What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curse of the Blessed #2
This Violent Reckoning
A Trio of Fugitives. A Reckless Prince. A Mission for Salvation.
Cast out to sea, Elynor of Bast and her companions embark on a desperate quest.
In order to save Sharek from a cruel death—and halt a war in the making—Elynor, Sharek, and Sylvester are bound for the wilds of faraway Orleth. But far more awaits on the kingdom’s mysterious shores than they could ever imagine; vicious raiders, uncharted wilds, and the depths of desperation, love, and sacrifice lie along the journey. When tragedy befalls and danger abounds, the unlikely trio finds not just aid from strange places, but hidden truths that will alter all they have understood of the past…and the course of their futures.
Prince Jamyson is a royal living impossible lies.
While the kingdom of Erala bows before his infallible father and the Holy Throne, Jamyson knows of the treachery that lives in the halls of his home…and what he knows threatens what he holds most dear. When a mysterious message arrives from his childhood friend just as an unfamiliar face appears in court, spouting accusations and wielding dark schemes, it falls to Jamyson, his loyal servant, and the woman he loves to unravel the plot threatening the heart of their kingdom.
Should any of them fail, it will mean war…and the end of Erala as they know it.
Cast out to sea, Elynor of Bast and her companions embark on a desperate quest.
In order to save Sharek from a cruel death—and halt a war in the making—Elynor, Sharek, and Sylvester are bound for the wilds of faraway Orleth. But far more awaits on the kingdom’s mysterious shores than they could ever imagine; vicious raiders, uncharted wilds, and the depths of desperation, love, and sacrifice lie along the journey. When tragedy befalls and danger abounds, the unlikely trio finds not just aid from strange places, but hidden truths that will alter all they have understood of the past…and the course of their futures.
Prince Jamyson is a royal living impossible lies.
While the kingdom of Erala bows before his infallible father and the Holy Throne, Jamyson knows of the treachery that lives in the halls of his home…and what he knows threatens what he holds most dear. When a mysterious message arrives from his childhood friend just as an unfamiliar face appears in court, spouting accusations and wielding dark schemes, it falls to Jamyson, his loyal servant, and the woman he loves to unravel the plot threatening the heart of their kingdom.
Should any of them fail, it will mean war…and the end of Erala as they know it.
- GenresFantasy
276 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2023
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Renee Dugan
16 books177 followersRenee Dugan is an Indiana-based fantasy author who grew up reading fantasy books, chasing stray cats, and writing stories full of dashing heroes and evil masterminds.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 2, 2023
3.5 Rigging Stars ⭐️
This is very much the definition of it's not you, it's me.
And as much as that sounds cliché, there isn't really another way to frame how I feel about this without saying that I'm the problem. It's not the book. Renee Dugan quite frankly has some of the best high-quality writing I have ever seen! Her mastery of the craft, the mastery of her writing a story and making it so beautiful and lyrical... It's just pure poetry on a page.
I cannot almost fathom how sophisticated and stunning her general prose is throughout the story. And that is truly one of the main things that kept me captivated in this story. However, I have found that I tend to enjoy a story more when there's a larger focus on character development and relationship development versus plot. I could almost have no progression in a plot if it's just pure character development. This is something that I really adored in Book 1 as we were given very complicated characters and were shown how all their layers were peeled back.
It almost feels like we've gone to an opposite extreme in this book as the book starts where Book 1 ended, we already have “developed” characters and further developing them was almost put to the wayside to focus on the plot. This is why I didn’t enjoy it as much because it was very action-packed. There was exponentially more action and plot progression, I feel, than in comparison to the action in book 1 and not much character development.
We did have surprisingly new dynamics and new POVs added, which did add a unique flavour to the story. I appreciated that we went into the head of Gavannon, but that's where I think it got confusing for me, as motivations muddled a little bit and by the end of the story, I was not sure who the actual villain was anymore. And it frustrated me as this new villain felt very one-dimensional in his motivations and actions. And whilst this behaviour is explained, I feel I needed more depth to him or more time in his presence to understand him. I have seen how complex and convoluted RD can write characters and to have this character juxtaposed against that didn’t always work for me.
I personally also wanted to see more yearning in Jamyson for Esmae, a pining that they couldn’t be together. I felt like I hardly know who he was as a character except for his love for his brothers and sisters and this connection was more tangible than his love for Esmae.
This is still a highly engaging fantasy story, so if you want a spectacularly written fantasy story, I would highly recommend this. For me, I primarily read fantasy with romance as a big plot and this book didn't see much growth in the romance for the couples involved. I think that is why it didn't grip me as much as it should. As I said, this is a “me” problem and I would still recommend this book!
Especially if you love:
▶ High fantasy
▶ Quest/Journey
▶ A found family
▶ Political Intrigue
▶ Compelling Worldbuilding
▶ The most beautiful writing you have ever seen.
I received this eARC in exchange for a review!
All thoughts and feelings are my own
This is very much the definition of it's not you, it's me.
And as much as that sounds cliché, there isn't really another way to frame how I feel about this without saying that I'm the problem. It's not the book. Renee Dugan quite frankly has some of the best high-quality writing I have ever seen! Her mastery of the craft, the mastery of her writing a story and making it so beautiful and lyrical... It's just pure poetry on a page.
I cannot almost fathom how sophisticated and stunning her general prose is throughout the story. And that is truly one of the main things that kept me captivated in this story. However, I have found that I tend to enjoy a story more when there's a larger focus on character development and relationship development versus plot. I could almost have no progression in a plot if it's just pure character development. This is something that I really adored in Book 1 as we were given very complicated characters and were shown how all their layers were peeled back.
It almost feels like we've gone to an opposite extreme in this book as the book starts where Book 1 ended, we already have “developed” characters and further developing them was almost put to the wayside to focus on the plot. This is why I didn’t enjoy it as much because it was very action-packed. There was exponentially more action and plot progression, I feel, than in comparison to the action in book 1 and not much character development.
We did have surprisingly new dynamics and new POVs added, which did add a unique flavour to the story. I appreciated that we went into the head of Gavannon, but that's where I think it got confusing for me, as motivations muddled a little bit and by the end of the story, I was not sure who the actual villain was anymore. And it frustrated me as this new villain felt very one-dimensional in his motivations and actions. And whilst this behaviour is explained, I feel I needed more depth to him or more time in his presence to understand him. I have seen how complex and convoluted RD can write characters and to have this character juxtaposed against that didn’t always work for me.
I personally also wanted to see more yearning in Jamyson for Esmae, a pining that they couldn’t be together. I felt like I hardly know who he was as a character except for his love for his brothers and sisters and this connection was more tangible than his love for Esmae.
This is still a highly engaging fantasy story, so if you want a spectacularly written fantasy story, I would highly recommend this. For me, I primarily read fantasy with romance as a big plot and this book didn't see much growth in the romance for the couples involved. I think that is why it didn't grip me as much as it should. As I said, this is a “me” problem and I would still recommend this book!
Especially if you love:
▶ High fantasy
▶ Quest/Journey
▶ A found family
▶ Political Intrigue
▶ Compelling Worldbuilding
▶ The most beautiful writing you have ever seen.
I received this eARC in exchange for a review!
All thoughts and feelings are my own
September 24, 2023
THAT ENDING.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m enjoying this series a lot! There’s a good amount of action, I don’t know quite what’s going to happen next and I really enjoy the leads. Elynor, Sharek and Jamyson are all incredibly well built characters and I love how Dugan writes flawed souls while showcasing their strengths.
The antagonist is the only thing that got me a little. I don’t know quite how to pin it other than it didn’t work as well for me. Otherwise, I am excited for this finale. I thought there were good reveals and my jaw definitely dropped at a scene towards the end. These are a bit shorter fantasy books and I think it’s working great for the plot set-up.
I love Dugan’s writing and story telling.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, a character with a memory condition, executions, near death experiences, kidnapping, torture
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m enjoying this series a lot! There’s a good amount of action, I don’t know quite what’s going to happen next and I really enjoy the leads. Elynor, Sharek and Jamyson are all incredibly well built characters and I love how Dugan writes flawed souls while showcasing their strengths.
