus Willow’s (maybe that was the point).
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars. I was able to get into this one better than the first, and it was a good continuation of the story. I did think it was still too long, too many failed plans and complications. I also didn't like that it wasn't clear how they could "win" in the end -too many questions about old magic or whatever. Still, there were a lot of exciting parts, and I liked how the characters were developed. Many of them grew and changed, and the last fight was exciting -I wasn't sure who would live or how they would beat Tual, but it ended up being a great ending. Definitely a fun series overall.
Content: mild violence.
Content: mild violence.
March 25, 2025
Overall...not bad. I loved book one so I had high expectations for this book when I eventually got it but
I think it fell a bit flat. This book took sooooo long to finish because it was such a drag. There was an incredible amount of build in this book which was another reason why I found it to be a drag. The ending was semi cute at least. I feel like all the excess drama wasn't necessary. I also had difficult keeping track who was who since perspectives jumped so much. It was better at the beginning of the book but as time went on perspectives jumped more frequently and I struggled with who was where and with who until names were mentioned.
I think it fell a bit flat. This book took sooooo long to finish because it was such a drag. There was an incredible amount of build in this book which was another reason why I found it to be a drag. The ending was semi cute at least. I feel like all the excess drama wasn't necessary. I also had difficult keeping track who was who since perspectives jumped so much. It was better at the beginning of the book but as time went on perspectives jumped more frequently and I struggled with who was where and with who until names were mentioned.
January 16, 2023
Caitlin again did an excellent job making this world come to life. She took time to delve into each character. The ending had me holding my breath and there were plenty of surprises along the way. The only reason it's not 5 stars is just that it was a slower read than the first and it took a lot of piecing together to recall the details of the first book. However, I still loved it and can't wait for more!
July 2, 2025
This book started a little slower, but soon it had the same intensity: it grips you with ghost claws! I could not put it down. The book could have used a little more polishing, but it was plenty good to keep me captive. It's a hard book to read at times, emotionally. But I think the themes are powerful: people are more important, sometimes you no longer want what you thought you wanted and it's ok. Crazy book.
September 2, 2023
This one suffered the same issue as the first - it just took too long to get to the important things. There was a lot of planning and additional scenes that felt unnecessary and elongated the story past what actually moved the action and plot along. And did little for the character development either.
October 28, 2023
I loved this book. The characters feel so realistic. They make mistakes and feel real feelings. I love the way that not all of the characters on the same team like each other and the dynamics that brings. I loved Anwei in the first book and loved watching the rest of her story unfold.
December 5, 2023
Good ending but not quite what I was hoping for. If I read these books again, it might get bumped up a star. Still, it suffered from a blatant expendable crewman and added yet more POV's to an already full cast. I felt it was trying to pull off too much and didn't quite land.
December 15, 2023
If you are picking this one up just to finish out the duology then do it. But if you are looking at these two book as a whole then don't waste your time. This was a hot mess that I ended up wasting my time with this.
July 18, 2024
A lot going on in this series. I didn’t feel like it was wrapped up especially tightly, I still felt like some things could have benefitted from more explanation. But - great characters, lots to like here.
March 22, 2025
If only there was more on Abendiza. The first-third was really absolutely boring but the way I flew through the next two-thirds were simply astounding. I was kept on the edge of my seat, I laughed and possibly almost teared up.
December 29, 2025
Great ending to this duology. Was much easier to get into because I already understood the world and knew all the Characters involved. Enjoyed reading this one even though I had to put it down to cook Christmas Dinner. LOL
Want to read
January 3, 2023This sounds amazing!
May 19, 2023
This was an amazing book! The perfect YA fantasy, with engaging characters and unforeseen twists!
May 20, 2023
I loved this second book even more than the first! The twists and turns, the heart ache, this book had me hooked!
I will say that the ending was kind of lacking but besides that, a really good read!
I will say that the ending was kind of lacking but besides that, a really good read!
August 23, 2023
The plot, the feelings, the camaraderie... And the fucking calculative, cynical mind of Anwei! God was she relatable. 💜💜 Love this duet.
Monsters were the ones who lived, in the end.
Monsters were the ones who lived, in the end.
Read
September 21, 2023DNF @58%
not that bad but I've lost interest
not that bad but I've lost interest
November 28, 2023
Yas! Plane. Landed.
March 22, 2024
Loved the story. A great tale that explores our relationships with others dressed in a fantasy setting
May 10, 2024
Really amazing book, it got kind of confusing at times but that was all cleared up by the end.
August 18, 2024
Interesting sequel to the first book. I really enjoyed the ride it took me on to Tool Montanya
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews