A review by steerpike
Faithful: Birth of Saints Book Two by Michelle Hauck
4.0
Faithful picks up directly after the events of the first book in the series, and continues at a relentless pace for the remainder of the novel. Although I imagine it is possible for a new reader to start with this second book, I would recommend starting with Grudging, as certain plot twists and developments will pack more punch for those who've been with the characters since the beginning. Returning readers should find much to love in the sequel, and for my part I found that Faithful was an even more enjoyable read than its predecessor.
In particular, the addition of Teresa as a POV character did much to flesh-out and diversify the cast, and I found both her and Telo's chapters to be the strongest and most affecting.
A few new characters are introduced, and I thoroughly enjoyed them as well, especially Jorga. Likewise, characters who played a secondary role in Grudging are fleshed out, as are the cultures of the Northerners and the Women of the Song. I still hope for some more detail about both, but I'm sure based on the trajectory of the narrative that the third book will provide. In particular, I find the development that There's a hint of classical mythology and its treatment of gods, heroes, and monsters to the emerging themes and conflicts in Faithful.
I don't talk much about Ramiro and Claire in my review, but I think fans of those two characters will also enjoy their arcs in this second book. I found myself relating to them more this time, as their story matured, but I think younger readers interested in a coming-of-age-narrative will also be pleased.
As this is a review for the second book in a series it naturally contains a lot of spoilers, so I will summarize by saying that if you liked the first book you will really like this second one, and that if you haven't read either, be encouraged by the fact that unlike many series, this one remains strong throughout its second installment.
I would recommend the series overall to upper YA readers in the epic fantasy genre, as well as anyone who is a fan of tightly paced fantasy or historical fiction.
In particular, the addition of Teresa as a POV character did much to flesh-out and diversify the cast, and I found both her and Telo's chapters to be the strongest and most affecting.
Spoiler
One of my favourite characters from the first book, Alvito, also briefly returned, and I was excited to find him not dead. Unfortunately, this did not last long, but I still enjoyed his interactions with Teresa and found they had good chemistry (not in a romantic sense, but nonetheless their interactions were fun). I do wish Alvito had been around longer, as his death (this time) felt a little sudden, and I was excited to see how Teresa, Telo, and Alvito would get on together. Maybe he'll come back a second time (I would not complain, and the northerners do seem to have life-giving wands . . .). I'm also somewhat invested in my random theory that Fronilde will end up with Teresa, but that may be me just being crazy and looking for foreshadowing where there is none.A few new characters are introduced, and I thoroughly enjoyed them as well, especially Jorga. Likewise, characters who played a secondary role in Grudging are fleshed out, as are the cultures of the Northerners and the Women of the Song. I still hope for some more detail about both, but I'm sure based on the trajectory of the narrative that the third book will provide. In particular, I find the development that
Spoiler
Dal is a god to be placated by the Northerners fascinating. The plot point adds new depth to the conflict, and makes me all the more eager to learn about what was happening in the North prior to their current war.I don't talk much about Ramiro and Claire in my review, but I think fans of those two characters will also enjoy their arcs in this second book. I found myself relating to them more this time, as their story matured, but I think younger readers interested in a coming-of-age-narrative will also be pleased.
As this is a review for the second book in a series it naturally contains a lot of spoilers, so I will summarize by saying that if you liked the first book you will really like this second one, and that if you haven't read either, be encouraged by the fact that unlike many series, this one remains strong throughout its second installment.
I would recommend the series overall to upper YA readers in the epic fantasy genre, as well as anyone who is a fan of tightly paced fantasy or historical fiction.