Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Faithless starts where its predecessor, the Unbroken, leaves off, with Luca in Balladaire and Touraine in Qazal. This novel is, for the most part, about Luca's struggle for the throne (her uncle, Nicolas, wants it for himself) and Touraine is sent to Balladaire to advocate for Qazal's interests, as the country is freshly independent and is seeking to ratify a treaty.

The Unbroken was one of my favorite novels last year, and I thought the Faithless was an incredible follow up. I absolutely love Clark's writing and the world they've conjured up and I think their command of their characters is excellent. I love how complex they all are, and how deeply they feel in their convictions, even if those feelings are contradictory. I also thought the pacing of this was really good—there were some changes in perspective that felt very appropriate as a breather and I didn't think the novel lagged or went too quickly in any place. The tension they created was very nice and there were times I had wanted to take a moment to catch my breath and plow through at the same time, so huge props for eliciting such emotion out of me.

I really liked the further exploration of magic in this—Luca is still looking for Balladaire's magic, and we get perspective on how Shalan magic works from Touraine and Aranen. There are multiple interesting revelations, and Clark has set readers up for a really interesting finale, too. I eagerly await the third book!

Faithless was a good sequel, pacing was excellent, with a strong emphasis on the politics. A strong follow up to the first book, Unbroken. A solid middle of the a trilogy book.

I really liked The Unbroken, but I LOVED The Faithless. Touraine and Luca are such interesting and complex characters and I’m never bored reading about them. The side characters really shine in this installment as well; there are lots of plots happening simultaneously in different places. I felt like this book improved in pacing from the first one and I was hooked from the very beginning to the end. I also never really know where the plot was going to go next-this was not a predictable book for me!
It’s epic and there’s magic and it’s full of queer characters and there are so many intense and scary moments! There’s also a lot of court intrigue, so if you enjoy that you’ll be happy!
The ending made me scream and I know book 3 will be amazing, but this is a good book on its own, not just as a bridge between the first and last parts of the trilogy.
I truly loved this more than I even anticipated.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I am new to writing reviews, but thrilled to have this chance to share my opinion!

The Faithless was a beautiful sequel, I loved reading it more than I loved reading the Unbroken. The pacing was excellent, the politics were enthralling, and (true to the first book) the characters were complicated and wonderfully human.

*There are light spoilers for The Unbroken in this review.

The Unbroken broke out jn the fantasy scene in early 2021 as the first member of what became known as the "fantasy sapphic trinity" (along with The Jasmine Throne and She Who Became the Sun). However, while those books went on to great critical acclaim and awards attention (Throne won the World Fantasy Award and Sun was nominated for the Hugo), The Unbroken always felt like the underdog. It always felt like it did not receive the respect that it deserved, especially since Clark delivered a solid debut with a stunning and nuanced look at the various social forces of colonialism at both the individual and structural levels.

With the arrival of The Faithless, I think we can honestly say that this trilogy deserves the attention of its compatriots, and it might be the best examination of colonialism that I have ever read in the fantasy genre.

The Faithless picks up where The Unbroken left off (and attention readers, Clark gives little additional context to catch you back up, so a refresher might be in order if it's been a while since you've read The Unbroken!). The nation of Qazal is now acting as an independent state now that it has overthrown the yoke of Belladaire, with Tourraine (the one with the sexy arms) acting as a member of its leading council and Ambassador to Belladaire. Luca is back in Belladaire in her own power game - her uncle currently occupies the throne and isn't willing to give it up. What results is a book of political alliances, tense relationships, and characters thrust into difficult choices as they try to balance their political roles, personal feelings, and entangled social positions.

