"Son of the Salt Chaser" is the second installment in the Salt Chaser duology. It revisits a mystical desert similar to that of the Middle East. The story begins where book 1 left off with our protagonists, Emel and Saalem, entering a new timeline where they are strangers, Saalem has lost his magic, and Emel is the only person burdened by memories of the alternate timeline they barely survived in the first installment. Driven apart by magic and fate, Emel follows Saalem to his revitalized home kingdom hoping for their reconnection while Saalem battles against insurrection from unexpected foes.

This completed duology includes:
- concealed identities
- a far-off mystical desert
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- Aladin/prince of thieves/Scheherazade/one thousand and one nights vibes
- memory loss
- supernatural abilities
- star-crossed lovers
- friends to enemies
- betrayal and reconciliation and betrayal again
- excruciating love where they are both salves to their circumstances (in a different way than book 1)

Just like book 1, "Son of the Salt Chaser" is a beautifully written book with a captivating fantasy setting. I really believe that is is Thornton's ability to show not tell, that brings this story to life. Each desert oasis, city canal, and sand dune are given such vivid imagery.

However, in comparison to "Daughter of the Salt King," which was a complete 5/5 for me, book 2 falls short in a few categories. I felt that our two main characters stagnated in their development and the final plot resolution felt a bit underwhelming and sloppy. The antagonists' motivations didn't feel particularly compelling or convincing to me either.

All that said, I would still recommend this book to my friends; the ending is so beautiful, It's a good book that offers something very different than the stereotypical Eurocentric fantasy. Emel and Saalem's love is very dear to my heart.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I'm going to have to DNF this audiobook. Mostly due to the narration. I couldn't get the right speed correctly. It was either too fast on 1.25 or too slow on .75. I don't know why 1.00 speed was not an option. Hopefully this comes out in ebook form as well and I can read it.