For teens grappling with grief and duty in a world facing ruin, this gripping fantasy invites readers on a perilous quest where love, courage, and sacrifice are paramount.
When would a parent reach for this book? This book is for the teen struggling with the heavy weight of grief while still facing immense pressure and responsibility. In this dark fantasy sequel, necromancer Odessa leads her people on a perilous sea quest to find a new home, fleeing a monstrous plague. She must battle terrifying creatures and political rivals while navigating the deep, personal sorrow of losing her love. The story powerfully explores resilience, found family, and the courage it takes to love again after loss. It is best for older teens (14+) comfortable with intense fantasy violence, scary monsters, and mature emotional themes, including a central queer romance.
Several characters die, and the protagonist is still grieving a major death from the first book.
Scary ScenesModerate
Includes threatening and monstrous creatures (krakens, zombies) and scenes of intense peril.
Romantic ContentMild
Features a developing F/F romance with kissing and declarations of affection.
Sensitive Topics
The book's core is a direct exploration of grief. It is handled through the lens of fantasy, but the emotional reality is raw and central to the plot. Odessa's journey is about learning that finding new happiness and love does not betray a past love. The resolution is hopeful but acknowledges that grief is a lasting process. This is presented in a secular fantasy context. The protagonist is bisexual, and her developing F/F romance is a significant, positive plotline.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who loves epic, high-stakes fantasy but is also ready for significant emotional depth. An excellent choice for a reader grappling with loss or the pressure of leadership, who would benefit from seeing a hero work through sorrow while still fighting for a better future. Also a great pick for readers seeking strong female protagonists and positive queer representation in the fantasy genre.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the mature themes of grief, death, and responsibility. There are scenes of fantasy violence (battles with monsters and people) and some frightening imagery. The protagonist's bisexuality and the central F/F romance are integral to the story. No specific pages require previewing, but understanding the book's intense emotional and perilous tone is key. A parent notices their teen seems overwhelmed by expectations or is withdrawing while coping with a loss (of a person, friendship, or opportunity). The teen might express feelings of isolation or that no one understands the pressure they are under.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be captivated by the world-building, the sea monsters, the magic system, and the adventure plot. An older teen (15-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuances of Odessa's psychological journey: the complex politics, the moral weight of her decisions, and the sophisticated exploration of how to live with grief.
What Makes It Special
This book stands out by making the process of grieving an active, central part of an epic fantasy quest. Rather than being a tragic backstory, Odessa's grief informs her actions, her magic, and her relationships in real time. Its normalization of finding new love after loss, combined with a prominent and positive bisexual main character, offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience in the YA fantasy space.
Read plot summary
This is the sequel to "Reign of the Fallen". Necromancer Odessa is leading the last of her people, the Karthians, on a desperate sea voyage to find a new home. They are pursued by the Dead, monstrous beings created by a magical plague. While battling sea monsters and navigating treacherous waters, Odessa must also contend with political dissent from within her own ranks. Still mourning the death of her boyfriend, she forms a complex alliance and budding romance with Meredy, a pragmatic and charismatic pirate captain. The journey forces Odessa to confront the depths of her power, her duty as a leader, and the nature of moving on from profound loss.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Odessa struggles with her duty to her people versus her personal grief. How do you think her grief makes her a better or worse leader at different points in the journey?
2
The book explores finding new love after a major loss. How does Odessa's relationship with Meredy honor her memory of Evander, rather than simply replace it?
3
Kasmira and Odessa have very different ideas about leadership and what sacrifices are necessary. Whose approach did you agree with more, and why?
4
The Dead are a constant threat. Do you see them as just monsters, or as a metaphor for something else, like grief, despair, or the past?
