I’ve been waiting in agony for this sequel ever since Kerstin Hall exploded onto the scene with her marvelous Border Keeper novella. This follow-up not only met my expectations but surpassed them by leaps and bounds, proving that second book syndrome isn’t an illness that every series catches.

Second Spear delivered all of the best parts of the Border Keeper—eye-popping new worlds, dense godly politics, frightening adversaries—all while elevating character complexity and depth of emotions to new heights.

We return to the phantasmagorical land of Mkalis to reconnect with faces old and new: I loved Tyn’s promotion to protagonist status. Having a dweller take the reins offers fresh perspective that neither Eris nor Vasethe can offer: moreover, having a Spear at the helm gives us an in-depth look into Tahmais and Res Lfae’s realm, a stand-out favorite for me. Tyn herself blazes like a bonfire: kind, conflicted, and loyal, and is backed up by the taciturn, moralistic First Spear Vehn and the shrewd, temperamental Mkalis newcomer Roin. Without giving spoilers, let me just say that all three undergo an amazing transformation, revealing Hall’s talent for imbuing depth, development, and emotionality in her creations. I loved getting to see a glimpse of Eris and Vasethe, but I liked that they served as supporting characters to a broader narrative.

Speaking of narrative, the extended page length of this book gives Hall a lot more room to breathe, shaping the plot rather than shooting it out of a slingshot. As a consequence, there are sections of this that feel somewhat slower, but not to the story’s detriment: I savored every page I spent exploring a new realm.

Hall is a creative genius: this is one of the most enchanting sequels I have read in a long time, and I am thrilled to have been an early reader. I encourage anyone who hasn’t picked up The Border Keep to do so ASAP, and look forward to future installments in this incredible world.