Companion novel, but not necessarily sequel to Woven in Moonlight. The story takes place almost immediately after the events of the first book, this time from Catalina's perspective, deep in the jungle beyond La Ciudad where she is rescued by her former general/bodyguard/many years crush, Manuel. Together they work to survive the many natural and magical dangers of the jungle to find a way to convince the warriors of the jungle, the Illari, to help Catalina return to her "rightful" place on the throne.
Spoiler to hide my thoughts on the romance below, no huge plot spoilers:
In my opinion, going into this book to relish the romance is a mistake. It's fine if you prefer the "will they won't they" trope, but in my eyes this couple never felt endearing or caring towards each other. I found neither Catalina nor Manuel's personalities likeable, and their constant disagreements and lashing out in pain and anger very unenjoyable. (I get it, I mean who wouldn't after losing your people/family?) Don't get me wrong, I understand that Manuel feels as if he has to put his feelings aside in order to protect Catalina from the very real dangers around them, however his character kept flip flopping from serious guard to almost playing with her feelings. (All those "knowing smirks"? Hello?) And don't get me started on Catalina. Her whole character arc depends on her starting out as a selfish, spoiled condesa, but the way she kept pushing the emotional, physical, (sexual?) boundaries that Manuel drew between them, even AFTER she specifically acknowledges that she would stop for both their sakes... it read as a girl who didn't accept no as an answer, even from the one she supposedly loves. They end up together, of course, but there was no celebration on my part. I very much enjoyed the first book Woven in Moonlight, but if you were expecting the same sort of banter or longing between Catalina and Manuel as Ximena and Rumi, you'll soon find out you're sorely mistaken.
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Genocide