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The Miners Mine #2
Miners of the Tempest
In the depths of the Tesera Mine, Oliver’s hope of finding Tau again fades with each passing day. Just as despair consumes him, his Sentinel returns, only a shadow of the mighty being he once was.
Oliver swears revenge against those responsible, but there’s no time to plan or savour being reunited, as a deadly mistake forces him and his friends to escape.
With no other choice, and a weakened Tau, Oliver traces the steps of his missing teammate to war-torn lands. He’s wholly unprepared to discover the toll exacted by mining for magic, and it’s worse than Oliver could have ever imagined. His hunger for revenge becomes a desperate need to put a stop to the atrocities committed, even if it means forming an alliance with an adversary.
In a sea teeming with horrors and growing distrust among his friends, Oliver and Tau find solace only in each other’s embrace.
Oliver swears revenge against those responsible, but there’s no time to plan or savour being reunited, as a deadly mistake forces him and his friends to escape.
With no other choice, and a weakened Tau, Oliver traces the steps of his missing teammate to war-torn lands. He’s wholly unprepared to discover the toll exacted by mining for magic, and it’s worse than Oliver could have ever imagined. His hunger for revenge becomes a desperate need to put a stop to the atrocities committed, even if it means forming an alliance with an adversary.
In a sea teeming with horrors and growing distrust among his friends, Oliver and Tau find solace only in each other’s embrace.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2024
9 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Penny Moss
4 books94 followersHi, I'm Moss.
It/Its
I write deeply flawed characters who walk their own paths, and build stories from side to bottom to side to top, with intricacies that are more than a little inconspicuous.
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It/Its
I write deeply flawed characters who walk their own paths, and build stories from side to bottom to side to top, with intricacies that are more than a little inconspicuous.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 16, 2024
If you've read book one, book two is everything book one is, multiplied by a glorious TEN! It's horrifying, it's painful, it's smutty, it's intimate, it's sweet, it's spicy, it's shocking, it's DELECTABLE and EXCELLENT. Miners of the Tempest WRECKED me on multiple levels. I'm still thinking about it, and I don't think I'll ever STOP thinking about it.
This one takes off from where book one left off but goes so much farther, delves so much deeper, leaving me gasping for more.
Aside from all the delicious horror, the twisting motivations and plots, and, to use Oliver's term, mouth-wateringly intimate, intensely delicious swiving, the CHARACTERS in this story are so FREAKING lovable, and gosh, do I love them with all my heart. This is where, when I tell friends about this book, I follow it up with sparkly heart and sobbing emojis. I honestly CAN'T with these two - Oliver and Tau - or, frankly, any of the other dear, loving, loyal, faithful, tortured, courageous friends. I say "friends," but, really they're the found family that gives this book so much heart. This book almost could have ended the series here (almost), but I'm SO glad it didn't because even though it's a cliffhanger it means there's MORE COMING, and I want ALL OF IT. Every single drop, fed to me like golden nectar from a flaming spoon, delicious and painful (because that's exactly what this story IS).
I adore a plotty story, and this series has plot in SPADES, so much big, world-changing plot intermingled with horrifying darkness, danger, twisted monsters, and gore, yet condensed down through the eyes of a few humans and one unearthly, luminescent creature desperately in love with one of those humans. These characters have witnessed and survived so much darkness that there's inevitably a little darkness inside each of them, making them some shades of gray, yet their intention, their motivations, their longings, and their guilt-laced need to fix theirs - or others' - mistakes make them inarguably the HEROES and intensely easy to root for.
Oliver and Tau in particular. These two... these two are SO precious to me. Tau, forever misunderstood, forever subjected to the naive disdain of lesser beings. Oliver, ever loyal to his friends, even the ones that hurt him, and intensely, drunkenly, toxically, painfully co-dependent on Tau, the LOVE of his LIFE. The faith and the comfort these two find in each other, makes me want to THROW UP, sob in the rain, and then wrap myself in blankets, and bask in the roar of a fire, re-living every single second of their moments spent together. Without literally quoting you spoilers and wildly gesturing, crying disgustingly, and shouting, "SEE!? SEE!??!" I can't make you understand how beloved and darling and intimately precious they are.
