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Guadel Chronicles #2
Thawed Fortunes
Va'del should have been returning to a hero's welcome. In saving Jain, he also saved his people from a threat that the entire Guadel Council had been powerless to stop. Instead he once again finds himself caught between rival power blocks as his people teeter on the brink of disaster. A mission to the most likely source of a new set of attacks may result in a solution that will save the only way of life Va'del's ever known; but at what price? Publisher's Readers new to The Guadel Chronicles should begin with Frozen Prospects (currently free). Thawed Fortunes is followed by Brittle Bonds.
- GenresFantasy
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2011
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 20, 2017
Exciting story.
I read this second book faster than the first one because it was packed full of exciting action. It is an excellent second part of this unique story. Well worth reading.
I read this second book faster than the first one because it was packed full of exciting action. It is an excellent second part of this unique story. Well worth reading.
September 18, 2012
I read this and the first in the series back to back, so I'm going to combine their reviews.
I came across them from a Facebook ad that compared them to the Wheel of Time series... That's not really very accurate. Since the Wheel of Time comparison is what brought me to read the books, I want to address that first. There is a guy, of questionable parentage, with the inklings of unusual power and abilities. There is a secretive hierarchy who don't want to accept what he represents and work hard to channel his emerging talents to their own ends. There are swords and magic involved.
But these books don't have the raw number of characters, peoples, nations, religious groups, or relationships involved in the Wheel of Time. There aren't the layers or subtleties involved in trying to keep track of the Wheel of Time world. The complexity and scale that makes the WOT books enjoyable isn't present here.
That being said, these books were a lot of fun. The characters progress quickly. I found myself liking them pretty easily. The story is really very straight forward. There isn't a whole lot of twisting and turning. There is action, but its not overly complex to follow.
To go back to the WOT analogy, this reads similar to a single thread of the 30 some odd threads woven there.
All in all, a fun quick introduction to some characters I would be happy to spend more time with, and a little world that has some interesting potential to expand and grow.
I came across them from a Facebook ad that compared them to the Wheel of Time series... That's not really very accurate. Since the Wheel of Time comparison is what brought me to read the books, I want to address that first. There is a guy, of questionable parentage, with the inklings of unusual power and abilities. There is a secretive hierarchy who don't want to accept what he represents and work hard to channel his emerging talents to their own ends. There are swords and magic involved.
But these books don't have the raw number of characters, peoples, nations, religious groups, or relationships involved in the Wheel of Time. There aren't the layers or subtleties involved in trying to keep track of the Wheel of Time world. The complexity and scale that makes the WOT books enjoyable isn't present here.
That being said, these books were a lot of fun. The characters progress quickly. I found myself liking them pretty easily. The story is really very straight forward. There isn't a whole lot of twisting and turning. There is action, but its not overly complex to follow.
To go back to the WOT analogy, this reads similar to a single thread of the 30 some odd threads woven there.
All in all, a fun quick introduction to some characters I would be happy to spend more time with, and a little world that has some interesting potential to expand and grow.
July 14, 2014
This is the second book in a fantastic Fantasy series that is getting better and better. I gave Frozen Prospects 4 out of 5 stars but Thawed Fortunes is definitely worth a 5!
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action packed both with physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action packed both with physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
June 22, 2011
Thawed Fortunes by Dean Murray begins right where Frozen Prospects (The Guadel Chronicles) left off. Va'del is still struggling to find acceptance with the Guadel and himself. The Stephens bloodline is still in Va'del's corner, but their hands are tied in almost every situation. Jain is still around and remain a solid presence in his life.
This book reveals a lot more of the political structure of the Gualdel and provides an insight into the lowlands. I personally enjoyed the story of Thawed Fortunes a little more than Frozen Prospects (The Guadel Chronicles) since it has some more character development and a much wider range of scenery. It is nice to see Va'del start to believe in himself and come into his own as a man (although I will admit I am a sucker for a good underdog story). I am really looking forward to how the rest of the series will play out.
This book reveals a lot more of the political structure of the Gualdel and provides an insight into the lowlands. I personally enjoyed the story of Thawed Fortunes a little more than Frozen Prospects (The Guadel Chronicles) since it has some more character development and a much wider range of scenery. It is nice to see Va'del start to believe in himself and come into his own as a man (although I will admit I am a sucker for a good underdog story). I am really looking forward to how the rest of the series will play out.
February 6, 2012
I don't give a book 5 stars very often but I really thought this book was really interesting. I was reluctant to give the first book "Frozen Prospects (The Guadel Chronicles Volume 1)" 5 stars because I wasn't sure if the series was worth my time but I like how this book gave it closure and I found it very different and memorable from other books so I gave it 5 stars.
November 5, 2015
Once again I enjoyed this author's work. The story continues from the first book Frozen Prospects and held my interest to the end. There was plenty of action and conflict to make the story interesting and satisfying resolutions. Hope there is more to the story
February 2, 2016
I'm frustrated that things are still so difficult for the protagonist. I hope things improve in the next book. I'm getting sick of how bad things keep going. There should be some good once in a while to balance it out. Too dark for my tastes.
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July 13, 2012loved it
January 7, 2013
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews