12 must-read science fiction and fantasy book releases for a magical July
By Lacy Baugher
2021 release: Cast in Secrets and Shadow – Andrea Robertson
The highly anticipated sequel to last year’s Forged in Fire and Stars, Andrea Robertson’s Cast in Secrets and Shadow arrives this month and picks up right where the first installment left off.
Ara has finally taken up the mantle of the Loresmith, a duty she never really thought she’d inherit, and now must push forward to find the gods so she can access the legendary Loresmith Forge. The hunt for this sacred site greatly expands the world of Robertson’s story taking us to new lands and introducing new characters, even as Ara, Nimhea, Lahvja, and Teth continue their own individual journeys over the course of the story.
And as all this is happening the evil Vokkans are expanding their reach throughout Saetlund, putting everyone Ara and her friends love at risk. Will she be able to stop them from devouring the world as she knows it?
The official synopsis describes the story as follows.
"Ara has taken up her mantle as the Loresmith–but her journey is far from over. After suffering betrayals and losses, Ara, Nimhea, Lahvja, and Teth must try to come together and find the Loreknights across the kingdom. The Loreknights are their only hope in overthrowing the evil Vokkans and putting Nimhea on the throne for good. But their journey will put Ara and her companions in grave danger–from the endless pursuit of the Vokkans to perilous encounters with the gods, and the near impossible trials they face along the way–will they be able to survive long enough to help the rebellion? And through it all the Vokkans are expanding their reach throughout Saetlund, putting everyone Ara and her friends love at risk. Only Ara can forge a way forward, take up her powers, and fight to change the world–no matter what it costs."
Cast in Secrets and Shadow is available on July 20.