The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

There were several things that bothered me. First was the pacing. I felt this book was so fast-paced that I didn't really get to sink my teeth in and enjoy each moment. One scene flitted so quickly to the next that it seemed quite jerky and rushed. I would have really enjoyed more details about the history of the gods. I also loved the idea of doors leading to other realms and would have liked to learn more about them.

Second, while I loved Deka's development in the first book, I felt like she became too powerful here, to the point that her arc started to feel unbelievable. Throughout the book she discovers one power after another and learns one earth-shattering revelation about herself after another, that the intended shock began to wear off and I was left with an overwhelming urge to roll my eyes. I didn't like that the author gave her so many gifts. I no longer felt any sympathy for her plight or wondered how she would get out of the next scrape. Never fear, here is another astoundingly powerful gift to fix everything!!

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