The antagonist is the only thing that got me a little. I don’t know quite how to pin it other than it didn’t work as well for me. Otherwise, I am excited for this finale. I thought there were good reveals and my jaw definitely dropped at a scene towards the end. These are a bit shorter fantasy books and I think it’s working great for the plot set-up.
I love Dugan’s writing and story telling.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, a character with a memory condition, executions, near death experiences, kidnapping, torture
April 29, 2023
Wow. I knew Renee could sweep me into a story but the waves (ha 😉) of this story had me hooked until it finished. And now I cannot express how much I wish for the third part to be out already.
There were so many dimensions with Jameson’s part of the story and Elynor’s. As much as I hate Gavennon, I do think his side at the end of the story shows he isn’t fully evil, and I’d love to see how that turns out in the next part.
The reveal about Sharek AND Elynor?? It had me shaken to my core. It was so good.
Conclusion, Renee always knows how to make characters interesting and keep someone in her vivid way of storytelling until the book closes. Every book I fall in love more with her storytelling ♥️
There were so many dimensions with Jameson’s part of the story and Elynor’s. As much as I hate Gavennon, I do think his side at the end of the story shows he isn’t fully evil, and I’d love to see how that turns out in the next part.
The reveal about Sharek AND Elynor?? It had me shaken to my core. It was so good.
Conclusion, Renee always knows how to make characters interesting and keep someone in her vivid way of storytelling until the book closes. Every book I fall in love more with her storytelling ♥️
April 19, 2023
What a ride! As with pretty much all second books in a trilogy, this book left strings untied that I'm desperate to see fulfilled in the finale. However this certainly doesn't suffer from second book syndrome of being inferior to the first book.
This was fantastic, I love the various points of view, and getting to see how the main cast interacted with each other. I adore the sass between Jamyson and Vestan, and Sylvester and... Well everyone to be honest.
They were so witty and fun to read about, even when they're facing horrendous circumstances.
Renee Dugan doesn't pull punches in this book. Some of the scenes were hard to read, but it really built up the characters of some terrible villains.
It was honestly stressful reading, because Renee doesn't write easy ways out. Throughout the book there were so many times where I thought that's it they're safe, only for things to backfire, but I love that. Not once did a solution feel too easy for them, the cast really did suffer, and now I just hope that they'll find happiness in the third book.
This was full of twists and fantastic character interaction, a fantastic second book in a wonderful series.
This was fantastic, I love the various points of view, and getting to see how the main cast interacted with each other. I adore the sass between Jamyson and Vestan, and Sylvester and... Well everyone to be honest.
They were so witty and fun to read about, even when they're facing horrendous circumstances.
Renee Dugan doesn't pull punches in this book. Some of the scenes were hard to read, but it really built up the characters of some terrible villains.
It was honestly stressful reading, because Renee doesn't write easy ways out. Throughout the book there were so many times where I thought that's it they're safe, only for things to backfire, but I love that. Not once did a solution feel too easy for them, the cast really did suffer, and now I just hope that they'll find happiness in the third book.
This was full of twists and fantastic character interaction, a fantastic second book in a wonderful series.
April 30, 2023
Another amazing book by Renee Dugan. She can do no wrong. This book has so much action going on everywhere and each of the separate storylines are amazing.
I love the MCs. Renee has a knack of writing such in depth characters who make you love them and hate them at the same time!!!!
Make sure you get onto this series. I cannot wait for Book 3.
I love the MCs. Renee has a knack of writing such in depth characters who make you love them and hate them at the same time!!!!
Make sure you get onto this series. I cannot wait for Book 3.
May 13, 2023
There are few authors in the world that have the same level of sheer talent that Dugan possesses, and the fact that she is not huge is CRIMINAL.
I loved book one, and this fast-paced, gut wrenching sequel has only solidified this series as one of my favorites yet. Sharek and Elynor's dynamic has been fun to watch develop from the first book, and having a new POV added dimension that helped carry the plot along even as Elynor and Sharek resolved some open ended questions from book one. I loved the introduction of new characters, Vestan specifically, but I also love that this book has more questions than answers. I have no idea who the true antagonist is, and I think that makes things all the more exciting moving into the third book.
