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Magic of the Lost #2
The Faithless
In the second installment of C.L. Clark's Magic of the Lost trilogy, soldier Touraine and princess Luca must return to Balladaire to reclaim Luca's throne and to face the consequences of dismantling an empire.
The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet.
Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But he won't let go of power so easily. When he calls for a "Trial of Competence" and Luca's allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. And she knows someone who can help...
Touraine has found a home in the newly free country of Qazal. But she soon realizes that leading a country and leading a revolution are two very different tasks. And, even more importantly, if Luca's uncle doesn't ratify the treaty, the Qazali could end up right back where they started.
Together, the two women will have to come overcome their enemies, their history, and their heartbreak in order to find a way to secure Luca's power and Touraine's freedom.
The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet.
Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But he won't let go of power so easily. When he calls for a "Trial of Competence" and Luca's allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. And she knows someone who can help...
Touraine has found a home in the newly free country of Qazal. But she soon realizes that leading a country and leading a revolution are two very different tasks. And, even more importantly, if Luca's uncle doesn't ratify the treaty, the Qazali could end up right back where they started.
Together, the two women will have to come overcome their enemies, their history, and their heartbreak in order to find a way to secure Luca's power and Touraine's freedom.
558 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2023
293 people are currently reading
13453 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Clark
23 books2,204 followersC. L. Clark is a BFA award-winning editor and Ignyte award-winning author of several books, including The Unbroken (Magic of the Lost trilogy), Fate's Bane (a novella), and Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf (an Arcane novel). When she’s not writing, she’s trying not to throw her kettlebells through the wall. Her work has appeared in various SFF venues, including Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, Tor.com, Uncanny, and Beneath Ceaseless Skies. Sign up to her newsletter for updates and bonus materials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
February 14, 2023
My thanks to Orbit books, C.L. Clark and Netgalley. Just in case anyone is wondering how this book stands up to the first? No worries! Matter of fact, I liked this second book better than the first! That just about never happens. There is no middle book slagging off here. My sole complaint? Yep! That would be none. I love these characters.. Touraine has my heart, though I guess I'm finally warming up to Luca. I hate that I'll have to wait another year to finally read how this story ends.
April 24, 2023
While I admit that I didn't love The Unbroken, I was intrigued by the plot as I do love a rebellion plot-line and a military fantasy, and so I decided to continue and give the Faithless a try. Sadly, I felt much the same way as I did with Book 1.
While I do really like the plot of this series, I feel like the driving force between all of the main character's decisions' is their relationships with other characters - which is fine, but I don't think C.L. Clark's writing lends itself well to building an emotional connection between the reader and the story - meaning I was rolling my eyes every time a character made a reckless decision instead of feeling the same torment they were in the moment. This is especially relevant to Touraine and Luca's relationship for me, I truly just don't believe it and I don't think they have any chemistry at all.
I currently don't have intention to finish this series, but I would be very interested in seeing how the relationships play out at the end.
While I do really like the plot of this series, I feel like the driving force between all of the main character's decisions' is their relationships with other characters - which is fine, but I don't think C.L. Clark's writing lends itself well to building an emotional connection between the reader and the story - meaning I was rolling my eyes every time a character made a reckless decision instead of feeling the same torment they were in the moment. This is especially relevant to Touraine and Luca's relationship for me, I truly just don't believe it and I don't think they have any chemistry at all.
I currently don't have intention to finish this series, but I would be very interested in seeing how the relationships play out at the end.
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January 14, 2023
HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIT
Whew. This book.
The second installation of book two of the Sapphic Trifecta delivers and then some.
So. Good.
Words to possibly follow later after I calm down. But probably not. I dunno.
I received an ARC from the publisher
Whew. This book.
The second installation of book two of the Sapphic Trifecta delivers and then some.
So. Good.
Words to possibly follow later after I calm down. But probably not. I dunno.
I received an ARC from the publisher
August 24, 2025
What an amazing sequel! This is such a smart political fantasy series, with complex character motivations that get even more intense and emotional in this book. Touraine and Luca stress me out 😩 I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the finale next month
Want to read
December 25, 2021*slams credit card* I WANT 10 COPIES THE MINUTE THIS IS PUBLISHED
March 15, 2023
Luca better be on this cover or I'll cry
**EDIT: I have finally gotten to read this book, and I have to say, I found it much better than the first one. Grant it, I am biased because Luca was my favorite character and the book is more focused on her this time around, but I think it was... The most liberating of the two books in the series so far, despite all the petty drama they had to go through. It also achieved everything I wanted for a second book but went even further. It was perfect in every way.
I especially loved the evolution of Touraine and Luca's relationship over this, and I love the questions and consequences that these characters have to face in this book. Luca was more fully fleshed out in this book, which I really enjoyed and thought was incredibly necessary, but I will say I did find it hard to empathize with Touraine at parts because of her brashness... But that's a core part of her character, and at the very least, the author is always consistent with this. That says something.
As I was reading, I kind of figured it out like this: Touraine is not super bright, but she always does the right thing and will die trying to do the right thing. Luca is super bright, but she doesn't always do the right thing (even though she wants to) and struggles to figure out what the right thing is. However, both of these characters are learning so much, a lot from each other, and they do compliment each other well. I had found this hard to perceive in the first book, but it really came to light in the second one.
Also, a lot of fun new characters were introduced! I loved Sabine, and Fili is very neat!!! I love the plot in this book a lot more, and I really love the way it is heading so much. It was also cool getting more familiar with Lucas home country. I'm really looking forward to the third book now.
Maybe we'll get Luca AND Touraine on the next cover? Maybe at their wedding?? Shāl, I sure hope so!
**EDIT: I have finally gotten to read this book, and I have to say, I found it much better than the first one. Grant it, I am biased because Luca was my favorite character and the book is more focused on her this time around, but I think it was... The most liberating of the two books in the series so far, despite all the petty drama they had to go through. It also achieved everything I wanted for a second book but went even further. It was perfect in every way.
