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Ashtown Burials #2
The Drowned Vault
Fans of both Percy Jackson and Indiana Jones will be captivated by the lost civilizations, ancient secrets, and buried treasure found in the second book of the Ashtown Burials series, action-packed adventure by N. D. Wilson, the author of Leepike Ridge and the 100 Cupboards trilogy.
It's been almost a year since Cyrus and Antigone Smith earned their places as Journeymen at Ashtown, home of an ancient order of explorers that has long guarded the world's secrets and treasures. While their studies go well, Cy and Tigs are not well liked since losing the Dragon's Tooth to the nefarious Dr. Phoenix. The Tooth is the only object in the world capable of killing the long-lived transmortals, and Phoenix has been tracking them down one-by-one, and murdering them.
The surviving transmortals, led by legendary warrior Gilgamesh of Uruk, descend on Ashtown in force, demanding justice. Cy and Tigs find themselves on the run in a desperate search to locate Phoenix and regain the Tooth. In the process, they uncover an evil even more dangerous than Phoenix, one that has been waiting for centuries to emerge.
It's been almost a year since Cyrus and Antigone Smith earned their places as Journeymen at Ashtown, home of an ancient order of explorers that has long guarded the world's secrets and treasures. While their studies go well, Cy and Tigs are not well liked since losing the Dragon's Tooth to the nefarious Dr. Phoenix. The Tooth is the only object in the world capable of killing the long-lived transmortals, and Phoenix has been tracking them down one-by-one, and murdering them.
The surviving transmortals, led by legendary warrior Gilgamesh of Uruk, descend on Ashtown in force, demanding justice. Cy and Tigs find themselves on the run in a desperate search to locate Phoenix and regain the Tooth. In the process, they uncover an evil even more dangerous than Phoenix, one that has been waiting for centuries to emerge.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
56 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
September 16, 2020
I suppose this might be called "young adult" fiction. But that's just stupid. This series is a gripping read for any age. Wilson depicts evil as it ought to be depicted and good as truly as it exists. He weaves ancient and modern stories and myths into a single narrative. It's full of action but not without deep character. And in the up is up and down is down, but not in some sort of cheap, fake happy ending but rather the sort where what's noble lasts and what isn't doesn't.
May 24, 2025
Run faithfully to the end, and like all good men, you will die of having lived.
Reread May 2025. Some of the Latin is incorrect. The story still holds up. I love pitching this book to people because I could just say, oh, it's really good middle-grade fantasy. But I feel like I have to warn you there are undead fish/men, and John Smith is buried underwater, and Pythia of Delphi fame writing prophecies about the Desolation from Daniel, and spiders weaving secret protective socks. Don't worry, the violent Irish monk doesn't show up until the third book.
I promise it really is good middle-grade fantasy though.
Reread May 2025. Some of the Latin is incorrect. The story still holds up. I love pitching this book to people because I could just say, oh, it's really good middle-grade fantasy. But I feel like I have to warn you there are undead fish/men, and John Smith is buried underwater, and Pythia of Delphi fame writing prophecies about the Desolation from Daniel, and spiders weaving secret protective socks. Don't worry, the violent Irish monk doesn't show up until the third book.
I promise it really is good middle-grade fantasy though.
September 10, 2012
Only the man who penned the crazy happy Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl could weave death, dying, life, mortality, snot, sweat, blood, laughter, tears, and resurrection into such a story. Characters hailing from The Dragon's Tooth are back and more awesome than ever. New characters are everywhere: new loves, new hates, new giggles, new eye-rolls. And stepping out of most children's lit into N.D. Wilson's writing is, as always, like stepping from black-and-white into a hi-def color explosion. He lassos this world with words as with a whip, catching the images, the textures, the emotions in a way that grabs us and makes us say, "Yes. That's exactly how it is."
Reading The Drowned Vault is like rolling around in a pile of leaves, and every leaf a truth--truth about man, truth about the world, truth about the devil, truth about the Storyteller of it all. Open your senses. Open your mind. And if you don't open your heart, it'll be open by the end. Get ready to drown.
