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The Gastar #2
Children of Discord
OLD SCORE, NEW CITY: Following years of war and near-annihilation, the people of the city of Gastar have thrived without a major threat in two centuries, since the departure of the demon lord Zermon. Now, unknown to the people, dark forces from the past return to stake their claim. The boy Goldeon seeks to topple the city leaders by use of a secret army. Shevata, the teen assassin and the boy's greatest enemy, unexpectedly returns to the city by unlikely allies. The clash of the children sets of a series of events that place the people in the center. Who is the greatest danger, the two teens from the past, or their own war with each other? Can the city survive?
179 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2011
38 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Cole
8 books149 followersC.C.Cole is an author from rural Mississippi. Schooled in medicine, she lives a suburban life with her family. Following her sister's death in a domestic violence incident, she began writing as a creative outlet.
Her debut novel is The First Book of the Gastar Series "Act of Redemption," a dark fantasy story about a heroine with a dark past who protects the people of the city of Gastar and seeks to re-claim her soul. It has been listed as Best Independent Novel on Goodreads and the lead character Shevata won an action heroine poll.
Book Two of the Gastar Series, "Children of Discord," was published in 2011, winning an NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award for fiction.
Her debut novel is The First Book of the Gastar Series "Act of Redemption," a dark fantasy story about a heroine with a dark past who protects the people of the city of Gastar and seeks to re-claim her soul. It has been listed as Best Independent Novel on Goodreads and the lead character Shevata won an action heroine poll.
Book Two of the Gastar Series, "Children of Discord," was published in 2011, winning an NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award for fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 21, 2011
Wow! What a rollercoaster of emotion this book puts the reader through.
We see Gastar back to its once former glory. Order is restored and war with demonic creatures from the Hell is over, with the greatest threat to the city being the destructive battle between Shevata and Goldeon.
The story leads you through Shevata’s journey of understanding of what it means to be human, brilliantly symbolised in the penultimate chapter.
Cole has kept undertones of the importance of the debt we owe to our ancestors who gave the ultimate sacrifice in wars previous to our existence, complimenting the first book fantastically.
She has also captured the eventuality of societal evolution perfectly.
As any society would, we see how Gastar has developed through the years; Morality, system of government (reflecting more of a republic than a monarchy) and even in Morrisa’s order to keep Gastar’s dark history from the public’s ears mimics how a society would develop, keeping this fantasy book as real and believable as possible.
Even the characters of Goldeon and Shevata have under gone much in the way of development which one would expect over the centuries, even down to the weaponry and abilities they yield, which has become more advanced, despite the detached lives they’ve been living since the last book.
One of the beautiful things about this book is the expansion of Cole’s ability to develop human relationships based on love and friendship. This was seen briefly in the first book with Jonas’ relationship with his sons, however in this book, she goes much deeper, heavily involving Peter, Stephen and Emeria’s care for each other in dictating the actions of Goldeon and Shevata and also in the way the plot resolves.
Cleverly, by situating such power in the children, Cole keeps the two main characters more complex than most authors can.
Despite both bodies not aging, one would assume their minds, being hundreds of years old, would be mature. Though this is the case when it comes to their confidence levels, their immaturity occasionally comes through in the form of youthful wit, banter and naivety. This could be a deliberate reflection by Cole upon today’s society, questioning whether or not ‘maturity’ is a social construct.
Like the previous book, Cole also addresses the issue of the morality of war, although a different aspect of war. This time, she covers the ethics behind leaders sending those who are lower in social status to fight when the risk of danger is higher, almost as if they were less important.
Another book beautifully written book by Cole, this time, charged with humanity and emotion. This book succeeds in provoking much thought and addressing moral and ethical issues. This book’s greatest asset is Cole’s ability to highlight the qualities it takes to be human; ironically, in a world of immortals, vampires and magic.
Elizabeth Marshall
We see Gastar back to its once former glory. Order is restored and war with demonic creatures from the Hell is over, with the greatest threat to the city being the destructive battle between Shevata and Goldeon.
The story leads you through Shevata’s journey of understanding of what it means to be human, brilliantly symbolised in the penultimate chapter.
Cole has kept undertones of the importance of the debt we owe to our ancestors who gave the ultimate sacrifice in wars previous to our existence, complimenting the first book fantastically.
She has also captured the eventuality of societal evolution perfectly.
As any society would, we see how Gastar has developed through the years; Morality, system of government (reflecting more of a republic than a monarchy) and even in Morrisa’s order to keep Gastar’s dark history from the public’s ears mimics how a society would develop, keeping this fantasy book as real and believable as possible.
Even the characters of Goldeon and Shevata have under gone much in the way of development which one would expect over the centuries, even down to the weaponry and abilities they yield, which has become more advanced, despite the detached lives they’ve been living since the last book.
One of the beautiful things about this book is the expansion of Cole’s ability to develop human relationships based on love and friendship. This was seen briefly in the first book with Jonas’ relationship with his sons, however in this book, she goes much deeper, heavily involving Peter, Stephen and Emeria’s care for each other in dictating the actions of Goldeon and Shevata and also in the way the plot resolves.
Cleverly, by situating such power in the children, Cole keeps the two main characters more complex than most authors can.
Despite both bodies not aging, one would assume their minds, being hundreds of years old, would be mature. Though this is the case when it comes to their confidence levels, their immaturity occasionally comes through in the form of youthful wit, banter and naivety. This could be a deliberate reflection by Cole upon today’s society, questioning whether or not ‘maturity’ is a social construct.
Like the previous book, Cole also addresses the issue of the morality of war, although a different aspect of war. This time, she covers the ethics behind leaders sending those who are lower in social status to fight when the risk of danger is higher, almost as if they were less important.
Another book beautifully written book by Cole, this time, charged with humanity and emotion. This book succeeds in provoking much thought and addressing moral and ethical issues. This book’s greatest asset is Cole’s ability to highlight the qualities it takes to be human; ironically, in a world of immortals, vampires and magic.
Elizabeth Marshall
May 7, 2011
Children of Discord: A Story About Mistakes, and What it can Take to Correct Them.
Children of Discord by author C.C. Cole, is the second book from the dark fantasy Gastar Series, continuing the story of Shevata, the last of a childlike race bread only for war. Though the war Shevata was born to fight ended half a millennia ago, enemies from her past continue to plague her, and the city and former home of Gastar is the epicenter of the conflict.
Children of Discord details how Shevata’s prior mistakes concerning a small blonde haired boy return to haunt her. Though rescued by Shevata hundreds of years earlier from an eternity trapped in hell, the young boy becomes her enemy and returns to the city of Gastar to enslave the recovering human society within its walls. Shevata is summoned to Gastar by unlikely allies also suffering from bondage under the young boy, and a battle of strength and wits ensues as Shevata attempts to thwart his dark plans. Caught in the middle are the people of Gastar and their mortal defenders who, assisted by a dream seeing leader, must solve the riddle of two warring children before their city and all they have build is brought down around them. In the end Shevata must face this eternal enemy alone, but will her desire to become more like normal humans be a boon or a detriment to her quest?
Though Children of Discord is an interesting premise for a narrative, that of mistakes coming back to haunt someone (something I think all of us can relate too), there is one major technical issue with the way this story is structured that prompts the 3 star rating. Children of Discord is told in a non-liner format, and though some works benefit from such a timeline, the narrative of Children of Discord does not. The reading becomes too much of a challenge to keep the timeline straight, and the progression of character interaction becomes jumbled. The characters attempt to clarify the timeline for the reader in long sections of dialogue which acts as a linear ‘retelling’ of the events toward the end of the book, so the purpose of the non-linear format is unclear. The book would have benefited more from a linear narrative.
Children of Discord is recommended for readers 15+ as minor cursing, dark subject matter and a vaguely described suicide scene are found in the text. C.C.’s blog can be found at the following URL: http://www.shevata-cccole.blogspot.com/
Children of Discord by author C.C. Cole, is the second book from the dark fantasy Gastar Series, continuing the story of Shevata, the last of a childlike race bread only for war. Though the war Shevata was born to fight ended half a millennia ago, enemies from her past continue to plague her, and the city and former home of Gastar is the epicenter of the conflict.
