The Shadow Guard (A Second Guard Novel)

For the past year, Brindl has been serving as the Queen’s royal birdkeeper, but as she has become close friends with Princess Xiomara, Brindl has become the princess’ ladies’ maid and is asked to carry messages for a group calling themselves “The Shadow Guard,” who are trying to form a rebellion against the queen. While on tour with the queen, she notices how little the queen thinks of her people, and her thoughts are confirmed when the queen gives an order to join an alliance that will make them very vulnerable to attacks. Brindl has to decide her loyalty – either to the queen, making her unpopular with her new friends, or with the people, which could get her killed.

This book is interesting and suspenseful. I really like the plot because it is well put together and well thought out. Changing the perspective from the first book, with Tali, to this one, with Brindl, the second book gives you a different perspective and new insight into how the people think. The book makes an important statement about how rulers are supposed to serve their people and how individuals have a responsibility to make sure rulers are doing their jobs well.