A Psalm of Storms and Silence

Captivating fantasy of good an evil and all the grey in between

While the first instalment was a pretty good story with some new and unknown elements, the second instalment is fantastic. It deals with heavy topics in a captivating world, to the backdrop of sacrifice, love and responsibility.
Characters had huge developments, not always a positive growth but learning and reflecting and getting to know themselves and the world. I especially loved how the MMC is no chisel-jaw, muscular and tall, brooding, confident jackass. Instead, he carries a heavy burden of trauma expressed in panic attacks, self-harm, doubt and even suicidal tendencies (beware of the trigger warnings). It makes him so much more human IMO, to follow him in good and bad decisions, understanding his motifs and cheering any bit of healing.
The writing style was easy to read and painted colourful mental images. Coming back to the MMC, I think that the writing and style devices did justice to his internal turmoil and to make the readers understand more of him.
Setting backdrop was African mythology inspired and thus fascinated me. We finally get to see more of deserts and rainforests after the first part in the city. Admittedly, the story has no inherently new concept: powers of the magic system and deities, a fight between cultures with one oppressing and looking down on the other, star-crossed lovers, betrayal. However it was well executed and tied up nicely. I personally think that the ending makes sense in the open way it is written but I can see how others might be a little disappointed.

There are so many things that I love about this book and series as a whole. All of the characters are so lovable. I cried a few times. I was surprised by how much I would love and mourn Idir. He may have been my favorite part of the story. And I love Ife and Caracal/Tabansi. Some of the love story parts made me skeptical. Karina is still flirty and wants to trust Malik every time they come in contact even after he has broken her trust over and over. Even getting Malik's perspective and knowing he had no choice but to betray her, I was still mad because she didn't have the full insight but was ready to jump in his lap constantly. Regardless, I wanted them to be together so I don't know why I'm complaining. Lol. I loved the author's recap of the first book and her sense of humor in her writing. This is a great series.

I was just looking this title up and realized I forgot to add it on GR when I read it. Anyway, I'd loved the first book despite it being a liiittle more fantasy-y than I generally prefer. I struggled with this one because it had been awhile since I read the first one so I had to have the wiki open to refresh myself on all the fantasy concepts at play here. I've said it before, I'll say it again: series books should have “previously on”s!

I'd assumed this was a trilogy and was a little surprised when I got to the end and realized it was a duology. Like...I kinda wish for more space for the conclusion to breathe and see where these choices play out? HMM oh well.