Book Review: By the Sword: A World Conquest Isekai: Empress, Book 2 by M. M. Zins
When I stumbled upon By the Sword: A World Conquest Isekai: Empress, Book 2 by M. M. Zins, I was captivated not only by its vivid cover but also by the promise of a deep dive into the complexities of villainy, regret, and the intricacies of power in a beautifully crafted fantasy world. Being a long-time fan of the isekai genre, I was eager to see how Zins would develop Everly Vae Balsar, a villainess who is not only unapologetically proud of her dark deeds, but also pathetically human in her struggles with grief and remorse.
The novel picks up seventeen years after Everly’s rebirth, where she has firmly established herself as a ruthless empress with her unique earth magic. What resonated deeply with me was the collision of her formidable powers and her emotional vulnerability, particularly as she grapples with the haunting consequences of her past actions—especially the death of Fenneth. This moral tension adds considerable depth to the narrative and allows readers to engage with Everly on a multi-dimensional level.
Zins’s writing style is poised and immersive, making it easy to lose oneself in Everly’s magical yet grim world. The pacing is refreshing; it strikes a balance between moments of high tension—like Everly’s encounters with her ever-loyal yet unpredictable entourage—and quieter, introspective scenes where she reflects on her feelings of regret. The nuanced character interactions, especially the dynamics with her goblin assassin, Carter, and the whimsical yet menacing elementals, create a tapestry of intrigue that had me eagerly turning pages.
One highlight for me was the introduction of Everly’s father and sister. Their manipulative nature adds another layer of complexity to her already tangled relationships, drawing on themes of loyalty and betrayal that many readers can relate to. Everly’s inner monologue is filled with sharp wit, which provided both levity and a punching illustration of her character’s struggle. “I am a villain, but even villains feel,” she muses at one point, and this line encapsulates the heart of the story—no matter how powerful or feared, we’re all susceptible to the echoes of our choices.
If you’re someone who enjoys morally gray characters and intricate plots, or if you’ve ever found yourself rooting for the antihero, then this sequel should be on your reading list. Zins has crafted a sequel that not only expands on the world-building from the first book but deepens our understanding of the protagonist’s psyche.
Personally, By the Sword was a delightful reading experience that left me reflecting on the blurry line between good and evil and the eternal consequences of our decisions. If you’re looking for a novel that’s gripping, thought-provoking, and delightfully dark, definitely give this one a go. It’s a vivid reminder that in the quest for power, our humanity often becomes our greatest weapon—or our heaviest burden.
You can find By the Sword: A World Conquest Isekai: Empress, Book 2 here >>