The Faithless is a very different book because while The Unbroken was all about Tourraine and Qazal, The Faithless is all about Luca and Belladaire (as exemplified by the amazing cover art - Orbit once again pulled out a banger!). Most of our characters very quickly wind up in Belladaire, and we get to explore the complexities of Belladairan politics. Therefore, while The Unbroken was largely a war story, this is book is much more interested in court politics. This shift in focus personally really worked for me. I really enjoyed getting to see Luca squarely in her element, while Tourraine was the one trying to learn how to fit into the upper crusts of society in her new role as Ambassador.

I cannot emphasize enough that Clark's true brilliance shines in her exploration of colonial relations. Too often in fantasy there is a good/bad binary in which there is the "evil empire" versus the "good rebels". While Clark deftly avoids "all sides mattering" the issue, she also ensures that her characters and readers both understand that colonial relations do not exist as a simple binary. The colonizers and colonized mix and mingle in unique ways so that there are all shades of gray represented in people's beliefs, allegiances, and actions. For example, Tourraine was born in Qazal, but raised in Balladaire, while Luca has sympathies for the Qazal people but is still an important member of the colonizing elite. Clark also takes time to explore some of Qazal's sister countries, and how some of them are even willing to be complicit in Balladaire's colonial and expansionist goals in the region. Some fantasy readers may be a tad critical or disappointed in how closely Clark's world is a direct reflection of our own (all of the Balladairan names, styles, and fashion are French inspired, for example), but like the great works of Guy Gavriel Kay she uses small yet significant changes to make important observations about our own global history.

Another interesting element to The Faithless is Clark's exploration of class dynamics. There is an entire subplot (that eventually intersects with the main plot) about the unhappy Balladairan underclass, and how they blame both the Belladairan nobility and Qazali immigrants for their low and oppressed position in society. This allowed Clark to broaden the world a bit while also exploring the complex intersection of class and xenophobia.

No matter what else is going on, the true center of this trilogy is the complicated relationship between Tourraine and Luca, and they go through it in this book. There are several very high highs and very low lows in The Faithless and Tourraine and Luca continually fall in and out of each other's orbits. Normally this kind of relationship would be really frustrating to me as the reader; often authors just throw complications at a relationship in order to build plot and delay the happily ever after. Clark expertly weaves her way through this thorny situation. Instead of feeling frustrating, the ups and downs of Luca and Tourraine's relationship feels organic to the characters and the world they live in. On one hand they love each; they are soulmates. On the other hand they live on opposite sides of a brutal conflict and a legacy of racist relations between their nations (and on top of that Tourraine has the more complicated position of growing up in Balladaire). In the next book Clark could literally write about aliens invading from Mars and I would still be on board just for Tourraine and Luca.

And this is all because Clark isn't afraid to push her characters into ethical corners and then let them figure out how to escape. Luca, Tourraine, and the rest of the diverse cast don't always make the choices that we hoped they would make, but they always make the choice that makes sense for their character in the moment. While there were times when I was screaming at a character not to do something, I never felt like someone acted out of character. Clark develops each of her characters, even the more minor ones like Sabine, with such depth and nuance that their choices are comprehensible, if at times reprehensible.

If I had a criticism of The Faithless it would be that the larger plot arc could have been more tightly delivered in this book. Clark obviously has big plans for the god and blood based magic systems, and the failing crops in Balladaire. There are a lot of hints to larger magical forces underlining a lot of the plot in The Faithless. I understand that perhaps Clark didn't want to overstuff this middle volume as she spent time developing Luca's fight for control of the Balladairan court, but at times the larger overarching story took too much of a backseat. By the end of The Faithless I was still a little confused about where the plot was going (and not in a "ooh, the author surprised me kind of way; more of a "the larger plot has little momentum" kind of way). I think this could frustrate some readers who were anticipating an acceleration of the larger mythos rather than a relatively self-contained royal succession power struggle.

Clark has left a lot to explore as she (presumably) wraps up the story in the next volume of the series, but no matter what happens I am willing to follow Tourraine and Luca anywhere.

