After raving about the first book in Megan E. O’Keefe’s The Devoured Worlds series, I couldn’t wait to dive back into space with my favorite out of this world duo, Naira and Tarquin. The second book in the series, The Fractured Dark, releases TOMORROW (9/26/2023), and I am so grateful Orbit sent me an early copy. Y’all. It’s so good. And what makes it so good is how O’Keefe tells a story. It’s sharp, witty, edge of your seat entertainment with some sizzle and spice and morally grey characters who are so exquisitely layered, you’ll fall in love with all of them.
The Fractured Dark focuses a bit more on the science than The Blighted Stars. Tarquin and Naira embark on a mission to save the world and hopefully only die a couple of times in the process. The reader learns a bit more about the dangers of canus and how far it will go to consume its host and protect itself. We also learn quite a bit more about how the prints work, how the neuro maps can be manipulated, and how much control those with money and power actually have over the skies.
There are vulnerable moments of Naira bringing candy to the orphans, Tarquin finding Pliny, Acaelus’s love lost in a loop trying to protect his family, but there is far more blood and battling – especially with Naira’s blood thirsty and abusive ex tracking her down. (Don’t fret – he’s not doing it for love, and they will rip each other to shreds.)
While the pacing in the second installment was a bit off, the personal relationships, banter, and just wicked smart writing held me captive. I’m not sure when the third installment will be published, but I’m sure there will be more romance, more rebellion, and more rage – especially with our Cracked Queen; it’s an addictive series.
Read this book.
A Girl Named Tommi 