Break the Chains

by Megan O'Keefe

Book 2 of the The Scorched Continent series

A prison break. An infamous engineer. A half-mad doppel. Detan promised his aunt he'd rescue Nouli from the empire's impenetrable Remnant Isles prison - it's his fault he's there. Now his friends get locked up on purpose. Heartbreaking sequel.

Another mad-cap adventure awaits Detan and his ne'er do well companions in this delightful steampunk mash-up with all the trappings of a heist caper. As the city that produces the most selium - that precious gas that elevates airships and powers strange magic - Hond Steading is a jewel worth stealing. To shore up the city's defenses, Detan promises his aunt that he'll recover Nouli, the infamous engineer who built the century gates that protect the imperial capital of Valathea.

But Nouli is imprisoned on the Remnant Isles, an impervious island prison run by the empire, and it's Detan's fault. Detan doesn't dare approach Nouli himself, so his companions volunteer to get themselves locked up to make contact with Nouli and convince him to help. Now Detan has to break them all out of prison, and he's going to need the help of a half-mad doppel to do it.

The second book in The Scorched Continent series deepens character development dramatically. Readers praised how situations reveal more about Detan, Tibs, and Ripka through their past traumas and choices. Pelkaia evolves from mysterious loner into a leader learning to work with others. While most of Tibs and Detan's interactions are lighthearted, this book definitely broke hearts. Their camaraderie forms the emotional backbone as O'Keefe masterfully balances witty banter with devastating emotional punches.

Critics celebrated the sequel's success: "I tore through this installment" (Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews), while readers noted "O'Keefe masterfully manipulated my emotions and completely shredded my heart" (Erlebnisse). The Conversationalist declared it demonstrates "what anticipating a new fantasy series should feel like!" "Heartwarming camaraderie and an endless supply of crossbow bolts make Break the Chains one of the most fun novels of 2016."

O'Keefe avoids the sophomore slump by delivering tighter writing, greater suspense, and deeper emotional resonance. The prison break setup provides perfect scaffolding for character revelation while advancing the larger political conflict with Thratia and the empire. With awesome dialogue, meticulous worldbuilding details, and a harsh desert setting that continues to fascinate, this sequel proves the series is only gaining momentum toward its explosive conclusion.

Perfect for readers seeking heist capers with heart, prison break plots, character-driven sequels that deepen emotional investment, buddy dynamics that balance humor with tragedy, and steampunk adventures where loyalty matters more than success.

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