A Dance of Burning Blades is the second book in the epic science fantasy series The Invoker, written by M. H. Ayinde and published by Orbit Books. An absolutely brilliant sequel at the level of the previous instalment, A Song of Legends Lost, which continues building over the foundations that were previously laid, with a creative worldbuilding that is expanded, especially regarding the Greybloods and the ancient tech, serving as the perfect tapestry for an epic story about the importance of communities, the fight against the established system and the own identity.

Tension continues high across the Nine Lands. The truth regarding Invoker abilities and how it has been kept has sparked rebellion across the continent; Clan Adatali make their stand against the power system established by the king and his clan. Meanwhile, Lordsgrave still seethes with resentment after the horrors unleashed by the greyblood attack; a story that continues ramping up the stakes while it slowly unfurls many of the secrets about the Nine Lands' history and how the ancient tech works.

In particular, while all the character arcs are brilliant, there are two that shine with their own light. First of all, we still have Temi Baker, struggling to protect her family and her community by extension, trying to keep them safe, healthy, being dragged into the politics of other groups and her own bond with the ancestor; and Jinao Mizito's journey will be one that, despite he's being pushed to the limit of his mind, will also reveal a lot about how the Greybloods live and how they also form communities like us.
The rest of the arcs in A Dance Of Burning Blades paint an epic story, answering some of the questions that were already asked in the prequel, especially regarding the past of the Nine Lands, but also set the table for the third book.

While the worldbuilding was already memorable in the previous book, Ayinde goes a step further in this one: partly due to the already laid foundations, but also going deeper into the heart of the Nine Lands. 
Despite this book being a chonker, it never felt too long; the pacing is pretty much on the spot, and the jump between POVs helps keep your interest high at all times.

A Dance of Burning Blades is simply excellent; a sequel that builds over what A Song of Legends Lost already created, reinforcing that epic science fantasy vibes on a story that doesn't forget about the individual characters. Can't wait to see what M. H. Ayinde has cooked with the third book!