When Ekon and Koffi's stories collide, Ekon is denied entry into the order and Koffi finds herself in more debt than ever before. Now the two must team up in order to hunt the one beast that could both reinstate Ekon and pay of all of Koffi's debts. The terrifying Shetani, the beast that preys on those who enter the Greater Jungle. An alliance is forged, and the two head into the dangers of the jungle together, but each with hidden secrets. This book is phenomenal. The world building is vivid. From the picturesque Lkossa of the past to the segregated and destitute Lkossa of the present. The layers of power and privilege, the sadness of a young girl being indebted for her father's mistakes. The magical system, the Splendor, was different and unique. One must only channel small portions of it at a time or risk pain or worse. As well, this world is looked over by six Gods, each with their own realm. They were the ones to allow humans the ability to control the Splendor, but only some had this power (those with the power were called darajas). I felt this book did a good job of revealing things slowly, of surprising the reader and allowing the story to flow freely. The past was interspersed with the present in order to reveal Adiah's character and the Lkossa that used to be. It allowed the reader to feel more empathy for events that occurred later, but also allowed the reader to develop an appreciation for what once was. The plot slowly reveals itself like a flower opening to the sun. Koffi as a character was so relatable and I instantly liked her. Her determination, but also her fear. She is caring and loyal to her family and friends. But she is also emotionally stunted by what happened with her father, holding in her blame and pain. It is a good juxtaposition to see her relationship with her father and Ekon's with his father. Both of them have lost their fathers, but while Ekon blames himself for his father's death, Koffi blames her father for the horrible life her mother and her are forced to live. Ekon was a favourite of mine. He is nervous, but also determined. He wants to show that he can be a protector like his father, like his brother. He has been trained for life to see the Sons of the Six as the most righteous of jobs. He is also smart, cunning, and fast. I like that he has nervous ticks, his counting to three while tapping his leg. He is not always perfect and often shuts down when things do not go the way he had hoped. He also is blind to what is happening in the order, because of his inherent respect and love for his father, brother, and mentor. Koffi and Ekon's chemistry was perfect. Her just completely understanding him and his "quirks" from the start and not judging him. Ekon feeling almost immediately drawn to Koffi and stunned by her seemingly controlling the Shetani. He finds Koffi brave, perplexing, and smart. He is also open to all of her suggestions and trusts her judgements. They just bounce off each other so well, their characters so well developed. They have depth, they are lonely in their worlds, they feel trapped and like they cannot do anything right. They feel powerless and are both trying to find a way to gain their power back. Both having had their dreams dashed by one small mistake. Unfortunately, Ekon and Koffi keep secrets from each other, which lead to mistrust and heartache. Allowing those who would destroy Lkossa to possibly triumph. I also really loved every moment these two characters spent in the Greater Jungle. The beasts, the Goddess, the plants. All of it was crafted so beautifully, and at times horrifyingly. I cannot wait to read the next book, Beasts of Ruin. I received this book through Once Upon a Book Club, which is a subscription box company in which you open gifts as you read (which appear to be from the novel). This box came with four amazing gifts: a water bottle holder, a bar of soap shaped like a stone, a dagger letter opener, and a blue, knit poncho. Use my affiliate code ONEMAMAREADS10 in order to save 10% on subscriptions or on items within their store.
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