Renegade by Mallory McCartney is a prequel to Black Dawn, telling the story of Emory’s time at the Academy, training with friends and family. Nothing good can last, though, and things at the Academy and Kieros in general, are becoming frayed. Fighting and strife still exist in the world, and it comes to Roque’s safe haven as well. With the death of Queen Nei’s father, the uneasy alliance between Roque and the Shattered Isles is broken. The arrival of the new King of the Shattered Isles sets in play events from which there is no returning.
Cesan, advisor to, and best friend of, Roque breaks away. Filled with a lust for power, and disillusioned by Roque’s vision for Kieros, he decides to become King himself. Cesan isn’t the only one disillusioned. There are misgivings among some of the students as well, and several take matters in their own hands, some with better success than others. War blossoms in Kieros, and everyone must decide what side they truly belong to.
I’ve read Black Dawn, and enjoyed it, but I enjoyed this story far more! The action comes swifter, thanks to battle and intrigue. The story is told from several points of view, each providing unique perspective. Things shift between Emory’s closest friends- Memphis, Adair, and Brokk. Each has different magical abilities, too. I really enjoyed watching them learn to work with these abilities. I do wish Brokk’s alter was something other than a wolf, though. Wolf shifters are kinda cliche to me now. I like other animals being used.
This all leads up to Emory’s situation at the beginning of Black Dawn, and let’s you see up close and personal how Adair became the person he is in that book. I felt sooo bad for him. After learning what happened to him, it’s no wonder he ended up as he did. Betrayal is a huge theme in the book, and the betrayal towards Adair was one of the worst. Loyalty is my greatest strength and deepest flaw, and betrayals like that really hit me.
Recommended for any who love fantasy! It’s said that reading Black Dawn first is not necessary, but I would recommend doing so.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Clean Teen Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book was reviewed for Chapter By Chapter Tours.
