A Dance of Burning Blades by M.H. Ayinde (lllumicrate Exclusive)

Amazing colours all around!

I liked this edition even more than the first one, that cover is incredible. The edges and the extra art inside are gorgeous 😍 My only tiny disappointment is that the edges don't line up between the two books, so the first book's edges are a bit strange. But this one's hold up well on its own.

The best sequel we could dream of

I loved A Song of Legends Lost and this sequel is everything I could dream of and more. Illumicrate 's design is perfect for the story and I love the care taken with every detail, be it the edges or the endpapers. As for the story... What can I say about A Dance of Burning Blades to just be able to show the sheer joy of reading it? I love the magical system and the clash between tech and ancestors accompanying warriors in the battle. Pondering on the importance of community and caring and fighting oppressive systems, it's not a pamphet but a wonderfully woven story full of characters that feel like people. Clan Adatali is the first to move against the king and his clan after they learn the truth about invoking abilities. Even with an almost cathatonic Daroya, Morayo and Father Boleo try to bring the city togehter and confront new and old horrors that threaten them. Meanwhile in the Lordsgrave, Temi's family and everyone else is still trying to fix things after the cruel greyblood attack when something even worse happens and Temi is left almost alone. Jinao's journey in the meantime brings him to understand a lot more about the greybloods in the flesh and this might change him forever. Even though this is a long book, it never felt too much. The pace was perfect and the constant change of point of view made it interesting, though at some points I really wanted more because gosh, the cliffhangers! maginative, well thought, wonderful characters and expanding world with epic battles. What's not to love?

Beautiful book, unique story

I loved this unique and interesting fantasy that kept surprising me and Illumicrate has knocked it out if the park with this beautifuly designed instalment!