Savage Bounty

May 31, 2021
The lively second volume of the sword and super science Savage Rebellion
trilogy Wallace began with Savage Legion continues to surprise both the reader and its own protagonists, as many characters are forced into roles they never dreamed of. Pampered Lexi, a member of the ruling class in the brutal city of Crache, discovers how far she’s willing to go to escape being a tool of either the scheming Ignobles, who plot to seize power, or the Protectorate Ministry, who ruthlessly enjoy power now. Meanwhile, warrior Evie has become the reluctant general to the ragtag rebellion threatening to undermine Crache’s government. Brilliant, paraplegic Dyeawan works to make good on Crache’s unfulfilled promises to its citizens as she competes for control of its Planning Cadre. And then there’s Taru, one of the Undeclared, who’s distrusted by society for their nonbinary gender but still struggles to help change the city. The nuanced worldbuilding and abundance of female and LGBTQ protagonists give the goings-on some extra zip, and the vigor and inventiveness in Wallace’s storytelling keep the pages turning. This solid installment is sure to please series fans. Agent: DongWon Song, Howard Morhaim Literary.

Starred review from June 1, 2021

Wallace's multi-perspective series entry (following Savage Legion) effectively braids together the lives of three women seeking a better future for their world. Only some of the residents of Crache realize that the nation sits at the edge of a precipice. Dyeawan has risen from her Bottoms childhood to the center of the Planning Cadre that secretly controls Crache. Now she faces opposing forces, a formidable challenger, and a rite of contest that could mean her death. Evie has become the red Sparrow General leading the Savages, the group who have rebelled against the Skrain warriors that defend Crache; now they face insurmountable odds. The retainer Taru has found themself at sea and conscripted into the Savage Legion, while Lexi of Gen Stalbraid is used as a tool and trapped between the Protectorate Ministry and the Ignobles' cause. Fast-paced action, emotional choices, and non-stop tension through the last page will leave readers immediately clamoring for the trilogy's final book. The book does not address the offensive connotations of the term "savage." VERDICT Wallace presents another enthralling epic fantasy.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.