The Rhymer’s Daughter [Leopard’s Bane #2], by Phill Featherstone

My initial thought when I received this ARC was: Finally! Because I have to admit, this sequel was highly anticipated by me. These days, I don’t read as much Young Adult as I used to, so me waiting for a book in this genre is already a statement in itself.

Phill created an interesting world in the first book – fantasy with a lot of dark edges, a caste system, social critique, intrigues and – last but not least – two main characters that fascinated me. Not only Peglar, the kind of prince with rivalrous siblings, but also Yalka, the poor girl, but street wise. But, alas, she was kind of missing in the last parts of the first book – and that is now rectified, because Phil starts the first book with her perspective on the events during the last part of the first book.

That’s no surprise, though, with regards to the title – Yalka is the rhymer’s daughter, after all. And this is a good thing: Leopard’s Bane is, in its core, one of those underdog stories where the heroes have to overcome themselves and emerge anew. And while Peglar – even though he is one of two sons of the master of the city – is an underdog in his own right, Yalka fits this description even more so. And just as he battled with his weaknesses, she fights against her uprising, about the way society perceives her (or women in general). Her fight is different, but no less noble than Peglar’s.

But for Peglar? Well, things really go downhill for him now. His story reminds me, in part, of the movie Gladiator. You know, the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, the gladiator who became a legend. In this case, the rich son who becomes a shiphand before becoming a slave (or rather, a scribe).

This being the second book in a planned trilogy means that the book ends too soon, having me waiting for the final part.

The story suffers from the fact it’s not going to resolve the story, as is the destiny of the sandwich book in every trilogy. It’s particularly worse, this time, because we leave things in the middle of everything. So I’m going with 4.5 stars – half a star deduction for making us wait so long! Phill, get a grip on, will you?

Disclaimer: I’ve received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.