Twisted Monarch by Athene Z. Adam

Author Athene Z. Adam delivers another entrancing read with Twisted Monarch, a stellar second installment of the Reign of the North Forest series.

In a future world populated by Earth’s exported prisoners, children have ceased to age, remaining trapped in a stagnant physical state, even as their minds progress. Having become enemies of Drimys – a murderous and power-mad king still grieving the apparent demise of his brother, Sergen and his rabble-rousing crew must fight back to prevent the torture and massacre of those deemed “different.” The residents of the dystopian planet Eiyesa must prove that age means nothing without wisdom – and courage.

The world-building of this realm is impressive, combining narrative elements of medieval fantasy, gene-hacking thriller, cutting-edge sci-fi, visionary fiction, and more. Toying with traditional themes of maturity, duty, revenge, and immortality, the un-aging premise of this series makes for a unique hook, but it is the character depth and variety that make the novel difficult to put down. The dynamic of Sergen, Dex, and Sarah is a powerful core of emotional vulnerability and trust, upping the emotional stakes and ensuring reader investment.

The blend of old Earth culture and Eiyesan traditions is subtle and well-drawn, letting readers draw allegorical connections between this thrilling adventure and relevant contemporary issues of power, otherness, and justice. The prose is neatly edited throughout, while the dialogue is tight and essential for plot movement. All in all, this is a chilling, creative, and captivating next installment of a uniquely genre-bending series.