If you haven't read book one, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Go now!!! And if you have, then GET ON BOOK TWO because I NEED more people to read this series and gasp with me and SOB with me every time Oliver smiles at his Sunshine and his Sunshine scrapes his claws through Oliver's hair.
Not to even MENTION all the new, GORGEOUS chapter art here, including new characters, terrifying monsters, and yes, even spicy scenes. Everything about this book is created with love and with passion and with TALENT. This series is a FAVORITE, and I literally can't recommend it more than by screeching at you in this review. Absolutely one of the best reads of the year and one of the best indie books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
This one takes off from where book one left off but goes so much farther, delves so much deeper, leaving me gasping for more.
Aside from all the delicious horror, the twisting motivations and plots, and, to use Oliver's term, mouth-wateringly intimate, intensely delicious swiving, the CHARACTERS in this story are so FREAKING lovable, and gosh, do I love them with all my heart. This is where, when I tell friends about this book, I follow it up with sparkly heart and sobbing emojis. I honestly CAN'T with these two - Oliver and Tau - or, frankly, any of the other dear, loving, loyal, faithful, tortured, courageous friends. I say "friends," but, really they're the found family that gives this book so much heart. This book almost could have ended the series here (almost), but I'm SO glad it didn't because even though it's a cliffhanger it means there's MORE COMING, and I want ALL OF IT. Every single drop, fed to me like golden nectar from a flaming spoon, delicious and painful (because that's exactly what this story IS).
I adore a plotty story, and this series has plot in SPADES, so much big, world-changing plot intermingled with horrifying darkness, danger, twisted monsters, and gore, yet condensed down through the eyes of a few humans and one unearthly, luminescent creature desperately in love with one of those humans. These characters have witnessed and survived so much darkness that there's inevitably a little darkness inside each of them, making them some shades of gray, yet their intention, their motivations, their longings, and their guilt-laced need to fix theirs - or others' - mistakes make them inarguably the HEROES and intensely easy to root for.
Oliver and Tau in particular. These two... these two are SO precious to me. Tau, forever misunderstood, forever subjected to the naive disdain of lesser beings. Oliver, ever loyal to his friends, even the ones that hurt him, and intensely, drunkenly, toxically, painfully co-dependent on Tau, the LOVE of his LIFE. The faith and the comfort these two find in each other, makes me want to THROW UP, sob in the rain, and then wrap myself in blankets, and bask in the roar of a fire, re-living every single second of their moments spent together. Without literally quoting you spoilers and wildly gesturing, crying disgustingly, and shouting, "SEE!? SEE!??!" I can't make you understand how beloved and darling and intimately precious they are.
If you haven't read book one, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Go now!!! And if you have, then GET ON BOOK TWO because I NEED more people to read this series and gasp with me and SOB with me every time Oliver smiles at his Sunshine and his Sunshine scrapes his claws through Oliver's hair.
Not to even MENTION all the new, GORGEOUS chapter art here, including new characters, terrifying monsters, and yes, even spicy scenes. Everything about this book is created with love and with passion and with TALENT. This series is a FAVORITE, and I literally can't recommend it more than by screeching at you in this review. Absolutely one of the best reads of the year and one of the best indie books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
September 19, 2024
4.5 stars
Miners of the tempest is the second book in The Miners Mine series.
I started the first book of the saga, but this one leaves a lot of questions in the air, although some are answered in this one, but in the author's style, which I like a lot, because she doesn't offer everything and you have to fill the gaps.
In this book, the world expands, we see new mines, new means of transport, new characters and new monsters, which sometimes are not the sentinels because humans also have their own way of doing things.
One of the things I like the most is the art that accompanies the book, at the beginning of each chapter there is an illustration that shows you something of what is going to happen in the chapter, but it is vague enough not to spoil anything.
I need the third book now.
Miners of the tempest is the second book in The Miners Mine series.
I started the first book of the saga, but this one leaves a lot of questions in the air, although some are answered in this one, but in the author's style, which I like a lot, because she doesn't offer everything and you have to fill the gaps.
In this book, the world expands, we see new mines, new means of transport, new characters and new monsters, which sometimes are not the sentinels because humans also have their own way of doing things.
