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The Quickening #2
Blood and Memory
General Wyl Thirsk of Morgravia has endured unimaginable loss at the hands of King Celimus - his best friend murdered, his sister imprisoned, and his mentor condemned to death. Now, Celimus has set his sights on the neighbouring realm of Briavel and its inexperienced Queen Valentyna, pressuring her into a doomed political marriage.
Wyl is desperate to save the woman he loves from this hideous fate, but destiny intervenes. Trapped by a gift from the witch, Myrren, Wyl must embark on a perilous journey to find the elusive Manwitch, the only one capable of breaking the dangerous enchantment over him.
As war looms from all directions, Wyl's quest becomes terrifyingly woven into the future of three realms - and he must confront his destiny to protect everything he holds dear.
Wyl is desperate to save the woman he loves from this hideous fate, but destiny intervenes. Trapped by a gift from the witch, Myrren, Wyl must embark on a perilous journey to find the elusive Manwitch, the only one capable of breaking the dangerous enchantment over him.
As war looms from all directions, Wyl's quest becomes terrifyingly woven into the future of three realms - and he must confront his destiny to protect everything he holds dear.
385 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
57 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
70 books2,001 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 29, 2011
This was way better than I have anticipated. I gave this a four for killing the SISTER! THE DAMN SISTER who became a victim of the quickening.
Well, half goes to the sister. And half goes to that hideous father of Myrren.
Am emotionally distraught right now. But am still willing to read the last book to find out about Celimus. May his soul rot in hell!. =)
Well, half goes to the sister. And half goes to that hideous father of Myrren.
Am emotionally distraught right now. But am still willing to read the last book to find out about Celimus. May his soul rot in hell!. =)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, but this was a step down. The total trusting of complete strangers and the coincidental things that kept happening were so much more unbelievable than what occurred in the first book. And the same things kept getting shoved down our throats again and again. Hopefully the third book will be more enjoyable. 3 stars.
November 27, 2021
Wow, que d’émotions dans ce deuxième tome ! Un coup de coeur, je l’ai dévoré.
Le tome 1 était vraiment bien, bien qu’il mette un peu de temps à se mettre en place, mais la fin était insupportable, il fallait que je sache la suite. Alors j’ai enchainé. Et le tome 2 m’a tenue en haleine du début à la fin.
Le concept du Dernier Souffle est très original et fortement lié aux personnages : en effet, j’aime particulièrement en apprendre plus sur les personnages que Wyl « rencontre » sous l’influence du sortilège de Myrren, à savoir Romen et Faryl. A chaque fois, ce dernier laisse une trace sur la personnalité de Wyl, ce qui soulève nombre de questions, notamment sur ce qui semble désormais presque inévitable : que se passerait-il si Wyl « rencontrait » Celimus ? Que va-t-il arriver à Ylena ?
J’avais beaucoup aimé les gentils du premier tome, et j’ai aussi beaucoup aimé ceux du deuxième tome : Elspyth, Pil, dame Bench, Elysius, Valentyna, Gueryn, Aremys et bien sûr la famille Donal dans son ensemble, avec une petite préférence pour Crys et Aleda, bien qu’Alyd reste mon Donal numéro 1. Quant aux méchants… et bien Celimus, qui aurait cru que ce soit possible, est de plus en plus détestable. Voilà bien un méchant à l’esprit malade que tout lecteur espère voir tomber dans la souffrance. Je pense que c’est le « meilleur » méchant que j’ai vu, dans le sens où il est vraiment affreux et haissable.
Arrive ensuite l’intrigue, qui suit son cours… moi qui pensais que le pire était passé dans le tome 1, j’étais loin du compte : le tome 2 est au moins aussi atroce. J’ai pleuré au moins autant en lisant Le Sang que pour le Don. C’est un fait : Le Dernier Souffle est une série triste, dure, et assez réaliste je trouve. Rien n’est épargné aux personnages, mais c’est bien fidèle aux mentalités de l’époque choisie et de contrées médiévales comme Morgravia, Briavel ou les Razors.
