What a finale! I loved So let them burn and its sequel did not disappoint.
I appreciated the depiction of the moral dilemmas the characters were facing. Who can you trust, who´s loyal to you, what are you owed after sacrificing everything? Is everything black or white or is there a grey area?
The relationships in the novel carry the plot, but there is plenty of action to go around.
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

A fantastic follow up! Cole brings such a propulsive quality to YA fantasy, and this sequel is no exception! The characters, the setting, the emotional conflict... it all hits exactly how it needs to! I can't wait to see what she brings to the genre next!

Much more action packed than So Let Them Burn. The world building continued and my imagination was delighted. The storyline was advanged and much was revealed in these pages while tying up loose ends. Can't help but see parallels in these pages with conflicts occuring around the world today. This realization and what was at stake for their future tapped into my emotions. Truly a YA fantasy for YA. I highly recommend this work of words.

I loved this book so much and I don’t think I can adequately write how much I loved it and what aspects of it I loved in particular, but I will try. The first book was a great predecessor for this wonderful conclusion to this amazing duology. However, this one is so much darker and sadder and more tragic than the first in all the best ways. This was HEAVY. Heavy as hell. Check trigger warnings and such because there is lots of death. Blood. Gore. It’s YA, but still graphic in the sense that there is a war in the midst between these countries and people. I really loved seeing more of the characters that we got introduced to in the first novel. Everyone was so fleshed out and felt like a real person, which made the tragic things that happened in this THAT much more impactful. The dual povs from each sister in this were perfect. I loved that each of the chapters always ended in a way that left you wanting more and yet having to switch to the other sisters POV in tense times. It just made you want to go through the book so fast. It was so well done by the author. These novels are, above all else, fantasy novels and I loved that we got exactly that. Fire powers. Gods. Dragons. All of it was just so fun to read about. I especially loved reading about Faron and her fire powers and how much she grew into her power, both by herself and from training with Gael. Faron is one of my favorite FMCs ever. She is quite literally the burned out anxious little sister who holds the world on her shoulders and she just resonates with me so much. I want to give her a huge hug and tell her that it was never her fault. I believe in women’s wrongs and Farons are at the top of that list. Her relationships with everyone in this novel, whether horrible or good, were so entertaining to read about. I feel bad for enjoying scenes between her and Gael so much when I have so much love in my heart for Reeve, but I just loved their dynamic. They were the same in all the wrong and sometimes right ways and I loved that we SAW THAT EXPLORED!!!!! I sadly am a Gael apologist and see nothing but someone I desperately want to save, so I truly understand Faron in that way. Reeve Warwick, you will always be loved by me if nobody else. He was a hilarious character and even though we didn’t see AS MUCH as him as a lot of people probably wanted, we got enough to be satisfied in my opinion. I loved the romance in this, even if it was not the main plot. Whether it was complicated or messy, it all just felt so raw and good in a way that was very real to read about. And with that, we can segue into Elara, who I also love. Also think she is so strong and respect her so much. I’m so sad about what she had to witness. What they ALL had to witness and go through as literal CHILDREN. It’s just so heartbreaking. Elara is just one of those characters who is seriously unhatable. If that’s not a word, Elara Vincent made it a word because really she’s so messy and trying so hard, you just find yourself rooting for her and cheering her on. I adored her and Signey!!!! Huge win for sapphics!!!!! They were so cute and awkward and just FUN to read about. The love and care they had for each other was just so good!! So well written. Vincent parents are my faves. Any other parent? Yuck. Besides the Soto parent, but the other ones? Yuck. Happy with how things turned out for them! This is just such a wonderful book with diversity and representation that is so desperately needed in YA fantasy. It’s UNIQUE above all else and I love that. The characters are their own!!!!! Just so sad that this duology is over and I will never get to read this for the first time again. 10/10. Will stay with me for ages. So good I cry. (I did in fact cry. Multiple times.)

Now for the audiobook specific portions of this review:
The narrator’s voices definitely fit the characters. While Faron’s was more hard, Elaras was more soft spoken, which I think really speaks to their characters. Both were fierce and I think that was portrayed very well. The voices were distinct enough to tell, even without the chapters having the names of each character. Did their reading style bring the text to life? How did the narration impact your reading experience? The reading experience was so enhanced by the narration. I feel as if I was inside the story with the way the narrators were narrating and telling the story. The pacing was very well, even with it being such a long audiobook, I listen to it on 2x and it went by very quick. I loved that I was still able to comprehend the story and understand what was going on.

I definitely would recommend this read in audiobook format, but alongside the physical or digital copy! Such a great collaboration between the authors story and the narrators voices/storytelling. 11/10.