I especially loved the evolution of Touraine and Luca's relationship over this, and I love the questions and consequences that these characters have to face in this book. Luca was more fully fleshed out in this book, which I really enjoyed and thought was incredibly necessary, but I will say I did find it hard to empathize with Touraine at parts because of her brashness... But that's a core part of her character, and at the very least, the author is always consistent with this. That says something.
As I was reading, I kind of figured it out like this: Touraine is not super bright, but she always does the right thing and will die trying to do the right thing. Luca is super bright, but she doesn't always do the right thing (even though she wants to) and struggles to figure out what the right thing is. However, both of these characters are learning so much, a lot from each other, and they do compliment each other well. I had found this hard to perceive in the first book, but it really came to light in the second one.
Also, a lot of fun new characters were introduced! I loved Sabine, and Fili is very neat!!! I love the plot in this book a lot more, and I really love the way it is heading so much. It was also cool getting more familiar with Lucas home country. I'm really looking forward to the third book now.
Maybe we'll get Luca AND Touraine on the next cover? Maybe at their wedding?? Shāl, I sure hope so!
June 22, 2025
I read the first book back in 2021, but I remembered enough of it to continue the series without having to do a reread. The Faithless turned out to be better than The Unbroken. At this rate, maybe book three will hit five stars?
You can tell the author improved, not just writing wise, but character wise as well. I, a Luca hater, started warming up to her a teeny tiny little bit during the course of the book, so it's possible I'll actually like her in the next one. Who would've thought?
That's not to say that she stopped making stupid decisions though, just putting that out there.
And I'm still not on board the Luca - Touraine ship, sorry. My opinion hasn't changed one bit, they shouldn't be together and there's zero chemistry between them. But as individual characters, they're interesting to follow, especially Touraine.
We got some new PoVs as well, I liked getting to know those characters better.
This one had less action than the first, but I didn't mind that, the politics were the star of the show and not hard to keep track of. The plot was better too, and I'd like to think that I know where it's going to go in The Sovereign, but maybe I'm wrong and it'll go in a completely different direction.
I wish we got to see more of the magic system in action, I'm assuming it's going to be a huge thing in the next installment, but we only got a few crumbs here.
Now, what bugged me is basically how easy everything was at the end, it's not that I want the characters to suffer more than necessary, but when I was reading it I was like "and that's it?", there should've been a little more. It's hard to explain more of what without spoiling.
I would still recommend this series to people who are looking for some underrated fantasy reads, maybe it won't blow you away (or maybe it will, in which case yay), but you'll have a solid story to keep you entertained.
You can tell the author improved, not just writing wise, but character wise as well. I, a Luca hater, started warming up to her a teeny tiny little bit during the course of the book, so it's possible I'll actually like her in the next one. Who would've thought?
That's not to say that she stopped making stupid decisions though, just putting that out there.
And I'm still not on board the Luca - Touraine ship, sorry. My opinion hasn't changed one bit, they shouldn't be together and there's zero chemistry between them. But as individual characters, they're interesting to follow, especially Touraine.
We got some new PoVs as well, I liked getting to know those characters better.
This one had less action than the first, but I didn't mind that, the politics were the star of the show and not hard to keep track of. The plot was better too, and I'd like to think that I know where it's going to go in The Sovereign, but maybe I'm wrong and it'll go in a completely different direction.
I wish we got to see more of the magic system in action, I'm assuming it's going to be a huge thing in the next installment, but we only got a few crumbs here.
Now, what bugged me is basically how easy everything was at the end, it's not that I want the characters to suffer more than necessary, but when I was reading it I was like "and that's it?", there should've been a little more. It's hard to explain more of what without spoiling.
I would still recommend this series to people who are looking for some underrated fantasy reads, maybe it won't blow you away (or maybe it will, in which case yay), but you'll have a solid story to keep you entertained.
March 4, 2023
3.5/5
My girl, you haven't been just a soldier in a very long time.
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I adored The Unbroken, it was a five star read for me. Unfortunately, The Faithless suffers a little from second book syndrome.
Some of my main criticisms are fairly personal—I don't care much for Luca as a character and this sequel focuses more on her and the setting of Balladaire. Within these dislikes that are entirely subjective, there are also others that hold up to sturdier reasonings—the court politics seemed clunky and disorganised, and the stakes felt fabricated. What I mean by this is that our main character's decisions and motivations changed too often with minimal repercussions, their decisions did not hold the weight I thought that they should hold, and it overall made for quite a confusing (and, at times, seemingly redundant) narrative.
Where The Faithless picks up again and retains the same themes I loved in The Unbroken is in the other perspectives. I did not anticipate loving Pruett's perspective, however (even though it was a much smaller part of the story) I thought it held the most weight. It carries over from the first book its sense of rebellion, of an ex-conscript's twisted and complex relationship with empire and colonialism and sense of belonging.
Can I take your legs, sir, your army-issued legs, sir?
How can I help you today?
There were also other amazing characters, I grew to love Aranen even more and Ghadin was brilliant, but most of this book hinges on political machinations and not much happening. We grasp at tendrils of this world's magic, but there isn't much actual movement in the majority of this story. This is a problem that many second books in trilogies fall into, hence second book syndrome.
I still think you should absolutely read this trilogy, the first book is incredible, and I will be anxiously anticipating the third book! I truly wish I had loved this, I really wanted to, but it sadly fell a bit flat for me. It was in no shape or form bad, however it didn't live up to my high expectations put in place by my love for The Unbroken.
That fire consumes all that it touches. What will you have to become to withstand her flames?
My girl, you haven't been just a soldier in a very long time.
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I adored The Unbroken, it was a five star read for me. Unfortunately, The Faithless suffers a little from second book syndrome.
