EMPRESS CROWNED IN RED

Two young witches continue their efforts to rule their beloved matriarchal society of Aiyca in this follow-up to Witches Steeped in Gold (2021).

Jazmyne assumes the throne previously held by her now-dead mother, but having not yet inherited her magic, she is not officially granted the title of doyenne. Jazmyne perceives the underlying message of lack of faith from her citizens, and though it stings, she must endure it and try to earn their confidence. Iraya still has her sights on vengeance and taking back Aiyca for her people, the Obeah. Once again, the young women find that they must put aside their mutual personal grudges and become allies, if only temporarily, in order to have a chance of achieving their individual goals. With a new foe arising and bringing many twists and turns—both foreseen and unpredictable—it’s crucial that Jazmyne and Iraya keep their wits about them as they try to navigate a world in which deception and betrayal run rampant. As before, Smart’s style is rather wordy, and the voices of the two protagonists are at times too similar. But those who were drawn in by the previous volume and readers looking for a complex story that demands careful focus will be taken with this novel set in a world infused with Jamaican influences.

A fitting duology closer that maintains the flow of its predecessor.