Born of an Iron Storm Age of Wrath Book 2 by Anthony Ryan

On what appears to be a whim Thera stops her journey back to Skar Magnol to assist in halting the Nihlavrian invasion. She will discover even more spies among her people but many more ready to go to war to the save the Isles. Especially once they have learned of Sister Lore's betrayal. 

Having escaped Ruhlin and the freed Morvek slaves set out to return to the Isles. Unfortunately their plan of capturing a ship to do just that is thwarted and they must flee to the lands of the Morvek where Ruhlin discovers he has hailed as the savior of these people. 

Felnir has finally arrived in Vorunvahl only to discover the discover that Wohtin isn't the only long-lived person among these people he is now king over, nor is he necessarily welcome regardless of what sword he wields. Determined to become king in more than just name though he sets off to free his new subjects from a dangerous cult. 

Meanwhile, Evline is doing everything to keep her mother and herself alive in Skar Magnol, Lore sees Evline as not just a trusted advisor but a true friend and although sickened by it she knows she must continue this ruse or end up like Sister Silver and Sister Iron. She is determined to bring Lore down by any means necessary though and hatches a daring escape plan that will end in another blood bath. 

Everything is going pretty well for really everyone in this book. I mean the Ascarlians seem to have the upper hand for most of the book thanks in large part to all four MCs quick thinking. Sure there are some bloody and truly amazing battles for Thera and Felnir especially but honestly that's to be expected. Felnir is technically invading and Thera is fighting off an invasion but they go win each of them gaining larger forces each time. Which quite frankly I thought everything was way too damn easy and of course it was because the reveal at the end of who the actual big bad is absolutely blew me away. Maybe their were hints and I missed them, Im not sure but completely out of left field and Im 100% sure this signals that shit is not going to be so easy in book three! 

Characters were of course great. Evline and Thera especially. Both end up in positions they would rather not be in but they rise to the occasion. Not going to lie though I could definitely see Evline easily ending up like her dad. She is way too much like him. Felnir, whom I didn't have much use for at the beginning I have found some respect for. Although I can't say I necessarily like him, he's just too worried about making a name for himself and I believe thats going to cause problems sooner rather than later. Lore is amazing bad guy, perfect to follow Evadine's shoes because shes just as evil but she's not like a zealot, not like Evadine was at least. She just doesn't see anything wrong with her actions and that's terrifying. She just doesn't care, its weird, she exhibits a ton of emotion don't get me wrong but everyone around her is just something to be used except for one or two people Evline being one of them. 

Pacing and world building were of course amazing. The battles especially the ones when Ruhlin turns into "the monster" were fantastic but the last battle in Oversahl was freaking amazing. It really demonstrates how far Lore is willing to go and how little she cares for the lives of anyone. 

I can not freaking wait for book 3! Especially after that ending cause just what!? And like did anyone actually know? And how the hell do people not know!? *sigh* None of that makes sense, it will when you read it!

As always thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the eArc!