The Elements of the Gate - The Elements of Kamdaria, #2

This magical and thought-provoking sequel to The Elements of the Crown features an empire on the brink of war, a heist, and a gut-wrenching betrayal. The empire is full of unrest. Talise is ready to accept her new leadership roles but isn't sure how. It doesn't help that the emperor wants to take out enemy bases, yet he remains oblivious to the other conflicts around them. The aristocratic citizens of the Crown are angry at the emperor for lying about their enemy.
The middle-class citizens of the Gate are angry at the state of their once great empire. And the poor, desperate citizens of the Storm are beginning to awake after years of oppression. Problems multiply when the enemy obtains knowledge about a mysterious amulet that has the power to destroy armies. With her heart still in pieces, Talise struggles to meet the obstacles ahead. But the truth soon becomes clear. If she can't gain back loyalty from the citizens and find the ancient amulet, the empire will be lost forever.