One of the things I like the most is the art that accompanies the book, at the beginning of each chapter there is an illustration that shows you something of what is going to happen in the chapter, but it is vague enough not to spoil anything.
I need the third book now.
September 19, 2024
5/5 Applesauces from Tau
While we are not delving deeper into the mines for book 2, we are delving into the dark world surrounding our danger magnets.
Trials, friendship strain, new enemies, new allies and love. This book has it all wrapped in a very questionably nice horror package. Moss brings the horror to the front in this book and shows the true nature of the world these friends deal with.
They uncover a lot of new truths on their journey and deal with the trauma as it comes, but I still think they need true therapy honestly.
Tau and Ollie really make their relationship official official in this book, if you ever doubted Tau's feelings for Ollie.... you now will not.
We see a lot of Tau's true nature and personality throughout the book and he becomes such a solid character imo. He has a hero type mentality that you wouldn't expect, much to Ollie's dismay.
But as we all know, if you read book 1.... this group of friends can NEVER have anything they desire very easily.
Friendship is strained heavily in this book, but all great friendships can withstand even the toughest of winds and rocks thrown at it.
This book leaves us on another cliff hanger (sobs) and honestly opens book 3 to literally anything Moss can torture us all with. While we think the team has beaten the enemy in book 2... I really doubt they have. They might have taken down some walls and issues, but there is more atrocities to come for us.
If slow burn, hot romance, horror scenes and the team just not getting ahead is your thing then this book is for you 100%. Read book 1 to make sense of book 2, but I swear it's worth it. All art is done by Moss herself and is absolutely gorgeous! Even the horror themed ones lol.
While we are not delving deeper into the mines for book 2, we are delving into the dark world surrounding our danger magnets.
Trials, friendship strain, new enemies, new allies and love. This book has it all wrapped in a very questionably nice horror package. Moss brings the horror to the front in this book and shows the true nature of the world these friends deal with.
They uncover a lot of new truths on their journey and deal with the trauma as it comes, but I still think they need true therapy honestly.
Tau and Ollie really make their relationship official official in this book, if you ever doubted Tau's feelings for Ollie.... you now will not.
We see a lot of Tau's true nature and personality throughout the book and he becomes such a solid character imo. He has a hero type mentality that you wouldn't expect, much to Ollie's dismay.
But as we all know, if you read book 1.... this group of friends can NEVER have anything they desire very easily.
Friendship is strained heavily in this book, but all great friendships can withstand even the toughest of winds and rocks thrown at it.
This book leaves us on another cliff hanger (sobs) and honestly opens book 3 to literally anything Moss can torture us all with. While we think the team has beaten the enemy in book 2... I really doubt they have. They might have taken down some walls and issues, but there is more atrocities to come for us.
If slow burn, hot romance, horror scenes and the team just not getting ahead is your thing then this book is for you 100%. Read book 1 to make sense of book 2, but I swear it's worth it. All art is done by Moss herself and is absolutely gorgeous! Even the horror themed ones lol.
September 23, 2024
Miners of the Tempest by Penny Moss is book 2 in "The Miners Mine" series. I knew when I was reading book 1 that I loved the way Penny Moss writes. However Miners of the Mystics was the first book of hers that I'd read. So after reading this book I can say that Penny Moss has become an autobuy/autorequest author for me. This series is so good that I'm sad because book 3 isn't out yet. I said in my review for book one that I would have sobbed if I didn't have book 2 in my hand. I did not realize how true that was until I finished this book. I spent the rest of the day just soaking in my feels and tears. Because Penny Moss is the master of to be continued/ cliff hanger endings that cut deep and have you scrambling for the next book in the series.
In no universe could I have predicted the things that happen in this book. Its truly amazing and had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time I was reading it. The author writes in such a way that itched my brain to the point I had genuine physical reactions. I write all my book reviews in a book journal first and then type and edit them. And I had trouble reading my own hand writing because I was shaking after finishing Miners of the Tempest. I've never connected with a book so strongly before. I need people to geek out about this series with.
I loved the characters in book one. And even though they are literally the same people/ characters I loved the characters in Miners of the Tempest even more. The characters in this series are so lovable and strong. Except a couple characters, and when you read this book you'll find out who I'm talking about, Fuck Them.
Overall, I am so excited about this series. Its queer with a m/m main romance. It's got body horror, its got found family, its got travel, and a massive overarching major plot that's happening along side the plot of each book. This massive overarching major plot is the main reason I want people to scream about this book with. There is stuff happening that I can't even begin to mention because it would spoil the book. So, Please come join me in the wait for book three. Read this series. Go on this journey. Figure out what will happen to Oliver, Tau, Maji, and Lucetta. These characters are wonderful and deserve more fans(?); the series deserves more readers. Its a very fun, cute, and messed up ride- join the party.
In no universe could I have predicted the things that happen in this book. Its truly amazing and had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time I was reading it. The author writes in such a way that itched my brain to the point I had genuine physical reactions. I write all my book reviews in a book journal first and then type and edit them. And I had trouble reading my own hand writing because I was shaking after finishing Miners of the Tempest. I've never connected with a book so strongly before. I need people to geek out about this series with.
I loved the characters in book one. And even though they are literally the same people/ characters I loved the characters in Miners of the Tempest even more. The characters in this series are so lovable and strong. Except a couple characters, and when you read this book you'll find out who I'm talking about, Fuck Them.
Overall, I am so excited about this series. Its queer with a m/m main romance. It's got body horror, its got found family, its got travel, and a massive overarching major plot that's happening along side the plot of each book. This massive overarching major plot is the main reason I want people to scream about this book with. There is stuff happening that I can't even begin to mention because it would spoil the book. So, Please come join me in the wait for book three. Read this series. Go on this journey. Figure out what will happen to Oliver, Tau, Maji, and Lucetta. These characters are wonderful and deserve more fans(?); the series deserves more readers. Its a very fun, cute, and messed up ride- join the party.
September 16, 2024
4.5* This. Was. Everything I wanted it to be and more.
I only recently started reading this series, and so getting an ARC of the 2nd book queued up before I'd even finished the first was an absolute treat, and I couldn't have known how happy I'd be to have it until I finished Mystics and Tempest was here for me.
While the first book, to me, offered many unanswered questions, Miners of the Tempest is here to answer a great deal of them. Things about Tau, about the origins of Sentinels, about *Samuel*, and all of them felt *so good* because many of them felt like confirmation of stuff that I think I already knew at the back of my head. (I think when it comes to having a series that you've already planned into 4 novels, part of the challenge becomes the trickling-out of information. When to do it and how much to sprinkle in for maximum impact, mainly, but I can say that after this, I do not doubt that by the end, I'll know everything I need to.)
Pacing felt like the weakest point, for me, with what I considered to be a fairly slow first half. As soon as you hit about the 40% mark, though, it starts ramping up to the point where at one point I literally had to put the book down and just hold my head in my hands for a few seconds. I cannot say more than this without going into spoilers - and it's worth not having spoilers for this story that just keeps punching above its weight, both in emotional impact and characterization.
I cannot stress enough how fascinating it is to view these characters acting in human, confusing and often very strange ways, and to be forced to view those actions through the eyes of a very naive, innocent and slightly clueless lil guy. (I love you Oliver) My fondness grows with every book, and I cannot wait for the next one.
I only recently started reading this series, and so getting an ARC of the 2nd book queued up before I'd even finished the first was an absolute treat, and I couldn't have known how happy I'd be to have it until I finished Mystics and Tempest was here for me.
While the first book, to me, offered many unanswered questions, Miners of the Tempest is here to answer a great deal of them. Things about Tau, about the origins of Sentinels, about *Samuel*, and all of them felt *so good* because many of them felt like confirmation of stuff that I think I already knew at the back of my head. (I think when it comes to having a series that you've already planned into 4 novels, part of the challenge becomes the trickling-out of information. When to do it and how much to sprinkle in for maximum impact, mainly, but I can say that after this, I do not doubt that by the end, I'll know everything I need to.)
Pacing felt like the weakest point, for me, with what I considered to be a fairly slow first half. As soon as you hit about the 40% mark, though, it starts ramping up to the point where at one point I literally had to put the book down and just hold my head in my hands for a few seconds. I cannot say more than this without going into spoilers - and it's worth not having spoilers for this story that just keeps punching above its weight, both in emotional impact and characterization.
