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zombehdoll's review against another edition
5.0
The second installment in the Curse of Shavhalla series picks up immediately after the tense conclusion of book one, Tethered Spirits. It was good to revisit favourite characters and see their stories continue and develop, both individually and within their various relationships. The author has crafted another compelling and entertaining installment in a saga that is taking on more epic tones, with detailed world building, and an intriguing magic system. But the heart of these books are her amazing cast of characters - the heroes, the villains, and the morally grey ones in between. This sequel was a little slower to build up to the more dramatic action, but in these slower parts there is a lot of character development, and stakes are gradually raised. The payoff is worth sticking around for, and I am eagerly anticipating the third book! I'm grateful to have received an advanced reader copy from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own impressions.
r_j_setser's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Sometimes we need to find new ways to continue doing what we love," Kamaal said. "If that creative spark is still there, then let it shine."
Revenant Prince was the sequel I hoped it would be! While I enjoyed Tethered Spirits (book 1), I had a few issues with the pacing of that book and the lack of suspense, but with Revenant Prince, I had no complaints. This series is a true epic fantasy, so the story takes place over the course of several months and there's lots of traveling. The story overall is a slow pace, however, unlike the first book, there is a sizzling suspense that will keep you biting your nails. Sometimes, the plot thickened so much that I'd have to stick the book in "time out" just because I couldn't handle it!
I loved the character development portrayed by ALL of the characters. There were many characters that I didn't expect to grow to care about, but this diverse group kept things interesting. The story world is beautiful, and even though I didn't reference a map, I didn't have any issues with imagining the layout of the land. I felt incredibly comfortable reading it, never confused or lost, which is hard to accomplish with epic fantasy.
I've read several of T.A. Hernandez's books, and this one is easily my favorite. I'm on the edge of my seat with these characters and I'm bracing myself for the trauma that I will surely suffer in book 3. I recommend it to readers who enjoy epic fantasy sagas with very detailed world-building and intricate political plots.
Content disclaimers: No on-page romance (not even kissing). A somewhat major plot point is an MM romance, where there are only feel-good vibes. Some mild mentions of concubines. Mild action/gore and mentions of injuries and war. I didn't take notes of any cursing, but I seem to remember some mild language used sporadically, but I might be wrong about that.
Revenant Prince was the sequel I hoped it would be! While I enjoyed Tethered Spirits (book 1), I had a few issues with the pacing of that book and the lack of suspense, but with Revenant Prince, I had no complaints. This series is a true epic fantasy, so the story takes place over the course of several months and there's lots of traveling. The story overall is a slow pace, however, unlike the first book, there is a sizzling suspense that will keep you biting your nails. Sometimes, the plot thickened so much that I'd have to stick the book in "time out" just because I couldn't handle it!
I loved the character development portrayed by ALL of the characters. There were many characters that I didn't expect to grow to care about, but this diverse group kept things interesting. The story world is beautiful, and even though I didn't reference a map, I didn't have any issues with imagining the layout of the land. I felt incredibly comfortable reading it, never confused or lost, which is hard to accomplish with epic fantasy.
I've read several of T.A. Hernandez's books, and this one is easily my favorite. I'm on the edge of my seat with these characters and I'm bracing myself for the trauma that I will surely suffer in book 3. I recommend it to readers who enjoy epic fantasy sagas with very detailed world-building and intricate political plots.
Content disclaimers: No on-page romance (not even kissing). A somewhat major plot point is an MM romance, where there are only feel-good vibes. Some mild mentions of concubines. Mild action/gore and mentions of injuries and war. I didn't take notes of any cursing, but I seem to remember some mild language used sporadically, but I might be wrong about that.
Content Warnings
Minor: War and Death of parent
chloefrizzle's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books that I HAVE to stay up until 1am to finish. It's entirely addicting, because it's so well plotted and the characters are given so much to do, in tasks and emotional battles.
A common pitfall of middle books in a series is that there's nothing happening, it all just becomes set-up for the grand finale or clean-up from the first book. With this book2, it avoids all that. It feels necessary and entertaining in every page.
The balance of our POV characters really impressed me. We're following three characters, and I was invested in all of their stories.
A common pitfall of middle books in a series is that there's nothing happening, it all just becomes set-up for the grand finale or clean-up from the first book. With this book2, it avoids all that. It feels necessary and entertaining in every page.
The balance of our POV characters really impressed me. We're following three characters, and I was invested in all of their stories.
justgeekingby's review against another edition
5.0
Full disclosure, I'm slightly biased on this one as I'm one of the sensitivity readers for Revenant Prince. Working with T.A. Hernandez was an absolute pleasure, and she really cared about writing an authentic experience for her disabled character.
This is the second book of a trilogy, and you can read my review for the first book [b: Tethered Spirits|58969379|Tethered Spirits (Curse of Shavhalla, #1)|T.A. Hernandez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632235634l/58969379._SY75_.jpg|93342097] right here. Both have been five-star reads for me and I highly recommend giving them a try if you like fantasy books about found family with a diverse cast of characters and plenty of adventure and twists!
This is the second book of a trilogy, and you can read my review for the first book [b: Tethered Spirits|58969379|Tethered Spirits (Curse of Shavhalla, #1)|T.A. Hernandez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632235634l/58969379._SY75_.jpg|93342097] right here. Both have been five-star reads for me and I highly recommend giving them a try if you like fantasy books about found family with a diverse cast of characters and plenty of adventure and twists!
stxrlight's review against another edition
5.0
The story is absolutely amazing and I loved the detailed way it's described, it's not rushed and describes the journeys of each character really well, as well as relationship bonds (family and friends). It has so many aspects, from magic, curses, treachery to political aspects and schemes. I love the way Aleida found family in the artist and musician.
I can't wait to continue in book 3!
I can't wait to continue in book 3!
charliadams's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was one sequel I have been looking forward to reading. What I liked was the segment before the first chapter gave highlights of book one. This was helpful. Sometimes, okay most of the time, I do not reread the previous book (s). If you are a reader who does, you can skip it and move directly to chapter one.
Our cast of characters are back! Saya, Mitul, Aleida, Valkyra, Kesari, and Amar continued to grow in this continuation. Amar is dealing with another slew of memory issues, but this time he is without his fellow companions. Saya is facing the reality that maybe her gift to her people is more dangerous than she wanted to admit. Aleida is learning that there are those who do care for her, not wanting to take advantage like Valkyra did.
Mitul, caring as always, sees another side of Aleida who becomes a father or older brother figure. While with her, he discovers an old flame still has feeling towards him. The deceitful Valkyra is more power hungry, especially in her new position. She, so far, has been one step ahead of everyone, placing the pieces on the board where she sees opportunity. Then there are Kesari and Lucian. Deciding on a different path, Kesari takes the teachings of Lucian to grow in confidence and power. She learns how to push the fear away when the time asks. I enjoyed all these characters and cannot wait till book three!
With our regular cast comes with a new cast of characters. In this story, the new cast brings more pieces and mystery, which helps move the story along. I am interested in reading where they fit and how they move their pieces in book three.
The author did a wonderful job with the settings. Each culture had an understanding and purpose within the story. As a reader, you can visually see these locations being created in your mind. The contrast between the people and cultures was clear.
I felt the story was slower than the first, but it worked. My attention held from beginning to end. This was a good story, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Tethered Spirits. I also recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, and magic.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this review on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
You can find this review on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
estherelle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
“I don’t think he’s in any danger of physical harm with Valkyra. She’s more likely to try and manipulate him with lies and false kindness than brute force.[...]”
I love all the characters we already know from Tethered Spirits, all their qualities and quirks, their interactions with each other and the relationships between them. Yet we also meet new people, whether they are newly introduced or have already been mentioned in the first book.
Also, in Revenant Prince we learn more about the world of Erythyr and the politics between its cities, along with more details of the magic system and information about the curse of Shavhalla.
without wanting to spoil anything for anyone;
Aleida, her story and how she becomes part of our ragtag team of an amzing found-family, made me cry a bit, and if someone finishes the book without tears in their eyes at least once, I really want to know what it would take to make them tear up.We also get Valkyria being a conniving little feathery dragon beast and some bits of Lucian being his funny fierce and fiery self.
And if anyone ever hurts Mitul, I'm going to start a riot.
I'll most definitely be reading the next book in the series!!!
“Power brings possibility, Savir. Imagine all the good we can do once you’re crowned.”
Biggest thanks to T.A. Hernandez for providing me with an eARC of the book and giving me the opportunity to share my honest opinion about the book.
lover97's review against another edition
4.0
Revenant prince by T. A. Hernandez
Another 4 stars for this series. I need book 3 immediately. I received an advance review copy, and this review represents my honest opinion. A big thank you to T. A. Hernandez, for allowing me to read the book early.
Without a doubt, the best parts of this series are the world building and the found family relationship between our characters.
This book involved a lot more politics than book 1, and I am quite enjoying trying to figure out what exactly happened to Prince Savir. The added focus on the war between the two cities provided high stakes without having to put our characters in a life or death situation every second. This meant we got to look into their relationships more, I especially enjoyed the addition of Kamaal. His friendship with aleida was so sweet, and it's nice to see mitul do something for himself for once.
With the ARC, we got some bonus content of Mitul and Kamaal, and I really hope the author considers releasing it because it was beautiful and kamaal deserves a POV.
I loved the character development we got with Kesari. From wanting to end her bond with Lucian to owning it and really learning how strong she is. It provides an excellent parallel to Valkyra, who wants power just because, as opposed to not wanting it anymore but knowing you can use it for good.
I went with 4 stars because part of me would have liked to see a point of view from dashiva or her daughter to show the other side of the brewing war. I also missed some of Aleida's fight, but it's understandable given what she's dealing with in this book.
Honestly, I love the addition of the story so far section at the beginning of the book. I did reread book 1 before I picked this up, but it's handy for people who would rather jump straight in.
Another 4 stars for this series. I need book 3 immediately. I received an advance review copy, and this review represents my honest opinion. A big thank you to T. A. Hernandez, for allowing me to read the book early.
Without a doubt, the best parts of this series are the world building and the found family relationship between our characters.
This book involved a lot more politics than book 1, and I am quite enjoying trying to figure out what exactly happened to Prince Savir. The added focus on the war between the two cities provided high stakes without having to put our characters in a life or death situation every second. This meant we got to look into their relationships more, I especially enjoyed the addition of Kamaal. His friendship with aleida was so sweet, and it's nice to see mitul do something for himself for once.
With the ARC, we got some bonus content of Mitul and Kamaal, and I really hope the author considers releasing it because it was beautiful and kamaal deserves a POV.
I loved the character development we got with Kesari. From wanting to end her bond with Lucian to owning it and really learning how strong she is. It provides an excellent parallel to Valkyra, who wants power just because, as opposed to not wanting it anymore but knowing you can use it for good.
I went with 4 stars because part of me would have liked to see a point of view from dashiva or her daughter to show the other side of the brewing war. I also missed some of Aleida's fight, but it's understandable given what she's dealing with in this book.
Honestly, I love the addition of the story so far section at the beginning of the book. I did reread book 1 before I picked this up, but it's handy for people who would rather jump straight in.
firestorm2343's review against another edition
5.0
l will absolutely be doing a full stream for this book, but life is a little crazy right now so don't know when that's going to happen. We wanted to drop a few notes in the meantime.
Going into Revenant Prince,
wasn't fully sure how this book was going to go. Because Tethered Spirits hit me so deeply and so personally that, in my mind, I was like well there's no way this author could do that again in the same series. And you know what happened?
The author took this book and
smacked me across the face with it.
There are so many great things about this story from the way Valkyra and Amar's relationship absolutely messed with my head, to the fury that Zafar brings in me. But the pure platonic love between Aleida, Kamaal, and Mitul had me in tears for the entire second half of the book. can't wait to talk about this more on stream and I'm absolutely dying for book three to come out.
Going into Revenant Prince,
wasn't fully sure how this book was going to go. Because Tethered Spirits hit me so deeply and so personally that, in my mind, I was like well there's no way this author could do that again in the same series. And you know what happened?
The author took this book and
smacked me across the face with it.
There are so many great things about this story from the way Valkyra and Amar's relationship absolutely messed with my head, to the fury that Zafar brings in me. But the pure platonic love between Aleida, Kamaal, and Mitul had me in tears for the entire second half of the book. can't wait to talk about this more on stream and I'm absolutely dying for book three to come out.
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