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Starling #2
Descendant
The last thing Mason Starling remembers is the train crossing a bridge. An explosion . . . a blinding light . . . then darkness. Now she is alone, stranded in Asgard—the realm of Norse legend—and the only way for her to get home is to find the Spear of Odin, a powerful relic left behind by vanished gods.
The Fennrys Wolf knows all about Asgard. He was once trapped there. And he’ll do whatever it takes to find the girl who’s stolen his heart and bring her back—even if it means a treacherous descent into the Underworld. But time is running out, and Fenn knows something Mason doesn’t: If she takes up the Spear, she’ll set in motion a terrible prophecy. And she won’t just return to her world . . . she’ll destroy it.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Starling, Lesley Livingston delivers another electrifying blend of nonstop action and undeniable romance that will leave readers breathless.
The Fennrys Wolf knows all about Asgard. He was once trapped there. And he’ll do whatever it takes to find the girl who’s stolen his heart and bring her back—even if it means a treacherous descent into the Underworld. But time is running out, and Fenn knows something Mason doesn’t: If she takes up the Spear, she’ll set in motion a terrible prophecy. And she won’t just return to her world . . . she’ll destroy it.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Starling, Lesley Livingston delivers another electrifying blend of nonstop action and undeniable romance that will leave readers breathless.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2013
37 people are currently reading
3165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
January 9, 2015
A generous 3.5 stars
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book in this series, but other than some confusing moments, I actually liked this one a lot more.
Mason wasn’t the brightest spark in this book, and she did allow herself to be led at times, but given the situation I could kind-of forgive this a bit. Ending up in Hell, bumping into your dead mother, not knowing if your boyfriend is dead, and having little idea of how to get home can’t have been easy!
The storyline in this did lag at points, and I found some of the info-dumps a bit heavy going, I did like the action though, and I did find myself getting a bit more into this one than the previous book. I have to say that I seem to be a bit of an adrenalin junkie at times, and I really like a bit of action. Whilst on my treadmill, and thus free of all other distractions, I actually found myself focusing a bit more on this, and actually understanding what was going on!
This book was far from perfect though, it was confusing at points, it dragged, and I really did have to remove all other distractions to even stand a chance of focusing on this, I couldn’t even listen to it on text-to-speech without totally blocking it out!
There was some romance in this, and there was even a cute reunion between Fennyrs and Mason that was nice.
The ending to this was once again quite action packed, and whilst focused I actually liked it. There were a couple of surprising events though, and quite a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end!
I’ve debated a bit over this rating, but given that I liked it a lot more than Starling, and I burnt quite a few calories on the treadmill whilst reading it, I’m going to give it a generous…
7 out of 10
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book in this series, but other than some confusing moments, I actually liked this one a lot more.
Mason wasn’t the brightest spark in this book, and she did allow herself to be led at times, but given the situation I could kind-of forgive this a bit. Ending up in Hell, bumping into your dead mother, not knowing if your boyfriend is dead, and having little idea of how to get home can’t have been easy!
The storyline in this did lag at points, and I found some of the info-dumps a bit heavy going, I did like the action though, and I did find myself getting a bit more into this one than the previous book. I have to say that I seem to be a bit of an adrenalin junkie at times, and I really like a bit of action. Whilst on my treadmill, and thus free of all other distractions, I actually found myself focusing a bit more on this, and actually understanding what was going on!
This book was far from perfect though, it was confusing at points, it dragged, and I really did have to remove all other distractions to even stand a chance of focusing on this, I couldn’t even listen to it on text-to-speech without totally blocking it out!
There was some romance in this, and there was even a cute reunion between Fennyrs and Mason that was nice.
The ending to this was once again quite action packed, and whilst focused I actually liked it. There were a couple of surprising events though, and quite a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end!
I’ve debated a bit over this rating, but given that I liked it a lot more than Starling, and I burnt quite a few calories on the treadmill whilst reading it, I’m going to give it a generous…
7 out of 10
September 15, 2013
4.5 stars
"Descendant" was a great follow-up to Starling. The story in this book picks up right where the first one ended, and the pacing is excellent throughout. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and she does a fantastic job with it. The first book set up the story, and this second book seemed to be all about repositioning the players. The ending caught me completely by surprise, and the stage is certainly set for an dynamic final installment.
"Descendant" is told from multiple points of view, and I think that adds to the story. The action is taking place on several fronts, and we begin to understand how complex this web of plots, power-brokering, and temporary alliances really is. The major characters from "Starling" are back in various forms, and several new players are introduced who have the potential to be game-changers.
I had not read any Lesley Livingston before "Starling" and "Descendant," but I am now going to have to go back and look at her Faerie trilogy (Wondrous Strange, Darklight and Tempestuous), just to get the background story on the Fennrys Wolf. Apparently several of the characters we meet in "Descendant" are old friends of Fenn's from those earlier books, and I am now intrigued enough to go back and pick them up. Well played, Ms. Livingston. :~)
"Descendant" was a great follow-up to Starling. The story in this book picks up right where the first one ended, and the pacing is excellent throughout. The audiobook is narrated by the author, and she does a fantastic job with it. The first book set up the story, and this second book seemed to be all about repositioning the players. The ending caught me completely by surprise, and the stage is certainly set for an dynamic final installment.
"Descendant" is told from multiple points of view, and I think that adds to the story. The action is taking place on several fronts, and we begin to understand how complex this web of plots, power-brokering, and temporary alliances really is. The major characters from "Starling" are back in various forms, and several new players are introduced who have the potential to be game-changers.
I had not read any Lesley Livingston before "Starling" and "Descendant," but I am now going to have to go back and look at her Faerie trilogy (Wondrous Strange, Darklight and Tempestuous), just to get the background story on the Fennrys Wolf. Apparently several of the characters we meet in "Descendant" are old friends of Fenn's from those earlier books, and I am now intrigued enough to go back and pick them up. Well played, Ms. Livingston. :~)
January 15, 2015
Another great books by Lesley Livingston. This book didn't miss a beat, it picked up right where Starling ended. Love the characters, the story line and all the mythological creatures woven in. Kept my interest and I breezed through it then immediately started the next book in the series. My only complaint is I wish there was a little less language. Very entertaining!
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: Language throughout, innuendo
Source: Audible.com Download
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: Language throughout, innuendo
Source: Audible.com Download
August 31, 2014
Review:
Protagonist: Mason Starling, though she has been through many a supernatural and mythological fight, begins this novel in Hel, and believes it to be a dream. Now, I love Mason as a character, but I have to say that after everything she saw in the first novel of this series, for her to not fully understand that she is in the Nordic underworld was a bit stupid on her part. Obviously, she does eventually realize where she truly is and with the help of the mother she never met she tries to find a way home. Mason's growth in this book is phenomenal, even after finding out everything that happened on the bridge, why her father set her up and what exactly is going on with the parents at Gosforth, she takes it all in stride and shows a level of maturity that I rarely see in a YA heroine.
Romance: The romance in this book is also stellar. While it usually takes me a long time to get into a romance upon getting back into a series after so long, I felt that after a tad bit of adjustment I found it easy to not only care for the characters once again, but to root for them probably more than I did in the first place. While I can't remember how the romance went exactly in the first installment, or even if I would like it now that my tastes have changed a bit, where it's at and how it develops in this book is completely amazing, probably one of the best and most well developed romances I've ever read.
World-Building: Since reading Starling, I've come to realize that this series is sort of a spin-off to Livingston's Wondrous Strange trilogy, this has subsequently led me to feel more like I was left out of something while reading this installment. From what I gather there is a cameo from a Wondrous Stange trilogy character, or two, in this book and we see how they interact with Fenrys now that he has his memories back, and see what they're willing to do to help Fenn get Mason back. Now for stuff I know, the mythology in this world is impeccable, seriously how the author melds so many world mythologies into one world is remarkable and deserves some sort of award I'm sure.
Predictability: This book was surprisingly slower paced than I had anticipated. This made for some rather tame twists, though even early on there were some very powerful ones. However, as the story went on it felt much more like (in terms of pacing) one of the Raven Cycle books by Maggie Steifvater, which are wonderful. However this led to a lack or real twist for quite a while, and if there was a twist it was something that I was either expecting or fit so well with a certain character that it wasn't all surprising, but what I later found out was that the author was saving all the good twists for the very end.
Ending: Much like it's predecessor, Descendant, is chock full of crazy intense mind blowing twists to end off this installment, maybe even more so than Starling did. I mean seriously it felt like twist after twist as this book came to a close and left me with this overwhelming desire, no, NEED to read the next book in the series, as I just can't wait to find out how this series will end.
