A review by ariaslibrary
The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino

3.0

 (thank you little brown book group for the arc in exchange for an honest review)

‘Do you trust me?’ Kier asked.
‘Eternally,’ she said.

On the island of Idistra, there are five nations and ever since the destruction of the much-revered Locke, the four nations have been at war. For Locke was important. It was the source of power that fed the Wells (those who can store power), who then powered the Mages (those who harnessed the power), but Wells (referred to as Hands in the army) are running out. No one knows what caused the death of Locke, but an heir remains, and as the four nations scramble for resources, they also fight in search of the heir of Locke.

When a child is discovered by childhood friends Captain Kiernan Seward and Hand Captain Grey Flynn, they are tasked with transporting the possible Heir of Locke to the sovereign of Scaela. A journey that is full of danger in every shadow. A journey that, if completed, will earn Grey and Kier their much-needed freedom.

There’s much to love about this book. I loved the dynamic presented between a Mage and their Hand. I loved the queer-normative world. I loved certain aspects of the world-building. I especially loved the potential friends-to-lovers romance arc, as that is my favourite type of romance to follow. But sadly, I couldn’t get over how little I cared about the characters. Aside from being heavily devoted to each other, the only thing I can tell you about our two main characters is that Grey is angry and Kier is kind. There’s an intense scene involving the two towards the end of the book that should have had us frantic in anxious worry, then moved to joyous relief, but I felt nothing. I just moved on to the next chapter.

The plot isn’t exactly something new in the fantasy world and while I enjoyed following it, what really saved this book from a lower rating, is the politics in the later-half of the book. I’m a sucker for political intrigue and especially if it’s done right.

I’m not certain if I’ll continue with the series. I’ll probably sample book two when it comes out.

My love is yours, as that which beats within my heart is yours, and that which powers the fabric of the world is yours through mine own hand. Take from me, that I may be thine.

—Binding ritual recovered from Locke, author unknown, date unknown