DARK STAR BURNING, ASH FALLS WHITE

The teens at the heart of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (2023) continue to battle a colonizing army.

Lan knows that using the Silver Dragon’s Demon God power will lead to its taking over her mind and body. Rather than wield this power against the imperialistic Elantians, she is searching for the Godslayer (believed by some to be mythical) to destroy the Four Demon Gods and their dark influence. As the Black Tortoise threatens his sanity, Zen searches his ravaged Mansorian homeland for a legendary army to destroy both the Elantians and his Demon God. As Lan and Zen fight to free the Last Kingdom, their paths once more become intertwined. The ongoing effects of harsh colonization on the diverse clans are carefully depicted throughout—for example, in Zen’s almost-forgotten ability to read his own language. Similarly, the devastation caused by wars, even just ones, is clearly discussed, alongside the impacts of sacrifices, grief, and “choices in a conquered land.” While the exploration of power and its uses may feel familiar, it mirrors the need for balance that is reflected in the qì-based magic system and the Demon Gods’ mythology. Following an epic if rushed finale, the loose ends are tied up satisfactorily. The romance is believable and helps balance the larger political themes. In this kingdom inspired by ancient China, the Elantians are fantasy-world equivalents of white Europeans.

An action-filled tale of love, magic, and demons.