I love it when a series is so good, so cozy, that you can slip into the next book without a problem, even when the previous book was read years before. That was my experience with Ashes to Fire. I read Woodwalker over three years ago, and have read a lot of books in the meanwhile. Even so, I wasn't lost at all as I began to read book 2.

I enjoyed the switch to Queen Mona's POV as she attempts to negotiate trade--and peace--with the nasty King Celeno. Those talks go awry. Mona is kidnapped by other rebels, desperate to be free of Celeno. The bayou setting is detailed and realistic, and is an environment not often seen in fantasy. I won't give away any spoilers, but the politics are juicy and complicated, and the plot is packed with twists and turns that are greatly brightened by a romantic element. I'm glad I already have the next book so I can start it very soon--then read the new brand new book Sunshield, out in a few weeks! ( )

Disclaimer: the author was my drum major in college marching band.

Ashes to Fire is sequel to Woodwalker, except this time we're inside Queen Mona's head (if the cover image didn't indicate that already). In many ways, she reminds me of one of the ways [author:Robert Jordan|6252] described one of his Aes Sedai characters: silk hiding steel (which I guess is its own trope, but tWoT named it). She is driven and stubborn, but it's for a reason: always thinking of the greater good for Lumen Lake.

My minor criticism in Woodwalker re: what Mae thought of Mona's agnosticism/atheism goes away once Mona becomes our main character. She has legitimate criticisms of the Light (especially when it's given Alcorn a reason to invade two neighboring countries with likely more planned). Interpretation and importance of what Light is comes up occasionally with other characters, and it will be interesting to see what happens when we sit in Book 3 protagonist's head.


[had to pull out the Swamp Rabbit pint for the brothers Roubideaux]

As for the new setting and new characters, I absolutely loved them. Rou charms everyone he comes into contact with (except maybe a minor prologue character who gets a fish to the face), Lyle is a puzzle box, and Gemma- I have questions. Lots of them. That won't be answered until Creatures of Light.

I am still really upset by Lyle's death. :( He and Gemma were science bros and he just wanted to studyyyyyyy ;-;

The last 100 pages go by REALLY fast. ( )

Mona Alastaire, queen of Lumen Lake, has only recently wrestled her kingdom back from King Celeno, Seventh King of Alcoro and neighboring despot, when she receives a dispatch. Celeno would like to parlay with her in Cyprien, an adjacent kingdom conquered by Alcoro decades ago. Against her gut instinct, Mona travels to Cyprien to negotiate - because the possibility of peace for her kingdom is worth the risk. Negotiations are going poorly when Mona's boat is attacked - but not by Alcoro. It turns out that occupied Cyprien is not as docile as Celeno thinks they are. Mona and Queen Gemma, Celeno's wife, are kidnapped by Rou and Lyle Roubideaux, representatives of the Cypri resistance government, to use as leverage for their country's freedom. Mona is relieved to have Cypri folk on her side, and befriends the men as they travel through the swamps toward the capitol. But dealing with Gemma and suing for peace will take every diplomatic bone in Mona's body, because Celeno is not a reasonable man.

While Woodwalker was a good book, this sequel is phenomenal. The countries and cultures are exquisitely well-thought out, from clothing to recreation to government. No character is perfect, they all argue with each other and make mistakes but learn from them. The political intrigue and diplomacy are neither overly-simplified nor confusing. Despite the fact that it's a fairly introspective book, and on the long side, once I got started I couldn't stop turning the pages. I loved learning more about Mona's and the Roubideaux's cultures. I loved the shift in point-of-view from Mae (in the previous book) to Mona, and I can't wait for the next book which I think is going to be about Gemma.

The author illustrated the cover herself, and you can find lots more illustrations to go along with the book on her website. ( )