Some of my main criticisms are fairly personal—I don't care much for Luca as a character and this sequel focuses more on her and the setting of Balladaire. Within these dislikes that are entirely subjective, there are also others that hold up to sturdier reasonings—the court politics seemed clunky and disorganised, and the stakes felt fabricated. What I mean by this is that our main character's decisions and motivations changed too often with minimal repercussions, their decisions did not hold the weight I thought that they should hold, and it overall made for quite a confusing (and, at times, seemingly redundant) narrative.
Where The Faithless picks up again and retains the same themes I loved in The Unbroken is in the other perspectives. I did not anticipate loving Pruett's perspective, however (even though it was a much smaller part of the story) I thought it held the most weight. It carries over from the first book its sense of rebellion, of an ex-conscript's twisted and complex relationship with empire and colonialism and sense of belonging.
Can I take your legs, sir, your army-issued legs, sir?
How can I help you today?
There were also other amazing characters, I grew to love Aranen even more and Ghadin was brilliant, but most of this book hinges on political machinations and not much happening. We grasp at tendrils of this world's magic, but there isn't much actual movement in the majority of this story. This is a problem that many second books in trilogies fall into, hence second book syndrome.
I still think you should absolutely read this trilogy, the first book is incredible, and I will be anxiously anticipating the third book! I truly wish I had loved this, I really wanted to, but it sadly fell a bit flat for me. It was in no shape or form bad, however it didn't live up to my high expectations put in place by my love for The Unbroken.
That fire consumes all that it touches. What will you have to become to withstand her flames?
May 7, 2023
I bow down to C.L Clark for breaking my reading slump and causing me to read 350 pages in one day.
This had all of the in-depth political machinations, interrogation of colonisation and brilliant character relationships that made me adore the first book in this series. Dark, brutal, angry - this book is one of rage against the colonial powers who will do everything to keep control. It is about discovering that freedom doesn’t mean a lack of duty.
Content warnings: graphic depictions of colonisation, imperialism, racism, graphic depictions of injuries, torture, blood, sexual content, gun violence, violence, kidnapping, panic attacks/ptsd, child death, vomit, cannibalism, war
This had all of the in-depth political machinations, interrogation of colonisation and brilliant character relationships that made me adore the first book in this series. Dark, brutal, angry - this book is one of rage against the colonial powers who will do everything to keep control. It is about discovering that freedom doesn’t mean a lack of duty.
Content warnings: graphic depictions of colonisation, imperialism, racism, graphic depictions of injuries, torture, blood, sexual content, gun violence, violence, kidnapping, panic attacks/ptsd, child death, vomit, cannibalism, war
April 19, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
I feel similarly about this as I did to book 1- there are parts of it I LOVE, and other parts that are kind of dull and keeping my attention is a struggle. I think the premise of the series is great with a complex relationship between the two main protagonists, messy political realities, and brutal magic. And the sapphic elements are strong in this one!
However, I felt like there would be long sections of the book that would really drag, punctuated by these truly captivating scenes. I do think we get some good character development, and the way the plot wraps up at the end is compelling. I just wish I felt that way all the way through. It's a book that I wanted to love and didn't wholeheartedly. I think I'm interested enough to finish out the series though.
I feel similarly about this as I did to book 1- there are parts of it I LOVE, and other parts that are kind of dull and keeping my attention is a struggle. I think the premise of the series is great with a complex relationship between the two main protagonists, messy political realities, and brutal magic. And the sapphic elements are strong in this one!
However, I felt like there would be long sections of the book that would really drag, punctuated by these truly captivating scenes. I do think we get some good character development, and the way the plot wraps up at the end is compelling. I just wish I felt that way all the way through. It's a book that I wanted to love and didn't wholeheartedly. I think I'm interested enough to finish out the series though.
March 13, 2023
On my blog.
Rep: Black lesbian mc with PTSD, disabled bi mc, bi, lesbian & nonbinary side characters
CWs: racism, violence
Galley provided by publisher
The Faithless was a solid follow up to The Unbroken. As with the first book, the sequel is a slowburning affair, something to sink your teeth into. It’s the ending where things become very interesting and, I’ll admit, they took a turn in a direction I didn’t expect (although perhaps should have).
The book opens a few months on from the successful rebellion that ended book one. Things are now in kind of dire straits in Qazal, being as they decimated their own food supply in order to oust Balladaire. It’s just as bad for Luca back home in Balladaire, too, since her uncle appears to have only consolidated his hold on the throne. So, Luca sends a letter pleading for Touraine to come as Qazal’s ambassador.
There’s been something about sequels to my favourite sapphic fantasy reads of 2021 — as I found with The Oleander Sword, there was the slightest case of second book syndrome. Likely as not, that’s probably just the fact that I found the first book(s) so good, and had built that up somewhat in my mind, that anything that’s not that becomes a little disappointing. That’s not to say I didn’t really enjoy this book by the end — I gave it 4 stars after all — but it didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book. However, I’m sure book three will come roaring back, given how this one ends, with certain characters now interestingly pitted against each other.
As with the first book, the focus is a lot on the political side of things, Touraine navigating her way through a hostile court, alongside Luca fighting her uncle at every turn. The action primarily happens towards the final third of the story, which is why I would call this one slowburning. It’s hard to say why it didn’t manage to capture my attention quite so effectively as the first book — I was more interested in Pruett’s story to be perfectly honest (although that didn’t mean I was uninterested in Touraine) — although perhaps I could attribute it to not rooting for Touraine and Luca as a relationship. I can’t put it down to much more than that: I didn’t want to see them in love, I wanted them to be antagonistic and reluctantly horny for one another. (This, by the way, is what I meant by the turn I should have seen coming.) That being said, there’s plenty of time left for it all to go wrong!
However, this was still a book that I enjoyed a whole lot and it’s a series where I’m eagerly awaiting to see what happens next.
Rep: Black lesbian mc with PTSD, disabled bi mc, bi, lesbian & nonbinary side characters
CWs: racism, violence
Galley provided by publisher
The Faithless was a solid follow up to The Unbroken. As with the first book, the sequel is a slowburning affair, something to sink your teeth into. It’s the ending where things become very interesting and, I’ll admit, they took a turn in a direction I didn’t expect (although perhaps should have).
The book opens a few months on from the successful rebellion that ended book one. Things are now in kind of dire straits in Qazal, being as they decimated their own food supply in order to oust Balladaire. It’s just as bad for Luca back home in Balladaire, too, since her uncle appears to have only consolidated his hold on the throne. So, Luca sends a letter pleading for Touraine to come as Qazal’s ambassador.
There’s been something about sequels to my favourite sapphic fantasy reads of 2021 — as I found with The Oleander Sword, there was the slightest case of second book syndrome. Likely as not, that’s probably just the fact that I found the first book(s) so good, and had built that up somewhat in my mind, that anything that’s not that becomes a little disappointing. That’s not to say I didn’t really enjoy this book by the end — I gave it 4 stars after all — but it didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book. However, I’m sure book three will come roaring back, given how this one ends, with certain characters now interestingly pitted against each other.
As with the first book, the focus is a lot on the political side of things, Touraine navigating her way through a hostile court, alongside Luca fighting her uncle at every turn. The action primarily happens towards the final third of the story, which is why I would call this one slowburning. It’s hard to say why it didn’t manage to capture my attention quite so effectively as the first book — I was more interested in Pruett’s story to be perfectly honest (although that didn’t mean I was uninterested in Touraine) — although perhaps I could attribute it to not rooting for Touraine and Luca as a relationship. I can’t put it down to much more than that: I didn’t want to see them in love, I wanted them to be antagonistic and reluctantly horny for one another. (This, by the way, is what I meant by the turn I should have seen coming.) That being said, there’s plenty of time left for it all to go wrong!
However, this was still a book that I enjoyed a whole lot and it’s a series where I’m eagerly awaiting to see what happens next.
March 15, 2023
4.0 Stars
This was a solid sequel that was even better than the first. I liked The Unbroken, but I admitted that it read like a debut. I enjoyed many elements of the first book but I failed to fully connect to the characters.
This changed in book two. Right from the start, I found myself immersed in the story and deeply invested in the characters. I loved the grittiness of the world and complexity of our protagonists.
I would recommend this series to readers who enjoy complex fantasy filled with morally gray characters and brutal worldbuilding.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was a solid sequel that was even better than the first. I liked The Unbroken, but I admitted that it read like a debut. I enjoyed many elements of the first book but I failed to fully connect to the characters.
This changed in book two. Right from the start, I found myself immersed in the story and deeply invested in the characters. I loved the grittiness of the world and complexity of our protagonists.
I would recommend this series to readers who enjoy complex fantasy filled with morally gray characters and brutal worldbuilding.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 9, 2024
[4.5 stars, rounded up]
The political intrigue of it all! The self-fulfilling prophecy of it all! The got what you wanted but god at what cost of it all! C.L. CLARK WHEN I CATCH YOUUU
The political intrigue of it all! The self-fulfilling prophecy of it all! The got what you wanted but god at what cost of it all! C.L. CLARK WHEN I CATCH YOUUU
September 15, 2025
*4.5/4.75
"The Unbroken" was military fantasy, but "The Faithless" is political one. I can see "The Sovereign" being a good mix of both.
I'm actually a little impressed because this book was better than the first. I read 56% of it in a day (and finished it). I didn't expect that of myself... there's something in 15th of September that makes me... sad. It's the first day of the school year in my country. And while my uni year starts in 1st of October, I can't shake off the feeling of this date from my school days. Maybe I needed a distraction.
Anyhow, our characters were always nice to read about. Both Touraine and Luca are so messy and unsure. It was so amusing to watch them change their mind or go against their own words because of the other. Luca is growing and realizing some stuff about the empire and what needs to be done... from the summary of the third book I can see her arc is set to be beautiful. And while Luca was more of a focus this time around, Touraine is at the center too. And Touraine... her character development isn't a straight line. It's chaotic and a little lost. She afraid and feels guilty. Frankly, she often doesn't know what she wants. She's divided between cultures, people and her own desires. It's... relatable. I think in the end of the book we saw a glimpse of a Touraine who is finally finding herself, for real.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm afraid for them. Difficult things awaits and both of them are going to make mistakes. I just hope the author isn't keen on making their readers cry lol.
As a conclucion I'd say I'm looking forward to the end of the trilogy. The author has gained experience and is on a steady rise in terms of skills. Just two weeks until "The Sovereign" comes out 👀 (Its cover concerns me lmao.)
_______________________
01/12/22: I haven't even read The Unbroken BUT LOOK AT THIS COVER, I WANT THIS WOMAN TO STEP ON ME
"The Unbroken" was military fantasy, but "The Faithless" is political one. I can see "The Sovereign" being a good mix of both.
I'm actually a little impressed because this book was better than the first. I read 56% of it in a day (and finished it). I didn't expect that of myself... there's something in 15th of September that makes me... sad. It's the first day of the school year in my country. And while my uni year starts in 1st of October, I can't shake off the feeling of this date from my school days. Maybe I needed a distraction.
Anyhow, our characters were always nice to read about. Both Touraine and Luca are so messy and unsure. It was so amusing to watch them change their mind or go against their own words because of the other. Luca is growing and realizing some stuff about the empire and what needs to be done... from the summary of the third book I can see her arc is set to be beautiful. And while Luca was more of a focus this time around, Touraine is at the center too. And Touraine... her character development isn't a straight line. It's chaotic and a little lost. She afraid and feels guilty. Frankly, she often doesn't know what she wants. She's divided between cultures, people and her own desires. It's... relatable. I think in the end of the book we saw a glimpse of a Touraine who is finally finding herself, for real.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm afraid for them. Difficult things awaits and both of them are going to make mistakes. I just hope the author isn't keen on making their readers cry lol.
