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Price of a Thousand Blessings #2
Price of a Thousand Blessings Volume 2
Having escaped conscription to the Storm Towers at the last moment―thanks to some very quick train-hopping―Cymin is thrilled to at last be living his dream of seeing new lands and making friends with the fascinating secular mages outside Lux Temple. There’s even a chance he could win over the enigmatic Laithondi and officially join the ranks of the student bound for Saigrath.
Laithondi has already entrusted him with his dazzling ancillary sword, as well as the sacred Fei’suul Scepter. But that trust may prove the undoing of them all, when it marks Cymin as the target for ancient, corrupted spells. As he battles for his life and those of his new-found friends, Cymin must confront the darkest secrets from their shared past lives as well as the deadly plots threatening their lives now.
Laithondi has already entrusted him with his dazzling ancillary sword, as well as the sacred Fei’suul Scepter. But that trust may prove the undoing of them all, when it marks Cymin as the target for ancient, corrupted spells. As he battles for his life and those of his new-found friends, Cymin must confront the darkest secrets from their shared past lives as well as the deadly plots threatening their lives now.
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2025
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53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 11, 2025
4.5
I really would like to visit this world but maybe better as an incorporeal and invisible phantom. That way I can be everywhere, even in Saigrath, watching all that magic wonders Ginn Hale imagined without endangering the still ongoing story and of course without endangering myself because I'm still unsure about those Fei'thallus storms and the semi-conscious curses, but what a sight it would be.
But with all that sight-seeing I might miss important parts of the story and I can't have that. So I better stick with reading because the story gained traction with this 2nd book and strangely by setting its focus on a limited setting and its core group of people it becomes more complex while at the same time evading almost all issues I had with the first book. Don't worry, it's not that kind of complex where you have to remember little pieces because they become important later or where the author leads you insidiously into a story maze but it's also not a straight forward kind of fantasy where the characters move from one location to the next while solving quests or growing into their fate. Hale invites you to linger and entertains you with a view of the past, with snippets of different magic wielding or reveals long awaited family feuds. How can it be different when reincarnation is such an important part. At its core it's about a love conquering time, surviving betrayal and hostility and doesn't bow to empires or old gods. So there is a lot to tell while the original story is still evolving.
Now after I claimed that there's love without 'til death do us part' I probably have to admit that we're not really there, yet. At the end of this book Cymin may have an idea about Laithondi's and Minoa's story with a lot of dark spots, he might even understand why the current Laithondi shows himself as indifferent but he also is not there yet. Seems reincarnation isn't an easy answer especially when it's forced on you.
So after the aftermath of the train crash and all the action at the necropolis we have a more solid grasp of the still open story lines, thanks to a lot of dreams, deja vu and uncaged memories (a small few of them felt a bit excessive) but it's also still a long way to go and I still struggle to remember the names of all the group members and who is linked to which Waethir. Anyway, hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book.
I really would like to visit this world but maybe better as an incorporeal and invisible phantom. That way I can be everywhere, even in Saigrath, watching all that magic wonders Ginn Hale imagined without endangering the still ongoing story and of course without endangering myself because I'm still unsure about those Fei'thallus storms and the semi-conscious curses, but what a sight it would be.
But with all that sight-seeing I might miss important parts of the story and I can't have that. So I better stick with reading because the story gained traction with this 2nd book and strangely by setting its focus on a limited setting and its core group of people it becomes more complex while at the same time evading almost all issues I had with the first book. Don't worry, it's not that kind of complex where you have to remember little pieces because they become important later or where the author leads you insidiously into a story maze but it's also not a straight forward kind of fantasy where the characters move from one location to the next while solving quests or growing into their fate. Hale invites you to linger and entertains you with a view of the past, with snippets of different magic wielding or reveals long awaited family feuds. How can it be different when reincarnation is such an important part. At its core it's about a love conquering time, surviving betrayal and hostility and doesn't bow to empires or old gods. So there is a lot to tell while the original story is still evolving.
Now after I claimed that there's love without 'til death do us part' I probably have to admit that we're not really there, yet. At the end of this book Cymin may have an idea about Laithondi's and Minoa's story with a lot of dark spots, he might even understand why the current Laithondi shows himself as indifferent but he also is not there yet. Seems reincarnation isn't an easy answer especially when it's forced on you.
So after the aftermath of the train crash and all the action at the necropolis we have a more solid grasp of the still open story lines, thanks to a lot of dreams, deja vu and uncaged memories (a small few of them felt a bit excessive) but it's also still a long way to go and I still struggle to remember the names of all the group members and who is linked to which Waethir. Anyway, hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book.
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May 6, 2025ARC review – no rating/rating removed for audiobook AI release (different series)
I've been putting this review off since March. It's really not fun or enjoyable to remove ratings and drop a series (a fantastic series) by an author you love because they suddenly chose to use AI.
I was ridiculously excited when I saw A Price of a Thousand Blessings Volume 1 and Volume 2 on BookSirens. I requested those on the 5th and 7th of March, and read them immediately.
I mistakenly thought it was a duology, but it's a 5-book series. I contemplated joining Hale's Patreon because I didn't want to wait for the series to be published, she releases chapters of the books each week on a paid tier.
I loved the illustrated covers, Hale's artwork! I am a huge fan of Hale's writing, she writes incredibly in-depth worlds, and includes POC MCs, fascinating culture, clothing and food. And her books hold up, all the way back to 2007. I've used her books as an example of authors who didn't write racist, misogynistic, Western-gazed, awful shit just because it was 18 years ago (so long ago, I know.)
Anyway. On the 28th of March Hale announced in her Patreon that The Rifter series was finally available on audiobook.
Exciting news. Except all 10 books in The Rifter series ($3.99 a pop) were done using Amazon Virtual Voice, which is an AI-generated narration.
Before anyone comes to condescend-splain the cost of audiobooks to me, I know. I know because I follow and support indie authors who break down the exact cost they pay a human voice actor (often around $300/hr) for their audiobook during crowdfunding campaigns. It's expensive. It also limits accessibility for people who need it. Yet authors who have published 5 books or less, have successfully crowdfunded the full cost of producing an audiobook.
Ginn Hale has a large following, I know we could easily back The Rifter series audiobooks. I'm holding out hope that Hale eventually goes that route instead. In the meantime, I am not comfortable rating newly read books, even if it's an ARC, once I'm aware of AI. 💔
I loved A Price of a Thousand Blessings Volume 2. It was absolutely packed with twists and turns, reveals, a dozen dynamic characters, with intricate and intense world-building.
Similar to The Rifter series, you feel like it's just getting started. Each book so far was over 400 pages, so I imagine my 4+ star rating would have continued with the next 3 books, if not going higher. It's a fascinating new world, it has different timelines, the romance hasn't even started yet (sob).
I can't say much without spoilers, but I'd hazard a guess that anyone who enjoyed Hale's previous work will absolutely love this new series.
Hale included her usual amazing glossaries at the end of each book, these have: Glossary of Place and Time, Characters, History Timeline, and Sigils. All super useful since the writing is so detailed.
I won't recommend something when an author takes the AI path. However, if that situation changes then yes, I would highly recommend these books and would love to rate them the 4+ stars they deserve.
Thanks to BookSirens for the eARC, my opinions are my own.
Spoiler-free tags:
Queer epic fantasy series, magic, curses, dreams of gods, mystery, who is the traitor, new cities & towns, flying winged salamanders, duels, plot twists, heavy world-building
I've been putting this review off since March. It's really not fun or enjoyable to remove ratings and drop a series (a fantastic series) by an author you love because they suddenly chose to use AI.
I was ridiculously excited when I saw A Price of a Thousand Blessings Volume 1 and Volume 2 on BookSirens. I requested those on the 5th and 7th of March, and read them immediately.
I mistakenly thought it was a duology, but it's a 5-book series. I contemplated joining Hale's Patreon because I didn't want to wait for the series to be published, she releases chapters of the books each week on a paid tier.
I loved the illustrated covers, Hale's artwork! I am a huge fan of Hale's writing, she writes incredibly in-depth worlds, and includes POC MCs, fascinating culture, clothing and food. And her books hold up, all the way back to 2007. I've used her books as an example of authors who didn't write racist, misogynistic, Western-gazed, awful shit just because it was 18 years ago (so long ago, I know.)
Anyway. On the 28th of March Hale announced in her Patreon that The Rifter series was finally available on audiobook.
Also, after quite a few requests, I've made the audio version of the Rifter available. I hope this makes the story more accessible for everyone.
Exciting news. Except all 10 books in The Rifter series ($3.99 a pop) were done using Amazon Virtual Voice, which is an AI-generated narration.
Before anyone comes to condescend-splain the cost of audiobooks to me, I know. I know because I follow and support indie authors who break down the exact cost they pay a human voice actor (often around $300/hr) for their audiobook during crowdfunding campaigns. It's expensive. It also limits accessibility for people who need it. Yet authors who have published 5 books or less, have successfully crowdfunded the full cost of producing an audiobook.
Ginn Hale has a large following, I know we could easily back The Rifter series audiobooks. I'm holding out hope that Hale eventually goes that route instead. In the meantime, I am not comfortable rating newly read books, even if it's an ARC, once I'm aware of AI. 💔
I loved A Price of a Thousand Blessings Volume 2. It was absolutely packed with twists and turns, reveals, a dozen dynamic characters, with intricate and intense world-building.
Similar to The Rifter series, you feel like it's just getting started. Each book so far was over 400 pages, so I imagine my 4+ star rating would have continued with the next 3 books, if not going higher. It's a fascinating new world, it has different timelines, the romance hasn't even started yet (sob).
I can't say much without spoilers, but I'd hazard a guess that anyone who enjoyed Hale's previous work will absolutely love this new series.
Hale included her usual amazing glossaries at the end of each book, these have: Glossary of Place and Time, Characters, History Timeline, and Sigils. All super useful since the writing is so detailed.
I won't recommend something when an author takes the AI path. However, if that situation changes then yes, I would highly recommend these books and would love to rate them the 4+ stars they deserve.
Thanks to BookSirens for the eARC, my opinions are my own.
Spoiler-free tags:
Queer epic fantasy series, magic, curses, dreams of gods, mystery, who is the traitor, new cities & towns, flying winged salamanders, duels, plot twists, heavy world-building
June 17, 2025
Really disappointed. Only the last chapter was interesting. I found the several incarnations spread over sereral individuals confusing. I found the history what happend to Cymin and Laithondi in the past confusing. I found the traitor plot confusing. And the endless depicting of spells and mythical figures hindered the pacing.
This book could have been 5 extra chapters in book #1. But now I have read the last chapter and they pick up where they left off in #1, I am willing to read book #3.
This book could have been 5 extra chapters in book #1. But now I have read the last chapter and they pick up where they left off in #1, I am willing to read book #3.
July 15, 2025
2de reread: I'm connecting other dots.... Mazilane....... Ife..... Arnaith...... I'm connecting......
What a DAY ! A day !
The twist, the turns... I really thought I had really all figured out. I didn't, my god, left me guessing at every turn.
I must say tho, it was beginning to get long at the half mark but whatever. The end largely makes up for it
I absolutely loved it, and I can't believe I have to wait for book 3 now........ I can't.....
What a DAY ! A day !
The twist, the turns... I really thought I had really all figured out. I didn't, my god, left me guessing at every turn.
I must say tho, it was beginning to get long at the half mark but whatever. The end largely makes up for it
I absolutely loved it, and I can't believe I have to wait for book 3 now........ I can't.....
July 3, 2025
Reposted from DA
Having escaped conscription to the Storm Towers at the last moment?thanks to some very quick train-hopping?Cymin is thrilled to at last be living his dream of seeing new lands and making friends with the fascinating secular mages outside Lux Temple. There’s even a chance he could win over the enigmatic Laithondi and officially join the ranks of the student bound for Saigrath.
Laithondi has already entrusted him with his dazzling ancillary sword, as well as the sacred Fei’suul Scepter. But that trust may prove the undoing of them all, when it marks Cymin as the target for ancient, corrupted spells. As he battles for his life and those of his new-found friends, Cymin must confront the darkest secrets from their shared past lives as well as the deadly plots threatening their lives now.
SOME VAGUE SPOILERS FROM BOOK ONE MAY APPEAR BEWARE
Review:
Dear Ginn Hale,
I dived in this book right after I finished the book 1. I enjoyed it overall, but want to warn the readers of two things. This book is just a second part of the single story, even chapter count continues from the first book instead of starting anew in this one. Second thing - this book is not the last book in the series. In the end it says that the adventures continue in the book three, so book three at least is confirmed to appear at some point. However I have heard ( this is not confirmed!) that the total of five books is planned. This if true and the themes of resurrection and reincarnation playing a prominent part in the story strengthens my conviction that Grandmaster books had been an inspiration source ( one of the sources?) for the author.
We catch up with our travelers right where we finished book one and while I cannot say that the story speeds up significantly till the second half of the story, I felt that even in the beginning it moved a little faster. The author did not spend just as much time describing the world and the magic as she did in the first volume, however we are not close to learning most of the mysteries and puzzles this world and the characters are keeping, so new information did appear as the readers were discovering at least some things along the way.
The blurb of the first volume did not talk much about who could become the potential love interest for our lovely Cymin, but *enigmatic Laithondi* does appear in this blurb so I think I can talk at least a little bit. Did I think that Laithondi behaved strangely towards Cymin? Absolutely! But I also saw the chemistry almost from the time they met . And the explanation made perfect sense and did surprise me. I mean, we had been told and shown that parts of previous lives showed up in our characters, but I was not expecting the twist at the end.
Where romance is concerned, I admit that I am disappointed that after more than 800 pages all we get for two main characters is the cautious friendship between them. But this is good I guess when the reader can *see* more and left *wanting more*.
There is one part of the story though that left my eyes glazing over. I did not really care about differences between certain rituals, I just wanted to know that they can do it . I was also a bit confused as to how some of them worked. I am aware that it was pointed in the twist at the end why differences in the rituals matter and because of that different results may happen, but my feelings remain the same.
I really enjoyed the traitor in the mix storyline, it really helped me care more for other young mages. The author fleshed out their characters in the action and it worked very well for me. I now care about most secondary characters as well, not just the main ones.
The story does not end with the cliffhanger, but a lot of things remain unresolved.
Grade: B+
Having escaped conscription to the Storm Towers at the last moment?thanks to some very quick train-hopping?Cymin is thrilled to at last be living his dream of seeing new lands and making friends with the fascinating secular mages outside Lux Temple. There’s even a chance he could win over the enigmatic Laithondi and officially join the ranks of the student bound for Saigrath.
Laithondi has already entrusted him with his dazzling ancillary sword, as well as the sacred Fei’suul Scepter. But that trust may prove the undoing of them all, when it marks Cymin as the target for ancient, corrupted spells. As he battles for his life and those of his new-found friends, Cymin must confront the darkest secrets from their shared past lives as well as the deadly plots threatening their lives now.
SOME VAGUE SPOILERS FROM BOOK ONE MAY APPEAR BEWARE
Review:
Dear Ginn Hale,
I dived in this book right after I finished the book 1. I enjoyed it overall, but want to warn the readers of two things. This book is just a second part of the single story, even chapter count continues from the first book instead of starting anew in this one. Second thing - this book is not the last book in the series. In the end it says that the adventures continue in the book three, so book three at least is confirmed to appear at some point. However I have heard ( this is not confirmed!) that the total of five books is planned. This if true and the themes of resurrection and reincarnation playing a prominent part in the story strengthens my conviction that Grandmaster books had been an inspiration source ( one of the sources?) for the author.
We catch up with our travelers right where we finished book one and while I cannot say that the story speeds up significantly till the second half of the story, I felt that even in the beginning it moved a little faster. The author did not spend just as much time describing the world and the magic as she did in the first volume, however we are not close to learning most of the mysteries and puzzles this world and the characters are keeping, so new information did appear as the readers were discovering at least some things along the way.
The blurb of the first volume did not talk much about who could become the potential love interest for our lovely Cymin, but *enigmatic Laithondi* does appear in this blurb so I think I can talk at least a little bit. Did I think that Laithondi behaved strangely towards Cymin? Absolutely! But I also saw the chemistry almost from the time they met . And the explanation made perfect sense and did surprise me. I mean, we had been told and shown that parts of previous lives showed up in our characters, but I was not expecting the twist at the end.
Where romance is concerned, I admit that I am disappointed that after more than 800 pages all we get for two main characters is the cautious friendship between them. But this is good I guess when the reader can *see* more and left *wanting more*.
There is one part of the story though that left my eyes glazing over. I did not really care about differences between certain rituals, I just wanted to know that they can do it . I was also a bit confused as to how some of them worked. I am aware that it was pointed in the twist at the end why differences in the rituals matter and because of that different results may happen, but my feelings remain the same.
I really enjoyed the traitor in the mix storyline, it really helped me care more for other young mages. The author fleshed out their characters in the action and it worked very well for me. I now care about most secondary characters as well, not just the main ones.
The story does not end with the cliffhanger, but a lot of things remain unresolved.