Rating:
Even though this book was slowly paced, there was never a dull moment as this middle installment is full to the brim with fantastic world-building, mind-blowing twists, and realistic characters.
Protagonist: Mason Starling, though she has been through many a supernatural and mythological fight, begins this novel in Hel, and believes it to be a dream. Now, I love Mason as a character, but I have to say that after everything she saw in the first novel of this series, for her to not fully understand that she is in the Nordic underworld was a bit stupid on her part. Obviously, she does eventually realize where she truly is and with the help of the mother she never met she tries to find a way home. Mason's growth in this book is phenomenal, even after finding out everything that happened on the bridge, why her father set her up and what exactly is going on with the parents at Gosforth, she takes it all in stride and shows a level of maturity that I rarely see in a YA heroine.
Romance: The romance in this book is also stellar. While it usually takes me a long time to get into a romance upon getting back into a series after so long, I felt that after a tad bit of adjustment I found it easy to not only care for the characters once again, but to root for them probably more than I did in the first place. While I can't remember how the romance went exactly in the first installment, or even if I would like it now that my tastes have changed a bit, where it's at and how it develops in this book is completely amazing, probably one of the best and most well developed romances I've ever read.
World-Building: Since reading Starling, I've come to realize that this series is sort of a spin-off to Livingston's Wondrous Strange trilogy, this has subsequently led me to feel more like I was left out of something while reading this installment. From what I gather there is a cameo from a Wondrous Stange trilogy character, or two, in this book and we see how they interact with Fenrys now that he has his memories back, and see what they're willing to do to help Fenn get Mason back. Now for stuff I know, the mythology in this world is impeccable, seriously how the author melds so many world mythologies into one world is remarkable and deserves some sort of award I'm sure.
Predictability: This book was surprisingly slower paced than I had anticipated. This made for some rather tame twists, though even early on there were some very powerful ones. However, as the story went on it felt much more like (in terms of pacing) one of the Raven Cycle books by Maggie Steifvater, which are wonderful. However this led to a lack or real twist for quite a while, and if there was a twist it was something that I was either expecting or fit so well with a certain character that it wasn't all surprising, but what I later found out was that the author was saving all the good twists for the very end.
Ending: Much like it's predecessor, Descendant, is chock full of crazy intense mind blowing twists to end off this installment, maybe even more so than Starling did. I mean seriously it felt like twist after twist as this book came to a close and left me with this overwhelming desire, no, NEED to read the next book in the series, as I just can't wait to find out how this series will end.
Rating:
Even though this book was slowly paced, there was never a dull moment as this middle installment is full to the brim with fantastic world-building, mind-blowing twists, and realistic characters.
October 13, 2013
*Genre* YA Mythology
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Descendant picks up immediately after the events of Starling which left Mason Starling stranded in the Underworld, and Fennrys Wolf trying desperately to find her before she brings about the beginning of Ragnarok by returning Odin Spear. I will give this story props. I loved the pacing and suspense. I loved that it continues to cross Greek, with Egyptian, and Norse mythology. I continue to appreciate that the author understands her setting (NYC) and isn't just a fly by night visitor to the city.
Descendant seesaws between a variety of characters including Mason, Fenn, asshat Rory Starling, Callum, and Heather Palmerston who has come a long way in my humble opinion from the spoiled & arrogant pain in the ass she was in Starling. I believe Heather has an important role to play in the determination of what happens to not only Rothgard Starling, but Callum and Mason as well. We shall see won't we?
Mason is still a strong character in my opinion. She doesn't shy away from direct challenges, and continues to be pushed into doing the unthinkable not only by her father Gunnar, but Callum Aristarchos mother Daria as well. If you've read Starling, then you know that Mason holds the key to Ragnarok coming to a head, or stopping it in its tracks. It also became apparent that no matter what Mason does, she is going to become something she doesn't really want to be.
The story doesn't fully surround Mason and her journey to find Odin spear and bring it back. But, that is okay since the secondary characters more than hold their own and carry on in such a manner that isn't boring. I would have liked to seen an actual reunion between Mason and her mother Yelena Starling but in the end, it wasn't that important to the overall storyline. Not sure what Livingston has in store for the third installment on that front. As it is, there is a whole lot of life or death situations that play themselves out in Descendant, and left me wanting more with a heart wrenching cliffhanger ending.
