The Cage of Dark Hours

Picking up loose threads and weaving in new ones, the second book in “The Five Penalties” trilogy begins three years after the events in The Helm of Midnight. Krona is now captain of the Regulators, investigating new mysteries—missing babies and a string of corpses bearing enchanter’s marks—and facing a new threat when she is warned that someone will be murdered at the palace. Alternating with Krona’s story is that of a young Thalo Child in training for the priesthood. Their stories intertwine as Krona investigates and finds herself part of a dangerous rescue plan. Krona and her companions also learn the dark truths of the monstrous varger origins and horrific time tax and begin to uncover a larger plot against the gods. While the book starts off slowly, Krona’s story and the world of Arkensyre continue to be intriguing, and the action eventually picks up. Some, however, may find the Thalo training methods, which involve physical and mental abuse, disturbing.