Grade: B+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
So much to say about this book! And it’s all good. The character development, the world building, the magic system, the intricate explanations of how and why it all works, is just absolutely beautifully and exquisitely well done. I haven’t read a book in a while that I immediately want to begin reading the next installment. And the humor and candor makes the characters so much more intimate and personable! This is definitely one that I will be getting a physical copy of when it’s published.
I will say to readers who want to breeze through books normally, that this book does take some time and patience to get through some of the explanations of aspects of the story building, but absolutely worth it in the end. So be prepared for that.
One of my favorite aspects is the underlying love story throughout. Though it is not fully recognized in this book, it definitely keeps you going to want to know how it continues to unfold in the next book. But such wonderful twists and turns to keep you guessing and hoping as to what will unfold next!
I will say to readers who want to breeze through books normally, that this book does take some time and patience to get through some of the explanations of aspects of the story building, but absolutely worth it in the end. So be prepared for that.
One of my favorite aspects is the underlying love story throughout. Though it is not fully recognized in this book, it definitely keeps you going to want to know how it continues to unfold in the next book. But such wonderful twists and turns to keep you guessing and hoping as to what will unfold next!
May 28, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Price of a Thousand Blessings is the second volume in the eponymous series by author Ginn Hale. It picks up immediately after the cliffhanger events that ended volume one. Like the first installment, the story is told exclusively from Cymin’s perspective, but the world and Cymin’s place in it allow for a little more breadth to his perspective. This story takes the world built up in the first volume and fleshes it out with details about how the principal and supporting cast fit into that world. All the while, there’s the growing question of who Cymin and Laithondi were to each other in past lives…and who they are to each other now.
Instead of a cliffhanger ending, this volume ends by resolving at least some of the tension that abounds in the relationship between Cymin and Laithondi. I was delighted to get some concrete specifics and while for me, personally, it felt like an ending…it also definitely feels like it might be a beginning.
Read Camille's review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Price of a Thousand Blessings is the second volume in the eponymous series by author Ginn Hale. It picks up immediately after the cliffhanger events that ended volume one. Like the first installment, the story is told exclusively from Cymin’s perspective, but the world and Cymin’s place in it allow for a little more breadth to his perspective. This story takes the world built up in the first volume and fleshes it out with details about how the principal and supporting cast fit into that world. All the while, there’s the growing question of who Cymin and Laithondi were to each other in past lives…and who they are to each other now.
Instead of a cliffhanger ending, this volume ends by resolving at least some of the tension that abounds in the relationship between Cymin and Laithondi. I was delighted to get some concrete specifics and while for me, personally, it felt like an ending…it also definitely feels like it might be a beginning.
Read Camille's review in its entirety here.
July 30, 2025
Picks up right where book 1 left off -- they really are two volumes of the same book, which didn't bother me because I read them back to back. I will say, I hadn't realized this was going to be a proper series, which is on me, so I went into this thinking this would be a conclusion, and it very much wasn't. Some interesting twists here, several of which I guessed, but the main one I did not, and that was fun! More relationship build here, but still in the "pre" phase, though I anticipate more movement there in the next book. If you like Ginn Hale, I think you'll enjoy these!
March 18, 2025
WHAT THE FORK DID I JUST READ LIKE
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING
If you liked the first book, i am pretty sure you'll love this one.
I was so confused throughout and like the dots were all getting connected and jumbled lol. It was kinda overwhelming at certain points and you could see that in Cymin too.
The story building and the way everything unfolds is just exquisite and i just know i am going to reread this and get an entirely different experience. I am just so excited to buy this book when i can!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING
If you liked the first book, i am pretty sure you'll love this one.
I was so confused throughout and like the dots were all getting connected and jumbled lol. It was kinda overwhelming at certain points and you could see that in Cymin too.
The story building and the way everything unfolds is just exquisite and i just know i am going to reread this and get an entirely different experience. I am just so excited to buy this book when i can!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2025
Few sequels manage to match the magic of their predecessors. Rarer still are those that deepen it. The second instalment in this beguiling fantasy series does just that. Delivering not only on the promise of Book One, but elevating it with greater emotional nuance, expanded world-building, and a magic system so meticulously crafted it feels almost academic in its precision.
We rejoin Cymin immediately where the first book left off, navigating their way back to the train and their companions we’ve grown to love. From the opening pages, the narrative hits the ground running, sweeping us once more into a universe brimming with danger, lore, and unexpected tenderness.
It is, frankly, a delight. The characterisation is intimate and sharply drawn, buoyed by a warm thread of humour that gives the cast a remarkable sense of presence and personality.
Readers accustomed to brisk, plot-driven fantasies may need to pause and recalibrate. This novel asks you to linger. The explanatory passages detailing the mechanisms of magic, the histories of nations, and the systems governing this world demand patience. But the reward is worth it: a fully immersive reading experience that refuses to sacrifice depth for speed.
Perhaps most enchanting is the quiet, slow-burn romance at the book’s heart. Still unresolved and simmering, it lends the story a deep emotional current—one that aches rather than shouts and leaves the reader yearning for more.
By the end, I found myself utterly bereft that it was over. Rarely do I close a book and feel so urgent a need to begin the next. Book Three cannot come soon enough.
We rejoin Cymin immediately where the first book left off, navigating their way back to the train and their companions we’ve grown to love. From the opening pages, the narrative hits the ground running, sweeping us once more into a universe brimming with danger, lore, and unexpected tenderness.
It is, frankly, a delight. The characterisation is intimate and sharply drawn, buoyed by a warm thread of humour that gives the cast a remarkable sense of presence and personality.
Readers accustomed to brisk, plot-driven fantasies may need to pause and recalibrate. This novel asks you to linger. The explanatory passages detailing the mechanisms of magic, the histories of nations, and the systems governing this world demand patience. But the reward is worth it: a fully immersive reading experience that refuses to sacrifice depth for speed.
Perhaps most enchanting is the quiet, slow-burn romance at the book’s heart. Still unresolved and simmering, it lends the story a deep emotional current—one that aches rather than shouts and leaves the reader yearning for more.
By the end, I found myself utterly bereft that it was over. Rarely do I close a book and feel so urgent a need to begin the next. Book Three cannot come soon enough.
March 12, 2025
What a twist!
At the end of the first volume, I thought I had a clear idea of the shape this sequel would follow - but I was so wrong! There are so many twists and turns, secrets and double-crosses: after the slow build of the first volume, this brings all the action. But it does it without sacrificing the slow, sweet moments that make Ginn's writing so special.
Cymin continues to be an adorable, engaging protagonist, but we see him facing some tough situations that call for real inner development.
While there are still many mysteries to be explored in the next book, this came to a satisfying conclusion, wrapping up this section of the story wonderfully while leaving me wanting more.
At the end of the first volume, I thought I had a clear idea of the shape this sequel would follow - but I was so wrong! There are so many twists and turns, secrets and double-crosses: after the slow build of the first volume, this brings all the action. But it does it without sacrificing the slow, sweet moments that make Ginn's writing so special.
Cymin continues to be an adorable, engaging protagonist, but we see him facing some tough situations that call for real inner development.
While there are still many mysteries to be explored in the next book, this came to a satisfying conclusion, wrapping up this section of the story wonderfully while leaving me wanting more.
November 6, 2025
Four Stars! and what did I just read?!
This is madness. MADNESS. That ending?? I DID NOT see that coming. You know like, in The Will of the Many and the last two pages are like what the fuck?? Aaaa. Something like that, but this was a much better book in general terms.
I'm just... wow. I finished this book last night. Went to bed. Slept on it. I already had my coffee and still, I am at loss for wordsssss.
Wow. Okay. Let's go. Review. Words. Words. Come on.
I guess we can get the easy part out of the way first. This book contains:
- No graphic smut but heavy mentions of explosive, bombastic sex between the MCs via a very realistic memory.
- Slow burn romance. The coals are still heating up. The tinder has yet to catch. The Large Hadron Collider is still undergoing maintenance and kept at 1.9 Kelvin. FOR NOW.
- Less world building, more action. Paying attention in the first book finally paid off! I was completely immersed in this one and could enjoy all the madness.
- Answers! A lot of things are sort of explained in this book, even though many more questions arise, I now have a concise idea of what is going on.
I can't quite believe that this entire book covers a SINGLE DAY. That was insane. But also very, very good. I feel for poor Cymin. My boy needs a hot meal and a good night's rest so very badly. Of course, he also needs to get laaaiiiidddddd. But this is gonna happen. I have faith in my girl Ginn Hale, she's gonna deliver.
Now, please DO NOT READ THE NEXT PART FOR IT CONTAINS SPECIFIC SPOILERS THAT RELATE TO THE SURPRISING ENDING.
OK SO THAT WAS AMAZING. This book is 4 stars because I've set the bar pretty high on this one and while I think this is a very good rating already, the book wasn't perfect. It was still a bit hard to understand at times, and the memory within a memory within a memory is not my cup of tea. It really did take a lot out of me and I feel like I got very little out of my efforts (I'm talking about the smut here. I don't like being teased and then given nothing.)
MARCH 2026 CANNOT COME ANY SOONER!
This is madness. MADNESS. That ending?? I DID NOT see that coming. You know like, in The Will of the Many and the last two pages are like what the fuck?? Aaaa. Something like that, but this was a much better book in general terms.
I'm just... wow. I finished this book last night. Went to bed. Slept on it. I already had my coffee and still, I am at loss for wordsssss.
Wow. Okay. Let's go. Review. Words. Words. Come on.
I guess we can get the easy part out of the way first. This book contains:
- No graphic smut but heavy mentions of explosive, bombastic sex between the MCs via a very realistic memory.
- Slow burn romance. The coals are still heating up. The tinder has yet to catch. The Large Hadron Collider is still undergoing maintenance and kept at 1.9 Kelvin. FOR NOW.
- Less world building, more action. Paying attention in the first book finally paid off! I was completely immersed in this one and could enjoy all the madness.
- Answers! A lot of things are sort of explained in this book, even though many more questions arise, I now have a concise idea of what is going on.
I can't quite believe that this entire book covers a SINGLE DAY. That was insane. But also very, very good. I feel for poor Cymin. My boy needs a hot meal and a good night's rest so very badly. Of course, he also needs to get laaaiiiidddddd. But this is gonna happen. I have faith in my girl Ginn Hale, she's gonna deliver.
Now, please DO NOT READ THE NEXT PART FOR IT CONTAINS SPECIFIC SPOILERS THAT RELATE TO THE SURPRISING ENDING.
OK SO THAT WAS AMAZING. This book is 4 stars because I've set the bar pretty high on this one and while I think this is a very good rating already, the book wasn't perfect. It was still a bit hard to understand at times, and the memory within a memory within a memory is not my cup of tea. It really did take a lot out of me and I feel like I got very little out of my efforts (I'm talking about the smut here. I don't like being teased and then given nothing.)
MARCH 2026 CANNOT COME ANY SOONER!
December 6, 2025
3 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
Cymin, his sister Yinni, and a cohort of other young mages are traveling with and learning from the legendary Waethir, who protect humanity from wild energy fluxes. However their train has been derailed, and soon Cymin suspects a traitor in their midst. In exploring that possibility, he learns a great deal about his own past and family.
Review
This book literally begins with Chapter Twenty-Two, indicating that, while sold separately, it’s meant as just part of the longer story started in Volume One . And it comes to slightly more of a resolution. But the existence of a projected Volumes Three and Four lead me to treat each book independently – by which standard, neither this book nor its predecessor feels complete.
