No Safe Haven
Anger will not be quenched by blood alone.
The Missing, a rebel army that is little more than a rumor, may be Kaylo’s only path to exact his vengeance against the empire that claimed his home and killed his family. If it means a chance to balance the blood he owes, he will steal spirits and become the Missing’s tool, as long as they aim him in the right direction.
Eighteen years later, a war is raging between factions for control of Ennea. With Tayen, Kaylo, and Nix caught in the middle of a power struggle—Kaylo will have to find a way to fulfill the promise he made to Tayen, Nix must face the consequences of her betrayal, and Tayen will have to choose between vengeance and her spirit. When blood is owed, virtues will be challenged.
-Goodreads
Title: No Safe Haven
Series: Malitu #2
Author: James Lloyd Dulin
Page Count: 441
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.75/5.0
Date Read: March 1st, 2025
Opening
My journey through the Malitu series by James Lloyd Dulin began back in 2023 when I read book one No Heart for a Thief. This was one of the many books I picked from the SPFBO-9 for my personal TBR. Last year I knocked out the short novella Don't Bloody the Black Flag and then finally I got to book two No Safe Haven here in early 2025. I wanted to get to this, one because I have been enjoying the series and two because according to the author's newsletter the third and final book of the series is due out in 2025. (Recently announced as a release of June 24th, 2025.)
Pacing
The pacing of No Safe Haven flowed very well. I wouldn't say it was fast or slow but had a really good ebb and flow. I have gotten really into this series though and this one became quite the page turner for me. I didn't notice much in the way of glaring editing issues. It seemed well polished. Nor did I have any struggles with names of characters or places. I'm sure this is in part due to the fact it's book two and the third book in the series that I've read now. I've become very familiar with this world and it's characters.
World Building
The world building has been so much fun to see. Obviously the first book and novella laid most of the foundation but this one included a new area where the majority of current events take place and some more clarity to Kaylo's past which helps us understand the world more in whole. This is a very magical world but also heavy on political intrigue as there are several factions fighting for power of these lands.
Character Development
The character development is also great in No Safe Haven. As I mentioned Kaylo's overall arc gets a lot of additional information as he continues to tell his story to Tayen. But seeing Tayen's growth as well as more from Nix and someone from her past resurface kept me very invested in this story. Even other characters who may or may not be villains added a lot more depth when it comes to the characters in the Malitu series. The third and final installment is setting up to be a real banger!
Closing
I already have book three Only a Grave Will Do slated for my June or July TBR.
I would definitely recommend the Malitu series to readers of fantasy. There is plenty here to like, from the magic, the great characters, political intrigue and plenty of depth to the world.
Scoring
Pacing 4.5 / 5.0
Worldbuilding 5.0 / 5.0
Character Development 5.0 / 5.0
