Ringlander: Fallen Shards is the second novel in the epic fantasy series Ringlander, written by Michael S. Jackson. A sequel set several years after The Path and the Way, returning to this rich world, and going deeper into the conflict between the Bohr and the humans, taking back some familiar characters from book 1, but also with new characters to follow, expanding the scope of the story.

The plot will be mainly focused on Abika, a trouble-making teen that is able to wield Soulfire; after traumatic events, she will be forced to flee and to find her place in the world. A character whose arc I deeply enjoyed, especially as she started not being especially likeable, but the growth of the character while travelling a troubled world is certainly worth of mention.

In parallel with Abika's arc, we will see how in Sulitaria, the Guard of the White Dragon is trying to defy the humans, aiming to bring the Bohr into this world, showing how some threads from the first book are still open.
While there are more secondary threads, all of them show Jackson's ability to create nuanced and complex characters, whose backstories we care as readers; some readers might feel there are too many POVs, but they help to weave a full picture of what's happening in the world.

The worldbuilding is extremely rich, putting extra emphasis on the mundane aspects, making it feel alive; some themes touched are quite dark, including scenes that can be called brutal, but Jackson always approaches with tact.
While this rich style of narration helps to visualize what's happening, it is true that we are paying with the pacing in exchange; Fallen Shards is a slow book, a big epic that takes its sweet time to present all to the reader.

Ringlander: Fallen Shards is a great second novel in the saga, perfect if you are looking for a coming of age story, a big epic arc that delves deeper into the world presented in The Path and the Way. A really enjoyable book that continues cementing the foundations of a big world.