Book: This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
Reviewed by Rallie X
Rating: 4/5
What a great second half to this story. The conversations between Briseis and Circe as they figure out what kind of relationship they want to have made such a great foundation for a lot of the book.
Marie totally steals the show in my opinion (but maybe that's just because I have a thing for violent, protective lesbians?), she's fiercely loyal but also kind of a little shit in the best way - her constant bickering with Alec and violent feud with Lou were hilarious. Briseis is amazing in her own right, and one thing I really appreciated was how clear it is that she is a child thrust into a very adult situation who is granted the trust and agency to participate in this dangerous and important thing. The women around her are there to protect, guide, and love her in different ways but never to smother her. Briseis might only be 15, but she's not immature.
This book is much more emotionally-focused than the first one which I think worked well - This Poison Heart opens up the mystery and ramps up until it ends in absolute tragedy (one that I was honestly kind of shocked by, so, well done Kalynn Bayron) while This Wicked Fate takes that tragedy and turns it into the call to adventure for a classic hero's journey (Briseis even refers to their quest in those terms).
This overall is just such a wonderful duology and I'm so glad I picked it up!