One character. Two storylines. In order to pursue a revolutionary political movement, Gareth-Nada diverges from the course that his family had set out for him. His trajectory would have included an education that positioned him to have a greater share in the prosperous family business, but he chooses to pursue a revolutionary political movement. Joining Hannah-Feng as she campaigns for Speaker proves to be enlightening to Gareth, and helps shape who he becomes. In the second storyline, Gareth is a scout on the edge of war. When he discovers that enemy forces have seemingly disappeared into thin air, he goes on a mission behind enemy lines to uncover the truth about his foe. Where these two storylines converge, Gareth is forced to make a decision that will forever affect his future.
Since much of the dynamic world-building occurred in the first book of the series, The City of Light, this book is able to give more attention to the political landscape of this fantastical world. Following the life of Gareth as he progresses from living in his father’s shadow to becoming his own man makes for an entertaining read. And the characters and plotlines provide enough curiosity to keep one’s interest throughout. While the concurrent delivery of two separate storylines was at times jarring to the flow of the narrative, both were well told and were essential to the development of the main character. Dave Walker has an immersive and captivating style of writing, which propels the story forward at a comfortable pace. Walls of Dark and Dust is an enjoyable fantasy tale that can be read alone, or as a fitting follow up to The City of Light.