Concluding Thoughts: Fans of The Unbroken will be excited to continue Tourraine's and Luca's journey as the plot shifts from Qazal to Balladaire. Clark expertly weaves her characters into thorny and complex political situations that allows her explore issues related to colonialism, imperialism, racism, and loyalty. Tourraine and Luca's relationship remains as captivating as ever, and they propel the reader through the book's 500+ pages. This book loses a little of its bite by keeping the larger, trilogy spanning plot a bit close to the vest, but it remains an exciting and thought-provoking read.

The Faithless is the incredible and highly-anticipated sequel to The Unbroken. Touraine and Luca have fallen out of contact, when Touraine is picked as an ambassador to attend Luca’s coronation. The doused fire between them immediately flares to life. However, Luca’s scheming uncle Nicholas is determined to see that Luca is never crowned. Luca must rely on unexpected allies and long-forgotten magic to fight for her rightful throne. Meanwhile, Touraine is forced to choose how far she will go for her homeland and whether her personal happiness matters in the fight for an empire.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Faithless, one of my most anticipated books! It is truly not an exaggeration to say that I couldn’t put this book down! The Faithless continues the adventure where it left off in The Unbroken, with Touraine and Luca heading in different directions. C.L. Clark’s writing is action-packed, profound, and witty. Touraine and Luca must grapple with colonialism and decide what their future could hold as they fight off assassins and power plays.

C.L. Clark’s world-building is extensive and feels so realistic. Action-filled fight scenes are vividly captured. Luca has shown so much character growth, as has Touraine. I love watching them work out what they are and could be to each other, while always fighting for their homelands. The tension and chemistry between them is unparalleled and it was fantastic to see this further explored. It was a joy to meet newer characters like Ghadin and Sabine, while getting to further learn about characters like Gil and Pruett. As this is a sequel, I don’t want to say too much about the plot except to say that it is brilliant and I loved every moment of it. I already can’t wait to re-read!

The Faithless is without a doubt one of my top books of 2023. The end of the book was very satisfying and yet I can’t wait for the third book!! I need to see what Luca and Touraine choose next!! I would recommend this for readers who love politics, high fantasy, LGBTQ+ characters, and excellent writing. Readers who enjoy Saara El-Arifi, Andrea Stewart, and Shelley Parker-Chan will love this series!!

The Faithless is available March 7, 2023. Thank you so much to C.L. Clark, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

I’ve got a lot of expletives for that ending and cannot wait to see how this trilogy is going to end. The Faithless is watching a game of chess, the pieces being placed on the board and starting off moves that get things in motion and occasional big moves with big repercussions, but then the last quarter or so is big, risky moves and the ripples of those choices being made. This is such a great, nuanced story of trying to move from colonialist rule and finding your way back to the identity and culture that has been stripped from you for the purpose of assimilation, as well as the ways revolution can be happening on several fronts but unification can be difficult because of the idea of getting the “easy” goals taken care of and “later” the more marginalized will be included, will have a voice, but that later will never come because there’s always some other reason to not push against the status quo and proximity to power. I love the political machinations at play and the many ways Luca is trying so hard to do what she believes to be the right and best thing for Balladairan future while her uncle is trying to keep things stable and people complacent with the power he’s already holding. Touraine’s personal journey is still one of my absolute favorite things about this series because she’s trying to find herself and understand who she wants to be, torn from her home as a child and now feeling like the place where she was forced into a specific mold is also home because for so long it was the only home she knew. She’s having to make choices and figure out what she can live with, how she can fulfill the wishes of the Qazāli council and still stay true to herself. There are so many layers to this story, so many motivations at play, and the way Clark writes is so perfect for this story, giving so much nuance and care to all the choices people are making, and not flinching away from the cost of those choices. Truly an excellent novel, and with that ending so many things are poised to crash together in the finale, and I for one cannot wait to see how it plays out!

