Eidolon

Enjoyed the second book almost as much as the first!! The opening was such a stark difference to the opening of the first book so we are treated to an IMMEDIATE tonal shift and it worked so well in my opinion. One of my fav tropes is having a calm, routine situation being disrupted by something completely harrowing and this book pulled it off perfectly.

The scene where all the elderly Kai stand off against the galla was absolutely haunting and will be burned into my mind for a long, long time. Along with the absolutely chilling line of “So falls the kingdom of Bast-Haradis.”

Ildiko and Brishen's relationship remains an absolute treat, even with the added tension and angst of the plot coming in. Even though there are conflicts that directly affect their relationship, it's again refreshing to see that their love for each other never wavers, even as the plot tries to tear them apart. Ildiko wearing Brishen's shirt when he's gone just to feel close to him? I almost cried.

“I would have been content to live my life as just Brishen,” he whispered into her hair. “Who was loved by Ildiko.” ~“No. Nothing so grand. I'm content to live my life as just Ildiko,” she said softly, repeating words similar to those he once whispered in her hair when he thought her asleep. “Who is loved by Brishen.”

Once again loving Ildiko's character. Even under overwhelming circumstances she fully rises to the challenge, facing an entire country relying on her and also alienating her for being human. She faces all the challenges with grace and strength and poise and I just absolutely adore her for that. Even though the Kai don't want her as their Queen OR their Regent, she still does everything she can to keep them all safe and fed not just because they're Brishen's people and she loves him, but because she considers them to be her people too and worthy of all of her efforts, even if some of them scorn her. She would've made a fantastic Queen if circumstances were different.

Obsessed with the side plot of Kirgipa and Necos falling for each other. Still so invested in Brishen and Ildiko but watching a new romance blossom is a relief to have a bit of a break from all the weighty challenges the main couple faced in this book.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I think it ended in a good place, with not all the loose ends tied up so it's not a PERFECT ending but still a very good one, which I think is better. I'm undecided on whether I'll pick up the third book since it focuses on Serovek and Anhuset, but the possibility remains since I loved the first two books so much!