J’ai hâte de découvrir la conclusion avec le tome 3. Malgré tout ce qu’ils subissent, j’espère que les personnages connaitront enfin la paix. Bien sûr, je m’interroge tout particulièrement sur les avenirs de Wyl et Fynch : il y a de nombreuses possibilités, comme le dit Fynch à la fin du livre, et il n’est pas dit que le Dernier Souffle doive forcément prendre fin avec Celimus.
Le tome 1 était vraiment bien, bien qu’il mette un peu de temps à se mettre en place, mais la fin était insupportable, il fallait que je sache la suite. Alors j’ai enchainé. Et le tome 2 m’a tenue en haleine du début à la fin.
Le concept du Dernier Souffle est très original et fortement lié aux personnages : en effet, j’aime particulièrement en apprendre plus sur les personnages que Wyl « rencontre » sous l’influence du sortilège de Myrren, à savoir Romen et Faryl. A chaque fois, ce dernier laisse une trace sur la personnalité de Wyl, ce qui soulève nombre de questions, notamment sur ce qui semble désormais presque inévitable : que se passerait-il si Wyl « rencontrait » Celimus ? Que va-t-il arriver à Ylena ?
J’avais beaucoup aimé les gentils du premier tome, et j’ai aussi beaucoup aimé ceux du deuxième tome : Elspyth, Pil, dame Bench, Elysius, Valentyna, Gueryn, Aremys et bien sûr la famille Donal dans son ensemble, avec une petite préférence pour Crys et Aleda, bien qu’Alyd reste mon Donal numéro 1. Quant aux méchants… et bien Celimus, qui aurait cru que ce soit possible, est de plus en plus détestable. Voilà bien un méchant à l’esprit malade que tout lecteur espère voir tomber dans la souffrance. Je pense que c’est le « meilleur » méchant que j’ai vu, dans le sens où il est vraiment affreux et haissable.
Arrive ensuite l’intrigue, qui suit son cours… moi qui pensais que le pire était passé dans le tome 1, j’étais loin du compte : le tome 2 est au moins aussi atroce. J’ai pleuré au moins autant en lisant Le Sang que pour le Don. C’est un fait : Le Dernier Souffle est une série triste, dure, et assez réaliste je trouve. Rien n’est épargné aux personnages, mais c’est bien fidèle aux mentalités de l’époque choisie et de contrées médiévales comme Morgravia, Briavel ou les Razors.
J’ai hâte de découvrir la conclusion avec le tome 3. Malgré tout ce qu’ils subissent, j’espère que les personnages connaitront enfin la paix. Bien sûr, je m’interroge tout particulièrement sur les avenirs de Wyl et Fynch : il y a de nombreuses possibilités, comme le dit Fynch à la fin du livre, et il n’est pas dit que le Dernier Souffle doive forcément prendre fin avec Celimus.
August 1, 2022
4,5 sterren- Nederlandse paperback
Recensie volgt later.
Recensie volgt later.
November 23, 2011
It's books like this that make me enjoy reading so much. I don't think I wanted to put it down from the beginning. It was not your typical second part of a trilogy. There was plenty of action along with exposition. I just started the final book and can't wait to see how the story ends.
January 7, 2020
BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SERIES AS A WHOLE
I read this series I don't know how many years ago, but the idea has always stuck with me. Being cursed to hop from body to body until you kill the evil king. It was a great idea, that slowly and inexorably became overshadowed by "wuv, twoo wuv" until that was the primary plot point and an unsatisfying happy ending was had by all, except of course the bad guy.
This series could have been so much more. The wasted potential haunts me over a decade later.
I read this series I don't know how many years ago, but the idea has always stuck with me. Being cursed to hop from body to body until you kill the evil king. It was a great idea, that slowly and inexorably became overshadowed by "wuv, twoo wuv" until that was the primary plot point and an unsatisfying happy ending was had by all, except of course the bad guy.
This series could have been so much more. The wasted potential haunts me over a decade later.
