The Invisible Hands - Part 2: Castling

Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse #5

by Andrew Ashling

Anaxantis, prince of Ximerion.

Lorsanthia, the giant southern enemy, has suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Anaxantis's oldest brother, Prince Tenaxos, but it is far from beaten. If anything, it has become more dangerous now that a more warlike regime has taken over the reins.

The warlord fears his own dominions will come under siege if his father and older brothers don't manage to keep the behemoth in check. To make matters more complicated he isn't convinced the settlement of the Renuvian Plains is going all that well. In the Highlands the proud nobility starts plotting to regain its independence. And, as always, there is the love of Anaxantis's life, Ehandar.

Meanwhile strife breaks loose between the independent city states of Rhonoma and Naodyma. In the latter city, Lexyntas still has a difficult time adapting to being Thenoclon's slave in a household where dark secrets weigh on both masters and servants. In Rhonoma, Yorn falls more and more under the beguiling influence and nonchalant charms of his adopted cousin, Antybion.

Concerned about the vulnerabilities of his dominions, and amidst the intrigues of his family and the nobles of the Highlands of Great Renuvia, Anaxantis starts looking for allies.

Should he return to the fold and join forces with his father?

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, M M Fantasy, LGBT, Dark, Historical

405 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2013

About the author

I write mainly Epic Historical Fantasy with Gay Main Characters
----------
You can read the first twelve chapters of the Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse series on my website, Ximerion .
----------
If you'd like me to send you an email when I release a new book, you can subscribe to my New Releases Newsletter
----------
You can follow me on Bluesky
----------
I have no great literary ambitions. I just tell stories, and I try to do it as good as I can, hoping other people will enjoy reading them.
Most of them have explicit scenes in them, often of a rather kinky nature. But they're only the raisins in the pudding, because — as I already said — I actually enjoy telling stories. That means there always is a plot, or, more often, several plots.

I love exploring what makes people tick, what makes them do the often quirky things they do. Also, I enjoy playing with expectations, boundaries, taboos even.

I don't think I'm going to send out friend requests myself. I write stuff and people get the impression that you only want to befriend them to get them to read your work and write reviews.
That's not to say I don't want friends (or reviews, for that matter). If you want to befriend me, just send me an invitation. I will almost certainly accept.


If you have questions, or remarks, or you need to contact me for another reason, you're very welcome to do so through this contact form .

Andrew

Reviews

[Caddy Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the others in the Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse series, this book was excellent. When I first started reading these books I wondered how the author kept track of all of the characters, but now that I see each of them very clearly (and have since book one) I get it. They are developed so well that one can't help but see remember each of them.

I would have liked to have more of Anaxantis and Ehandor in this book, but that is just because I love Anaxantis a lot and had been impatiently waiting to see what happened between them. Instead, I have been teased with just enough to keep me from being parched but not enough to quench my thirst. I'm not so crazy about Ehandor because of the very first book. Perhaps with time I will care as much about him. He has still a lot to prove for me to care for him as much as I care for his brother. However, if his brother loves him then I accept him. I like him, just not as much, and I don't completely trust him.

As the story went on I was really upset that Timishi and Lorko were not mentioned, as they are also favorites of mine. Then, all of a sudden, there they were. I had to smile as soon as I saw that they had not been forgotten in this book. Unfortunately, I'm worried that the author is going to have one or both of the die - and that will not please me!

Better them than Anaxantis, though. If the author kills Anaxantis I won't be responsible for my actions! :)He is so real to me. The others are, too, but his character so strongly developed that I half expect to see him rding down my street on his horse, inspecting the neighborhood and trying to decide if everything is set up in his kingdom the way he wants it.


Again: please note that I am also an author and I know this author from an author's forum. He did not ask me to review his books, but I always try to review books that I like or love. Hopefully you can accept that I am also a reader, but if not just ignore this review.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series. The storyline is definitely grandiose centering on machinations, duplicity, and romance. Not much focus on Anaxantis and Ehandar's romance here but I really liked the story development on Lexyntas and Thenoclon as well as Antybion and Yorn. I can't wait for part 3: Mate to come out!

[Nile Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* So the parts I liked, I really, really liked. Unfortunately I had to skim through too much to get to them. There were entirely too many storylines in this one. I don't know if there were always that many (didn't feel like it) but I felt like it took me FOREVER to get to the people that I care about. Not much development on the Anaxantis/Ehandar front (they had all of one sex scene with no further clarification as to what's going on with that power dynamic) but I was pleased to see a certain someone get his man, and I loved the development between the two cousins and the master/slave (I'm forgetting names; I'll look them up later). All in all, the awesome storytelling continues even when there are so many stories that go over my head.

Can't wait for Book 6!

[Samy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing slow about this book. :)

The first chapter starts off in Tyleme, the capital of Lorsanthia, with betrayal, murder, an additional plot or two and an evil manipulator. Finally, a bad guy. I’m ready for someone I can hate. Loreko and Timi arrive, start spying, and discover an awful secret weapon that could destroy any ship or fleet. But can they do anything about it. Even sending news of it to Anaxantis may be too late. I’m worried one of these two, or both of them, are going to be killed off.

Ashling’s books are always like reading 5 or more books at the same time — and liking it! After the first book you look forward to it. Like the serials that used to be done for between old time movies. Each sequence of each plot leaves you wanting to hurry a long to see the next part of that one. But then comes the next plot… and you are caught up in it, too. For example, … after Timi and Loreko, Yorn and Antybion, Thenoclen and Lexyntas, then — in Rhonoma, Arranulf shows Hemarchidas “what is on offer," gets to be a diplomat, then acts more of a spy and meets friends of the mysterious (and missing!) Prince of Trachia. And who the heck is he going to be? It’s got to be Lexyntas or Antybion, doesn’t it? The general who hid the prince is probably going to be killed and then you have to hope one of his troops will be around to identify and save him – in the next book – probably at the last moment from some terrible fate.

You go, Andrew. Write, write, write. :D
Next book needed. I want answers!

[Princhesata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really love this series!
I can't await for the next book, Mate.

At the first Lexinthas&Thenoclon and Antybion&Yorn didn't seem very interesting. This time I love them. Living in Rhonoma or Naodyma is very different from Ximerion.

Ryhunzo and Rahendo secret agents? ahahahahaha very funny. Poor Obyann.


I feel sorry for Portonas. I didn't expect his death!
About Lorsanthia I liked very much the 'new' slightly mad king... yes, slightly. And why not start a war against pirate??? Or against Mukthar Territory??
Sirnar, please, kill Mordauch.

[Xander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, although that hardly surprising! Cant get enough of this series and i waiting with bated breath for the next one :)

[Ayanna]

Maybe one day when I actually read this series instead of skipping for Anaxantis/Ehandar parts, I'll write a real review and rate it...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 1/2016

[VVivacious · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review doesn’t contain any spoilers for this book but an abundance of spoilers for the previous books. Reader Discretion Advised.

This book in essence is the calm before the storm. And I guess the fact it doesn’t contain any high voltage battles does put it at a lower rung than the previous two books which have both ended with some well fought battles.

But this book is overall still very interesting even though it does have a meandering pace. On the whole I personally feel that this book just brings the number of loose ends to insurmountable unless the author has a plan to get them all in one fell swoop with a big reveal. Personally I feel that Lexyntas is Phrademys or Antybion is? But Antybion has a really questionable personality… and I like Lexyntas. But the fact that people have remarked upon the “Trachian accent” makes it hard to figure out how Phrademys is hiding himself. But on the other hand the fact that Naodyma is so close to Trachia might mean that the Trachian accent is not that uncommon there. Also Lexyntas says he grew up in the forests bordering Trachia and Naodyma. In fact I am pretty sure that he is the prince just as I am equally sure I could be wrong. Also the fact that both of them were brought in by a paternal figure who could have easily been the General, makes both of them suspects.

All in all wile this book is just sets up the stage for the rest of the story, this book has a good start which continues till about half the book and then yeah the interest level recedes only to be picked by around 75%. All in all this book is an enjoyable read especially the end but it does lack the heart-galloping moments of the previous two books.

But this story sure has a long way left before it can draw to a close…

1) Anaxantis & Ehandar – While Anaxantis is as smart and charming as ever, the next book almost certainly portends problems for Ehandar and I have no idea how we will handle them alone. I can’t bear Ehandar in his role as a minor character because of the fact that in the first book he is our only MC for the beginning of the book, while now that the author has relegated Ehandar as a secondary character I fear that I might not ever be happy with whatever conclusion he gets.

2) The House of Tanahkos is officially at war. Portonas IV has been killed and the Prince and the King Tenaxos have their arms full dealing with Lorsanthia. Personally I like Tenaxos II, there is that little fact where he killed his brother from the same mother and showed no remorse (and also does Ehandar know one of his brothers is dead), but his cunning is unparalleled

3) Emelasuntha and Sobrathi – Well they are still providing help to Ananxantis anyway they can but one thing’s for sure Anaxantis is going to follow nobody’s orders.

4) The Sisterhood of the Goddess Astonema – Now this is one big loose end while in the previous book they still had a fleeting mention, this book they were conveniently absent or not… Sometimes it is hard to say… But this is one loose end that is in need of a conclusion… While the Sisterhood made the veiled threat that they would get Anaxantis in Zyntrea, what if Anaxantis never captures Zyntrea, this whole plot line would have been a waste

5) Hemarchidas and Arranulf- Personally I don’t believe in their relationship, appears too self-serving, anyhow this particular story is more about the plot than any romance especially when it comes to these two characters, I don’t really mind the their romance, but I do miss Hemarchidas and Anaxantis’ conversations, point to be noted that no such equivalent exists with Arranulf and also the Arranulf, Obaynn, Ry and Rahendo’s friendship and their banter, personally Obayn and Arranulf have a far better understanding than Hemarchidas and Arranulf but I guess there is the fact that will Arranulf has been Hemarchidas’ page and while we never say much interaction on paper, there was bond to be a lot of interaction of it, but still Arranulf’s love just seemed like glorified hero-worship

6) Timishi and Lorcko – Seriously Timishi when are you going to tell your other half that you murdered his father huh?

7) Obaynn and Angista – wow this one story I am really behind

8) Rullio and Mrew – As I see it this story is over except it is still going onwhich makes no sense unless there HEA is no HEA and well Mrew could be somebody else you never know in this story

9) Tomar and Landar – I don’t even know where I want these two brothers’ (father and son’s) story line to go. I mean, is there any point in hoping they will be united?

10) The Uprising – My God I really hate that guy of Semlar who is Ehandar’s squire (Boduwald of Semlar)… too scheming a guy (he gives me a really slimy feel, can we just get rid of him like super quick) and the Duchess was headstrong till she developed her obsession for Anaxantis, in fact I want her plan to work the one where she publicly outs the Mahpodah and they take the fall for it.

11) Lexynatas and Thenoclon – This is one interesting story line even without my theory of the whole Trachian prince thing, I actually like them as a couple even though their positions are hardly easy to explain.

12) Yorn and Antybion – I don’t like Antybion, he is shady and people end up dead around him. My impressions on Yorn definitely improved in this book, but this is one storyline which will definitely see more development.

13) Poor Riathona, I wonder if she will expose Antybion and Meri, you are getting positively senile!

14) The best story line in this book is Lorsanthia’s Divine family… They were awesome they are literally the more improved version of the Tanahkos.

15) One thing I would like to know is why Ananxantis wants to achieve by finding Phrademys and what role is he going to be playing in the series? Personally I think I am going to like Phrademys.

All in all there are a lot of things brewing, we just have and wait and watch as to how everything turns out… Onward to the nest book!!

[Kennylee Beeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Then is good-looking --- c'mon, you knew it was coming, lol!

[Ran ♠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Please, please, please, be careful,” he whispered. “You're carrying two hearts in your body: yours and mine. Don't be reckless with them.”

Villains...villains...there are a lot of them in this book. I wanted that Rianna bitch dead! Argg! And I still couldn't help my rolling my eyes over Boduwald for his delusions and hopeless ambitions. The power hungry people in this book makes me want to puke.

If only the little warlord was out of the picture. Ehandar shouldn't be at the beck and call of his younger brother. It should be Ehandar leading this expedition. Ehandar, and he, Boduwald, his truest friend.
It should be he, Boduwald, who should share the prince's tent with Ehandar.

On the other hand, fleeting their scene might be, but I came to like these four fellow. Corrodan, Eonan, Ruarghan, Nialdann.

There's really nothing much to say. Castling pretty much explains the power struggle of the different States and Houses involved. And as to the mystery of who the Prince of Trachia became in his undercover, I've already guessed it too. It became apparent nearly by the end of the book.

I wish there were more Ehandar and Anaxantis moments. Now that war again separated them, what would become of their relationship? And this separation, would it strengthen or weaken their bond? I wonder what would become of Ehandar now that he has the army under his control.

We'll see how this war will play out in the next book,Pawn Storm.

*p.s* The cover of this book is my favorite among the others in this series.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the books of the Ranfamor the Recluse series thoroughly, and I'm quite obsessed with the story and characters by now. It never stops getting better, whereas in other sagas you can feel there severe ups and downs. The fifth volume deserves the five stars imho. The plots and subplots are intricate, the political intrigue is fascinating, characters seem to come alive and stare at you through the page, their fates intertwine and what at first may seem as different plot lines in different places which are unrelated to one another, ends up combining and forming part of one great story. It is hard to encounter a good fantasy saga in which m-m romance, sex, death and many uncomfortable issues such as rape, incest etc. are treated in such a bold and masterful manner; there is no excess, but there is also no scarcity of them, and Mr.Ashling throws them in at the exactly right moment each and every single time. It's so difficult to accomplish that. You've got to love these books, and crave for more. Just start from the first and keep reading! :-D

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book of the Invisible Hands series. These books, so far, have been quick reads and very interesting. My only complaint (still) is that there are just too many characters with difficult names to remember. There should have been a Cast of Characters page to go along with the maps that the author made for the series. But nonetheless, I am enjoying the series and look forward to reading the next book.

[Patdbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. The further development of multiple storylines s interesting and I feel overall adds to the storyline. Often when this is done there will be one or two storylines you want to skim over to get to the ones you like. Here that is not the case with me, I enjoy them all.
The equally further development of relationships is masterfully done.
The Only problem with them is they can't go on for ever. Great development of characters.
All in all hooked well done Andrew

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was great now waiting for book 7

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too long....

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and, as the character develop, I like it more.