The Lodge & the Tribe

The Living Sword Chronicles #2

by Angelo Tsanatelis

Thomas knew right from the start the old book was important, but the moment he begins to read, learn and understand the secrets of the old, long lost diary, a world he never thought it existed, emerges from the darkness. A world of hidden societies and creatures beyond his wildest fantasy. A world of lies, secret plans and battles fought, since the dawn of time. Soon he finds himself in a desperate struggle for his own survival, his life a never-ending horror trip with him the reluctant participant.
Because the forbidden words of the long dead Johannes Taub, are so much more than a well of forgotten knowledge or a random stroke of luck; for to know of the Lodge and speak of the Tribe isn't just imprudent or unwise, it's deadly.

This is the sequel to the The Living Sword Chronicles Book I: Origins.

2nd Edition

The alley was lit for a moment, the blackness withdrawn momentarily. He saw her standing a few feet away from the armed vampire, a woman with straight very long hair, the color of coal. Eyes open in wonderment on an angelic face wearing, men’s black leather trousers and a same colored leather corset, the clothes of a whore. Many things happened at the same time after that. The shadows had hidden her again from him, the sword said something that he completely missed, and he was thrown violently backwards, a familiar burning pain in his chest.

Genres: Dark Fantasy, Vampires, Fantasy, Romance

528 pages, ebook

First published August 15, 2011

About the author

Angelo (Aggelos) Tsanatelis was born in Athens, Greece on Octomber 24th 1979. He lived for seven years in Bulgaria, where he studied Law at the University of Sofia. During his studies he traveled in Europe and Africa, taking part in 'famously daring expeditions' , visited mysterious locations or simply searched for hidden treasures in the most unlikely o' places' as he quoted himself in a interview in 2012.

After he finished his studies he worked in the private sector for several years before he realized his childhood dream and became an author.

He's currently working with Grimdux on the Old Realms series. A completely new fantasy world and novels.

for more info Biography from Wikia

Reviews

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark and complex story is told through the eyes of many of the participants in this sequel of epic proportions. Where the Origins had just a handful of characters forcing you to stick with them whether you liked them or not, this rather long (print edition at 528 pages) book has quite a abundance both primary and secondary. So much so that some of them are mentioned almost in passing. None of the above makes it a difficult to understand or read story. It is plainly written with some minor flaws and flows like a decent cup of wine. Not great but good enough to make you want to read the next installment in the series, the Servant of the Princess. Best character for me the villainous coward Rousse, an immortal black adder. While there are vampires in this one, they never take over the story, preserved probably what builds up to be a very long third volume. The ending was so and so, but considering what I've read from indie authors this is an above average book. Final words? a good solid read, 3.75 stars.

that is my review from Smashwords.

[Ingred Olesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ride in the 18th century Paris. Good story overall, with many subplots running simultaneously and with a sinister dark protagonist, a half-vampire and half-demon creature that is as much charming as it is brutal. I enjoyed it, a fantastic effort from a indie author that writes with purpose. 4.5 stars

[Viviane Langrou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relentless drive through pro-revolution Paris, strange and bloody as much as beautiful at times. A story that requires a very strong stomach, dark and powerful with characters extremely flawed, full of dirty secrets and vices. A protagonist that you will hate, because he's an arrogant and cunning monster, a lying but deadly, shell of a man, a dark hero in the true sense of the word that only after grasping the true nature of the events unfolding around him, he'll reach a small semblance of redemption in our eyes and become a little more likable... Barely.
I enjoyed it immensely, it gave me almost no dull moment but for the conclusion of some of the sub-stories and especially the end of one of the main characters that left me almost angry. But then again I like it when that happens. Some minor flaws but overall a brilliant effort. Four and a half stars easily.

I read the kindle edition and because there are parts written in Latin, French and even German, although translated adequately, it helped me a lot at times.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Dark Fantasy. That is how I can describe this extremely satisfying story without spilling out the plot. Having read the 1st novel Origins, probably helped me understand some of the difficult parts of this very complex tale, a tale that is set both at the present time and in the distant past. Huge, at least three times the length of the first book.
I enjoyed the parts about the pre-revolution 18th century Paris a lot, but what I liked best was the absence of a typical fantasy-genre, good character. The fact that I believe the nicest of the lot was a skilled assassin with a strange name tells all.
Although sex isn't the focal point in this one, whatever is there makes it an adult book. It doesn't shy away from themes either as I found at least a couple of lesbian and gay scenes thrown in the mix. There is a fair amount of nudity, harsh language and an abundance of brutal violence.
As I said at the beginning it is a great dark fantasy novel and is as much a sequel as a standalone book. 4.5 stars because I wanted a better cliffhanger.