As a conclucion I'd say I'm looking forward to the end of the trilogy. The author has gained experience and is on a steady rise in terms of skills. Just two weeks until "The Sovereign" comes out 👀 (Its cover concerns me lmao.)
_______________________
01/12/22: I haven't even read The Unbroken BUT LOOK AT THIS COVER, I WANT THIS WOMAN TO STEP ON ME
March 7, 2023
3.75 stars
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO THE FAITHLESS!
Everyone knows how hard second books in trilogies can be. To impress, to live up to the original, and especially to top the original. The Faithless is one of those second books that I actually liked more than the first. The pacing isn't much faster than in The Unbroken, it seems like this is simply the style Clark prefers in her books. This is fine, as what made this book better was that Touraine wasn't as much of a naive dumbass as she was in book 1, and Luca was so much more likeable. I couldn't stand Luca in the first book. I felt like throwing something every time her chapters came around, but Clark's characters definitely grew from the first book and that is always nice to see. I absolutely despise static characters, even more so when it comes to series. Another thing I liked was that all three of the leading characters have a very distinct voice for a book with multiple POVs in 3rd person. Oftentimes, my complaint with multi-POV books is that the character voices blend together, that isn't the case in The Faithless and is another reason why it is a strong contender after The Unbroken.
Plot-wise, there is a lot happening, but at the same time, nothing happens. This was definitely more of a character-based book, and for once I didn't mind it because I found the characters so lacking in book 1, and it was good to actually understand them, and sympathise with them somewhat. The romance was also a lot better, and it just goes to show that slow-burn romances are the way to go. I might not have shipped Luca and Touraine in book 1 (mainly because of my distaste for Luca), but I admit to getting butterflies during the more intimate scenes here.
Similar to my complaint with the deus ex machina ending for The Unbroken, I am not a fan of how there is always so much conflict going on, but ends up being solved abruptly and so easily once the 80% mark comes around. It doesn't feel as satisfying and makes the aforementioned high stakes seem not so high because we know they will be somehow solved by the end of the book. Clark does not shy away from killing off her characters though, which was demonstrated in how she killed off 3-4 major supporting characters in one chapter.
I will read the finale of the trilogy because I am pretty invested in this series by now. I hope it's better in terms of plot progression, conflict resolution and pacing as compared to the first two books. Clark's improvement in writing is pretty noticeable in The Faithless, so I trust we are in good hands for the ending. So far the sapphic trifecta has not disappointed me, and I am excited for the resolution for all three of the book later this year or hopefully next year.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Orbit UK for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The Faithless comes out March 7th 2023.
Before Reading
THE BIG DYKE ENERGY THIS COVER HAS!!
(I'm sorry for hating on you Luca, you can have all the sapphics at your knees queen)
Update: I GOT APPROVED FOR AN ARC
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO THE FAITHLESS!
Everyone knows how hard second books in trilogies can be. To impress, to live up to the original, and especially to top the original. The Faithless is one of those second books that I actually liked more than the first. The pacing isn't much faster than in The Unbroken, it seems like this is simply the style Clark prefers in her books. This is fine, as what made this book better was that Touraine wasn't as much of a naive dumbass as she was in book 1, and Luca was so much more likeable. I couldn't stand Luca in the first book. I felt like throwing something every time her chapters came around, but Clark's characters definitely grew from the first book and that is always nice to see. I absolutely despise static characters, even more so when it comes to series. Another thing I liked was that all three of the leading characters have a very distinct voice for a book with multiple POVs in 3rd person. Oftentimes, my complaint with multi-POV books is that the character voices blend together, that isn't the case in The Faithless and is another reason why it is a strong contender after The Unbroken.
Plot-wise, there is a lot happening, but at the same time, nothing happens. This was definitely more of a character-based book, and for once I didn't mind it because I found the characters so lacking in book 1, and it was good to actually understand them, and sympathise with them somewhat. The romance was also a lot better, and it just goes to show that slow-burn romances are the way to go. I might not have shipped Luca and Touraine in book 1 (mainly because of my distaste for Luca), but I admit to getting butterflies during the more intimate scenes here.
Similar to my complaint with the deus ex machina ending for The Unbroken, I am not a fan of how there is always so much conflict going on, but ends up being solved abruptly and so easily once the 80% mark comes around. It doesn't feel as satisfying and makes the aforementioned high stakes seem not so high because we know they will be somehow solved by the end of the book. Clark does not shy away from killing off her characters though, which was demonstrated in how she killed off 3-4 major supporting characters in one chapter.
I will read the finale of the trilogy because I am pretty invested in this series by now. I hope it's better in terms of plot progression, conflict resolution and pacing as compared to the first two books. Clark's improvement in writing is pretty noticeable in The Faithless, so I trust we are in good hands for the ending. So far the sapphic trifecta has not disappointed me, and I am excited for the resolution for all three of the book later this year or hopefully next year.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Orbit UK for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The Faithless comes out March 7th 2023.
Before Reading
THE BIG DYKE ENERGY THIS COVER HAS!!
(I'm sorry for hating on you Luca, you can have all the sapphics at your knees queen)
Update: I GOT APPROVED FOR AN ARC
July 22, 2025
And C.L. Clark hits another book absolutely out of the park! Such an underrated series
March 8, 2023
If I can say only one thing about this book, then: I support women’s wrongs. Just. No question.
Seriously now, though. This was incredible. There was so much insight into the world, the people, the complexities, the magic. It built upon the foundation set by the first book and I can tell you I haven’t been this excited for a sequel in a LONG time. Yes, I know—this only just came out. Quite the withdrawal C. L. Clark launched us all into. It’ll be…interesting.
Also—again, because this is my own personal CRACK—unhinged sapphics. My god. These women are pure chaos and I live for it.
And… Pruett. More. Pruett. I’ll beg. It’s easy, really—after all, I’m already on my knees.
Seriously now, though. This was incredible. There was so much insight into the world, the people, the complexities, the magic. It built upon the foundation set by the first book and I can tell you I haven’t been this excited for a sequel in a LONG time. Yes, I know—this only just came out. Quite the withdrawal C. L. Clark launched us all into. It’ll be…interesting.
Also—again, because this is my own personal CRACK—unhinged sapphics. My god. These women are pure chaos and I live for it.
And… Pruett. More. Pruett. I’ll beg. It’s easy, really—after all, I’m already on my knees.
Read
July 19, 2023This book was so messy, and I absolutely mean that in a positive way. Luca and Touraine are such giant messes, totally hot for each other as they stumble around and try to make the world a better place for both their countries. I kind of loved it, tbh. This series reads like the opposite of books like The Traitor Baru Cormorant (which I also reccommend), in which a brilliant young person does battle with a nefarious empire and no one is as they seem on the surface. Luca and Touraine are not brilliant, they wear their hearts on their sleeves, and screw up a lot over the course of The Faithless, but they're so lovable I can't help but root for them. Change the world, you messy queers! <3
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars
it's so satisfying when the second book in a series is even better than the (also incredible) first book
it's so satisfying when the second book in a series is even better than the (also incredible) first book
April 10, 2023
*fans herself*
October 2, 2024
This is the second instalment in the Magic of the Lost series.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
November 4, 2025
4.5*
ugh the political intrigue in this was *chefs kiss* !! c. l. clark i love you and your mind
ugh the political intrigue in this was *chefs kiss* !! c. l. clark i love you and your mind
August 5, 2023
Clark continues to surprise and delight me with how hard they are willing to go in this queer love story set within the context of colonization, rebellion and shifting power dynamics. (Babel: An Arcane History could never LOLOLOLOL)
If you haven't read book one yet, The Unbroken, please go ahead and do that and come back to this review when your heart is adequately crushed and tenderized.
They always say that second albums / second books are tough, and I gotta say: also true post-rebellion, even successful ones. We start this book with former-soldier Touraine in Qazal, which is trying to formulate its new government - and not starve in the process. Her mother, and now lead Council member, The Jackal, sends her back to Balladaire - this time as an ambassador, a role Touraine is almost hilariously unsuited for. But she has Luca's heart and attention so... her allies want her to use it.
Meanwhile, Luca is in a lowkey fight with her uncle Nicolas who intends to keep hanging onto the throne thankyouverymuch, and still trying to discover if Balladaire has magic of its own that will help keep it from poisonously leaching off Qazal's. Can these two thread the dangerous political maze and find a way to see Luca in power and Qazal still a sovereign nation - while also building something real between the two of them?
What a glorious mess the plot of this book presents! Again, there's a very palpable feeling of almost no one in this book really knowing what they're doing but blundering around with best intentions anyway. If I have to deduct any points at all, it's that it all leads to a climactic scene toward the end that is definitely Full Drama though did stretch my credibility meter a bit. Still, this series has tended to lead with the connection between Touraine and Luca at its heart, and that reaches an appropriate crescendo by the end as well. It's nice to see these two stop dancing around it finally!!
Which is not to say this is a straight up one-to-one love story, either. One of the delightful surprises was how much Clark lets Touraine and Luca's former lovers play a role. On Touraine's side, she has a somewhat tense parting with Pruett, who then has her own whole ass side quest / discovery of magic that really flips the game board by the end of this book. And on Luca's side, Sabine de Durfort is a charming breath of fresh air in an otherwise drama-filled narrative. And what develops between her, Luca and Touraine is...kinda treading the line towards polyamory?? LOVED THAT. Though Sabine really takes a beating in this book. Justice for Sabine! LOL
As in book one, there are deaths aplenty and many moral compromises before the last page. But things have drastically changed once again, making the "will this actually work?!" question to be answered in the third book screamingly imperative. I, for one, am on the edge of my seat for the conclusion.
If you haven't read book one yet, The Unbroken, please go ahead and do that and come back to this review when your heart is adequately crushed and tenderized.
They always say that second albums / second books are tough, and I gotta say: also true post-rebellion, even successful ones. We start this book with former-soldier Touraine in Qazal, which is trying to formulate its new government - and not starve in the process. Her mother, and now lead Council member, The Jackal, sends her back to Balladaire - this time as an ambassador, a role Touraine is almost hilariously unsuited for. But she has Luca's heart and attention so... her allies want her to use it.
Meanwhile, Luca is in a lowkey fight with her uncle Nicolas who intends to keep hanging onto the throne thankyouverymuch, and still trying to discover if Balladaire has magic of its own that will help keep it from poisonously leaching off Qazal's. Can these two thread the dangerous political maze and find a way to see Luca in power and Qazal still a sovereign nation - while also building something real between the two of them?
What a glorious mess the plot of this book presents! Again, there's a very palpable feeling of almost no one in this book really knowing what they're doing but blundering around with best intentions anyway. If I have to deduct any points at all, it's that it all leads to a climactic scene toward the end that is definitely Full Drama though did stretch my credibility meter a bit. Still, this series has tended to lead with the connection between Touraine and Luca at its heart, and that reaches an appropriate crescendo by the end as well. It's nice to see these two stop dancing around it finally!!
Which is not to say this is a straight up one-to-one love story, either. One of the delightful surprises was how much Clark lets Touraine and Luca's former lovers play a role. On Touraine's side, she has a somewhat tense parting with Pruett, who then has her own whole ass side quest / discovery of magic that really flips the game board by the end of this book. And on Luca's side, Sabine de Durfort is a charming breath of fresh air in an otherwise drama-filled narrative. And what develops between her, Luca and Touraine is...kinda treading the line towards polyamory?? LOVED THAT. Though Sabine really takes a beating in this book. Justice for Sabine! LOL
As in book one, there are deaths aplenty and many moral compromises before the last page. But things have drastically changed once again, making the "will this actually work?!" question to be answered in the third book screamingly imperative. I, for one, am on the edge of my seat for the conclusion.