At various times in the reading, I was frustrated with these characters and the plot and the book in general. But then I started thinking a little harder and I was frustrated because these are all real things that could happen. So that makes the whole thing pretty genius. The characters make dumb decisions and selfish decisions and selfless decisions that they might not be able to back up. I'm sure I will think back about the book often and grow to appreciate it more and more.
We get to see more of the world and the various groups of people that inhabit the world. But we don't necessarily get more world building and I don't think there is really much Jamaican mythology or folklore added to it either.
This is a great ending to the duology that really explores the humanness of people who are running nations. There are dragons and war and love and gods, but that isn't the focus of the duology. So if you want to read something that really makes you think about what happens after the big war to save your people, this is a great duology.

3.25 stars

Thank you Hachette Audio and Net Galley for the audiobook ALC!

This Ends in Embers is a satisfying enough conclusion to the Divine Traitors duology.

In strengths, I liked the character reflection and growth journeys the characters went through. I think both were indicative of where they were as book began: Faron with Iya reckoning what that means for her values and who she is and Elara as the new Empyrean and the new status and power that gives her. I appreciated more discussion on the impact war has had on them, which was one of my notes of the first book I think. We got to know a bit more about some of the side characters and the surrounding countries. I felt more confident in Elara and Sidney’s relationship as that was the one that actually developed. Farron’s romantic plot line still felt very underdeveloped. Last, having not reread the first book, there were recap sentences throughout the book which did help jog my memory and I was able to understand what was happening without a reread.

What I wanted more of was deeper integration. There was mention and slight development in the involvement of other countries and characters, but I didn’t feel its impact across the story. I think because the recurring cast of characters stays the same across books, it makes the world/cast feel very small. And that’s for both sides of the war. I didn’t realize the dragon population was so minuscule (that could have been because of the previous war and mentioned in the first book, but I can’t recall). For example the involvement of the other countries or the protests are here and there and very quickly wrapped up in the last 10 or so minutes of the book. There were two big moments in the book where I felt less emotionally moved because I don’t think I knew the characters or dragons enough to feel the impact. Sidney’s comments helped a bit, but I still felt less emotionally invested given we only have the sister’s POV and what was or wasn’t given in this book alone (e.i. dragon input aside from Lightbringer). Also, there were several moments where I wish sections were shown more than just told they happened.

Overall, I enjoyed the development from the first book, but I don’t think this series for me. Both books I felt very middle on, but I think it’s a series that others and teens will find enjoyment in. The new cover design direction is beautiful and I think capture the story more.

Audiobook wise, I enjoyed the narration. I liked having the carry over of the two different narrators for the sisters. I was more drawn to Elara’s narrator (Keylor Leigh?) in personal preference. In Faron’s narration, I was really feeling the sentence structure and the slightly flatter inflections. I didn’t change the speed between narrators so that may have been my issue

"So Let Them Burn" was hands down one of my favorite reads last year, so I had extremely high hopes for the sequel (and conclusion) in "This Ends in Embers." Unfortunately, this one just fell a bit flat for me in comparison to the first book. While it is a lovely reflection on the impacts and burdens of war, especially among the young, and the traumas that come after. That was Cole's strength in the first book, and it shines through in this one as well. The bonds between the characters, Elara and Faron, and both sisters and their LIs, and both sisters and the queen, were also top notch again. That's what saved this book from being a complete letdown for me.

On the other hand, the characters that I adored in the first book just felt... stuck. If there was any progression with either of them, plotwise, something happened to immediately knock them back, right up until the finale battle which was over quickly and happened without a moment for any reflection on what was occurring. There is a significant event right during the finale that just... doesn't get more than a brief comment. And then the epilogue skips to months in the future without more than a handwave about the events between. So the book goes from what felt like a snail's pace to too rushed. Bummer.

The narrators, to be fair, are absolutely wonderful. They bring so much life to the two sisters.

This was a highly anticipated sequel to So Let Them Burn which was a 5 star read for me. This one unfortunately fell a little flat. I still enjoyed it! But it read much more YA than the first one and didn’t match the vibe. I know it is a YA book but the characters felt more immature than last book. There was a lot that could have been handled with communication that felt out of character for our young heroes. The dragons were still top notch and the narrator was quite good.

Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Audio and the author for this ALC in exchange for an honest review



This was a beautiful exploration of sisterhood, sacrifice and the lengths you are will to go to protect those you care about. It was a little underwelming compared to the first installment of the series but  I did enjoy being in this world again. 


The narrators were really good but it did take a good portion of the book to stop confusing the main characters.

I’m gonna be honest with the fact that if it wasn’t for the arc of book two I would’ve DNFd this series. HOWEVER! Book 2 saved it for me.

This book had more action and a little more complexity added to the characters.

I enjoy when characters are struggling with their actions not aligning with their morals.

I did not care for Faron until about 30%-40% into this book.

