Hi friends, as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours I’m excited to share my thoughts on the conclusion to the Betrayal Prophecies fantasy duology: The Second Son by Adrienne Tooley.

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✨Note: As this is the review for part two of a duology, there may be spoilers for book one.✨

TL;DR: Objectively, I think this was a well written story. It has an engaging plot, complex characters, and compelling relationships. While I wouldn’t say anything surprised me as I saw the twists and reveals coming from a mile away, I appreciate how Tooley formed her story around the chosen themes. The way she weaves emotion into faith was unique and I think the way it was written allows readers flexibility in how they interpret the story. Ultimately, I think The Second Son is a great conclusion to a dark-tinged fantasy duology.

“I think […] that anything worth doing will always feel just a little bit like a sacrifice.”

I’m going to start by saying that what I personally found missing in the first book, which was a deeper emotional connection to the characters, was also an issue for me in this second book. I can’t lie and say this didn’t affect my reading experience with the duology as it meant I didn’t feel as invested as I’d expect to be with a story that has so many intriguing moving pieces and that I know should be emotionally charged. I’m not sure what exactly made the emotional depth feel lacking but I was still able to appreciate what the author did with this story.

“That was how faith was made. Through tiny comforts and moments of awe.”

There’s the political aspect that tackles issues like having a monarchy vs democracy and I liked how Tooley dissects this through Elodie and the Warnou siblings’ experiences. While I wasn’t always the biggest fan of Elodie, I appreciated the complexity of her character and her relationships with her siblings, Tal, and the citizens of Velle. Elodie experiences a steep learning curve as both a monarch who wasn’t prepared to rule but also as a young woman raised by a ruthless woman who loved herself more than her children or anyone else. She endures many hardships as a young leader and that too a young woman leader. As the story progresses, Tooley examines gendered roles and societal expectations and how harmful the impact can be on society as a whole, not just the girls and women in it. This message really hit and I think anyone who has experienced this in any form IRL will be able to relate.

“There will always be detractors. It’s what you do with their doubt that makes a difference.”

“Her word is good, but word is not always enough. Platitudes without passion cannot stand the test of time.”

The second perspective comes from the religious pov with Sabine as the New Maiden. Sabine also experiences so much change following what happens in book one as she learns what it means to shoulder this monumental task. Something that I don’t recall from the first book is how big a role emotion plays in our character’s arcs but also in the faith of this story. The importance of allowing yourself to feel emotions, particularly to embrace the darkness in you and to thrive not in spite of it but in coexistence with it, was a huge part of what Sabine learns. Also, the importance of learning to let go of ego and fear to ask for help when needed. I thought the way Tooley presented this through the manifestations of the deities was very unique and perhaps my favourite part of this story!

“Where the New Maiden was unburdened—filled with hope and light—he would never escape the darkness within. She was almost as cruel as his father, for making him wish that he could.”

“It was a wonder, to be understood.”

There is one other POV that we get at the end of each part but I won’t expand on this cos spoilers. That said, I liked the additional POV but also felt that more could’ve been done with it to really bring depth to one of the plot lines. However, the weaving of everything was done very well and it kept the momentum moving at a solid and fast clip. A lot happens in a short span of time which means there’s little room for boredom while reading, lol.

“People are so quick to inflict pain, to take the scars from their hearts and carve them onto another’s. The world is dark and terrible. I do not know how anyone is meant to survive it.”

The Second Son was a satisfying conclusion to the Betrayal Prophecies duology. While I recognise this story might not be for everyone, and though I also had some issues with it, I would still recommend it to those who enjoy their fantasies that are both political and philosophical with heavy leaning towards the latter. It was a unique blend!

Have you read the first book in this duology? Is The Second Son on your TBR?

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