A review by reliures
Armistice by Lara Elena Donnelly

4.75

The second book in the The Amberlough Dossier trilogy, takes place a few years after the first book that saw a fascistic political party take power in a country reminiscent of the Weimar Republic in 1920’s/30’s Germany.  

I won’t delve into the plot to avoid spoilers but it was a joy to return into this Art Deco drenched political fantasy, full of twists,  intrigues, spies, revolutionaries, and smugglers. The diversity in this world, in terms of queer characters and POCs was truly the cherry on top. 

As with the previous book, the author describes the vivid scenes and glamorous settings with a lush and sharp prose. The action in this book takes place mostly in another part of this world, in a country more reminiscent of those in North Africa. 

It was great seeing two main characters from the previous book, Aristide and Cordelia, and a new one, Lillian (the sister of the main character from the first book, Cyril). The three points of view start separately, emphasising on the characters’ personal struggles in the aftermath of the previous book. Eventually their paths cross as their actions converge to similar goals.
It felt less twisty and plot heavy than the first book, with less urgency and fear, focusing more on personal relationships and the characters’s emotions.  
Despite being the middle book, I didn’t feel it dragged and reading it felt like a breeze. 

The ending definitely set up for the last book, so I’m looking forward to see how the trilogy ends.