I love Elara and Sydney 🫶🏾 the depiction of their relationship in this book felt very realistic and relatable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Elara had to face the consequences of Faron's action in their hometown at the end of So Let Them Burn, while Faron got bonded with a megalomaniac ancient dragon and wanted to save the boy she cares about. Basically they both tried to fix the mess they made from different side of the battlefield and had no way to communicate with each other.

honestly i still think that this duology is Fourth Wing, but better. even though personally i think it's just okay overall. nothing bad but nothing special either.

since the narrators are both female and the main characters are also female, i don't know who's narrating who so i will just say that i prefer Elara's narrator overall but Faron's narrator when she's voicing male characters voice is better. both were pleasing to hear!

It's was so nice to be back in this world! Again, I loved the lessons, the family ties, the friendships, and of course, the action was once again amazing. Such a great conclusion to a well written story! I know the book community is dragon obsessed, and this is one series you shouldn't miss!

This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole is book 2 of the Divine Traitors duology. Two weeks ago, I read book one, So Let Them Burn, the first book in the YA political fantasy with dragons! The heart of the story is two sisters, Faron and Elara and their love and belief in one another. Faron is the Childe Empyrean, a title given her by the gods allowing her to summon the gods infinite magic. Faron’s sister, Elara, is a couple years older, a good student, but she desperately wants to become a drake pilot. The sisters are challenged in this story because all is not as it seems. At the start of This Ends in Embers, Elara is now known as the Maiden Empyrean and Faron is considered a traitor to her island of San Irie. But, all is not as it seems and the two sisters still love and have faith in one another. I loved the character work on both Elara and Faron as well as the romantic subplots for each of them. No spice, it is YA. Overall, I enjoyed this book and this series and I give it 4 stars. The narration on this Advance Listening Copy was excellent. It was Narrated by Kamali Minter; Keylor Leigh
Thank you to #NETGALLEY and #HachetteAudio for my ALC.

It was nice to jump back into this world. I ate up the first book and the second one I devoured as well. This ends in Embers starts off where the first ended. That ending had my nerves in a jumble couldn't wait to start book two.

This time Farron is among the dragon riders while Elara is now the chosen one among her people. Elara has to learn to navigate the political field to get people to fight for their cause. This is not something she has ever done before she has always been a fighter. Farron has to watch herself now that she is among the enemy. We watch her grow and change as she finds out who she is without the power of the Gods.

I highly recommend the audiobook for this ends in Embers. Kamali Minter and Keylor Leigh did such a good job with bringing the characters to life. Each voice was nuanced and felt like their own person.

The ending was very satisfing. Did I wish the dragons could stay around? Yes but they were not needed anymore and had to go back just like the Gods. Elara and Farron are back together as they should be. I would like a prequel to this doology that told how the dragons came to be though.

Thank you to Negalley and Hachette Audio for an ARC for This Ends in Embers

I don't think I realized that this was going to be end of the series. I thought for some reason this series was going to be a trilogy. I really enjoyed the story and character development. Still, like the first book, I found the characters to be acting a lot younger than they were supposed to be (Yes, I know this is a YA Book). Loved the magical elements though and the action scenes. I also felt that the story felt a little rushed at the end. I would have loved to stay a little longer with the characters.

This duology is so underrated! I love every moment and I want more!

I loved the adult coming of age story. They battle so much within themselves and against the forces trying to destroy their world. There were so mane quotable moments. I loved the depth of the impacts of war: before, during and after. The writer seemed to do her due diligence with knowing the feelings of people who have experienced such hardships. This series is definitely one that will stay with me and is one many could learn from.

I did find it a bit complicated for the YA genre but it does seem to be upper YA in nature due to the ages of the FMCs. If you like adult fantasy, definitely check it out!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The story of two sisters who were thrown into the war once again in too young age.
The story that will hold me at chokehold for a long time due to its nature. I loved the dynamics between characters and deep self actualization of those characters in certain moments. I loved how not everything that is evil stays evil and not all choices can be black and white.
And I love Jamaican vibe with food and culture. As second part in this duology it was a great continuation and I wish all duologies were written this way.
The audiobook did not disappoint. It was the best possible delivery of this story and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a copy to review!

A satisfting ending to the series. I liked the character development and how both sisters played a part in the conflict, but the actual didn't woe me. Nevertheless, a duology that I recommend!

3.5 stars

A solid end to the series, and I again enjoyed the audiobook. But, if you're like me and forget most of what happens in books ten seconds after you finish it, I might suggest re-reading the first one. I was definitely a little confused. I still enjoyed listening to it, and the story was cool! It wasn't perfect, and definitely felt a little, moral heavy. I don't mind that, but I felt like the characters had some conversations and stuff that felt out of place, and it wasn't the best. There were some cool action scenes, dragons, and all that. Personally, I just didn't find it as engaging as the first one. I can't really pinpoint why, and I think it's more a me thing than a problem with the book. But, if you enjoyed the first one, I think you'll probably enjoy this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the arc!

I will say it was easy to fall in love with these characters because of the narration and they definitely kept my attention especially with the accents used for certain characters that I was able to picture the scene and what was going on.