The Faithless by C.L. Clark - 5 Stars - I received a physical arc of this book from the publisher as well and read it front to back in just a few days. This was such an excellent sequel and I cannot wait to post my full review with quotes and notes from my read once we're a little closer to publication. What I can say is that this is the perfect follow up to The Unbroken. It's clear that C.L Clark is not only an incredibly gifted storyteller, but they also know what their readers want too, or, at least, they share the same hopes and desires for these wonderful characters that feel full and tangible. The cover art is also incredible. Tommy Arnold can do no wrong but he's not just good, he brings the authors vision to life as if he reached into their minds eye with his own eyes closed and then created the image. Brilliant. Beautiful prose and an element of horror that I was NOT expecting. Full review to follow here and on my community tab on Wicked Good Books and Goodreads!

Just so incredible. I'm obsessed with this series and cannot wait for the third one. Everything about these books just works so well. I don't have the words for a proper review, so I'm just hoping you'll pick up the first book and give this trilogy a shot.

I read The Unbroken last year and immediately fell in love with Clark's writing! I was so excited to find out what happened next to Touraine, Luca, and the Qazali and boy did this book deliver! This book opens a few months after the Balladairians have left Qazal. Luca has returned to the capitol and must contend with her uncle, the acting Lord Protector, as he attempts to use Luca's failure in Qazal as a reason to cast doubt on her ability to rule. Meanwhile in Qazal, Touraine and the rest of the rebels attempt to set up a government (in the form of a council) and re-establish order and help ensure the safety of the Qazali people. With many of Qazal's resources having been expended in the rebellion against Balladaire, many of the Qazali face food shortages if they don't receive aid from their neighboring territories. Luca is selected by the Council to travel to Balladaire to help establish a trading partnership and negotiate a treaty between the two nations.

Progressing a story from fighting to actively repel a colonizing force to what happens after the enemy has left is no easy task and could have easily fallen flat. Clark manages to make to nuance of governance and court politics intriguing without weighing the rest of the story down. Luca and Touraine's relationship continues to grow throughout the course of the book and the tension between them is absolutely delicious! One of the things I most wanted to learn more about was if Balladaire ever had magic and if so, how did it lose the magic, so I was thrilled to read more about the investigation into sources of magic and Balladaire's religious/magical past and thought that it added a satisfying side note to the political and romantic intrigue. I am so looking forward to the next book in the Magic of the Lost and will definitely recommend this to all of my friends and patrons!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing sequel! I throughly enjoyed this continuation and cannot wait for the next book!

5/5 stars! Wow! This sequel to "The Unbroken" amazed me. The only thing that disappointed me was that this is a trilogy and not a duology so I sobbed through the ending. I am going to be so impatiently waiting for the sequel. This book was an epic fantasy with an especially expertly-crafted telling of tactical wartime decisions. I was swept away by the adventure, the relationships, and the tough decisions that have no good outcome without severe consequences. This book has everything fantasy lovers would want and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am always nervous going into the second book of a trilogy, especially when I loved the first book. I am happy to say that these fears were unfounded with The Faithless and it did not suffer from second book syndrome. I really enjoyed seeing Tourraine and Luca navigate both their political situations and their ever-evolving and complicated relationship with one another. I am very intrigued to see how they both manage what is coming next in book 3. I do wish a bit more of what was happening in Qazāl and with Pruett was shown in this book. The pieces we do get felt too little and spaced too far apart within the overall narrative. I expect what we did see will play a major role in book 3. Overall, this was a very enjoyable and am eagerly anticipating the third book in this trilogy.

BOOM CHICKA OMG THIS SEQUEL WAS E V E R Y T H I N G I COULD NEED. THE WORLD OPENS SO MUCH MORE AND EVERYTHING THAT I HAD AN ISSUE WITH IN THE FIRST ONE IS SOLVED IN THIS ONE. PACING IS GREAT, CHARACTER GROWTH, AND THE PLOT IS LIKE BLOOD: IT THICKENS.