A review by dankeohane
The Blasted Lands by James A. Moore

4.0

This was a great sequel to the incredible first installment of the Seven Forges series. It picks up immediately after the final events of the first book. Like Seven Forges, The Blasted Lands jumps between various story lines of the the principle characters as the kingdom of Fellein (spoiler alert for Seven Forges ahead) prepares for war in the wake of the emperor's assassination and the loss of Captain Merros' (now General Merros') right-hand man. Though the story feels more like a bridge between the first and what I expect to be an action-packed third installment (City of Wonders), it is no less riveting to read. There are many characters, some new, some old, but Moore is deft at keeping them distinct, subtly reminding the reader who we are with at any time. The level of action is a little less in this volume (though there is still plenty of it), rather we learn a great deal more about the Sa'aba Taalor, even what's behind those mysterious veils. Like Seven Forges, this one ends with a shocking cliff hanger. Greatly looking forward to the next installment.