V. E. Schwab is a New York Times bestselling author.
The Steel Prince is a trilogy that exists canonically in her
Shades of Magic novel series - and to take it one step further
The Rebel Army is a four part final chapter to
The Steel Prince. Let's dive in and see how this piece of the adventure stacks up to the series as a whole.
Maxim Maresh, our magical protagonist with the ability to bend steel to his will utilizes a different power in this issue - the ability to communicate. Despite being a soldier and a fighter, the leader of a nation and an army, Max realizes that in order to face the upcoming danger of the Rebel Army that he needs to tap into something new - persuasion.
Stepping up to the plate, our hero connects with the crowd and convinces some of them to join the fight, making the odds in the Arnesian battle against the Rebel Army that much better - but soon after a spy is captured. It isn't long before Maxim discovers that these rogues in the Rebel Army are lead by three heads - and the Arnesian head is someone he knows - Rowan.
The captive assures that both Arnes and Maxim are the next to burn at the hands of Rowan and the Rebel Army, foreshadowing big things to come for the next two issues in the miniseries.
While Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince: The Rebel Army #2 may feel like a quick read with little action - it is necessary build up for what is to come in the second half of the miniseries. The exploration of Maxim's persuasion ability serves as excellent character development for someone who is often seen as a symbol of violence. This is an easy and quick read this week - but you should definitely add it to your pull list to set up what's to come! - Four out of five.
The Rebel Army (2 of 4). New York Times bestseller V. E. Schwab continues the final chapter of The Steel Prince trilogy – a canonical entry in her award-winning fantasy novel series, Shades Of Magic! As the invasion of his city begins, Prince Maxim must face foes both within and without… Illustrated by hit art team Andrea Olimpieri (Dishonored) and Enrica Eren Angiolini (Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor)!
Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince: The Rebel Army #2 hits comic shops today for a ticket price of $3.99, or you can grab a copy here.