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The Coven #2
Reckoning of Fallen Gods: A Tale of the Coven
The new series from thebestselling creator of Drizzt Do’Urden continues!The winds of change are blowing upon Fireach Speur. Aoelyn risked her life to save the trader Talmadge and it cost her everything that is dear to her, but Talmadge survived and can’t forget the amazing woman that killed a god.Little do they realize, war is coming to the mountain. Far to west, a fallen empire stirs. One that sees a solar eclipse as a call to war. Their empire once dominated the known world and they want it back.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2019
158 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
607 books11.3k followersAs one of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, R.A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 10,000,000 copies. Salvatore’s original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-seller list and at # 4 on The New York Times best-seller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Czech, and French.
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 4, 2019
Salvatore continues to explore new aspects of his world of Corona in a series that’s as harsh and brutal as the dark elven neighborhoods that populate his Drizzt books (fun fact: dark elves will often bake cookies for new neighbors, and while you might think those cookies would be laced with poison, you’d be wrong—but, recipients of said cookies usually end up with a dagger in the heart the moment they take the offered plate).
He dives deeper into the tale of Aolyn this time around, but also goes far beyond her, expanding the world’s mythology with the introduction of a god-like being intent on conquest and ramping up the stakes with a cataclysmic conclusion that sets up what’s sure to be an epic third volume.
Look, I’ve read pretty much everything Salvatore’s ever written, including his grocery lists (fun fact: guy buys a lot of Ziploc bags), so I’m in on anything he writes. While the Corona books may not scale the fantastical heights of his stories featuring the Companions of the Hall, they’re worthwhile reading endeavors (especially the DemonWars books), and after what I felt was a bit of a slow start in Child of a Mad God, this series is humming along. Bob’s writing continues to get sharper, and I’m looking forward to where we go next.
(And, also, someday finding out what all those Ziploc bags are for…)
He dives deeper into the tale of Aolyn this time around, but also goes far beyond her, expanding the world’s mythology with the introduction of a god-like being intent on conquest and ramping up the stakes with a cataclysmic conclusion that sets up what’s sure to be an epic third volume.
Look, I’ve read pretty much everything Salvatore’s ever written, including his grocery lists (fun fact: guy buys a lot of Ziploc bags), so I’m in on anything he writes. While the Corona books may not scale the fantastical heights of his stories featuring the Companions of the Hall, they’re worthwhile reading endeavors (especially the DemonWars books), and after what I felt was a bit of a slow start in Child of a Mad God, this series is humming along. Bob’s writing continues to get sharper, and I’m looking forward to where we go next.
(And, also, someday finding out what all those Ziploc bags are for…)
January 26, 2020
This might be closer to a 3.75 only because we get a whole new perspective from a different part of the world that I didn’t care for that much and was so eager to get back to the mountain tribes and Aoelyn but other than that, this was amazing and ends on A CLIFFHANGER FROM HELL. So grateful to have an eArc for the 3rd one!
June 24, 2019
Child of a Mad God was one of the best books I read last year, so this sequel was very high up on my 2019 priority list.
Reckoning of Fallen Gods almost suffered from middle-book syndrome, but the writing is so good that the slight lack of focus didn’t make it feel like an unnecessary drudge. The pacing was on par with the first book – which was slow af but each moment had a lot of depth, so it was never boring. However, because the story in this one spent time with more POV characters, the slow unfolding of events was a lot more noticeable. The more frequent character switches kept it from building the same momentum.
Specifically, there was a lot less time spent with Aoleyn and Talmadge (which I missed) and their story arcs basically just maintained status quo, which in turn kept my emotional investment pretty even-keel. There was also fewer grimdark gut-punch scenes, which the masochistic reader in me missed a little. As much as I didn’t like those visceral scenes in the first book, at least they constantly evoked something. And there was a lot more focus on the broader “bad guys” component which made the story less intimate. None of this was particularly detrimental, but it definitely had a different feel.
Overall, I’m by no means disappointed in what I read here, but it’s clear this book was more to shape the next chapter than it was a fulfilling read within itself. It’s still one of the better reads I’ve had this year (a fantastic ending really saved the experience for me – I want to know what happens next!!). It’s more well written than earlier Corona works (this author has grown leaps and bounds since the 90s) and it’s darker and grittier than the Drizzt novels. As a huge fan of Salvatore, I can’t wait to see what he churns out next.
Recommendations: this story is perfect for dark fantasy fans who don’t mind a character-driven, slow-paced plot. The first book especially has a lot of truly compelling moments, and I can tell that Reckoning of Fallen Gods is an important installment in what I think is going to be a killer series overall. You can pick it up without having read anything in the Corona universe, but he definitely has a bit of crossover references that might be bigger spoilers if you care. I’m normally a completionist, but I’m enjoying this so much more than the DemonWars that I don’t mind already knowing big picture stuff if I ever get back to reading the earlier works.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
Reckoning of Fallen Gods almost suffered from middle-book syndrome, but the writing is so good that the slight lack of focus didn’t make it feel like an unnecessary drudge. The pacing was on par with the first book – which was slow af but each moment had a lot of depth, so it was never boring. However, because the story in this one spent time with more POV characters, the slow unfolding of events was a lot more noticeable. The more frequent character switches kept it from building the same momentum.
Specifically, there was a lot less time spent with Aoleyn and Talmadge (which I missed) and their story arcs basically just maintained status quo, which in turn kept my emotional investment pretty even-keel. There was also fewer grimdark gut-punch scenes, which the masochistic reader in me missed a little. As much as I didn’t like those visceral scenes in the first book, at least they constantly evoked something. And there was a lot more focus on the broader “bad guys” component which made the story less intimate. None of this was particularly detrimental, but it definitely had a different feel.
Overall, I’m by no means disappointed in what I read here, but it’s clear this book was more to shape the next chapter than it was a fulfilling read within itself. It’s still one of the better reads I’ve had this year (a fantastic ending really saved the experience for me – I want to know what happens next!!). It’s more well written than earlier Corona works (this author has grown leaps and bounds since the 90s) and it’s darker and grittier than the Drizzt novels. As a huge fan of Salvatore, I can’t wait to see what he churns out next.
Recommendations: this story is perfect for dark fantasy fans who don’t mind a character-driven, slow-paced plot. The first book especially has a lot of truly compelling moments, and I can tell that Reckoning of Fallen Gods is an important installment in what I think is going to be a killer series overall. You can pick it up without having read anything in the Corona universe, but he definitely has a bit of crossover references that might be bigger spoilers if you care. I’m normally a completionist, but I’m enjoying this so much more than the DemonWars that I don’t mind already knowing big picture stuff if I ever get back to reading the earlier works.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
December 27, 2020
I have a hard time rating this book. I really loved the parts with Aoleyn and her tribe the Usgar but I also strongly disliked the other parts! I just found the other parts, especially the bits with the sidhe of Scathmizzane very dull and boring. It was too much war planning and I'm not really into war stories. What I prefer is character driven plots that really get into the actual characters and that's what the bits about Aoleyn is. But the parts with the sidhe (a type of goblin apparently) is dead. As in it puts you to sleep! The goblin prophecy and putting mirrors on top of their temples just didn't keep my interest. At all. My mind started wondering to other things and that's bad. The goblin character didn't have enough personality.
So the parts with Aoleyn were fantastic! Very dramatic, life and death situations, lots of action and plot twists. I especially enjoyed it when she was working out puzzles, figuring out how to do things. Emotions were often running high with the Usgar too and there were a few times when I practically had to chuckle as she outsmarted them... again! Just imagine the shocked looks on their faces!
So be aware I'm rating this book 4 stars for the parts with Aoleyn and the Usgar.
Now this was a strange book. At the end of the one page (page 344) it actually says THE END. This is on the last page with Aoleyn and the Usgar. Then the next page says MORE and then there is the title that reads "The Education of Brother Thaddius." I admit seeing this really confused me. At first I had thought maybe it was some unrelated short story but it's apparently loosely related through the character of Aydrian who is in parts of the story. And this story didn't interest me at all. It was talking again about some war and I'm not really interested in that. This story fell flat and there really was nothing going on. Blah!
Then there is another matter with the main story in here, about the Usgar, the goblins and the people living in the small villiages around the lake. Some huge event happens near the end and I just found it very depressing. And truthfully I also found it a bit confusing too, but the depressing outweighed the confusing. And I didn't like that at all. It just turned me off from the whole story and now I have no interest in reading the third book. I just feel after what happened there is no point in reading the third book. Of course I don't say what it is because that would ruin the story.
I think one of the themes in this book is that one person can bring change if they try hard enough. And that people often let their dark emotions get control of them and then things get ruined because they go run off doing things without stopping to think. You shouldn't make big decisions when you're upset. And also sometimes they try to blame their mistakes on other people.
I think Aoleyn has grown up in this book from where she was in the first one. She doesn't care about being in charge or controlling others. Or being in the Coven. It's a nice change. Instead she cares more about other people. She likes her powers, yes, but she's not interested in using it to boss others around or go on power trips. She wants to stay alive, experiment and to hopefully change her people (stop slavery & abuse, etc) for the better. Those are noble goals.
Talmadge was in a few scenes but much less than in the first book.
If you read the first book is say read this one for the scenes with the Usgar. That's where the real story is found. The rest of it is filler and in my opinion can be easily skipped over.
So the parts with Aoleyn were fantastic! Very dramatic, life and death situations, lots of action and plot twists. I especially enjoyed it when she was working out puzzles, figuring out how to do things. Emotions were often running high with the Usgar too and there were a few times when I practically had to chuckle as she outsmarted them... again! Just imagine the shocked looks on their faces!
So be aware I'm rating this book 4 stars for the parts with Aoleyn and the Usgar.
Now this was a strange book. At the end of the one page (page 344) it actually says THE END. This is on the last page with Aoleyn and the Usgar. Then the next page says MORE and then there is the title that reads "The Education of Brother Thaddius." I admit seeing this really confused me. At first I had thought maybe it was some unrelated short story but it's apparently loosely related through the character of Aydrian who is in parts of the story. And this story didn't interest me at all. It was talking again about some war and I'm not really interested in that. This story fell flat and there really was nothing going on. Blah!
Then there is another matter with the main story in here, about the Usgar, the goblins and the people living in the small villiages around the lake. Some huge event happens near the end and I just found it very depressing. And truthfully I also found it a bit confusing too, but the depressing outweighed the confusing. And I didn't like that at all. It just turned me off from the whole story and now I have no interest in reading the third book. I just feel after what happened there is no point in reading the third book. Of course I don't say what it is because that would ruin the story.
I think one of the themes in this book is that one person can bring change if they try hard enough. And that people often let their dark emotions get control of them and then things get ruined because they go run off doing things without stopping to think. You shouldn't make big decisions when you're upset. And also sometimes they try to blame their mistakes on other people.
I think Aoleyn has grown up in this book from where she was in the first one. She doesn't care about being in charge or controlling others. Or being in the Coven. It's a nice change. Instead she cares more about other people. She likes her powers, yes, but she's not interested in using it to boss others around or go on power trips. She wants to stay alive, experiment and to hopefully change her people (stop slavery & abuse, etc) for the better. Those are noble goals.
Talmadge was in a few scenes but much less than in the first book.
If you read the first book is say read this one for the scenes with the Usgar. That's where the real story is found. The rest of it is filler and in my opinion can be easily skipped over.
March 7, 2020
I enjoyed book 2 (Reckoning of Fallen Gods) even more than book 1 (Child of a Mad God). As you'd expect, book 1 sets up the world and the main characters, and then book 2 throws things into overdrive and all hell breaks loose. By the time you reach the end of book 2, there is no way you'll want to call it quits. I suspect this series is going to have a strong ending with Aoleyn and Aydrian fighting side by side. And the enemy forces are as interesting (and menacing) as any others you're bound to come across... We've got a real fight on our hands folks, and Salvatore is just the writer to keep you invested and free up your emotions... This story has become a real roll-up-your-sleeves experience... So make sure to get plenty of rest. If you're a fan of Salvatore's already then you don't need my encouragement - to everyone else, this series will not let you down.
January 31, 2020
DNF @ just over 50%.
February 3, 2022
A magical world on the brink of war.
The story continues from book one with the same central characters and a few new ones. I was happy with all the twists and turns in book two. If I was picking only a couple of words to describe “Reckoning of Fallen Gods” I would pick the words uncertainty and consequences. As with book one, book two balances the uncertainty and consequences with hope.
Book One is “The Child of a Mad God."
Book Two is “Reckoning of Fallen Gods.”
The cover of book one in The Coven Series says, “One girl will break the world…” Book two leaves no doubt that she can…will… Aoelyn is a surprising young woman. She is a strong, independent female character with drive and determination. R.A. Salvatore’s ability to create characters that readers can connect with is excellent. My connection with particular characters while reading book two had me on the edge of my seat overwhelmed with emotions more then once.
Book two ends with a world transformed and filled with turmoil. Book two ends leaving the reader with desire to know more about the characters and their struggles, their world and how everything will end.
My review of “The Child of a Mad God" can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The story continues from book one with the same central characters and a few new ones. I was happy with all the twists and turns in book two. If I was picking only a couple of words to describe “Reckoning of Fallen Gods” I would pick the words uncertainty and consequences. As with book one, book two balances the uncertainty and consequences with hope.
Book One is “The Child of a Mad God."
Book Two is “Reckoning of Fallen Gods.”
The cover of book one in The Coven Series says, “One girl will break the world…” Book two leaves no doubt that she can…will… Aoelyn is a surprising young woman. She is a strong, independent female character with drive and determination. R.A. Salvatore’s ability to create characters that readers can connect with is excellent. My connection with particular characters while reading book two had me on the edge of my seat overwhelmed with emotions more then once.
Book two ends with a world transformed and filled with turmoil. Book two ends leaving the reader with desire to know more about the characters and their struggles, their world and how everything will end.
My review of “The Child of a Mad God" can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 10, 2019
I want to warn readers that this one starts off quickly, and jumps in directly after the events of the previous book. The setting and scale of the the events in Child of a Mad God stayed pretty consistent, but this one gets big, fast. Also, the swiftly shifting points of view seem different than the pacing of the last book, yet it’s in tune with the ramping tension in this one as more peoples and races are brought in to face the war drums’ beats. The characters meet with Salvatore’s usual style, where actions speak louder than words. Aoleyn’s character arc takes a number of the turns, and the reader is along for the ride. A ride where we are free to agree or disagree with any number of her decisions… and ultimately we ask, what will be the consequences in book 3?
This series is perfect for those looking to escape into a savage world, where magic can as easily save as it can destroy. A world where signs are read in the natural world, interpreted by beasts and witches alike.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/01/10/re...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
This series is perfect for those looking to escape into a savage world, where magic can as easily save as it can destroy. A world where signs are read in the natural world, interpreted by beasts and witches alike.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/01/10/re...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
February 2, 2019
A great read, I didn’t think quite as good as the previous books by the author, but still good. I love the characters in this, relatable and real. Great world building, a wonderful fantasy plot. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 20, 2021
Book: Reckoning of Fallen Gods
Author: R.A. Salvatore
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I must say that I am having a great time with this series. I love just how much we keep getting. This one picks right up from the first one left off. You don’t spend a lot of time building up the story. The author gets right to the point.
