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The Black-Horned Grave
Enforcer Nysska Stonegate-the first-ever non-human member of the Imperial Criminal Investigation Ministry-thought she might have won at least a measure of acceptance when she solved the murder of the Empire's foremost Runemaster. She couldn't have been more wrong. Now Emperor Valco himself has Nysska and the rest of the Ninth Crucible in his sights. He's set the investigative team a near-impossible find the perpetrator responsible for the grisliest, most unimaginable mass murder in the Empire's history...or suffer the consequences. Secret after secret is revealed as Nysska pulls back the crime's raw skin-exposing old atrocities, vast conspiracies, and ultimate truths that shake her understanding of the world itself. Nysska's life will never be the same as she faces the monsters behind THE BLACK-HORNED GRAVE.
284 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 7, 2025
I have finally been able read book 2 ‘The Black Horned Grave’ written by Dan Jolley and land myself back into the world of Nysska Stonegate and the ninth crucible. After solving the rune masters homicide, defeating a monstrous tarn and unraveling secrets that lead to the hierarchy. The ninth crucible find they have caught the attention of the emperor.
They are being tested by the emperor and have been tasked with solving a new case, but where it leads and what secrets unfold is what truly makes the case complex. Upon arriving at the town they discover it is nothing they would have ever expected, especially as it hits a little closer to home for Nysska. New tactics and new allies they never imagined would help are needed, along with rule breaking and hiding intelligence, as they learn to keep their trust circle as small as possible. Not only are their lives in danger, but the lives of new races they never thought to have existed are at stake.
This book is full of humour, violence, dealth, graphic scenes, murder mystery, adventure, team work, and did I mention humour? Yes Percy is at it again with his amusing remarks and some of his wit has started rubbing off on the rest of the ninth crucible.
“If you’re going to do this measuring thing, could you please get the f**k on with it? We’ve been waiting here for half an hour, none of us have been fed yet, and if I don’t get my kitties some meat here shortly they’re going to make off with a small child.”
I have never been so happy to have started this series when all books have been released. Book 2 ending on a jaw dropping cliff hanger has me scrambling to grab book 3 and hoping against everything, that it calms my thundering heart.
They are being tested by the emperor and have been tasked with solving a new case, but where it leads and what secrets unfold is what truly makes the case complex. Upon arriving at the town they discover it is nothing they would have ever expected, especially as it hits a little closer to home for Nysska. New tactics and new allies they never imagined would help are needed, along with rule breaking and hiding intelligence, as they learn to keep their trust circle as small as possible. Not only are their lives in danger, but the lives of new races they never thought to have existed are at stake.
This book is full of humour, violence, dealth, graphic scenes, murder mystery, adventure, team work, and did I mention humour? Yes Percy is at it again with his amusing remarks and some of his wit has started rubbing off on the rest of the ninth crucible.
“If you’re going to do this measuring thing, could you please get the f**k on with it? We’ve been waiting here for half an hour, none of us have been fed yet, and if I don’t get my kitties some meat here shortly they’re going to make off with a small child.”
I have never been so happy to have started this series when all books have been released. Book 2 ending on a jaw dropping cliff hanger has me scrambling to grab book 3 and hoping against everything, that it calms my thundering heart.
December 30, 2023
Absolutely exceptional! This series has come from out of nowhere and landed itself firmly in my top 10 for this year.
There is so much going on, carnage and chaos and even the characters have to keep stopping for a recap.
The main characters from The Runemaster have now built up a really successful, albeit slightly dysfunctional, team, still working hard to try and find the missing pieces to save the empire. Furthermore, they are summoned before the emperor, tasked with joining another Crucible to try and solve a hideous crime. Another crime scene contaminated with some unknown magic to prevent the seers from understanding what happened. Both teams find themselves sliding into a world of chaos, the only thing they can understand from all of this, is that nothing is what it seems. No one is who they seem. So who can they really trust?!
This is absolutely fantastic. There is so much happening, prompting some of the best verbal responses from characters I've ever read!! Plot twist after plot twist, amazing characters, laugh out loud moments, heartbreak and a sucker punch of an ending! I cannot believe I have to wait to find out what happens next!!!!
There is so much going on, carnage and chaos and even the characters have to keep stopping for a recap.
The main characters from The Runemaster have now built up a really successful, albeit slightly dysfunctional, team, still working hard to try and find the missing pieces to save the empire. Furthermore, they are summoned before the emperor, tasked with joining another Crucible to try and solve a hideous crime. Another crime scene contaminated with some unknown magic to prevent the seers from understanding what happened. Both teams find themselves sliding into a world of chaos, the only thing they can understand from all of this, is that nothing is what it seems. No one is who they seem. So who can they really trust?!
This is absolutely fantastic. There is so much happening, prompting some of the best verbal responses from characters I've ever read!! Plot twist after plot twist, amazing characters, laugh out loud moments, heartbreak and a sucker punch of an ending! I cannot believe I have to wait to find out what happens next!!!!
September 26, 2024
The Black-Horned Grave is the second book in The Demon-Sleuth Scrolls, and in this book, we follow the Ninth Crucible as they try to solve an unimaginable mass murder.
I loved that there is a lot more character development, From the adorable and feisty Cam, Percy with the loveable Flax and Jax, Raoul who we see growing and adjusting to fewer rules and more spur-of-the-moment investigating, to the amazing and fierce Nysska.
The Black-horned grave has amazing world-building.
There is a well-developed, fast-paced storyline, and the combination of murder mystery in a sci-fi fantasy world makes it a fun, unique, and intriguing read.
The action scenes, and there are a lot, are really immersive, detailed, and also sometimes rather gruesome.
I couldn't help cheering on our main characters and felt sorry for them more than once.
Dan Jolley's storytelling brings that sense of something dark, and he builds tension by revealing secrets so
that it keeps you on edge as you are trying to piece the puzzle together.
Now the ending, left me blindsided, in tears, and just wanting to read the third book.
Be prepared for a massive cliffhanger, don't say I didn't warn you ;)
I loved that there is a lot more character development, From the adorable and feisty Cam, Percy with the loveable Flax and Jax, Raoul who we see growing and adjusting to fewer rules and more spur-of-the-moment investigating, to the amazing and fierce Nysska.
The Black-horned grave has amazing world-building.
There is a well-developed, fast-paced storyline, and the combination of murder mystery in a sci-fi fantasy world makes it a fun, unique, and intriguing read.
The action scenes, and there are a lot, are really immersive, detailed, and also sometimes rather gruesome.
I couldn't help cheering on our main characters and felt sorry for them more than once.
Dan Jolley's storytelling brings that sense of something dark, and he builds tension by revealing secrets so
that it keeps you on edge as you are trying to piece the puzzle together.
Now the ending, left me blindsided, in tears, and just wanting to read the third book.
Be prepared for a massive cliffhanger, don't say I didn't warn you ;)
September 26, 2023
Enforcer Nysska Stonegate—the first-ever non-human member of the Imperial Criminal Investigation Ministry—thought she might have won at least a measure of acceptance when she solved the murder of the Empire’s foremost Runemaster. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
This second book in the series is packed with new adventures and revelations for Nysska and the 9th Crucible. This book begins where the first one ended and immediately captures your attention and ensnares you in its plot and storylines.
Dan does a great job of delivering a fast paced and intriguing follow up to the Runemaster Homicide.They have courage, they have flaws, they have wit, they have humanity.
If you love fantasy, you will love this. If you love mystery, you will love this.
But be warned , there is a huge cliffhanger!
This second book in the series is packed with new adventures and revelations for Nysska and the 9th Crucible. This book begins where the first one ended and immediately captures your attention and ensnares you in its plot and storylines.
Dan does a great job of delivering a fast paced and intriguing follow up to the Runemaster Homicide.They have courage, they have flaws, they have wit, they have humanity.
If you love fantasy, you will love this. If you love mystery, you will love this.
But be warned , there is a huge cliffhanger!
November 30, 2023
The Ninth Crucible is BACK!
By the book Raoul, no filter Percy, Damn Cam and last but certainly not least the bad and the beautiful Nysska! These characters are amazing, and they really grew on me. I love that they came back in book two to solve another mystery together. The book is well written, and the story picks up from where book one left off. The world building is quite immersive without feeling overwhelming. The action scenes are phenominal, and they keep on coming. The plot is fantastic, and the story will leave you excited and ready for another book! The Demon Sleuth Scrolls books have been some of my all-time favorite action-packed fantasy reads this year, and I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a mixture of fantasy and mystery.
By the book Raoul, no filter Percy, Damn Cam and last but certainly not least the bad and the beautiful Nysska! These characters are amazing, and they really grew on me. I love that they came back in book two to solve another mystery together. The book is well written, and the story picks up from where book one left off. The world building is quite immersive without feeling overwhelming. The action scenes are phenominal, and they keep on coming. The plot is fantastic, and the story will leave you excited and ready for another book! The Demon Sleuth Scrolls books have been some of my all-time favorite action-packed fantasy reads this year, and I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a mixture of fantasy and mystery.
September 24, 2023
A sequel to top the first! Dan Jolley delivers the second installment of the The Demon-Sleuth Series with precision and leaves you satisfied but absolutely ready for the next addition to the saga.
Nysska and her friends continue down the path book one set for them as they must present themselves to the Emperor. He sends them on a task of his own. It’ll test them and the little trust they have established.
I highly recommend this book and series! The fantasy mystery continues with complete and perfect consistency. The right amount of conclusion and dramatic ending to make you beg for more.
Nysska and her friends continue down the path book one set for them as they must present themselves to the Emperor. He sends them on a task of his own. It’ll test them and the little trust they have established.
I highly recommend this book and series! The fantasy mystery continues with complete and perfect consistency. The right amount of conclusion and dramatic ending to make you beg for more.
August 4, 2023
Dan Jolley has created something really special with this world and these characters. Mysteries in a fantasy universe that is fresh and very unique. It's a surprising, thrilling, action-packed page turner, but it's more than that. You really care about these characters. They have courage, they have flaws, they have wit, they have humanity. Especially the ones who aren't even human. This is second book I've read in this series and they are not to be missed. I am very much looking forward to book number three.
August 21, 2024
Oh Nysska what have you gotten yourself into this time? Carnage, corruption, and catastrophe! Follow along as Nysska and the 9th crucible set out on an investigation chosen for them by none other than Emperor Valvo.
There are twists and turns and just when you think it's done something new comes along!
I love the banter between Nysska and Percy, the romance between her and Cam, and the critical adaptiveness that Raoul brings to the table, and can't forget about Flax and Jax the best blood lynxes ever!
I loved the continuation of the character development in this book from the previous one, I did not like the cliffhanger ending it had me in tears. I am so happy this is not the final book in the series and can't wait to see where the next one will go!
There are twists and turns and just when you think it's done something new comes along!
I love the banter between Nysska and Percy, the romance between her and Cam, and the critical adaptiveness that Raoul brings to the table, and can't forget about Flax and Jax the best blood lynxes ever!
I loved the continuation of the character development in this book from the previous one, I did not like the cliffhanger ending it had me in tears. I am so happy this is not the final book in the series and can't wait to see where the next one will go!
January 19, 2024
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, just wow. The more this series goes on, the more and more I love it. It’s got fascinating and unusual world building, complex and lovable characters (I relate to Percy so much!) and a plot full of twists and intricacies. The cliff hanger at the end has me hooked and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Wow, just wow. The more this series goes on, the more and more I love it. It’s got fascinating and unusual world building, complex and lovable characters (I relate to Percy so much!) and a plot full of twists and intricacies. The cliff hanger at the end has me hooked and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
May 21, 2025
In the second installment of the Demon-Sleuth Scrolls series, Nysska digs even deeper into the mystery revolving around the shapeshifting magic that is plaguing the realm. Fans of Jolley's work are in for more guffaw-out-loud humor, blush-worthy romance, perplexing clues, and harrowing adventure—all of which will have readers itching to devour the third book!
November 30, 2023
4.5 stars for me
This book was better than the first one, I really enjoyed the larger story and world building.
Following the ninth crucible to solve another crime, which leads to them unearthing new secrets and hidden secrets from the emporer.
They learn the world is bigger than they ever knew and unearth a new enemy.
This book is adventure packed and focuses more on the crime solving then the first book keeping you wanting more every page.
Warning it ends on a cliffhanger. I still not sure how I feel about it, I need to know what comes next.
This book was better than the first one, I really enjoyed the larger story and world building.
Following the ninth crucible to solve another crime, which leads to them unearthing new secrets and hidden secrets from the emporer.
They learn the world is bigger than they ever knew and unearth a new enemy.
This book is adventure packed and focuses more on the crime solving then the first book keeping you wanting more every page.
Warning it ends on a cliffhanger. I still not sure how I feel about it, I need to know what comes next.
October 27, 2023
The Ninth Crucible must solve another mystery or else.
This is a perfect 2nd book for this series. There is more character development and world building and the story flows well through it all. Action continues throughout the entire book which makes you want to read ONE MORE CHAPTER.
This is a perfect 2nd book for this series. There is more character development and world building and the story flows well through it all. Action continues throughout the entire book which makes you want to read ONE MORE CHAPTER.
August 9, 2024
I found this volume of the series to be so much more engaging than the first book and rated it 5 stars. I enjoyed coming back the word that Jolley has built for these characters and the world building that goes along with it. It's detailed, but not enough to be overwhelming. I feel so emotionally connected to the characters' stories and especially Nysska and her complicated family. More and more secrets are revealed and shake our characters to their core. The twists were unexpected. Be prepared for a doozy of a cliffhanger though. I had heart palpitations. lol!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews