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A review by colossal
Firebrand by A.J. Hartley
4.0
In an fantasy country inspired by South Africa a young woman from one of the minority populations builds on her new position to face a plot that affects the city where she lives and international politics.
Anglet Atonga is now secure in the employment of an up and coming politician when she stumbles on a plot with ramifications for all sides of politics, the progressive party of her employer, the nationalist ruling party and the extreme white supremacy party. The latter is gaining popularity as the city experiences in an influx of black refugees from a Northern war. Her skills are tested and there's a lot of growth needed before she can perform the role that Willinghouse and the city of Bar-Selehm need her to perform.
I actually like this one more than the previous book. Ang's position is established and so too are other key supporting characters, giving the story more of a feel of the detective procedural in a fantasy world that the title of the series seems to imply. She has the trust of some of the police, and Willinghouse as well as having established friends throughout the city and beyond, and having her leverage these contacts feels very familiar as she puts together the overall scheme.
There also isn't the egregiously ridiculous non-care of a newborn that was conspicuous in the previous one.
Finally, the discussion around refugees, racism and the rise of the political right feels very topical which gives the whole plot a lot more weight than is probably immediate on the page.
Anglet Atonga is now secure in the employment of an up and coming politician when she stumbles on a plot with ramifications for all sides of politics, the progressive party of her employer, the nationalist ruling party and the extreme white supremacy party. The latter is gaining popularity as the city experiences in an influx of black refugees from a Northern war. Her skills are tested and there's a lot of growth needed before she can perform the role that Willinghouse and the city of Bar-Selehm need her to perform.
I actually like this one more than the previous book. Ang's position is established and so too are other key supporting characters, giving the story more of a feel of the detective procedural in a fantasy world that the title of the series seems to imply. She has the trust of some of the police, and Willinghouse as well as having established friends throughout the city and beyond, and having her leverage these contacts feels very familiar as she puts together the overall scheme.
There also isn't the egregiously ridiculous non-care of a newborn that was conspicuous in the previous one.
Finally, the discussion around refugees, racism and the rise of the political right feels very topical which gives the whole plot a lot more weight than is probably immediate on the page.