SWIFT THE STORM, FIERCE THE FLAME

This follow-up to Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves (2022) changes the focus to a different character—and a different planet.

Remy Castell is a genopath, genetically engineered by the powerful Nova organization to be the perfect spy and to follow orders, but a mission two years before put her on the path to meeting a girl who became a friend and helped her cut ties with Nova. When that mission went awry, her newfound friend, Alora, disappeared, and the only person who knows her whereabouts is Kiran, the fellow genopath and ex–squad mate who betrayed Remy. After tracking Kiran to the planet Maraas, Remy and her companions, Sena and the wolf Iska, find a world changed for the worse and a dangerous rebellion brewing. Then Kiran makes an offer: help with the revolution and he will tell her where Alora is. Remy finds it hard to believe that this self-serving, agenda-driven boy will not betray her again. Top-notch worldbuilding that delves into the complex dynamic between different factions, an interesting jungle setting, and fast-paced action sequences form the foundation upon which Remy’s strong character development occurs in this story about agency and self-determination, friendship and keeping promises. The previous book’s protagonists, Sena and Iska, play secondary but important roles. Main characters are assumed White; some secondary characters have brown skin.

A riveting sequel that promises more to come.