Children of Discord details how Shevata’s prior mistakes concerning a small blonde haired boy return to haunt her. Though rescued by Shevata hundreds of years earlier from an eternity trapped in hell, the young boy becomes her enemy and returns to the city of Gastar to enslave the recovering human society within its walls. Shevata is summoned to Gastar by unlikely allies also suffering from bondage under the young boy, and a battle of strength and wits ensues as Shevata attempts to thwart his dark plans. Caught in the middle are the people of Gastar and their mortal defenders who, assisted by a dream seeing leader, must solve the riddle of two warring children before their city and all they have build is brought down around them. In the end Shevata must face this eternal enemy alone, but will her desire to become more like normal humans be a boon or a detriment to her quest?
Though Children of Discord is an interesting premise for a narrative, that of mistakes coming back to haunt someone (something I think all of us can relate too), there is one major technical issue with the way this story is structured that prompts the 3 star rating. Children of Discord is told in a non-liner format, and though some works benefit from such a timeline, the narrative of Children of Discord does not. The reading becomes too much of a challenge to keep the timeline straight, and the progression of character interaction becomes jumbled. The characters attempt to clarify the timeline for the reader in long sections of dialogue which acts as a linear ‘retelling’ of the events toward the end of the book, so the purpose of the non-linear format is unclear. The book would have benefited more from a linear narrative.
Children of Discord is recommended for readers 15+ as minor cursing, dark subject matter and a vaguely described suicide scene are found in the text. C.C.’s blog can be found at the following URL: http://www.shevata-cccole.blogspot.com/
June 26, 2012
"Children of Discord," the second book of the Gastar Series, by C.C. Cole (@GastarBooks) has everything that I greatly enjoyed in the first entry, especially the ultimate assassin, Shevata.
Here the teenage assassin renews her battle with Goldeon, a boy she regrets saving from the depths of Hell. Goldeon has great power and nefarious plans for the city of Gastar, which has enjoyed two hundred years of relative peace and prosperity since the last time we journeyed with Shevata.
Rather than repeat what I praised in my review of "Act of Redemption," the first Gastar book, let me just add that the character of Shevata continues to grow in the latest installment. Ms. Cole once again does a great job of balancing the teenage assassin's awesome power with the knowledge that her actions have consequences that can and will ripple through time.
I highly recommend Children of Discord as a refreshing take on the Fantasy genre. You won't need to read Act of Redemption to enjoy it, but I would strongly recommend it anyway. Ms. Cole tweeted recently that the third book of the series is nearing completion.
I. Can't. Wait.
Here the teenage assassin renews her battle with Goldeon, a boy she regrets saving from the depths of Hell. Goldeon has great power and nefarious plans for the city of Gastar, which has enjoyed two hundred years of relative peace and prosperity since the last time we journeyed with Shevata.
Rather than repeat what I praised in my review of "Act of Redemption," the first Gastar book, let me just add that the character of Shevata continues to grow in the latest installment. Ms. Cole once again does a great job of balancing the teenage assassin's awesome power with the knowledge that her actions have consequences that can and will ripple through time.
I highly recommend Children of Discord as a refreshing take on the Fantasy genre. You won't need to read Act of Redemption to enjoy it, but I would strongly recommend it anyway. Ms. Cole tweeted recently that the third book of the series is nearing completion.
I. Can't. Wait.
July 24, 2011
http://shevata-cccole.blogspot.com/20...
Winner NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award for Fiction Summer 2011!
Winner NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award for Fiction Summer 2011!
June 19, 2011
This sequel of Act of Redemption is another great story in the Gastar Series. Cole creates a completely new cast of interesting characters, save Shevata and Goldeon, as the two children battle each other as good versus evil. Two hundred years have passed since Shevata’s last battle in Gastar, from which she left the human world in search of her greatest foe, Goldeon. Although the demon world from Act of Redemption now resides in hell, a new group of unexpected foes takes the light in this new novella, controlled by Goldeon as he pursues utter destruction of the city.
