Ally: {ARC Review}

Publication date: October 3rd, 2017
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Series: Nemesis #2
Format: e-ARC
Source: Netgalley
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Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?

**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

First off, I must say how happy I was that Ally was so much better than Nemesis. For one, the entire book did not consist of all of the characters constantly mentioning how beautiful Sepora was. I couldn't stand that in Nemesis. It just took away from the entire storyline. 

I really enjoyed Ally because the plot was much stronger and so was the focus on the characters. Tarik was more of a ruler and less of a love sick fool this time around. Sepora was also less annoying than she was in book one. She was focused on the task at hand, even though in her mind she was also focusing on her broken relationship with Tarik. 

The inclusion of other kingdoms really added to the world building. The Theorians are basically this world's version of the Ancient Egyptians. There are some differences, but some readers might not like how similar they are. Sepora's people are from a mountainous region and they have flying dragon like creatures, which was a cool element. We finally got to meet people from other kingdoms, which added another layer to the storyline. 

Facing threats from inside and outside of their kingdoms, Sepora and Tarik have to work together even through their broken hearts in order go survive. Shocking betrayals really test them both, and will shock readers. I was not expecting a certain person to do what they did, that's for sure. 

One thing I really did not like was the random time jumps. While the kingdom is under siege, Tarik and Sepora plan to take it back. It happens one night and then all of the sudden it's over. There is no action that we get to read about while this happens. This happens again towards the end of the book. There is a major battle and something that is supposed to take two weeks to happen, but the book just skips over that. One minute we are reading about the battle and then the next chapter starts out with what is happening two weeks later. I would have loved more details about what went on during those tough two weeks. 

One of the best parts of the entire story was how Sepora and Tarik found themselves. At the beginning of the book they tolerate each other, just barely, and then throughout the book we get to see them grow as individuals but also as a couple. 

Overall, it was a much stronger book than Nemesis was. Hopefully book three allows for more detail during important events. But I really enjoyed it, and look forward to the next one.