This thrilling sequel to Pon's Serpentine (2015) begins soon after the Great Battle between mortals and demons, as Skybright and her compatriots struggle with the fallout and face the looming threat of a new breach to the underworld.

Vivid sensory descriptions make the Chinese-inflected fantasy kingdom of Xia an immersive world. The mortal realm, the heavens, and the underworld are at once enchanting and terrifying, and at the story’s core are dynamic characters who resist confinement to archetypes. Torn away from her mortal life, Skybright grows to accept her nature as a serpent demon without rejecting her love for her friends. Zhen Ni, meanwhile, displays extraordinary cunning as she navigates her new duties as a wife while uncovering her husband’s dark plans. Kai Sen’s fierce determination to save Skybright and break the covenant makes him shed his dreamer personality to hone his magic. Stone, immortal intermediary to the gods, learns to respect and admire the mortals as he witnesses the strength of their will. The narration unfolds through their four points of view, shifting perspectives at key scenes rather than chapter by chapter. The resulting dramatic irony tests the characters’ integrity and their faith in one another. Still, they are impressively wise and compassionate, acting, when pressed, out of loyalty rather than bitterness.

A brilliant second act that can be read alone. (Fantasy. 15 & up)

-Kirkus Review

I was lukewarm on Stone and Skybright's relationship but overall enjoyed the book. LOVE Zhen Ni and Blossom, would give limbs to have a book focused on Blossom and her mothers and her guardian hellhounds that explores being part demon, bonus points for interaction with Skybright. ( )

Blossom is a very interesting character. I think I like her. ( )

I received a free copy of this book from LTER in exchange for an honest review. It was hard to read this book as I hadn't read the first one. However over all it was a good read!! ( )

This book starts shortly after battle in Book 1, Skybright is with Stone, an immortal. Skybright is resigned to stay with Stone while Stone shows her what her demon side is all about, and going to underworld. Zhen, having lost Skybright, resigns to her fate of arranged marriage. Kai Shen keeps training to be replacement leader.

Really enjoyable book, though I am pretty sure it would be hard to figure what is going on if you have not read the first book. Thankfully I got both first and second to read in order to review second one. It's great teen fantasy, was a page turner. ( )