{Book Review} The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas

Synopsis:

After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

The second book of The Elemental Trilogy follows Titus and Iolanthe as they continue to work towards defeating the mysterious Bane. The structure of the story is different from the first: one chapter is set at Eton, where Titus and Iolanthe attend school, while the next is in the Sahara, with an amensia-ridden Titus and Fairfax at an indeterminate time. They don’t know who they are, or why they’re in the Sahara. While at Eton, they are relatively safe, doing lots of research, spending time practicing, fighting over their destinies. But in the Sahara, they are hunted by Atlantis agents, and because they have no idea why they are being chased, or who they are, those parts were a bit more fun. Especially since they got to start their romance all over again.

I really love this series; the plot is clever, the writing is charming and whimsical, the romance adorable, and the villains hate-able. Titus has a revelation early on that rocks his relationship with Iolanthe, causing a rift in their partnership. I loved all the development their romance got now that they have established the Prince isn’t just using her to fight the Bane. The ending brought with it exciting reveals that will catapult us into the third book. Wintervale and Kashkari (friends of Titus/Fairfax at Eton) take on more important roles in this one, and it was fun and interesting getting to know them better. Iolanthe is a stronger character in the second book, with more purpose and conviction than she had in the first.

All in all, I cannot wait for The Immortal Heights, and I’m very upset I’ve been denied it on Edelweiss, though I suppose by the time this review is posted, it will already be released. Still. Past Jessica is furious. Remember that fury, future Jessica.