June 9, 2019
Really great sequel, had me looking forward to book 3 as soon as I finished
April 1, 2020
Génial, je recommande
November 5, 2024
Autant j'ai trouvé les 3 quarts du livre intéressants et j'apprécie vraiment l'univers, autant je dois dire que j'ai un certain sentiment de lassitude.
Pas mal de choses sont prévisibles, et j'ai vraiment du mal avec la fin de certains personnages que je trouve vraiment bâclée. J'ai un peu ce sentiment de "purge" des personnages qui arrivent aussi vite qu'ils ne meurent, sans compter les personnages qui présentent des enjeux qui subissent pourtant le même sort; au final c'est à se demander comment un troisième tome est possible puisqu'au bout du compte il ne reste plus grand monde en vie 😅
J'ai quand même hâte d'avoir le dénouement de cette histoire, en espérant que le tome 3 ne tourne pas en rond
Pas mal de choses sont prévisibles, et j'ai vraiment du mal avec la fin de certains personnages que je trouve vraiment bâclée. J'ai un peu ce sentiment de "purge" des personnages qui arrivent aussi vite qu'ils ne meurent, sans compter les personnages qui présentent des enjeux qui subissent pourtant le même sort; au final c'est à se demander comment un troisième tome est possible puisqu'au bout du compte il ne reste plus grand monde en vie 😅
J'ai quand même hâte d'avoir le dénouement de cette histoire, en espérant que le tome 3 ne tourne pas en rond
March 28, 2025
Can't wait to read book #3
October 12, 2019
Quelques longueurs ici... mais la seconde moitié rehausse le niveau :) très convenu mais ça reste prenant
September 17, 2013
If you liked the first book of this series, Myrrens Gift, then you know you felt obligated to buy this almost immediately after. Fiona Macintosh keeps surprises hidden for what's either best or worse to come. I thoroughly enjoyed how easily it picked up from the first book as well rather than the usual explaining of what happened in the first book for the first 50 something odd pages. She took no hesitation as to jumping straight back into the seriousness of the series.
I had a hard time putting this book down at all when I first started reading it simply for the thrill of wanting to know what was going to happen next. I was very upset with the incident that happened at felrawthy (spoiler alert) since Ylena and Pil had to watch almost every good man that was of religious faith get slaughtered down by mercenaries. I liked the character of Ferryl almost more than Romem because it made me fathom the thought of being a woman and how true some of his actions were that I would make the same if put into those shoes. I almost wished that the character had been hold on to more and learn about the history of her rather than suddenly changing bodies into his beloved sister.
The story is bound to make it's readers say"Wtf! No!" several times through moments of the book which actually made me more excited to continue reading and made it so hard to put this book down. I immediately started reading it the day after I finished Myrrens Gift because not knowing what was going to be coming next of random events.
I give this one less star than I did Myrrens Gift because I thought the book didn't share the same passion as it did in the first one, the details and shocks were promising as expected from reading the first book, but didn't seem as intertwined as it ought to be. Over all the second edition in the quickening series is a very good addition to the trio making you bite your tongue in some anxiousness as to know what characters are doing at all times. -sag
I had a hard time putting this book down at all when I first started reading it simply for the thrill of wanting to know what was going to happen next. I was very upset with the incident that happened at felrawthy (spoiler alert) since Ylena and Pil had to watch almost every good man that was of religious faith get slaughtered down by mercenaries. I liked the character of Ferryl almost more than Romem because it made me fathom the thought of being a woman and how true some of his actions were that I would make the same if put into those shoes. I almost wished that the character had been hold on to more and learn about the history of her rather than suddenly changing bodies into his beloved sister.
The story is bound to make it's readers say"Wtf! No!" several times through moments of the book which actually made me more excited to continue reading and made it so hard to put this book down. I immediately started reading it the day after I finished Myrrens Gift because not knowing what was going to be coming next of random events.
