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barbtrek's review
5.0
This is not really a “feel good” book but it is very entertaining. So many interesting and varied characters & a great story. I’ll be sad when this series is over.
laughfactory's review
5.0
I'm just sad it's over
It's a rare treat to read a book this good--every bit as good as the first in the series. I'm only bummed to have to wait for the next one now! Write faster please!
It's a rare treat to read a book this good--every bit as good as the first in the series. I'm only bummed to have to wait for the next one now! Write faster please!
jazzrizz's review against another edition
Wow ... this one heck of a 2nd book. Ashok is evolving, and changing in this book. He's singleminded in his vow to protect the prophet, but he finds himself disagreeing with THE LAW at times. It's interesting watching him come to terms with these changes, yet plowing ever forward.
Jagdesh ... I love this character. He's awesome. I'm not sure I like where Devedas is heading. I really hope he comes through for Ashok in the end.
Great characters going up against horrible odds is making for a great saga. Now, the long wait for the next book.
Jagdesh ... I love this character. He's awesome. I'm not sure I like where Devedas is heading. I really hope he comes through for Ashok in the end.
Great characters going up against horrible odds is making for a great saga. Now, the long wait for the next book.
shonari's review against another edition
5.0
This was a decent read. Not totally sure if this is meant to be a trilogy but if it is, the third book is sure to be one hell of a ride.
distgenius's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rorycarroll's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
pjonsson's review
4.0
Larry Correia is one of my absolute favorite authors. His Monster Hunter International series is at the very top of my list of book series that I really enjoy. Unlike some authors he doesn’t spew out a novel every second week so when a new one comes out it is somewhat of a treat.
When reading this book I was really having a WOW moment because I was reminded of how far above most (not all but most) other authors that I read this author’s writing really is. Not that the rest of the stuff I read is bad, far from it, but it’s like driving a Volkswagen every day and then once in a while getting a ride in a Rolls Royce.
The way the characters, the environment and the story is detailed, how everything fits together, how they interact and, of course, the ass-kicking is put into words is simply way above most stuff out there.
This author refuses to conform to the SJW mob and appease the easily offended whiners, which is a big plus for me, but which unfortunately means that there are a whole bunch of asswipes out there doing their best to tell everyone how bad he is and why you should not read his books. Well, that is a load of utter bullshit and most of these people either do not do anything useful themselves or, if they are capable of producing a book themselves now and then, it is mostly nonsensical rubbish, usually with a political agenda.
Anyway, back to the book. Not surprisingly it starts off right after the previous book ended. All the various threads that started in the first book continue to evolve and mature. The main protagonist is of course Ashok although other characters, like Thera, also play a big role.
Ashok quite an ass-kicker just as as he was in the first book although I have to say that it was a shame that his Black Sword got destroyed. With it he felt even more bad-ass but maybe there are some new goodies in store for Ashok eventually.
It will be interesting to see where the author goes with the story. There are a lot of mysteries in this universe. Is there actually a world outside of Lok? Where does the magic and the dark metal come from? What about the ancient civilization that, as far as I understand it, created the dark metal and stuff? Will there be a The King Has Returned moment? This world that the author has created has so very much story potential.
The book jumps between several main threads. Ashok himself of course, Thera’s predicament and the conspirators among the protectors and their machinations to gain power. We also get a lot of background in this book.
Normally I’m not too thrilled when a book jumps between threads but there has obviously gone quite some thought into both the world building and the story for this book. As I said this book is way above a lot of stuff out there. Thus it’s really necessary to jump around and stay focused for some time on the various characters and events in order to keep together, move forward and evolve the story. The author also managed to balance the complexity and fluidity of the story. Despite there being lots of details the book is never dull or lacking in interest.
I could go on with details about how good I think this book is but I will just repeat myself in different words so … just read the bloody book!
Needless to say I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
When reading this book I was really having a WOW moment because I was reminded of how far above most (not all but most) other authors that I read this author’s writing really is. Not that the rest of the stuff I read is bad, far from it, but it’s like driving a Volkswagen every day and then once in a while getting a ride in a Rolls Royce.
The way the characters, the environment and the story is detailed, how everything fits together, how they interact and, of course, the ass-kicking is put into words is simply way above most stuff out there.
This author refuses to conform to the SJW mob and appease the easily offended whiners, which is a big plus for me, but which unfortunately means that there are a whole bunch of asswipes out there doing their best to tell everyone how bad he is and why you should not read his books. Well, that is a load of utter bullshit and most of these people either do not do anything useful themselves or, if they are capable of producing a book themselves now and then, it is mostly nonsensical rubbish, usually with a political agenda.
Anyway, back to the book. Not surprisingly it starts off right after the previous book ended. All the various threads that started in the first book continue to evolve and mature. The main protagonist is of course Ashok although other characters, like Thera, also play a big role.
Ashok quite an ass-kicker just as as he was in the first book although I have to say that it was a shame that his Black Sword got destroyed. With it he felt even more bad-ass but maybe there are some new goodies in store for Ashok eventually.
It will be interesting to see where the author goes with the story. There are a lot of mysteries in this universe. Is there actually a world outside of Lok? Where does the magic and the dark metal come from? What about the ancient civilization that, as far as I understand it, created the dark metal and stuff? Will there be a The King Has Returned moment? This world that the author has created has so very much story potential.
The book jumps between several main threads. Ashok himself of course, Thera’s predicament and the conspirators among the protectors and their machinations to gain power. We also get a lot of background in this book.
Normally I’m not too thrilled when a book jumps between threads but there has obviously gone quite some thought into both the world building and the story for this book. As I said this book is way above a lot of stuff out there. Thus it’s really necessary to jump around and stay focused for some time on the various characters and events in order to keep together, move forward and evolve the story. The author also managed to balance the complexity and fluidity of the story. Despite there being lots of details the book is never dull or lacking in interest.
I could go on with details about how good I think this book is but I will just repeat myself in different words so … just read the bloody book!
Needless to say I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
nerdyforbooks_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Another solid book in the series. This one had some issues for me, but overall this is still a world I want to know more about.
The veil is getting slowly pulled back on the old history - which at times feels ridiculously slow. I understand we’re finding out things as our characters are & it’s not easy finding information that society tried to eradicate 800+ years ago, but boy is it sometimes like HURRY UP I NEED TO KNOW.
This book felt a little like treading water at times where nothing seemed to really be moving along. Really it was - just not in quite the same manner as book 2. Ashok does get a little grating at times with his “defies the law” issues constantly, we get it. I’m still excited to see where this series leads & ends up though!
The veil is getting slowly pulled back on the old history - which at times feels ridiculously slow. I understand we’re finding out things as our characters are & it’s not easy finding information that society tried to eradicate 800+ years ago, but boy is it sometimes like HURRY UP I NEED TO KNOW.
This book felt a little like treading water at times where nothing seemed to really be moving along. Really it was - just not in quite the same manner as book 2. Ashok does get a little grating at times with his “defies the law” issues constantly, we get it. I’m still excited to see where this series leads & ends up though!
saraishelafs's review
3.0
It might have been better if I had read book 1. As it turns out, I did read book 1, don't remember it.