While this book delves deeper into the developing mystery of how identity and memory are preserved by magic – for a select few – and it does provide us with solid information about Cymin’s own past, it unfortunately also doubles down on the first volume’s weaknesses. Everyone loves Cymin, and all sorts of attachments form – partly based on the memories being explored, partly … just because, and besides they’re all horny.
Much as with the first book, I was intrigued by the worldbuilding. Also as with the first, I was kept from really enjoying it by annoying characters. To be fair, there’s a lot for each – and for Cymin particularly – to process, but I didn’t buy their – and his – responses. While Cymin’s whole world is coming apart and he’s trying to figure out who he is and why a powerful immortal is unusually interested in his humble self, he’s also constantly talking back to that person and mixing in strong vibes of ‘let’s get it on’. If Cymin and Laithondi don’t have sex by the end of the series, it won’t be for lack of foreshadowing. However, I just could never buy his reactions, which didn’t fit the rest of his revealed character in the slightest. The supporting cast didn’t develop a lot more depth either, and it’s these character weaknesses that brought the book down for me. Worldbuilding-wise, I was highly intrigued. Character-wise, I don’t think I could stand to reach much more about them.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Cymin, his sister Yinni, and a cohort of other young mages are traveling with and learning from the legendary Waethir, who protect humanity from wild energy fluxes. However their train has been derailed, and soon Cymin suspects a traitor in their midst. In exploring that possibility, he learns a great deal about his own past and family.
Review
This book literally begins with Chapter Twenty-Two, indicating that, while sold separately, it’s meant as just part of the longer story started in Volume One . And it comes to slightly more of a resolution. But the existence of a projected Volumes Three and Four lead me to treat each book independently – by which standard, neither this book nor its predecessor feels complete.
While this book delves deeper into the developing mystery of how identity and memory are preserved by magic – for a select few – and it does provide us with solid information about Cymin’s own past, it unfortunately also doubles down on the first volume’s weaknesses. Everyone loves Cymin, and all sorts of attachments form – partly based on the memories being explored, partly … just because, and besides they’re all horny.
Much as with the first book, I was intrigued by the worldbuilding. Also as with the first, I was kept from really enjoying it by annoying characters. To be fair, there’s a lot for each – and for Cymin particularly – to process, but I didn’t buy their – and his – responses. While Cymin’s whole world is coming apart and he’s trying to figure out who he is and why a powerful immortal is unusually interested in his humble self, he’s also constantly talking back to that person and mixing in strong vibes of ‘let’s get it on’. If Cymin and Laithondi don’t have sex by the end of the series, it won’t be for lack of foreshadowing. However, I just could never buy his reactions, which didn’t fit the rest of his revealed character in the slightest. The supporting cast didn’t develop a lot more depth either, and it’s these character weaknesses that brought the book down for me. Worldbuilding-wise, I was highly intrigued. Character-wise, I don’t think I could stand to reach much more about them.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
I would like to thank BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ahhhh sorry to say but i did not vibe with this volume as much as i wanted to. I usually love a good sprawl of characters, but I honestly wish this was focused more on just Cymrin and Laithondi. I know i know. And i do understand that with the amount of backstories and lore and reincarnations etc that would have been almost impossible to do, but i was feeling spread too thin without an anchor and i latched on. Through most of this i felt like i was on the edge of something, but what i ended up getting just wasn't fulfilling enough for me.
And there was A LOT happening, don't get me wrong. There was action and drama and reveals and wtf-ness, but I simply wasn't emotionally invested in any of it. So while Volume 1 had that new shiny worldbuilding aura of excitement boosting it, Volume 2 was a bit of a slog for me and i'm pretty sad about that. But I'm very happy to see that so many people loved Volume 2 a lot, so it's obviously just a ME thing that i'll keep open-minded about for the next installment!
I just want to reconnect to all that cool intriguing stuff that the first volume introduced, and i really hope i find Volume 3 more vigorous and charming and emotionally fulfilling than this one!
Ahhhh sorry to say but i did not vibe with this volume as much as i wanted to. I usually love a good sprawl of characters, but I honestly wish this was focused more on just Cymrin and Laithondi. I know i know. And i do understand that with the amount of backstories and lore and reincarnations etc that would have been almost impossible to do, but i was feeling spread too thin without an anchor and i latched on. Through most of this i felt like i was on the edge of something, but what i ended up getting just wasn't fulfilling enough for me.
And there was A LOT happening, don't get me wrong. There was action and drama and reveals and wtf-ness, but I simply wasn't emotionally invested in any of it. So while Volume 1 had that new shiny worldbuilding aura of excitement boosting it, Volume 2 was a bit of a slog for me and i'm pretty sad about that. But I'm very happy to see that so many people loved Volume 2 a lot, so it's obviously just a ME thing that i'll keep open-minded about for the next installment!
I just want to reconnect to all that cool intriguing stuff that the first volume introduced, and i really hope i find Volume 3 more vigorous and charming and emotionally fulfilling than this one!
July 12, 2025
Book two of an ongoing series. In Price of a Thousand Blessings volume 2, young temple dedicate Cymin attempts to discover who attacked the train carrying him and his fellow adepts north to mysterious Saigrath. But the perpetrator was almost certainly one of his companions, and meanwhile Cymin has to contend with his dead family 's secrets and a past that threatens to overwhelm him...
Price of a Thousand Blessings is a book centered around memory and the weight of the past. Most of the characters have memories that are not their own, in a way that's closer to a haunting than reincarnation. I won't spoil who's got which memories, since untangling what Cymin and his friends are hiding is one of the chief delights of the books. But it's fascinating to see how even the same remembrances impact different characters, from PTSD-like nightmares to inherited obsessions.