I give this one less star than I did Myrrens Gift because I thought the book didn't share the same passion as it did in the first one, the details and shocks were promising as expected from reading the first book, but didn't seem as intertwined as it ought to be. Over all the second edition in the quickening series is a very good addition to the trio making you bite your tongue in some anxiousness as to know what characters are doing at all times. -sag
February 15, 2017
I was very disappointed. The simple style of writing in the first book was fine, the suspense was intense and it flowed nicely. But in this book, the intrigue is highly superficial, I skipped a lot of sentences. Too many cliches, too many repetitions (you have the same sentences on three following pages), the characters aren't interesting... too much words (and often those annoying repetitions) to say something without interest or repeat feelings. See how annoying it is ? Well the whole book is like that. I had already bought the third book, so I might read it out of boredom.
July 23, 2011
c2005. Oddly, for a second book of a series, quite a lot happened whilst setting up for the forthcoming book. Had some unusual twists that I was not expecting. The style of writing was even better than the first book. Loving it......Poor old Wyl (and Faryl and Ylena) and what about Lothryn? Fynch and Knave - a wonderful partnership and the new character of Aremys (reminiscent of The Three Musketeers) Who would have thought something like this could have happened to Lothryn? ? All the characters are great even the bad ones. Roll on the next one! "The news from Morgravia is extraordinary"..it is indeed!
February 12, 2025
4 Stars
Blood and Memory is the second instalment in The Quickening series by Fiona McIntosh. This is high fantasy with magic, romance, drama, danger, intrigue, mystery, action, and adventure - a well-woven story that made for a fantastic read.
One of my go-to authors as I am always guaranteed of a great read.
As expected, she didn't disappoint!
Well worth the read!
Buddy Read - 2025
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Fiona McIntosh!
Blood and Memory is the second instalment in The Quickening series by Fiona McIntosh. This is high fantasy with magic, romance, drama, danger, intrigue, mystery, action, and adventure - a well-woven story that made for a fantastic read.
One of my go-to authors as I am always guaranteed of a great read.
As expected, she didn't disappoint!
Well worth the read!
Buddy Read - 2025
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Fiona McIntosh!
December 14, 2010
The first book really should have ended the series; there was a point at which the plot converged so strongly towards a resolution that it almost feels that the story was damaged to prevent it from ending. This book introduces a number of new elements that almost feel as if they belonged in a different series.
Again, worth borrowing, but not buying.
Again, worth borrowing, but not buying.
May 7, 2025
Wyl Thirsk, travelled as Faryl, a beautiful and deadly killer, with her breasts strapped in linen. He hadn't looked at the body he now lived in. It was another gift of Myrren's curse. He hoped his sister Ylena was now safe with Elspyth. Queen 'Valentyna', needed him to stay alive to battle the spiteful King Celimus, who planned to trap her into marriage to unite the kingdoms. Wyl hoped that his young friend Fynch had been led by Knave, to safety. Now he sought Myrren's father to learn how to remove the curse.
Stopping at an inn to recover from the long ride was a mistake. Wyl went for a walk in the fresh air wearing Faryl's disguise, the beard, and manly clothes, these were discovered when he was attacked by a group of men. A big bear of a man, Aremys appeared and killed the attackers. Now he needed to recover from a beating and rape. Aremys admitted that Celimus had ordered Faryl disposed of.
Rittylworth, surrounded by the monks, was where Ylena had found solace and recovered from the torture Celimus had dealt her. The beheading of her husband was still fresh and the head was now in Brother Jakub's care, preserved and held for her to take as proof of the mad King's preoccupation with eliminating the Thirsk family, only she survived. She did not know that Myrren's curse had transformed him and that he lived. Ylena planned to go to her husband's family, the Duke of Felrawthy, her father-in-law, would certainly want to help her win retribution.
More gruesome deaths would follow as soldiers using the Morgravia banner stormed the monks' peaceful home, killing everyone except Ylena and Phil a novice monk who managed to escape the torture.
Celimus continued to murder at will and cause fear in the hearts of his subjects. Bodies, hung on crosses, lined the entryways to 'Pearlis' the capital of Morgravia, poor souls who failed to please the King. Now he wanted Ylena dead, his henchman Aremys, and anyone else who stood in his way, killed.
The magic that followed from Myrren's curse was explained to Wyl by her father. He was the 'Gate-Keeper' to 'The Wild'. Wyl found Fynch and Knave in this foreboding land behind a living Thicket that tossed those unwanted souls away. Fynch and Knave accepted Wyl's female form.
