DEATHLESS

Sparrow struggles with her newly recognized identity as the Fateless—someone who can “unravel the fates and destinies of everyone they [touch]” but who has no fate or destiny of her own—and faces an impossible mission.

Former thief Sparrow suffers nightmares stemming from the events in series opener Fateless (2025), and the Deathless King continues to pose a threat throughout the lands. For people to have any chance of fighting back, Sparrow must find an artifact that may bestow upon her the powers of Maederyss, the goddess of Fate. This object is hidden within the dangerous lava-covered World Scar, where even the air is poisonous. Sparrow’s companions—Scarab Clan warrior Kysa and Halek the Fatechaser—swear to see the mission through with her, and they set off riding on their giant flying rock beetles. Raithe, the assassin who’s in a budding romantic relationship with Sparrow, joins them, but things grow complicated after they visit his mystic homeland of Irrikah. As the group traverses the Dead Lands, encountering foes and allies, deftly placed twists keep the pace engaging. Kagawa seamlessly incorporates plot points from the earlier book, making this entry accessible to new readers. The rich narrative is balanced, encompassing strong worldbuilding while developing each character’s emotional arc. The skillful weaving together of all these components results in a universe populated with fantasy-diverse characters that’s easy to get lost in. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next entry.

Captivating.