| Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger. Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions. Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently. As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way. |  |
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
Their lives are about to take an unexpected turn....
I fell in love with Chawna Schroeder's fiction when I read her book The Vault Between Spaces. That book is standalone so I was pretty excited to find out that she was writing a series, The Sceptre & The Stylus. Perplexity is book two in the series and it takes up right after book one, Illuminary ended.
I will admit that, for me at least, Perplexity got off to a bit of a slow start. However, then things started really happening, and wow, did they happen! Assassins, betrayal, winter storms, jealousy, secrets, a hunt for the truth, spies... See what I mean? And that doesn't even address all of the amazingly cool Steampunk gadgets from airships to submersibles, automatons to children's toys, and everything in between. Chawna Schroeder's blend of fantasy and Steampunk is so much fun in this second The Sceptre & The Illuminary novel – just as it was in book one.
Another thing that I found fascinating was that it's not often that a YA book will take on the difficult subject of grief beyond a surface level. Through her characters Chawna Schroeder explores this topic in a way that is comprehensible and tugs at the heart of adult and YA readers alike. That being said, Perplexity is still very much an enjoyable and entertaining read.
My one and only complaint is that cliffhanger at the end of this book! How could the author do this to me? Those revelations and unanswered questions will eat at me until the eventual release of the next The Sceptre & The Illuminary book. Until then....
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder a 4 Bark rating.
I fell in love with Chawna Schroeder's fiction when I read her book The Vault Between Spaces. That book is standalone so I was pretty excited to find out that she was writing a series, The Sceptre & The Stylus. Perplexity is book two in the series and it takes up right after book one, Illuminary ended.
I will admit that, for me at least, Perplexity got off to a bit of a slow start. However, then things started really happening, and wow, did they happen! Assassins, betrayal, winter storms, jealousy, secrets, a hunt for the truth, spies... See what I mean? And that doesn't even address all of the amazingly cool Steampunk gadgets from airships to submersibles, automatons to children's toys, and everything in between. Chawna Schroeder's blend of fantasy and Steampunk is so much fun in this second The Sceptre & The Illuminary novel – just as it was in book one.
Another thing that I found fascinating was that it's not often that a YA book will take on the difficult subject of grief beyond a surface level. Through her characters Chawna Schroeder explores this topic in a way that is comprehensible and tugs at the heart of adult and YA readers alike. That being said, Perplexity is still very much an enjoyable and entertaining read.
My one and only complaint is that cliffhanger at the end of this book! How could the author do this to me? Those revelations and unanswered questions will eat at me until the eventual release of the next The Sceptre & The Illuminary book. Until then....
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Chawna
Cracking the Cover Code
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.
We’ve all done it.
We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.
Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.
The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.
This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.
Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.
So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.
The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.
Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.
So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?
We’ve all done it.
We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.
Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.
The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.
This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.
Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.
So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.
The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.
Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.
So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?
 Chawna Schroeder | Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and hardcover copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and hardcover copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21
For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)
Book Looks by Lisa, April 22
The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)
Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)
Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, April 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30
Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, May 1
Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)
Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 4
For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)
Book Looks by Lisa, April 22
The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)
Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)
Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, April 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30
Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, May 1
Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)
Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 4