Format: Hardcover, 448 pages
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
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.
