“The Rhymers Daughter” by Phill Featherstone is the second instalment in the Leopards Bane Family Saga, continuing the tale of Yalka, a destitute girl, and Peglar, a privileged boy. The story picks up after Peglar is banished following the fight he lost to his half brother, Ragul, and Yalka finds herself homeless and filled with resentment, blaming Peglar for the tragedy which led to her brother dying in a fire.
Although now separated, it would appear that destiny has a different plan for Yalka and Peglar, as their paths converge once again, leading to an inevitable meeting. Yalka’s continued misfortunes lead her to confronting prejudice, slavery, and being used as a pawn to lure Peglar out of hiding. Meanwhile, Peglar grapples with the consequences of his banishment and strives to build a new life away from his conniving half-brother and step-sister, all while evading capture due to a substantial reward on his head.
Both Yalka and Peglar exhibit remarkable strength and resilience as they face personal challenges and fight for their survival. Their characters are well developed, allowing readers to easily connect with their struggles and triumphs. While the book starts off at a slower pace, it gradually gains momentum, keeping readers engrossed in the story. The narrative primarily centres around Yalka, providing readers with a deeper understanding of her perspective.
The dialogue in the book feels authentic, adding to the believability of the characters and their interactions. The plot unfolds steadily as the characters’ stories progress, creating a sense of anticipation and maintaining reader interest. There are no significant editorial issues to detract from the readers enjoyment.
Overall, “The Rhymers Daughter” is a captivating second instalment in the Leopards Bane Family Saga. With its engaging characters, well-paced plot, and storytelling, this book will leave fans looking forward to the next chapter in the series.
I award 4.5 stars.