Reading The Drowned Vault is like rolling around in a pile of leaves, and every leaf a truth--truth about man, truth about the world, truth about the devil, truth about the Storyteller of it all. Open your senses. Open your mind. And if you don't open your heart, it'll be open by the end. Get ready to drown.
August 31, 2018
i think i liked it more this time than last
March 14, 2017
I have a very odd relationship with N.D. Wilson's books. On the one hand, they have everything I know I like in stories: quirky but not overblown prose, very real and solid characters (hooray for teenagers who can be smart and mature but still be very young! hooray for adults who can be cool and imperfect!), and a lot of ties to ancient history, mythology and classics.
But on the other hand, it's really hard to muster any feelings about his stories. They're anything but flat, but they don't really tug at the heartstrings either (and I really like having my heartstrings tugged).
After reading The Dragon's Tooth, I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with this series, but then The Drowned Vault showed up and hey, why not give it another try?
The plot was hard to follow--possibly because it's been awhile since I read The Dragon's Tooth, and possibly because it was presented from the twin views of Cyrus and Antigone (who are in the dark most of the time as to what exactly is going on). There was something slightly frustrating about being stuck in their perspective the majority of the time, but that's probably part of the point. the majority of the first part of the book consisted of being slightly confused and very uneasy as the groundwork for the rest of the story was laid in place, and it took me a while to work through it.
BUT. Once the climax does come around, it's everything you could have hoped for. It's wild and beautiful and epic, in the old sense of the word; and the whole journey there seems suddenly worth it :)
(In a slightly unrelated vein, Nolan is my favorite character and I hope we'll be able to see more of him).
But on the other hand, it's really hard to muster any feelings about his stories. They're anything but flat, but they don't really tug at the heartstrings either (and I really like having my heartstrings tugged).
After reading The Dragon's Tooth, I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue with this series, but then The Drowned Vault showed up and hey, why not give it another try?
The plot was hard to follow--possibly because it's been awhile since I read The Dragon's Tooth, and possibly because it was presented from the twin views of Cyrus and Antigone (who are in the dark most of the time as to what exactly is going on). There was something slightly frustrating about being stuck in their perspective the majority of the time, but that's probably part of the point. the majority of the first part of the book consisted of being slightly confused and very uneasy as the groundwork for the rest of the story was laid in place, and it took me a while to work through it.
BUT. Once the climax does come around, it's everything you could have hoped for. It's wild and beautiful and epic, in the old sense of the word; and the whole journey there seems suddenly worth it :)
(In a slightly unrelated vein, Nolan is my favorite character and I hope we'll be able to see more of him).
January 8, 2026
"Soon, Cyrus, we will face giants." He looked Cyrus in the eye. "I cannot be David. But perhaps, if almighty grace permits, I can be the stone. I am here, tossed by the river, rounded and smoothed by hardship. I am ready to be placed in a sling and thrown."
Here, in the second book of the series, the stakes grow higher. Fellowship, trustworthiness, goodness grows dearer. There’s fear and death and sorrow, but there are also times of laughter, and wide-eyed discovery, and meals around an enormous table as meat comes off the grill.
Antigone swallowed hard and leaned her head back against the bricks. "What are we going to do?"
"This is the valley of the shadow of death," Rupert said quietly. He smiled slightly. "We will fear no evil.”
The tale Wilson has woven is spun with all the surprises and cohesiveness of Arachne’s weaving, introducing us to new characters, new cameos from myths and legend, new peril, and wild new beauty.
It’s a wonderful one. I love this book dearly.
"Son," his father said. "Run faithfully to the end, and like all good men, you will die of having lived.”
⛓️ heads-up for (sometimes gruesome) violence, a villain’s disturbing experimentation on humans, a joke about making out with a squid, and a few uses of bl**dy and b**tard ⛓️
August 15, 2017
Wow. I loved this so much. I actually liked it even better than the first one. So many lovely words. Good lessons. Grand, flawed, perfect characters.
Wow.
Wow.
September 11, 2021
This second installment in the Ashtown Burials was a bit underwhelming for me. Cy and Tigs were less of a thing, and most of the story doesn't actually take place in Ashtown (which was a big part of why the first book was so captivating to me). Also, the writing sometimes feels hastily put together and inelegant, especially toward the last half of the book. Nonetheless, The Drowned Vault, like its prequel, was a relatively fast-paced and enjoyable adventure once I got over my misgivings.
September 14, 2021
Just excellent!
May 19, 2025
5/18/25: this book makes me want to sob!! :) :) me when family and siblings and mentors and the love present in everything ever & that's what Wilson is so incredibly good at
DEATH BY LIVING FIRE EMOJI
a couple of Wilsonisms I picked up along the way that made me feel INSANE ("along the way" meaning spamming paul with every single thought I had about these books):
"I am the Avenger of Blood! Where my brothers fall, there I will be. Where my sisters stumble, there you will find me. My road is paved with shadow, and my bed is made of pain. I am the Keeper of unmarked graves and the walker of forgotten tombs. I am the point of Brendan's spear, and the hunter of Brendan's enemies, wherever they may be. So I have sworn, and so it has been, so it shall be--till Death bend me and the ground take me."
"I cannot be David. But perhaps, if almighty grace permits, I can be the stone. I am here, tossed by the river, rounded and smoothed by hardship. I am ready to be placed in a sling and thrown." p. 282
"Son, run faithfully to the end, and like all good men, you will die of having lived." p. 297
cannot believe Wilson makes me like this iteration of John Smith. love love Arachne and Nolan as always, cheers to everyone else in the fight - Boones and Livingstones and Polygoners. Dixie Mist is the smartest person in this book lowkey. I was so jealous of the training sequences as a kid (except the squid swimming) - I want Arachne to reweave MY bones I hurt bro I'm not even 21 yet. The dynamics of the transmortals is bonkers always and forever. Oh, Dan. Cy and Tigs growing into their roles makes me so happy I love them so much. RUPERT GREEVESSS me when the Christian themes are Right There. Truly I feel like everything in these books has such a sharp sense of wonder I miss in a lot of contemporary fiction - not to be that person, but have we forgotten the glory of the world? Burials are SO COOL I think it's really funny O of B bureaucracy is just overthrown. Everyone is GOING THROUGH IT!!! Things are certainly occurring!!! Everybody's so sharply real in Wilson's books, especially the reluctant hero kids. Lowkey forgot about the antagonists half the time because I was too busy thinking about the Smiths aaahhhhhh
--
2021: listen everytime i reread these books i suddenly gain more of an appreciation for nolan and arachne
DEATH BY LIVING FIRE EMOJI
a couple of Wilsonisms I picked up along the way that made me feel INSANE ("along the way" meaning spamming paul with every single thought I had about these books):
"I am the Avenger of Blood! Where my brothers fall, there I will be. Where my sisters stumble, there you will find me. My road is paved with shadow, and my bed is made of pain. I am the Keeper of unmarked graves and the walker of forgotten tombs. I am the point of Brendan's spear, and the hunter of Brendan's enemies, wherever they may be. So I have sworn, and so it has been, so it shall be--till Death bend me and the ground take me."
"I cannot be David. But perhaps, if almighty grace permits, I can be the stone. I am here, tossed by the river, rounded and smoothed by hardship. I am ready to be placed in a sling and thrown." p. 282
"Son, run faithfully to the end, and like all good men, you will die of having lived." p. 297
cannot believe Wilson makes me like this iteration of John Smith. love love Arachne and Nolan as always, cheers to everyone else in the fight - Boones and Livingstones and Polygoners. Dixie Mist is the smartest person in this book lowkey. I was so jealous of the training sequences as a kid (except the squid swimming) - I want Arachne to reweave MY bones I hurt bro I'm not even 21 yet. The dynamics of the transmortals is bonkers always and forever. Oh, Dan. Cy and Tigs growing into their roles makes me so happy I love them so much. RUPERT GREEVESSS me when the Christian themes are Right There. Truly I feel like everything in these books has such a sharp sense of wonder I miss in a lot of contemporary fiction - not to be that person, but have we forgotten the glory of the world? Burials are SO COOL I think it's really funny O of B bureaucracy is just overthrown. Everyone is GOING THROUGH IT!!! Things are certainly occurring!!! Everybody's so sharply real in Wilson's books, especially the reluctant hero kids. Lowkey forgot about the antagonists half the time because I was too busy thinking about the Smiths aaahhhhhh
--
2021: listen everytime i reread these books i suddenly gain more of an appreciation for nolan and arachne
June 5, 2013
"There is only one Beginning. There is only one place and one moment where the world, life, and time itself began. There is only one Story. It began in the dark.It has many middles and many ends. You and I could chase it for lifetimes and only make it longer by our living. It is too sprawling for these pages and too big for this mouth.We begin in a middle. We trace a smaller arc.This is a story about darkness. About lightness.About blood, and about family. About losing, about finding, about danger and dying, about what happens when the world remembers the oldest of its secret things (and what happens when the world forgets).This is a story about Cyrus and Antigone Smith."
