The Afterward by E.K. Johnston

Overall Rating: 7/10

The great quest to find the Godsgem has ended, and Kalanthe and Olsa must face their obligations: for one a return to a life of poverty and crime, for the other the looming prospect of a marriage she does not want. Will they ever be able to reignite the bond they once shared during their adventure?

This story is written from both characters' points of view, and alternates between past events and present - this may be off-putting to some readers. It's refreshing to read about a world where both gender equality and queer acceptance are a given; all the quest knights are female, and there are prominent characters who are gay, bisexual, asexual, and trans (and both protagonists are persons of colour). I liked the characters, but some of the plot arc seemed way too convenient to be compelling.

This is much more of a romance than a fantasy adventure, so do keep that in mind.

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Reviewed by Ms. Ratzburg.