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ta2dlibrarian's review
adventurous
challenging
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? Yes
3.5
If I could give this book different ratings at the same time I would because I love the characters and world building but was so frustrated with some of the story line.
Now my rant with spoilers:
I've also never yelled at a book before but at the 4th or 5th encounter with adversity I was cussing and screaming and scared my cat half to death. I'm also super annoyed that the author stretched out the fighting for So Long to then wrap up the Boss Fight so quickly, and so obviously without killing the Antagonist, I wanted to scream. Again.
I'm glad there will be a 3rd book but I'm hoping to not be strung along over pins and needles for the majority of it!
Now my rant with spoilers:
I've also never yelled at a book before but at the 4th or 5th encounter with adversity I was cussing and screaming and scared my cat half to death. I'm also super annoyed that the author stretched out the fighting for So Long to then wrap up the Boss Fight so quickly, and so obviously without killing the Antagonist, I wanted to scream. Again.
I'm glad there will be a 3rd book but I'm hoping to not be strung along over pins and needles for the majority of it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Torture, Murder, Blood, Violence, Sexual content, and Child death
Moderate: Bullying
lindca's review
4.0
Strong second book in the Militess and Mage series.
Evil forces are conspiring to bring neighboring kingdoms to war, sending undead dog-like creatures to savage the bodies and souls of anyone in their way and mercenaries to kill and set allies against one another. Trying to deal with these troubles, Halina and Gethen are separated for much of the book. While it’s great seeing them together (and we do see some of that), their separation actually highlights each individual’s strengths as well as their devotion to one another.
There are some twists and surprises in the story, all of which make for an exciting adventure. There is plenty of danger and intrigue still hanging over their heads at the end, though, enough to whet my appetite for the next book.
Bring it on!
Evil forces are conspiring to bring neighboring kingdoms to war, sending undead dog-like creatures to savage the bodies and souls of anyone in their way and mercenaries to kill and set allies against one another. Trying to deal with these troubles, Halina and Gethen are separated for much of the book. While it’s great seeing them together (and we do see some of that), their separation actually highlights each individual’s strengths as well as their devotion to one another.
There are some twists and surprises in the story
Spoiler
though I suspected early on the cousin was the villainBring it on!
suzjustsuz's review
4.0
I have to admit I'm having trouble remaining awake when I read right now. so I had trouble getting started with this book, but once I managed to focus on it I had a hard time putting it down. The action was pretty intense.
I thought it was going to be a "stay tuned for the next book" kind of ending but Pierce did a good job of wrapping it up and leaving more for the next book.
I thought it was going to be a "stay tuned for the next book" kind of ending but Pierce did a good job of wrapping it up and leaving more for the next book.
foxandwit's review
4.0
Halina is my spirit animal. Excuse me while I scheme how to be bffs with a fictional character.
I’ve always admired Halina but her growth in this novel is beautiful. I loved that she comes to recognize it’s not weakness to need and ask for help especially when it comes to Gethen.
Speaking of Gethen. Oh man. It’s wonderful that he knows when to let Halina fight her own battles without becoming overbearing protective even though his instinct is to stay and protect her. It’s also nice that he senses when she needs him and will step up despite Halina’s initial protests (which she later recognizes as a flaw in her character at times.)
They truly compliment each other well.
Aside from the wonderful characters who drive this novel the plot is equally well written and while I predicted a few twists and turns here many of them came back to surprise me.
I hope there’s more to this series because I loved it!
Book 1 was lacking but Book 2 really made up for it!
I’ve always admired Halina but her growth in this novel is beautiful. I loved that she comes to recognize it’s not weakness to need and ask for help especially when it comes to Gethen.
Speaking of Gethen. Oh man. It’s wonderful that he knows when to let Halina fight her own battles without becoming overbearing protective even though his instinct is to stay and protect her. It’s also nice that he senses when she needs him and will step up despite Halina’s initial protests (which she later recognizes as a flaw in her character at times.)
They truly compliment each other well.
Aside from the wonderful characters who drive this novel the plot is equally well written and while I predicted a few twists and turns here many of them came back to surprise me.
I hope there’s more to this series because I loved it!
Book 1 was lacking but Book 2 really made up for it!
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