If you’re a fan of the amnesia theme, very slow burn romance, memory returns, a slight smattering of action and a lot of drama, this is the book for you. If you enjoy well thought out scenes and a lot of dialogue, this is also for you. This book I really tried to like but it just wasn’t to my liking. I feel as though, for those who had read the first book in the duology, all that was needed was to start at chapter 26. What really bothered me was that while Emel was pining after Saalim, he was banging his mistress and engaged to yet another woman. I’m not really a fan of the reader knowing more than the characters because I find it frustrating, and that’s my personal preference. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll love this novel! It just wasn’t my taste.

A few topics I’m confused about. Why was magic was such a far-off thought when Emel had all of her memories and was marked by the goddess/self proclaimed "expert on jinni"? Emel did get her remarks here or there to those who slighted her, but they didn’t remember so I’m not sure how that was a win for her. Saalim kind of reminded me of Season 8 John Snow, “She is my queen” over and over. Even at the end when they were getting crowned, he asked Emel (after all they’ve gone through) did you do it all for my crown? I’m sorry? This woman befriended your mistress and went through worlds to what, get quips like this? I really wanted to like them as a couple but the chapter where Emel goes from deciding to be with Kas for the rest of her days to literally seeing him in an alleyway (in full parade garb? How was she not seen??) and then deciding oh never mind I’ll go back to pining after Saalim. I was bothered by the fact that besides her sister Emel wasn’t given any strong female friendships, all of her friends seemed to be men (again, I could be wrong here, I was listening to the audiobook version). Also, the use of salt chaser was overused. I was already over the term at chapter 6 and it persisted throughout. I personally prefer a stronger female main character instead of one who just waits for life to tug her along. I did appreciate the happily ever after, but the plot line just wasn’t strong enough for me.

Excellent book, even though I hadn't read the first one yet. This isn't my normal genre, but I enjoyed the rich world and well-developed characters. While it reminded me of books like the Song of Wraiths and Ruin series, Spice Road, and mostly the City of Brass series, it was a unique entry that kept me reading to find out what would happen next. The writing is excellent, and I enjoyed the narration on the audiobook too.

"Son of the Salt Chaser" is the second installment in the Salt Chaser duology. It revisits a mystical desert similar to that of the Middle East. The story begins where book 1 left off with our protagonists, Emel and Saalem, entering a new timeline where they are strangers, Saalem has lost his magic, and Emel is the only person burdened by memories of the alternate timeline they barely survived in the first installment. Driven apart by magic and fate, Emel follows Saalem to his revitalized home kingdom hoping for their reconnection while Saalem battles against insurrection from unexpected foes.

This completed duology includes:
- concealed identities
- a far-off mystical desert
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- Aladin/prince of thieves/Scheherazade/one thousand and one nights vibes
- memory loss
- supernatural abilities
- star-crossed lovers
- friends to enemies
- betrayal and reconciliation and betrayal again
- excruciating love where they are both salves to their circumstances (in a different way than book 1)

Just like book 1, "Son of the Salt Chaser" is a beautifully written book with a captivating fantasy setting. I really believe that is is Thornton's ability to show not tell, that brings this story to life. Each desert oasis, city canal, and sand dune are given such vivid imagery.

However, in comparison to "Daughter of the Salt King," which was a complete 5/5 for me, book 2 falls short in a few categories. I felt that our two main characters stagnated in their development and the final plot resolution felt a bit underwhelming and sloppy. The antagonists' motivations didn't feel particularly compelling or convincing to me either.

All that said, I would still recommend this book to my friends; the ending is so beautiful, It's a good book that offers something very different than the stereotypical Eurocentric fantasy. Emel and Saalem's love is very dear to my heart.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I'm going to have to DNF this audiobook. Mostly due to the narration. I couldn't get the right speed correctly. It was either too fast on 1.25 or too slow on .75. I don't know why 1.00 speed was not an option. Hopefully this comes out in ebook form as well and I can read it.