Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Second in series gets darker, tenser, not as well paced.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
DARK STAR BURNING, ASH FALLS WHITE find Lan and Zen many miles apart after Zen's betrayal at the end of the first volume. Both are determined to overthrow the oppressive Elantian invaders and drive them back across the sea forever, but each has a very different idea about how to go about it. Lan wants to destroy the power of the four demon gods so the Elantians can't use them, but doesn't want to sacrifice innocent lives to do so. Zen wants the Elantians destroyed forever so he and his people can start to rebuild their culture and their lives, and he will use any means, including the power of a demon god and an army of the undead to do it. Can they find a way to free their kingdom together?
Is It Any Good?
This second volume in a planned series continues nicely on the solid foundation built in the first book. The world of Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White is well established and author Amélie Wen Zhao does a good job of refreshing the reader's memory while moving things forward. There's also a lot of food for thought about themes of power, how to use it, finding balance in life, and cultural loss when one people invade and suppress another.
Fans of the first book are likely to enjoy this one just as much, although the pacing is a bit uneven. The ending seems to arrive suddenly and happen much more quickly than the building to it for most of the pages. The poignant ending will leave readers wondering where the story can go from here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White. Is it too much? Does it help tell the story? Is reading about it different from seeing it on screen or in real life?
How do Lan and Zen show perseverance and courage? Are they good role models? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Did you read Song of Silver, Flame Like Night before you read this one? If you did, how do they compare? If you didn't, would you like to now? What are some of your favorite fantasy series, and what do you love about them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : January 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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