bok choy nomad

Wrath & Desire picks up immediately after Oaths & Vengeance, following Aella and Darrow as they grapple with the aftermath of the previous day’s trauma and face growing threats across their realm. The story starts with strong continuity, revisiting many elements I enjoyed in the first book such as the magic, danger, political turmoil, and of course, the memorable flora that make this world feel so unique.

There were still aspects that genuinely worked for me. Aella’s bond with her carnivorous plants remains one of the most original and charming parts of the series, and the hissing baby cactus in particular added a whimsical spark. Aella’s determination to push through her recovery and continue growing in her abilities was another highlight. The broader stakes ( war, blight, divine interference, and cross‑realm danger) show the author’s ambition to expand the world in bold directions.