April 5, 2023
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
An amazing sequel to one of my favorite ongoing fantasy releases! It is hard to talk about this book without spoiling the events of the first but I will do my best. If something you loved about the Unbroken was how messy the interpersonal dynamics were between characters, that is still here and still fantastic. If you love Touraine, she is still the best AND learns how to fight with a sword, which was pretty fun. We get to change settings in this book which I found really compelling and fun. This also leaned more into the political court intrigue side of things, which I do tend to love so that was also pretty enjoyable for me. If you wanted more magic in the sequel, there is some but I wouldn't say its a whole lot and like the first book this story is a complete thought but makes you really really want the conclusion. This debut trilogy by C.L. Clark is still so impressive to me and I cannot wait to see how they choose to end it!
An amazing sequel to one of my favorite ongoing fantasy releases! It is hard to talk about this book without spoiling the events of the first but I will do my best. If something you loved about the Unbroken was how messy the interpersonal dynamics were between characters, that is still here and still fantastic. If you love Touraine, she is still the best AND learns how to fight with a sword, which was pretty fun. We get to change settings in this book which I found really compelling and fun. This also leaned more into the political court intrigue side of things, which I do tend to love so that was also pretty enjoyable for me. If you wanted more magic in the sequel, there is some but I wouldn't say its a whole lot and like the first book this story is a complete thought but makes you really really want the conclusion. This debut trilogy by C.L. Clark is still so impressive to me and I cannot wait to see how they choose to end it!
dnf
March 10, 2023I got to ARC read for The Faithless and want to make a note that while I DNFed and was not super interested in the story or characters, this is a good book- just not for me. The writing is on point, the themes are fascinating and powerful, and the storytelling is solid. Its just a long book if the characters aren't grabbing you. Y'all def need to give the series a try tho.
August 14, 2025
Better than book one.
Princess Luca is preparing to take her place upon the throne, committed to forging a lasting peace between Qazāl and her people, with a new hope of magical exchange.
Touraine is sent to Balladaire as a diplomat for the negotiations for the official independence of Qazāl.
Toiraine struggles with how she should be feeling. She missed some aspects of Balladaire, those that she had been taught and then had to unlearn as being paradigms of ‘civilised’.
It felt very realistic and grounded that she didn’t want to want the empire, but she did want parts. That she was afraid that if she left, all of the comfort she’d built in Qazāl would be stripped away.
Not to mention, there’s that added tension of whatever relationship Luca and Touraine might have had. Is Touraine there as an official, a manipulator, an appeasement?
”Because I’m your…” Friend seemed too presumptuous. Too much. Not enough. “Because you’re my what, Luca?” Touraine’s voice was even and sharp, like a good blade.
I enjoyed seeing the trio of Sabine, Luca, and Touraine develop. I liked seeing Touraine forced to interact with new people in a new role once again.
We got chapters from Pruett which I personally disliked. I am sure there play into book three, but I still haven’t forgiven her and I haven’t seen enough of her character to maybe redeem her.
I also wish we got more descriptions of the different cultures and the contrasts as we are told a lot about barbaric customs etc, but this all blamed on magic. I want more of the other aspects too.
This book asks - what are you willing to sacrifice?
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Princess Luca is preparing to take her place upon the throne, committed to forging a lasting peace between Qazāl and her people, with a new hope of magical exchange.
Touraine is sent to Balladaire as a diplomat for the negotiations for the official independence of Qazāl.
Toiraine struggles with how she should be feeling. She missed some aspects of Balladaire, those that she had been taught and then had to unlearn as being paradigms of ‘civilised’.
It felt very realistic and grounded that she didn’t want to want the empire, but she did want parts. That she was afraid that if she left, all of the comfort she’d built in Qazāl would be stripped away.
Not to mention, there’s that added tension of whatever relationship Luca and Touraine might have had. Is Touraine there as an official, a manipulator, an appeasement?
”Because I’m your…” Friend seemed too presumptuous. Too much. Not enough. “Because you’re my what, Luca?” Touraine’s voice was even and sharp, like a good blade.
I enjoyed seeing the trio of Sabine, Luca, and Touraine develop. I liked seeing Touraine forced to interact with new people in a new role once again.
We got chapters from Pruett which I personally disliked. I am sure there play into book three, but I still haven’t forgiven her and I haven’t seen enough of her character to maybe redeem her.
I also wish we got more descriptions of the different cultures and the contrasts as we are told a lot about barbaric customs etc, but this all blamed on magic. I want more of the other aspects too.
This book asks - what are you willing to sacrifice?
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April 8, 2023
Rating: All Time Favorite, 5 stars
"We're all just pretending. Keeping shields up and hiding as best as we can, from friends and enemies alike. They were all so unbearably lonely under the masks."
I feel like I have really been on a streak of fantastic trilogies where the second book actually lives up to the first and doesn't have middle book syndrome. And this is one of them. I am going to trust in this and just assume that the third book will also be incredible and CL Clark will quickly make their way onto my absolute favorite author list.
The Faithless picks up not too long after the events of the Unbroken. I feel like it has all the pieces that I loved so much about the first one. I will say that this one really ramps up the politics, which was a lot of fun. We spend most of the book in Balladaire, which was super interesting. I enjoyed seeing the other side of the world that we were introduced to in The Unbroken. I do hope we get to spend some more time in Qazāl again in book 3 though.
The characters remain absolutely messy and yet delightful. I definitely think that the characters are what make this book so successful for me. While we continue to get both Touraine's and Luca's perspectives (with a few others sprinkled in), the last book felt much more like Touraine's book while this one was much more Luca's. Touraine is still very much searching for her identify and Luca is still very much coming to terms with her empire and what it actually means to be a good sovereign. They are both absolute messes, but this time around it felt like they had matured and that they weren't necessarily making stupid decisions at the same rate that happened in the previous book. It was more like they were trying to make the best decision out of some terrible choices. So that maturity was also really great to read.