I cannot stress enough how fascinating it is to view these characters acting in human, confusing and often very strange ways, and to be forced to view those actions through the eyes of a very naive, innocent and slightly clueless lil guy. (I love you Oliver) My fondness grows with every book, and I cannot wait for the next one.
September 26, 2024
I think I enjoyed this book more than book one. The way Moss world builds has me so excited for the next part of this series.
September 19, 2024
unexpected
I wasn’t expecting this ending although I enjoyed the book immensely. Some of the best world building I have read recently.
I wasn’t expecting this ending although I enjoyed the book immensely. Some of the best world building I have read recently.
August 30, 2024
"Miners of the Tempest" was a great continuation of “The Miners Mine” series. The deepening connection between Oliver and his Sentinel, Tau, was the heart of this story, and I was just as invested in their journey as the first book. The tension of Oliver’s quest for vengeance, combined with the horror of the magical mining operation, created a gripping and emotional narrative. Despite the darkness surrounding them, the moments of tenderness between Oliver and Tau provided much-needed solace and hope. The complex relationships and the moral dilemmas they faced kept me on the edge of my seat, can’t wait to see what happens next!! 😃
August 16, 2024
Oh wow .. Im going to try and review this without giving out spoilers. I was lucky enough to read the arc (my first ever) and my review is my honest opinion of the book.
The mystery and thrill of the plot was so captivating that I rush my chores just so I can finally lay down and get this ebook out. Oh and thr art was just so lovely! Really helped create the image of their world in my mind. I enjoyed this book more than the first one actually but still hate the cliffhangers! Cant wait to read more!!
The mystery and thrill of the plot was so captivating that I rush my chores just so I can finally lay down and get this ebook out. Oh and thr art was just so lovely! Really helped create the image of their world in my mind. I enjoyed this book more than the first one actually but still hate the cliffhangers! Cant wait to read more!!
April 12, 2025
Thanks for the ARC opportunity.
Great read. You MUST read Miners of the Mystics first. Otherwise you won’t understand certain things. I love this world she built with views from all main characters and omg the feels. It almost seems like nobody gets a break. Ollie and Tau are a very cute couple despite the trials they are going through. Can't wait to see what's in store next. Keep up the great work.
Great read. You MUST read Miners of the Mystics first. Otherwise you won’t understand certain things. I love this world she built with views from all main characters and omg the feels. It almost seems like nobody gets a break. Ollie and Tau are a very cute couple despite the trials they are going through. Can't wait to see what's in store next. Keep up the great work.
February 12, 2025
MM, Fantasy, Horror, Monster, 3rd Rotating POV (Side Characters)
Status: KU, Same Couple Series, Cliffhanger, Third Act Conflict -
Oliver: Mystical Miner (5 Yrs), Mid 20s, Bi, Cursed (Unpredictable Strength with No Control; Causes Injuries to Self, Objects and Potentially Others), Wears a Mantle that Neutralizes the Curse (Contains Tau's Magic), Former Farm-Hand, Former Coal Miner (Childhood, Sold by Mother), Illiterate, Enjoys Sewing, Traumatized, Nightmares, Too Horny to Think Straight, PTSD, Anxiety, Spoilers!
Tau: Guardian of the Mine (Sentinel), Immortal Magical Being, Non-Speaking (in the Human Realm), Wears a Mask, Light Magic, Ability to Heal Others, Favorite Color is Green, Dislikes Water, Doesn't Sleep, Traumatized, Spoiler!