I really enjoy this world. We have the mixture of a fantasy world and almost a Viking world. Well, maybe more of Scottish setting. I love the idea of having these different tribes in a similar area, but each have their own culture. Now, we see demons and other evil beings coming into this area. They are here to destroy the known world. We get to see the effect that this has on the characters and the different groups. They don’t come together. I can’t help but to wonder if that is going to happen in the finale book. I think it would be a good storyline.
I love the characters. I felt like in the first book that Aolyn didn’t have much page time. Here, we get to see more of her as she does take on the role of the main character. We see her become this strong and independent woman. However, this is the just the root of it. We see how all of her powers are rooted in the myths of the land. I personally really liked this. We see her magic come out, while getting to see the other side of it. We see how people are both drawn and torn away from it. We get to see the effects that magic can have on the land around her. We also get to see just how she is treated because not only she is powerful, but is also a little bit different.
I do feel though that this one is a lead in to the finale. It felt like it was just here to give us the chance to have a build for last book. We get a sense that the final battle is coming, but we may not know what is coming. We can see the bones of the finale in the midst. I personally didn’t find this too much of a let down. I found that it was needed. I don’t think this series would have worked as just being two books. We needed this book in order to make the series feel complete.
Anyway, I will be picking up the final book after the holiday. I can’t wait to see how it ends.
Author: R.A. Salvatore
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I must say that I am having a great time with this series. I love just how much we keep getting. This one picks right up from the first one left off. You don’t spend a lot of time building up the story. The author gets right to the point.
I really enjoy this world. We have the mixture of a fantasy world and almost a Viking world. Well, maybe more of Scottish setting. I love the idea of having these different tribes in a similar area, but each have their own culture. Now, we see demons and other evil beings coming into this area. They are here to destroy the known world. We get to see the effect that this has on the characters and the different groups. They don’t come together. I can’t help but to wonder if that is going to happen in the finale book. I think it would be a good storyline.
I love the characters. I felt like in the first book that Aolyn didn’t have much page time. Here, we get to see more of her as she does take on the role of the main character. We see her become this strong and independent woman. However, this is the just the root of it. We see how all of her powers are rooted in the myths of the land. I personally really liked this. We see her magic come out, while getting to see the other side of it. We see how people are both drawn and torn away from it. We get to see the effects that magic can have on the land around her. We also get to see just how she is treated because not only she is powerful, but is also a little bit different.
I do feel though that this one is a lead in to the finale. It felt like it was just here to give us the chance to have a build for last book. We get a sense that the final battle is coming, but we may not know what is coming. We can see the bones of the finale in the midst. I personally didn’t find this too much of a let down. I found that it was needed. I don’t think this series would have worked as just being two books. We needed this book in order to make the series feel complete.
Anyway, I will be picking up the final book after the holiday. I can’t wait to see how it ends.
January 6, 2019
A rich, immersive world, excellent characterization and world/culture building. I did have trouble getting into the book initially because there were so many complicated names and elements. Once I connected with the characters, however, I couldn't put the book down.
January 8, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
I don’t know what to think about this book. I started out excited to read since I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Child of a Mad God. I shouldn’t be too surprised though because now that I think about it, the first book was difficult for me also in some respects. The story line hinges on the mistreatment of women by a barbaric tribe and that can be a little hard to take, but the main character Aoleyn was excellent and I really came to like her. I was disappointed to start the second book and she is hardly anywhere to be found. But … but … she’s on the cover! Well now I’m bummed out, let’s hope she comes back in some respect later in the book.
So now we are introduced a whole new race of Orc-like characters who are admittedly not as backwards as your typical Tolkien-esque marauders but they strike me as orc-ish. I’ve got an ugly taste in my mouth lately for Orc kind after reading some articles by the inimitable N.K. Jemisin about the subjugation of certain races in fantasy. The fact that so many characters in Reckoning of Fallen Gods have similarities to ancient Maya and Inca people gives me pause. I may have drawn an unintended parallel between these new creatures in the book with orc-kind and the troublesome nature of those archetypes, I’m not really sure. I will admit to some confusion on this front, and a lot of misgivings about where this series is headed.
So there’s that. Then … there are the cocks. “Glorious cocks”. They are installed on thrones, on mountains, and in the wilderness. These “shafts of godly power” serve to remind womanhood of the bro-iness of this world of men and orcs. Bow down to the cock. I said BOW DOWN! So … many … cocks in this book.
So, I started feeling tired. Thankfully, Aoleyn returns to the story, and things start to go right for me again. Aoleyn recognizes that the cocks don’t really matter in the grand scheme of thins. She is a source of power in and of herself, and not in relation to any man. She recognizes that even the rites of the tribe that are reserved for women still just serve to bind them even further to the male members of the tribe. She gets it and she is having none of it.
