A Tyranny of Queens

But what I love most about this novel, though, and which remains the main reason why I love its predecessor so much, is the focus on relationships, and how the quality of those relationships can either make or break a person. Part of the reason why An Accident of Stars was such a pleasure to read is that it showed me what relationships could be: the concept of the mahu???kedet is one I hold close to my heart because it articulates my notion of the ideal family. Throughout the first novel, the reader sees more of the positive, strengthening side of relationships, especially when they are not held back by such limiting notions as blood and gender.In A Tyranny of Queens, however, things are different. This time the reader gets to see the more negative side of relationships: how even the relationships we think ought to be the most loving, the relationships we hold most sacred, can stifle, and smother, and choke.

Full review here: http://wp.me/p21txV-Au

I don't think I can even explain how much I love this series. Beyond the fact that it's so well written, there is a boatload of diversity. Racial diversity, LGBT+ rep, a strong feminist bent and sex positivity. (Even if no actual sex happens in the story.) In the fantasy world that Meadows created poly marriages are the norm - the royalty has a poly marriage, even - though that doesn't mean that every one in the marriage are sexually active with each other.

I'd like to note also that, as much as I want a sequel, that's only because of how much I like this series, the world, the characters, the writing in general, the story feels fairly complete and works really well as a duology.