Rep: Queernormative World, Defaults to They/Them when Pronouns are Unknown, Trans and NBi Characters, POC Characters, Disability, Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety
Maji: Mystical Miner (5 Yrs), 26 Yrs Old, Has a Greenhouse, Has Sentinel Magic Via Nu's "Heart", Traumatized, Aro/Ace
Lucetta: Mystical Miner (8 Yrs), POC (Black), Lesbian, Mid 30s, Sam's Sister (Strained Relationship), Studied Geology, Traumatized,
Benjamin: Mystical Miner (10 Yrs), Can Cook, Late 30s, Pining for Oliver, Gone Looking for Sam, Traumatized, PTSD
Sam: Mystical Miner (10 Yrs), Lucetta's Brother, Benjamin's Husband,
Notes: Unreliable Narrators (Unknowing About the World), Mystical Miners Search for Magic Artifacts in Mountains, Found Family, Portals to Other Worlds, Fantasy Races, Road Trip, Forbidden Love, Size Difference, Codependency, Failed Attempt at Penetrative Sex, Sex to Cope with Trauma, Kill Your Abusers, "I'll Die with You"
Story Notes (Spoilers Abound): This World Has So Many Secrets,
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Critique Notes: Unannounced Time Hopping
Personal Ick: I struggled with Oliver and Tau being sexual constantly. They were all over each other at inappropriate times and made their friends uncomfortable doing it in front of them (even after they were asked to stop multiple times, that's a hell no from me).
Will I read the next book? Maybe, I'm interested in having everything explained but I found myself skimming this one about half way through.
Status: KU, Same Couple Series, Cliffhanger, Third Act Conflict -
Oliver: Mystical Miner (5 Yrs), Mid 20s, Bi, Cursed (Unpredictable Strength with No Control; Causes Injuries to Self, Objects and Potentially Others), Wears a Mantle that Neutralizes the Curse (Contains Tau's Magic), Former Farm-Hand, Former Coal Miner (Childhood, Sold by Mother), Illiterate, Enjoys Sewing, Traumatized, Nightmares, Too Horny to Think Straight, PTSD, Anxiety, Spoilers!
Tau: Guardian of the Mine (Sentinel), Immortal Magical Being, Non-Speaking (in the Human Realm), Wears a Mask, Light Magic, Ability to Heal Others, Favorite Color is Green, Dislikes Water, Doesn't Sleep, Traumatized, Spoiler!
Rep: Queernormative World, Defaults to They/Them when Pronouns are Unknown, Trans and NBi Characters, POC Characters, Disability, Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety
Maji: Mystical Miner (5 Yrs), 26 Yrs Old, Has a Greenhouse, Has Sentinel Magic Via Nu's "Heart", Traumatized, Aro/Ace
Lucetta: Mystical Miner (8 Yrs), POC (Black), Lesbian, Mid 30s, Sam's Sister (Strained Relationship), Studied Geology, Traumatized,
Benjamin: Mystical Miner (10 Yrs), Can Cook, Late 30s, Pining for Oliver, Gone Looking for Sam, Traumatized, PTSD
Sam: Mystical Miner (10 Yrs), Lucetta's Brother, Benjamin's Husband,
Notes: Unreliable Narrators (Unknowing About the World), Mystical Miners Search for Magic Artifacts in Mountains, Found Family, Portals to Other Worlds, Fantasy Races, Road Trip, Forbidden Love, Size Difference, Codependency, Failed Attempt at Penetrative Sex, Sex to Cope with Trauma, Kill Your Abusers, "I'll Die with You"
Story Notes (Spoilers Abound): This World Has So Many Secrets,
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Critique Notes: Unannounced Time Hopping
Personal Ick: I struggled with Oliver and Tau being sexual constantly. They were all over each other at inappropriate times and made their friends uncomfortable doing it in front of them (even after they were asked to stop multiple times, that's a hell no from me).
Will I read the next book? Maybe, I'm interested in having everything explained but I found myself skimming this one about half way through.
September 16, 2024
This is the much anticipated follow up to the Miners of the Tempest novel. It doesn't waste time getting to the important unanswered questions and maintains that pace pretty much the whole time. Which is quite the feat when the story is over 400 pages. All the relationships deepened and one of the beautiful things about the series is the rich friendships that are given almost equal weight and screen time to the central relationship.
Now let's talk about the central relationship. OMG. I don't think I've read such a beautiful, passionate "I would die for you in an instant" story in long time. Oliver and Tau are total goals. Oliver's love seemingly gave Tau back the humanity that had been stolen from him and with very few words, Tau has to show his dedication through acts of service. Oliver is certainly not without great acts of service and sacrifice either.