I especially liked the set up of this novella as it takes place over the course of a week, but the sequence is not necessarily in order. This aspect creates suspense and interest, egging the reader on to find the answers to the questions that arise in each segment. It reminds me of the Greek tragedy format, in which the beginning is the middle, and the middle is the beginning (the end is the end). While the prologue of the novel begins in the middle of the story, the next segment rewinds to earlier in the week. As the story plays out, and the sequence of events change, the chapters guide the reader, telling him/her where the next portion of the story lies in terms of sequence. Thus, the novella jumps back and forth, taking the reader for a thrilling ride as the plot unfolds and answers arise. Questions brought up in this newest novella, as well as those brought up in Act of Redemption, reveal themselves as the story progresses, giving the reader much satisfaction as it all comes together...
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
I especially liked the set up of this novella as it takes place over the course of a week, but the sequence is not necessarily in order. This aspect creates suspense and interest, egging the reader on to find the answers to the questions that arise in each segment. It reminds me of the Greek tragedy format, in which the beginning is the middle, and the middle is the beginning (the end is the end). While the prologue of the novel begins in the middle of the story, the next segment rewinds to earlier in the week. As the story plays out, and the sequence of events change, the chapters guide the reader, telling him/her where the next portion of the story lies in terms of sequence. Thus, the novella jumps back and forth, taking the reader for a thrilling ride as the plot unfolds and answers arise. Questions brought up in this newest novella, as well as those brought up in Act of Redemption, reveal themselves as the story progresses, giving the reader much satisfaction as it all comes together...
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
May 10, 2011
Children of Discord is the second book of the Gastar series. It reintroduces Shevata, the protagonist from Act of Redemption. Shevata is an ageless assassin, who appears to be a teenage girl. She is a tough and hard fighting character. Cole does an excellent job at creating the tough as nails character of Shevata.
In Act of Redemption the world was overrun by demons -- this threat has been resolved and a new threat has taken its place -- the threat of the undead. Vampires are causing fear and destruction. One other character has been introduced from the previous book and that Goldeon, the antagonist, and another ageless being who appears to be just a teenager. Goldeon is a dangerous force in this book.
Cole continues her excellent world building skills with Children of Discord. She even satisfied one of my previous complaints from the first book by providing an extensive bit of background information on Shevata and how she became who she is.
Though I am not a huge fan of vampires in my stories, they work well in this series of ever changing supernatural threats. My favorite scenes are still those that occur in hell. Cole continues to write Shevata in a way that makes her a good central character. What makes her so memorable is her sarcastic and no nonsense attitudes.
For a short novel, Children of Discord continues the saga of the Gastar series and continues to introduce the reader to interesting characters as well as keep the most important ones intact. Cole does an excellent job of creating this world and this is a book I would recommend to any who like fantasy novellas.
My review can also be found here
In Act of Redemption the world was overrun by demons -- this threat has been resolved and a new threat has taken its place -- the threat of the undead. Vampires are causing fear and destruction. One other character has been introduced from the previous book and that Goldeon, the antagonist, and another ageless being who appears to be just a teenager. Goldeon is a dangerous force in this book.
Cole continues her excellent world building skills with Children of Discord. She even satisfied one of my previous complaints from the first book by providing an extensive bit of background information on Shevata and how she became who she is.
Though I am not a huge fan of vampires in my stories, they work well in this series of ever changing supernatural threats. My favorite scenes are still those that occur in hell. Cole continues to write Shevata in a way that makes her a good central character. What makes her so memorable is her sarcastic and no nonsense attitudes.
For a short novel, Children of Discord continues the saga of the Gastar series and continues to introduce the reader to interesting characters as well as keep the most important ones intact. Cole does an excellent job of creating this world and this is a book I would recommend to any who like fantasy novellas.
My review can also be found here
May 25, 2011
The teenage assassin, Shevata is back in this second installment of the Gastar series. Shevata must now find Goldean, an ageless kid she once rescued from hell, and put an end to his evil plans with the help of a few Gastar citizens.
New characters are introduced in this book along with a new villain. The author gives us more details in Children of Discord. In this book, we learn more about Shevata's background and the magical world of Gastar. Demons were present throughout the first book but in this one, vampires are the ones causing fear in Gastar. It's nice and refreshing to have a new set of characters and get to learn more about some of our favorites. Now I'm curious to find out if the author will decide to keep some of these characters for the next book.
