#Review - All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Even the Darkest Stars # 2
Format: Hardcover, 448 pages
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

All the Wandering Light is the thrilling, action-packed sequel to Even the Darkest Stars, a YA fantasy inspired by the early climbers of Mount Everest, perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore. 

 

After the terrifying events on Mount Raksha, the witches have returned, and River has betrayed Kamzin to regain his dark powers. The witches’ next step: march on the Three Cities and take over the Empire—led by River’s brother, Esha.

If Kamzin is to save Azmiri and prevent the fall of the Empire, she must find a star that fell in the Ash Mountains to the north. Fallen stars have immense power, and if Kamzin and Lusha can find the star, they can use its magic to protect the Empire. To get there, Kamzin has allied with Azar-at, the dangerous and deceptive fire demon, who can grant her great power—in exchange for pieces of her soul. But River wants the star too, and as their paths collide in dangerous and unexpected ways, Kamzin must wrestle with both her guilt and her conflicted feelings for the person who betrayed her.

Facing dark magic, a perilous journey, and a standoff against the witches, can Kamzin, Lusha, and Tem find the star and save their Empire?

 

All the Wandering Light is the second and final installment in author Heather Fawcett's Even the Darkest Stars duology. Set in a fictional kingdom reminiscent of Nepal, All the Wandering Light is inspired by both Eastern mythology and the early climbers of Mount Everest. The lush mountain setting is full of dangerous cliffs, sheer rock faces, ice and snow—the perfect backdrop for this thrilling and unique fantasy.

The shocking cliffhanger ending of Even the Darkest Stars left readers dying to find out what happens in this sequel. Especially with what River did that allowed the witches to gain back their magic that was restrained for centuries. Add new journeys to a dangerous new mountain range, the Ashes, as well as dark forests, the Empire’s capital Three Cities, and the Emperor’s opulent palace, readers will find much to pore over in this lush page-turner.

With twists, turns, and a number of unexpected surprises, All the Wandering Light raises the stakes and expands this fascinating world with thrilling style. With the combination of gorgeous setting, thrilling action, steamy romance, dangerous magic, and a lively and accessible voice reminiscent of The Crown’s Game, the Even the Darkest Stars duology has everything YA fantasy fans are looking for—and has the potential to be a real sleeper hit on our list.

From fiangul—bird-human-like creatures—to shapeshifting witches, dragons, ghosts, wolflike fire demons, and familiars—including an adorably mangy fox—Even the Darkest Stars and All the Wandering Light are full of fantastical and unique creatures. The romance between Kamzin and the mysterious River Shara is full of intrigue and humor—with hints of danger always looming, readers will be rooting for Kamzin and swooning over River, despite his turn to darkness.

I adore Kamzin. I don't think I can express that enough. Yes, she makes mistakes. Yes, she is driven by anger, and revenge, and the attempt to save her village from witches and Esha. But, she is a fantastic heroine who uses all of her skills in order to do the near impossible. She is quick on her feet, a fantastic guide and climber, and really should have received more accolades that she ends up with. No spoilers. 

Kamzin and her older sister, Lusha, have a complex and believable sisterly relationship full of jealousy, deep love, and grudging respect. The bond between the sisters—who will do their best to save each other, and their world—is lovely and human but also has plenty of issues which isn't to be expected when you have two solid female characters. While Kamzin is probably at the top of the list of guides you want on your side when you go hiking into the most dangerous part of the world, Lusha seems to be the one who ends up with it all. Yes, she is the oldest, and yes she has some abilities of her own. But, c'mon already! 

In closing, I would definitely encourage readers to read these books as they were released. You must do so in order to understand why Kamzin shouldn't be ignored, and neither should River for that matter. This book isn't just about Kamzin. River's side is told through his own chapters. Readers will have to decide whether or not he has done enough to be forgiven for his transgressions, or will you hold a grudge because he unleashed evil onto a unaware kingdom. Either way, I'm encourage by River's actions in the end of this story.  

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