lindsayreadingbooks 's review for:

The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah

3.75

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!

“Neither here nor there, but not so long ago…” I absolutely loved that this book not only started with a recap, but a recap that worked within the in universe storytelling structure.  I do think that it would benefitted to have a glossary just for quick reference of terms as well, but maybe next time!

I think that this is an excellent sequel, and that those who liked The Stardust Thief are going to enjoy this as well. It expands on the world building in a huge way, and some of the characters get fleshed out quite a lot (hello, Mazen and Aisha).  The pace is slow, but always engaging and purposeful, and I never found myself thinking that parts were filler.

I did like this slightly less than The Stardust Thief but only fractionally.  I missed

Qadir as he was one of my favourite characters of the first book, and while a lot of this book was directly about him, his physical absense was felt - both by me and the characters.

  I also found myself struggling to get back in to the groove of the prose through the first 25% - it definitely wasn't bad, but I didn't get immersed as quickly as book one.   

I also would have liked at least one more story. Good thing there is going to be a third book :)

3.75 stars