What do you think?
Rate this book
Crown and Tide #2
A Grave for Us All
“A civil war on that scale would make Harfal little more than a mass grave.”“There would be death. There would be chaos. But this time there would be a lasting peace…”Follow Cael, Emil, Merily and the others as they try to make sense of the world after the thrilling conclusion of The Traitors We Are.
- GenresFantasy
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
12 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Michael Roberti
4 books72 followersAbout Michael Roberti
From the time I was young, I loved books and words.
I was born in Maryland, and lived there until I was 9. Early on in my educational experience I found a love of books and poems, and the librarians of Laurel, Maryland knew me by name.
Later, I moved to Florida with my family. I continued my love of books and have fond memories of ignoring teachers’ lessons, so I could pillage their classroom libraries.
Eventually, I started a punk band with my best friend and we put out a few EPs and even did a full Florida tour. I started as a lyrics writing bass player, and eventually got the confidence to become the vocalist.
My band eventually broke up, and I did the only two things I could think to do: learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons and go to college.
I graduated from Appalachian Stare University in Boone North Carolina with a degree in English, Secondary Education in 2011. Somewhere in this adventure I decided to stay in NC.
Over the last 10+ years I’ve been: teaching, getting married, having two kids, and playing tons of DnD.
I came up with the world that would become Aithe in 2013, and the basic plot for The Traitors We Are in 2015, but could never find the motivation to write. For years these thoughts only coalesced into lore for the world I was DMing. In 2021, I decided to get serious about writing and Traitors was born.
The question I get asked the most is, “What gave you the idea to write about a world where writing disappears when someone dies?”
That’s tough to answer. I remember when the idea occurred to me, and I think there are two parts to it. The first is that history is already manipulated by the “winners” and those that write it down. How much of what we “know” is actually true?
The other thought was that there is already so much lost knowledge in our world. How much more would be lost if we lived on a world like Aithe? Even small wonders of technology would seem like magic if they had been lost for centuries. The words themselves would become the real magic.
So, that’s me. I love writing and words and believe in their power. I hope you join me on this journey as I attempt to make some magic of my own.
From the time I was young, I loved books and words.
I was born in Maryland, and lived there until I was 9. Early on in my educational experience I found a love of books and poems, and the librarians of Laurel, Maryland knew me by name.
Later, I moved to Florida with my family. I continued my love of books and have fond memories of ignoring teachers’ lessons, so I could pillage their classroom libraries.
Eventually, I started a punk band with my best friend and we put out a few EPs and even did a full Florida tour. I started as a lyrics writing bass player, and eventually got the confidence to become the vocalist.
My band eventually broke up, and I did the only two things I could think to do: learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons and go to college.
I graduated from Appalachian Stare University in Boone North Carolina with a degree in English, Secondary Education in 2011. Somewhere in this adventure I decided to stay in NC.
Over the last 10+ years I’ve been: teaching, getting married, having two kids, and playing tons of DnD.
I came up with the world that would become Aithe in 2013, and the basic plot for The Traitors We Are in 2015, but could never find the motivation to write. For years these thoughts only coalesced into lore for the world I was DMing. In 2021, I decided to get serious about writing and Traitors was born.
The question I get asked the most is, “What gave you the idea to write about a world where writing disappears when someone dies?”
That’s tough to answer. I remember when the idea occurred to me, and I think there are two parts to it. The first is that history is already manipulated by the “winners” and those that write it down. How much of what we “know” is actually true?
The other thought was that there is already so much lost knowledge in our world. How much more would be lost if we lived on a world like Aithe? Even small wonders of technology would seem like magic if they had been lost for centuries. The words themselves would become the real magic.
So, that’s me. I love writing and words and believe in their power. I hope you join me on this journey as I attempt to make some magic of my own.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 5, 2024
My complete review of A Grave for Us All is published at Before We Go Blog.
“Prophecy became a relentless inevitability.”
A Grave for Us All is the sequel to Michael Roberti’s debut novel, The Traitors We Are, and the second volume in his Crown and Tide series. I will keep this review completely spoiler-free for readers who have not yet started this action-packed series.
Michael Roberti constructs his own game of thrones in a story that would make George R.R. Martin proud. No one is safe as competing factions vie for the throne, navigating their way through a web of political and romantic entanglements:
“Apart, we are weak and distracted, but together we are strong. We all know the princes are fighting and Emil Trestinsen sits and watches. And we are all expected to sit by and watch as a single family creates a grave for us all.”
Martin’s influence is evident throughout A Grave for Us All, which adopts a traditional medieval European fantasy setting akin to A Song of Ice and Fire but with an interesting twist. Roberti’s Crown and Tide series considers a world where writing disappears when its author dies, i.e., where a person’s writing is such an integral part of themselves that their words cease to exist when the writer perishes. A major implication of this phenomenon is that it becomes easy to rewrite an opponent’s history after vanquishing them in battle:
“‘The histories are being amended as we speak. It is important to make it clear that the Quinlens have always been the rulers of that duchy. That’s the beautiful thing about books. They always need rewriting. And after wars like these with so much writing gone?’ Mathis smiled. ‘Everyone will be too tired or too dead to refute it.’”
While Michael Roberti builds many layers of political intrigue throughout A Grave for Us All, he especially shines when focusing on his protagonists’ personal relationships. Merily continues to be the standout star among Roberti’s large cast of characters: A Grave for Us All is an absolute delight anytime she graces the page. Merily also has the best character arc thus far in the series.
I occasionally worried that Roberti was falling into George R.R. Martin’s trap of giving everyone and their uncle point-of-view status. By my count, there are over ten point-of-view characters in the main narrative of A Grave for Us All, with another seven or so in the flashback chapters and epilogues. While my personal preference is to focus on a smaller number of protagonists, Roberti does a commendable job juggling all these perspectives while maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative throughout the book.
Indeed, A Grave for Us All is compulsively readable from cover to cover. Michael Roberti has taken his writing to the next level, with spot-on pacing that kept me eagerly flipping the pages to find out what happens next. I love how the plot builds to its explosive climax, which took me completely by surprise.
Altogether, Michael Roberti improves upon his debut novel in every way with A Grave for Us All. The Crown and Tide series is perfect reading for George R.R. Martin fans as they wait (patiently) for The Winds of Winter.
“Prophecy became a relentless inevitability.”
A Grave for Us All is the sequel to Michael Roberti’s debut novel, The Traitors We Are, and the second volume in his Crown and Tide series. I will keep this review completely spoiler-free for readers who have not yet started this action-packed series.
Michael Roberti constructs his own game of thrones in a story that would make George R.R. Martin proud. No one is safe as competing factions vie for the throne, navigating their way through a web of political and romantic entanglements:
“Apart, we are weak and distracted, but together we are strong. We all know the princes are fighting and Emil Trestinsen sits and watches. And we are all expected to sit by and watch as a single family creates a grave for us all.”
Martin’s influence is evident throughout A Grave for Us All, which adopts a traditional medieval European fantasy setting akin to A Song of Ice and Fire but with an interesting twist. Roberti’s Crown and Tide series considers a world where writing disappears when its author dies, i.e., where a person’s writing is such an integral part of themselves that their words cease to exist when the writer perishes. A major implication of this phenomenon is that it becomes easy to rewrite an opponent’s history after vanquishing them in battle:
“‘The histories are being amended as we speak. It is important to make it clear that the Quinlens have always been the rulers of that duchy. That’s the beautiful thing about books. They always need rewriting. And after wars like these with so much writing gone?’ Mathis smiled. ‘Everyone will be too tired or too dead to refute it.’”
While Michael Roberti builds many layers of political intrigue throughout A Grave for Us All, he especially shines when focusing on his protagonists’ personal relationships. Merily continues to be the standout star among Roberti’s large cast of characters: A Grave for Us All is an absolute delight anytime she graces the page. Merily also has the best character arc thus far in the series.
I occasionally worried that Roberti was falling into George R.R. Martin’s trap of giving everyone and their uncle point-of-view status. By my count, there are over ten point-of-view characters in the main narrative of A Grave for Us All, with another seven or so in the flashback chapters and epilogues. While my personal preference is to focus on a smaller number of protagonists, Roberti does a commendable job juggling all these perspectives while maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative throughout the book.
Indeed, A Grave for Us All is compulsively readable from cover to cover. Michael Roberti has taken his writing to the next level, with spot-on pacing that kept me eagerly flipping the pages to find out what happens next. I love how the plot builds to its explosive climax, which took me completely by surprise.
Altogether, Michael Roberti improves upon his debut novel in every way with A Grave for Us All. The Crown and Tide series is perfect reading for George R.R. Martin fans as they wait (patiently) for The Winds of Winter.
May 26, 2025
A Grave for Us All offers a compelling and fully fleshed grimdark fantasy world. Through clever prose, it leans heavily into character development and political intrigue. It expands the world created in book one, The Traitors We Are by Michael Roberti, and is part of a larger series called The Crown & Tide.
"War and revenge had become an epidemic."
Mr. Roberti manages to offer no heroes in his grim tale. Every character he touches is filled with doubt, revenge, and the epic need to survive in a broken kingdom. The author's prose is clean and, given his background in teaching, provides the reader with efficient and professional details but not enough to overwhelm the reader or page reading like an alternative version of some more famous writers fantasy readers know and love. Returning characters of Cael and Emil get their time in this 3rd personal multi-POV epic tale of betrayal and backstabs, and other characters like Erik and Merily grow into fully fleshed and powerful narratives.
"The pain wasn't there, but neither was his arm."
Through my reading of A Grave for Us All, I found it intriguing that Mr. Roberti tied his plot through not only the assertive and easier-to-write characters like Cael, a man betrayed and bent on revenge, but also found the time to dig into lesser yet more interesting characters like Erik, who had fallen from Mr. Roberti's version of knighthood. His writing and story development maturing is evident throughout, yet he maintains his own voice, a mixture of darkness and quality prose with a splash of punk-metal vibes that seeps through.
"That's excellent news! Execute them and put their heads on spikes. I will be damned if this ever happens again."
The story is a slow political buildup with a fit or two of action until the last half of the book when war and betrayal twist in turn through every POV that Mr. Roberti presents. He manages to guide the reader through the book easier than I have seen other traditional epic fantasy writers do and keeps the pages turning as the story unfolds. Mr. Roberti manages to wrench different forms of magic into his world that doesn't overwhelm the gritty world he has created, the Crown and Tide Series, and provides a sense of awe and fear in characters that witness magic when it occurs.
Mr. Roberti deals with themes of love and relationships, PTSD, family struggles, revenge, and politics. One of the more interesting themes in the book was fatherhood through the eyes of a nobleman and how that pressure twisted and corrupted bonds between not only husband and wife but also the people he attempts to govern.
"The thing about life as it related to history was the complex ways it changed."
A Grave for Us All book cover has a bluish hue, and the covers created by the author all have the same tone and art structure throughout the series. They are simplistic and striking and easy to pick up through digital surfing and when placed on a bookshelf. A Grave for Us All, book two in the Crown and Tide series, that I read was a paperback, just over 480 pages long, and it contains maps, a character guide, and a brief summary of what occurred in the first book.
Mr. Roberti is part of Willow Wraith Press, a collection of authors, reviewers, podcasters, and content creators. As of this writing, this is Mr. Roberti's third novel. I found it engaging and quick, a darkly epic read. Other reviewers and readers have called his writing Grim-Dark lite, which fits his novels well. A Grave for Us All is worth digging through the dirt to see who the bodies are inside the graves of the Crown and Tide series.
Michael Roberti
A Grave for Use All
The Crown and Tides Series, Book Two.
Paperback 480+ pages
"War and revenge had become an epidemic."
Mr. Roberti manages to offer no heroes in his grim tale. Every character he touches is filled with doubt, revenge, and the epic need to survive in a broken kingdom. The author's prose is clean and, given his background in teaching, provides the reader with efficient and professional details but not enough to overwhelm the reader or page reading like an alternative version of some more famous writers fantasy readers know and love. Returning characters of Cael and Emil get their time in this 3rd personal multi-POV epic tale of betrayal and backstabs, and other characters like Erik and Merily grow into fully fleshed and powerful narratives.
"The pain wasn't there, but neither was his arm."
Through my reading of A Grave for Us All, I found it intriguing that Mr. Roberti tied his plot through not only the assertive and easier-to-write characters like Cael, a man betrayed and bent on revenge, but also found the time to dig into lesser yet more interesting characters like Erik, who had fallen from Mr. Roberti's version of knighthood. His writing and story development maturing is evident throughout, yet he maintains his own voice, a mixture of darkness and quality prose with a splash of punk-metal vibes that seeps through.
"That's excellent news! Execute them and put their heads on spikes. I will be damned if this ever happens again."
The story is a slow political buildup with a fit or two of action until the last half of the book when war and betrayal twist in turn through every POV that Mr. Roberti presents. He manages to guide the reader through the book easier than I have seen other traditional epic fantasy writers do and keeps the pages turning as the story unfolds. Mr. Roberti manages to wrench different forms of magic into his world that doesn't overwhelm the gritty world he has created, the Crown and Tide Series, and provides a sense of awe and fear in characters that witness magic when it occurs.
Mr. Roberti deals with themes of love and relationships, PTSD, family struggles, revenge, and politics. One of the more interesting themes in the book was fatherhood through the eyes of a nobleman and how that pressure twisted and corrupted bonds between not only husband and wife but also the people he attempts to govern.
"The thing about life as it related to history was the complex ways it changed."
A Grave for Us All book cover has a bluish hue, and the covers created by the author all have the same tone and art structure throughout the series. They are simplistic and striking and easy to pick up through digital surfing and when placed on a bookshelf. A Grave for Us All, book two in the Crown and Tide series, that I read was a paperback, just over 480 pages long, and it contains maps, a character guide, and a brief summary of what occurred in the first book.
Mr. Roberti is part of Willow Wraith Press, a collection of authors, reviewers, podcasters, and content creators. As of this writing, this is Mr. Roberti's third novel. I found it engaging and quick, a darkly epic read. Other reviewers and readers have called his writing Grim-Dark lite, which fits his novels well. A Grave for Us All is worth digging through the dirt to see who the bodies are inside the graves of the Crown and Tide series.
Michael Roberti
A Grave for Use All
The Crown and Tides Series, Book Two.
Paperback 480+ pages
May 16, 2024
“Honor is nice, but living is true beauty. I don’t care what anyone says. We sing songs about heroes, but it’s the living that sing them.”
What an ambitious book. Have to be honest, despite being a fan of Traitors and Revenge, I was a little nervous to start this one when I heard about the massive amount POVs. And there are A LOT of POVs, to the point where I probably wouldn't be within 4 of the correct number if I guessed. I'm happy to say the story and overall narrative manages to be well-paced and easy to follow, though my only complaint was the randomly thrown in flash-backs and pov's at the end that I can't discuss without spoilers. It wasn't that they were boring or poorly written, but they just kind of forced themselves in the middle of VERY interesting scenes where I just wanted to cut the tension and find out what happened next.
Crown and Tide's cast of characters is simply amazing. I don't think its too controversial to suggest Cael is the main character of Traitors, but it feels more balanced here. Merily and Emil absolutely steal the show. Their narrative voice is incredible, and the way their thoughts and comments shift with their situation as the story progresses is really delightful to read. The dialogue flows perfectly. Lines like:
“Emil, everything is treason until you win. Then it is heroism,”
and
"You are a master now, Merily. You aren’t one of them anymore.”
Just works for me on so many levels. I don't want to downplay Cael, Erik, and Freia's POVs. The other characters are mainly ther efor exposition, and there are some very Ambercrombie-like pov battle scenes (if you know, you know) Cael's inner struggle of revenge against wondering if its worth it was wonderful. Erik and Freia fell a little flat for me, but they share one of the best chapters in the book.
I hope I'm getting across how ambitious this story is. One of my favorite reads of the year so far. While it will probably be a while before the next entry, I'm more than happy to wait. I have absolutely no idea where everything is going.
My favorite line:
He was hungry for what no one ever wanted to give him.
What an ambitious book. Have to be honest, despite being a fan of Traitors and Revenge, I was a little nervous to start this one when I heard about the massive amount POVs. And there are A LOT of POVs, to the point where I probably wouldn't be within 4 of the correct number if I guessed. I'm happy to say the story and overall narrative manages to be well-paced and easy to follow, though my only complaint was the randomly thrown in flash-backs and pov's at the end that I can't discuss without spoilers. It wasn't that they were boring or poorly written, but they just kind of forced themselves in the middle of VERY interesting scenes where I just wanted to cut the tension and find out what happened next.
Crown and Tide's cast of characters is simply amazing. I don't think its too controversial to suggest Cael is the main character of Traitors, but it feels more balanced here. Merily and Emil absolutely steal the show. Their narrative voice is incredible, and the way their thoughts and comments shift with their situation as the story progresses is really delightful to read. The dialogue flows perfectly. Lines like:
“Emil, everything is treason until you win. Then it is heroism,”
and
"You are a master now, Merily. You aren’t one of them anymore.”
Just works for me on so many levels. I don't want to downplay Cael, Erik, and Freia's POVs. The other characters are mainly ther efor exposition, and there are some very Ambercrombie-like pov battle scenes (if you know, you know) Cael's inner struggle of revenge against wondering if its worth it was wonderful. Erik and Freia fell a little flat for me, but they share one of the best chapters in the book.
I hope I'm getting across how ambitious this story is. One of my favorite reads of the year so far. While it will probably be a while before the next entry, I'm more than happy to wait. I have absolutely no idea where everything is going.
My favorite line:
He was hungry for what no one ever wanted to give him.
April 9, 2024
4.75 Star
I read The Traitors We Are last year and loved it. It was a book that was timed perfectly for me as I had a lot of time on my hands at that point and was able to sit down often and just devour a lot of it. Fast forward close to a year later and I was having a conversation with the author as I had his novella from this series on my radar since shortly after finishing the first book. He let me know at that time the second book A Grave for Us All was due to be released in a couple of months and asked if I would be interested in giving an eARC a read through. I wasn't sure if I would be able to fit it in before it officially released but once again the timing just worked out nicely.
I didn't find myself with quite as much time to sit down and read A Grave for Us All as I had The Traitors We Are but I still found myself picking this one up as often as I could and still ended up getting through it in just a few days. Before I get to my usual breakdown of my three main topics I rate, I'll say that the writing growth was very evident in this book. The overall theme and feel is still very similar to what I've read with book one and the novella. The difference is the scale of the scheming and weaving plots to see them twist and turn and eventually come together nearing the end.
The pacing was smooth. There is a lot going on with this book and yet I some how continued to just flow right along. I think the fact that it's the second book and we both have a nice list of characters at the front and we should be fairly familiar with a lot of these characters helps with that. This isn't one of those non-stop action type of reads but there always seemed to be something going on whether it was solid action, educating us on situations or that sense of something building up and about to happen. This read had each of them for my tastes.
The world development was very strong in book two. We get to know this world even better. We were introduced to a lot of geographical regions in book one but this time around we get to know them more in depth in regards of why certain factions or cultures act as they do. I'm a bit of a history fan as well so when books provide history within their stories, it usually resonates with me well. Having those understandings really brings the story and it's characters to life more in my opinion.
The character development was also really strong again. I was surprised to see our small groups of characters kind of do their own things through most of this book before those plots and characters really started coming together. But we seen a lot of growth and depth for many of the characters this time around. Cael is continuing to struggle with figuring out who he was, is and will be. Freia has a solid arc this time around where we see a lot of growth for her. Of course I have to mention Merily as we learn so much more about her this time around. I'm excited to see where things end up with her moving forward! Then on the Keep side of things we continue to learn more about Emil and the other Lords and Ladies who all seem to be scheming one way or another. Then we also have a lot going on with what I'll call our wild group with includes the religious and magic groups.
The depth of this story which has begun to reveal itself this time around shows some amazing promise of things still to come. I mentioned to Michael that book two gave me more Game of Throne vibes with all the different factions and the plots with each of them. Book one had quite the body count and I'm not sure this one touched that simply because we didn't have the scale of large battles it had. But as far as deaths with what seem more important characters this one is easily equal if not more brutal.
I also really liked the notes from the author at the very end. I always enjoy hearing how the ideas behind the books happen. In this case it was interesting to know that a major event over half way through book two was initially slated to happen within book one. I definitely agree it worked well taking place in this read, even if I felt it was still long overdue and I kept hoping it would happen sooner in book two.
As for the recommendations, I'd of course say if you enjoyed book one, definitely give this a go but be ready for some changes this time around. I feel these changes are for the good though. If you're new to the Crown and Tide series in general but like those darker brutal epic fantasy stories, give this a try.
I read The Traitors We Are last year and loved it. It was a book that was timed perfectly for me as I had a lot of time on my hands at that point and was able to sit down often and just devour a lot of it. Fast forward close to a year later and I was having a conversation with the author as I had his novella from this series on my radar since shortly after finishing the first book. He let me know at that time the second book A Grave for Us All was due to be released in a couple of months and asked if I would be interested in giving an eARC a read through. I wasn't sure if I would be able to fit it in before it officially released but once again the timing just worked out nicely.
I didn't find myself with quite as much time to sit down and read A Grave for Us All as I had The Traitors We Are but I still found myself picking this one up as often as I could and still ended up getting through it in just a few days. Before I get to my usual breakdown of my three main topics I rate, I'll say that the writing growth was very evident in this book. The overall theme and feel is still very similar to what I've read with book one and the novella. The difference is the scale of the scheming and weaving plots to see them twist and turn and eventually come together nearing the end.
The pacing was smooth. There is a lot going on with this book and yet I some how continued to just flow right along. I think the fact that it's the second book and we both have a nice list of characters at the front and we should be fairly familiar with a lot of these characters helps with that. This isn't one of those non-stop action type of reads but there always seemed to be something going on whether it was solid action, educating us on situations or that sense of something building up and about to happen. This read had each of them for my tastes.
The world development was very strong in book two. We get to know this world even better. We were introduced to a lot of geographical regions in book one but this time around we get to know them more in depth in regards of why certain factions or cultures act as they do. I'm a bit of a history fan as well so when books provide history within their stories, it usually resonates with me well. Having those understandings really brings the story and it's characters to life more in my opinion.
The character development was also really strong again. I was surprised to see our small groups of characters kind of do their own things through most of this book before those plots and characters really started coming together. But we seen a lot of growth and depth for many of the characters this time around. Cael is continuing to struggle with figuring out who he was, is and will be. Freia has a solid arc this time around where we see a lot of growth for her. Of course I have to mention Merily as we learn so much more about her this time around. I'm excited to see where things end up with her moving forward! Then on the Keep side of things we continue to learn more about Emil and the other Lords and Ladies who all seem to be scheming one way or another. Then we also have a lot going on with what I'll call our wild group with includes the religious and magic groups.
The depth of this story which has begun to reveal itself this time around shows some amazing promise of things still to come. I mentioned to Michael that book two gave me more Game of Throne vibes with all the different factions and the plots with each of them. Book one had quite the body count and I'm not sure this one touched that simply because we didn't have the scale of large battles it had. But as far as deaths with what seem more important characters this one is easily equal if not more brutal.
I also really liked the notes from the author at the very end. I always enjoy hearing how the ideas behind the books happen. In this case it was interesting to know that a major event over half way through book two was initially slated to happen within book one. I definitely agree it worked well taking place in this read, even if I felt it was still long overdue and I kept hoping it would happen sooner in book two.
As for the recommendations, I'd of course say if you enjoyed book one, definitely give this a go but be ready for some changes this time around. I feel these changes are for the good though. If you're new to the Crown and Tide series in general but like those darker brutal epic fantasy stories, give this a try.
April 9, 2025
Michael Roberti follows up with A Grave for Us All - the second book in the Crown and Tide series. What a follow up it is! The story continues with more political betrayal and backstabbing. An intricately woven tale chock full of complex characters.
When I read The Traitors We Are, I was thoroughly impressed with the world of Aithe, and just how cut-throat this world was - and to go along with that, strong protagonists such as Cael and Merily. I already thought that was a five star read - here, Roberti improves it even more! With sharper prose and even sharper blades.
He has done an impressive job of juggling the multiple POV's. In other stories, some authors may overly complicate things and it becomes a task for the reader to follow exactly what is going on. That doesn't happen here.
Each chapter has a purpose and meaning, I especially loved the arc of Merily - I don't want to spoil anything so you will have to read both books yourself. As I was reading, I had an inking of what was going to play out, but what elevates this series, is just how complex each character is. Certain players in the story have their motivations, be it betrayal or greed, but their backstories open it up as to why - such as Kieron's. A protagonist or another person may be a complete a-hole, but there is definitely a reason why they have arrived at this point.
I absolutely loved continuing this journey, and I look forward to reading Until Worms Remain in the future, (and hopefully the novella too).
5*
When I read The Traitors We Are, I was thoroughly impressed with the world of Aithe, and just how cut-throat this world was - and to go along with that, strong protagonists such as Cael and Merily. I already thought that was a five star read - here, Roberti improves it even more! With sharper prose and even sharper blades.
He has done an impressive job of juggling the multiple POV's. In other stories, some authors may overly complicate things and it becomes a task for the reader to follow exactly what is going on. That doesn't happen here.
Each chapter has a purpose and meaning, I especially loved the arc of Merily - I don't want to spoil anything so you will have to read both books yourself. As I was reading, I had an inking of what was going to play out, but what elevates this series, is just how complex each character is. Certain players in the story have their motivations, be it betrayal or greed, but their backstories open it up as to why - such as Kieron's. A protagonist or another person may be a complete a-hole, but there is definitely a reason why they have arrived at this point.
I absolutely loved continuing this journey, and I look forward to reading Until Worms Remain in the future, (and hopefully the novella too).
5*
March 26, 2025
I like where this series is headed. This book flew off the pages as I started it. The pacing was good and action - whoa! There were a couple flashback scenes that I felt could have been in book one or spread out through a character POV. Overall, a solid book two. I am going to read the prequel and then I hear there is a book three coming. Cannot wait! Grab your copies and let me know your thoughts here.
February 25, 2024
Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC from the author. I consider the author a friend and peer but these opinions are my own.
Continuing on from the explosive finale of The Traitors We Are, A Grave for Us All ups the stakes with a chaotic, bloody, and page-turning tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what's next to come and who is next to fall.
Where we left off in the previous book, we were left wondering of the ramifications of all the political backstabbing - literal and figurative - and what it would mean for the characters caught up in it all. Grave doesn't hold any punches, and it's established early and often that anyone can - and will - fall without hesitation.
The cast of POV characters is massive, and that's both to the benefit and detriment of the story. The book shines when focusing on the dynamic between Emil and Merily, or the bloody consequences Cael finds himself in. But for as much as Traitors focused on them, Grave perhaps spends a bit too much time away from their view and instead focuses a bit more on the secondary and tertiary characters. It's great to see the world beyond our main characters, and many of these moments are pulse pounding and exciting, but at the same time there is a bit of an issue with events moving a bit TOO quickly. There's a lot packed into this book - and at just under 500 pages - and it leads me to wonder if it may have been better served to separate it into two books and expand on the events to allow them to digest a bit more.
That said, the events of Grave are excellently written. Roberti does a great job with his exploration of ambition, political scheming, the right to rule, and revenge, and despite some of the aforementioned issues with pacing, I could not wait to see what happened next. The ending especially was spectacular, and I cannot wait to see how this series ends.
If you're looking for some brutal, hard-hitting political fantasy, this is the one for you.
Continuing on from the explosive finale of The Traitors We Are, A Grave for Us All ups the stakes with a chaotic, bloody, and page-turning tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what's next to come and who is next to fall.
Where we left off in the previous book, we were left wondering of the ramifications of all the political backstabbing - literal and figurative - and what it would mean for the characters caught up in it all. Grave doesn't hold any punches, and it's established early and often that anyone can - and will - fall without hesitation.
The cast of POV characters is massive, and that's both to the benefit and detriment of the story. The book shines when focusing on the dynamic between Emil and Merily, or the bloody consequences Cael finds himself in. But for as much as Traitors focused on them, Grave perhaps spends a bit too much time away from their view and instead focuses a bit more on the secondary and tertiary characters. It's great to see the world beyond our main characters, and many of these moments are pulse pounding and exciting, but at the same time there is a bit of an issue with events moving a bit TOO quickly. There's a lot packed into this book - and at just under 500 pages - and it leads me to wonder if it may have been better served to separate it into two books and expand on the events to allow them to digest a bit more.
That said, the events of Grave are excellently written. Roberti does a great job with his exploration of ambition, political scheming, the right to rule, and revenge, and despite some of the aforementioned issues with pacing, I could not wait to see what happened next. The ending especially was spectacular, and I cannot wait to see how this series ends.
If you're looking for some brutal, hard-hitting political fantasy, this is the one for you.
April 7, 2024
I loved the first book, so was very much looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint! It was even better than Book 1! Considering how much I loved The Traitors We Are that's really saying something!
I loved being reunited with the characters we met in the first book, some happily, some grudgingly...
It was very well written, not only the story, but the characters too. It made it very easy to have a love/hate relationship with the characters.
If you haven't started the series, then I would highly recommend you do!
Thank you to Michael for the eARC of this book.
I loved being reunited with the characters we met in the first book, some happily, some grudgingly...
It was very well written, not only the story, but the characters too. It made it very easy to have a love/hate relationship with the characters.
If you haven't started the series, then I would highly recommend you do!
Thank you to Michael for the eARC of this book.
December 20, 2024
I loved this! Mike delivered on the promise of 'The Traitors We Are' in a big way with this second book in the Crown and Tide series.
This is a cut throat Machiavellian world of political maneuvering. The first book set up the rise of Emil, his marriage to a largely unwilling Merrily, and the fall of Merrily's scheming family. A large part of this story is concerning the clash of cultures. There is the stiff, proper, civilized and conservative society of the Keep, juxtaposed against the more wild and liberal ways of the Reach. There are some brutally sad moments in this, with the keep culture working to try to cage up the freedom that Merrily represents. The story of an unhappy forced marriage with an unequal power dynamic has a harsh historical basis that gives it a gritty realism. Emil himself is an enigma, almost bipolar in his mannerisms. One minute puppy like and eager to please, the next offering forthright and vicious decisions. He has grown a lot from the first book, and mostly not in a pleasant way. His hubris forms another central plank of the story.
This second book also takes the more magical elements significantly further. Whilst the first book was largely political machinations, this one expands the world and its more fantastical elements. The first book tantalized with its concept of writing disappearing after the death of its author - providing an interesting idea but not actually utilizing it. This follow up certainly utilizes it! We encounter some actual magic uses, like Xopa of Ghol who appears to use some combination of mind control and life magic - a particularly dastardly combination when you start to think of the moral implications. We are introduced to the mages from the keep who have their own magical powers where it unclear who they are ultimately serving. There is a murkiness to everyones motives - this is grimdark in its truest sense.
This is one of those books that explores its themes and motives in a way that both entertains and makes you think. A highlight of my reading this year!
This is a cut throat Machiavellian world of political maneuvering. The first book set up the rise of Emil, his marriage to a largely unwilling Merrily, and the fall of Merrily's scheming family. A large part of this story is concerning the clash of cultures. There is the stiff, proper, civilized and conservative society of the Keep, juxtaposed against the more wild and liberal ways of the Reach. There are some brutally sad moments in this, with the keep culture working to try to cage up the freedom that Merrily represents. The story of an unhappy forced marriage with an unequal power dynamic has a harsh historical basis that gives it a gritty realism. Emil himself is an enigma, almost bipolar in his mannerisms. One minute puppy like and eager to please, the next offering forthright and vicious decisions. He has grown a lot from the first book, and mostly not in a pleasant way. His hubris forms another central plank of the story.
This second book also takes the more magical elements significantly further. Whilst the first book was largely political machinations, this one expands the world and its more fantastical elements. The first book tantalized with its concept of writing disappearing after the death of its author - providing an interesting idea but not actually utilizing it. This follow up certainly utilizes it! We encounter some actual magic uses, like Xopa of Ghol who appears to use some combination of mind control and life magic - a particularly dastardly combination when you start to think of the moral implications. We are introduced to the mages from the keep who have their own magical powers where it unclear who they are ultimately serving. There is a murkiness to everyones motives - this is grimdark in its truest sense.
This is one of those books that explores its themes and motives in a way that both entertains and makes you think. A highlight of my reading this year!
February 5, 2024
Book 2 in the Crown and Tide Series.
I will preface this review by stating that I read an early version of the ARC - Roberti was editing while I was reading, and sometimes in response to my comments and suggestions. So this review is based on an early copy, and I will try to make note of where I know things will change for the version that goes out to everyone else compared to my copy. But this review and rating is based on the copy that I read. So some of these things will be improved on the newer version.
A Grave For Us All is Roberti's best book yet. I have now read 3 books written by him and the prose in this book was just so so good - many quote worthy notes taken.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 7.5 - There are a lot of characters. Some of which we know, some are new, and some we only got glimpses of before. They are all well written. Freia remains my favorite. (I suggested moving the list of charcters from the back of the book to the front.)
Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - At times, the atmosphere was spot on. Other times, it could have been stronger. Setting was always great.
Writing Style: 7 - Roberti's writing style was extremely easy to read: engaging and always moving. I gave him suggestions like adding in the year in relation to the main story for the interludes that will make his writing even better.
Plot: 8 - The plot in this book was surprising but also spot on for the characters. The end felt a bit rushed - I thought "Oh we're here already, ok!" but it also felt fitting for the actions of the ending. Like the characters needed to rush this given the circumstances.
Intrigue: 7.5 - There were times when I thought I knew what was going to happen and it did, but not when I expected it to.
Logic/Relationships: 9 - Everything made sense for the characters. Even the surprises still made sense. The relationships - both good and bad - were done really well. Roberti's best work was with the relationships - IMO.
Enjoyment: 9 - I truly enjoyed everything in this book and can't wait to see where he takes Book 3.
CAWPILE Total: 55/7 = 7.8 = (low) 4.5 stars
I will preface this review by stating that I read an early version of the ARC - Roberti was editing while I was reading, and sometimes in response to my comments and suggestions. So this review is based on an early copy, and I will try to make note of where I know things will change for the version that goes out to everyone else compared to my copy. But this review and rating is based on the copy that I read. So some of these things will be improved on the newer version.
A Grave For Us All is Roberti's best book yet. I have now read 3 books written by him and the prose in this book was just so so good - many quote worthy notes taken.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 7.5 - There are a lot of characters. Some of which we know, some are new, and some we only got glimpses of before. They are all well written. Freia remains my favorite. (I suggested moving the list of charcters from the back of the book to the front.)
Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - At times, the atmosphere was spot on. Other times, it could have been stronger. Setting was always great.
Writing Style: 7 - Roberti's writing style was extremely easy to read: engaging and always moving. I gave him suggestions like adding in the year in relation to the main story for the interludes that will make his writing even better.
Plot: 8 - The plot in this book was surprising but also spot on for the characters. The end felt a bit rushed - I thought "Oh we're here already, ok!" but it also felt fitting for the actions of the ending. Like the characters needed to rush this given the circumstances.
Intrigue: 7.5 - There were times when I thought I knew what was going to happen and it did, but not when I expected it to.
Logic/Relationships: 9 - Everything made sense for the characters. Even the surprises still made sense. The relationships - both good and bad - were done really well. Roberti's best work was with the relationships - IMO.
Enjoyment: 9 - I truly enjoyed everything in this book and can't wait to see where he takes Book 3.
CAWPILE Total: 55/7 = 7.8 = (low) 4.5 stars
September 20, 2024
TL;DR Review: Higher stakes, deeper grimdarkness, bloodier battles, and messier characters—exactly what I want in a Book 2!
Full Review:
We’re back in the messy, violent, blood-soaked world of the Keep and the Reach, and the story just keeps getting darker, twistier, and so much grander.
The Traitors We Are kept its focus mostly on the capital city and the events surrounding our main POV characters—Cael the eternally angry warrior, Erik the disabled former Knight of the Evertree, Emil the noble with delusions of grandeur hand-picked to keep the Reach in line, and Merily the unwilling bride married off by her (now-dead) father to cement the union between the two warring factions.
Now, in A Grave for Us All, the focus broadens and we get to see the world in much larger picture.
The war between the Reach and Keep may have ended, but the fighting never stops. This is a world where someone is always doing battle—and in this case, it’s a battle between the two Princes seeking to take over the Keep following the murder of the King. The two are absolute bastards that no one wants to sit on the throne (except them), but there are those who are willing to stir the pot to keep them locked at each other’s throats to allow someone better-suited to ruling a chance to gain power and drum up an army.
Inevitably, that someone is Emil. Currently the Governor of the Reach attempting to bring peace to the fractious clans, he finds his job is made all the harder by the Reach’s own in-fighting (a mirror to the warring Keep princes). Though he begins the story all shiny and golden in his own self-image as a heroic figure, we see him slowly descending into isolation, depression, rage, ruthlessness, and ultimately, tyranny. By the end, it’s clear he’s not much of a better choice to rule than the sadistic, simpering Princes—but he’s the one that certain power players have chosen to set on the throne, for better or worse.
Merily’s story is a sad one. Her marriage to Emil could have been happy, but circumstances—and their own natures—conspire to drag them ever-farther apart. Her psychopathic brother Kieron definitely doesn’t help. We see her descending into her own depression and isolation, cut off from her people and her family, spiraling ever-deeper into the darkness that is hell-bent on consuming the land.
Cael’s story begins in prison and pain. He is being held for the assassination of the King, and has spent months in chains, being beaten, starved, and left to die. Curiously, the one advocating for him most fiercely is Erik, the very knight he maimed on the battlefield—perhaps the most truly heroic character in this grim and gritty world.
But a new player comes into the mix: Xopa of Ghol, a dark magic-wielding sorcerer-assassin who is hunting for his daughter’s killer, and needs Cael’s help to get his vengeance. He adds a subtle horror undertone that serves to enhance the grimdarkness of the story, and drives both the stakes higher and the action more frenetic.
We also see the “Turindal”, an alliance of nations who are sick of the Keep’s iron rule over their lands and want to trade, worship, or grow free of the throne’s influence. They’re just one more player in the chaos that is spreading across the land, a new army to stir up trouble and bring more death and destruction.
Where Book 1 had a grimdark “light” tone, this one commits fully to the darkness, and doubles down on everything in some truly spectacular ways. The characters remain as messy and complicated as the world they inhabit, and every small bit of light and happiness is quickly snuffed out, leaving us with our heads in our hands despairing at—and desperate to know—what comes next.
The second Crown and Tide novel ups the stakes, deepens the characters, and spreads out the bloodshed and brutality in a truly spectacular way. The writing is stronger, the world better-developed, and the storylines threaded ever-more deftly.
Full Review:
We’re back in the messy, violent, blood-soaked world of the Keep and the Reach, and the story just keeps getting darker, twistier, and so much grander.
The Traitors We Are kept its focus mostly on the capital city and the events surrounding our main POV characters—Cael the eternally angry warrior, Erik the disabled former Knight of the Evertree, Emil the noble with delusions of grandeur hand-picked to keep the Reach in line, and Merily the unwilling bride married off by her (now-dead) father to cement the union between the two warring factions.
Now, in A Grave for Us All, the focus broadens and we get to see the world in much larger picture.
The war between the Reach and Keep may have ended, but the fighting never stops. This is a world where someone is always doing battle—and in this case, it’s a battle between the two Princes seeking to take over the Keep following the murder of the King. The two are absolute bastards that no one wants to sit on the throne (except them), but there are those who are willing to stir the pot to keep them locked at each other’s throats to allow someone better-suited to ruling a chance to gain power and drum up an army.
Inevitably, that someone is Emil. Currently the Governor of the Reach attempting to bring peace to the fractious clans, he finds his job is made all the harder by the Reach’s own in-fighting (a mirror to the warring Keep princes). Though he begins the story all shiny and golden in his own self-image as a heroic figure, we see him slowly descending into isolation, depression, rage, ruthlessness, and ultimately, tyranny. By the end, it’s clear he’s not much of a better choice to rule than the sadistic, simpering Princes—but he’s the one that certain power players have chosen to set on the throne, for better or worse.
Merily’s story is a sad one. Her marriage to Emil could have been happy, but circumstances—and their own natures—conspire to drag them ever-farther apart. Her psychopathic brother Kieron definitely doesn’t help. We see her descending into her own depression and isolation, cut off from her people and her family, spiraling ever-deeper into the darkness that is hell-bent on consuming the land.
Cael’s story begins in prison and pain. He is being held for the assassination of the King, and has spent months in chains, being beaten, starved, and left to die. Curiously, the one advocating for him most fiercely is Erik, the very knight he maimed on the battlefield—perhaps the most truly heroic character in this grim and gritty world.
But a new player comes into the mix: Xopa of Ghol, a dark magic-wielding sorcerer-assassin who is hunting for his daughter’s killer, and needs Cael’s help to get his vengeance. He adds a subtle horror undertone that serves to enhance the grimdarkness of the story, and drives both the stakes higher and the action more frenetic.
We also see the “Turindal”, an alliance of nations who are sick of the Keep’s iron rule over their lands and want to trade, worship, or grow free of the throne’s influence. They’re just one more player in the chaos that is spreading across the land, a new army to stir up trouble and bring more death and destruction.
Where Book 1 had a grimdark “light” tone, this one commits fully to the darkness, and doubles down on everything in some truly spectacular ways. The characters remain as messy and complicated as the world they inhabit, and every small bit of light and happiness is quickly snuffed out, leaving us with our heads in our hands despairing at—and desperate to know—what comes next.
The second Crown and Tide novel ups the stakes, deepens the characters, and spreads out the bloodshed and brutality in a truly spectacular way. The writing is stronger, the world better-developed, and the storylines threaded ever-more deftly.
Read
May 18, 2024Chaos now rules the kingdom of Harfal. The Reach is swarming with bandits and AWOL soldiers. Death has spawned horrors from the Sparse Forest. As its government is caught in deadlock, civil war is brewing on several fronts. When history is written only by survivors, all will fight to remember their dead. The death toll climbs in A Grave for Us All by Michael Roberti.
Some predominate characters from The Traitors We Are return for its sequel, but an exciting new voice is Kieron Oberlan. As an Oberlan, he is a representative of the Reach. He craves more power but without real fighting skills and long overlooked by his family, he uses his intelligence to manipulate others. Some of his traits does strike similarities to an evil Tyrion Lannister from A Game of Thrones.
“I am not Ordan. And neither am I Lorcen […] And I’m no fighter, but I am by far the worst of them.���
Merily continues as one of the main points of view characters in Michael Roberti’s Crown and Tide series. A victim to her father’s schemes, she is trapped in a perilous position and without allies. While her predicament can be seen in other tales, Merily is a force to be reckoned with. Roberti emphasizes her story by focusing on aspects that are not always addressed in fantasy. While Merily is not familiar with the traditions of the Keep, she understands the current political war. She fights to keep her culture alive but may lose herself instead.
Politicians are not the only schemers in A Grave for Us All. The goddesses Guma, Sina, and especially Loma have plans of their own. Prophecies seem inevitable but not every event suggests conspiracy. Blind chance appears to still play a part in the fate of Harfal.
Michael Roberti packs a large cast in A Grave for Us All but keeping track of them is manageable with his book’s fantastic layout. He provides maps, a recap of the first book, character lists based on alliances, and each chapter is referenced by its POV character and timeline.
This layout allows Michael Roberti’s creativity to blaze without hindering the novel’s flow. A Grave for Us All contains some time jumps. His battle scenes are uniquely well written. Fans of linear storytelling and smaller casts may still find much to love in A Grave for Us All.
Michael Roberti’s Crown and Tide series is lush with worldbuilding. He does an excellent job balancing his world’s religions and history while keeping the plot well-paced. Some elements are more hinted at than fully delved in. Hopefully there is more to see from the Witch of Loma, the Sparse Forest and its unfathomable horrors in book three.
While The Traitors We Are sets a strong foundation, Roberti adds more depth and builds upon its intricacies in book two. Michael Roberti’s A Grave for Us All is a showstopper.
Review first published in Grimdark Magazine
Some predominate characters from The Traitors We Are return for its sequel, but an exciting new voice is Kieron Oberlan. As an Oberlan, he is a representative of the Reach. He craves more power but without real fighting skills and long overlooked by his family, he uses his intelligence to manipulate others. Some of his traits does strike similarities to an evil Tyrion Lannister from A Game of Thrones.
“I am not Ordan. And neither am I Lorcen […] And I’m no fighter, but I am by far the worst of them.���
Merily continues as one of the main points of view characters in Michael Roberti’s Crown and Tide series. A victim to her father’s schemes, she is trapped in a perilous position and without allies. While her predicament can be seen in other tales, Merily is a force to be reckoned with. Roberti emphasizes her story by focusing on aspects that are not always addressed in fantasy. While Merily is not familiar with the traditions of the Keep, she understands the current political war. She fights to keep her culture alive but may lose herself instead.
Politicians are not the only schemers in A Grave for Us All. The goddesses Guma, Sina, and especially Loma have plans of their own. Prophecies seem inevitable but not every event suggests conspiracy. Blind chance appears to still play a part in the fate of Harfal.
Michael Roberti packs a large cast in A Grave for Us All but keeping track of them is manageable with his book’s fantastic layout. He provides maps, a recap of the first book, character lists based on alliances, and each chapter is referenced by its POV character and timeline.
This layout allows Michael Roberti’s creativity to blaze without hindering the novel’s flow. A Grave for Us All contains some time jumps. His battle scenes are uniquely well written. Fans of linear storytelling and smaller casts may still find much to love in A Grave for Us All.
Michael Roberti’s Crown and Tide series is lush with worldbuilding. He does an excellent job balancing his world’s religions and history while keeping the plot well-paced. Some elements are more hinted at than fully delved in. Hopefully there is more to see from the Witch of Loma, the Sparse Forest and its unfathomable horrors in book three.
While The Traitors We Are sets a strong foundation, Roberti adds more depth and builds upon its intricacies in book two. Michael Roberti’s A Grave for Us All is a showstopper.
Review first published in Grimdark Magazine
May 17, 2024
After reading Revenge of the Thousands and Traitors We Are I thought Roberti couldn't deliver a better book, but I was wrong. All my favorite characters Merily, Cael, Kieron, and even Emil are back in the continuing tale of the struggle for power in the Reach.
The Crown and Tide series is a perfect blend of political intrigue with rich world building and deep characters that you fall in love with. The story of Oberlan's children and their continued struggles as the winds of power shift is a rollercoaster ride of excitement, thrills, and betrayal. Michael writes with a passion and commitment to his world that is obvious and his prose and style improve with each new addition to the series.
My only complaint is having to wait for book three, but this kind of story takes time so I can wait patiently.
The Crown and Tide series is a perfect blend of political intrigue with rich world building and deep characters that you fall in love with. The story of Oberlan's children and their continued struggles as the winds of power shift is a rollercoaster ride of excitement, thrills, and betrayal. Michael writes with a passion and commitment to his world that is obvious and his prose and style improve with each new addition to the series.
My only complaint is having to wait for book three, but this kind of story takes time so I can wait patiently.
May 29, 2024
Read the first book and wanted to see how the story goes. It's an okay book, but for me there seemed to be some pointless chapters, some plotlines seemed to be solved too easily and overall this book felt like it tried to fill as much stuff in it as possible. There are clearly things growing up for the next book, but maybe less could have been more on some parts and focusing on building characters storylines instead of adding more and more characters throughout the book.
But can't know how things go forward in the next book and this could later be seen as a brilliant book, that moved us through to the following epic stories.
But don't get me wrong it's a book worth reading for. You might give more stars than I did :)
But can't know how things go forward in the next book and this could later be seen as a brilliant book, that moved us through to the following epic stories.
But don't get me wrong it's a book worth reading for. You might give more stars than I did :)
January 28, 2025
3.5
Prose improved over the first. The timelines were vague early, characters did not have enough work to explore their changes, and there are story lines that would have benefited the story if removed entirely. With small minor changes to the other characters the story would have proceeded nearly the same and ended in the same place.
The author so far has improved in his skill, but I firmly believe that a brutally honest editor could have worked with him to add a full star to my rating with minor edits and further exploration of the main characters.
Still, I will continue on when a follow up arrives. I look forward to the continued improvement of the author.
Prose improved over the first. The timelines were vague early, characters did not have enough work to explore their changes, and there are story lines that would have benefited the story if removed entirely. With small minor changes to the other characters the story would have proceeded nearly the same and ended in the same place.
The author so far has improved in his skill, but I firmly believe that a brutally honest editor could have worked with him to add a full star to my rating with minor edits and further exploration of the main characters.
Still, I will continue on when a follow up arrives. I look forward to the continued improvement of the author.
September 7, 2024
surprisingly good
Intriguing story. There’s a backstory to Harfal, it’s gods and history that is revealed with a slow , satisfying burn.
The world created is interesting with its own creative particularities.
The quality of the writing and the character development are very good , with the right mix of character flaws and explanations.
Intriguing story. There’s a backstory to Harfal, it’s gods and history that is revealed with a slow , satisfying burn.
The world created is interesting with its own creative particularities.
The quality of the writing and the character development are very good , with the right mix of character flaws and explanations.
December 28, 2024
*I helped edit this book so my thoughts are biased (and why i haven't left a review yet). But I do want to shout out how much Mike grew as a storyteller in this book. His prose, his pacing, his gift for crafting a compelling story really took off with this sequel and I cannot wait to see what his conclusion will bring. It's gonna be epic.
March 29, 2024
If you liked Traitors I *promise* you'll love this
December 30, 2024
DISCLAIMER
I received an ARC that was still going through final revisions. And Michael was very open to suggestions and comments regarding the goings of the book.
I will [likely, hopefully] update these thoughts once I go through the final version of the book.
First and foremost? A Grave is Michael's best book.
His writing got stronger and clearer. The flow of the action and the comings and goings of the world feels very natural and all its parts fit in that flow.
This book makes you love and hate some characters.
One of the strongest points is that Michael's writing does not leave you apathetic to the characters, you'll HAVE feelings. Rarely the characters will come and pass without making you wish them SOMETHING.
Cael is my new baseline for cold-blooded. I love the kid.
Meri has great moments and is a strong contender for MVP of the book, but Erik and Freia are just too good.
I have threatened Michael if he dares touch a hair of their head.
I think this book has my highest % of highlights per page. There are enormous insights into the human nature, philosophy, the gods and fate, among many other topics.
In short? Read this. It's really really good. It's better than book 1, and that one is already superb. Do the math!
I received an ARC that was still going through final revisions. And Michael was very open to suggestions and comments regarding the goings of the book.
I will [likely, hopefully] update these thoughts once I go through the final version of the book.
First and foremost? A Grave is Michael's best book.
His writing got stronger and clearer. The flow of the action and the comings and goings of the world feels very natural and all its parts fit in that flow.
This book makes you love and hate some characters.
One of the strongest points is that Michael's writing does not leave you apathetic to the characters, you'll HAVE feelings. Rarely the characters will come and pass without making you wish them SOMETHING.
Cael is my new baseline for cold-blooded. I love the kid.
Meri has great moments and is a strong contender for MVP of the book, but Erik and Freia are just too good.
I have threatened Michael if he dares touch a hair of their head.
I think this book has my highest % of highlights per page. There are enormous insights into the human nature, philosophy, the gods and fate, among many other topics.
In short? Read this. It's really really good. It's better than book 1, and that one is already superb. Do the math!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews