Adeyemi could have improved her storytelling abilities after the first book, but after finishing the second book, I’m still left with many of the same questions as I was at the end of the first book. Failure to improve world-building has caused this series to disappoint. Adeyemi never explains how the relationship between the monarchy and the magic users begins, how the monarchy became disgruntled, and how the previous king worked to improve relations. Nor does she explain the past relationship between the monarchy and its relationship with magic. I feel as if I'm writing the same review ending for the first book. Adeyemi did not build upon her first novel and only left the reader going in circles.

The plot of Children of Virtue and Vengeance consists of the characters making the same poor decisions over and over again. It starts with the rebellion deciding that Zèlie should become the future queen, which is a terrible idea, as Zèlie has never exhibited signs of good leadership skills. She often makes brash individualistic decisions for her own self-interest. This doesn't make her a bad person or a bad character, simply someone who should not be placed on a throne. The rebellion makes this decision before ever meeting her. This part of the book does not seem realistic or like good storytelling. However, in the YA genre, the main female character who saves the world is supposed to be a good the future leader. These decisions just come off as cookie-cutter in Adeyemi's desire to write a bestselling YA novel. The rebellion's main goal is to kill off the monarchy, but they've made no plans to accomplish that or how to create a stable society afterward. Adeyemi's failure to write a detailed storyline just leaves the reader wanting more. This should be a good story. There is a lot of potential in the plot, but no follow through with the details.

Overall, I'm giving this book 2.5 stars.