Review: An Echo of Things to Come
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think I'm not the only one who gets a deeper level of satisfaction when books start from the point where the previous one from the series ended. It makes me feel like no time has passed and no information was lost while I was waiting for the following book.
In An Echo of Things to Come, the second book of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington picks up the story shortly after the turmoil at the end of The Shadow of What Was Lost. A month after the brutal attack on Ilin Illan, Davian, Wirr, Asha, and Caeden face now their own missions, while also motivated by the same goal: to avoid the collapse of The Boundary, a key barrier that divides their world from a strong and terrible opponent.
The character arcs in this book are absolutely remarkable. Davian, now an Augur wielding the once-forbidden magic, goes through gradual but significant growth, and his internal fight is nothing short of captivating.
Wirr's position as Northwarden and Prince places him at the epicentre of political unrest. Everything from power struggles to the fate of his people's lives hangs in the balance in his dealings with the court. His journey vividly depicts the weight of leadership and the sacrifices that accompany it.
Asha's goal may appear less urgent at first, but it develops in surprising ways, revealing layers of intrigue and loyalty. I enjoyed how her character, though still enigmatic, began to exhibit signs of vulnerability, making her more approachable and adding complexity to her motivations.
Caeden stands out as an important character who is gradually accessing his lost memories. His part is interlaced with flashbacks that emphasize his identity's confusion and fragmentation. The intricacy that Islington gave his characters, particularly this one, is unique.
Pacing-wise, the author maintains a sense of urgency while balancing action and reflection, giving ample time for the character development I just outlined. There were frequent twists and surprising revelations that deepened and enhanced the already rich plot. The narrative never felt rushed; instead, it unfolded organically, allowing for world-building that deepened my immersion in this fantastical realm.
In terms of world-building, Islington really knows what he's doing. The Boundary acts as an intimidating background, symbolizing both a physical barrier and a metaphor for the characters' challenges. The implications of its probable fall are enormous, and Islington does a fantastic job of explaining the consequences could follow.
Concluding, An Echo of Things to Come is a wonderful second part of a trilogy that quickly grabbed my interest. Islington has created a narrative that not only captivates but also invites reflection on themes of identity, power, and the choices we make. I am quite confident the third book won't let me down.
Content Warnings
Graphic - Death, Blood, Torture
Moderate - Confinement, Violence, War
Minor - Rape, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
Comments
Post a Comment