Can we normalize authors recapping the previous books in the series when a sequel or next installment in the series comes out? It saves so much time and is such a boon to someone like me who has memory issues. 

 

Our Deadly Designs picks up not very long after the events at the end of This Dark Descent, though not immediately after. Despite ODD containing a recap of TDD, I did go back and re-familiarize myself with the first book in this duology and have come to realize I liked it better than my posted review makes it sound like (maybe I was just in a bad mood that day, who knows). At the beginning of this book our quartet is physically fractured, with Mikira living back on her family’s ranch and the others living together at Damien’s estate. If you look closer, you can see there are smaller fractures between Damien, Arielle, and Reid too. Concerns left unspoken are breeding resentment and fomenting distrust. 

 

I liked ODD a little more than I did TDD because of the increase in political intrigue, the creative and effective magic system, the compelling and highly-developed characters, and the much-needed introduction of Damien’s POV (TDD only had Arielle and Mikira’s POVs and I thought the book kind of suffered for it). 

 

TDD’s plot depended more on action and adventure for the story line, with the horse races forming the structure of the plot, but the themes of the book were more about pride, loss, friendship, found family, and power. ODD trades the action and adventure for magic and politics but keeps the same themes. Our quartet has to lose before they can truly win, and it makes for an entertaining read. A great duology all around. 

 

I was provided a copy of this title by the publisher and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you. 

 

File Under: Book Duology/Book Series/Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Fantasy Duology/Found Family/LGBTQ Fantasy/Political Fantasy/YA Book Series/YA Duology/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy/YA Fiction