I will say that this one felt like it had a bit of a slower start than the Unbroken, which isn't a bad thing, but by the end it was hurdling along at breakneck speed to the conclusion. I do appreciate that each book so far has felt like a complete story. Very clearly there is more to come and we get tidbits of what the next book will be in each, but there isn't any huge massive cliffhangers, which is very nice.
Also, I just have to give credit where credit is due for one of the most savage backhanded compliments that I have ever read. It made me snort my morning tea when I read it: "She is kinder than you give her credit for... 'Or...at least she's got ambitions of kindness." It's flawless. Something I would never want to hear about myself, but absolutely incredible.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and this series. I am still shocked that this is CL Clark's debut series because it is incredible. Something about the way that they write just works so well for my brain, and the themes and characters are some of my favorites. Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit books for an early copy, even though some life events kept me from from finishing it prior to publication. Also, I highly recommend the audiobooks! Rasha Zamamiri is absolutely incredible as a narrator, and is quickly become a favorite audiobook narrator!
"We're all just pretending. Keeping shields up and hiding as best as we can, from friends and enemies alike. They were all so unbearably lonely under the masks."
I feel like I have really been on a streak of fantastic trilogies where the second book actually lives up to the first and doesn't have middle book syndrome. And this is one of them. I am going to trust in this and just assume that the third book will also be incredible and CL Clark will quickly make their way onto my absolute favorite author list.
The Faithless picks up not too long after the events of the Unbroken. I feel like it has all the pieces that I loved so much about the first one. I will say that this one really ramps up the politics, which was a lot of fun. We spend most of the book in Balladaire, which was super interesting. I enjoyed seeing the other side of the world that we were introduced to in The Unbroken. I do hope we get to spend some more time in Qazāl again in book 3 though.
The characters remain absolutely messy and yet delightful. I definitely think that the characters are what make this book so successful for me. While we continue to get both Touraine's and Luca's perspectives (with a few others sprinkled in), the last book felt much more like Touraine's book while this one was much more Luca's. Touraine is still very much searching for her identify and Luca is still very much coming to terms with her empire and what it actually means to be a good sovereign. They are both absolute messes, but this time around it felt like they had matured and that they weren't necessarily making stupid decisions at the same rate that happened in the previous book. It was more like they were trying to make the best decision out of some terrible choices. So that maturity was also really great to read.
I will say that this one felt like it had a bit of a slower start than the Unbroken, which isn't a bad thing, but by the end it was hurdling along at breakneck speed to the conclusion. I do appreciate that each book so far has felt like a complete story. Very clearly there is more to come and we get tidbits of what the next book will be in each, but there isn't any huge massive cliffhangers, which is very nice.
Also, I just have to give credit where credit is due for one of the most savage backhanded compliments that I have ever read. It made me snort my morning tea when I read it: "She is kinder than you give her credit for... 'Or...at least she's got ambitions of kindness." It's flawless. Something I would never want to hear about myself, but absolutely incredible.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and this series. I am still shocked that this is CL Clark's debut series because it is incredible. Something about the way that they write just works so well for my brain, and the themes and characters are some of my favorites. Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit books for an early copy, even though some life events kept me from from finishing it prior to publication. Also, I highly recommend the audiobooks! Rasha Zamamiri is absolutely incredible as a narrator, and is quickly become a favorite audiobook narrator!
March 2, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for the e-arc.
Do you know how sometimes the second book doesn't live up to the first? Yeah, that is not the case this time around at all. I am in genuine awe of this book, and I cannot wait until my physical copy arrives so that I can re-read this and annotate it.
This book was fast-paced and engaging, and I was completely enthralled from start to finish. Without spoiling anything, I will say that this book is full of twists and turns that kept me turning the page to see what was coming next.
I loved that we got to see the story from new POV's and I especially loved finally getting Pruett's POV because she's such a fun and interesting character and I was obsessed with her in The Unbroken.
I love when books have characters face the consequences for their actions and when we see how these actions and consequences affect not only themselves but the people around them and lets just say....this book definitely delivers on that front.
This book deals directly with colonialism and its effects and is actively anti-colonialist even though one of our main characters, Luca, is the leader of said colonial nation. Clark has done a masterful job telling this story about rebellion, colonialism, friendship, and love.
Touraine..hand in marriage, please? I am begging. I'll fight Luca. Or are y'all looking for a third? Just let me know.
C.L Clark has just solidified their spot as an instant buy author and I can't wait to see what they write next!
Do you know how sometimes the second book doesn't live up to the first? Yeah, that is not the case this time around at all. I am in genuine awe of this book, and I cannot wait until my physical copy arrives so that I can re-read this and annotate it.
This book was fast-paced and engaging, and I was completely enthralled from start to finish. Without spoiling anything, I will say that this book is full of twists and turns that kept me turning the page to see what was coming next.
I loved that we got to see the story from new POV's and I especially loved finally getting Pruett's POV because she's such a fun and interesting character and I was obsessed with her in The Unbroken.
I love when books have characters face the consequences for their actions and when we see how these actions and consequences affect not only themselves but the people around them and lets just say....this book definitely delivers on that front.
This book deals directly with colonialism and its effects and is actively anti-colonialist even though one of our main characters, Luca, is the leader of said colonial nation. Clark has done a masterful job telling this story about rebellion, colonialism, friendship, and love.
Touraine..hand in marriage, please? I am begging. I'll fight Luca. Or are y'all looking for a third? Just let me know.
C.L Clark has just solidified their spot as an instant buy author and I can't wait to see what they write next!
December 30, 2022
Simply phenomenal. A brilliant, biting, and fierce portrayal of some of the best political and military fantasy I have ever read. This series continues to keep me on my toes and, while I never know what to expect next, I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 3.
September 11, 2025
C.L. Clark was insane writing this book.
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