To Free the Stars by J’Nell Ciesielski

*** Review ***

To Free the Stars, the much-anticipated second installment of the Jack and Ivy series penned by the talented J’Nell Ciesielski, transports eager readers once more into a realm of suspense, peril, and espionage. This enthralling duo resumes their courageous fight against the insidious and lethal Order of the Rising Moon, delivering an electrifying culmination to the narrative that was kickstarted in the pages of The Brilliance of Stars.

Picking up the threads a decade after the occurrences of the inaugural book, Jack and Ivy, who operate as elite agents for the covert entity known as Talon, are no longer the same individuals. A decade prior, they had managed to both rescue their companion Philip and execute a mission that irreversibly transformed their lives. The setting is the roaring 1920s, where the air is thick with the spirit of speakeasies, jazz music, dance, and avant-garde fashion, all set against the prohibition backdrop of American society. Yet, despite their previous endeavors, the shadowy menace of the Order of the Rising Moon remains unresolved.

Ivy, whose life took an unexpected detour following the catastrophic events at Poenari Castle, is haunted by the heartrending tragedy that unfolded. Fueled by an unwavering determination to dismantle the Order, she holds them culpable for the devastation and turmoil that have become indelible marks on her journey. As the menace of the cult resurfaces, Ivy races against the relentless march of time to thwart their unrelenting assassin, who now has her squarely in his crosshairs as the next target.

The opulent ambiance of the 1920s is vividly brought to life within the novel’s pages, crafting an immersive experience that effortlessly envelops readers. The allure of Prohibition, the mystique of speakeasies shrouded in secrecy, and the era’s distinctive fashion serve as a captivating tapestry for the pulse-pounding action and espionage that unravel throughout the narrative.

One of the most enticing attributes of the work is the intricately woven twist in the Jack and Ivy saga. Their intricate interplay adds layers of depth and fascination to the unfolding story. The monumental clash between the covert agency Talon and the enigmatic Order of the Rising Moon amplifies the gripping dichotomy of good versus evil, injecting an extra dose of suspense as our protagonists navigate treacherous terrain.

The book deftly melds elements of action, espionage, and understated romance, constructing a multi-dimensional and riveting tale. Ciesielski masterfully keeps readers teetering on the edge of their seats, the ever-present uncertainty of who among the cast is genuinely secure adding an extra dimension of tension to the intricate plotline.

A critical note is that To Free the Stars forms the second half of a duology, necessitating a prior read of the first installment, The Brilliance of Stars, to fully grasp and savor the intricate narrative. The culmination of events spanning both books converges to deliver a deeply gratifying and impactful reading experience, bestowing a sense of closure to the tumultuous odysseys of our cherished characters.

In summation, my wholehearted endorsement goes out to this captivating duology, a boon for enthusiasts of historical fiction, espionage sagas, and romantic suspense. The evocative ambiance of the Roaring ’20s, the heart-pounding trajectory of the plot, and the meticulously honed personas make To Free the Stars an unmissable reading expedition. If you find yourself yearning for an adventure that captures your heart and quickens your pulse, I wholeheartedly implore you to delve into this extraordinary duology crafted by the gifted J’Nell Ciesielski. I assure you, the experience will be nothing short of exceptional, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page is turned.