In an Orchard Grown from Ash

Rory Power — 2023

Twisted political games and heart-rending relationship drama abound in this stunning conclusion of a mythic epic fantasy duology. The Argyros family is torn asunder, their nation betrayed and taken over by former allies, and twins Rhea and Lexos are left standing on opposite sides of the now full-blown rebellion. Will they be able to reconcile--or will there only be a reckoning?

Reviews

Paige Leitner@pleitner

Aug 3, 2023

I think this book was a really interesting sequel to the first book! Like the original, this book had lots of plot twists and surprising moments towards the end. I definitely think there were moments when it dragged on a little too long, or the characters were not behaving in particularly lovable ways, but overall it did a great job at answering questions from the first book and opening new pathways throughout. I think the ending was unexpected but wrapped up reslly nicely, despite some of the more heart-wrenching moments.

Highlights

Paige Leitner@pleitner

Still, she could feel the warmth off his chest where he almost brushed against her knee, and she found herself fixed on the hand he dragged across her horse's chest as he came around to adjust the second stirrup. This time she left her boot where it was.

"Chrysanthi."

She flinched, embarrassed. Surely he had noticed her staring. "Are you finished?"

"Yes, but- Chrysanthi," he repeated, more insistent this time.

She looked down. He was so near now, his chin tipped up, the blue of early morning wound through his hair. She wondered, for a moment, what he would do if she pressed her palm to his cheek.

"The Korabet sent me to the Sxoriza," he said.

"I know."

"But he didn't send me to you."

Page 330

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Paige Leitner@pleitner

"Is there anything for you here?" she said.

"There's you," he answered. "You, only you're running from me, and you're lying to me, and you hate the sight of me- don't tell me you don't because I know. Because I love you, Rhea, I do, but I hate the sight of you, too." He screwed his eyes shut for a moment, as if it cost him something dear to go on. "You took something from me. And you don't even want what's left."

Page 309

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Paige Leitner@pleitner

She was a Stratagiozi with a matagios on her tongue. She was a Saint. No matter who met her- no matter how many- there was no power they could hold that would equal hers.

Page 104

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