Wyl left the Wild, believing Fynch would follow. He did not know that the boy would be asked to take on a new and lifetime role.
This is a complicated and intriguing story. One I'm very much enjoying. I will be reading the third book in the series shortly. The review will follow.
Stopping at an inn to recover from the long ride was a mistake. Wyl went for a walk in the fresh air wearing Faryl's disguise, the beard, and manly clothes, these were discovered when he was attacked by a group of men. A big bear of a man, Aremys appeared and killed the attackers. Now he needed to recover from a beating and rape. Aremys admitted that Celimus had ordered Faryl disposed of.
Rittylworth, surrounded by the monks, was where Ylena had found solace and recovered from the torture Celimus had dealt her. The beheading of her husband was still fresh and the head was now in Brother Jakub's care, preserved and held for her to take as proof of the mad King's preoccupation with eliminating the Thirsk family, only she survived. She did not know that Myrren's curse had transformed him and that he lived. Ylena planned to go to her husband's family, the Duke of Felrawthy, her father-in-law, would certainly want to help her win retribution.
More gruesome deaths would follow as soldiers using the Morgravia banner stormed the monks' peaceful home, killing everyone except Ylena and Phil a novice monk who managed to escape the torture.
Celimus continued to murder at will and cause fear in the hearts of his subjects. Bodies, hung on crosses, lined the entryways to 'Pearlis' the capital of Morgravia, poor souls who failed to please the King. Now he wanted Ylena dead, his henchman Aremys, and anyone else who stood in his way, killed.
The magic that followed from Myrren's curse was explained to Wyl by her father. He was the 'Gate-Keeper' to 'The Wild'. Wyl found Fynch and Knave in this foreboding land behind a living Thicket that tossed those unwanted souls away. Fynch and Knave accepted Wyl's female form.
Wyl left the Wild, believing Fynch would follow. He did not know that the boy would be asked to take on a new and lifetime role.
This is a complicated and intriguing story. One I'm very much enjoying. I will be reading the third book in the series shortly. The review will follow.
August 31, 2025
“Blood and Memory” continues The Quickening trilogy with Fiona McIntosh’s masterful writing. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, her prose feels deeply similar to that of Robin Hobb in the Farseer Trilogy, and I would encourage any fan of Hobb’s to check out these books.
The book moves quickly, with some shocking turns of events that I did not see coming. However, after about the halfway mark the book becomes a bit one-note in its happenings and just becomes characters fleeing from one dangerous situation to the next.
The one biggest issue I had with this book is the sexual violence and harassment. Rape is featured twice in this book, both times to incredibly shocking effect, and I found them unnecessary and disturbing. Additionally, one character was far too liberally commenting on another character’s body in a creepy manner. While this was played for jokes, it was incredibly frustrating to read, as why should the harassed character just laugh it off?
Overall, I just enjoyed McIntosh’s writing so much, as well as the insanity of the story, that I gave this book such a high rating as well.
The book moves quickly, with some shocking turns of events that I did not see coming. However, after about the halfway mark the book becomes a bit one-note in its happenings and just becomes characters fleeing from one dangerous situation to the next.
The one biggest issue I had with this book is the sexual violence and harassment. Rape is featured twice in this book, both times to incredibly shocking effect, and I found them unnecessary and disturbing. Additionally, one character was far too liberally commenting on another character’s body in a creepy manner. While this was played for jokes, it was incredibly frustrating to read, as why should the harassed character just laugh it off?
Overall, I just enjoyed McIntosh’s writing so much, as well as the insanity of the story, that I gave this book such a high rating as well.
September 21, 2020
This has been a fun series so far.
I enjoy the world creation, as this gets a bit more fleshed out in this novel. The history we learn really adds to the plot and we get more understanding of how the magic works and why all the things are happening. In general, the writing is good and the story moves.
One thing to note; this books feels very predictable. We are told what the ultimate ending to this story will be in this second volume. I assumed this outcome from the first book. If McIntosh doesn't figure out a way to surprise me, I think it will be a bit of a let down. Some unexpected things did happen in this book, but when looking at it from the over-arching plot it actually felt more like we are being forced towards the ultimate end instead of what makes sense for a particular character.
Lastly, the writing feels a little green. It reads a bit like YA, juxtaposed with moments of extreme violence. This can be a disconcerting at times.
All of this to say that I will most definitely read the third book.
I enjoy the world creation, as this gets a bit more fleshed out in this novel. The history we learn really adds to the plot and we get more understanding of how the magic works and why all the things are happening. In general, the writing is good and the story moves.
One thing to note; this books feels very predictable. We are told what the ultimate ending to this story will be in this second volume. I assumed this outcome from the first book. If McIntosh doesn't figure out a way to surprise me, I think it will be a bit of a let down. Some unexpected things did happen in this book, but when looking at it from the over-arching plot it actually felt more like we are being forced towards the ultimate end instead of what makes sense for a particular character.
Lastly, the writing feels a little green. It reads a bit like YA, juxtaposed with moments of extreme violence. This can be a disconcerting at times.
All of this to say that I will most definitely read the third book.
October 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The curse deepens, and the cost of mercy grows heavier.
This second book takes everything Myrren’s Gift built and twists it tighter — darker politics, deeper betrayals, and a Wyl who’s trapped in a fate he can’t outrun. The story feels bigger here: a tapestry of kingdoms, vengeance, and love that dares to defy the gods.
McIntosh balances action with aching humanity — every decision cuts. It’s brutal, beautiful, and impossible to put down. The middle of a trilogy has no right to hit this hard.
The curse deepens, and the cost of mercy grows heavier.
This second book takes everything Myrren’s Gift built and twists it tighter — darker politics, deeper betrayals, and a Wyl who’s trapped in a fate he can’t outrun. The story feels bigger here: a tapestry of kingdoms, vengeance, and love that dares to defy the gods.
McIntosh balances action with aching humanity — every decision cuts. It’s brutal, beautiful, and impossible to put down. The middle of a trilogy has no right to hit this hard.
May 7, 2017
I think that trilogies run the risk of having nothing important happen in the middle book, as it becomes just a bridge between the set up and the climax.
NOT THIS ONE, though. the weird magic mounts. adventures are had, there's love and probably sex and it's vibrant throughout
NOT THIS ONE, though. the weird magic mounts. adventures are had, there's love and probably sex and it's vibrant throughout
February 5, 2019
Je suis bluffée, ce deuxième tome est aussi riche en rebondissement que le premier. On découvre de nouvelles choses sur le don et sur le monde. Les nouveaux personnages qu'on nous introduit son exceptionnels, l'intrigue continue et j'ai hâte de savoir comment tout ça va se dénouer.
February 25, 2019
An amazing sequence in The Quickening series! I read this in a matter of days in between school work and classes because I was so intrigued by the story. This series continues to consist of some of the best fantasy novels I've ever red.
April 17, 2020
Un tome certes très sombre mais qui regorge de richesses, de rebondissements et d’émotions. Le rythme est inquiétant, pesant. Il s’agit là d’une très bonne saga fantasy.
https://itsrainingreadings.ch/2020/04...
https://itsrainingreadings.ch/2020/04...
January 9, 2025
Continuing the tale of Morgravia and Briavel, this book twist and turns in delightfully troubling ways. At times predictable, at times shocking, switching from subtle intrigue to blunt brutality, it has hooked me in and made me care for the future of these realms and the folk who live in them.
July 21, 2017
Rather disappointing after the first book which I enjoyed so much. This had the potential to be so good but opted for terrible tropes and unrealistic character reactions.
December 22, 2018
I wish fantasy books had a little less rape.
February 20, 2019
An easy read but nonetheless enjoyable.
March 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed following the story of Wyl Finch, Knave, etc, I did think the story was getting a little too far-fetched, but can’t wait to read book 3
March 15, 2020
Even better than the first book. I couldn't put it down. It was full of twists and I had no idea what was going to happen next. Very good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews