The Battle Drum

A Novel

By: Saara El-Arifi

Narrated by: Nicole Lewis, Dominic Hoffman

Murder. Secrets. Sacrifice: Three women seek the truth of the empire’s past. And the truth they find will have the power to ignite a war, in the sequel to The Final Strife, the continuation of a visionary fantasy trilogy inspired by the myths of Africa and Arabia.

Anoor is the first blue-blooded ruler of the Wardens’ Empire. But when she is accused of a murder she didn’t commit, her reign is thrown into turmoil. She must solve the mystery and clear her name without the support of her beloved, Sylah.

Sylah braves new lands to find a solution for the hurricane that threatens to destroy her home. But in finding answers, she must make a decision: Should she sacrifice her old life in order to raise up her sword once more?

Hassa’s web of secrets grows ever thicker as she finds herself on the trail of crimes in the city. Her search uncovers the extent of the atrocities of the empire’s past and present. Now she must guard both her heart and her land.

The three women find their answers, but not the answers they wanted. The drumbeat of change thrums throughout the world.

And it sings a song of war.

Ready we will be, when the Ending Fire comes,

When the Child of Fire brings the Battle Drum,

The Battle Drum,

The Battle Drum.

Ready we will be, for war will come.

Book Two of The Ending Fire Trilogy

* This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF that contains images and the glossary from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Saara El-Arifi (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“El-Arifi grants readers a dramatic bird’s-eye view of both an unraveling world and the indomitable spirits of the women embroiled in its maelstrom. This is a knockout.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Soooo Good

All I can say is, I’m upset that I’m finished with both books. Like… What am I to do with my life now? I’ve been in the hunt for something as good and I’ve been falling short for days now. The world building, character development, plot twists, and colorful imagery. Chefs kiss, honey. Do I throw shoes or roses?

Even better than book 1

If the words, “and the plot thickens” were a book, this would be it! Book two added depth and background to the story. There is nothing like a strong female lead. In this one, there are several.
I don’t like all of the death. It can get just the right amount of dark. I guess I’m saying that I’m hoping for a happily ever after in the next book and less “rippings” , but we all know war is coming. Oddly, I’m here for it. Can’t wait for book three.

Enthralled

Completely and utterly enthralling… this book has a little bit of everything. Brown folks for one! Mystery, romance, folklore, adventure, and all manners of gender and sexuality. All manners of beauty and of beasts. Lovely worded intimate sequences without being overly sexual. Action packed to the point of anxiousness. The twist, the turns, the conflict, the truths. Book one is equally amazing, but you soon realize, it was just beginning, and could not have prepared you for this sequel. Definitely adding this author to my list of beloved Black fantasy writers. And the narrator, simply talented and crisp - even with all the characters, you never confuse the voices. Each has their own inflictions.

Prepare yourself for some tow clenching escapism.

I am speechless

I was intrigued by the story and world set up in The Final Strife. This book explodes its prequel outward in every way and has ensured the series will never be forgotten. I need everyone I know to read these books NOW.

Unique

Very unique story. I really liked the character development. It was hard to grasp the timeline of events at times.

Good Series

I enjoyed this part more than the first. But both main protagonist kinda got on my nerves, glad more was written about Hassa. Waiting for last series and hope some things change positively for all characters!

It doesn’t get any better than this!

The world building was amazing. This book kept me up late at night, just trying to get through one more chapter. The characters were dynamic though some of them frustrated me, I just couldn’t stop listening. I can’t wait for the final book!

Fresh

An original story with original characters. The descriptions are not overly done and the story flows well.

I’ve never wanted to read a continuation so bad

L O V E D. T H I S. B O O K. Better than the first.

Love

I am in love with this series, my favorite of the year so far and for sure at the top of my overall list. I cannot wait for the next.