July 15, 2021
A young woman takes great risks in an effort to bring about a more just society. This sequel to A Gentle Tyranny (2021) finds Reina haunted by choices she made in trying to secure the Apprenticeship, in particular the one that robbed her of her best friend. Though her attempt proved unsuccessful, Reina is still determined to achieve her end goal: preventing and reversing the practice of involuntarily gentling males in society, instead allowing them to mature into Brutes. Brutes--and the violent, often fatal threat they posed to womankind of yesteryear--are the reason her foremothers chose to create Ned�. Despite feeling torn about the possible consequences of co-existing with Brutes, she ultimately decides to act, believing that gentling is not truly justified by the greater good. As the stakes get higher and her connections to Brutes are revealed to run deeper than she expected, how much is Reina willing to sacrifice to do what she feels is right? Corban's prose and inviting premise balance out the impulsive protagonist, whose thoughts and actions could otherwise be grating. The novel highlights themes surrounding inequality between the binary genders, justice, and abuse of power. Readers are best served by starting with the first volume. Characters have a range of skin tones. Will leave readers evaluating their own views on gender equality and governmental powers. (map, glossary, the constitution of Ned�, author's note) (Dystopian. 14-18)
COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.