C. C. Cole has crafted a dark action-packed story. I read this book in one sitting and couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I'm definitely hooked and can't wait to read the third book. This is a dark fantasy series you don't want to miss!
New characters are introduced in this book along with a new villain. The author gives us more details in Children of Discord. In this book, we learn more about Shevata's background and the magical world of Gastar. Demons were present throughout the first book but in this one, vampires are the ones causing fear in Gastar. It's nice and refreshing to have a new set of characters and get to learn more about some of our favorites. Now I'm curious to find out if the author will decide to keep some of these characters for the next book.
C. C. Cole has crafted a dark action-packed story. I read this book in one sitting and couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I'm definitely hooked and can't wait to read the third book. This is a dark fantasy series you don't want to miss!
January 4, 2012
This is the first medieval dark fantasy/action/adventure/non-epic/non-romance I’ve ever read, so I can’t tell you if it transcends the genre or subverts the genre or even if medieval dark fantasy/action/adventure/non-epic/non-romance IS a genre. All I can tell you is it’s a damn good story. At one point, C. C. Coles writes that a character “appeared to walk out of a mural covering the walls.” That’s also an excellent way to describe the kind of smooth magic at work in the Second Book of the Gastar Series: Children of Discord. Coles uses a clean, spare writing style that really keeps the story moving through its many twists and turns. Most appealing to me is her lead character, Shevata, one of the war-children who are taken away from their parents and trained in massive workhouses to become experts in fighting and death. Shevata might be a child assassin, the girl with the golden dagger, but she’s a full-blooded, three-dimensional, genuinely moving character—a major accomplishment in ANY genre. Her story is a must-read.
July 23, 2011
Once again Cole has spun an intriguing and entertaining tale. Dark fantasy with a returning, unique and strong female lead Shevata. We get some more information this time around and are introduced to new characters
I love the way this author puts words together. It is difficult to stop reading once you start.
Hell is part of the backdrop in this novella and my love for evil, sinister scenarios was fully satisfied!
If you like demons and vampires, you will LOVE this series. I always know a book is good when I see it play as a movie in my head. Excellent writing!
I love the way this author puts words together. It is difficult to stop reading once you start.
Hell is part of the backdrop in this novella and my love for evil, sinister scenarios was fully satisfied!
If you like demons and vampires, you will LOVE this series. I always know a book is good when I see it play as a movie in my head. Excellent writing!
March 22, 2012
Children of Discord – C.C. Cole does it again!
Shevata is back, and she’s just as awesome! Not to mention Ms. Cole throws a new evil (or is it good…) into the mix with vampires. Gastar is again under attack, but it’s now 200 years later and a new cast of characters give this second story a new thrilling ride that the readers will love. She again takes fantasy, magic and mystical beings to a whole new level. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Shevata is back, and she’s just as awesome! Not to mention Ms. Cole throws a new evil (or is it good…) into the mix with vampires. Gastar is again under attack, but it’s now 200 years later and a new cast of characters give this second story a new thrilling ride that the readers will love. She again takes fantasy, magic and mystical beings to a whole new level. Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 11, 2012
Shevata is back and better than ever! I have to hand it to CC Cole for creating a whole new cast of characters that are essential to helping her fight evil and learn what it is like to be human (not an easy task even for those of us who do it everyday).
December 12, 2011
I first read Act of Redemption a long time ago. I really enjoyed the story and was so excited to read this one but I just may have misplaced it for a while (you know you have too many books when you start to misplace them for months at a time!) Just recently I was cleaning my shelves out and I found Children of Discord and was like “Holy Wow! I need to read this book ASAP!” I must say, there was some things I am a little iffy about but for the most part I really like where this series is going!
The part I am kind of on the fence is the world C.C. has in this book. In the last book there were nasty demons, brave heroes brought back from the dead, dragons, etc. However in this book, it seemed almost like a completely different place. Vampires were introduced in this story and the city of Gastar seems so different. Even though I may not have understood this at first and it kind of threw me for a loop, I do understand that this is centuries after the first book. After that much time, I guess it could seem like a completely different world.
