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A review by jessicareadsit
Where Traitors Fall by Kate Callaghan
4.0
Where Traitors Fall is the epic sequel to Crowned a Traitor and is perfect for lovers of dark fantasy who enjoy non-stop action, headstrong female protagonists, intricately woven plotlines, and phenomenal world-building.
For those who haven't read the first book, Klara is the daughter of Lucifer the Devil and the Aemella of Kalos-Fae Queen making her the poster child for morally grey. As Klara accepts her role as ruler of the dark forest of Malum she begins to understand that ruling a people isn't always black and white.
One thing I relish about Kate Callaghan's writing is her ability to "keep it real." Yes, she is writing fictional characters in a fictional universe, but her characters are raw and honest with a vulnerability and authenticity that simply captivates readers.
Klara isn't the strongest or the smartest but this is easily trumped by her determination and sheer willpower to see grievous wrongs righted. I truly enjoyed seeing my dark queen's valiant attempts at being a guardian to Lottie, a Lycaon alpha in training. Klara's constant struggle for equilibrium between being a ruler, daughter, parent, friend, and teacher was startlingly realistic.
Perhaps the profound lesson to be learned from Where Traitors Fall is that there is strength in admitting weakness, in admitting to being lost and needing help. Klara has been truly and utterly defeated yet she does not waver from her beliefs or regret her decisions. She has grown tremendously from the girl in book one and I am enraptured by her journey to the crown of Hell.
I also relished the author's handling of the secondary characters who add much-needed dimension and flavor to the plotline. Klara cannot be all things and, whatever she lacks is made up by the other players. From Lokey's wit to Frendal's unwavering devotion and Lucifer's God complex, I never once felt like something was missing.
There is something intensely satisfying about finding a book that captivates you from the very first page and takes you on an adventure unlike any other.
Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
For those who haven't read the first book, Klara is the daughter of Lucifer the Devil and the Aemella of Kalos-Fae Queen making her the poster child for morally grey. As Klara accepts her role as ruler of the dark forest of Malum she begins to understand that ruling a people isn't always black and white.
One thing I relish about Kate Callaghan's writing is her ability to "keep it real." Yes, she is writing fictional characters in a fictional universe, but her characters are raw and honest with a vulnerability and authenticity that simply captivates readers.
Klara isn't the strongest or the smartest but this is easily trumped by her determination and sheer willpower to see grievous wrongs righted. I truly enjoyed seeing my dark queen's valiant attempts at being a guardian to Lottie, a Lycaon alpha in training. Klara's constant struggle for equilibrium between being a ruler, daughter, parent, friend, and teacher was startlingly realistic.
Perhaps the profound lesson to be learned from Where Traitors Fall is that there is strength in admitting weakness, in admitting to being lost and needing help. Klara has been truly and utterly defeated yet she does not waver from her beliefs or regret her decisions. She has grown tremendously from the girl in book one and I am enraptured by her journey to the crown of Hell.
I also relished the author's handling of the secondary characters who add much-needed dimension and flavor to the plotline. Klara cannot be all things and, whatever she lacks is made up by the other players. From Lokey's wit to Frendal's unwavering devotion and Lucifer's God complex, I never once felt like something was missing.
There is something intensely satisfying about finding a book that captivates you from the very first page and takes you on an adventure unlike any other.
Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.