Red-Haired Ash Reads

This book picks up shortly after the end of the previous one. This book hits differently after the pandemic because this involves an epidemic that kills a lot of people, including some beloved characters. 

This is the first hurdle Keir and Lara have to deal with in their relationship. They both make mistakes but it strengthens their bond and will make them a stronger couple. I continue to love how determined and sweet Keir is with Lara, especially when he puts himself in harm’s way to take care of her. Keir continues to be a great hero who is determined to change his people. I do wish we had his POV though. 

“‘Forever’ means every day, every breath. Through the mistakes that we make, through the love that we share between our bodies, through illness we suffer, through sorrow, grief, and joy. All of it…“It’s the total of all our shared moments, good and bad, perfect and ugly.”

This book was very heartbreaking because of how swift and deadly this plague was. We lost a couple of beloved side characters, which was gut wrenching. We also see characters start to doubt Keir and his plan to unite these two very different cultures. There is a lot of tension and discontent by the end, which we will see played out in the next book. 

Overall, this was a good followup to the first book, even though it was also heartbreaking. I am still hooked on Keir and Lara’s story and can’t wait to see what happens once they reach the Plains. 

Trigger Warnings: plague; mass death; grief; assisted death;

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Previous books and reviews for the series:

1. Warprize