Review of This Ends in Embers (Divine Traitors, #2) by K.A. Wiggins
As a huge fan of K.A. Wiggins’ So Let Them Burn, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I received an ARC of This Ends in Embers. With the captivating foundation laid in the first book, I anticipated a grand continuation of the journey of the two sisters, separated yet again by the spiraling chaos of their war-torn world. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm dimmed as I navigated this installment—a journey that didn’t quite ignite as I had hoped.
This Ends in Embers picks up right after the tumultuous events of its predecessor, taking us deeper into a fantasy realm rich in diverse cultures and intricate magic systems. I appreciated how Wiggins expanded the world-building—there’s so much potential in the myriad settings she introduced. However, I found myself grappling with a sense of disconnection; there was a blending of locations that, despite their alluring differences, felt somewhat generic in the narrative. I craved more vivid descriptions to truly immerse me in these new landscapes.
The exploration of generational trauma that defined the first book remains a poignant thread but seemed to lose focus in Embers. While the backdrop of war is ever-present, the racial dynamics that shaped the characters’ experiences appear to fade into the background. This lack of continuity left me oddly unmoored, especially considering how impactful those themes were previously. I found myself questioning how the trauma from their past didn’t resonate more deeply through the characters, particularly the sisters, who, despite their harrowing childhoods, felt curiously immature and inconsistent in their actions.
Wiggins’ writing style is straightforward, a nod to the young adult genre, yet at times it left me searching for clarity. I often felt as though I was missing crucial context—characters would embark on plans or ventures without the necessary groundwork being laid first. The pacing itself became a hurdle; while the first three-quarters of the book crawled forward, the resolution felt rushed and unresolved. The dual perspectives created a disconnect during pivotal moments, leading to frustrating narrative gaps that detracted from the emotional heft the story aimed to deliver.
There were glimmers of brilliance, particularly in Queen Aveline’s character, who navigated her role with the maturity and weight one might expect from someone deeply entwined in the plight of war. However, the contrasting behaviors of the two sisters grew increasingly perplexing; their reactions often felt out of sync with their experiences, pulling me further from the emotional core of their journey.
In the end, This Ends in Embers left me feeling flat, a disappointing wrap to a duology I once cherished. While I might not revisit this book, I still see potential in K.A. Wiggins as an author and look forward to her future projects. For readers who relish fantasy with rich world-building and character exploration, this series might still hold appeal, but be prepared for a different experience from that of the first book.
If you found the themes of trauma and identity explored in So Let Them Burn compelling, perhaps you’ll appreciate the broader world in This Ends in Embers. Just remember, this journey may not unfold as you expect. As I close the cover on this chapter, I can’t help but reflect on how much I wanted this book to resonate, and as I move forward, I hold onto the hope that Wiggins’ future works will reignite the spark that first drew me in.
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