I started reading this book and found that it was not for me. I didn't want to review a book that I didn't finish.

It took me a little while to get into this book. I think mostly because it's been a while since I read the first one and I didn't remember a lot. But by the time the plot really got rolling, I'd mostly caught up. I enjoyed quite a lot about it. Dali is a likable character. The universe is an interesting one, and the plot kept me engaged (even if very little of it was a surprise). The one thing I didn't see coming, the twist at the end, didn't feel believable, however. I can think of several ways it might play out and become more believable though. So, I look forward to the continuation to see what happens.

I loved the first book in this series, and Peacemaker did not disappoint. There were so many elements and layers, I don't even know where to begin with my compliments. The storyline drew me in from the beginning, and the world building was very well done. I cannot wait to read book three. Especially after that ending!

That ending already has me desperate to read book three. This sequel to Dali grabbed me from page one as I willing followed them on their amazing journey. The top-notch world building and highly engaging characters had me reading well into the wee hours, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

This was absolutely amazing, what a stunning sequel!

Content warnings include: violence, cannibalism, torture, slavery, assassination attempt, caste system, experiments on sentient beings, substance addiction (specifically vapes), sex on-page, semi-explicit fecal matters, cannibalism; mentions of civil war, genocide.

The first book about Dalí, non-binary third gender changeling diplomant turned deep-cover spy, was already exhilarating, and Peacemaker is the more than worthy and equally thrilling sequel. I think it could be read on it's own, but works better as second of a series with the variety of established characters and frequent references to events from the previous book.

While book 1 already made use of Dalí's negotiation skills in a grand manner while they were undercover, book2 trumps this with its new mission that Dalí might not be able to turn back from. Because this time, they don't have to play a character, but take up their actual legal identity as former ambassador and diplomat to solve a highly complicated conflict.
It includes a planet where peace and mercy are equalled with weakness, a team scattered with ambiguous pasts and individual agendas, and a bio-engineered species of super soldiers conditioned to hunger for sentient flesh.

The Shontavians already made an appearance in Dalí, where they were as fascinating as they were horrifying, and Peacemaker makes them even more intriguing. Where Dalí dealt with a lot of personal trauma and tragedy, Peacemaker handles more grand scale atrocities and is filled with war, oppression and genocide.

The series doesn't only appeal with its excellent and breath-taking plot, but also with its complex and interesting characters. Not only through revisiting familiar faces and introducing new ones, all with their own agenda, but also through Dalí at the front and center.
I loved Dalí from the very start of the first book, and Peacemaker only cements that they might be one of my all time favourite characters. Their sarcasm is as prominent as ever, and while they still struggle with grief and guilt despite having found a place for now, they still have a long way to go. There is a ton of character development, much of which is tightly woven into the plot, and I loved the seamless combination of character- and plot-driven moments.

Despite the overall serious and slightly dire setting and plot, there's humor, sometimes unexpectedly basic jokes that made me snort from surprise. I still have to grin when I think about it.

To sum it up, I loved everything about Peacemaker. I wanted it to be longer because I wanted to never put this book down, and I wished some characters had had more on-page time.

Then there's the ending.
It absolutely wrecked me, in the best and worst possible way.
I cannot wait for the next book, Third Front, and see where Dalí's journey goes next, and who will be at their side.