A review by dragonwriter
Master of Souls by Rena Barron

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Arrah has released the kas of the five chieftains to save Rudjek’s life, but even though the Demon King has retreated with his army, the danger isn’t over. The orishas want the kingdom and the tribes to unite against the demons, but if they do, the Demon King won’t spare Arrah’s people. Rudjek and Arrah find themselves of opposite sides of the issue, Rudjek wanting to fight, and Arrah wanting nothing but peace. While they argue, the Demon King releases Efiyah, Arrah’s half-sister, and while Daho is content to wait for Dimma to join him, Efiyah is greedy and wants revenge. When the half-demon girl manages to undermine Daho, he is forced to flee, running to Arrah and Rudjek, warning them that Efiyah is coming back.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the other two, though the story was still good. Arrah being resigned to her death throughout the whole story really wore on me, and she and Rudjek never really got a break, which was really frustrating. Efiyah was a proper brat, but I understand why Evelyn was so fascinated by her, since she truly symbolized the future of demon kind, being the first new demon born, and able to bear more children. But Efiyah having the body of a young woman while having the mindset of a young child was eerie, especially with her relationship with Tyrek. I do think the final battle was over-crowded. The additional orisha were a bit much and really did nothing story-wise other than give Efiyah additional numbers. I am glad the epilogue happened, because that really would have made me furious, if everyone got a HEA except them.