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geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'Civil Blood' by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is book 2 of Best Left In Shadows and another in their series of novellas in the world of Aedaron.
Last time around, Dax was investigating a missing girl in Lowside with the help of Alys. They had an interesting chemistry together, he of royal blood, she of street smarts. This time around Alys has been accused of murdering Cinderman's people and Dax has to wrestle with the things he feels for her. Alys and Dax find themselves at odds with each other and in the kind of danger that finds them face to face with Cinderman. Can they survive the night and each other?
I think I liked the first book a bit more. It was a bit more procedural in nature. This time around the story is a bit less precise, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. I've enjoyed all the books in this Echoes of the Ascended series. They are short, well-plotted reads and feature interesting main and supporting characters.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gelineau and King, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Last time around, Dax was investigating a missing girl in Lowside with the help of Alys. They had an interesting chemistry together, he of royal blood, she of street smarts. This time around Alys has been accused of murdering Cinderman's people and Dax has to wrestle with the things he feels for her. Alys and Dax find themselves at odds with each other and in the kind of danger that finds them face to face with Cinderman. Can they survive the night and each other?
I think I liked the first book a bit more. It was a bit more procedural in nature. This time around the story is a bit less precise, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. I've enjoyed all the books in this Echoes of the Ascended series. They are short, well-plotted reads and feature interesting main and supporting characters.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gelineau and King, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
rickus90's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this. Full review over here: https://rickusbookshelf.wordpress.com/2016/07/16/arc-review-civil-blood-by-mark-gelineau-and-joe-king-best-left-in-shadows-2/
btpbookclub's review against another edition
3.0
One city, two worlds.
The King of Aedaron reigns in splendor, while far below in the streets and alleys of the underworld a different kind of king emerges. Alys and Dax have always been caught in the middle. Once they fought for love, and their worlds tore them apart. But now as they are forced back together they must choose whether to fight again.
But for what? And against whom?
In the world of Lowside, nothing is as it seems. Even each other.
This is the second story in the Best left in the Shadows series and you will need to read them in order. Another short story (80 pages) just like the first story which is not the type of length I prefer. I awarded Civil Blood a fair three stars due to the length again and I personally do not think this is my kind of story as I wasn't hooked. However, it is well written, contains short chapters, easy to read and set out well with a gorgeous cover! This would make an ideal story for readers who enjoy young adult, mystery and fantasy. It's a shame it was not to my taste, but each reader is different! This series has not put me off the author, I just hope their other stories grab my attention more.
The King of Aedaron reigns in splendor, while far below in the streets and alleys of the underworld a different kind of king emerges. Alys and Dax have always been caught in the middle. Once they fought for love, and their worlds tore them apart. But now as they are forced back together they must choose whether to fight again.
But for what? And against whom?
In the world of Lowside, nothing is as it seems. Even each other.
This is the second story in the Best left in the Shadows series and you will need to read them in order. Another short story (80 pages) just like the first story which is not the type of length I prefer. I awarded Civil Blood a fair three stars due to the length again and I personally do not think this is my kind of story as I wasn't hooked. However, it is well written, contains short chapters, easy to read and set out well with a gorgeous cover! This would make an ideal story for readers who enjoy young adult, mystery and fantasy. It's a shame it was not to my taste, but each reader is different! This series has not put me off the author, I just hope their other stories grab my attention more.
beammey's review against another edition
5.0
Another solid book for this series. I can't decide which heroine I like better - Elinor or Alys, but either way, wonderfully written, wonderfully captivating, and it was lovely to see more of Alys' and Dax's world. I fun to read that doesn't have as much gore as some of the other books (if that's an issue for you). I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars. Brilliant.
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
4.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
After the first round of The Echoes of the Ascended, Best Left in the Shadows was my favorite of the four storylines. Therefore I was eagerly awaiting Civil Blood because I was really looking forward to continuing the story of Alys and Dax.
I was not disappointed! This proved to be a very interesting and nice short story. It was very nice to see the links with the other stories. I liked it a lot, to be honest. Looking forward to read more of the series!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
After the first round of The Echoes of the Ascended, Best Left in the Shadows was my favorite of the four storylines. Therefore I was eagerly awaiting Civil Blood because I was really looking forward to continuing the story of Alys and Dax.
I was not disappointed! This proved to be a very interesting and nice short story. It was very nice to see the links with the other stories. I liked it a lot, to be honest. Looking forward to read more of the series!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
bookwormbunny's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy of this book (an ARC) in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions stated are solely my own.
Civil Blood is part two in the story of Daxs and Alys. Trouble has come for Alys and it is a remnant from her past. A former member that she used to know has resurfaced after all this time and is looking to stir things up with one intention: Get to Pious Black…and kill him. Pious Black is the man who runs Lowside and when one of his captains has something stolen from him…well, the man knows that his life is now forfeit for flinching after being baited. Dax gets pulled in as the Justice of the area of Lowside now but his brother looks to try and protect him from what is coming by testing him and see if he can be brought in on what is going on down there.
Nothing is what it seems in Lowside…or on Highside either…no one’s hands are as clean as they pretend to be. Gelineau and King raise a lot of questions with this book and of course leave us with a cliffhanger as characters are revealed in mysterious ways. They so expertly lead us one way and let our minds start thinking…okay…what if THIS character is actually Pious Black? Only to discover that they aren’t….leaving us to think and say…”Well played sirs…well played.” The saying in Lowside is is that if you go looking for the truth it will get you killed. One of my favorite lines was about the spiders and the flies but when they threw in the added twist…owls. While the spiders and flies are playing their games and eating the owls are waiting to devour all. It’s so true and just engages you more as you read on to find out…who is what and who will make it to the end?
There are so many twists and turns, shifts and changes…you honestly wonder…what is the ultimate game with these characters? Who is truly loyal and who is just there until a better opportunity presents itself? Down in Lowside…you always have to be on your guard and the same is true with Civil Blood. We even get teased with a hint at Kay from Faith and Moonlight when she is mentioned briefly which immediately caught my attention and made me want to know more. (Well played gentlemen…well played. LOL)
What can I say? Gelineau and King have done it again. They sucked me into another good book and they left me more than ready for book 3. I will be impatiently waiting for their next book in this series as I know that it will only get better and better. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely something that everyone who loves fantasy should be checking out. I will be purchasing these stories and be reading them over and over again. They are truly engaging.
Civil Blood is part two in the story of Daxs and Alys. Trouble has come for Alys and it is a remnant from her past. A former member that she used to know has resurfaced after all this time and is looking to stir things up with one intention: Get to Pious Black…and kill him. Pious Black is the man who runs Lowside and when one of his captains has something stolen from him…well, the man knows that his life is now forfeit for flinching after being baited. Dax gets pulled in as the Justice of the area of Lowside now but his brother looks to try and protect him from what is coming by testing him and see if he can be brought in on what is going on down there.
Nothing is what it seems in Lowside…or on Highside either…no one’s hands are as clean as they pretend to be. Gelineau and King raise a lot of questions with this book and of course leave us with a cliffhanger as characters are revealed in mysterious ways. They so expertly lead us one way and let our minds start thinking…okay…what if THIS character is actually Pious Black? Only to discover that they aren’t….leaving us to think and say…”Well played sirs…well played.” The saying in Lowside is is that if you go looking for the truth it will get you killed. One of my favorite lines was about the spiders and the flies but when they threw in the added twist…owls. While the spiders and flies are playing their games and eating the owls are waiting to devour all. It’s so true and just engages you more as you read on to find out…who is what and who will make it to the end?
There are so many twists and turns, shifts and changes…you honestly wonder…what is the ultimate game with these characters? Who is truly loyal and who is just there until a better opportunity presents itself? Down in Lowside…you always have to be on your guard and the same is true with Civil Blood. We even get teased with a hint at Kay from Faith and Moonlight when she is mentioned briefly which immediately caught my attention and made me want to know more. (Well played gentlemen…well played. LOL)
What can I say? Gelineau and King have done it again. They sucked me into another good book and they left me more than ready for book 3. I will be impatiently waiting for their next book in this series as I know that it will only get better and better. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely something that everyone who loves fantasy should be checking out. I will be purchasing these stories and be reading them over and over again. They are truly engaging.
lindzy's review against another edition
4.0
Original Review Here
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The second novella in the Best Left in Shadows series, Civil Blood was an action packed story, complete with violence, love and sacrifice. Mark Gelineau and Joe King know how to fill a novella to the extreme, creating a believable world full of heroes and villains and those who fall somewhere in-between.
Alys has been framed, and she needs Dax’s help to get to the truth. At least, that is what she tells him, when really she just needs him to be present to get what she wants. Dax is conflicted, knowing how dangerous Lowside is but adamant he is going to make a difference. When he recognises the person framing Alys, he knows he has stumbled upon a much bigger plot: an attempt to take down the notorious crime-lord who runs Lowside.
Having been introduced to the characters in the first novel, I was excited to see them again. Dax is naïve, innocent and determined to do the right thing. He has a confidence and determination though – he isn’t as helpless as Alys makes out. Nor is she as rough as she likes others to believe, still holding a soft spot for her former lover. Their conflicting personalities – both with each other and with themselves – makes for interesting reading.
For a short novel, Civil Blood is packed with action and tension. From taking on the fire crews to meeting Pious Black himself, there is no shortage of violence. Thankfully, despite Alys running around with a scythe strapped to her back, nothing is too explicit. Just the right level of blood to be believable in a town such as Lowside.
I have really become gripped by all of the worlds Gelineua and King create in their novellas, but this is my favourite. A rough area with a man of justice trying to make a difference while falling for a local girl. It has everything you could want from a short story. If I was ever going to write novellas, this series would be the perfect guide.
If you want something short but powerful to read, Civil Blood is the perfect combination. I’m looking forward to reading more from them.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The second novella in the Best Left in Shadows series, Civil Blood was an action packed story, complete with violence, love and sacrifice. Mark Gelineau and Joe King know how to fill a novella to the extreme, creating a believable world full of heroes and villains and those who fall somewhere in-between.
Alys has been framed, and she needs Dax’s help to get to the truth. At least, that is what she tells him, when really she just needs him to be present to get what she wants. Dax is conflicted, knowing how dangerous Lowside is but adamant he is going to make a difference. When he recognises the person framing Alys, he knows he has stumbled upon a much bigger plot: an attempt to take down the notorious crime-lord who runs Lowside.
Having been introduced to the characters in the first novel, I was excited to see them again. Dax is naïve, innocent and determined to do the right thing. He has a confidence and determination though – he isn’t as helpless as Alys makes out. Nor is she as rough as she likes others to believe, still holding a soft spot for her former lover. Their conflicting personalities – both with each other and with themselves – makes for interesting reading.
For a short novel, Civil Blood is packed with action and tension. From taking on the fire crews to meeting Pious Black himself, there is no shortage of violence. Thankfully, despite Alys running around with a scythe strapped to her back, nothing is too explicit. Just the right level of blood to be believable in a town such as Lowside.
I have really become gripped by all of the worlds Gelineua and King create in their novellas, but this is my favourite. A rough area with a man of justice trying to make a difference while falling for a local girl. It has everything you could want from a short story. If I was ever going to write novellas, this series would be the perfect guide.
If you want something short but powerful to read, Civil Blood is the perfect combination. I’m looking forward to reading more from them.
ssminski's review against another edition
4.0
Another stunning piece of novella fiction from Gelineau and King. The twists are numerous and the unrequited love tragic, you will never be bored.
Review to come!
UPDATE:
Another stunning piece of novella fiction from Gelineau and King. The twists are numerous and the unrequited love tragic, you will never be bored.
Alys and Dax have to work together regularly now that he is working as the judicar of her area. When she is falsely accused of a horrific crime against her "company", will they be able to put their personal feelings aside to solve the crime and still remain true to themselves?
I love the Echoes of the Ascended world, but this series is not my favorite of them all. Not that it isn't awesome, but the unrequited love plot is annoying, and the politics are deeper than the novella expands upon. I simultaneously want more but don't want to delve deeper for fear of getting frustrated.
Review to come!
UPDATE:
Another stunning piece of novella fiction from Gelineau and King. The twists are numerous and the unrequited love tragic, you will never be bored.
Alys and Dax have to work together regularly now that he is working as the judicar of her area. When she is falsely accused of a horrific crime against her "company", will they be able to put their personal feelings aside to solve the crime and still remain true to themselves?
I love the Echoes of the Ascended world, but this series is not my favorite of them all. Not that it isn't awesome, but the unrequited love plot is annoying, and the politics are deeper than the novella expands upon. I simultaneously want more but don't want to delve deeper for fear of getting frustrated.
imyril's review
4.0
Justicar Daxton Ellis wants to bring the king's justice to Lowside. The Chancellor and the First Shield - Dax's father and brother - are determined to bring Lowside's crime kingpin, Pious Black, to heel. Once again, Dax is going to have to choose between his family and his loyalty to his former lover Alys - but when nobody is telling him the truth, how can he decide?
We may mostly see the action through Dax's eyes, but this is Alys's Echo and she dominates it from start to finish. Increasingly ambiguous, outrageously capable, she's a joy to watch whether she's cutting men up with her scythe or her snark. As we learn more about her history with Dax - and crucially, how their affair ended - it's ever more evident that nothing and nobody in Lowside is ever what they seem.
Civil Blood picks up where Best Left in Shadows left off, and lifts this Echo of the Ascended to the next level. It's gripping stuff, and as Gelineau & King gain confidence and experience, it's turning into a hell of a ride. You don't -have- to have read Best Left in Shadows to enjoy Civil Blood - but you're going to want to pick up the sequel. Fast.
Full review.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
We may mostly see the action through Dax's eyes, but this is Alys's Echo and she dominates it from start to finish. Increasingly ambiguous, outrageously capable, she's a joy to watch whether she's cutting men up with her scythe or her snark. As we learn more about her history with Dax - and crucially, how their affair ended - it's ever more evident that nothing and nobody in Lowside is ever what they seem.
Civil Blood picks up where Best Left in Shadows left off, and lifts this Echo of the Ascended to the next level. It's gripping stuff, and as Gelineau & King gain confidence and experience, it's turning into a hell of a ride. You don't -have- to have read Best Left in Shadows to enjoy Civil Blood - but you're going to want to pick up the sequel. Fast.
Full review.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
rickus90's review
4.0
Loved this. Full review over here: https://rickusbookshelf.wordpress.com/2016/07/16/arc-review-civil-blood-by-mark-gelineau-and-joe-king-best-left-in-shadows-2/
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