From Goodreads: Reychel thought she was finally free. She was wrong. Everyone saw her gift of prophecy as a blessing, but her gift is uncontrollable. No one alive can teach her to manipulate her unique gift and the answers she needs lie buried within a madman’s journals. She’s thrust in the midst of a brewing war and the only uniting factor for her people is their belief in the Prophet.

Will Reychel learn to control her gift or will she be forced to deliver a false prophecy that could lead her people into a violent war?

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This second novel in the Cloud Prophet Trilogy is much more refined and solid than the first, Anathema.  Jensen has slowed the story down, and the development of the characters takes the forefront, allowing the story to flow together more seamlessly while providing readers with an easily understandable story that is highly enjoyable.

Reychel, a former slave, is now free and in a rival nation, hiding her abilities until the “right time.”  Believed to be the Cloud Prophet, though not entirely sure herself, Reychel must figure out the truth about the prophecy before she claims her heritage.  The main problem is, nothing makes sense, and her abilities seem to be waning, thus, she may be forced to lie to the nation in order to set things in motion, and save those she holds dear, but Reychel struggles with the thought that her lies could end in bloodshed. 

What I really enjoyed about this novel is the mystery surrounding the original Cloud Prophet.  Jensen sheds light on his life and his truths as the story progresses, and as it turns out, nothing is as it seems. I was surprised on many an occasion as I read, and I really enjoyed learning the truth alongside Reychel, even though that truth isn’t necessarily a good one.  And, of course, the mystery behind the betrayals within the castle also spurred me on as I read!  Add in the magical aspects, such as invisible threads leading to portals (which I thought was ingenious), and this story really turns out to be a great read!  This world Jensen has created holds many a mystery, and the magical realm really helped pull me into the story and connect to the characters, who are now very well fleshed out and much more likable.

I really enjoyed seeing Reychel grow into herself in this novel, especially with all the threats that crop up around her.  In the first novel, she seems a bit more sporadic and easily led astray, whereas in this novel she has a much better head on her shoulders, taking matters into her own hands and selflessly attempting to save the world.  She’s a great young heroine, and I’m excited to see where the rest of the story leads in the final novel of the trilogy.  So, if you’ve read the first novel and weren’t sure whether to pick up the next installment for whatever reason, I believe you should definitely give it a go.  The series definitely gets better!  Four stars.