In Peerless Volume 2, investigators Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao continue their perilous journey, venturing westward to forge a crucial alliance against the encroaching Eastern Khaganate. Their diplomatic mission takes an unexpected turn in the oasis city of Qiemo, where a haunted inn and a fractured city governed by rival warlords await them. Facing a beleaguered Sui magistrate, Cui Buqu devises a bold plan to restore Sui control, a scheme that even the pragmatic Feng Xiao finds captivating. However, beneath the surface of Qiemo's political turmoil lies a vast conspiracy that threatens the entire Great Sui empire, forcing our investigators to confront a danger far greater than they initially anticipated.
Review PeerlessVol. 2)
Wow, Peerless Volume 2! Let me tell you, I just finished it and I'm already itching to dive back in for a reread. This installment really picked up the pace from the first volume, offering a more straightforward narrative that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The central mystery surrounding the haunted inn in Qiemo was brilliantly woven into the larger political intrigue, and the way Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao navigated both the supernatural and the very real threats was captivating.
I particularly enjoyed seeing more of Cui Buqu’s strategic brilliance on full display. He wasn't constantly battling illness this time around, allowing his sharp intellect to truly shine through his audacious plans. It was refreshing to see Feng Xiao step out of the spotlight of his own self-regard, showing off his impressive martial skills and surprising acting talent – his performance as a woman was a highlight! While their dynamic felt a bit less playful than in the first book, the underlying tension and subtle power struggle between them still simmered deliciously beneath the surface. There were fewer of those laugh-out-loud moments between them that marked the first book, which some might miss, but it was balanced by more thrilling action sequences. The battle scenes, while numerous, never felt like they dragged; they were integral to the plot, moving the story along rather than interrupting it.
The political landscape of the Great Sui and the Eastern Khaganate was brilliantly rendered. The authors masterfully crafted a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how the seemingly minor characters all played their parts, contributing to the overall tapestry of intrigue. Even though some of the secondary characters introduced might initially seem confusing, their roles become clear as the story unfolds, enriching the already captivating plot. The political maneuvering, the constant shifts in power, and the sheer audacity of Cui Buqu's schemes all kept me completely engrossed.
The cliffhanger ending, however, left me reeling! It’s the kind of cliffhanger that leaves you breathless, desperate to know what happens next, and instantly makes you want to grab the next volume. It’s a testament to the authors' storytelling skill that they managed to leave me so utterly on the edge of my seat. While some might be disappointed, I found it completely satisfying. The feeling of uncertainty and impending danger is perfect for setting the stage for the next adventure. In short, while the humorous banter might have been slightly less prevalent compared to the first volume, the increased focus on action and political maneuvering, coupled with the electrifying cliffhanger, makes Peerless Volume 2 a truly compelling and highly rewarding read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good blend of political thriller, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural. I’m already counting down the days until I can delve into the next book!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.87 x 0.79 x 8.26 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 380
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Seven Seas