THIS is how you execute a riveting, mind-boggling sequel, and I am enamored with the trajectory of Dugan's work.
I loved book one, and this fast-paced, gut wrenching sequel has only solidified this series as one of my favorites yet. Sharek and Elynor's dynamic has been fun to watch develop from the first book, and having a new POV added dimension that helped carry the plot along even as Elynor and Sharek resolved some open ended questions from book one. I loved the introduction of new characters, Vestan specifically, but I also love that this book has more questions than answers. I have no idea who the true antagonist is, and I think that makes things all the more exciting moving into the third book.
THIS is how you execute a riveting, mind-boggling sequel, and I am enamored with the trajectory of Dugan's work.
May 22, 2023
OMG I'm broken, have a serious book hangover and not sure I'll last till the next book. And I LOVE it.
I may get a tad excited everytime a new book by this author releases, so what can I say.
I waited to read this book, because honestly I knew I needed to set aside the time to binge read it. And recover after. And I was so right. IT DESERVES ALL THE STARS!!
This Violent Reckoning is EVERYTHING you need in a fantasy. And you need to go read book 1, This dark Alliance and then this right away.
This book follows Elynor, Sharek and Sylvester as they embark on a dangerous quest to save themselves and avert a war.
And Prince Jamyson as he battles treachery and lies to stop the Kingdom falling.
I loved seeing more of Jamyson in this book, and that he got a great ot twist of his own.
Sharek is one of my absolute favourite MMCs in a book and I love that we see more of his and Elynors connection. With of course twists!
I am though DYING at that cliffhanger ending (and several parts before that) leaving this WIDE open for so much more to happen in book three.
I dont want to give TOO much away here, as this is book 2 in the series but, if you love:
Fantasy
Action and adventure
Peril
Strong FMCs who come into their own
Hints of romance
MCs who will do ANYTHING to protect the ones they love
Hidden powers
Conspiracy
Then this is definitely the series for you. This will be finding a place on my bookshelves for sure.
I may get a tad excited everytime a new book by this author releases, so what can I say.
I waited to read this book, because honestly I knew I needed to set aside the time to binge read it. And recover after. And I was so right. IT DESERVES ALL THE STARS!!
This Violent Reckoning is EVERYTHING you need in a fantasy. And you need to go read book 1, This dark Alliance and then this right away.
This book follows Elynor, Sharek and Sylvester as they embark on a dangerous quest to save themselves and avert a war.
And Prince Jamyson as he battles treachery and lies to stop the Kingdom falling.
I loved seeing more of Jamyson in this book, and that he got a great ot twist of his own.
Sharek is one of my absolute favourite MMCs in a book and I love that we see more of his and Elynors connection. With of course twists!
I am though DYING at that cliffhanger ending (and several parts before that) leaving this WIDE open for so much more to happen in book three.
I dont want to give TOO much away here, as this is book 2 in the series but, if you love:
Fantasy
Action and adventure
Peril
Strong FMCs who come into their own
Hints of romance
MCs who will do ANYTHING to protect the ones they love
Hidden powers
Conspiracy
Then this is definitely the series for you. This will be finding a place on my bookshelves for sure.
July 12, 2023
Loved even more than book 1! Dugan’s writing is top tier. Her mastery of craft, language, and storytelling make reading her books such a magical and all-consuming experience. The addition of Jamyson’s and Gavannon’s POVs expands the world, introducing more characters to love and hate, giving greater insights into the political and magical hierarchies in society, and making readers question who are the true villains.
SHAREK MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!
This book is full of complex characters, political intrigue, fast-paced action, heartfelt moments, emotional damage, dismantling prejudice, and satisfying reveals. Very light on actual romance, but full of feelings. I cannot wait to see what the final book has in store!
SHAREK MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!
This book is full of complex characters, political intrigue, fast-paced action, heartfelt moments, emotional damage, dismantling prejudice, and satisfying reveals. Very light on actual romance, but full of feelings. I cannot wait to see what the final book has in store!
July 3, 2023
This book was intense. I always take a while to get into reading these days, but man! This one really pulled me in at the second half. I loved seeing multiple points of view in this story. And I love short chapters. And that ending. Dang!! Can’t wait for book 3!!
April 15, 2023
Can I give this book more stars? No? That’s not a thing? Sadness.
Renee keeps coming out with banger after banger and I have no idea how someone can be this incredibly talented. Honestly, this book blew me away. I know I say that every time but it’s true!
Now off to go cry because my heart is broken.
Renee keeps coming out with banger after banger and I have no idea how someone can be this incredibly talented. Honestly, this book blew me away. I know I say that every time but it’s true!
Now off to go cry because my heart is broken.
July 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Renee Dugan’s writing is always phenomenal, and This Violent Reckoning was no exception. The story picked up just shortly after This Dark Alliance left off, and I loved meeting new characters and getting to know the old ones even better. It was a riveting story and I can’t wait for book three!
August 24, 2023
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What magical genius will Renee write next?! The second book in this trilogy did NOT disappoint and as always, blew my expectations out of the water. I literally couldn't predict anything that happened in this story. Filled with heartache and tragedy, hope and strength, Renee's writing will leave readers satisfied yet always wanting more of her intricate storytelling.
May 16, 2023
I know it just came out. But I immediately need the next book thanks.
September 24, 2023
Develops the friendships. More twists. Moves at a good pace. Still clean!
July 5, 2024
"I will crawl back from the grave for you" JUST KISS ALREADY OH MY GOD it's been two books of cradling-their-face-in-both-hands-when-almost-dying please just get over your conflicted feelings and make out
March 3, 2024
4.5 Stars!
I’ve very much enjoyed this series! The plot is getting more and more complicated and the stakes are getting higher!
Nothing about these books have I seen coming and I’ve really enjoyed that. It’s very unique and intense.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the romance goes and the friendships blossom and go.
The plot twists were shocking and I’m not okay after them!!
Steam: kissing
TW: violence
I’ve very much enjoyed this series! The plot is getting more and more complicated and the stakes are getting higher!
Nothing about these books have I seen coming and I’ve really enjoyed that. It’s very unique and intense.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the romance goes and the friendships blossom and go.
The plot twists were shocking and I’m not okay after them!!
Steam: kissing
TW: violence
November 20, 2023
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.8 /5
*ARC REVIEW*
I love LOVE this series to the bits 🥺 It definitely exceeds my expectations from the first book and mind you, I absolutely adored it 🥰
I love how the story goes from dual POV from the first book to multiple POVs in this book and is executed so well. The action? The tension? The suspense? Oh my God it's the absolute best. Honestly this book was like an emotional rollercoaster ride for me 🤣 one moment I was like oh so cute 🥰 then crying because whyyyy 🥹
The way Elynor and Sharek went from enemies to friends to lovers really reminded me of Aelin Galathynius and Rowan Whitethorn's relationship (Throne of Glass Series) 💕 Jamyson and Vestan, both of their character dynamics reminded a lot of Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall's dynamic (also from Throne of Glass Series) and I just love that fact because that's one of favourites.
There are so many layers to every character, it makes them feel very realistic. But the only confusing thing to me is that who is the antagonist right now? The King? Gavenon? I mostly think Abigail. It may be the author's way of keeping suspense so yeah 🤷🏻♀️
This series has a very engaging story and if you like high fantasy books its totally for you. I cannot wait for the release of the 3rd book 🤌✨😩
*ARC REVIEW*
I love LOVE this series to the bits 🥺 It definitely exceeds my expectations from the first book and mind you, I absolutely adored it 🥰
I love how the story goes from dual POV from the first book to multiple POVs in this book and is executed so well. The action? The tension? The suspense? Oh my God it's the absolute best. Honestly this book was like an emotional rollercoaster ride for me 🤣 one moment I was like oh so cute 🥰 then crying because whyyyy 🥹
The way Elynor and Sharek went from enemies to friends to lovers really reminded me of Aelin Galathynius and Rowan Whitethorn's relationship (Throne of Glass Series) 💕 Jamyson and Vestan, both of their character dynamics reminded a lot of Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall's dynamic (also from Throne of Glass Series) and I just love that fact because that's one of favourites.
There are so many layers to every character, it makes them feel very realistic. But the only confusing thing to me is that who is the antagonist right now? The King? Gavenon? I mostly think Abigail. It may be the author's way of keeping suspense so yeah 🤷🏻♀️
This series has a very engaging story and if you like high fantasy books its totally for you. I cannot wait for the release of the 3rd book 🤌✨😩
July 29, 2025
I am in love with this series- but then again, Renee Dugan has never failed to capture me regardless of the story I tumble into.
I thought I had purchased the rereleased duology, but my kindle insists I purchased the previously released 3-volume set instead, so bear with me if some things happened elsewhere if I claim it here.
This is the middle of the journey- Sharek, poisoned by Rowan, his fellow Blessed killer, is slowly dying- his only salvation is to sail across the sea to Orlethian soil where Elynor’s mother resides. Her estranged mother’s newly revealed status as a rare Blessed healer could possibly heal him, but there is no sure guarantee. Elynor, with Sylvester and Sharek’s help have stolen one of her father’s small ships with Al-Morral’s men in pursuit.
Here we find our trio facing against slavers and Sharek’s approaching death is a weight growing ever heavier as they make their way across this strange new continent, where they are forced to part in the most heartbreaking of ways.
Be prepared to sob openly- I did, and it wasn’t pretty.
By the time we come full circle back to the shores of Orleth we will have traversed many miles and learned just how close the bonds of love and friendship will go.
We split time between the group here and with Prince Jamyson back in Erala as he tries to hold his family together amid the King’s progression towards madness. The lengths that Al-Morral will go to start a war with Orleth to forward his own perverted personal agenda is absolutely foul as he feeds the King’s growing paranoia to breaking. It is truly sickening how far three individuals- Al-Morral, Abigaile (his lover and Elynor’s former friend) and Rowan- can go to overthrow two kingdoms through their deceptions.
The jump between continents just ups the ante as far as I am concerned, and both groups of characters are interesting and even necessary to the plot. You want to know what is happening on both continents with those who will most effect the outcome of this approaching war that only these few characters are aware of.
As much as I watch the struggle between Sharek and Elynor and their growing trust and devotion, I am equally as drawn to Jamyson, his younger half siblings and his utter devotion and love to a woman kept as a slave due to her father’s traitorous actions.
You can certainly see by the end of this how some of the main troubles could be cleared up if Jamyson were to ascend to the throne and throw off the yoke his forebears placed upon the Hunters and their Blessed descendants.
It’s with this high hope that I head off for the final book and whatever may come.
I thought I had purchased the rereleased duology, but my kindle insists I purchased the previously released 3-volume set instead, so bear with me if some things happened elsewhere if I claim it here.
This is the middle of the journey- Sharek, poisoned by Rowan, his fellow Blessed killer, is slowly dying- his only salvation is to sail across the sea to Orlethian soil where Elynor’s mother resides. Her estranged mother’s newly revealed status as a rare Blessed healer could possibly heal him, but there is no sure guarantee. Elynor, with Sylvester and Sharek’s help have stolen one of her father’s small ships with Al-Morral’s men in pursuit.
Here we find our trio facing against slavers and Sharek’s approaching death is a weight growing ever heavier as they make their way across this strange new continent, where they are forced to part in the most heartbreaking of ways.
Be prepared to sob openly- I did, and it wasn’t pretty.
By the time we come full circle back to the shores of Orleth we will have traversed many miles and learned just how close the bonds of love and friendship will go.
We split time between the group here and with Prince Jamyson back in Erala as he tries to hold his family together amid the King’s progression towards madness. The lengths that Al-Morral will go to start a war with Orleth to forward his own perverted personal agenda is absolutely foul as he feeds the King’s growing paranoia to breaking. It is truly sickening how far three individuals- Al-Morral, Abigaile (his lover and Elynor’s former friend) and Rowan- can go to overthrow two kingdoms through their deceptions.
The jump between continents just ups the ante as far as I am concerned, and both groups of characters are interesting and even necessary to the plot. You want to know what is happening on both continents with those who will most effect the outcome of this approaching war that only these few characters are aware of.
As much as I watch the struggle between Sharek and Elynor and their growing trust and devotion, I am equally as drawn to Jamyson, his younger half siblings and his utter devotion and love to a woman kept as a slave due to her father’s traitorous actions.
You can certainly see by the end of this how some of the main troubles could be cleared up if Jamyson were to ascend to the throne and throw off the yoke his forebears placed upon the Hunters and their Blessed descendants.
It’s with this high hope that I head off for the final book and whatever may come.
June 13, 2025
The story of Elynor, Sharek, and Sylvestor is joined by new faces and new treacheries.
After reading this book, I think I hate the king far more than I hate any of the villains. For spoiler reasons I won't go into detail, but knowing the things that he knows about himself, he knows what decision he ought to make. His pride is sickening. And the things he does, even knowing what's behind it, are things I can't forgive. I honestly hate him more than I hate Gavannon!
Onto happier tidings, I absolutely love Jamyson, Esmae, Vestan, and Jamyson's younger siblings. They're such an amazing group of people. Jamyson is such a great big brother, and I'm praying the ending of this book isn't what it seems on the surface. I feel like it can't have ended the way that it did, there must be something more beneath the surface.
I will be most upset if what seemed to happen really did happen.
I think Jamyson's chapters were the most interesting part of the book. Don't get me wrong, I love Elynor and Sharek together, but some parts of their story were too hard to read. What happens to Elynor in this book was depressing. I skimmed some of her chapters waiting for something good to happen, some levity.
Yet at the same time, the revelations we had concerning Elynor and Sharek! The things we found out in this book made me actually have to sit it down and go "no way."
I'm eager to start on the conclusion and more than a little scared.
After reading this book, I think I hate the king far more than I hate any of the villains. For spoiler reasons I won't go into detail, but knowing the things that he knows about himself, he knows what decision he ought to make. His pride is sickening. And the things he does, even knowing what's behind it, are things I can't forgive. I honestly hate him more than I hate Gavannon!
Onto happier tidings, I absolutely love Jamyson, Esmae, Vestan, and Jamyson's younger siblings. They're such an amazing group of people. Jamyson is such a great big brother, and I'm praying the ending of this book isn't what it seems on the surface. I feel like it can't have ended the way that it did, there must be something more beneath the surface.
I will be most upset if what seemed to happen really did happen.
I think Jamyson's chapters were the most interesting part of the book. Don't get me wrong, I love Elynor and Sharek together, but some parts of their story were too hard to read. What happens to Elynor in this book was depressing. I skimmed some of her chapters waiting for something good to happen, some levity.
Yet at the same time, the revelations we had concerning Elynor and Sharek! The things we found out in this book made me actually have to sit it down and go "no way."
I'm eager to start on the conclusion and more than a little scared.
July 10, 2023
This is a great second book of a series. It builds on the foundation of the first, with plenty of excitement and twists and turns along the way.... and the ending, getting you ready for the third and final book.... WOW.... I'm on edge waiting for book 3 to find out what happens to Jameyson, Elynor, Sharek and company!
September 30, 2023
I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book! Lots more action, adventure, and heart stopping moments.
I loved the added POVs! Prince Jamyson definitely ended up being one of my favorite characters and I was fully invested in what is happening in the royal house. It was also great to see the story from the villain’s POV.
THAT ENDING! 😱 I’m excited and scared to see what happens next.
Content: Kissing, closed door
I loved the added POVs! Prince Jamyson definitely ended up being one of my favorite characters and I was fully invested in what is happening in the royal house. It was also great to see the story from the villain’s POV.
THAT ENDING! 😱 I’m excited and scared to see what happens next.
Content: Kissing, closed door
February 3, 2024
4.5 stars but rounding up.
An excellent second installment. If you liked the first one, you will like this one! I did wish for a little more of Elynor and Sharek and a little less of Al Morral, for obvious reasons. But the pacing and plot and everything else was great!
An excellent second installment. If you liked the first one, you will like this one! I did wish for a little more of Elynor and Sharek and a little less of Al Morral, for obvious reasons. But the pacing and plot and everything else was great!
January 7, 2025
So good! By the time I began this book, I was already hooked on the series! Like This Dark Alliance, This Violent Reckoning did not disappoint! I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews