I just need to start this out by curbing your expectations if you're anything like me - THIS IS NOT A DUOLOGY. Okay, there I said it.

With that out of the way, hoooooly coyote! This book is definitely slower than Black Sun, but adds so much political intrigue that the first book lacked. AND we get another PoV to follow (not going to spoil who...) which is quite possibly one of the most interesting. After the events of Black Sun, there's a criminal amount of fallout in The Meridian and for good reason. I loved Naranpa's arc as usual, but Serapio and Okoa's were so dark and intriguing. We really get to see the relationships between characters bloom and be tested in this installment, for better or worse. I think that Xiala's arc will be the most fascinating in the third and final book. However though the book may be slow paced, there's still action and magic throughout that will leave you craving more. And the LOOOOORE!! We learn so much about The Meridian here that is definitely going to come into play soon...

Overall I love this book to pieces and can't wait to reread it. Recommending it for fans of high fantasy and anyone who loves a good plot twist.

*Thank you to B2Weird tours, Saga Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*