Tags: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Reincarnation, Politics, Conspiracies

A Princess Quells the Sparks of War!

The Council and Conspiracy

Having read the latest volume of Revolutionary Reprise, it is clear that the series has grown from strength to strength. Key to this volume’s success starts early on, as the author opens the latest volume on a tale of intrigue.

This tale of intrigue and conspiracy comes as Alicia and Clovis’ business plan meets more than the expected opposition due to a difference in viewpoint. After holding their meeting with the Privy Council, it isn’t long before either suspect foul play afoot when their already trusted business parties begin to reject their proposal.

Chief among their suspects is the current Lord Sutherland. Both he and his son Riddhe have long been a pain in the pair’s side, but this volume moves both of their motivations beyond the level of petty villainy. For Riddhe, in particular, these are defining moments for his character. While the two have misguided their love for their country alongside their hatred of Clovis, Riddhe still has room for redemption.

Upon discovering that his father’s hatred for the Graham bloodline has led him to treachery, Riddhe still has the good sense to realise that his actions are wrong and that the country can still be saved without the need for the Empire. As a result, Riddhe’s testimony against his father leads to his arrest and finds Alicia and Clovis ever closer to discovering the cause of the war – malicious forces in Erdal.

Just Another Cog in the Machine

Unfortunately for Clovis and Alicia, vague rumours about Erdal are all they’re able to glean as Lord Sutherland is assassinated. The next pieces of the puzzle are only revealed as Alicia turns sixteen.

The second half of this volume sees several shifts in the story’s pace. With Alicia now older, there’s a sense of urgency in her actions as the tragic events of her previous life come ever closer.

This is none more so felt when Alicia and Clovis receive an invitation to meet with the Empress of Erdal. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to scope out the enemy, Alicia’s newfound yet understandable reckless streak fails to identify the dangers of such a mission.

With all the main cast from her previous life’s tragedy present, Alicia becomes sidetracked. Faced with her former fiancé and his mistress, Alicia is determined to learn what brought them together, only to discover that they both complement each other perfectly.

Fritz and Charlotte aren’t the only ones to have a few romantic moments. Considering the stressful situation, the events in the empire have slowly brought Alicia and Clovis closer together as well.

Substance and depth have made this series stronger. From a beginning filled with intrigue to a character-filled climax, this series is making every effort to make itself stand out from the crowd.

What highlights this series is the work done on its central characters. Moving them away from their respective cliches and making them individuals with complex and conflicting motivations. This is no more evident than with Riddhe and Fritz, both of whom get heavy focus that distances them from their original one-note villainy.

With both the romantic and climatic stage set, Revolutionary Reprise has only gone from strength to strength in its sequel.