Imagine a spectrum. On one end there’s the Second Book Syndrome, on there’s other there’s this book. While I liked [b:Black Sun|50892360|Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky, #1)|Rebecca Roanhorse|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601212809l/50892360._SY75_.jpg|61321587] well enough, [b:Fevered Star|57339626|Fevered Star (Between Earth and Sky, #2)|Rebecca Roanhorse|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625590127l/57339626._SY75_.jpg|89737553] caught me totally off guard with how amazing it was. Diving ever deeper into intrigues and character arcs, I couldn’t get enough of it. The author really has a knack for bringing characters to life, make you feel their emotions and ambitions. My only regret is waiting so long to start this second book, since the ensemble of characters and the politics are quite complex and it took me some time to remember (almost) everything. Good thing I immediately ordered part 3.

Did it take me long to finish this book? Oh, yeah. Do I know why? Oh yes. The whole time I was afraid that Serapio (my favourite character) would die. That he wouldn't survive the second part of this trilogy. Did I try to be rational and tell myself that he is one of the main characters? Of course I did. Did it help? Of course it didn't. It hurt me so much to see how this boy (this vessel of a God) was and became so torn. How lonely he was and how desperate and angry and .... scared. I hated Naranpa for the fact that she would probably kill him - or her god. Cried because gods can be so illogical and irrational, because how can light survive without darkness? Death without life? There is and was so much hatred there, even though they need each other. I was simply afraid. It tore my heart to see Serapio and Xiala separated from each other and to see them longing for each other. How they ... See in each other just the persons they are. Not a Teek, not just a god vessel. Xiala and Serapio stole my heart. I also wish there will be more interactions between Serapio and Okoa ... Okoa has also sneaked his way into my heart. I wish he would call him brother or cousin again sometime. (Even if it's just one last time). My heart bleeds. I want Serapio and his third teacher to see each other; I want Balam to face consequences. I want to know more about the Teek, want to know their islands in book three; their culture. I want so much, and in the end all I want is for Serapio to stop being lonely. Or die lonely. ...