More stuff happens, and by the end of the book I’m pretty into it again. I still can’t figure out though just what I actually feel about this book. I feel conflicted and a little confused. I wish I knew more about what the author was trying to say here. I think at heart it is a book about a young woman reaching her potential and growing beyond the confines of the society that has ensnared her. It’s … feminist?? It feels like that’s what is happening. Kind of. I hope.
I just wish there were less cocks. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
More Links: The Unbearable Baggage of Orcing by N.K. Jemisin
I don’t know what to think about this book. I started out excited to read since I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Child of a Mad God. I shouldn’t be too surprised though because now that I think about it, the first book was difficult for me also in some respects. The story line hinges on the mistreatment of women by a barbaric tribe and that can be a little hard to take, but the main character Aoleyn was excellent and I really came to like her. I was disappointed to start the second book and she is hardly anywhere to be found. But … but … she’s on the cover! Well now I’m bummed out, let’s hope she comes back in some respect later in the book.
So now we are introduced a whole new race of Orc-like characters who are admittedly not as backwards as your typical Tolkien-esque marauders but they strike me as orc-ish. I’ve got an ugly taste in my mouth lately for Orc kind after reading some articles by the inimitable N.K. Jemisin about the subjugation of certain races in fantasy. The fact that so many characters in Reckoning of Fallen Gods have similarities to ancient Maya and Inca people gives me pause. I may have drawn an unintended parallel between these new creatures in the book with orc-kind and the troublesome nature of those archetypes, I’m not really sure. I will admit to some confusion on this front, and a lot of misgivings about where this series is headed.
So there’s that. Then … there are the cocks. “Glorious cocks”. They are installed on thrones, on mountains, and in the wilderness. These “shafts of godly power” serve to remind womanhood of the bro-iness of this world of men and orcs. Bow down to the cock. I said BOW DOWN! So … many … cocks in this book.
So, I started feeling tired. Thankfully, Aoleyn returns to the story, and things start to go right for me again. Aoleyn recognizes that the cocks don’t really matter in the grand scheme of thins. She is a source of power in and of herself, and not in relation to any man. She recognizes that even the rites of the tribe that are reserved for women still just serve to bind them even further to the male members of the tribe. She gets it and she is having none of it.
More stuff happens, and by the end of the book I’m pretty into it again. I still can’t figure out though just what I actually feel about this book. I feel conflicted and a little confused. I wish I knew more about what the author was trying to say here. I think at heart it is a book about a young woman reaching her potential and growing beyond the confines of the society that has ensnared her. It’s … feminist?? It feels like that’s what is happening. Kind of. I hope.
I just wish there were less cocks. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
More Links: The Unbearable Baggage of Orcing by N.K. Jemisin
March 20, 2019
I love a good action filled fantasy novel. This is obviously going to be continued, but major plot development here. I really enjoy the mythology in this series. The protagonist is inspiring.
July 20, 2021
I freaking LOVED this book!! I found the new perspective boring as hell (the fallen empire of the West), yet I still loved this book thanks to the wonderfully likeable characters and their convincing development. I wanted more Aoelyn and Bahdlahn and that's exactly what I got, even Talmadge/Aydrian grew on me.
The magic system is also just so badass and easy to understand. I love how they can combine gemstones to create different magic, or even how they can combine seemingly benign magic and turn it deadly. For example creating and ice field and conjuring wind to blow enemies off ledges.
The possibilities are endless. This book also gets points from me for allowing characters to be fierce and competent in battle without being able to wield magic.
Reading how Aydrian and Aoelyn use their magic against enemies is so damn epic, it reminds me of an RPG.
The world is also alive with all sorts of races, magic and mysteries. There's always more to discover. Ugh I adore the characters and the world, I can't wait to read the next one!
The magic system is also just so badass and easy to understand. I love how they can combine gemstones to create different magic, or even how they can combine seemingly benign magic and turn it deadly. For example creating and ice field and conjuring wind to blow enemies off ledges.
The possibilities are endless. This book also gets points from me for allowing characters to be fierce and competent in battle without being able to wield magic.
Reading how Aydrian and Aoelyn use their magic against enemies is so damn epic, it reminds me of an RPG.
The world is also alive with all sorts of races, magic and mysteries. There's always more to discover. Ugh I adore the characters and the world, I can't wait to read the next one!
March 9, 2019
Rating of 4.5.
Prepare to return to Corona, the world of The DemonWars Saga, for Reckoning of Fallen Gods, the latest book from master fantasy author R. A. Salvatore and the second book in his outstanding new The Coven series.
In the world of Corona, no lands are as harsh or unforgiving as those surrounding the massive Loch Beag. All manner of dangerous creatures live in and around the loch, including one massive and unseen lake monster that lurks right below the surface. But for those who live in the fishing villages that eke out a living around the shore of Loch Beag, the biggest danger is more human in origin. Living at the top of the massive mountain, Fireach Speur, is a barbaric tribe, the Uscar, who constantly raid the fishing villages below. Enhanced in battle by the crystal magic of their witches, the Uscar are ferocious warriors who consider themselves vastly superior to the inhabitants of the villages they raid.
This cycle of violence and death existed for hundreds of years until a powerful young Uscar witch, Aoelyn, attempted to change her tribe’s ways by destroying the fossa, a demonic creature that haunted the mountain at night. However, her decision will have terrible consequences, as ambitious members of her tribe turn against her. As Aoelyn endures the wrath of her tribe, her friend, the slave Bahdlahn, attempts to escape from the Uscar with help from an unexpected ally. Down at the shore of Loch Beag, the trader Talmadge, who Aoelyn saved from her tribe’s brutality the night she ended the fossa, attempts to find some sort of peace among the fishing villages who have accepted him as a friend. However, the appearance of a mysterious stranger will bring significant changes to his life.
But while those living around Loch Beag fight among themselves, they are unaware of a much bigger threat growing in the East. A lost empire of goblinoids, the Xoconai, are on the march, driven by the return of their fallen god. The Xoconai are determined to conquer all the lands of man, and the first obstacle they must overcome is the people of Fireach Speur and Loch Beag.
To see the full review check out the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/03/09/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 7 March 2019:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/03/09/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Prepare to return to Corona, the world of The DemonWars Saga, for Reckoning of Fallen Gods, the latest book from master fantasy author R. A. Salvatore and the second book in his outstanding new The Coven series.
In the world of Corona, no lands are as harsh or unforgiving as those surrounding the massive Loch Beag. All manner of dangerous creatures live in and around the loch, including one massive and unseen lake monster that lurks right below the surface. But for those who live in the fishing villages that eke out a living around the shore of Loch Beag, the biggest danger is more human in origin. Living at the top of the massive mountain, Fireach Speur, is a barbaric tribe, the Uscar, who constantly raid the fishing villages below. Enhanced in battle by the crystal magic of their witches, the Uscar are ferocious warriors who consider themselves vastly superior to the inhabitants of the villages they raid.
This cycle of violence and death existed for hundreds of years until a powerful young Uscar witch, Aoelyn, attempted to change her tribe’s ways by destroying the fossa, a demonic creature that haunted the mountain at night. However, her decision will have terrible consequences, as ambitious members of her tribe turn against her. As Aoelyn endures the wrath of her tribe, her friend, the slave Bahdlahn, attempts to escape from the Uscar with help from an unexpected ally. Down at the shore of Loch Beag, the trader Talmadge, who Aoelyn saved from her tribe’s brutality the night she ended the fossa, attempts to find some sort of peace among the fishing villages who have accepted him as a friend. However, the appearance of a mysterious stranger will bring significant changes to his life.
But while those living around Loch Beag fight among themselves, they are unaware of a much bigger threat growing in the East. A lost empire of goblinoids, the Xoconai, are on the march, driven by the return of their fallen god. The Xoconai are determined to conquer all the lands of man, and the first obstacle they must overcome is the people of Fireach Speur and Loch Beag.
To see the full review check out the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/03/09/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 7 March 2019:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/03/09/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
February 13, 2019
3 1/2 Stars!!!
I'm not sure where I stand on this one. I want to like this book way more than I did, and yet I am drawn to disliking this book. I did like how it jumped into where Child of a Mad God left off, yet we are introduced to the Xoconai that I feel took away from the story. Child of a Mad God focused on the building of Aoleyn rebelling against the belief of her people, wanting to become more than what was destined for her. I felt that this book was going to follow that and the struggles associated with yet. I was blown away when her parts of the book were more about learning more about herself and then running away from everything she hated, for where Salvatore took the story she had no choice. I'm not sure how the third book will fit in with her story (other than making her a symbol). I was also at loss with the Xoconai places, names and whatnot that were hard to pronounce (if not seemingly impossible at times); I feel that this actually takes away from the flow of reading. I do understand that most fantasy has these words that are a jumble of letters and become hard to read over and try to pronounce, yet these ones were almost unbearable. I really liked the story line for Aoleyn and Talmadge and enjoyed reading about them, but feel that the story itself was lacking. Hopefully the third installment brings everything together and doesn't destroy the character arc of Aoleyn or Talmadge. Like so many other reviews I have read about Reckoning of Fallen Gods I did like Child of a Mad God better.
I'm not sure where I stand on this one. I want to like this book way more than I did, and yet I am drawn to disliking this book. I did like how it jumped into where Child of a Mad God left off, yet we are introduced to the Xoconai that I feel took away from the story. Child of a Mad God focused on the building of Aoleyn rebelling against the belief of her people, wanting to become more than what was destined for her. I felt that this book was going to follow that and the struggles associated with yet. I was blown away when her parts of the book were more about learning more about herself and then running away from everything she hated, for where Salvatore took the story she had no choice. I'm not sure how the third book will fit in with her story (other than making her a symbol). I was also at loss with the Xoconai places, names and whatnot that were hard to pronounce (if not seemingly impossible at times); I feel that this actually takes away from the flow of reading. I do understand that most fantasy has these words that are a jumble of letters and become hard to read over and try to pronounce, yet these ones were almost unbearable. I really liked the story line for Aoleyn and Talmadge and enjoyed reading about them, but feel that the story itself was lacking. Hopefully the third installment brings everything together and doesn't destroy the character arc of Aoleyn or Talmadge. Like so many other reviews I have read about Reckoning of Fallen Gods I did like Child of a Mad God better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
I loved the setting and characters depicted in Reckoning of the Fallen Gods. I did not read the first book in this new series, and I feel like I should have. Even though I was able to figure out who everyone was, it took longer than I would have liked. I know R.A. Salvatore typically creates several important characters, I thought I would be able to keep up without that first novel. Luckily, he adequately introduces the reader to all the players, it simply took some serious reading to figure out the whos-who.
Aoelyn is the hero in this series, at least for me, much like Drizzt in previous series. Aoelyn has not been treated well by the people she knows as her own. After losing her parents and experiencing the darker side of her tribe, Aoelyn has come to realize she does not belong. At first, I wanted to see Aoelyn as an anti-hero, but that was only because I'd not seen everything from her point-of-view.
The multiple points-of-view can be confusing at times. You have to pay attention to names and that can be complicated if you're not familiar with the tribes.
R.A. Salvatore does a marvelous job in detailing rituals and magic. Right now, there are obvious good vs. evil vibes between characters and there are characters who make horrible mistakes out of jealousy. Everything works together to push the story forward and I'm anxious to read the next book in the series.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Aoelyn is the hero in this series, at least for me, much like Drizzt in previous series. Aoelyn has not been treated well by the people she knows as her own. After losing her parents and experiencing the darker side of her tribe, Aoelyn has come to realize she does not belong. At first, I wanted to see Aoelyn as an anti-hero, but that was only because I'd not seen everything from her point-of-view.
The multiple points-of-view can be confusing at times. You have to pay attention to names and that can be complicated if you're not familiar with the tribes.
R.A. Salvatore does a marvelous job in detailing rituals and magic. Right now, there are obvious good vs. evil vibes between characters and there are characters who make horrible mistakes out of jealousy. Everything works together to push the story forward and I'm anxious to read the next book in the series.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 6, 2019
The story picks up where "Child of a Mad God" stopped, no reread necessary, cause the updates are very thorough. A new set of characters are introduced, that pose a huge threat to all existing villages, so much of the book is based on establishing these orc like creatures into the series. Aoelyn comes of age, as she learns more of her talents with the stones, and her feelings for her people and Badlan. Talmadge continues his journey, along with an extraordinary friend. As much as I was looking forward to this second book, I had my problems with really liking it. The primary characters just didn't seem to grow enough to keep my interest. Hard to explain, but I gotta love the characters to keep going with a series and I'm not feeling it with these, unlike Drizzt whom I love. I did listen to this one and Tim Gerard Reynolds absolutely saved it for me, he did an excellent job with pronouncing all the strange names and languages, you'd think it was another real world.
February 6, 2019
I'm angry that I wasted my time on this. The first book was great. The author should have stopped there and not written the 2nd book - which is crap. It drags in place, drags on and on in places, (skip worthy sections), suddenly gratuitously inserts "romance" or sex without any logical lead up or relationship building, some of the main characters especially Aoleyn are hollow,flat, basically 2-dimensional. I cared more about the secondary characters. Other characters and groups were inserted without explanation.
There was a lot of creepiness to the book. Just an ick feeling. Then suddenly the book "ended" at page 344 (without completing the story) and followed with "MORE" section which ran to page 432.
I tried to read the "MORE" section to see if maybe it had the real end to the book or was an intro for another book but it didn't seem to relate at all to the "Reckoning" book and also was boring as he@!
I don't think I'll bother to read R A Salvatore again after this mess-up.
There was a lot of creepiness to the book. Just an ick feeling. Then suddenly the book "ended" at page 344 (without completing the story) and followed with "MORE" section which ran to page 432.
I tried to read the "MORE" section to see if maybe it had the real end to the book or was an intro for another book but it didn't seem to relate at all to the "Reckoning" book and also was boring as he@!
I don't think I'll bother to read R A Salvatore again after this mess-up.
April 13, 2019
I found this second instalment in The Coven series a really interesting continuation and what I hope will be a good bridge novel. It tells the continuing story of Aeolyn as she explores her abilities. What I really liked about this book was the world building. and more specifically, the expansion of the world. Salvatore has introduced some key elements in this novel that I am very excited about and that I think will really have a lot of impact as the series continues. I did think that the plot felt a little small here - strangely this seems to be a book in which not a great deal happens, although lots of important things DO happen! Overall however, I enjoyed this book quite a bit and found it a much quicker read than the first book, given the familiarity with the world. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Salvatore takes things next.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 4, 2020
Would be a great read if you completely wipe out the horrible names of an attacking people that the main character is up against. The names are so horrible to look at that it sucks the joy out of the story. Examples: Pixquiquah, Kithkukulakahn, Xocanai, Skath-mi-Zahn, Cizinfozza, and Scathmizzane. Some chapters are so riddled with these names that is looks like Bob fell asleep on his keyboard. I like the story and plot so far and can only hope that this rediculousness doesn't show up in book 3. When one reads fantasy one expects at least a little of creative naming...it's practically tradition, but there is no need to punch your readers in the face every few chapters. I ended up skipping whole chapters that were about these people as well as the rediculous biographical intro's that appear at the beginning of some chapters, and still completely understood what was going on. If I see even one review on book 3 complaining about silly names I will likely not bother reading it.
March 2, 2022
At the conclusion of the first book Aoelyn kills the demon fossa that has been killing her people, including her mother and father, since time before memory. This demon was basically a god and known to be impossible to kill. But Aoelyn doesn't get the praise she expects for slaying the beast, instead she might have made everything worse.
This book is mostly world building. We've got prospective from multiple characters as they try to survive the winter but what no one but the reader knows is that a race thought extinct is coming back to claim lands they lost in time before memory, and they have no use for the humans who live around the lake.
This is very cool and action packed. Great if you just want some chill high fantasy with a prehistoric vibe and a lot of magic.
This book is mostly world building. We've got prospective from multiple characters as they try to survive the winter but what no one but the reader knows is that a race thought extinct is coming back to claim lands they lost in time before memory, and they have no use for the humans who live around the lake.
This is very cool and action packed. Great if you just want some chill high fantasy with a prehistoric vibe and a lot of magic.
February 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, I kept wanting to know what happened next.
I did love the first book better, but this is a good continuation of the story. The world is still as rich and complex as before, and the characters are engaging and interesting. The magic system is really beautiful and, well, magical. Aoleyn especially is a character I enjoyed reading and falling into.
I did find the whole Xoconai storyline a bit boring, but it did bring the book to a cliff-hanger closure, which makes me want to read the next book when it comes out.
Audiobook: As always, Tim Gerard Reynolds is a fantastic reader and performer. So so good.
I did love the first book better, but this is a good continuation of the story. The world is still as rich and complex as before, and the characters are engaging and interesting. The magic system is really beautiful and, well, magical. Aoleyn especially is a character I enjoyed reading and falling into.
I did find the whole Xoconai storyline a bit boring, but it did bring the book to a cliff-hanger closure, which makes me want to read the next book when it comes out.
Audiobook: As always, Tim Gerard Reynolds is a fantastic reader and performer. So so good.
March 25, 2019
The same fantastic world, enchanting characters, and epic battles. There are some scenes told from multiple points of view that do not last long enough in any of the chatacters’ points of view, making some key scenes lack the level of detail and wondrous description always present in the first book of the series. In addition, it was wonderful to be introduced to a new land and its characters in the “Afterward” section of the book, but keeping all of the Honce the Bear’s religious sects’ scenes confined to the end made it almost seem like a separate book altogether. The reappearance of favorite characters, their bravery, and their interactions make this sequel well worth the read.
June 14, 2019
This book was defiantly not as good as the other book and I found myself at one point asleep while reading. It's not that it is slow paced or anything it's the writing. I don't know what happened in-between the first book and this one, but I feel like the writing has a new tone. Like suddenly the story was being told by an old man with a monotone voice,
My favorite part of the book was the amount of power we get to see Aoleyn unleash in this book. In the first book we are told that she shows great magic potential but never really see it. This time we see it in full force and more of what she can do with this power.
My favorite part of the book was the amount of power we get to see Aoleyn unleash in this book. In the first book we are told that she shows great magic potential but never really see it. This time we see it in full force and more of what she can do with this power.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
I picked up this second book of The Coven series because I really enjoyed the first book that I had picked up from the library on a whim, as I had never read an R.A. Salvatore book. While the first book was highly enjoyable, I did not find this second foray as enjoyable. There was more world building, which is not a bad thing, but the way the book ended just left me with a feeling of "What?" I am ok with cliffhangers, but this particular ending just was kind of there and seemed to come out of nowhere. Perhaps with the next book it will make more sense, but for now, my initial thoughts are so-so.
July 18, 2023
Finally finished. What a relief. I found this rambling, disjointed and confusing. It badly needs an editor. There's an awkward mishmash (apparent) Gaelic and Aztec words and names. There's a map at the beginning, but in reading the text most of the directions are . . . off. East is east and west is east and so on. Extremely confusing. I suppose the map is to help clear that up, but since it doesn't match (or barely so) anything written it's almost useless. I can guarantee I won't be reading any more by this author.
March 4, 2019
Well I was really surprised by this book, I thought the first book in the series was amazing, but this one added another storyline, and there wasn't nearly as much about Aoelyn. Honestly I felt confused as to what the heck going on with the other storyline. Did not enjoy it as much as the first one!
October 4, 2022
Fantastic continuation of this series. The introduction of a new threat is important. The enmity between the tribes around Lake Beag are seen to be minor squabbles indeed. The continuing development of Aoelyn is fascinating, but I can't do a proper review because THIS IS ANOTHER CONTINUED STORY! I knew that.
October 14, 2018
Very compelling book! I cannot wait for more by R.A Salvatore! Aoelyn and Talmadge are very easy to relate too and engrossing characters that I truly felt for as they faced some very difficult situations.
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