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Order of Darkness #2
Stormbringers
The second book in a YA quartet filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory.
The year is 1453, and the end of the world is closer than ever.
As Luca and Isolde continue their journey, their attraction grows with each passing day. Even as they try to remain focused on the mysteries they’ve been ordered to investigate, the tension between them builds.
Their budding, illicit relationship is put on hold when a boy, Johann, and his army of children arrive in town. Johann claims to have divine orders to lead the children across Europe to the Holy Land, and the townspeople readily accept his claims. Luca wants to believe, but his training tells him to question everything...but when Johann’s prophecy begins to come true, Luca wonders if they have finally stumbled upon a real miracle.
Yet even the greatest miracles have the potential for darkness…and the chaos that follows Johann is unlike anything anyone could have imagined.
The second in Philippa Gregory’s four-book series delves further into a forbidden romance and an epic quest as secrets about The Order of Darkness are finally revealed...
The year is 1453, and the end of the world is closer than ever.
As Luca and Isolde continue their journey, their attraction grows with each passing day. Even as they try to remain focused on the mysteries they’ve been ordered to investigate, the tension between them builds.
Their budding, illicit relationship is put on hold when a boy, Johann, and his army of children arrive in town. Johann claims to have divine orders to lead the children across Europe to the Holy Land, and the townspeople readily accept his claims. Luca wants to believe, but his training tells him to question everything...but when Johann’s prophecy begins to come true, Luca wonders if they have finally stumbled upon a real miracle.
Yet even the greatest miracles have the potential for darkness…and the chaos that follows Johann is unlike anything anyone could have imagined.
The second in Philippa Gregory’s four-book series delves further into a forbidden romance and an epic quest as secrets about The Order of Darkness are finally revealed...
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First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Philippa Gregory
133 books36.6k followersDR PHILIPPA GREGORY studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
May 2, 2024
I'm working on a real review, but here are some feelings I had while reading this awful book.
This book is so dry, and boring I felt like I was reading it forever - not just three days.
(I know that feeling, Rose...)
The characters are just as dull, bland, and flat as they were in Changeling.
To Luca, Isolde, Freize, and Ishraq:
I made it to 65 pages before the end before I had to say:
Will I ever, ever read another book in this series?
If I am ever tempted to read the forthcoming sequel(s), even for a hate read or a this-is-so-bad-it's-hilarious type of entertainment, please do this to me:
I think it's safe to say that, after turning the angry review I'm writing for this, that Simon Pulse will never accept me again.
This book is so dry, and boring I felt like I was reading it forever - not just three days.
(I know that feeling, Rose...)
The characters are just as dull, bland, and flat as they were in Changeling.
To Luca, Isolde, Freize, and Ishraq:
I made it to 65 pages before the end before I had to say:
Will I ever, ever read another book in this series?
If I am ever tempted to read the forthcoming sequel(s), even for a hate read or a this-is-so-bad-it's-hilarious type of entertainment, please do this to me:
I think it's safe to say that, after turning the angry review I'm writing for this, that Simon Pulse will never accept me again.
September 19, 2015
Rating Clarification: 3.5 stars
In the second installment of the Order of Darkness, Luca, Freize, Isolde and Ishraq continue on their journey through Christendom where Luca is chartered with investigating for the church the ‘end of days’. They come across a children’s crusade with leads to tragedy, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and ultimately the slave galley raids that drive Luca to wonder where his parents might be. Because of the destruction of the tsunami and earthquake, Isolde and Ishraq are once again accused of being witches and Stormbringers.
Luca and Freize stand by their friends and see them through the accusations. Toward the end of the novel, Luca is ordered by his commander to investigate the mysterious gold coins that are beginning circulation, so he must travel to Venice, the great trading center of the medieval world, to trace the new currency. At the same time, Luca is battling with his personal quest of finding his father at a time when Christendom is facing danger from their enemies.
Overall, I enjoyed witnessing the character development taking place in this novel.
Luca is battling with wanting to find his parents and serving the Order, while at the same time developing feelings for Isolde. Freize is showing his strong and humorous side and ultimately demonstrating how tight his bond with to Luca really is. Isolde’s sense of privilege comes out in this installment, which I was wondering where it was all along. She showed it when she turned against Ishraq in a fit of jealousy, and I can attribute that to her never facing so much danger that lashing out was inevitable. Ishraq is coming into her own and wanting to be more than a servant/companion to Isolde. She’s willing to challenge the definition of who she should be, which caused a strain between her and Isolde in this book.
This book was rich with historical fiction and character development that I can’t wait to see what the next installment has in store. Very intriguing!
In the second installment of the Order of Darkness, Luca, Freize, Isolde and Ishraq continue on their journey through Christendom where Luca is chartered with investigating for the church the ‘end of days’. They come across a children’s crusade with leads to tragedy, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and ultimately the slave galley raids that drive Luca to wonder where his parents might be. Because of the destruction of the tsunami and earthquake, Isolde and Ishraq are once again accused of being witches and Stormbringers.
Luca and Freize stand by their friends and see them through the accusations. Toward the end of the novel, Luca is ordered by his commander to investigate the mysterious gold coins that are beginning circulation, so he must travel to Venice, the great trading center of the medieval world, to trace the new currency. At the same time, Luca is battling with his personal quest of finding his father at a time when Christendom is facing danger from their enemies.
Overall, I enjoyed witnessing the character development taking place in this novel.
Luca is battling with wanting to find his parents and serving the Order, while at the same time developing feelings for Isolde. Freize is showing his strong and humorous side and ultimately demonstrating how tight his bond with to Luca really is. Isolde’s sense of privilege comes out in this installment, which I was wondering where it was all along. She showed it when she turned against Ishraq in a fit of jealousy, and I can attribute that to her never facing so much danger that lashing out was inevitable. Ishraq is coming into her own and wanting to be more than a servant/companion to Isolde. She’s willing to challenge the definition of who she should be, which caused a strain between her and Isolde in this book.
This book was rich with historical fiction and character development that I can’t wait to see what the next installment has in store. Very intriguing!
June 3, 2013
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
My Summary: When Luca, Isolde, and their companions set out on their journey, they never expected to be swept up in the strange superstitious fears of a tiny town along the road. Approached by a self-proclaimed 'saint' and a group of wayward children, the five are baffled to discover the townspeople fear... well, almost everything.
Instructed by the Order to investigate this wild claim, Luca, Frieze, and Brother Peter attempt to discern whether or not Johann is a true believer or if he is simply executing an elaborate con. But things go horribly wrong, and the five travelers find themselves in more danger than they ever could have imagined....
My Thoughts: In this second installment of Philippa Gregory's Order of Darkness series, we see our foursome continue on the quest for truth in the world of Christianity. We see the relationship between Isolde and Luca grow as the journey progresses, with each perilous step bringing them closer to the sinister truth - and to each other.
I've always been a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's. Her trademark world-building was evident in this novel as well as in the first installment, and her attention to detail really brought Isolde and Luca's world to life in my mind. The pacing was very well thought-out, and I never felt like the story dragged. There was also a lot of symbolism present, adding that extra element of intrigue to the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: A really enjoyable read for those who love historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. I'm already anxiously awaiting the third installment!
My Summary: When Luca, Isolde, and their companions set out on their journey, they never expected to be swept up in the strange superstitious fears of a tiny town along the road. Approached by a self-proclaimed 'saint' and a group of wayward children, the five are baffled to discover the townspeople fear... well, almost everything.
Instructed by the Order to investigate this wild claim, Luca, Frieze, and Brother Peter attempt to discern whether or not Johann is a true believer or if he is simply executing an elaborate con. But things go horribly wrong, and the five travelers find themselves in more danger than they ever could have imagined....
My Thoughts: In this second installment of Philippa Gregory's Order of Darkness series, we see our foursome continue on the quest for truth in the world of Christianity. We see the relationship between Isolde and Luca grow as the journey progresses, with each perilous step bringing them closer to the sinister truth - and to each other.
I've always been a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's. Her trademark world-building was evident in this novel as well as in the first installment, and her attention to detail really brought Isolde and Luca's world to life in my mind. The pacing was very well thought-out, and I never felt like the story dragged. There was also a lot of symbolism present, adding that extra element of intrigue to the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: A really enjoyable read for those who love historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. I'm already anxiously awaiting the third installment!
May 14, 2018
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book at all. The story completely failed to engage me and I even started to dislike most of the characters, not to mention the weird love square (if there's even such an expression) which formed itself as I was reading. I'd give adult books by Philippa Gregory a try, but definitely won't finish this series.
August 24, 2019
If you have not read the first book then I do recommend in doing so before reading this review.
I was a bit reserved to continue this series as I did not think highly of the first book Changeling. In fact I gave it two stars as I did find it rather boring. I am glad to say things have picked up quite a bit in this follow on. This novel starts off where we left the characters in Changeling. Four quite different characters on a mission for the church to seek out signs of the devil and the end of the world. There is a lot of religion in this book, not being religious I do sort of glaze over a little bit as it can get a little stuffy. However, this one I did enjoy more, maybe because there was more happening? The characters are all getting to know one another a bit better so rifts are starting to form. It isn’t very exciting, it’s a bit bland, I am persevering only on the fact this is written by my favourite author. I cannot tell where this is heading and I am not the most enthused to find out. I have got the third book awaiting on my TBR pile so I will continue with the series but it isn’t my favourite thing to read. I much prefer her adult novels. I would suggest giving this series a miss and picking up the Other Boleyn Girl instead.
I was a bit reserved to continue this series as I did not think highly of the first book Changeling. In fact I gave it two stars as I did find it rather boring. I am glad to say things have picked up quite a bit in this follow on. This novel starts off where we left the characters in Changeling. Four quite different characters on a mission for the church to seek out signs of the devil and the end of the world. There is a lot of religion in this book, not being religious I do sort of glaze over a little bit as it can get a little stuffy. However, this one I did enjoy more, maybe because there was more happening? The characters are all getting to know one another a bit better so rifts are starting to form. It isn’t very exciting, it’s a bit bland, I am persevering only on the fact this is written by my favourite author. I cannot tell where this is heading and I am not the most enthused to find out. I have got the third book awaiting on my TBR pile so I will continue with the series but it isn’t my favourite thing to read. I much prefer her adult novels. I would suggest giving this series a miss and picking up the Other Boleyn Girl instead.
July 24, 2014
Pasaules gala gaidas turpinās, ir 1453. gads, Konstantinopole ir kritusi, bērni dodas Krusta karā, un pasaule ir dīvainu zīmju pilna. Tumsas ordenis ir gatavs darīt visu, lai novērstu pasaules galu, taču, lai to izdarītu viņiem ir nepieciešama informācija. Galvenokārt viņus interesē mistiski, pārdabiski un neizskaidrojami atgadījumi, bet tādu atrašanu nevar uzticēt lētticīgiem ļautiņiem. Te ir vajadzīgs racionāls cilvēks, kas aiz māņiem spēj saskatīt lietu patieso būtību. Lukam ir jānovēro pasaulē notiekošais un redzētais jāpaziņo ordeņa vadībai. Viņš neceļo viens, viņam līdzi ir devies viņa bērnības draugs Freize, ordeņa pārstāvis Pēteris un Izolde ar savu kalponi Išraku.
Lasot šo sēriju, ir jāsaprot, ka šeit nav nekāds nopietnais viduslaiku detektīvs, lai gan pati viduslaiku atmosfēra ir diezgan labi atainota. Speciāli pārbaudīju vecās kartes ar vietu nosaukumiem, mājokļu iekārtojumu aprakstus un mazgāšanās paradumus. Tā kā ar šo sadaļu, vismaz pirmajā acu uzmetienā viss ir kārtībā.
Patīk, ka autore ir iepinusi savā stāstījumā reliģiskās dogmas. Jā, tās ir nedaudz virspusīgas, bet galu galā Luka jau arī nemaz nav iesvētīts garīdznieks, un ko gan no klostera izmukusi meitene saprot no teoloģijas niansēm. Taču tas nav liedzis autorei ielikt savā stāstījumā Bībeles iedvesmotu sižetu. Te ir atsauces uz Noa, uz Jonu un vali, uz jūras pašķiršanu un maizes un zivju dalīšanu. Vienubrīd pat sāku domāt, vai tikai tas viss nav kāda viltīga līdzība, kas nes sevī dziļāku jēgu, bet šķiet, ka nē. Toties sižetam tas piešķir savdabīgu dinamiku un pastiprina piedzīvojumu garšu īstā viduslaiku stilā un izpratnē.
Lai arī autore pēcvārdā apgalvo, ka šīs grāmatas notikumi ir pārkaluši varoņus par pieaugušiem cilvēkiem, es tam tomēr negribētu piekrist. Jā, viņiem ir vērojama izaugsme. Lukam acīmredzot drīz būs jāizvēlas starp mīlestību un pienākumu, Išrakai (viduslaiku arābu feministe) būs jāatrod vieta sabiedrībā, kurā viņa ir neticīgā un formāli skaitās savas draudzenes verdzene. Izoldei, šķiet, lielākās problēmas sagādā jautājums vai ieķerties mūka kandidātā ir grēks vai nav, un ko darīt ar savu greizsirdību pret draudzeni. Pēc varoņu problēmām ir skaidrs, ka šī ir pusaudžu literatūra, kurā galvenais uzsvars likts uz pirmo mīlestību un spraigiem piedzīvojumiem, kas satuvina galvenos varoņus. Nedaudz gan uzzinām par viņu pagātni un slēptajām vēlmēm, dažreiz viņi izpauž arī pa emocijai, bet tas viss notiek tikai stresa situācijās un izskatās nedaudz samāksloti.
Komanda nokomplektēta pēc žanra standartiem, Luka - analītiskais prāts, Freize - dzīvnieku draugs, Išraka - cilvēks - noslēpums, ja vajadzēs viņai vienmēr būs problēmas atrisinājums no Platona darbu citēšanas līdz austrumu cīņas meistara cienīgiem trikiem, Pēteris - cilvēks, kas notur jauniešus grožos un Izolde - Izolde te vairāk ir kā Lukas meitene (viņš gan pats par to vēl nezina), smuka dekorācija.
Sižets - viens vienīgs piedzīvojums, kuram, šķiet, galu neredz neviens. Jo Apokalipse var atnākt un var arī neatnākt. Līdz tai vēl jānodzīvo un, kas var būt labāks kā ceļot ar grāmatas varoņiem pa viduslaiku Eiropu. Grāmata nevienā mirklī nav garlaicīga un izlasās vienā paņēmienā. Labi, kāds pie tā varbūt vainos teikumu īsumu vai valodas vienkāršību, bet man patika. Laba izklaide un atslodze no ikdienas darbiem. Vienīgais ko autore vēl īsti nav apguvusi - pārliecinoši nobeigt kādu grāmatas varoni, tā, lai lasītājam nebūtu nekādas cerības viņu redzēt atkal.
Lasot šo sēriju, ir jāsaprot, ka šeit nav nekāds nopietnais viduslaiku detektīvs, lai gan pati viduslaiku atmosfēra ir diezgan labi atainota. Speciāli pārbaudīju vecās kartes ar vietu nosaukumiem, mājokļu iekārtojumu aprakstus un mazgāšanās paradumus. Tā kā ar šo sadaļu, vismaz pirmajā acu uzmetienā viss ir kārtībā.
Patīk, ka autore ir iepinusi savā stāstījumā reliģiskās dogmas. Jā, tās ir nedaudz virspusīgas, bet galu galā Luka jau arī nemaz nav iesvētīts garīdznieks, un ko gan no klostera izmukusi meitene saprot no teoloģijas niansēm. Taču tas nav liedzis autorei ielikt savā stāstījumā Bībeles iedvesmotu sižetu. Te ir atsauces uz Noa, uz Jonu un vali, uz jūras pašķiršanu un maizes un zivju dalīšanu. Vienubrīd pat sāku domāt, vai tikai tas viss nav kāda viltīga līdzība, kas nes sevī dziļāku jēgu, bet šķiet, ka nē. Toties sižetam tas piešķir savdabīgu dinamiku un pastiprina piedzīvojumu garšu īstā viduslaiku stilā un izpratnē.
Lai arī autore pēcvārdā apgalvo, ka šīs grāmatas notikumi ir pārkaluši varoņus par pieaugušiem cilvēkiem, es tam tomēr negribētu piekrist. Jā, viņiem ir vērojama izaugsme. Lukam acīmredzot drīz būs jāizvēlas starp mīlestību un pienākumu, Išrakai (viduslaiku arābu feministe) būs jāatrod vieta sabiedrībā, kurā viņa ir neticīgā un formāli skaitās savas draudzenes verdzene. Izoldei, šķiet, lielākās problēmas sagādā jautājums vai ieķerties mūka kandidātā ir grēks vai nav, un ko darīt ar savu greizsirdību pret draudzeni. Pēc varoņu problēmām ir skaidrs, ka šī ir pusaudžu literatūra, kurā galvenais uzsvars likts uz pirmo mīlestību un spraigiem piedzīvojumiem, kas satuvina galvenos varoņus. Nedaudz gan uzzinām par viņu pagātni un slēptajām vēlmēm, dažreiz viņi izpauž arī pa emocijai, bet tas viss notiek tikai stresa situācijās un izskatās nedaudz samāksloti.
Komanda nokomplektēta pēc žanra standartiem, Luka - analītiskais prāts, Freize - dzīvnieku draugs, Išraka - cilvēks - noslēpums, ja vajadzēs viņai vienmēr būs problēmas atrisinājums no Platona darbu citēšanas līdz austrumu cīņas meistara cienīgiem trikiem, Pēteris - cilvēks, kas notur jauniešus grožos un Izolde - Izolde te vairāk ir kā Lukas meitene (viņš gan pats par to vēl nezina), smuka dekorācija.
Sižets - viens vienīgs piedzīvojums, kuram, šķiet, galu neredz neviens. Jo Apokalipse var atnākt un var arī neatnākt. Līdz tai vēl jānodzīvo un, kas var būt labāks kā ceļot ar grāmatas varoņiem pa viduslaiku Eiropu. Grāmata nevienā mirklī nav garlaicīga un izlasās vienā paņēmienā. Labi, kāds pie tā varbūt vainos teikumu īsumu vai valodas vienkāršību, bet man patika. Laba izklaide un atslodze no ikdienas darbiem. Vienīgais ko autore vēl īsti nav apguvusi - pārliecinoši nobeigt kādu grāmatas varoni, tā, lai lasītājam nebūtu nekādas cerības viņu redzēt atkal.
August 21, 2023
An easy read and an improvement on the first book in the series so 3 stars. Interesting to see how Gregory weaves medieval understanding of the world, the role of religion in that, and the western fear of eastern knowledge and religion, into the story. I’ll be back to read the third book.
April 17, 2020
Similar to the first book in the series, this was ok. The storyline was a bit all over the place, but at the same time it just felt like nothing happened. I do however love the historical aspect of the book, it is very well researched. I will probably read the next one but I'm not holding out much hope.
May 10, 2017
3.5 stars. A very quick read, but so simple. More to come.
June 24, 2015
Full Review seen on my blog @ Dee's Reads
I am a fan of historical fiction, but it’s something that I feel I always forget about. I am also a big fan of paranormal and fantasy and they’re like the older and louder siblings in the genre family of my tastes.
So while in the past I have read a few of Philippa Gregory’s books, and really enjoyed them I might add, I don’t always get to delve deeper. When I saw she was writing a YA series of historical fiction with bits of magic in them, I leaped. I mean, I love that combination of genres! The first book in the Order of Darkness series, Changeling, was one I read last year. I’ve had the sequel and the third book sitting on my TBR for many months, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up.
Stormbringers was definitely more interesting than its predecessor, Changeling. I think I gave Changeling 2-3 stars, not because it wasn’t good (it was) but because it had a bit of a “meh” factor going on. I knew the series had a lot of potential though, and sometimes first books have a hard time because they have so much to develop. I’m glad I went with my gut because it definitely paid off. Stormbringers was much better than Changeling, and had a lot more of everything I love. There was more action, more historical elements, more romantic tension, and definitely tons of character development.
Frieze was not really one of my favorite characters in the first book. In this book, we really learn more about him and I am surprised to say I completely changed my opinion on him. He’s hilarious and made me LOL several times. He’s also sweet and his way of animals is super endearing. There’s something about a man with a fondness for kittens that has me weak in the knees…*sigh*
Luca also developed a lot in this novel. We see more of his past, what happened to his parents, and ultimately what led him to live in a monastery and take up in the Order in the first place. Luca is definitely split between his duties. He really likes Isoldeand doesn’t really know why he’s pledged to become a monk. Like any young man, he’s got NEEDZ, YO. I found the sexual frustration hilarious and at the same time pretty realistic.
Ishraq was always more fascinating to me than Isolde. She’s well read, versed in many languages, she’s from the Middle East but is stuck around all these Christians who call her a Pagan or heretic and she still holds her head high. Not to mention, she’s got all the men respecting her including Father Peter which is no small feat. Her upbringing is unique, and I believe historically accurate which I found fascinating.
“My mother was a woman from Acre, where Jesus is honored as a prophet but they’re certain he is not a God. ..[They] called it Conviviencia—living alongside each other in harmony, whatever their beliefs. For the enemy is not another person who believes in a god. The enemy is ignorance, and people who believe in nothing and care for nothing. You should know that by now, Brother Peter.” Page 89
Gregory spun a wonderful tale full of mystery and suspense. I have to say, it’s not often I see historical fiction that takes place in 1453. It’s a fascinating time period. I feel like Gregory did an impeccable job making it feel like it was 1453 but that things were basically the same as far as young love, fear, and religions clashing while prejudices reign.
There were some things I didn’t really care for in the novel. The main thing was how long it took me to finish it. I’m not sure this is the novels fault, but it did seem to lag a bit in the beginning. Before the plot really started unfolding , it was hard for me to keep picking it up. Also I have to mention that I’m super busy working and studying nonstop and haven’t had much time for reading, this may be the reason it took me so long to finish. I’m not sure, but I do know that if it was a true five star read I would have foregone sleep, which I didn’t do here. Besides the pacing and the lagging in the beginning and the first part of the middle, I don’t’ have many other complaints. Isolde was annoying at times, in the way she prescribes to all the ideals that men have set upon women and how she let her jealousy goad her into a fight with Ishraq was disappointing.
I am a fan of historical fiction, but it’s something that I feel I always forget about. I am also a big fan of paranormal and fantasy and they’re like the older and louder siblings in the genre family of my tastes.
So while in the past I have read a few of Philippa Gregory’s books, and really enjoyed them I might add, I don’t always get to delve deeper. When I saw she was writing a YA series of historical fiction with bits of magic in them, I leaped. I mean, I love that combination of genres! The first book in the Order of Darkness series, Changeling, was one I read last year. I’ve had the sequel and the third book sitting on my TBR for many months, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up.
Stormbringers was definitely more interesting than its predecessor, Changeling. I think I gave Changeling 2-3 stars, not because it wasn’t good (it was) but because it had a bit of a “meh” factor going on. I knew the series had a lot of potential though, and sometimes first books have a hard time because they have so much to develop. I’m glad I went with my gut because it definitely paid off. Stormbringers was much better than Changeling, and had a lot more of everything I love. There was more action, more historical elements, more romantic tension, and definitely tons of character development.
Frieze was not really one of my favorite characters in the first book. In this book, we really learn more about him and I am surprised to say I completely changed my opinion on him. He’s hilarious and made me LOL several times. He’s also sweet and his way of animals is super endearing. There’s something about a man with a fondness for kittens that has me weak in the knees…*sigh*
Luca also developed a lot in this novel. We see more of his past, what happened to his parents, and ultimately what led him to live in a monastery and take up in the Order in the first place. Luca is definitely split between his duties. He really likes Isoldeand doesn’t really know why he’s pledged to become a monk. Like any young man, he’s got NEEDZ, YO. I found the sexual frustration hilarious and at the same time pretty realistic.
Ishraq was always more fascinating to me than Isolde. She’s well read, versed in many languages, she’s from the Middle East but is stuck around all these Christians who call her a Pagan or heretic and she still holds her head high. Not to mention, she’s got all the men respecting her including Father Peter which is no small feat. Her upbringing is unique, and I believe historically accurate which I found fascinating.
“My mother was a woman from Acre, where Jesus is honored as a prophet but they’re certain he is not a God. ..[They] called it Conviviencia—living alongside each other in harmony, whatever their beliefs. For the enemy is not another person who believes in a god. The enemy is ignorance, and people who believe in nothing and care for nothing. You should know that by now, Brother Peter.” Page 89
Gregory spun a wonderful tale full of mystery and suspense. I have to say, it’s not often I see historical fiction that takes place in 1453. It’s a fascinating time period. I feel like Gregory did an impeccable job making it feel like it was 1453 but that things were basically the same as far as young love, fear, and religions clashing while prejudices reign.
There were some things I didn’t really care for in the novel. The main thing was how long it took me to finish it. I’m not sure this is the novels fault, but it did seem to lag a bit in the beginning. Before the plot really started unfolding , it was hard for me to keep picking it up. Also I have to mention that I’m super busy working and studying nonstop and haven’t had much time for reading, this may be the reason it took me so long to finish. I’m not sure, but I do know that if it was a true five star read I would have foregone sleep, which I didn’t do here. Besides the pacing and the lagging in the beginning and the first part of the middle, I don’t’ have many other complaints. Isolde was annoying at times, in the way she prescribes to all the ideals that men have set upon women and how she let her jealousy goad her into a fight with Ishraq was disappointing.
November 18, 2014
I liked this book, but it wasn't as good as the first in the series (Changeling). The characters developed a lot more, and a lot of the fun of the book was them interacting with each other. The story focused on the event of the children's crusade and an enormous tidal wave, which had a profound impact on everyone, but I felt that there could have been more to the story plot-wise. There were many events related to the inquiries Luca goes on that were too drawn out, and in place of this, there could have been more important things added to make the story deeper and more interesting. I liked the inclusion of some things to do with philosophy, and I laughed out loud when the young Saracen captain Radu Bey used books by Plato and Pliny as "fodder" to convince Luca to listen to him. And Luca fell for it of course. I liked him as the main character, though I'm also glad we're getting to know the others more too. Isolde, however, didn't develop as much as I would have liked, but became kind of bratty, though we got to know Ishraq a lot better, and she was very interesting. I still think she has some secret though, and even though things are in her POV at times, I'm not sure what it is.
The story itself became a lot more interesting near the end when Luca and Peter's cryptic master makes an appearance, and the mystery that comes with it and his interactions with Radu Bey, who is supposedly his sworn enemy. I look forward to how things are going to tie together in the next book. One thing I like about this series is that there is nothing explicit, no terrible language, or graphic scenes (this from someone who was scarred for life from reading the first Game of Thrones book :) ).
As for the format, I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator wasn't nearly as good as the one for the first book (why must they change between books! They both even pronounced Isolde's name differently), which might have affected how much I liked it compared to the first book.
The story itself became a lot more interesting near the end when Luca and Peter's cryptic master makes an appearance, and the mystery that comes with it and his interactions with Radu Bey, who is supposedly his sworn enemy. I look forward to how things are going to tie together in the next book. One thing I like about this series is that there is nothing explicit, no terrible language, or graphic scenes (this from someone who was scarred for life from reading the first Game of Thrones book :) ).
As for the format, I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator wasn't nearly as good as the one for the first book (why must they change between books! They both even pronounced Isolde's name differently), which might have affected how much I liked it compared to the first book.
June 19, 2015
Quase um ano depois de ter lido o primeiro volume da saga "Ordem das Trevas" peguei no "Filhas da Tempestade" com grandes expectativas.
Mesmo não estando ao nível dos outros livros de Philippa Gregory, "Predestinado", trouxe algumas surpresas. O facto de ser uma história completamente tirada da cabeça da escritora, com personagens que não existiram e que tiveram de ser criadas de raíz atraiu-me de uma maneira incrível. Isso e o facto de eu adorar romance histórico!
Quando peguei neste segundo livro (como já referi acima) tinha altas expectativas. Mas, à medida, que ia progredindo no livro (duas páginas por dia!) ia ficando cada vez mais descontente e desanimada. Mas por onde é que andou a Philippa Gregory que eu conheço?! Um livro de quase 300 páginas onde a história gira à volta de um terramoto, de um maremoto e de um rapaz que alega ser enviado por Deus para levar as crianças à terra prometida. Enrolou, enrolou e voltou a enrolar. Personagens chatas e imaturas.
Este é um livro que não recomendo.
Mesmo não estando ao nível dos outros livros de Philippa Gregory, "Predestinado", trouxe algumas surpresas. O facto de ser uma história completamente tirada da cabeça da escritora, com personagens que não existiram e que tiveram de ser criadas de raíz atraiu-me de uma maneira incrível. Isso e o facto de eu adorar romance histórico!
Quando peguei neste segundo livro (como já referi acima) tinha altas expectativas. Mas, à medida, que ia progredindo no livro (duas páginas por dia!) ia ficando cada vez mais descontente e desanimada. Mas por onde é que andou a Philippa Gregory que eu conheço?! Um livro de quase 300 páginas onde a história gira à volta de um terramoto, de um maremoto e de um rapaz que alega ser enviado por Deus para levar as crianças à terra prometida. Enrolou, enrolou e voltou a enrolar. Personagens chatas e imaturas.
Este é um livro que não recomendo.
Read
September 28, 2015Tenho gostado muito mais de todos os outros livros da Philippa Gregory do que destes da Ordem da Trevas. Ainda assim, gostei mais deste do que do primeiro da série. Adorei conhecer um pouco mais todas as personagens e, ao contrário do que aconteceu no fim do Predestinado, fiquei com vontade de ler o próximo da série. Para além das personagens serem interessantes, houve uns momentos, no meio e no fim do livro, que me conseguiram prender totalmente.
March 13, 2014
I wanted to put this novel down quite a while ago, but my love of Philippa Gregory kept me reading. I rarely ditch a book, but there was just too much religious drudgery too proceed. The writing dragged on slower than molasses and the mystery fell flat. Philippa Gregory is a writer of great talent but this young adult series just missed the mark. 1.5/5
January 3, 2022
I just can't explain how much I love this series. I really hope you check it out for yourselves, especially if you are into YA or love stories with a twist.
February 2, 2020
U téhle knihy mnou zmítaly smíšené pocity. Původní chuť ji zavrhnout jsem ale zanechala, když mi docvaklo o co autorce šlo. Jako kniha je příběhem poutníků, jdoucích do Jeruzaléma někdy okolo roku 1348. Zpočátku se to jeví jako samá modlitba a vyvolávání Boha, než vám dojde, proč to všechno...
Ono vlastně v Bibli je taky o rozestoupení moře a přesunu suchou nohou...
nikoho ani nenapadne o čem je vlastně řeč...
no přeci o zemětřesení, jež vyvolá opad vlny, aby pak přišla velká vlna tsunami.
To samé, jak se hovoří o potopě světa.
No a i když si příběh autorka vymyslela, nevařila z vody. Ty věci se děly.. Dost dobře to vykreslila.
I tu reakci těch lidí. Ta psychologická reakce je shodná dodnes a je jedno, zda proběhne ve jménu Boha, nebo ne. Prostě, jak jsou lidi nevzdělaní, napadají je různé blbosti, jakože třeba vir koronavirus byl vymyšlen nějakou americkou rozvědkou a podobně. Reagujeme stejně.
Stejně tam byla ukázána i reakce, když je ten moudrý varoval a vyzýval je, aby od moře prchali a šli, co nejvýše. Zvířata přirozeně zdrhala, jen lidi, páni tvorstva, šli tancovat do opadlého moře.
Dále je zde dost výstižně vykresleno, co se stalo, když se dostali dál a role se trochu pozměnily a nebyli tam křesťané vítáni. :-D..
Ta kniha má svou hloubku a je ji nutno hledat mezi řádky.
Líbí se mi rovněž i její obal a grafické ilustrace jejich kapitol.
Pro mě ta kniha byla přínosná. Byla zajímavá. Na pár věcí mě upozornila a já si jisté věci uvědomila, takže ano, nemůžu ji označit za brak. Možná je spíše nepochopená.
Ono vlastně v Bibli je taky o rozestoupení moře a přesunu suchou nohou...
nikoho ani nenapadne o čem je vlastně řeč...
no přeci o zemětřesení, jež vyvolá opad vlny, aby pak přišla velká vlna tsunami.
To samé, jak se hovoří o potopě světa.
No a i když si příběh autorka vymyslela, nevařila z vody. Ty věci se děly.. Dost dobře to vykreslila.
I tu reakci těch lidí. Ta psychologická reakce je shodná dodnes a je jedno, zda proběhne ve jménu Boha, nebo ne. Prostě, jak jsou lidi nevzdělaní, napadají je různé blbosti, jakože třeba vir koronavirus byl vymyšlen nějakou americkou rozvědkou a podobně. Reagujeme stejně.
Stejně tam byla ukázána i reakce, když je ten moudrý varoval a vyzýval je, aby od moře prchali a šli, co nejvýše. Zvířata přirozeně zdrhala, jen lidi, páni tvorstva, šli tancovat do opadlého moře.
Dále je zde dost výstižně vykresleno, co se stalo, když se dostali dál a role se trochu pozměnily a nebyli tam křesťané vítáni. :-D..
Ta kniha má svou hloubku a je ji nutno hledat mezi řádky.
Líbí se mi rovněž i její obal a grafické ilustrace jejich kapitol.
Pro mě ta kniha byla přínosná. Byla zajímavá. Na pár věcí mě upozornila a já si jisté věci uvědomila, takže ano, nemůžu ji označit za brak. Možná je spíše nepochopená.
January 14, 2018
Y'all,this is over 500 pages spent with these characters with literally 0 development.None.Nada.Not a thing.
There remains simply one character that I actually like,my beloved Ishraq,whose writing is pretty inconsistent at times,but who remains my one light in the darkness of this book.I also found myself shockingly rooting for Freize (honestly more out of the need to find something to keep myself entertained and engaged more than anything else),but EH.I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to be the most obnoxious protagonist in anything that I have read in as long as I can remember,he is bland,boring,arrogant and lacks depth.Isolde is a weak product of a patriarchal society who only finds herself progressive when it suits her and I honestly don't need this kind of white feminism in my life.
Nevertheless,I was engaged enough to read this book in one sitting,so I reckon you could put it in the book-crack category.
PS: Extra points for the good lil' kitten,minus points for poor plot devices,plot holes and introducing Romanian history,which is meant to only get on my nerves sooner or later as I am yet to encounter an author that actually does it justice and that is the tea.
There remains simply one character that I actually like,my beloved Ishraq,whose writing is pretty inconsistent at times,but who remains my one light in the darkness of this book.I also found myself shockingly rooting for Freize (honestly more out of the need to find something to keep myself entertained and engaged more than anything else),but EH.I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to be the most obnoxious protagonist in anything that I have read in as long as I can remember,he is bland,boring,arrogant and lacks depth.Isolde is a weak product of a patriarchal society who only finds herself progressive when it suits her and I honestly don't need this kind of white feminism in my life.
Nevertheless,I was engaged enough to read this book in one sitting,so I reckon you could put it in the book-crack category.
PS: Extra points for the good lil' kitten,minus points for poor plot devices,plot holes and introducing Romanian history,which is meant to only get on my nerves sooner or later as I am yet to encounter an author that actually does it justice and that is the tea.
March 19, 2024
More boring than the previous installment unfortunately.
I did not, at all, care for the turn of events with Luca and Isolde’s romance, especially with how Ishraq seemed to become a main love interest for Luca, creating a love triangle. I especially didn’t like how this drove a wedge between the girls. And I really like Freize and Ishraq! (Especially given they’re the most interesting characters)
I just wish we got more from Luca and Isolde and less of the petty drama. And the tsunami brought in a really interesting plot point, however it kind of botched everything going on with Johann (which would be an interesting theme to explore, is he a real saint or a heretic?)
Just felt like a lot of plot points and threads set up in the previous book got undone or changed too much.
I found myself looking forward to being done so I could start reading something else, which is never a good thing.
I did not, at all, care for the turn of events with Luca and Isolde’s romance, especially with how Ishraq seemed to become a main love interest for Luca, creating a love triangle. I especially didn’t like how this drove a wedge between the girls. And I really like Freize and Ishraq! (Especially given they’re the most interesting characters)
I just wish we got more from Luca and Isolde and less of the petty drama. And the tsunami brought in a really interesting plot point, however it kind of botched everything going on with Johann (which would be an interesting theme to explore, is he a real saint or a heretic?)
Just felt like a lot of plot points and threads set up in the previous book got undone or changed too much.
I found myself looking forward to being done so I could start reading something else, which is never a good thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
You know when you are sick and read a book then end up not enjoying the book because you are sick? Well that is this book for me right now. That or the fact that I haven't read book one in about 10 years. I think I will need to reread book one and then reread this one to give it another chance. As of right now, this just wasn't for me.
August 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book as a holiday read. Easy to read and follow. Did not realise it was the second in a series, but I soon gathered the story. Deciding whether to read the next one.
March 6, 2019
Libro que atrapa por la forma organizada de contar la historia. Tiene ese detalle misterioso y de duda que permite adentrarse en él, esperando más.
Me gustó.
Me gustó.
Read
March 14, 2024Good
March 23, 2017
Ot, czytadło na oderwanie myśli.
April 22, 2024
2nd book in this series.
The author is so clever. After reading the series of Henry’s life and wives this couldn’t be more different.
You have to remind yourself how far back in time you are reading and that peoples beliefs probably feel ridiculous now but in those times very real.
It was easy to read - like the characters - looked forward to reading of a night.
The author is so clever. After reading the series of Henry’s life and wives this couldn’t be more different.
You have to remind yourself how far back in time you are reading and that peoples beliefs probably feel ridiculous now but in those times very real.
It was easy to read - like the characters - looked forward to reading of a night.
June 9, 2013
Stormbringers continues the journey of Brothers Luca and Peter as they investigate mysterious events occurring all around Europe for the Pope, in the hopes of discovering if the end of the world is nigh. Travelling with them are Lady Isolde and her companion Ishraq. I think Philippa Gregory has delivered an admirable sequel to Changeling, building upon the foundation she laid in the previous book and progressing the characters deeper into the mysteries of the time they live in.
I love that the characters grow so much throughout this book - especially Ishraq and Frieze. The more these five spend time with one another, the more they learn about each other and the more their own personal views and prejudices are challenged. In Stormbringers, the foundation is laid for Ishraq's impending crisis of identity as a Muslim maid to a Christian Lady in the time of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the threat they pose to Christendom. I think the tension between them is cleverly woven, and would love to see how it pans out in later novels. Another interesting development is Luca's uncertainty about his future, and especially in relation to his love life. I think the revelations at the end f this book will play a large role in the dynamics of the little group as time goes on.
All this character development doesn't impact the exciting plot of Stormbringers. All the action is set in a tiny coastal town, and there are prophets, natural disasters, witch trials and a captain of a slaver-ship to keep readers entertained. The book feels a lot longer than its 300 pages, but I never found it lagging or boring.
However, this book isn't really about the prophets, natural disasters or witch trials, it's about the impact of these events on the devout Christian population of the time. It focuses on the way these people, lacking the scientific knowledge we have now, turn to portents and magic to explain the things around them. Stormbringers cleverly uses Ishraq to examine a woman's place in society, to challenge the prevailing idea (then and today) that a woman should behave like a man expects and wishes her to, that her honour is bound to what men think of her. The book also looks at the religious conviction of Brother Peter, pitted against Luca's uncertainty, and the way that horrible things can be done in the name of religion. Again, it is Ishraq, as the heretic in the party, who questions and challenges these things. In some ways, it feels like the plot hangs on her character - she's often the voice of reason, with modern ideas of religious freedom and gender equality.
There are a few things I didn't like about the novel. The first is that, although it is an exciting book, the overall plot progression is basically nonexistent. It's obvious that the Order of Darkness series is going to be long. The second is the author's ignorance on the Islamic religion and Middle Eastern culture. Although forgivable in her sheltered Christian protagonists who are prone to superstition and look for all their answers in the Bible - it's unacceptable in the few Muslim characters we meet. They use phrases like Insha Allah incorrectly, at completely the wrong time, and seem to be shallowly versed in their own religion.
Stormbringers continues the tradition of Philippa Gregory novels of being vividly crafted and well executed, and although it is written for a young adult audience, doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable sociopolitical climate of the time. All the best, trademark aspects of Gregory's writing have been translated into this YA novel, and I look forward to continuing Luca and Isolde's journey in the coming sequels.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
I love that the characters grow so much throughout this book - especially Ishraq and Frieze. The more these five spend time with one another, the more they learn about each other and the more their own personal views and prejudices are challenged. In Stormbringers, the foundation is laid for Ishraq's impending crisis of identity as a Muslim maid to a Christian Lady in the time of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the threat they pose to Christendom. I think the tension between them is cleverly woven, and would love to see how it pans out in later novels. Another interesting development is Luca's uncertainty about his future, and especially in relation to his love life. I think the revelations at the end f this book will play a large role in the dynamics of the little group as time goes on.
All this character development doesn't impact the exciting plot of Stormbringers. All the action is set in a tiny coastal town, and there are prophets, natural disasters, witch trials and a captain of a slaver-ship to keep readers entertained. The book feels a lot longer than its 300 pages, but I never found it lagging or boring.
However, this book isn't really about the prophets, natural disasters or witch trials, it's about the impact of these events on the devout Christian population of the time. It focuses on the way these people, lacking the scientific knowledge we have now, turn to portents and magic to explain the things around them. Stormbringers cleverly uses Ishraq to examine a woman's place in society, to challenge the prevailing idea (then and today) that a woman should behave like a man expects and wishes her to, that her honour is bound to what men think of her. The book also looks at the religious conviction of Brother Peter, pitted against Luca's uncertainty, and the way that horrible things can be done in the name of religion. Again, it is Ishraq, as the heretic in the party, who questions and challenges these things. In some ways, it feels like the plot hangs on her character - she's often the voice of reason, with modern ideas of religious freedom and gender equality.
There are a few things I didn't like about the novel. The first is that, although it is an exciting book, the overall plot progression is basically nonexistent. It's obvious that the Order of Darkness series is going to be long. The second is the author's ignorance on the Islamic religion and Middle Eastern culture. Although forgivable in her sheltered Christian protagonists who are prone to superstition and look for all their answers in the Bible - it's unacceptable in the few Muslim characters we meet. They use phrases like Insha Allah incorrectly, at completely the wrong time, and seem to be shallowly versed in their own religion.
Stormbringers continues the tradition of Philippa Gregory novels of being vividly crafted and well executed, and although it is written for a young adult audience, doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable sociopolitical climate of the time. All the best, trademark aspects of Gregory's writing have been translated into this YA novel, and I look forward to continuing Luca and Isolde's journey in the coming sequels.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
June 16, 2013
I was so excited to be able to get back into this world created by author, Philippa Gregory. I didn’t realize how much I missed the characters in the book until I was thrown back into their adventure, especially Freize. This guy was constantly making me laugh out loud and giggle.
The five travelling companions are continuing their journey together, and the attraction between Isolde and Luca are becoming more and more obvious. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where Isolde wants so much to have Luca as her own, and where they can profess their love to each other, but Luca is on his way to taking his vows into priesthood…which is a huge obstacle. And Luca is having a difficult time controlling his thoughts and desires towards Isolde. But he knows what his path in life is leading, and yet, he can’t resist his attraction to Isolde.
After having received another quest from the lord of The Order of Darkness, their travels take them to a fishing town where an inquiry is in order. It seems that Luca and his fellow travelers are not the only ones who have stopped into town to rest. A crusade has come into town…a crusade of children who is being led by one they call Johann the Good, who is merely a child himself; 16 years old. Johann believes that God speaks to him and has sent him on a quest to Palestine where he and a crusade of children will face the enemy and change the war, and where miracles will be witnessed.
After hearing his very convincing sermon, Luca and the crew decide that they, too, will follow Johann to Jerusalem and bear witness to the miracles he tells. But what was supposed to be believed to be a miracle turns into a tragedy, and the lives of everyone involved takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Friendships are tested, and rumors of Stormbringers working their magic has made things rather difficult for our group of travelers.
If I were to compare book 1 with book 2, I would have to say that book 2 is the better of the 2 so far! I felt quite a bit of emotion in this book due to the events that transpire in the pages. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain that some of these characters go through because of something that I am so not going to tell you. There was a lot of action in this installment as well! There really isn’t a dull moment in Stormbringers. It was go…go…go! Once one event finishes, something else creeps its way into the story and I was hooked all over again!
We are left wondering what is exactly up with Luca and Brother Peter’s lord (who shall not be named…at this time I guess…), readers are left to start questioning Ishraq and what her intentions (or soon to be intentions) are, and we also are teased with an introduction to a new villain that I hope we see more of in the next books to follow! I was reeling wondering what was real, and what was set up to be portrayed as truth…
I also loved that a little bit more about The Order of Darkness is discussed in the book, and a little snippet to another order that I am sooooo hoping will be a huge part of the this series…the Order of Assassins… How awesome would that be? I can’t say how this order came up, but when the possibility of more is talked about? How could I not help but squee just a little bit!
Fans of Book One in the Order of Darkness series, Changling, will devour this next installment, Stormbringers. I totally recommend these reads to those who love reading about quests and epic journeys, are looking for characters that will not easily be forgotten, and want to be lost in a world of dark secrets and explainable occurrences.
The five travelling companions are continuing their journey together, and the attraction between Isolde and Luca are becoming more and more obvious. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where Isolde wants so much to have Luca as her own, and where they can profess their love to each other, but Luca is on his way to taking his vows into priesthood…which is a huge obstacle. And Luca is having a difficult time controlling his thoughts and desires towards Isolde. But he knows what his path in life is leading, and yet, he can’t resist his attraction to Isolde.
After having received another quest from the lord of The Order of Darkness, their travels take them to a fishing town where an inquiry is in order. It seems that Luca and his fellow travelers are not the only ones who have stopped into town to rest. A crusade has come into town…a crusade of children who is being led by one they call Johann the Good, who is merely a child himself; 16 years old. Johann believes that God speaks to him and has sent him on a quest to Palestine where he and a crusade of children will face the enemy and change the war, and where miracles will be witnessed.
After hearing his very convincing sermon, Luca and the crew decide that they, too, will follow Johann to Jerusalem and bear witness to the miracles he tells. But what was supposed to be believed to be a miracle turns into a tragedy, and the lives of everyone involved takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Friendships are tested, and rumors of Stormbringers working their magic has made things rather difficult for our group of travelers.
If I were to compare book 1 with book 2, I would have to say that book 2 is the better of the 2 so far! I felt quite a bit of emotion in this book due to the events that transpire in the pages. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain that some of these characters go through because of something that I am so not going to tell you. There was a lot of action in this installment as well! There really isn’t a dull moment in Stormbringers. It was go…go…go! Once one event finishes, something else creeps its way into the story and I was hooked all over again!
We are left wondering what is exactly up with Luca and Brother Peter’s lord (who shall not be named…at this time I guess…), readers are left to start questioning Ishraq and what her intentions (or soon to be intentions) are, and we also are teased with an introduction to a new villain that I hope we see more of in the next books to follow! I was reeling wondering what was real, and what was set up to be portrayed as truth…
I also loved that a little bit more about The Order of Darkness is discussed in the book, and a little snippet to another order that I am sooooo hoping will be a huge part of the this series…the Order of Assassins… How awesome would that be? I can’t say how this order came up, but when the possibility of more is talked about? How could I not help but squee just a little bit!
Fans of Book One in the Order of Darkness series, Changling, will devour this next installment, Stormbringers. I totally recommend these reads to those who love reading about quests and epic journeys, are looking for characters that will not easily be forgotten, and want to be lost in a world of dark secrets and explainable occurrences.
June 9, 2013
What an incredible book that never let up at all. After reading Changeling, I had high expectations that the sequel would be just as thrilling as Changeling and it was in some ways a lot better. The story and pacing seemed to be much more crisp and faster.
Being that this was the second book in a quartet, means that the characters have to be even stronger than they were in the first book. What I like about this book is that there are very strong Christian elements and themes to this book. I felt that the first book portrayed that well, but this one does it to an even greater extent.
There was a pilgrimage and in Christianity this is one of the greatest themes in books that have to deal with Christianity during this century. Johann and the children pilgrimage was one that you would often hear about. You really come to believe in what Johann is doing. He believes he has been called by God. Our four main characters are skeptical at first about what he claims and rightfully so as during this time there were charlatan’s, and con artists. What Johann reveals during his sermon were things that our four main characters have never told anyone about themselves or their pasts. Yet he speaks to something in them that makes them want to join him.
The Order instructs Luca and Frieze, and Brother Peter to follow this pilgrimage. They want to make sure that what Johann is doing is God’s work, not Satan’s work. Yet things go terribly wrong in a major way. It was like all hell broke loose. What happens is one of the worst things imaginable. People die from a flood. At first it appears that something miraculous is happening and then tragedy strikes right at the core of our foursome. Tragedy is not something I was expecting. It was like a gut punch to me and both Isolde and her friend find themselves the victims of another witch hunt.
Because of this accusation, things get even worse for the two women who have to be careful as to what they say and defend their actions. Being accused of being storm bringers is one of the worst crimes possible. Storm Bringers are people who call forth or summon storms to cause pain and suffering, death. If convicted of it, the sentence is death. You really see what happens when the fear of the unknown sets in or even being different can happen.
Isolde and her friend find themselves in a perilous situation to say the least. They have to fight some very harmful accusations and people are very much out to get them. Yet these accusations prove to be false and then there are some major surprises that we find out about new characters and some new villains that you don’t expect. I want to see how the new villain is going to interact with the two women. We also get a surprise that is a welcome one.
The ending of this book was very dark and really wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought it was a delicious cliffhanger that was rich, intense, and something a little bit out of character, but it added a different direction I think for Luca’s character and his development.
I really want to read the next book in this series.
Rating: 4.5 Hearts
Being that this was the second book in a quartet, means that the characters have to be even stronger than they were in the first book. What I like about this book is that there are very strong Christian elements and themes to this book. I felt that the first book portrayed that well, but this one does it to an even greater extent.
There was a pilgrimage and in Christianity this is one of the greatest themes in books that have to deal with Christianity during this century. Johann and the children pilgrimage was one that you would often hear about. You really come to believe in what Johann is doing. He believes he has been called by God. Our four main characters are skeptical at first about what he claims and rightfully so as during this time there were charlatan’s, and con artists. What Johann reveals during his sermon were things that our four main characters have never told anyone about themselves or their pasts. Yet he speaks to something in them that makes them want to join him.
The Order instructs Luca and Frieze, and Brother Peter to follow this pilgrimage. They want to make sure that what Johann is doing is God’s work, not Satan’s work. Yet things go terribly wrong in a major way. It was like all hell broke loose. What happens is one of the worst things imaginable. People die from a flood. At first it appears that something miraculous is happening and then tragedy strikes right at the core of our foursome. Tragedy is not something I was expecting. It was like a gut punch to me and both Isolde and her friend find themselves the victims of another witch hunt.
Because of this accusation, things get even worse for the two women who have to be careful as to what they say and defend their actions. Being accused of being storm bringers is one of the worst crimes possible. Storm Bringers are people who call forth or summon storms to cause pain and suffering, death. If convicted of it, the sentence is death. You really see what happens when the fear of the unknown sets in or even being different can happen.
Isolde and her friend find themselves in a perilous situation to say the least. They have to fight some very harmful accusations and people are very much out to get them. Yet these accusations prove to be false and then there are some major surprises that we find out about new characters and some new villains that you don’t expect. I want to see how the new villain is going to interact with the two women. We also get a surprise that is a welcome one.
The ending of this book was very dark and really wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought it was a delicious cliffhanger that was rich, intense, and something a little bit out of character, but it added a different direction I think for Luca’s character and his development.
I really want to read the next book in this series.
Rating: 4.5 Hearts
November 26, 2022
This series continues to be a blast, enthralling me with every page.
Quick thoughts
This review may contain spoilers for book one!! Oh my golly gosh goodness I love this world. Gregory summons beautifully realistic characters and then puts them in a jar and shakes it to see how they all get along. Adventures, arguments and inquisitions are to be found in these pages.
Stormbringers
There is a real sense of adventure in this series that leaves me with an insatiable thirst to read more. Set in 15 century Italy, it follows a lady and her Arab maid - who's identity as an Arab is always prodded, is she Muslim? Moor? Heretic? - and an inquisition made of three manboys.
Having banded together in book one, they now find themselves in a coastal town and encountering a boy who claims God has spoken to him.
This boy, Johann, is leading a massive pilgrimage of children to the Holy Land. And right around this time the Ottomans have taken Constantinople.
Then of course, because that's not enough excitement, we also have mysterious and dark lordlings threatening all sorts of things and luring the Christians to the 'dark side', as it were.
Aside from the fun of the adventures in this tale, it's also packed full of bigger issues. Things such as differences in religion, with Ishraq constantly throwing spanners in gears and upsetting Brother Peter by challenging his prejudices.
Final thoughts
So much love for this series, I cannot wait to read the next instalment and find out what trouble this cavalcade of misfits gets into next.
Quick thoughts
This review may contain spoilers for book one!! Oh my golly gosh goodness I love this world. Gregory summons beautifully realistic characters and then puts them in a jar and shakes it to see how they all get along. Adventures, arguments and inquisitions are to be found in these pages.
Stormbringers
There is a real sense of adventure in this series that leaves me with an insatiable thirst to read more. Set in 15 century Italy, it follows a lady and her Arab maid - who's identity as an Arab is always prodded, is she Muslim? Moor? Heretic? - and an inquisition made of three manboys.
Having banded together in book one, they now find themselves in a coastal town and encountering a boy who claims God has spoken to him.
This boy, Johann, is leading a massive pilgrimage of children to the Holy Land. And right around this time the Ottomans have taken Constantinople.
Then of course, because that's not enough excitement, we also have mysterious and dark lordlings threatening all sorts of things and luring the Christians to the 'dark side', as it were.
Aside from the fun of the adventures in this tale, it's also packed full of bigger issues. Things such as differences in religion, with Ishraq constantly throwing spanners in gears and upsetting Brother Peter by challenging his prejudices.
'For the enemy is not another person who believes in a god, the enemy is ignorance and people who believe in nothing and care for nothing.'It is also things such as a woman's place in the world. Featuring Isolde and Ishraq butting heads as they try to work out what's right and wrong, what they want versus what they should do, and what it all means.
'If any woman steps outside the common way then she will find trouble,' she said simply. 'It does follow us. We have to fight it.'Not to mention talk of love and friendships and the ties that are strongest. I love how friendship is shown through different combinations of this group - it's impossible to not relate with at least one grouping.
'We never tell people that we love them for we think, like fools, that they are going to live forever. We all act as if we are going to live forever, but we should act as if we would die tomorrow, and tell each other the best things.'I'd also like to say that this was DEEPLY UPSETTING and damn you Gregory for doing what you did. You know what I'm talking about. That was mean. But truly, this book is wonderful for rubbing you up nice and close with old-timey, yet harrowingly relatable prejudices with small comments that you just know Gregory is putting in to poke at your sensibilities.
Final thoughts
So much love for this series, I cannot wait to read the next instalment and find out what trouble this cavalcade of misfits gets into next.
July 15, 2013
Disclaimer: I received a free edition of this book from the publishers as in conjunction with a Goodreads giveaway.
Ok, now I've got that out of the way, let's get on with the review.
As you can see from my rating, I thought that this book was ok. As with the previous book in the series, it is a quick and easy read.
So, what did I like about the book?
As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of some smaller ones.
Also, I love the character of Freize - he is, in my opinion, the standout best thing about this book. He is such a likable character, which makes me wish that he was the main character. In fact, I would love it if he and Ishraq teamed up and went off on their own to solve mysteries.
What I didn't like.
The characters of Luca and Isolde. I know they're meant to be the main ones, but I find them flat and boring. Also, in the first page (yes literally the first page) of this book, it is shoved down the readers' throats that these two characters are in love with each other. This book takes place a few days after the action of the previous one, and suddenly these characters are deeply in love. A romantic subplot is used through this book, which resulted in a love squiggle (I was going to use the term love triangle, but squiggle is a better word for this situation). This felt unresolved by the end of the book, so this may continue into the next one. Continuing on the romance side, I feel that the characters are likely to be paired up - which I hope doesn't happen because this would be too predictable. I would love a situation where the gang are all just friends and go about solving mysteries - which is far more appealing to me.
Talking about predictable, this book is very much so. The last quarter of the book is a big set up for the next book(s) in the series, and I think I'm already able to solve the mystery that has been set up, which I hoping is the literary device the audience knows a crucial piece of information that the character doesn't.
One thing that particularly annoyed me was the whole Stormbringers situation. It felt like a random diversion, albeit one that could happen in this historical period, and it was solved in a couple of chapters, with a predictable outcome. To me, this part felt pointless, and the story could have gone on without it.
This book was entertaining enough if you are looking for a quick, simple read, but I'm not yet as to whether I'll read the next book in the series or not.
Ok, now I've got that out of the way, let's get on with the review.
As you can see from my rating, I thought that this book was ok. As with the previous book in the series, it is a quick and easy read.
So, what did I like about the book?
As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of some smaller ones.
Also, I love the character of Freize - he is, in my opinion, the standout best thing about this book. He is such a likable character, which makes me wish that he was the main character. In fact, I would love it if he and Ishraq teamed up and went off on their own to solve mysteries.
What I didn't like.
The characters of Luca and Isolde. I know they're meant to be the main ones, but I find them flat and boring. Also, in the first page (yes literally the first page) of this book, it is shoved down the readers' throats that these two characters are in love with each other. This book takes place a few days after the action of the previous one, and suddenly these characters are deeply in love. A romantic subplot is used through this book, which resulted in a love squiggle (I was going to use the term love triangle, but squiggle is a better word for this situation). This felt unresolved by the end of the book, so this may continue into the next one. Continuing on the romance side, I feel that the characters are likely to be paired up - which I hope doesn't happen because this would be too predictable. I would love a situation where the gang are all just friends and go about solving mysteries - which is far more appealing to me.
Talking about predictable, this book is very much so. The last quarter of the book is a big set up for the next book(s) in the series, and I think I'm already able to solve the mystery that has been set up, which I hoping is the literary device the audience knows a crucial piece of information that the character doesn't.
One thing that particularly annoyed me was the whole Stormbringers situation. It felt like a random diversion, albeit one that could happen in this historical period, and it was solved in a couple of chapters, with a predictable outcome. To me, this part felt pointless, and the story could have gone on without it.
This book was entertaining enough if you are looking for a quick, simple read, but I'm not yet as to whether I'll read the next book in the series or not.
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