Academ's Fury

My full review can be found at SFF Book Review.

It's been two years since the events of Furies of Calderon and Tavi is now training to be a Cursor and stuying at the Academy. He makes some new friends but he is also being bullied because he still doesn't have a trace of furycrafting. But when the realm faces several new threats, Tavi's everyday life becomes secondary to doing what he can to save Alera from a civil war - or utter destruction.

What Jim Butcher does very well - and continues to do well - are action scenes. Personally, I prefer the “smaller” fight scenes to his big, sweeping military action but they are all told in a thrilling way that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

What was missing in the first book becomes a little clearer here. We learn more about the Marat - a fascinating culture, if you as me - and a few new species. The vord are simply terrifying and whenever our heroes face them, I found myself chewing my fingernails (shame on me).

If you liked the first book, you will like this one as well. I'm still curious about how exactly furycrafting works, what rules there are to it, as well as the politicial situation in Alera. We only get glimpses of that so far but I have high hopes for the third novel in the series to answer my questions.

Recommended.