An Uneasy Peace by Vanessa Nelson:

4 stars

Hallie Talbot is still adjusting to the seismic shifts set in motion by An Unwanted Heir, but the hits keep coming. She didn’t know what to expect when she agreed to meet Director Roth for coffee and cakes, but she certainly didn’t expect his purpose to enable her to leave the country for the first time—something she’s always dreamed of doing. Unfortunately, this trip is anything but a vacation.

The opening pages quickly ramp up the tension, and I must say there are few not-quite-a-villain villains I loathe more than Wilona. She is extravagantly detestable. It’s a strong start, though the story soon shifts gears as Hallie and Girard head to Paradise, uncertain whether they’ll be welcome—or what the conditions they’re walking into.

I don’t believe I’ll ever turn down a Vanessa Nelson novel; however, this wasn’t my favorite. The story feels slightly more episodic than its predecessor. Two familiar problems resurface. One, on its own, would have been fine. Two feels excessive, especially since neither is fully resolved by the end.

Among the new characters, Rhodda stands out as particularly interesting, with Donall and Sylvie also making a good impression. Jonah and Nicholas, however, feel very similar—something that does explain their uneasy cooperation and friction. Jonah carries a greater sense of sophistication and menace, but both ultimately come across as lazy manipulators.

The setting raises some practical concerns as well. New Hope left me worrying about disease transmission. I did enjoy the introduction of the warrimel, and the solution to that threat, though an additional on-page appearance might have cemented their role.

Girard and Hallie’s interactions remain one of the book’s strongest elements. They come from very different backgrounds, and that contrast shows up in charming, organic ways as they continue to get to know one another. Some of the coming changes make me a bit sad—I genuinely enjoyed the life Hallie had built—but change is necessary. Her unexpected interaction with her brother was a welcome addition, and I’m interested to see how the other new members of her social circle develop.

Nelson’s pacing and restraint continue to shine. Her fantasy carries a level of realism and consequence that’s uncommon and refreshing in the genre. The Fractured Conclave may be my favorite of her worlds, and the ending of An Uneasy Peace provides an enticing foundation for what’s to come.

If you enjoy richly detailed worlds, fantasy with a strong, deliberate sense of balance, and characters who feel genuine even in a world of magic, Vanessa Nelson’s books are wonderful—just be sure to do so in the prescribed order.