Also, in this book Shevata is different. She is still tough as nails and a master with weapons, but she also grows a bit of a soft spot especially for her vampire “prisoner” (she may like to think of him as a prisoner but I like to think she actually enjoys his company.) Sheveta is still up for any battle but I find her to be a lot more likeable in this book (so yes, her new soft spot is a good thing!). Not only was she “nice” to the vampire, but she did help out a few other characters in this book. I like seeing Shevata as more than a killing machine, it gives me hope that she will at least find some sort of peace within the series.
The action is still there in this story and I LOVED it! There was never a dull moment. I was either trying to unravel out a mystery or playing out the action scenes in my head with every turning page. The people of Gastar have grown tougher and a whole lot smarter this time around. They are not ready to back down and let someone else do the dirty work. They are always prepared for a battle, and trust me people, this is quite a battle to be prepared for! Goldeon and had vampire followers are prepared to destroy the city at all costs.
The direction this book took was certainly entertaining. Shevata’s tough personality warmed up a bit but there was still enough action to keep me entertained. I cannot wait to see how book three pulls it all together!
The part I am kind of on the fence is the world C.C. has in this book. In the last book there were nasty demons, brave heroes brought back from the dead, dragons, etc. However in this book, it seemed almost like a completely different place. Vampires were introduced in this story and the city of Gastar seems so different. Even though I may not have understood this at first and it kind of threw me for a loop, I do understand that this is centuries after the first book. After that much time, I guess it could seem like a completely different world.
Also, in this book Shevata is different. She is still tough as nails and a master with weapons, but she also grows a bit of a soft spot especially for her vampire “prisoner” (she may like to think of him as a prisoner but I like to think she actually enjoys his company.) Sheveta is still up for any battle but I find her to be a lot more likeable in this book (so yes, her new soft spot is a good thing!). Not only was she “nice” to the vampire, but she did help out a few other characters in this book. I like seeing Shevata as more than a killing machine, it gives me hope that she will at least find some sort of peace within the series.
The action is still there in this story and I LOVED it! There was never a dull moment. I was either trying to unravel out a mystery or playing out the action scenes in my head with every turning page. The people of Gastar have grown tougher and a whole lot smarter this time around. They are not ready to back down and let someone else do the dirty work. They are always prepared for a battle, and trust me people, this is quite a battle to be prepared for! Goldeon and had vampire followers are prepared to destroy the city at all costs.
The direction this book took was certainly entertaining. Shevata’s tough personality warmed up a bit but there was still enough action to keep me entertained. I cannot wait to see how book three pulls it all together!
March 12, 2012
Many reviewers will tell you that you need to read the earlier books in a series in order to enjoy and/or understand later books in the series. Don’t you believe them! And if you want proof, just pickup and read “Children of Discord: Second book of the Gastar Series.”
Children of Discord plops you down on a planet in the future or some other planet in our galaxy,a place nervously at peace for a few hundred years after wars nearly destroyed everyone.
Swords and knives, magical and otherwise, are the weapons of choice to combat vampires and other mythological creatures.
Into this mix comes two children, Shevata and her arch rival Goldeon, teens hundreds of years old and dating back to the old war to settle old scores and put everyone at risk as they do battle.
Shevata is summoned back to Gastar by a group of unlikely allies. The growing city has forgotten much of its dark history, and the clash of the two dangerous children place the unknowing people of the city in danger.
About the author
C.C.Cole, is the author of the Gastar Series, a series of four novellas when completed, follow teen assassin Shevata as she journeys through the history of her home city of Gastar to seek redemption for her past actions and to regain her soul.
The first novella, "Act of Redemption" was published in 2009. The second novella, "Children of Discord" was published in 2011.
“Mississippi is my home,” says Cole, “I live a suburban life with my family. Schooled in the medical field, along with writing, other interests include martial arts, adopted greyhounds, Medieval and 20th century history.
Summary
With this being a novella, it is a fairly quick read and for many readers because of the intrigue and the desire to find out “what happen next,” the story could be read in one or two reading.
There is a bit of “back and forth” in the time line but I didn’t see this as a problem because much is revealed and Cole doesn’t trip over her intricate plotting.
For fans of dark fantasy and don’t mind seeing some of the “good guys” die, I Highly Recommend Children of Discord.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews