The Gutter Shrike

Kingdom of Erishum #2

by Gwen DeMarco

Vallen, once a member of the king’s shrikes, now stands accused of treason against the Kingdom of Erishum. Alongside four others, he has been condemned to serve as a sacrifice to the monstrous hyva that roam the Dying Wilds.

His only hope for survival is a shadowy map and religious amulet his childhood friend Nyssa slipped him. Despite terrible odds, Vallen manages to escape from the sacrificial mound, but not before uncovering a terrible secret – one that could shatter the very bedrock of Erishum – only known to King Jorek and the Grand Enumerox Berossus. Now he must return to Erishum to save Nyssa from the fate of an irreconcilably corrupt kingdom.

Their quest for escape takes them through the perilous heart of the Dying Wilds in the hopes of finding a new home. Their journey is fraught with challenges that stretch their bravery and resilience. Venturing into the treacherous depths of the corrupt land, Vallen and Nyssa find themselves locked in a relentless struggle against the ever-present dangers of hyvas, treacherous landscapes, unpredictable weather, and startling revelations. They forge on without knowing if there is even life beyond the vast dead lands.

Experience Vallen and Nyssa’s audacious struggle to reshape their world and fight the lurking shadows of the Dying Wilds.

248 pages, ebook

First published December 15, 2023

About the author

Gwen DeMarco is an avid reader, wine & coffee drinker, gardener and a lover of all things nerdy. Gwen loves to write paranormal romance novels with a focus on the weird and wonderful. She loves to write a good snarky heroine and a grumpy male lead. Sophie and the Odd Ones is her first foray into the world of shifters, fae, ogres and vampires.

Gwen is happily married to her high school sweetheart and has two teenage children. She can often be found with her nose in a book and a glass of wine or mug of coffee in her hand.

Reviews

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I am enjoying this book, the story does slow down and settles for a while. It looks like it is going to get going action wise forward in the next book. I am glad after all the close calls that the 2 MC get a chance at a normal existence. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed the second book of the "Kingdom of Erishum Trilogy" as much as the first one. This book related the tale of Vallen's and Nyssa's travels through the "Dying Wilds". Once the audiobook started, I was so captivated by the story that I listened until the end without stopping. I enjoyed the character growths of Vallen and Nyssa. There were some surprising revelations. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. Janine Granda's narration was skillful, and her performance was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have listened to the audio version of this book.
More adventures with Vallen and Nissa as they search out the truth of what is happening in the Kingdom of Erishum. What lies at the other side of the Dying Wild?, can they take on the Hyva and survive? Another well written and edge of the seat listen from Gwen Demarco very well narrated by Janine Granda. Highly recommended and I am looking forward to the final part of this trilogy.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of this crazy good unexpected story picks up from Vallens point of view just before the end of where book one left off. It gives a great perspective of both sides and it’s a wild ride after that. I have to say I didn’t see a lot of this book coming but man I enjoyed it and the narrator! Dove straight into book three.

[Jillian K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment of Gwen’s series picks up where Book 1, The Mudlark leaves off. Nyssa risked her life to help bring Vallen the tools to save himself and safely get through the dying wilds, only for him to refuse to leave the love of his life Nyssa. Together they venture to safety and to find a life together only to realize they can’t truly be happy without uncovering more secrets from their homeland. Gwen uses book 2 to weave a tale that draws you in and leaves you with a false sense of security. I loved this book and cannot wait for the final book in this Trilogy The Dying Wilds!

[Julie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series so far!

The characters are very likeable. It's a good storyline with good progress. The second book is more about finding safety and of course deciding to go back and help. Looking forward to the next book!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting.

Nice read with lots of action and figuring things out. Nice set of extras in place for the next book.

[Aighmi* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting & sweet. Picks up at the end, so I look forward to the next one.

[Aighmi* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are these books not as popular as...or more than...the Hunger games books? Interestingly, in this book the point of view switches from Nissa, who is the protagonist in the first book, to Vallen. It took a while for me to adjust to viewing Nissa through Vallen's eyes, because in The Mudlark, her thoughts indicate a quick mind and ultimately brave soul, and her quietness is less obvious. But she is very quiet and appears timid until faced with a decisive moment. Once I realized that her outward appearance doesn't necessarily reflect her inner self, I enjoyed this book even more. Imagine how well you must know your character to write her from two perspectives! It is a very good story, and there is even a kind of peace they find together. However, they are planning to retrace their steps at the end, armed with greater knowledge and perspective this time. I am delighted to jump into the final book of the trilogy!