I reviewed Royal Bastards a year ago. While I prefer fantasy that’s richer and more complex, I thought Royal Bastards is a good pick for those who enjoy light fantasy. How was this second installment? Find out in my review of City of Bastards!
City of Bastards (Royal Bastards #2) by Andrew Shvarts
To be published on June 5 by Disney-Hyperion
Source: ARC for review
Synopsis from Goodreads: Tilla, bastard of House Kent, has it made. Safe from her murderous father in the dazzling capital of Lightspire, she lives a life of luxury under the protection of the Volaris King, alongside her boyfriend Zell and best friend, Princess Lyriana.
So why isn’t she happy? Maybe it’s the whispers and stares that follow her wherever she goes, as the daughter of the traitor waging war against Lightspire. Or maybe it’s the memories of her beloved brother, Jax, who lies cold in his grave even as she tries to settle into a life in the city’s prestigious University.
Then, Tilla stumbles upon the body of a classmate, a friend. The authorities are quick to rule it a suicide and sweep it under the rug, but when Tilla herself is attacked by a mysterious man with terrifying powers, she’s convinced of a conspiracy. Her friends beg her to stay silent; what she’s suggesting is impossible… and treasonous.
Review of City of Bastards
If you enjoy light fantasy, look no further. This second installment in the Royal Bastards series is as fast-paced as the first, with a similar plot structure: royal girl arrives at an unfamiliar kingdom, befriends other royal bastards and noble offspring, runs into some shady business and has to get to the bottom of what the scheming adults are up to.
- If you read book one, you know that the cast is down a couple characters. There are new ones to meet, and other bloodshed to be had.
- I complained in the first book about underdeveloped characters, and I still felt that was an issue here. Tilla is still spunky, Zell is still fierce, Lyriana tries to overcome her earnestness by drinking and hooking up.
- A love triangle-ish situation develops.
- There’s another dramatic scene near the end and the kids (or most of them, heh-heh) have to go on the run. Again.
If you loved the first book, you’ll love this too. If you like light fantasy, this is definitely a series you should check out!
Have you read any of this trilogy? Do you like light fantasy? Tell me in comments!
I’ve been curious about this sequel! I do enjoy light fantasy and I liked the first book so it sounds like I shall like this one too.
I think I remember that you liked the first. I think you’ll enjoy this!
I didn’t realize that there’s a second book! Still working on the first. Bah.
Ha – story of my (blogging) life!
I am curious about the first book now. Sounds to me like a pretty good series.
Definitely give it a try – it would be a great summer read!
I’m think I prefer really dark fantasies to light ones, but I enjoy them every now and then! I might have to check this out. 🙂
– Aimee @ Aimee, Always
I feel the same way – if I’m going to read fantasy (which I don’t do that often) I want a dark, elaborate fantasy with really rich world building and a complicated plot.
I love a good light fantasy! I’ve been meaning to read book one since it released! Also, I don’t mind love triangles, if they’re done well enough. I know it does bother some poeple. I like the sound of bloodshed (yay for no characters being safe!) as morbid as that sounds xD A shame about the under-developed characters though :/
My recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/05/illegal-book-review-giveaway/
This could be perfect for you – hope you give it a try!
I haven’t heard of this series or the author! Down a few characters huh? I guess that means I shouldn’t get too attached to anyone when I read the first book! 😉
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
Mwah-ha-ha that could be the case….
I can’t believe the second book is already out. It feels like the first one was just released yesterday! Anyhow, this series sounds good. I love light fantasy, but that’s too bad about character development. Underdeveloped characters are becoming a huge pet peeve of mine. I’ve read so many books with them lately, and I’m 100% over it. Great review! 🙂
A year goes by fast!