Publishers Weekly
10/09/2023
Meadows’s masterful follow-up to A Strange and Stubborn Endurance skillfully combines elements of fantasy, romance, and political thriller in a complex queernorm world. Aristocrats Caethari “Cae” Aeduria and Velasin “Vel” Vin Aaro, having foiled the plot against them, settle into their fledgling marriage, with both men still carrying trauma and grief from their recent pasts. As the pair learn to communicate with each other and Vel discovers the freedom and fear of being open about his sexuality, a series of suspicious accidents and attacks—culminating in an assassination attempt in the heart of Tithena’s capital—puts the strength of their new bond to the test. In Meadows’s own words, “this is a book about what happens after you come out,” and the author does an impressive job of demonstrating that the path to happiness and self-acceptance does not end there. The result is just as pacy and self-assured as the series opener while also embracing the opportunity for a deeper exploration of the sexual politics in this fantasy world. Speaking thoughtfully to real-life questions of identity, and the vulnerability that goes along with visibility, this fantasy adventure wows. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
Praise for All the Hidden Paths
“Compulsively readable, spectacularly queer and beautifully human—this is the kind of book you ignore all responsibilities for!”—Seth Haddon, author of Reforged
"An epic and intimate fantasy that balances deep characterization with sprawling moments of worldbuilding, court intrigue with conflict of various calibers, and pairs plot and poetry side by side in a truly unique and engaging way."—Reactor
"An intense novel, deeply felt, wrapping its romantic heart in a tense web of intrigue and danger."—Locus
"The follow-up to A Strange and Stubborn Endurance continues to grow the richly immersive landscape of these fantasy lands, and the character growth matches the pace."—Library Journal
"Just as pacy and self-assured as the series opener while also embracing the opportunity for a deeper exploration of the sexual politics in this fantasy world. Speaking thoughtfully to real-life questions of identity, and the vulnerability that goes along with visibility, this fantasy adventure wows. "—Publishers Weekly
"Meadows' writing is confident and sexy (even scorching), leaving readers satisfied with the wrap-up of several key relationships and tying a very neat bow on any lingering doubts between the two main characters."—Booklist
Praise for A Strange and Stubborn Endurance:
“Many a reader longing for a sense of homecoming in the realm of romantic fantasy will find it in A Strange and Stubborn Endurance.”—Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel's Legacy series
“An emotionally gripping, delightful queer fantasy filled with political intrigue, family dynamics, and tender moments that will grab readers' hearts and minds.”—Library Journal, starred review
“A complete joy to read. From the love story, to the slow healing of the main character, to the intricate mystery of the plot, Meadows has constructed a world to get lost in and this is a book to savour.”—Everina Maxwell, author of Winter's Orbit
“An absolute delight! A perfect balance of romance, fantasy politics, and a truly sinister murder plot. It put me in mind of The Goblin Emperor (earnest but wounded lead characters you can’t help rooting for) and Winter’s Orbit (queer marriage of convenience with deep sff politics)”—Olivia Waite, award-winning author
“I flew through this book and enjoyed every page of the journey...I loved that this was a gripping political fantasy, but I loved even more that it was wrapped around a stubbornly kindhearted romance.”—Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light
“An engrossing political intrigue and romance set in a world that feels complex and lived-in; beautifully realised and a pleasure to read!”—Sam Hawke, author of City of Lies
“A satisfying balance of romance and action, with political intrigue that is both elaborate and plausible and rich, fascinating worldbuilding.”—Malka Older, award-winning author
“Blending intrigue and queer romance, A Strange and Stubborn Endurance stitches together two cultures and re-embroiders gender conventions. Meadows combines the personal and political through an elegant voice, and finds time for tender moments of healing.”—E.J. Beaton, author of The Councillor
Library Journal
09/01/2023
Velasin and Caethari have gotten past the plot determined to break them apart, but now they actually have more time to get to know each other better. At least they did, until the Tithena's monarch requested their presence in the capital city of Qi-Xihan. Saddled with gear, guilt, and their own inner turmoils, Vel and Cae find that their thin foundation is crumbling again, and assailants pursue their group to Qi-Xihan, where the local court factions all look for their piece of power. Cae and Vel must use all of their own skills, along with their growing feelings, to stay strong in the face of both the known and the unknown adversaries attempting to break alliances across the kingdoms. Political and personal machinations deepen the action, and Vel's friend and valet Markel continues to be the insightful bridge between the two men. VERDICT The follow-up to A Strange and Stubborn Endurance continues to grow the richly immersive landscape of these fantasy lands, and the character growth matches the pace.—Kristi Chadwick
