A Sword of Gold and Ruin is the second novel in the epic folk fantasy series The Making of this World Ruined, written by Anna Smith Spark and published by Flame Tree Press. A direct follow up to A Sword of Bronze and Ashes, with Kanda and her family still on their quest to rebuild the former glory of Roven, in this novel that continues blending together the struggles of familiar life with the epicness attached to Kanda's past and how it is coming back to torment her and her family during their quest to find a suitable place for them.

Kanda and her family continue with their quest to rebuild Roven, after experiencing trauma and adventure while learning the truth about her mother; a journey where Smith Spark continues exploring the echoes of Kanda's past and the consequences of the first book's acts, playing with the juxtaposition between the daily, mundane struggles of a family, and the legend, glory and darkness from Kanda's past life. Spark manages to keep a balance between these two distinct realities, weaving together multiple timelines, inviting us to spend time with the characters, getting to know them in an intimate way.

All the members of the family have already been touched by Kanda's past and legacy; the remaining daughters have magic and power to use. However, even if they are on the path of the myths, we will also see how they will have to confront not only those metaphorical ghosts, but also the own difficulties, struggles attached to keeping the familiar nucleus together. 

The worldbuilding continues drinking from mythology and folklore, weaving it into the world while also playing with the consequences brought by Ikandera's life; even we could say that the own concept of questing is twisted at some point, putting a more crude intention behind it.
Spark's prose is probably the highlight of the novel, showing the author's versatility in describing from the biggest battles to the small acts, all with a layer of beauty through words, and creating a rhythm that invites the reader to sink into the novel. It might be divisive for some readers, but it worked for me.

A Sword of Gold and Ruin is another excellent entry in Kanda's saga, a perfect read for those looking for an epic but humane proposal that shows a family battling against their inner natures. Anna Smith Spark is one of those voices that I absolutely love reading, and I can't wait to see how their journey continues.