Shattered Pillars is book #2 in the Eternal Sky series, and continues right where Range of Ghosts ended. Temur is still searching for Edene, the woman who was kidnapped by the Nameless Assassins because of him. He continues to travel with Samarkar, Hsiung and Hrahima, towards the fortress of the Assassins. But that's just one of the many PoVs in this lovely novel. We learn more about the state of things in Tsarepheth and the Citadel of Wizards, battling a demon-plague. We witness the Nameless' dealings with Qori Buqa, setting him up with a wife of al-Sepehr's choice. We learn more about Edene. All this is presented in colorful, lush writing, reminiscent of Arabian or Eastern fairy tales and sagas. If I have a niggling point, it's that the end is yet another abrupt cliffhanger that makes me want to find out more. I still have no clue about al-Sepehr's grand design, but he definitely works on a huge scale, having multiple kingdoms falling to his machinations.

I have to point out the one thing that makes this series outstanding: an abundance of strong, fascinating female characters. Samarkar is probably the standout, as strong wizard who despite being Temur's love interest never feels like a secondary character. Same is true for the other women: Hrahima, Edene, Tsering, Ashra, even Bansh the pony. Strong women. And that's something you just don't see that much in fantasy. I approve!

Can heartily recommend this series, if you have any penchant for Middle and Far East flavored stories.