Only N.D. Wilson can open his book up by pretending to tell you how small his story is, while secretly showing you just how enormous is really is. He should really write his own book jackets because after that paragraph, I was in. This series is fantastic. If the rest of the series was out, right now, I would put all other reading aside and finish it. It's that good.
My only problem with it is that the rest of the series isn't out yet, and it has left me with a gigantic book hangover. I've started two books since I finished this one, and I've abandoned them both because they didn't satisfy me, like this one did. It's made me too picky, I think.
Only N.D. Wilson can open his book up by pretending to tell you how small his story is, while secretly showing you just how enormous is really is. He should really write his own book jackets because after that paragraph, I was in. This series is fantastic. If the rest of the series was out, right now, I would put all other reading aside and finish it. It's that good.
My only problem with it is that the rest of the series isn't out yet, and it has left me with a gigantic book hangover. I've started two books since I finished this one, and I've abandoned them both because they didn't satisfy me, like this one did. It's made me too picky, I think.
June 13, 2012
Longer review to come closer to release date. Suffice it to say that Dragon's Tooth (book 1 in this series) is like the slow climb to the top of the first hill in the roller coaster: you can see a wide expanse of excitement ahead, you are noticing all kinds of interesting details, and suspense is building. And you're having fun, but...
Dragon's Tooth is that first plummet over that first steep hill... and you're off immediately on a wild adventure full of twists and turns... and spiders. Did I mention the spiders? (shiver in a fun way)
Dragon's Tooth is that first plummet over that first steep hill... and you're off immediately on a wild adventure full of twists and turns... and spiders. Did I mention the spiders? (shiver in a fun way)
April 27, 2018
Woah, man.
May 25, 2024
This book is awesome! Filled with action, humor, great characters, and just enough creepy moments to be the perfect read! A new favorite!
September 5, 2012
Originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
When I am asked who my favorite authors are, N.D. Wilson's name comes out in the same breath as Megan Whalen Turner and C.S. Lewis. I will buy and read anything he writes. Last year The Dragon's Tooth (my review) made my favorite reads of 2011. It's sequel, The Drowned Vault, is even better. Edge-of-your-seat sometimes, jumping-out-of-it sometimes, cringing-in-it sometimes, bouncing-in-it sometimes, good.
In The Drowned Vault Wilson takes the interestingly intricate world he built in The Dragon's Tooth and kicks it into high gear. Or even higher gear as the first book was pretty intense to begin with. The story is an action packed adventure from start to finish. There is a lot going on and a huge cast of characters to keep track of. In addition to the characters we already know and love (or fear), a whole host of new ones are introduced including Gilgamesh and Arachne. Yes, THE Gilgamesh (as in Epic of) and THE Arachne (as in the myth). There is now not just one super creepy evil villain to deal with, but two. Not to mention the large group of people whose apathy and fear are causing trouble for the heroes. Then there are all the historical references too, which are great fun if you catch them. The genius of Wilson's writing is that he manages to write well developed characters while maintaining a plot that is in hyperdrive. Most writers can do one or the other. It is a rare talent that can do both.
It is about a year since the beginning of Cyrus's journey and he has grown and changed. He grows and changes within the pages of this novel. Toward the end Antigone is concerned that Cyrus is planning to do something dumb, concerned what he might be doing without her there to restrain or talk sense into him. In fact, he is not. The way he handles the trials and choices in this novel shows he has grown in maturity. He learned from his mistakes and is not interested in repeating them. Some of the thing he does in this book are utterly cheer worthy, especially the scene where he tells Diana's dad he is taking his airplane and doesn't really care if he has permission or if the plane comes back in one piece. He is, by no mean, a perfect hero. I wouldn't like him as much if he were. But he is growing, which is what should be happening.The interactions between Cyrus and Antigone continue to be a favorite aspect in this book:
Antigone burst out laughing, "I can't believe how much you screamed. Even after Arachne knocked you out again, though then it was more like you were gargling."
"Har, har," Cyrus said. "Like you would have done better."
"True. But the things is Rus-Rus"...Antigone slid onto the rock beside him, nearly knocking him off-"when I scream like a girl, at least I am, actually, a girl."
Their older brother Dan is featured more this time around as well, making this a truly great sibling story.
Another aspect of the book I love is the number of strong female characters who are a part of the team. Antigone is intelligent and tough. She rises to meet all the physical and emotional challenges thrown at her. When she is faced with putting a squirmy squid over her mouth so she can breathe underwater, she winces and prevaricates, but when it comes down to it she straps it on and does it. Diana can fly planes and is a crack shot with a gun. When the time comes for action she is at the front lines taking down enemies with her excellent shooting skills. Arachne is the only female transmortal Wilson spends significant time on and she is now one of my favorite characters.(Despite the spider army that travels with her. Shudder. I had nightmares due to her little friends. More than once.) She is fierce in her convictions, willing to do what is hard, and makes tremendous sacrifices to overcome the evil being faced.
Again, I like the way the concept of immortality is addressed and am interested in seeing what Wilson does with it and all the transmortal characters. Particularly Nolan and Arachne, both of whom I love. Nolan especially. (He is a deceptively lazy thief. I can't help myself.) I loved this scene where Arachne and Nolan are explaining themselves to their mortal companions:
She glanced at Nolan. "We two still feel like mortals, like death was stolen from us. We are like you, the dying, not like Gil or the Vlads or Radu or Semiramis or even Ponce-those who fought against their own mortality."
George Livingstone adjusted his short blond bulk on the ground. "So...you want to die?"
Arachne nodded. Her ancient blue eyes were lightless and still. And then, slowly, a sun rose within them. She smiled at George, "Just not today. See, I am like every other mortal."
Nolan climbed to his feet, watching loose pine needles slide off his trousers. His face and body still belonged to a boy , but to Cyrus, he seemed as burdened as the oldest man. when he spoke, his voice was low. "There are things on the other side of death that we may never see. Thirsts we may never quench. Tastes these mouths cannot consume. But down here, under the sun, there is nothing new."
Nolan. My heart aches for him and I have a feeling it might break on his account before this series reaches its completion.
I am looking forward to Book 3 more than I can possibly say. It can't come soon enough for me.
I read a version of this book made available via NetGalley. It is released for sale on September 11.
Stay tuned tomorrow for news of a Giveaway involving these amazing books.
When I am asked who my favorite authors are, N.D. Wilson's name comes out in the same breath as Megan Whalen Turner and C.S. Lewis. I will buy and read anything he writes. Last year The Dragon's Tooth (my review) made my favorite reads of 2011. It's sequel, The Drowned Vault, is even better. Edge-of-your-seat sometimes, jumping-out-of-it sometimes, cringing-in-it sometimes, bouncing-in-it sometimes, good.
In The Drowned Vault Wilson takes the interestingly intricate world he built in The Dragon's Tooth and kicks it into high gear. Or even higher gear as the first book was pretty intense to begin with. The story is an action packed adventure from start to finish. There is a lot going on and a huge cast of characters to keep track of. In addition to the characters we already know and love (or fear), a whole host of new ones are introduced including Gilgamesh and Arachne. Yes, THE Gilgamesh (as in Epic of) and THE Arachne (as in the myth). There is now not just one super creepy evil villain to deal with, but two. Not to mention the large group of people whose apathy and fear are causing trouble for the heroes. Then there are all the historical references too, which are great fun if you catch them. The genius of Wilson's writing is that he manages to write well developed characters while maintaining a plot that is in hyperdrive. Most writers can do one or the other. It is a rare talent that can do both.
It is about a year since the beginning of Cyrus's journey and he has grown and changed. He grows and changes within the pages of this novel. Toward the end Antigone is concerned that Cyrus is planning to do something dumb, concerned what he might be doing without her there to restrain or talk sense into him. In fact, he is not. The way he handles the trials and choices in this novel shows he has grown in maturity. He learned from his mistakes and is not interested in repeating them. Some of the thing he does in this book are utterly cheer worthy, especially the scene where he tells Diana's dad he is taking his airplane and doesn't really care if he has permission or if the plane comes back in one piece. He is, by no mean, a perfect hero. I wouldn't like him as much if he were. But he is growing, which is what should be happening.The interactions between Cyrus and Antigone continue to be a favorite aspect in this book:
Antigone burst out laughing, "I can't believe how much you screamed. Even after Arachne knocked you out again, though then it was more like you were gargling."
"Har, har," Cyrus said. "Like you would have done better."
"True. But the things is Rus-Rus"...Antigone slid onto the rock beside him, nearly knocking him off-"when I scream like a girl, at least I am, actually, a girl."
Their older brother Dan is featured more this time around as well, making this a truly great sibling story.
Another aspect of the book I love is the number of strong female characters who are a part of the team. Antigone is intelligent and tough. She rises to meet all the physical and emotional challenges thrown at her. When she is faced with putting a squirmy squid over her mouth so she can breathe underwater, she winces and prevaricates, but when it comes down to it she straps it on and does it. Diana can fly planes and is a crack shot with a gun. When the time comes for action she is at the front lines taking down enemies with her excellent shooting skills. Arachne is the only female transmortal Wilson spends significant time on and she is now one of my favorite characters.(Despite the spider army that travels with her. Shudder. I had nightmares due to her little friends. More than once.) She is fierce in her convictions, willing to do what is hard, and makes tremendous sacrifices to overcome the evil being faced.
Again, I like the way the concept of immortality is addressed and am interested in seeing what Wilson does with it and all the transmortal characters. Particularly Nolan and Arachne, both of whom I love. Nolan especially. (He is a deceptively lazy thief. I can't help myself.) I loved this scene where Arachne and Nolan are explaining themselves to their mortal companions:
She glanced at Nolan. "We two still feel like mortals, like death was stolen from us. We are like you, the dying, not like Gil or the Vlads or Radu or Semiramis or even Ponce-those who fought against their own mortality."
George Livingstone adjusted his short blond bulk on the ground. "So...you want to die?"
Arachne nodded. Her ancient blue eyes were lightless and still. And then, slowly, a sun rose within them. She smiled at George, "Just not today. See, I am like every other mortal."
Nolan climbed to his feet, watching loose pine needles slide off his trousers. His face and body still belonged to a boy , but to Cyrus, he seemed as burdened as the oldest man. when he spoke, his voice was low. "There are things on the other side of death that we may never see. Thirsts we may never quench. Tastes these mouths cannot consume. But down here, under the sun, there is nothing new."
Nolan. My heart aches for him and I have a feeling it might break on his account before this series reaches its completion.
I am looking forward to Book 3 more than I can possibly say. It can't come soon enough for me.
I read a version of this book made available via NetGalley. It is released for sale on September 11.
Stay tuned tomorrow for news of a Giveaway involving these amazing books.
July 3, 2020
This was so good. It's been a long time since a book kept me up late at night because I was unable to put it down. You know a book is good when you find yourself thinking of the characters and how they respond to certain situations while in the middle of something hard in your everyday life, even if what you are dealing with is nothing at all like their situation.
October 5, 2023
More ancient legends coming to life? Yes, please. Siblings saving the world? Sign me up.
Content:
Violence
Content:
Violence
October 8, 2012
The second book of the Ashtown Burials series is not only an outstanding follow-up to the first, it surpasses it. The storyline starts at an almost overwhelming speed, but if you've read the first (and you should) you'll be able to keep up.
There are a number of big surprises along the way and Wilson does a great job of filling in some of the missing context of the first book. Wilson successfully puts the reader in the same shoes as Cyrus and Antigone Smith through only revealing to you what is revealed to them, giving the reader the same sense of danger, confusion, and awe as they experience. The device works well and keeps you gasping for air.
The book, rather than resolving any part of the story, is really just another episode in the conflict between Phoenix, the modern-day Frankenstein, and the faithful Order of Brendan. I was disappointed that nothing was really resolved, but boy, what a story!
This is becoming quite a series and it will be fun to see how it finishes. Perhaps the thing I most enjoyed about this book, at least in contrast to the first, is the more overt spiritual themes of the book. Wilson is clearly not just dealing with flesh and blood in the series, but the principalities and powers of the spiritual realm and their intersection at and war with man and God.
Highly, highly recommended.
There are a number of big surprises along the way and Wilson does a great job of filling in some of the missing context of the first book. Wilson successfully puts the reader in the same shoes as Cyrus and Antigone Smith through only revealing to you what is revealed to them, giving the reader the same sense of danger, confusion, and awe as they experience. The device works well and keeps you gasping for air.
The book, rather than resolving any part of the story, is really just another episode in the conflict between Phoenix, the modern-day Frankenstein, and the faithful Order of Brendan. I was disappointed that nothing was really resolved, but boy, what a story!
This is becoming quite a series and it will be fun to see how it finishes. Perhaps the thing I most enjoyed about this book, at least in contrast to the first, is the more overt spiritual themes of the book. Wilson is clearly not just dealing with flesh and blood in the series, but the principalities and powers of the spiritual realm and their intersection at and war with man and God.
Highly, highly recommended.
July 27, 2022
Wilson needs to follow Gaiman's advice on writing. Gaiman had the idea for The Graveyard Book but humbly realized he wasn't as good of a writer as the idea, so he put it aside for ten or so years, then came back to it. Maybe Wilson should have done this.
Interesting concept. However....for someone who runs down Dickens and Rowling...
1. Too much action and not enough "down time". See Lord of the Rings Trilogy for examples.
2. Too many characters and not enough character development. Moreover, unbelieveable characters. (note esp. Diana's parents are unrealistic.)
3. Pedantic and pontificating. No one wants to read one-liners of advice given to the protege by his mentor right before a mission. If the author can't get truth across in more subtle ways than that, he needs to practice writing more.
Interesting concept. However....for someone who runs down Dickens and Rowling...
1. Too much action and not enough "down time". See Lord of the Rings Trilogy for examples.
2. Too many characters and not enough character development. Moreover, unbelieveable characters. (note esp. Diana's parents are unrealistic.)
3. Pedantic and pontificating. No one wants to read one-liners of advice given to the protege by his mentor right before a mission. If the author can't get truth across in more subtle ways than that, he needs to practice writing more.
Want to read
April 25, 2012I am dying to read this book!!!!!! Everything N.D.Wilson is incredible!!!! I read Dragons tooth (in about 48 hours) and LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 23, 2012
Ready for book 3!
September 15, 2012
I adored this book! I enjoyed the first one in the series but this one took it to another level of delight and is definitely my favorite of the two. Highly recommend!
February 9, 2020
Read! Yay! Done with! On to the next one!
March 20, 2018
The Drowned Vault is the second book in the Ashtown Burials series. It follows the continued story of Cyrus and Antigone after the events of the last book, and them dealing with the consequences of their mistakes. With Phoenix
July 3, 2021
What a fun read! Second book in the Ashtown novels. Loved all the Greek and Roman Mythology interspersed throughout. Loved the growth of our main character Cyrus. Can’t wait to see how this ends in the next story Empire of Bones.
December 2, 2023
4.5 // A great continuation of the series, with the world of the O of B expanding dramatically. There’s some great character development, especially for Cyrus and Antigone (though some minor characters feel left out in the cold), and the story kept me interested. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
October 20, 2017
Better than book 1.
September 18, 2020
Just as thrilling as the first book. Story and new characters developed well. Left you perfectly hanging. Can't wait to start the third book!
December 28, 2020
My favorite N.D. Wilson book I've read so far. Such a good book! My only complaint is that I need more! Lucky for me there are more books. On to book #3!
February 16, 2021
Very good, N.D.Wilson weaves a fantastic story full of memorable characters and wonderful suspense.
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