I honestly just kept reading because I needed to get to the point where they could just be in the moment with each other, with no peril guiding their actions. Which we do get, briefly, before this evil author decided that cliffhangers are cool. So here I'll be, on a razor's edge, waiting for the next book. Just to see some more adorable mask kisses between two doom magnets that are end goals.
The only minor deduction from perfection is that the tone/literary writing style is very advanced. A lot of words go over my head and I don't think myself a scrub when it comes to vocabulary. It made it a little bit difficult to fully "dive" into the story when I'm so frequently reminded that I'm reading because there are a lot of unknown words. It just makes some things difficult to grasps the meaning of. I don't mean the fantasy words either. Those my brain can easily recognize as foreign and it doesn't affect immersion, it adds to it.
I would highly recommend this series and this author's writing in general. The included artwork is also a must see.
Now let's talk about the central relationship. OMG. I don't think I've read such a beautiful, passionate "I would die for you in an instant" story in long time. Oliver and Tau are total goals. Oliver's love seemingly gave Tau back the humanity that had been stolen from him and with very few words, Tau has to show his dedication through acts of service. Oliver is certainly not without great acts of service and sacrifice either.
I honestly just kept reading because I needed to get to the point where they could just be in the moment with each other, with no peril guiding their actions. Which we do get, briefly, before this evil author decided that cliffhangers are cool. So here I'll be, on a razor's edge, waiting for the next book. Just to see some more adorable mask kisses between two doom magnets that are end goals.
The only minor deduction from perfection is that the tone/literary writing style is very advanced. A lot of words go over my head and I don't think myself a scrub when it comes to vocabulary. It made it a little bit difficult to fully "dive" into the story when I'm so frequently reminded that I'm reading because there are a lot of unknown words. It just makes some things difficult to grasps the meaning of. I don't mean the fantasy words either. Those my brain can easily recognize as foreign and it doesn't affect immersion, it adds to it.
I would highly recommend this series and this author's writing in general. The included artwork is also a must see.
September 14, 2024
This is a powerful second entry into the series. Poignant, fast-paced, and heart-wrenching (in a great way). The unsettling mysteries raised in book one are starting to weave together here, and I really appreciate that this book charts the way that the plot is knocking characters out of their respective status quos and into something new - adventure, danger. I got a starkly satisfying sense of “there’s no turning back.”
We get tantalizing glimpses into the bigger picture, but as with book one, it is translated through the perspectives of our narrating characters, and they don’t have perfect understanding or information; as ever, Moss writes from (and through) their flaws and shortcomings, as well as showing us their inner resilience and heartening potential for transformation.
Character dynamics develop meaningfully in this book - and there’s more to that than just the question of what, if anything, comes next for the two characters featured in the core romance/relationship. I wish I could say more, but I’m trying to avoid spoilers! Suffice to say, I found it both unexpected, gratifying, and delicious.
We get to meet villains that I truly enjoyed hating, as well as spending quality time with characters familiar from book one, whose wellbeing I am very invested in. The world itself, with all of its curious, lush, dark, and unique landscapes, is also becoming steadily more knowable as we explore it through the eyes of Oliver and his companions.
And the art is STUNNING.
I cannot wait for book three!
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We get tantalizing glimpses into the bigger picture, but as with book one, it is translated through the perspectives of our narrating characters, and they don’t have perfect understanding or information; as ever, Moss writes from (and through) their flaws and shortcomings, as well as showing us their inner resilience and heartening potential for transformation.
Character dynamics develop meaningfully in this book - and there’s more to that than just the question of what, if anything, comes next for the two characters featured in the core romance/relationship. I wish I could say more, but I’m trying to avoid spoilers! Suffice to say, I found it both unexpected, gratifying, and delicious.
We get to meet villains that I truly enjoyed hating, as well as spending quality time with characters familiar from book one, whose wellbeing I am very invested in. The world itself, with all of its curious, lush, dark, and unique landscapes, is also becoming steadily more knowable as we explore it through the eyes of Oliver and his companions.
And the art is STUNNING.
I cannot wait for book three!
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2024
I LOVE how much more horror lurks within this book. Tempest leans hard into dark fantasy, with many scenes that I'd classify as horror. This gorgeous grossness paired with Moss's stunning illustrations are the highlights of the second installment of the series for me. The ARC I received doesn't have all of the completed pieces and it's already so pretty.
While I enjoyed Tempest, I had some trouble remembering the events of the previous book. There aren't a lot of pages spent rehashing the past. I think I would have liked the second book more if I read it shortly after the first.
I unexpectedly found myself struggling with Oliver and Tau. Their forbidden pining in Mystics was so good. In Tempest, they are all over each other all the time...and I do mean ALL THE TIME. Their antics were initially endearing but soon put me off. Their friends beg them to stop pawing at each other in public...but these two give little thought to others' discomfort. It got to the point that the plot took a backseat to these two having their own fun.
I want to like Oliver and Tau, I just couldn't get behind their behavior in this book. I'm really hoping I fall back in love with them in the next installment. We shall see!
Thank you so much to the author for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
While I enjoyed Tempest, I had some trouble remembering the events of the previous book. There aren't a lot of pages spent rehashing the past. I think I would have liked the second book more if I read it shortly after the first.
I unexpectedly found myself struggling with Oliver and Tau. Their forbidden pining in Mystics was so good. In Tempest, they are all over each other all the time...and I do mean ALL THE TIME. Their antics were initially endearing but soon put me off. Their friends beg them to stop pawing at each other in public...but these two give little thought to others' discomfort. It got to the point that the plot took a backseat to these two having their own fun.
I want to like Oliver and Tau, I just couldn't get behind their behavior in this book. I'm really hoping I fall back in love with them in the next installment. We shall see!
Thank you so much to the author for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
September 2, 2024
My rating: 3.5 Stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
(This is pretty much a review for Book 1 and Book 2)
I can't really find anything wrong with the book and for what it is (the world, the romance, the characters) it should have been right up my alley but I just didn't really vibe with it. I think it was a bit too fast paced for my personal taste. There were just so many things happening it felt a bit all over the place and yeah I really didn't like the pacing.
But apart from that the characters are sweet and a bit dumb \lovingly, the world is cool and there definitely is a lot of plot xD.
The queer rep is especially great! And Maji is me 5 years ago: just no fucking clue when someone is into them.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
(This is pretty much a review for Book 1 and Book 2)
I can't really find anything wrong with the book and for what it is (the world, the romance, the characters) it should have been right up my alley but I just didn't really vibe with it. I think it was a bit too fast paced for my personal taste. There were just so many things happening it felt a bit all over the place and yeah I really didn't like the pacing.
But apart from that the characters are sweet and a bit dumb \lovingly, the world is cool and there definitely is a lot of plot xD.
The queer rep is especially great! And Maji is me 5 years ago: just no fucking clue when someone is into them.
September 4, 2024
Oh, the secrets we were let in on, and even more intriguing ones kept from us! Yet again, Penny leaves us with the perfect amount of intrigue. Another cliff hanger, and this one is a doozy. You are still following Oliver's rag tag, not so merry bunch, deepening their loves for one another. Even picking up a few along the way. Somehow she managed to write even steamer scenes that are sure to leave you as breathless as ever.
I got this as an Arc copy and I have vowed to continue to follow this series journey to its wonderful conclusion!
I got this as an Arc copy and I have vowed to continue to follow this series journey to its wonderful conclusion!
September 15, 2024
This is the second book in the series, and answers some of the questions left open in the first. The series continues to shine in both world building and character development— both characters and the world they inhabit are beautifully imperfect and flawed in all the most interesting ways. The plot is immersive and the characters are compelling enough to keep readers invested from beginning to end here, and it’s hard to ask for more than that. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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August 25, 2024Swiving Sentinals! Another cliffhanger and this time I have to wait for book 3 to be written!!
I am loving this series so much, the world building continues on from book 1 and continues to grow and enrich the lore, the more I learn about this place and Tau's history, the more I wish to be a part of this series. Penny, can you teleport me to your mind please?
I am loving this series so much, the world building continues on from book 1 and continues to grow and enrich the lore, the more I learn about this place and Tau's history, the more I wish to be a part of this series. Penny, can you teleport me to your mind please?
August 30, 2025
A fabulous continuation of the series, I inhaled the whole book in three evenings. Very enjoyable experience, looking forward to the third installment!
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