I love that Rafe (Anubis) has such a strong part to play in this book and look forward to seeing what Mason "owes" him in the next installment. I don't really care for Callum right now because of his final actions in this book. However, his story and revelation about who is father and he really are, was interesting enough to sort of let him off the hook...temporarily. I just do not want a 3 way love triangle in the next book!
I would like to know more about the mysterious Valen who gives Heather a present and then disappears. I would also love to know if Maddox, former Janus Guard, can be trusted, or is he too playing a dangerous game? Definitely looking forward to reading the next installment to see what happens to our group of players and hope that certain antagonists get their due diligence in the end.
Published August 27th 2013 by HarperTeen (first published 2013)
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Descendant picks up immediately after the events of Starling which left Mason Starling stranded in the Underworld, and Fennrys Wolf trying desperately to find her before she brings about the beginning of Ragnarok by returning Odin Spear. I will give this story props. I loved the pacing and suspense. I loved that it continues to cross Greek, with Egyptian, and Norse mythology. I continue to appreciate that the author understands her setting (NYC) and isn't just a fly by night visitor to the city.
Descendant seesaws between a variety of characters including Mason, Fenn, asshat Rory Starling, Callum, and Heather Palmerston who has come a long way in my humble opinion from the spoiled & arrogant pain in the ass she was in Starling. I believe Heather has an important role to play in the determination of what happens to not only Rothgard Starling, but Callum and Mason as well. We shall see won't we?
Mason is still a strong character in my opinion. She doesn't shy away from direct challenges, and continues to be pushed into doing the unthinkable not only by her father Gunnar, but Callum Aristarchos mother Daria as well. If you've read Starling, then you know that Mason holds the key to Ragnarok coming to a head, or stopping it in its tracks. It also became apparent that no matter what Mason does, she is going to become something she doesn't really want to be.
The story doesn't fully surround Mason and her journey to find Odin spear and bring it back. But, that is okay since the secondary characters more than hold their own and carry on in such a manner that isn't boring. I would have liked to seen an actual reunion between Mason and her mother Yelena Starling but in the end, it wasn't that important to the overall storyline. Not sure what Livingston has in store for the third installment on that front. As it is, there is a whole lot of life or death situations that play themselves out in Descendant, and left me wanting more with a heart wrenching cliffhanger ending.
I love that Rafe (Anubis) has such a strong part to play in this book and look forward to seeing what Mason "owes" him in the next installment. I don't really care for Callum right now because of his final actions in this book. However, his story and revelation about who is father and he really are, was interesting enough to sort of let him off the hook...temporarily. I just do not want a 3 way love triangle in the next book!
I would like to know more about the mysterious Valen who gives Heather a present and then disappears. I would also love to know if Maddox, former Janus Guard, can be trusted, or is he too playing a dangerous game? Definitely looking forward to reading the next installment to see what happens to our group of players and hope that certain antagonists get their due diligence in the end.
Published August 27th 2013 by HarperTeen (first published 2013)
October 9, 2013
My review can also be found on Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.ca/2013/1...
4.5 Stars
And so...once again...another favourite author has decided to torture their fans with another cliffhanger. I suppose I’m getting used to them by now...but I suffered no less.
Descendant is the second book in the Starling trilogy, and picks up right where Starling left off and chugs along at a good pace right on through to the end with another cliffhanger. Yeah.
But all the pages in between were chock full of adventure, travel into other realms, rich mythologies (yes, plural) and melt-worthy romance!!! I enjoyed it from start to finish!
Mason continues to be a great heroine in my eyes. Slowly becoming privy to her family’s plans for her, we see Mason evolve into a more mature young woman, who is also learning to roll with the punches (and there are plenty) and overcome her greatest fears, all the while maintaining an appropriate sense of humour – however, her timing was not always perfect.
And Fennrys...I didn’t think I could love him more than I already did...but he became even more swoon-worthy in this installment. Much more front and center, and more demonstrative about his feelings...he had my heart fluttering along with Mason’s. I loved that he was as much a part of this story as Mason, if not more so. Now that he had all his memories back, he was better equipped at protecting Mason and protecting the world against the impending “Ragnarok”...doing everything he can to stop it.
Was Fenn worthy of a second chance? I think you will find after reading this second book in the trilogy, there is no doubt he is more than worthy. Fennrys definitely learned from his mistakes in his previous life.
In fact, all the characters seemed to evolve perfectly in this installment...the good guys got better...and the bad guys got badder...with a couple in between where I still questioned their true loyalties.
If you are a lover of Norse, Greek, Egyptian and Roman mythologies...all are touched upon in this part of the trilogy...with heavier emphasis on the Norse and Greek legends...including a legendary character or two making a cameo appearance. And lovers of the Wondrous Strange trilogy will enjoy seeing a couple of old friends pop up to help Fenn when he needed them the most.
There is much more to the Big Apple than meets the eye, and Gosforth Academy is no ordinary private school...it is a veritable melting pot for the descendants of many mythic legends and serves as neutral and protected ground for them as well. In this installment, we are starting to see several key players emerge in what is promising to be an apocalyptic ending of some sort.
I will admit that the merging of all the different mythologies did get a bit confusing at times...but rather than obsess about the details...I just went along for the ride and didn’t (for once) try to understand every aspect of it...and that helped me appreciate the story much more.
There were a lot of twists and turns too...most of which, I didn’t see coming at all. Lesley definitely has a flare for the dramatic and pulls it off in spades in this latest installment. I was literally willing more pages at the end because I didn’t want to accept the fact that I’ll have to wait another year to find out what happens next. But then, cliffhangers have a way of always making us feel that way, don’t they?!
December 1, 2013
I want the next book NOW!!! I absolutely loved
Descendant
just as much as I loved the first book. Often I find the second book in a trilogy/series to be my least favorite because they sometimes feel like a filler, and are often a bit slower paced. Luckily this was not the case at all!
Descendant picks up right where we left off in Starling , which gets points in my book. I hate time jumps within series. If something ends on a cliffhanger, I expect to start right back up and not have to deal with jumping ahead several months and having to puzzle out what happened in explanations and flashbacks throughout a book. So thank goodness Lesley Livingston just got right back into it. Immediately we begin the journeys of both Fenn and Mason to find their way back to each other.
In my review of Starling , I gush about how much I love the characters. I do not want to repeat myself a lot here, so I will just say that I still stand by my original assessment. I still love all of those l characters, and we are introduced to some new faces who definitely add to the mix and amp it up to give us more answers to questions we've been left with. It is still fun trying to figure out where some allegiances lie, and who can be trusted, because nothing is clearly black and white.
Of course I am still obsessed with the concept of multiple sets of deities from different belief systems crashing into one world, that novelty certainly hasn't lost its appeal. This world is by far one of my favorites that I have been to, and I have been to quite a lot.
Lesley Livingston's writing continues to amaze me. She is able to so clearly transport you to her world and completely immerse you in it! I love her writing style, and her descriptions are so rich in detail that you truly feel a part of the story.
All in all, I completely believe Descendant lived up to its predecessor; it was just as unexpected and action-packed, and ends on such a huge cliffhanger that I cannot believe I have to wait for the next one! Ahh!!! Five stars again for this series! You will not be disappointed!!
Descendant picks up right where we left off in Starling , which gets points in my book. I hate time jumps within series. If something ends on a cliffhanger, I expect to start right back up and not have to deal with jumping ahead several months and having to puzzle out what happened in explanations and flashbacks throughout a book. So thank goodness Lesley Livingston just got right back into it. Immediately we begin the journeys of both Fenn and Mason to find their way back to each other.
In my review of Starling , I gush about how much I love the characters. I do not want to repeat myself a lot here, so I will just say that I still stand by my original assessment. I still love all of those l characters, and we are introduced to some new faces who definitely add to the mix and amp it up to give us more answers to questions we've been left with. It is still fun trying to figure out where some allegiances lie, and who can be trusted, because nothing is clearly black and white.
Of course I am still obsessed with the concept of multiple sets of deities from different belief systems crashing into one world, that novelty certainly hasn't lost its appeal. This world is by far one of my favorites that I have been to, and I have been to quite a lot.
Lesley Livingston's writing continues to amaze me. She is able to so clearly transport you to her world and completely immerse you in it! I love her writing style, and her descriptions are so rich in detail that you truly feel a part of the story.
All in all, I completely believe Descendant lived up to its predecessor; it was just as unexpected and action-packed, and ends on such a huge cliffhanger that I cannot believe I have to wait for the next one! Ahh!!! Five stars again for this series! You will not be disappointed!!
September 3, 2013
I really wanted to love this book but it didn't happen. I loved Fenn in the Wondrous Strange Trilogy but was disappointed in how he was portrayed in the first book of this spinoff. I will admit in this book the old Fenn was back, and I enjoyed the parts he played in the story. But there were just too many things in the story that didn't work for me. For one, it is complicated. I have read other books about ancient deities, mythology, prophecies, and lore and enjoyed them. It seemed like in this one every time we were hearing about one story or ancient characters, in walked some more that had another story to them. I wondered if the author had been reading Kevin Hearne's series (which I like) and then decided to throw in even more ancient gods. There is a lot of action (a LOT of it) but each episode then gets kind of neatly tied up or in walks a new hero (or an old character we did not know was a hero)to help fix things.
About half way through I was thinking this would be a three star read for me and was interested enough to finish it but kind of wishing it would be over. Then a few times it got really good, usually when there was some clever banter between characters. I totally hated the ending - REALLY hated it. I don't know if it is supposed to be a cliffhanger or just a really bad end. I will pass on the next book
About half way through I was thinking this would be a three star read for me and was interested enough to finish it but kind of wishing it would be over. Then a few times it got really good, usually when there was some clever banter between characters. I totally hated the ending - REALLY hated it. I don't know if it is supposed to be a cliffhanger or just a really bad end. I will pass on the next book
June 2, 2013
okay so if you want the live reading reaction my Twitter is @KaRiSxo , but I loved this story I adored how the plot messed with me and made me feel warm and cuddly then told me in Morgan Freemans voice it will kill me. like getting a waxing for the first time, everything is going okay then it gets pretty nice then all you wanna do is cry your heart out and lunch stupid people in the face. Other then that 5 stars but....4 because I have to wait for the third novel....MUST READ THOUGH! It is a great sequel fully of suspense and some great surprises. very well done Lesley, luv you.
Some feels I felt http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten... http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten... http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten...
Some feels I felt http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten... http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten... http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-conten...
July 2, 2014
Another breathless, passionate, and ohmyhowcoulditendthere? read from Lesley Livingston. I've been a fan since her first and one of the things I admire most about this author is the depth she gives all of her characters. They leap off the page (in some cases, with the reader leaping too!)
In the 2nd installment of the Starling series, the growth of Mason is especially noticeable. There are poignant moments and some truly dark ones, but all matter to the woman she is becoming. It's no spoiler to say that by the end, there's no doubt she could hold the fate of the world in her hand.
I look forward, most impatiently, to the next book. The end of this isn't so much a cliffhanger, as a "swords-about-to-be-bloody- hanger" and I do believe I said something naughty when I realized I was at the last paragraph.
As TRANSCENDENT is out in a month?
Not to wish summer away, but August? Bring it!
In the 2nd installment of the Starling series, the growth of Mason is especially noticeable. There are poignant moments and some truly dark ones, but all matter to the woman she is becoming. It's no spoiler to say that by the end, there's no doubt she could hold the fate of the world in her hand.
I look forward, most impatiently, to the next book. The end of this isn't so much a cliffhanger, as a "swords-about-to-be-bloody- hanger" and I do believe I said something naughty when I realized I was at the last paragraph.
As TRANSCENDENT is out in a month?
Not to wish summer away, but August? Bring it!
October 13, 2013
Didn't quite fulfill the promise in the first book, and I'm not entirely sure the deity mix works for me. Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series works because each mythology stays faithful to itself, and distinct, whereas here there's a lot more crossover. We get a lot more time with Mason and Fennrys and Rafe, and it appears Heather, Gwen and Roth are being set up for more in Book 3, but as a whole this book seems disjointed. I'd hoped it would continue strongly, but it's really fallen to "middle book syndrome".
January 4, 2015
I was really hoping this one was going to be better than the first, but it ended up being about the same.
It took me a lot longer than usual to read the first one because I kept switching with other books, and kept on finding stuff I needed to do because I couldn't be bothered to carry on reading it. This one turned out to be exactly the same - I read 2 other books between, and had to bribe myself with chocolate to finish it instead of distracting myself. It just couldn't keep my interest, and the further I got the more I disliked it.
Overall, Not a series I enjoyed. I don't think I could bring myself to read the third.
It took me a lot longer than usual to read the first one because I kept switching with other books, and kept on finding stuff I needed to do because I couldn't be bothered to carry on reading it. This one turned out to be exactly the same - I read 2 other books between, and had to bribe myself with chocolate to finish it instead of distracting myself. It just couldn't keep my interest, and the further I got the more I disliked it.
Overall, Not a series I enjoyed. I don't think I could bring myself to read the third.
May 25, 2016
I wasn't all that happy with the first book. This book was Definitely A Step Up from the first book and was Definitely Better. I didn't like the ending because it left me hanging, but that's the point. The author wants you to read the next book, which I will. I liked the story and liked the pace of the book. It was good and was better then the first book. I don't want to say too much more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet and is going to. The book had action, prophecies, love, deceit, surprises, power, and wonder. Read the book and tell me whether you agree or not.
August 25, 2013
And I weep. More to come.
August 14, 2016
Loved reading this book! Such a great sequel, and picks up quickly! And things happened fast, and I loved the developments, and I can't wait to read the last book!
September 27, 2015
review to come
November 6, 2013
Awesome book, but... another cliffhanger?! Darn you, Lesley Livingston! [shakes fist]
June 8, 2013
THAT was awesome and evil!!!! Damn you Lesley!!!!
July 30, 2017
Continuing exactly where Starling left off, Mason is catapulted into Asgard (not literally) and introduced to her mother, whom she's never met. Or is it her mother?
All the hands of fate are at work and pushing Mason to grab that spear of Odin, but Mason doesn't want to. She knows she'll turn into a Valkyrie - a chooser of the slain - and it's not in her nature. But trickery is at work and Mason falls for it bigtime.
Fennrys is no stranger to Asgard, and he knows if anyone can save Mason from her fate its him. He travels by other means to get to Odin's hall, with the help of Egyptian God Anubis, otherwise known as Rafe who was briefly introduced in the first book.
I could never decide whether Rafe was doing his own bidding or working for someone else. We know he works with Daria, who is Calum's mother, but he's much older and wiser than anyone else, so this stumped me for much of the story. Calum also gets to grips with his love sickness for Mason by realising he has a part to play in the deceit of his mother. I didn't like him much in the first book, he was too hot and cold for me, but I did actually get on his side in this one.
Heather also has a bigger part, and though her uses are smaller, she certainly is an important cog in the wheel. Roth, Mason's older brother continues to intrigue while the other brother, Rory becomes engrossed in his own darker, more evil side.
The sprinkling of other gods from other mythology actually works well in this middle book of the Starling series. Any hurdles in the storyline get placed down in this one firmly and we finally get the full backstory of Mason's father and why he wants to bring on Ragnarok, the Norse end of the world, or its beginning, whichever version you wish to believe.
With a much stronger, beefed up character plot and an ironing out of a somewhat confusing storyline I can safely say I liked this one more then the first.
Mason and Fennrys are great characters to follow and you just want to will them to win in the end. It's another cliffhanger, of sorts, with all paths now narrowed for what is going to be an epic finale.
If you were disappointed in Starling, then Descendant will clear all of this up. I definitely recommend this series now, and the third and final book is already a shoo-in!
All the hands of fate are at work and pushing Mason to grab that spear of Odin, but Mason doesn't want to. She knows she'll turn into a Valkyrie - a chooser of the slain - and it's not in her nature. But trickery is at work and Mason falls for it bigtime.
Fennrys is no stranger to Asgard, and he knows if anyone can save Mason from her fate its him. He travels by other means to get to Odin's hall, with the help of Egyptian God Anubis, otherwise known as Rafe who was briefly introduced in the first book.
I could never decide whether Rafe was doing his own bidding or working for someone else. We know he works with Daria, who is Calum's mother, but he's much older and wiser than anyone else, so this stumped me for much of the story. Calum also gets to grips with his love sickness for Mason by realising he has a part to play in the deceit of his mother. I didn't like him much in the first book, he was too hot and cold for me, but I did actually get on his side in this one.
Heather also has a bigger part, and though her uses are smaller, she certainly is an important cog in the wheel. Roth, Mason's older brother continues to intrigue while the other brother, Rory becomes engrossed in his own darker, more evil side.
The sprinkling of other gods from other mythology actually works well in this middle book of the Starling series. Any hurdles in the storyline get placed down in this one firmly and we finally get the full backstory of Mason's father and why he wants to bring on Ragnarok, the Norse end of the world, or its beginning, whichever version you wish to believe.
With a much stronger, beefed up character plot and an ironing out of a somewhat confusing storyline I can safely say I liked this one more then the first.
Mason and Fennrys are great characters to follow and you just want to will them to win in the end. It's another cliffhanger, of sorts, with all paths now narrowed for what is going to be an epic finale.
If you were disappointed in Starling, then Descendant will clear all of this up. I definitely recommend this series now, and the third and final book is already a shoo-in!
January 27, 2021
DNF I've had a bit of a run of books I haven't really enjoyed. This one started so amazingly,I was certain I'd hit a winner! But some chapters later the appeal fizzled until I just couldn't get further.
I haven't read the first one,I just found this at a library sale,so perhaps if I'd read the first I would've been more invested.
The beginning was so exciting and there was mentions of romance and magical creatures. Then the modern day thing threw me off the magic and once the main character actually spoke,I didn't like her snarky personality at all. There were chapters of other characters I wasn't interested in. I skimmed to see the couple reunite and was done.
I wasn't a fan of Wondrous Strange either.
I haven't read the first one,I just found this at a library sale,so perhaps if I'd read the first I would've been more invested.
The beginning was so exciting and there was mentions of romance and magical creatures. Then the modern day thing threw me off the magic and once the main character actually spoke,I didn't like her snarky personality at all. There were chapters of other characters I wasn't interested in. I skimmed to see the couple reunite and was done.
I wasn't a fan of Wondrous Strange either.
October 6, 2017
Descendant by Lesley Livingston left me speechless. This is book 2 of the Starling Series and I really enjoyed it. The book involves with power, magic, romance, fantasy, and so much more. There was a lot more adventure in this book between different world compared to the first book. I feel like the first book is the start of a sentence and this book continues it on. I just hope everything will be righted in the end. Overall, I gave this book a 4/5. The ending of this book left such a huge cliff hanger, so I am off to read the next book...
March 22, 2020
Mason is trapped in Asgard trying to get home, and stop her father and brother from bringing about Ragnarok. Fenrys is trying to get to Asgard and save Mason, also prevent her from taking up the Spear of Odin, becoming a valkyrie, and thus furthering Mason's father's plan of Ragnarok.
Pretty good second installment. Action packed with some twists and turns. I love the integration of different pantheons, and myths. I cannot wait to read the last book and see how it ends.
Pretty good second installment. Action packed with some twists and turns. I love the integration of different pantheons, and myths. I cannot wait to read the last book and see how it ends.
May 10, 2024
Mason and Fenn have a hell of a fight ahead of them if they want to stop ragnarok from happening. Mason learns that her father and brother are actually trying to make it happen by using her. She feels such betrayal from them especially her father gunner starling aka top gunn.
In this book fenn, rafe. And maddox travel to asgard to get Mason back. We get to meet creatures both evil and good, more gods and goddesses such as Loki and Heimdall and few others.
I really love this series!!
In this book fenn, rafe. And maddox travel to asgard to get Mason back. We get to meet creatures both evil and good, more gods and goddesses such as Loki and Heimdall and few others.
I really love this series!!
February 23, 2020
I thought the characters were a little annoying on book 1 and was hoping their interactions would improve now that the plot is set. It didn't and they were still annoying. I couldn't connect with any of them and didn't feel like I cared about what happened to anyone. Not reading book 3 because I don't care enough to find out what happens.
October 23, 2022
At the end of #1 Starling was on a train crossing a bridge, now suddenly she is stranded in Asgard.
Had a hard time following what is happening in this series, which includes transformations with monsters/mythological creatures, but still want to find out how it ends so will continue with #3, Transcendent.
Had a hard time following what is happening in this series, which includes transformations with monsters/mythological creatures, but still want to find out how it ends so will continue with #3, Transcendent.
April 12, 2018
Really enjoyed party two of the series. Things are shaking up and I'm fascinated to see how the different groups of believers are starting to interact. There were some shocker moments for sure that have kept me guessing how the series will resolve.
June 28, 2017
Can't wait to get into the final book.
January 9, 2018
I had a hard time remembering book one, but there’s a lot of mythology in the story, which I enjoyed. The plot was good. I would have enjoyed it more I think if I’d remembered book 1 better.
February 14, 2018
This book is a mayor comeback from the first book. The twist at the end really got me invested. I love Rafe and Calums backstory is really interesting hoping it has a spin off.
April 16, 2018
2.5 stars. I love the lore and ideas here but I can’t stand the instalove. I also feel like the characters are all one note and boring. But Loki and Valkyrie lol.
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