I enjoyed the mix of the throughly twentieth-century Cymin and the more mythic Saigrathans, and I think the symbol-based magic system is fascinating. But the real draw of the book is character relationships, weighted down as they are by the drama and petty grievances of two centuries. Out of those relationships, the primary focus is given to Cymin's connection with the mysterious and curt Laithondi, as Cymin wonders how much of his feelings are his own--and how much is the past forcibly playing itself out again. Hale's playing the romance slow-burn, to the degree that I wonder if there's more than a third book to come.
An excellently done fantasy romance, if a bit leisurely paced. I was very sad when the book ended without a conclusion and no announcement to when book 3 is going to be released :(
Price of a Thousand Blessings is a book centered around memory and the weight of the past. Most of the characters have memories that are not their own, in a way that's closer to a haunting than reincarnation. I won't spoil who's got which memories, since untangling what Cymin and his friends are hiding is one of the chief delights of the books. But it's fascinating to see how even the same remembrances impact different characters, from PTSD-like nightmares to inherited obsessions.
I enjoyed the mix of the throughly twentieth-century Cymin and the more mythic Saigrathans, and I think the symbol-based magic system is fascinating. But the real draw of the book is character relationships, weighted down as they are by the drama and petty grievances of two centuries. Out of those relationships, the primary focus is given to Cymin's connection with the mysterious and curt Laithondi, as Cymin wonders how much of his feelings are his own--and how much is the past forcibly playing itself out again. Hale's playing the romance slow-burn, to the degree that I wonder if there's more than a third book to come.
An excellently done fantasy romance, if a bit leisurely paced. I was very sad when the book ended without a conclusion and no announcement to when book 3 is going to be released :(
August 13, 2025
Ok, first off, I have to say that I have never in my life been on the edge of my seat this hard waiting for a main character TO GET SOME REST. How was almost this entire book ONE day?! Honestly, I felt so bad for him and was constantly wondering how he was still on his feet as he just kept getting dragged through it. By the time he finally got to sleep it felt like when you are reading a slow burn and the main couple finally gets to kiss. (Good luck to Cymin/Laithondi in trying to be as good as Cymin/A good night's rest!)
There were a lot of great twists in this one with plenty that were genuinely surprising and made everything come together in a way that Ginn Hale excels at, and on top of all that we finally got a lot more time with the two main leads working together. There are still some students that I really don't care about and some that I can't even keep straight, but some of them are interesting and have a lot of potential. Mostly, I'm just excited to see the next city and the adventures Cymin has there. Hopefully, now that some of the secrets are out, the romance will start to progress. Either way I am totally ready for the next book.
There were a lot of great twists in this one with plenty that were genuinely surprising and made everything come together in a way that Ginn Hale excels at, and on top of all that we finally got a lot more time with the two main leads working together. There are still some students that I really don't care about and some that I can't even keep straight, but some of them are interesting and have a lot of potential. Mostly, I'm just excited to see the next city and the adventures Cymin has there. Hopefully, now that some of the secrets are out, the romance will start to progress. Either way I am totally ready for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 24, 2025I enjoyed reading Price of a Thousand Blessings (Volume 2) by Ginn Hale with its engrossing action and watching some mysteries being resolved. There were important issues remaining when all of a sudden was the page announcing Volume 3. Despite the abrupt ending of Volume 2, there weren’t a lot of cliffhangers.The narrative mostly followed the travails of Cymin, mage in training, and Laithondi, Waethir mage, as in the first book. There was a lot of activity in this book, including a battle where it was uncertain as to who was on Cymin’s side or not. New characters added to the complexity of the story. The trip to a country new to almost everyone continues with interesting stops on the way. I find the author’s intricate plotting that keeps the reader hooked one of my favorite reasons why I own virtually all of their books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
A lovely, intricate follow-up to the first book, with the same detailed worldbuilding and large, interesting cast of characters. I appreciated the opportunity to read a free ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
As with book one, the pacing was generally slow until it exploded into rapid action toward the end, leading into several twists I hadn’t predicted—but once they happened, I could look back and find foreshadowing that made it clear those developments didn’t come out of nowhere.
For me personally, the sometimes slow pacing is probably the only thing preventing this from being a five-star read. There were sections where my interest lagged and I just had to push onward in the knowledge that the pace would pick up eventually. To be fair, though, I think that sort of slow pace is simply a byproduct of the very detailed story the author is trying to tell, and it’s a compelling enough tale that I’m more than willing to power through. I look forward to future books in the series.
As with book one, the pacing was generally slow until it exploded into rapid action toward the end, leading into several twists I hadn’t predicted—but once they happened, I could look back and find foreshadowing that made it clear those developments didn’t come out of nowhere.
For me personally, the sometimes slow pacing is probably the only thing preventing this from being a five-star read. There were sections where my interest lagged and I just had to push onward in the knowledge that the pace would pick up eventually. To be fair, though, I think that sort of slow pace is simply a byproduct of the very detailed story the author is trying to tell, and it’s a compelling enough tale that I’m more than willing to power through. I look forward to future books in the series.
June 23, 2025
4 Stars
This one picked up from where we left off in volume one. The first half of this one seemed to go a lot slower as we spent a lot of time in one section.
The second half of this one picked up more for me and where it became one I had to finish.
We got some answers and while I had an inkling into one of them, I disregarded it while reading as a probably not. Further through other bits leaned towards it but I still only thought "What if". When the reveal came out, I was interested in how the characters had worked it out for themselves.
I do like this world and how the student mages have bonded together now, making a little family. I do find some of the magic and history hard to keep a handle on.
Trying to write this one without spoiling it is very hard
I'll definitely be reading the 3rd volume as the is still so much more to come out
This one picked up from where we left off in volume one. The first half of this one seemed to go a lot slower as we spent a lot of time in one section.
The second half of this one picked up more for me and where it became one I had to finish.
We got some answers and while I had an inkling into one of them, I disregarded it while reading as a probably not. Further through other bits leaned towards it but I still only thought "What if". When the reveal came out, I was interested in how the characters had worked it out for themselves.
I do like this world and how the student mages have bonded together now, making a little family. I do find some of the magic and history hard to keep a handle on.
Trying to write this one without spoiling it is very hard
I'll definitely be reading the 3rd volume as the is still so much more to come out
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
Well, I liked it but there’s a lot more issues in book 2. I don’t know if I’m just a dumb reader or if the plot just got really convoluted, but it was certainly hard to keep all the threads in my mind. I really loved how the story developed in book 1, I felt like I had a good understanding of things, but then we get into book 2 and it just seems like all the hard work of book 1 is almost thrown away because of complete plot U-turns that you had zero chance of knowing anything about beforehand. So instead, the author tells us all about this new plot U-turn in one chapter, and we’re just being info dumped and told about the new plot line instead of seeing it develop over many chapters, or even getting hints.
Anyways.. I’m very attached to the characters and a still enjoyed the story so I’m sure I’ll read the next book.
Well, I liked it but there’s a lot more issues in book 2. I don’t know if I’m just a dumb reader or if the plot just got really convoluted, but it was certainly hard to keep all the threads in my mind. I really loved how the story developed in book 1, I felt like I had a good understanding of things, but then we get into book 2 and it just seems like all the hard work of book 1 is almost thrown away because of complete plot U-turns that you had zero chance of knowing anything about beforehand. So instead, the author tells us all about this new plot U-turn in one chapter, and we’re just being info dumped and told about the new plot line instead of seeing it develop over many chapters, or even getting hints.
Anyways.. I’m very attached to the characters and a still enjoyed the story so I’m sure I’ll read the next book.
May 24, 2025
I was a bit hesitant going into this, but I feel like I approached it so much differently than Volume 1. Since I read to get my mind off life I try to get sucked into the world, but for me, these books are best enjoyed slowly. Take your time, get to know the characters, get closer day by day.
Because I took my time and didn't try to rush through it, I felt much more connected to the characters and the vast and beautiful worldbuilding. I gasped throughout this story because of the carefully crafted plottwists.
I'm so stoked to see where Volume 3 takes us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Because I took my time and didn't try to rush through it, I felt much more connected to the characters and the vast and beautiful worldbuilding. I gasped throughout this story because of the carefully crafted plottwists.
I'm so stoked to see where Volume 3 takes us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2025
Such a good follow up to book I! Nothing is better than a story that keeps you guessing, and I love that I was never sure exactly where things were heading. This book dives deeper into the characters, backstory, lore, magic and motivations that we start to learn about in book I. Cymin is a character I feel invested in and want to see how he develops within himself, and alongside others. Everything feels important in this book - every character, every description, every plot point...it's brilliant.
I received an advanced copy of this book at no cost, but my opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book at no cost, but my opinions are my own.
August 26, 2025
Straight to the point, if you enjoyed the first installment, there's no reason you should even consider not reading this one. The book is amazing; it keeps every good aspect of the first book but fixes what (in my opinion) were some weaknesses.
It's the continuation of the story, there's more action, and many secrets become clearer. There's one loose thread related to a major action scene, but it's nothing too serious.
And the ending... wow! I can't wait for the sequel.
So, I loved it and I totally recommend it.
It's the continuation of the story, there's more action, and many secrets become clearer. There's one loose thread related to a major action scene, but it's nothing too serious.
And the ending... wow! I can't wait for the sequel.
So, I loved it and I totally recommend it.
December 6, 2025
This was an astounding feat of myth-making. I was thoroughly committed to the characters and experienced a pretty severe book hangover after volume one. (I actually thought I would have to wait for volume 2 because of the "Coming Soon" cover in Audible, even though the recording was, in fact, available. Somebody at RB Digital needs to shoot Audible the art. Geez.)
Anyway, there are more twists in this story than in a skein of yarn. And everything you think you know—or hope—will be turned on its head by the end. I just loved it!
Anyway, there are more twists in this story than in a skein of yarn. And everything you think you know—or hope—will be turned on its head by the end. I just loved it!
July 9, 2025
I'm a bit disappointed. Barely anything happened, I can recall maybe two plot points that actually engaged my attention, which is unusual because I really adore previous Hale's series. The repetition of characters' names is also kind of painful, Cymin's name was written up to 18 times on a single page...
May 8, 2025
<- guy whose bookstore just had this book 2 weeks early for some reason.
Look. The crash and temple arc? Masterful gambit. So good. I can only recommend this. I laughed and I cried a little and I cheered them on and I was horrified and. I love Nyle, he is my babygirl.
Look. The crash and temple arc? Masterful gambit. So good. I can only recommend this. I laughed and I cried a little and I cheered them on and I was horrified and. I love Nyle, he is my babygirl.
November 16, 2025
Surprisingly dull. I feel all the big reveals and plat twist were all told to me after the fact and a very sedate and casual manner. Dull. But as always, she writes beautifully, I do enjoy how she describes food.
January 5, 2026
Did my ADHD figured out the plot twists before them being revealed? Yes.
But the WAY they unfolded was amazing.
I desperately need volume 3 and 4, as it very much feels half the story.
Is it crazy I’d love to get 2000 pages released in one go? 😭
But the WAY they unfolded was amazing.
I desperately need volume 3 and 4, as it very much feels half the story.
Is it crazy I’d love to get 2000 pages released in one go? 😭
June 5, 2025
Fantastic
I joined the author’s Patreon group so I can continue to read as the chapters come out. I cant recommend enough. Very original as all her books are.
I joined the author’s Patreon group so I can continue to read as the chapters come out. I cant recommend enough. Very original as all her books are.
July 6, 2025
Soooo I need the next book. I didn’t expect the ending and I am so here for it.
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