The Ever Cruel Kingdom

November 20, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Starting right where The Never Tilting World left off, this conclusion to Chupeco's duology will thrill fans. Twin goddesses Haidee and Odessa emerge from the abyss to find that the world is again turning. However, the creatures from the abyss continue to follow and torment them, demanding the sacrifice they were never given. Haidee and Odessa, along with their lovers, desert nomad Arjun and Catseye Lan, respectively; search for the answers to healing the world; and discover they must return to the Cruel Kingdom. Characters from the previous book forge new alliances and new enemies are created as the sisters are determined to make things right, even as their warring mothers attempt to keep them apart before finally uniting for the last epic battle. Chupeco has built a magical world with strong characters, who have a range of skin tones, and good LGBTQIA+ representation. The plot is action-packed from the beginning to the end. VERDICT Fans of The Never Tilting World will be desperate to finish the story. Purchase where the first book is popular.-Megan Huenemann, Norris H.S., Firth, NE

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