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Rebel Angels #2
Bloodstone
Sithe warriors Seth and Conal MacGregor, while searching for the Bloodstone demanded by their Queen, cross over to the Veil, which has violent consequences, while, in the Otherworld, Jed Camerson must keep his infant brother safe from the evil forces who want to consume him.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Philip
38 books184 followersGillian Philip is the author of more than 20 books for adults, young adults and children, including the Rebel Angels series (Firebrand, Bloodstone, Wolfsbane and Icefall). Her debut novel, the dystopian mystery Bad Faith, was published in 2008.
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 6, 2012
Originall Posted on Book Chick City
After the excellent Firebrand, the sequel BLOODSTONE had a lot to live up to. Although BLOODSTONE is a fantastic read, it just falls short of gaining five stars from me. I have still given it five stars, even though it really only should be 4.5, but Goodreads doesn't let you give half stars
The four hundred year time jump between books was more of a hindrance, at least for me. We left Seth at the end of Firebrand, mourning the loss of his lover. Conal had rode off without him, intent on finding the fabled Bloodstone which would either save or destroy the Veil.
Because of this, it felt as though there was a big chuck of Seths’ story and character development missing. I wanted to know more about Seth’s journey, how he met back up with his brother and was now a mature version of the Seth I grew to love in the first book. We had left him is such a broken state that to see how he had managed to recover, for me was a vital part that was missing from the book in order to engage fully with him. This niggled at the back of my mind for a good few chapters of the book.
Fortunatly Philip’s managed to set up such an interesting plot, involving new characters, that I was able to push this to the back of my mind and become sucked into the book.
The two new characters we are introduced to are at first only supporting cast members, but by half way through they were just as important as Conal and Seth.
The newest member of Conal and Seths’ family is Finn, their niece. She is the stereotypical teenager, suffering from the same angst that we have all been through. She is at the age where she is trying to find her place in the world. What doesn’t help is the fact that she is Sithe and therefore instantly forgettable to mortals. Well, everyone except the other new character in the book, Jed.
As per their race, Finn’s mother has very little to do with her, but I think it may also be due to the fact that Finn’s father was killed on a recon mission back in the otherworld. It is therefore up to Conal and Leonora to nurture her, but they were not to mention her true heritage. Leonora tries to show her some of the old ways and we see that a strong bond develops between the two. It was nice to see this softer side of Leonora, for she came across as very cold and aloof in Firebrand.
It is this bond that causes Finn and her friend Jed to cross the veil to her home world. Finn is concerned for her Gran, but both her mother and Conal claim that she is just getting old. When Leonora wanders off, Finn is concerned and it’s this one act that is the catalyst for the whole book.
Though she is related to Seth through his father, being the daughter of Conal’s sister, we see a strong resemblance between the two. Finn has her half-uncles’ fiery temper and the feeling of being an outsider. Unfortunately this does end up causing her to make a few bad choices, one of which left me gob smacked. By the end of the book I could see a potential storyline for the future and I can’t wait to see what will happen.
Jed is a bit of a strange character. He is of course full mortal, and is pulled in by a number of chance encounters. The most important, at least at first, is when he befriends Finn. This should be impossible since Finn is Sithe, she blends into the background. Somehow he still sees her and remembers her. It is never fully explained why this is till the latter half of the book and it is such a twist, that I had to take a breath to absorb what I was reading.
Jed, for me was one of the characters that showed a lot of growth throughout the book. When we first meet him, he is the angry teenager, trying to play the grown up to a junkie mother. He is doing the best he can for his family, which includes his little brother Rory. It is his dedication and love for his little brother that is a constant thread throughout the book. When he appears to be trapped in the otherworld, his main concern is his little brother.
On returning to our world, Jed finds that his mother has passed away, no doubt from an overdose (Time passes more quickly here than in Seth and Conals world). With the authorities closing in, Jed does the only thing he can think of and runs back to the Watergate where he and Finn crossed over. Now he shouldn’t be able to cross it as the only reason he crossed the first time was because Finn was Sithe and pulled him across. It made me think that maybe there was more to Jed than I first thought. Though I was partially right, the true twist was much cleverer.
As I said at the beginning of the review, Seth seems to have resorted back to his old ways. He is still extremely loyal to his brother. Seth is still a bit pigheaded and seems to be at loggerheads both with Leonora and Conal’s sister. However, he has become disillusioned with the cause and wants to return home. Much like Finn, he makes a few choices that are questionable. What really had me shaking my head in disbelief is Seth handing over the Bloodstone to Kate. It is for the greater good, but Kate has proven to be far from trustworthy that to give her the Bloodstone, was signing a death warrant for his race.
For me Seth will always make the harder choice and he should be commended for that. Seth isn’t one to be the good guy. Instead he will make the tough choice for what he sees as the greater good. As always, it is to save his brother from making that choice.
The plot is very tightly knit and at times, seemingly random or insignificant instances turn out to be very important. There are a few “Oh My!” moments scattered throughout the book that really took me by surprise. The author is brilliant at this and it’s why I like her style of writing so much.
The ending leaves much room for the story to continue and with Wolfsbane coming out in August, I can hardly wait. There is a larger plot throughout the books and I want to see what the conclusion is.
VERDICT:
A fantastic book that is only let down by the huge gap in time between books, therefore you can read this one without missing very much backstory by not reading the first book, Firebrand. Gillian Philip is a master storyteller and brings something new to the genre of urban fantasy and young adult books.
After the excellent Firebrand, the sequel BLOODSTONE had a lot to live up to. Although BLOODSTONE is a fantastic read, it just falls short of gaining five stars from me. I have still given it five stars, even though it really only should be 4.5, but Goodreads doesn't let you give half stars
The four hundred year time jump between books was more of a hindrance, at least for me. We left Seth at the end of Firebrand, mourning the loss of his lover. Conal had rode off without him, intent on finding the fabled Bloodstone which would either save or destroy the Veil.
Because of this, it felt as though there was a big chuck of Seths’ story and character development missing. I wanted to know more about Seth’s journey, how he met back up with his brother and was now a mature version of the Seth I grew to love in the first book. We had left him is such a broken state that to see how he had managed to recover, for me was a vital part that was missing from the book in order to engage fully with him. This niggled at the back of my mind for a good few chapters of the book.
Fortunatly Philip’s managed to set up such an interesting plot, involving new characters, that I was able to push this to the back of my mind and become sucked into the book.
The two new characters we are introduced to are at first only supporting cast members, but by half way through they were just as important as Conal and Seth.
The newest member of Conal and Seths’ family is Finn, their niece. She is the stereotypical teenager, suffering from the same angst that we have all been through. She is at the age where she is trying to find her place in the world. What doesn’t help is the fact that she is Sithe and therefore instantly forgettable to mortals. Well, everyone except the other new character in the book, Jed.
As per their race, Finn’s mother has very little to do with her, but I think it may also be due to the fact that Finn’s father was killed on a recon mission back in the otherworld. It is therefore up to Conal and Leonora to nurture her, but they were not to mention her true heritage. Leonora tries to show her some of the old ways and we see that a strong bond develops between the two. It was nice to see this softer side of Leonora, for she came across as very cold and aloof in Firebrand.
It is this bond that causes Finn and her friend Jed to cross the veil to her home world. Finn is concerned for her Gran, but both her mother and Conal claim that she is just getting old. When Leonora wanders off, Finn is concerned and it’s this one act that is the catalyst for the whole book.
Though she is related to Seth through his father, being the daughter of Conal’s sister, we see a strong resemblance between the two. Finn has her half-uncles’ fiery temper and the feeling of being an outsider. Unfortunately this does end up causing her to make a few bad choices, one of which left me gob smacked. By the end of the book I could see a potential storyline for the future and I can’t wait to see what will happen.
Jed is a bit of a strange character. He is of course full mortal, and is pulled in by a number of chance encounters. The most important, at least at first, is when he befriends Finn. This should be impossible since Finn is Sithe, she blends into the background. Somehow he still sees her and remembers her. It is never fully explained why this is till the latter half of the book and it is such a twist, that I had to take a breath to absorb what I was reading.
Jed, for me was one of the characters that showed a lot of growth throughout the book. When we first meet him, he is the angry teenager, trying to play the grown up to a junkie mother. He is doing the best he can for his family, which includes his little brother Rory. It is his dedication and love for his little brother that is a constant thread throughout the book. When he appears to be trapped in the otherworld, his main concern is his little brother.
On returning to our world, Jed finds that his mother has passed away, no doubt from an overdose (Time passes more quickly here than in Seth and Conals world). With the authorities closing in, Jed does the only thing he can think of and runs back to the Watergate where he and Finn crossed over. Now he shouldn’t be able to cross it as the only reason he crossed the first time was because Finn was Sithe and pulled him across. It made me think that maybe there was more to Jed than I first thought. Though I was partially right, the true twist was much cleverer.
As I said at the beginning of the review, Seth seems to have resorted back to his old ways. He is still extremely loyal to his brother. Seth is still a bit pigheaded and seems to be at loggerheads both with Leonora and Conal’s sister. However, he has become disillusioned with the cause and wants to return home. Much like Finn, he makes a few choices that are questionable. What really had me shaking my head in disbelief is Seth handing over the Bloodstone to Kate. It is for the greater good, but Kate has proven to be far from trustworthy that to give her the Bloodstone, was signing a death warrant for his race.
For me Seth will always make the harder choice and he should be commended for that. Seth isn’t one to be the good guy. Instead he will make the tough choice for what he sees as the greater good. As always, it is to save his brother from making that choice.
The plot is very tightly knit and at times, seemingly random or insignificant instances turn out to be very important. There are a few “Oh My!” moments scattered throughout the book that really took me by surprise. The author is brilliant at this and it’s why I like her style of writing so much.
The ending leaves much room for the story to continue and with Wolfsbane coming out in August, I can hardly wait. There is a larger plot throughout the books and I want to see what the conclusion is.
VERDICT:
A fantastic book that is only let down by the huge gap in time between books, therefore you can read this one without missing very much backstory by not reading the first book, Firebrand. Gillian Philip is a master storyteller and brings something new to the genre of urban fantasy and young adult books.
August 12, 2011
Bloodstone is the second novel in Gillian Philip’s Rebel Angels series. I absolutely loved Firebrand. It was one of my favourite books of 2010. You can read my review here.
Bloodstone sees the time slip forward to the present day in the mortal world. The uncivilised witch hunts which were in full swing in Firebrand are long gone. At the beginning of the novel Seth and Conal are living in the full mortal world of television and leather jackets. They have been hunting the bloodstone for Kate for hundreds of years. In order to stay sane they return to the Sithe world through the watergate and remind themselves of their home.
I reread Firebrand before reading Bloodstone and in some ways it made my experiencing more challenging. I found the modern mortal world so unbecoming for the Sithe. I couldn’t really fit them there in my imagination. They belong in their own medieval, raw and earthy world. I missed Seth roaming the ragged landscape. But on the other hand, by reading Firebrand again, I was again adoring of Seth and his feral ways.
Bloodstone features the familiar faces: Conal, Leonora, Reultan, Sionnach, Eili. But it also introduces us to two new and very significant characters: Jed and Finn. Seth being a Sithe warrior and not one to deny himself earthly pleasures begins a relationship with a full mortal. I guess that is in part where the trouble begins. The full mortal has a son – Jed - and Seth has to meddle with his mind so that he doesn’t remember his presence. In Bloodstone we not only follow Seth’s journey but Jed’s too seeing some of the story from his perspective. Then there is Finn who Seth enjoys goading so passionately. Finn has no knowledge of the Sithe world and her true identity. She is tormented by her peers at school and like a live volcano could erupt at any moment. Bloodstone is her journey too but I didn’t realise this until the end.
The plot twists and turns in so many directions that I had no idea where the author was taking us. There was no sign of the stone and at times I didn’t understand the choices that Seth was making. His intentions were unclear. But do not despair; this is in no way a criticism of the story. Rather Philip takes the reader on a most mazelike journey through the darkest reaches of the mind, the most painful beats of the heart. I am still very much in love with the rugged Seth.
Bloodstone is breathtakingly dramatic and beautifully crafted. The ending was both heart-breaking and endearing. That is Philip’s power to make you really feel the emotion of the characters as if they speak only to you. I wonder where she will take us next. Will the series dive further into the future? Will it touch upon dystopian or will the magic of the Sithe world bleed into the mortal world? I can’t wait to find out.
Bloodstone sees the time slip forward to the present day in the mortal world. The uncivilised witch hunts which were in full swing in Firebrand are long gone. At the beginning of the novel Seth and Conal are living in the full mortal world of television and leather jackets. They have been hunting the bloodstone for Kate for hundreds of years. In order to stay sane they return to the Sithe world through the watergate and remind themselves of their home.
I reread Firebrand before reading Bloodstone and in some ways it made my experiencing more challenging. I found the modern mortal world so unbecoming for the Sithe. I couldn’t really fit them there in my imagination. They belong in their own medieval, raw and earthy world. I missed Seth roaming the ragged landscape. But on the other hand, by reading Firebrand again, I was again adoring of Seth and his feral ways.
Bloodstone features the familiar faces: Conal, Leonora, Reultan, Sionnach, Eili. But it also introduces us to two new and very significant characters: Jed and Finn. Seth being a Sithe warrior and not one to deny himself earthly pleasures begins a relationship with a full mortal. I guess that is in part where the trouble begins. The full mortal has a son – Jed - and Seth has to meddle with his mind so that he doesn’t remember his presence. In Bloodstone we not only follow Seth’s journey but Jed’s too seeing some of the story from his perspective. Then there is Finn who Seth enjoys goading so passionately. Finn has no knowledge of the Sithe world and her true identity. She is tormented by her peers at school and like a live volcano could erupt at any moment. Bloodstone is her journey too but I didn’t realise this until the end.
The plot twists and turns in so many directions that I had no idea where the author was taking us. There was no sign of the stone and at times I didn’t understand the choices that Seth was making. His intentions were unclear. But do not despair; this is in no way a criticism of the story. Rather Philip takes the reader on a most mazelike journey through the darkest reaches of the mind, the most painful beats of the heart. I am still very much in love with the rugged Seth.
Bloodstone is breathtakingly dramatic and beautifully crafted. The ending was both heart-breaking and endearing. That is Philip’s power to make you really feel the emotion of the characters as if they speak only to you. I wonder where she will take us next. Will the series dive further into the future? Will it touch upon dystopian or will the magic of the Sithe world bleed into the mortal world? I can’t wait to find out.
November 21, 2013
When I read FIREBRAND, I had no expectations. But when I read BLOODSTONE, I had high expectations because FIREBRAND was so good. For the most part, it lived up to my expectations.
BLOODSTONE is set several hundred years after FIREBRAND ends. Seth McGregor, his older brother Conal, and their allies have been living out their exile in the human world. But as Conal's mother gets older, the time nears for them to return to the world of the Sithe and face their old enemy, Queen Kate NicNiven, again.
Several new characters are introduced in BLOODSTONE, including two who share narration duties with Seth. There's Finn, Conal's niece, who doesn't know that she isn't human. Then there's Jed, a thief, who is surprisingly good at seeing through the Veil and noticing the Sithe. Unfortunately, that's a dangerous talent for humans. I thought the changing views was a nice touch. I like Seth quite a bit, but it's interesting to see his actions from a perspective that doesn't know what he's thinking. Jed also adds a nice touch of humanity to the mix, since Gillian Philip's Sithe remain very inhuman.
The plot takes a little while to get going. There is lots of maneuvering to get the characters into the right places. Once it does get going, some of the characters make horrendous decisions. Yes, they're getting played, but maybe if they didn't make it so easy . . . BLOODSTONE is beautifully written, exciting, and it's wonderful to spend time with these characters again. But it did suffer a bit from second book syndrome.
That being said, quite a bit happens, from the surprising to the sad to the triumphant. There's not an actual shortage of plot, it just meanders sometimes. The main characters are left in a very interesting position at the end of BLOODSTONE, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I hope the US edition of WOLFSBANE comes soon. (I'm contenting myself with the fact that UK readers don't have the fourth and final book yet.)
I think this series has become one of my favorites. It's got a tortured hero who doesn't love easily, fairies, thieves, loyalty, betrayal, murderous frog people . . . what more does a story need?
BLOODSTONE is set several hundred years after FIREBRAND ends. Seth McGregor, his older brother Conal, and their allies have been living out their exile in the human world. But as Conal's mother gets older, the time nears for them to return to the world of the Sithe and face their old enemy, Queen Kate NicNiven, again.
Several new characters are introduced in BLOODSTONE, including two who share narration duties with Seth. There's Finn, Conal's niece, who doesn't know that she isn't human. Then there's Jed, a thief, who is surprisingly good at seeing through the Veil and noticing the Sithe. Unfortunately, that's a dangerous talent for humans. I thought the changing views was a nice touch. I like Seth quite a bit, but it's interesting to see his actions from a perspective that doesn't know what he's thinking. Jed also adds a nice touch of humanity to the mix, since Gillian Philip's Sithe remain very inhuman.
The plot takes a little while to get going. There is lots of maneuvering to get the characters into the right places. Once it does get going, some of the characters make horrendous decisions. Yes, they're getting played, but maybe if they didn't make it so easy . . . BLOODSTONE is beautifully written, exciting, and it's wonderful to spend time with these characters again. But it did suffer a bit from second book syndrome.
That being said, quite a bit happens, from the surprising to the sad to the triumphant. There's not an actual shortage of plot, it just meanders sometimes. The main characters are left in a very interesting position at the end of BLOODSTONE, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I hope the US edition of WOLFSBANE comes soon. (I'm contenting myself with the fact that UK readers don't have the fourth and final book yet.)
I think this series has become one of my favorites. It's got a tortured hero who doesn't love easily, fairies, thieves, loyalty, betrayal, murderous frog people . . . what more does a story need?
November 21, 2013
I don't usually read adult books...but after being asked to read book 1 by Tor, I went for it. I really enjoyed the first one, fast-paced and fun, with good crossover appeal.
Book 2 was just as good. Some aspects of it, such a SETH, were better. :)
(Side note: as a horse owner, I LOVE how often we get to see horses in this series, and how real they seem!) The writing style is great---beautiful, prose-y sentences mixed with short and choppy that pack a punch. I love a story where you fall right into another world, and Gillian Philip does that perfectly. Though the setting in book 2 is totally different from book 1, you still get the same feelings...the same action scenes, the same parts where you sort of want to throw the book across the room...then run over, pick it up, say you're sorry, and start reading again.
Gillian Philip does a wonderful job of telling a masterful story---I'll be waiting another year for book 3.
Book 2 was just as good. Some aspects of it, such a SETH, were better. :)
(Side note: as a horse owner, I LOVE how often we get to see horses in this series, and how real they seem!) The writing style is great---beautiful, prose-y sentences mixed with short and choppy that pack a punch. I love a story where you fall right into another world, and Gillian Philip does that perfectly. Though the setting in book 2 is totally different from book 1, you still get the same feelings...the same action scenes, the same parts where you sort of want to throw the book across the room...then run over, pick it up, say you're sorry, and start reading again.
Gillian Philip does a wonderful job of telling a masterful story---I'll be waiting another year for book 3.
August 26, 2011
Original post: http://totallybookalicious.blogspot.c...
Gillian Philip has did it again!! I adore this series. The first book Firebrand was such a breath of fresh air in a genre that is over populated with vampires, and werewolves. It grabbed me from the start and I was eagerly awaiting the sequel. So when I contacted the publisher I was super excited when they allowed me to read and review Bloodstone. It was just as explosive as book 1.
Bloodstone is set in the present day Scotland. Sithe Brothers Seth and Conal have been in the Mortal world for 500 years searching for The Bloodstone. Soon they are catapulated back into the own world along with Finn, Conal Neice, Jed a mortal boy who cares for Finn and Jed's infant brother. Together they are fighting to stay alive.
Trying to describe this book is hard. It one of those book that takes your breath away. I truely love it. Seth is one of those self centred, arogant character that you do fall for when you see his sweet side. He is an arse most of the time but he is one of the most Loyal characters I have ever came across in a book. His love for his brother and the fact he would do almost anything for him it what makes him Seth. Conal is one of those men who on the outside is a tough strong man but underneath is a big softy and that comes across when he is with Jed's baby brother.
We are introduced to some new characters, Finn and Jed. Finn is Conal neice and has been brought but unaware of her Sithe heritage. She is a loner and doesn't have any friends she meets Jed. Jed is one of those characters I am on the fence with. On one hand, he is a thief and a cheeky little bugger but on the other hand he really cares for Finn and his llittle brother. The chemistry between all the characters I think is what makes this book so addictive and engaging.
The story itself is amazing! The plot is explosive, epic and freaking awesome. It fast paced anf full of action you will be sitting reading with you heart in your mouth waiting to see what was going to happen next. There is never a dull moment. Gillian has created a fantastic sequel to Firebrand that will be enjoyed adults and older teen.
Bloodstone, personally wasn't as good as Firebrand just because I loved the fact the Firebrand was set in 1600s. As you can tell with the review I did still love it and the story is just as good but just for me I prefered book one. However, I am super excited to see what instore in the next.
Gillian Philip has did it again!! I adore this series. The first book Firebrand was such a breath of fresh air in a genre that is over populated with vampires, and werewolves. It grabbed me from the start and I was eagerly awaiting the sequel. So when I contacted the publisher I was super excited when they allowed me to read and review Bloodstone. It was just as explosive as book 1.
Bloodstone is set in the present day Scotland. Sithe Brothers Seth and Conal have been in the Mortal world for 500 years searching for The Bloodstone. Soon they are catapulated back into the own world along with Finn, Conal Neice, Jed a mortal boy who cares for Finn and Jed's infant brother. Together they are fighting to stay alive.
Trying to describe this book is hard. It one of those book that takes your breath away. I truely love it. Seth is one of those self centred, arogant character that you do fall for when you see his sweet side. He is an arse most of the time but he is one of the most Loyal characters I have ever came across in a book. His love for his brother and the fact he would do almost anything for him it what makes him Seth. Conal is one of those men who on the outside is a tough strong man but underneath is a big softy and that comes across when he is with Jed's baby brother.
We are introduced to some new characters, Finn and Jed. Finn is Conal neice and has been brought but unaware of her Sithe heritage. She is a loner and doesn't have any friends she meets Jed. Jed is one of those characters I am on the fence with. On one hand, he is a thief and a cheeky little bugger but on the other hand he really cares for Finn and his llittle brother. The chemistry between all the characters I think is what makes this book so addictive and engaging.
The story itself is amazing! The plot is explosive, epic and freaking awesome. It fast paced anf full of action you will be sitting reading with you heart in your mouth waiting to see what was going to happen next. There is never a dull moment. Gillian has created a fantastic sequel to Firebrand that will be enjoyed adults and older teen.
Bloodstone, personally wasn't as good as Firebrand just because I loved the fact the Firebrand was set in 1600s. As you can tell with the review I did still love it and the story is just as good but just for me I prefered book one. However, I am super excited to see what instore in the next.
February 18, 2014
While I loved Firebrand, I found this follow-up hard to get into. The massive shift in time and place was jarring for me since I picked this up immediately after finishing Firebrand. And no longer being in a historical setting, the story world lost some of its magic for me. Though I eventually came to appreciate the additional point-of-view characters, they bothered me at first, and when all was said and done, I really missed the intimacy and emotion of having the story told exclusively by Seth, especially when he began behaving in a way that was unlike him. It sucked having to watch him through the eyes of others instead of being inside his head to understand why he did the things he did. After all, he was what I loved so much about the first book. The multiple threads finally came together at the end and Seth got his chance to prove himself and come into his own, but it seemed less meaningful to me since he was not the main focus of most of the story. I haven't decided if I'll continue with the next book...
March 29, 2016
The book deserves at least 2/5.
But the way it fell, from a fantastic 5 with Firebrand to this mildly paced, romantic languor, made me cry. I had gone so far as to beg for a shipment of the book, frustrated over the month it took for Bloodstone to arrive and elated when I finally dipped in- expecting a continuation of Seth having dealt with his heartache, more adventures with his brother and friends. Not granted. At a quarter of the book I was practically snoozing- who was this annoying niece and why the heck would I care about her thieving boyfriend? Jed just felt like a rip off of Seth, and the lack of bridging from the first to second book made it difficult to read the book with all my heart.
Maybe someday I'll get back to this. But only out of pity for my money.
But the way it fell, from a fantastic 5 with Firebrand to this mildly paced, romantic languor, made me cry. I had gone so far as to beg for a shipment of the book, frustrated over the month it took for Bloodstone to arrive and elated when I finally dipped in- expecting a continuation of Seth having dealt with his heartache, more adventures with his brother and friends. Not granted. At a quarter of the book I was practically snoozing- who was this annoying niece and why the heck would I care about her thieving boyfriend? Jed just felt like a rip off of Seth, and the lack of bridging from the first to second book made it difficult to read the book with all my heart.
Maybe someday I'll get back to this. But only out of pity for my money.
January 4, 2016
I have enjoyed the series so far but this one really hooked me in. New characters, a faster pace, more interesting plot twists, suspense, betrayal, redemption ~ this one really had it all. I am very keen to read on in the series now with two books left to go (plus the .5 ). The writing style has definitely changed ~ it was always good but it has evolved with the storyline and characters and I think that's what's hooked me in now.
December 15, 2014
The 1st sucked me in and held me tight. Packed with action and emotion. This book filled with some action and lots of emotions was a harder read, I understand why the author have is so may pov's but it made it hard at times to read or know who was who. I am still in love with this series will be starting the next book ASAP
March 9, 2012
*sniff* *pout* Grr, Gillian Philip, you total brat. ;)
March 7, 2012
Excellent adventure, unputdownable, made me cry! Can't wait for the next one..
August 27, 2015
Great book. Lots of unexpected twists. Notas great as the first, but still very enticing and quite the page turner.
April 16, 2020
Where Philip’s Firebrand was historical fantasy, Bloodstone leaps forward a few hundred years to the modern era, turning it more into an urban fantasy despite the fact that a good half of the novel takes place in a realm that is not the mortal one. (Which is considerably less than Firebrand, so I figure it still counts as urban fantasy.) This is urban fantasy with a greater leaning toward mythology and traditional fantasy elements, however, which makes it stand out from many UF offerings out there.
Exiled to the mortal world, Seth and co are searching for the Bloodstone for Kate, something she can use to tear down the failing Veil that separates this world from the Sithe world. Nobody is particularly happy about this exile or the task they’re set to, but they make efforts, dreading the day they actually find something. Tangled up in the tale now are Finn, a Sithe girl raised as a mortal and unaware of her heritage, and Jed, a mortal boy from a troubled home, giving the story an interesting dynamic that it lacked in the first book of the series. Modern meets traditional, mundane meets fantastic, and worlds collide.
The story is told mostly from Seth’s point of view, with his characteristic wry observations and caustic wit, with jumps to Finn and Jed’s respective points of view, though more often Jed than Finn. The two younger one bring some much-needed perspective to the story, without whom many of the revelations in the book would make little sense and seem to come out of nowhere, but I’ll be honest – I mostly read it for Seth’s point of view. His is a great perspective to read from, so morally ambiguous, a jerk with a heart of gold (though that gold may be a bit tarnished by this point). He’s not someone who always does the right thing. He acts out of self-preservation, frustration, anger, makes stupid mistakes and occasionally revels in them because they were his mistakes to make. His independence and intelligence make him a good character for narrative purposes, his tone and temperament providing much of the entertainment.
The plot is fairly slow-going, and there isn’t much in the way of action awaiting readers. It’s highly character-driven. Characters seem to be Philip’s specialty, really, with each character being wonderfully unique and real and flawed, likable and detestable for dozens of different reasons. You really get the sense that there’s far more to each character, even secondary ones, than just what gets written about, like the events being told are only one small part of their lives.
It does, however, suffer a bit from the way the plot seems to lead in circles quite a bit, with very little happening. They’re looking for the Bloodstone. They don’t know where it is or what it looks like. They argue about it. They go back to looking for it. Rinse and repeat. Ditto Seth’s clashes with Finn, and most of Jed’s interactions that have anything to do with his mother. It’s a bit repetitive, and while that repetition was no doubt there to stress the importance of certain things or how their quest seemed futile and unending, I had grasped that fairly early on and didn’t really need it hammered in over and over again.
Still, a strong continuation to a strong series start in Firebrand, and I know full well that I’m going to be following this series closely and anxiously awaiting the day I can read the third book. Philip creates a different kind of urban fantasy, one with deep and ancient roots that has, nevertheless, grown with the times, and it’s a treat to read. It’s fun, highly entertaining, and I don’t think I can really get enough of Seth’s narration. If you haven’t started reading the Rebel Angels series, you’re missing out.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
Exiled to the mortal world, Seth and co are searching for the Bloodstone for Kate, something she can use to tear down the failing Veil that separates this world from the Sithe world. Nobody is particularly happy about this exile or the task they’re set to, but they make efforts, dreading the day they actually find something. Tangled up in the tale now are Finn, a Sithe girl raised as a mortal and unaware of her heritage, and Jed, a mortal boy from a troubled home, giving the story an interesting dynamic that it lacked in the first book of the series. Modern meets traditional, mundane meets fantastic, and worlds collide.
The story is told mostly from Seth’s point of view, with his characteristic wry observations and caustic wit, with jumps to Finn and Jed’s respective points of view, though more often Jed than Finn. The two younger one bring some much-needed perspective to the story, without whom many of the revelations in the book would make little sense and seem to come out of nowhere, but I’ll be honest – I mostly read it for Seth’s point of view. His is a great perspective to read from, so morally ambiguous, a jerk with a heart of gold (though that gold may be a bit tarnished by this point). He’s not someone who always does the right thing. He acts out of self-preservation, frustration, anger, makes stupid mistakes and occasionally revels in them because they were his mistakes to make. His independence and intelligence make him a good character for narrative purposes, his tone and temperament providing much of the entertainment.
The plot is fairly slow-going, and there isn’t much in the way of action awaiting readers. It’s highly character-driven. Characters seem to be Philip’s specialty, really, with each character being wonderfully unique and real and flawed, likable and detestable for dozens of different reasons. You really get the sense that there’s far more to each character, even secondary ones, than just what gets written about, like the events being told are only one small part of their lives.
It does, however, suffer a bit from the way the plot seems to lead in circles quite a bit, with very little happening. They’re looking for the Bloodstone. They don’t know where it is or what it looks like. They argue about it. They go back to looking for it. Rinse and repeat. Ditto Seth’s clashes with Finn, and most of Jed’s interactions that have anything to do with his mother. It’s a bit repetitive, and while that repetition was no doubt there to stress the importance of certain things or how their quest seemed futile and unending, I had grasped that fairly early on and didn’t really need it hammered in over and over again.
Still, a strong continuation to a strong series start in Firebrand, and I know full well that I’m going to be following this series closely and anxiously awaiting the day I can read the third book. Philip creates a different kind of urban fantasy, one with deep and ancient roots that has, nevertheless, grown with the times, and it’s a treat to read. It’s fun, highly entertaining, and I don’t think I can really get enough of Seth’s narration. If you haven’t started reading the Rebel Angels series, you’re missing out.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
December 15, 2013
Four stars: An exciting sequel with betrayal, heartbreak and hope.
Seth and Conal have been searching relentlessly for the last four hundred years for the bloodstone. This stone is supposed to help them protect the veil that separates the mortal world from the Sithe world. Being away from their homeland for so long has made them weary and homesick. From time to time, they sneak through the watergate back home. On one visit, tragedy strikes, and the brothers are reminded how vital their mission is. Another sixteen years pass, Conal and Seth are still hunting for the stone but they fear time might be running out. Conal's mother, Leonore, the only one who could stand up to Kate, is showing signs of aging. Conal's sister, Stella, refuses to help as she has sworn to never set foot in the Sithe world again. She fiercely protects her daughter, Finn, from discovering the truth about her heritage and her homeland. When Seth encounters a boy who can catch glimpses behind the veil, he is drawn to him. This leads to all kinds of trouble. Will this boy be Seth's downfall? Will Conal and Seth find the Bloodstone in time?
What I Liked:
*Firebrand introduced me to two half brothers, Seth and Conal, who completely captured my heart and my imagination. Conal is the older brother, kind, good and the hero whom everyone respects and looks up to. He is the leader of their clan and he loves his younger brother and fiercely protects him. Seth being the bastard child, spent his youth looking to be noticed and accepted. When Conal smiled his way, his life changed. Seth is the rascal younger brother. He is brash, impetuous, hot headed and impossible sometimes. The one thing that keeps him grounded is Conal. I enjoyed catching up with the brothers and seeing how they have evolved. Their relationship goes through its ups and downs and at times, it is strained, but through it all their love and loyalty shines through. I absolutely love this brotherly bond.
*I like that this book presents the fey in an entirely new light. The Sithe,or the fey, are completely different from any other book that I have read regarding the fey. They are cold and calculating and they can be incredibly cruel, while at other times they are fiercely loyal and capable of great love. This is not your typical fey book.
*I liked that this book brought all the threads together and I liked seeing how everything fit into the story. It takes its time positioning the characters into their respective roles, but once everything is set in motion it becomes a riveting read.
*This time around, the book is told through Seth's eyes and then there are two new view points, Jed, a human with the ability to sense the Sithe, and Finn, Conal's niece. It did take a bit of time to adjust to the additional view points, especially since Finn and Jed's portions are told in third person while Seth's chapters are in first person. However, I did like seeing things through the newcomers' eyes and it gave me an entirely new perspective on Seth.
*This book packs a punch and it has some startling and heartbreaking surprises. Even though I knew what was coming due to foreshadowing, I hoped against hope that it wouldn't come to be. Still I liked that after all the sadness the book ends on a high note, and I loved the final redemption of one of the brothers.
*I appreciated that the author included a list at the beginning of the book with all the character's and their mortal names as well as their Sithe names and a little about them. It helped refresh my memory and it was helpful in that it allowed me to keep everyone straight. When characters have more than one name, things can get confusing.
*This is a series that I wish more people would try. It is exciting, thrilling and intelligent. I cannot wait to see the new direction the story will go after the final revelations. I also was relieved that the book wrapped up most of the plot lines and that there wasn't a cliffhanger.
And The Not So Much:
*This book is slow going for the first half. Unlike Firebrand which drags you in from the first terrifying chapter. It takes its time building and laying out story lines, and at times, I had no idea where it was going. Finally, everything snaps into place and makes sense, and I found that even things that had seemed of little importance had a big impact later down the road. Book two isn't quite as tight or thrilling as its predecessor, but it was still a solid read.
*While I did like that I got the additional view points of Finn and Jed, it took me a long time to warm up to either character. Finn is surly and she definitely has some issues. However, once she discovers her true heritage she starts transforming. I liked seeing how she gained a new appreciation for Seth by the end, and I liked seeing her fight. Jed is a teenage troublemaker. He steals to keep food on the table and a roof over head. When it comes to his mother and infant brother, he is all about protecting them, especially Rory. His love for Rory is reminiscent of the bond between Seth and Conal. Jed is another character that I grew to love by the end.
*Speaking of Seth and Conal, I was disappointed that Conal was absent for much of the book. Conal is preoccupied and he is a shadow of his former self. I missed his fire and bravery and I especially missed the camaraderie between the brothers. I won't go into to further details, but I will say that this book didn't speak to me the same way because the brothers weren't front and center.
*Seth is a conundrum this time around. While I know that he is a hot head and incapable of controlling himself, I was startled and disappointed by many of his actions. It was a hard pill to swallow, even when I learned the truth about why he acted the way he did. Thankfully, he does an about face and by the end he is back to being the character I loved and admired.
Bloodstone is a solid sequel even if it lacks a bit of the fire that I loved in Firebrand. There are plenty of surprises and big twists that will send your emotions on a roller coaster. I liked that after great upheaval, the book ends on a high note and that the lines are laid for the story to move in new and exciting directions.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Seth and Conal have been searching relentlessly for the last four hundred years for the bloodstone. This stone is supposed to help them protect the veil that separates the mortal world from the Sithe world. Being away from their homeland for so long has made them weary and homesick. From time to time, they sneak through the watergate back home. On one visit, tragedy strikes, and the brothers are reminded how vital their mission is. Another sixteen years pass, Conal and Seth are still hunting for the stone but they fear time might be running out. Conal's mother, Leonore, the only one who could stand up to Kate, is showing signs of aging. Conal's sister, Stella, refuses to help as she has sworn to never set foot in the Sithe world again. She fiercely protects her daughter, Finn, from discovering the truth about her heritage and her homeland. When Seth encounters a boy who can catch glimpses behind the veil, he is drawn to him. This leads to all kinds of trouble. Will this boy be Seth's downfall? Will Conal and Seth find the Bloodstone in time?
What I Liked:
*Firebrand introduced me to two half brothers, Seth and Conal, who completely captured my heart and my imagination. Conal is the older brother, kind, good and the hero whom everyone respects and looks up to. He is the leader of their clan and he loves his younger brother and fiercely protects him. Seth being the bastard child, spent his youth looking to be noticed and accepted. When Conal smiled his way, his life changed. Seth is the rascal younger brother. He is brash, impetuous, hot headed and impossible sometimes. The one thing that keeps him grounded is Conal. I enjoyed catching up with the brothers and seeing how they have evolved. Their relationship goes through its ups and downs and at times, it is strained, but through it all their love and loyalty shines through. I absolutely love this brotherly bond.
*I like that this book presents the fey in an entirely new light. The Sithe,or the fey, are completely different from any other book that I have read regarding the fey. They are cold and calculating and they can be incredibly cruel, while at other times they are fiercely loyal and capable of great love. This is not your typical fey book.
*I liked that this book brought all the threads together and I liked seeing how everything fit into the story. It takes its time positioning the characters into their respective roles, but once everything is set in motion it becomes a riveting read.
*This time around, the book is told through Seth's eyes and then there are two new view points, Jed, a human with the ability to sense the Sithe, and Finn, Conal's niece. It did take a bit of time to adjust to the additional view points, especially since Finn and Jed's portions are told in third person while Seth's chapters are in first person. However, I did like seeing things through the newcomers' eyes and it gave me an entirely new perspective on Seth.
*This book packs a punch and it has some startling and heartbreaking surprises. Even though I knew what was coming due to foreshadowing, I hoped against hope that it wouldn't come to be. Still I liked that after all the sadness the book ends on a high note, and I loved the final redemption of one of the brothers.
*I appreciated that the author included a list at the beginning of the book with all the character's and their mortal names as well as their Sithe names and a little about them. It helped refresh my memory and it was helpful in that it allowed me to keep everyone straight. When characters have more than one name, things can get confusing.
*This is a series that I wish more people would try. It is exciting, thrilling and intelligent. I cannot wait to see the new direction the story will go after the final revelations. I also was relieved that the book wrapped up most of the plot lines and that there wasn't a cliffhanger.
And The Not So Much:
*This book is slow going for the first half. Unlike Firebrand which drags you in from the first terrifying chapter. It takes its time building and laying out story lines, and at times, I had no idea where it was going. Finally, everything snaps into place and makes sense, and I found that even things that had seemed of little importance had a big impact later down the road. Book two isn't quite as tight or thrilling as its predecessor, but it was still a solid read.
*While I did like that I got the additional view points of Finn and Jed, it took me a long time to warm up to either character. Finn is surly and she definitely has some issues. However, once she discovers her true heritage she starts transforming. I liked seeing how she gained a new appreciation for Seth by the end, and I liked seeing her fight. Jed is a teenage troublemaker. He steals to keep food on the table and a roof over head. When it comes to his mother and infant brother, he is all about protecting them, especially Rory. His love for Rory is reminiscent of the bond between Seth and Conal. Jed is another character that I grew to love by the end.
*Speaking of Seth and Conal, I was disappointed that Conal was absent for much of the book. Conal is preoccupied and he is a shadow of his former self. I missed his fire and bravery and I especially missed the camaraderie between the brothers. I won't go into to further details, but I will say that this book didn't speak to me the same way because the brothers weren't front and center.
*Seth is a conundrum this time around. While I know that he is a hot head and incapable of controlling himself, I was startled and disappointed by many of his actions. It was a hard pill to swallow, even when I learned the truth about why he acted the way he did. Thankfully, he does an about face and by the end he is back to being the character I loved and admired.
Bloodstone is a solid sequel even if it lacks a bit of the fire that I loved in Firebrand. There are plenty of surprises and big twists that will send your emotions on a roller coaster. I liked that after great upheaval, the book ends on a high note and that the lines are laid for the story to move in new and exciting directions.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 30, 2017
Just like the first book that i've read a while back, in the begginig it starts off slow introducing and building all these characters. In my mind I thought to my self why are all these characters even here. About 60-70% it all clicks and it will be very hard to set this book down once you get past the tedious build up. It's not a typical good guy and bad guy theme here everything is more in the gray moral area and at time it tends to catch you off guard, while others don't. Definetly a good read and Seth is a most interesting character indeed, the main characters are all special and are created so. This book contains different points of views per chapter so also keep that in mind before purchasing. For me it was a plus and well done in this book.
June 26, 2018
Luku luvulta tarinan eri hahmot kertovat maailmasta osata näkökulmastaan. Näkökulmat tuntuvat aidoilta, eikä draamaa ja jännittäviä tilanteita puutu.
Jostain syystä tarina kuintenkin pysähtelee paikoitellen. Välillä tekee mieli jättää kirja kesken tylsänä ja joidenkin lukujen jälkeen haluaisin ahmia tekstiä sivutolkulla.
Epätasainen lukukokemus.
Jostain syystä tarina kuintenkin pysähtelee paikoitellen. Välillä tekee mieli jättää kirja kesken tylsänä ja joidenkin lukujen jälkeen haluaisin ahmia tekstiä sivutolkulla.
Epätasainen lukukokemus.
March 23, 2020
Interesting world created by Phillip with queens, magic, warriors, and humans mixed in a world of politics, intrigue, family, love, loyalty, and honor. A really good work that makes me want to find the next one to continue the journey.
April 21, 2019
Looking forward to reading more of the series.
April 28, 2019
Fascinating story!
March 26, 2020
Okay, books that are going to tear your heart out need to come with a warning label.
February 23, 2021
Cancerous writer.
April 16, 2021
I got half way through and realised I wasn’t actually enjoying it. Life is too short.
April 27, 2014
This book! It was everything I had hoped it would be a more…and there was more than one twist thrown in that gave me shock face!
Bloodstone by Gillian Philip pretty much starts off where book 1, Firebrand, left off. Seth and Conal are still in the mortal world in search of the coveted Bloodstone, under the demands of Queen Kate. And what seems like an easy enough task, many mortal years pass and still no true sign of this Bloodstone.
Not only does this story follow the adventures of both Seth and Conal, but it also follows the lives of Finn MacAngus (daughter of Stella and Aonghas), and of Jed Cameron, son to Seth’s mortal lover. Finn’s life is anything but perfect in the mortal realm. Being picked on at school by her classmates, Finn’s true Sithe side comes to light as she begins to develop her magical skills…a skill which can cause people to do whatever she wants them to do by simply using her Jedi mind skills. And of all the people to notice her and take an interest in her, it just had to be Jed.
Jed, a small time thief, can’t seem to get Finn out of her mind. Because of his fascination with her, and perhaps her fascination with him, a friendship is kindled. But it seems Jed’s past has a way of catching up with him. Especially when he has the unfortunate honor of meeting Finn’s Sithe family. Jed has crossed paths with not only one of the brothers, Conal, but his life is also tied into the unapproachable brother… the one with the biggest chip on his shoulder, Seth.
Bloodstones, Faeries, and humans…on my!
I will admit that it took me a bit to get back into the swing of things, with having to get the names of the characters straight again, and trying to remember what happened in book 1. Especially when it came down to having to remember the two (2) names of the characters…their Sithe name and their other given name. But once you get past that little ditty, Bloodstone by Gillian Philip is amazing. The author does a great job of reintroducing characters, and of re-telling the events that happened in book 1.
I still found myself completely enthralled by Seth…cranky mood swings and all. Because you can clearly see that his words and actions all have an agenda…and underneath his tough unapproachable exterior, he is a definite sweetheart with a heart of gold. I will admit that there were a few instances where my book crush swayed between brother, Seth and Conal. But Seth won it out for me in the end.
There were various parts where I doubted his loyalties to his people/clan. I thought on various occasions that he would go over to the dark side, thanks to that sneaky seduction skills of Queen Kate. And perhaps that’s part of the charm. He’s a sneaky bugger, that Conal.
AND OMG the last part of the book! I felt as though my heart was ripped out of my chest and stomped on repeatedly! I gasped aloud and couldn’t believe what I was reading. I could go into greater detail over the events that transpired at this part, but that would be unfair to you, dear readers. You need to experience this shock on your very own. And trust me when I say, I was taken aback and felt lost for the characters in this book. Oh. My. Heart.
If you have not yet started reading the Rebel Angels series by Gillian Philips, I suggest you get on it asap. Fans of Faerie reads will come to enjoy these books! Throw in a bad boy with an attitude that you can’t help but adore, and you’ve got a book that you won’t be able to put down.
Bloodstone by Gillian Philip pretty much starts off where book 1, Firebrand, left off. Seth and Conal are still in the mortal world in search of the coveted Bloodstone, under the demands of Queen Kate. And what seems like an easy enough task, many mortal years pass and still no true sign of this Bloodstone.
Not only does this story follow the adventures of both Seth and Conal, but it also follows the lives of Finn MacAngus (daughter of Stella and Aonghas), and of Jed Cameron, son to Seth’s mortal lover. Finn’s life is anything but perfect in the mortal realm. Being picked on at school by her classmates, Finn’s true Sithe side comes to light as she begins to develop her magical skills…a skill which can cause people to do whatever she wants them to do by simply using her Jedi mind skills. And of all the people to notice her and take an interest in her, it just had to be Jed.
Jed, a small time thief, can’t seem to get Finn out of her mind. Because of his fascination with her, and perhaps her fascination with him, a friendship is kindled. But it seems Jed’s past has a way of catching up with him. Especially when he has the unfortunate honor of meeting Finn’s Sithe family. Jed has crossed paths with not only one of the brothers, Conal, but his life is also tied into the unapproachable brother… the one with the biggest chip on his shoulder, Seth.
Bloodstones, Faeries, and humans…on my!
I will admit that it took me a bit to get back into the swing of things, with having to get the names of the characters straight again, and trying to remember what happened in book 1. Especially when it came down to having to remember the two (2) names of the characters…their Sithe name and their other given name. But once you get past that little ditty, Bloodstone by Gillian Philip is amazing. The author does a great job of reintroducing characters, and of re-telling the events that happened in book 1.
I still found myself completely enthralled by Seth…cranky mood swings and all. Because you can clearly see that his words and actions all have an agenda…and underneath his tough unapproachable exterior, he is a definite sweetheart with a heart of gold. I will admit that there were a few instances where my book crush swayed between brother, Seth and Conal. But Seth won it out for me in the end.
There were various parts where I doubted his loyalties to his people/clan. I thought on various occasions that he would go over to the dark side, thanks to that sneaky seduction skills of Queen Kate. And perhaps that’s part of the charm. He’s a sneaky bugger, that Conal.
AND OMG the last part of the book! I felt as though my heart was ripped out of my chest and stomped on repeatedly! I gasped aloud and couldn’t believe what I was reading. I could go into greater detail over the events that transpired at this part, but that would be unfair to you, dear readers. You need to experience this shock on your very own. And trust me when I say, I was taken aback and felt lost for the characters in this book. Oh. My. Heart.
If you have not yet started reading the Rebel Angels series by Gillian Philips, I suggest you get on it asap. Fans of Faerie reads will come to enjoy these books! Throw in a bad boy with an attitude that you can’t help but adore, and you’ve got a book that you won’t be able to put down.
April 14, 2014
In FIREBRAND we met the Sithe brothers Seth and Conal. They were exiled beyond the Veil to the world where full-mortals live, as part of a promise to their queen that they would find the bloodstone. By the time BLOODSTONE begins, four hundred years have passed, and Leonna, Conal's mother, is coming to the conclusion that they will never find what they're looking for, that it doesn't exist.
After FIREBRAND's exciting introduction to the series, BLOODSTONE had a lot to live up to. While not as good as the first book, this continuation of the story isn't afraid to take us where the hard decisions have led Seth and Conal on their quest to be free of Kate NicNiven's control.
The great thing so far about this series is its forward momentum and fascinating characters. In FIREBRAND it was Seth's PoV, but here the narration has broadened to Finn (Conal's niece) and Jed (mortal; Finn's friend and son to Seth's lover). At first I found it annoying because I like Seth's narration and it took the majority of the book to understand why the extra PoVs--and teenagers at that--were necessary for the storytelling. Still, Seth is the one whose PoV carries the story: how he views people, his sense of loyalty to his brother, and his often poor decision-making skills. And the strange thing is that even though I hate some of his choices, I still completely understand why he makes them. He is a fascinating person who wavers between bad-boy and sentimental loyalist. Finn and Jed's stories aren't as crucial as Seth's, but they're still interesting. Jed is a bit of a wild card since he's full mortal, and even though he's tied to important characters, ultimately he's powerless. His character arc is the biggest in the novel, but it was painful to watch him flail about in a situation he had no control over.
There's an unfortunate four-hundred year gap between books, which hinders a fleshed-out setting in favor of a fast-paced story, and as a result we don't learn more about the Sithe world, magic, and the Veil. Not that these tidbits aren't important to the story. The Veil makes the Sithe forgettable to mortals and this makes Finn's high school existence miserable. Adding to her teenage angst is the death of her father, a grieving mother who leaves her to be raised by secretive uncles (who are forbidden by their mother to tell her about the Sithe world), and her witch of a grandmother whose search for the bloodstone occupies her time (because if she doesn't focus her attention she'll want to kill herself to follow her dead husband).
However, the surprises in store do make up for what we miss in the world-building--Phillips takes the story in an unexpected direction. We start out in the mortal world, but most of the action takes place in the otherworld, where Conal teams up with his old comrades-in-arms, Kate NicNiven (the Sithe queen) continues to manipulate events to her advantage, and everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Seth, Finn, and Jed all come to discover that even when they try to make the right decisions, there's no guarantee the results will be what they expect. Phillips weaves these shadowy characters into a complicated and twisty story in a way that is thoroughly engulfing, leaving us with the question of: What will happen next? Because by the end you will want to know.
Recommended Age: 15+
Language: A couple handfuls
Violence: Fairly frequent; gory details sometimes glossed over
Sex: Referenced
***See this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
After FIREBRAND's exciting introduction to the series, BLOODSTONE had a lot to live up to. While not as good as the first book, this continuation of the story isn't afraid to take us where the hard decisions have led Seth and Conal on their quest to be free of Kate NicNiven's control.
The great thing so far about this series is its forward momentum and fascinating characters. In FIREBRAND it was Seth's PoV, but here the narration has broadened to Finn (Conal's niece) and Jed (mortal; Finn's friend and son to Seth's lover). At first I found it annoying because I like Seth's narration and it took the majority of the book to understand why the extra PoVs--and teenagers at that--were necessary for the storytelling. Still, Seth is the one whose PoV carries the story: how he views people, his sense of loyalty to his brother, and his often poor decision-making skills. And the strange thing is that even though I hate some of his choices, I still completely understand why he makes them. He is a fascinating person who wavers between bad-boy and sentimental loyalist. Finn and Jed's stories aren't as crucial as Seth's, but they're still interesting. Jed is a bit of a wild card since he's full mortal, and even though he's tied to important characters, ultimately he's powerless. His character arc is the biggest in the novel, but it was painful to watch him flail about in a situation he had no control over.
There's an unfortunate four-hundred year gap between books, which hinders a fleshed-out setting in favor of a fast-paced story, and as a result we don't learn more about the Sithe world, magic, and the Veil. Not that these tidbits aren't important to the story. The Veil makes the Sithe forgettable to mortals and this makes Finn's high school existence miserable. Adding to her teenage angst is the death of her father, a grieving mother who leaves her to be raised by secretive uncles (who are forbidden by their mother to tell her about the Sithe world), and her witch of a grandmother whose search for the bloodstone occupies her time (because if she doesn't focus her attention she'll want to kill herself to follow her dead husband).
However, the surprises in store do make up for what we miss in the world-building--Phillips takes the story in an unexpected direction. We start out in the mortal world, but most of the action takes place in the otherworld, where Conal teams up with his old comrades-in-arms, Kate NicNiven (the Sithe queen) continues to manipulate events to her advantage, and everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Seth, Finn, and Jed all come to discover that even when they try to make the right decisions, there's no guarantee the results will be what they expect. Phillips weaves these shadowy characters into a complicated and twisty story in a way that is thoroughly engulfing, leaving us with the question of: What will happen next? Because by the end you will want to know.
Recommended Age: 15+
Language: A couple handfuls
Violence: Fairly frequent; gory details sometimes glossed over
Sex: Referenced
***See this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
October 5, 2015
Having pretty much swallowed the first book in the Rebel Angel series (Firebrand) I was hooked and ready to get my claws into the next one and the lovely people over at Strident publishing provided me with the 2nd book. I jumped for joy when it came through my post and started reading, and steadily falling back into the world Gillian Philip so amazingly creates and feeling slightly empty once it finished.
Warning – not for the light hearted. There were moments in this second book where I literally had to pause, put the book down, breathe, and pick it up back up, such as the emotional pull that Gillian Philip beautifully creates; letting readers know she’s going to make them work hard to enjoy this book and it’s well worth it.
In this book we continue to follow the two amazing brothers, Conal and Seth (Seth, oh Seth who stole your heart in the first book with his passion and loyalty, yes, that Seth.)
Yet their new adventure isn’t all fun and games (without spoiling it for you) for this book has a slightly darker underbelly which I loved as it shows us another world, inhibited by all manner of creatures accompanied with brooding skies that casts a shadow over the Sithe world as they face new dangers, and this is all done with crisp writing that makes you want to reach out and fall into the book itself.
There is plenty of tension and action not to mention some heartache which you can almost expect as Philip loves to tug on your emotions and it’s all worth it! Treachery, lies, fighting, bad plans and paid prices, it’s all a concoction of dark features that pulls us into this fantasy world and when we turn the last page and leave it, we are left reeling with the journey Philip has taken us on. She’s amazing and that’s only the tip of the iceberg!
I’m so glad we got to keep the old Seth from the first book yet we see a new side to him as he has changed after the journey he’s been on and alongside him his amazing brother. Yet we are joined by new characters, such as that of Finn who adds humour to the book as her hot-headed manner reminds us of Seth in his earlier years. Despite gaining new experience and ageing (although not physically) Seth in this novel still managed to retain his child-like manner at times which I still find endearing. I like that Philip hasn’t let him grow up completely and perfectly and instead still shows us the flaws in his character which leads us to love him even more, ‘cause at the end of the day, it’s not always the goody-two-shoes we fall for! Love and loyalty go hand in hand for Seth and that just makes him more amazing than he already was.
I have nothing but praise for this amazing series and I hope to read more of Philip’s brilliant writing which leaves you entranced even after the stories finished. Both books were created with fire which leaves a tingling touch once you finish reading it, I think everyone should get these books and be willing to burn.
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Warning – not for the light hearted. There were moments in this second book where I literally had to pause, put the book down, breathe, and pick it up back up, such as the emotional pull that Gillian Philip beautifully creates; letting readers know she’s going to make them work hard to enjoy this book and it’s well worth it.
In this book we continue to follow the two amazing brothers, Conal and Seth (Seth, oh Seth who stole your heart in the first book with his passion and loyalty, yes, that Seth.)
Yet their new adventure isn’t all fun and games (without spoiling it for you) for this book has a slightly darker underbelly which I loved as it shows us another world, inhibited by all manner of creatures accompanied with brooding skies that casts a shadow over the Sithe world as they face new dangers, and this is all done with crisp writing that makes you want to reach out and fall into the book itself.
There is plenty of tension and action not to mention some heartache which you can almost expect as Philip loves to tug on your emotions and it’s all worth it! Treachery, lies, fighting, bad plans and paid prices, it’s all a concoction of dark features that pulls us into this fantasy world and when we turn the last page and leave it, we are left reeling with the journey Philip has taken us on. She’s amazing and that’s only the tip of the iceberg!
I’m so glad we got to keep the old Seth from the first book yet we see a new side to him as he has changed after the journey he’s been on and alongside him his amazing brother. Yet we are joined by new characters, such as that of Finn who adds humour to the book as her hot-headed manner reminds us of Seth in his earlier years. Despite gaining new experience and ageing (although not physically) Seth in this novel still managed to retain his child-like manner at times which I still find endearing. I like that Philip hasn’t let him grow up completely and perfectly and instead still shows us the flaws in his character which leads us to love him even more, ‘cause at the end of the day, it’s not always the goody-two-shoes we fall for! Love and loyalty go hand in hand for Seth and that just makes him more amazing than he already was.
I have nothing but praise for this amazing series and I hope to read more of Philip’s brilliant writing which leaves you entranced even after the stories finished. Both books were created with fire which leaves a tingling touch once you finish reading it, I think everyone should get these books and be willing to burn.
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April 8, 2013
This book took me an age to finish. In all truth I didn't much care for the first but had already bought this one in a sale and I hate to see a wasted book so I thought I'd read it anyway. And I didn't much care for it.
It's not the writing style, plot lines or character developments, all are good a lot better than others I've read, but rather I just feel an indifference towards the whole thing. Plus I never seem to ever truly like books with faeries in them, I can appeciate why and hold an interest in them, I just don't like faeries. I don't know why, maybe for me it takes away the realism of the story, which I always find to be vital in a story, but the strange thing is is that I still find them to be interesting. Weird.
Back to the book itself, the story line was mildly interesting but slow and seemed to go off in random directions at what almost seemed to be a writers whim, but it did keep the reader guessing. I'm in the minority here when I say that I don't like changing POVs (which this book had) but lots of people to so, hey, it probably worked for mass market appeal.
In terms of characters, Gillian Philip does a great job of casting an array if characters that are themselves, if that makes any sense. What I mean is that they are three-dimensional, they're real. They have motives and backstories and developments of their own. My favourite in this one is Finn, I find her to be truly the most likeable/understandable (by the end anyway) and she really holds her own, making her truly interesting. I detested Eili in this one, I didn't like her in the first one but I thought, hey, maybe she will have grown up in this one. But, alas, according to her, the universe still revolves around her and she must always have something to say about EVERYTHING. At least Kate had proper motives and didn't go around like a petulant child. Uuurrggghhh. That's the main problem I had with her (and this isn't the authors fault, they shouldn't have to make characters that the readers like but I feel like I must get this out there anyway) I liked the villain better than her.
Seth and Colan were good in this one as well, solid characters with flaws. This book simply didn't hold my interest. It's as plain and simple as that. Perhaps if I was a die-hard fantasy fan I'd enjoy this book more (and get through it faster) but I'm not. And so concludes the longest review I've ever written.
It's not the writing style, plot lines or character developments, all are good a lot better than others I've read, but rather I just feel an indifference towards the whole thing. Plus I never seem to ever truly like books with faeries in them, I can appeciate why and hold an interest in them, I just don't like faeries. I don't know why, maybe for me it takes away the realism of the story, which I always find to be vital in a story, but the strange thing is is that I still find them to be interesting. Weird.
Back to the book itself, the story line was mildly interesting but slow and seemed to go off in random directions at what almost seemed to be a writers whim, but it did keep the reader guessing. I'm in the minority here when I say that I don't like changing POVs (which this book had) but lots of people to so, hey, it probably worked for mass market appeal.
In terms of characters, Gillian Philip does a great job of casting an array if characters that are themselves, if that makes any sense. What I mean is that they are three-dimensional, they're real. They have motives and backstories and developments of their own. My favourite in this one is Finn, I find her to be truly the most likeable/understandable (by the end anyway) and she really holds her own, making her truly interesting. I detested Eili in this one, I didn't like her in the first one but I thought, hey, maybe she will have grown up in this one. But, alas, according to her, the universe still revolves around her and she must always have something to say about EVERYTHING. At least Kate had proper motives and didn't go around like a petulant child. Uuurrggghhh. That's the main problem I had with her (and this isn't the authors fault, they shouldn't have to make characters that the readers like but I feel like I must get this out there anyway) I liked the villain better than her.
Seth and Colan were good in this one as well, solid characters with flaws. This book simply didn't hold my interest. It's as plain and simple as that. Perhaps if I was a die-hard fantasy fan I'd enjoy this book more (and get through it faster) but I'm not. And so concludes the longest review I've ever written.
August 11, 2011
Please note, I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Usual spoiler warning for book 1, Firebrand, applies here.
Seth and Conal MacGregor have spent so long hunting for the Bloodstone for Kate NicNiven, their queen, that they're reached the present day in our world (after Firebrand took place in sixteenth century Scotland.) They still haven't found it, though, but they have got themselves involved with some wonderful new characters, notably sullen teenager Finn, who's unaware of her Sithe heritage but about to find out with far-reaching consequences. Returning to the realm of the fairies with her in tow, and two others, the MacGregor boys are about to find even more trouble.
Seth burst onto the scene in Firebrand as an incredible narrator, full of youthful rebellion and fury, and while four centuries or so have passed, he's still the same flawed but lovable hero. Add to that Conal, calmer but just as wonderful, and great new characters like the surly Finn, and this is a surefire winner. The narration is mainly by Seth but parts are done by Jed, the human son of a woman Seth has a relationship with, and his voice brings an interesting new twist to things.
It's an epic, sprawling, plot, as befits a series which has so far spanned four hundred plus years over just two books, and similarly to its predecessor sees betrayal and revenge as major topics. It's incredibly difficult to know who to trust and that makes the book a really tense read.
Special praise for the ending, which was incredibly striking and felt, in many ways, nearly unbearably final. However, with two books to go in the Rebel Angels series, it's clearly not. I have no idea where Gillian Philip will take us from here - but I have every confidence that it will be an incredible journey finding out!
High recommendation, and this series is definitely one which adults will enjoy just as much as teens.
Further reading suggestion: Another excellent book about humans interacting with strange creatures from another realm is Cold Tom by Sally Prue, a fantastic retelling of the folk tale Tam Lin.
Usual spoiler warning for book 1, Firebrand, applies here.
Seth and Conal MacGregor have spent so long hunting for the Bloodstone for Kate NicNiven, their queen, that they're reached the present day in our world (after Firebrand took place in sixteenth century Scotland.) They still haven't found it, though, but they have got themselves involved with some wonderful new characters, notably sullen teenager Finn, who's unaware of her Sithe heritage but about to find out with far-reaching consequences. Returning to the realm of the fairies with her in tow, and two others, the MacGregor boys are about to find even more trouble.
Seth burst onto the scene in Firebrand as an incredible narrator, full of youthful rebellion and fury, and while four centuries or so have passed, he's still the same flawed but lovable hero. Add to that Conal, calmer but just as wonderful, and great new characters like the surly Finn, and this is a surefire winner. The narration is mainly by Seth but parts are done by Jed, the human son of a woman Seth has a relationship with, and his voice brings an interesting new twist to things.
It's an epic, sprawling, plot, as befits a series which has so far spanned four hundred plus years over just two books, and similarly to its predecessor sees betrayal and revenge as major topics. It's incredibly difficult to know who to trust and that makes the book a really tense read.
Special praise for the ending, which was incredibly striking and felt, in many ways, nearly unbearably final. However, with two books to go in the Rebel Angels series, it's clearly not. I have no idea where Gillian Philip will take us from here - but I have every confidence that it will be an incredible journey finding out!
High recommendation, and this series is definitely one which adults will enjoy just as much as teens.
Further reading suggestion: Another excellent book about humans interacting with strange creatures from another realm is Cold Tom by Sally Prue, a fantastic retelling of the folk tale Tam Lin.
January 26, 2014
Four hundred years have passed since Seth and Conal were ordered by Queen Kate to find the Bloodstone, rumored to have properties that will heal the weakened Veil between the human and faerie worlds. Kate really wants it to destroy the Veil and conquer the mortal world but the half-brothers are not fully aware of her intentions. This is not to say the queen is a favorite among her people; far from it.
Seth and Conal are close despite Seth’s reputation for being a troublemaker and there is much loyalty between the two. It’s this loyalty that makes Seth agree to keep an eye on Finn, Conal’s teenaged niece with a huge chip on her shoulder (as it turns out, with some justification). Finn is unaware of who she really is but, when she and her friend, the thieving Jed, follow her grandmother into the Loch one night, they soon find themselves in the world of the faeries and in serious danger. Seth will soon understand that the danger is far more widespread than he thought and a terrible loss is coming that will change his life radically.
Ms. Philip employs an interesting style, telling much of the story through Seth’s point of view with some chapters from Finn’s and Jed’s and changing seamlessly from first to third person and back. It took me a little while to get used to this switching back and forth but I came to enjoy it and this method made these three characters come fully to life for me.
Other reviewers have indicated a dislike for Seth, largely because of his thoughtlessness and frequently rash behavior but he’s actually my favorite because there is so much substance there. His restlessness and apparent lack of concern for others show us much about his troubled existence and his true nature, hidden from many. Other characters stood out for me in one way or another, especially Finn and Jed, but also other members of the clann. Ms. Philip enlivens all her characters and, while I thought the pacing was a bit slow, particularly in the beginning, she tells a great story. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, Wolfsbane (already out in the UK, due in the US in July 2014).
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, December 2013.
Seth and Conal are close despite Seth’s reputation for being a troublemaker and there is much loyalty between the two. It’s this loyalty that makes Seth agree to keep an eye on Finn, Conal’s teenaged niece with a huge chip on her shoulder (as it turns out, with some justification). Finn is unaware of who she really is but, when she and her friend, the thieving Jed, follow her grandmother into the Loch one night, they soon find themselves in the world of the faeries and in serious danger. Seth will soon understand that the danger is far more widespread than he thought and a terrible loss is coming that will change his life radically.
Ms. Philip employs an interesting style, telling much of the story through Seth’s point of view with some chapters from Finn’s and Jed’s and changing seamlessly from first to third person and back. It took me a little while to get used to this switching back and forth but I came to enjoy it and this method made these three characters come fully to life for me.
Other reviewers have indicated a dislike for Seth, largely because of his thoughtlessness and frequently rash behavior but he’s actually my favorite because there is so much substance there. His restlessness and apparent lack of concern for others show us much about his troubled existence and his true nature, hidden from many. Other characters stood out for me in one way or another, especially Finn and Jed, but also other members of the clann. Ms. Philip enlivens all her characters and, while I thought the pacing was a bit slow, particularly in the beginning, she tells a great story. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series, Wolfsbane (already out in the UK, due in the US in July 2014).
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, December 2013.
August 21, 2011
I loved Firebrand - it's easily one of my favourites of the books I've read in the last year or so - and I was a little worried that this might not live up to it. What groundless fear! Philip is an amazing writer who doesn't slip a millimetre. The voice, the characterisation, the plot, the pace - all perfect. Not that this is an easy read: Philip believes in making her characters - and her readers - suffer. Bloodstone makes a heart-wrenching and tense read. Like the first Rebel Angels volume, the novel focuses on Sithe characters interacting with our world (the Otherworld, as far as they're concerned). These are not the fluffy pink fairies of our disneyfied culture but nor are they evil faeries seeking solely to harm mortals. Philip's Sithe warriors are the feudal fae of folklore who lack human sensibilities but are perfectly capable of love and loyalty in their own way. Her main characters certainly gain both love and loyalty from her readers.
Seth's first-person narration, which was one of Firebrand's strengths, remains strong and engaging while showing some character development since the beginning of the saga (not too much, though - we love him for his moody teen-style aspects!). Passages of third-person narration also allow us insight into others' perspectives,with a different but equally effective voice. Like most readers of the first instalment, I fell in love with the central characters, and Philips has gleefully toyed with that emotion in this novel, whilst also providing new characters to share our devotion.
It's impossible (for me at least) to talk about plot without giving too much away, but take my word that the story will grip you and not let you put this down (just ask my poor neglected family!). The pace is relentless and sustained, with occasional humour, albeit of the dark variety, to lift the mood. There are two more books in this series to come, and I cannot imagine what they will contain, but no doubt I will once again be thrilled and gutted by turns.
Seth's first-person narration, which was one of Firebrand's strengths, remains strong and engaging while showing some character development since the beginning of the saga (not too much, though - we love him for his moody teen-style aspects!). Passages of third-person narration also allow us insight into others' perspectives,with a different but equally effective voice. Like most readers of the first instalment, I fell in love with the central characters, and Philips has gleefully toyed with that emotion in this novel, whilst also providing new characters to share our devotion.
It's impossible (for me at least) to talk about plot without giving too much away, but take my word that the story will grip you and not let you put this down (just ask my poor neglected family!). The pace is relentless and sustained, with occasional humour, albeit of the dark variety, to lift the mood. There are two more books in this series to come, and I cannot imagine what they will contain, but no doubt I will once again be thrilled and gutted by turns.
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