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Heartstone Trilogy #2
Mistress Of Winter
The Black Emmeria calls to its own . . . and all that is vile in the world must answer the summons. The Nightmare Battle was won thanks to the noble sacrifice of the Heir of Autumn. Since then, the sorceress–concubine Shara has spent many fruitless years in her quest to free her beloved Brophy from the magical slumber that keeps the sinister magic of the Black Emmeria at bay. But an unending river of tormented dreams has twisted Brophy into a monster. And once awakened by the powerful Arefaine Morgeon, Brophy cruelly abandons his steadfast lover—joining instead the ambitious young enchantress in her scheme to return the notoriously savage City of Sorcerers to its former dark glory. Betrayed and abandoned, her heart irreparably shattered, Shara drowns her grief in a single-minded pursuit of pleasure and power, seduced into a deadly clash with a magical master of pain. And the world slides ever-closer to destruction . . .
- GenresFantasy
624 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 3, 2010
I really hate second books in trilogies that appear to all intents and purposes to have a satisfying conclusion and then when you get there, the novel just leaves you hanging. Lucky I waited to read this book until the third book was out. This second book is continuation of the first book -- many years later and Brophy is still a prisoner of the heartstone holding the evil magic at bay. The Child Goddess has grown up and comes to free Brophy, but she has a secret plan to use magic to re-bring a glorious Kingdom on Eften. Meanwhile, Shara is with the Ships of Summer on the open sea with Lawdon and Malik trying to stop a plot. There are various open plot lines that are left unfinished.
September 6, 2017
This is a second novel in a trilogy, and has the usual trappings of a second novel: lots of potential plots/storylines being developed, no large conflict (and therefore no big conflict resolution), etc. Also, is it possible for there to be a guy-girl pair that does not involve sex or have sexual relations?
The development is slow, and if you ignore the gratuitous sex, the writing is workmanlike - it gets the job done, but it's nothing special. A good point is that the authors balance the disparate timelines and characters well. It also doesn't dwell in unnecessary worldbuilding - e.g. we know there are ten paths of magic, but only two are explored.
Not having read the third book, my sense so far is that there are good ideas here, just not well executed. This has the potential to have been an epic series - it just hasn't been pulled off.
The development is slow, and if you ignore the gratuitous sex, the writing is workmanlike - it gets the job done, but it's nothing special. A good point is that the authors balance the disparate timelines and characters well. It also doesn't dwell in unnecessary worldbuilding - e.g. we know there are ten paths of magic, but only two are explored.
Not having read the third book, my sense so far is that there are good ideas here, just not well executed. This has the potential to have been an epic series - it just hasn't been pulled off.
May 4, 2023
Commentary
What a turn of events! The harrowed prince turned mad and a country dependent on madness. I think this is the book that had me thirsting for the next in the series. The plot thickens and a hero is challenged. Both characters are amazing but I am very enticed by the lead heroin as she adapts to make things work for her own needs while placed in horrible circumstances.
Tarot Card
Eight of Swords
Feeling trapped in a relationship or situation that is abusive or becoming abusive.
What a turn of events! The harrowed prince turned mad and a country dependent on madness. I think this is the book that had me thirsting for the next in the series. The plot thickens and a hero is challenged. Both characters are amazing but I am very enticed by the lead heroin as she adapts to make things work for her own needs while placed in horrible circumstances.
Tarot Card
Eight of Swords
Feeling trapped in a relationship or situation that is abusive or becoming abusive.
January 27, 2010
I enjoyed this fantasy trilogy immensely. If you enjoy fantasy novels then there is no reason you will not enjoy Book 1 (Heir of Autumn), Book 2 (Mistress of Winter), and Book 3 (Queen of Oblivion).
August 23, 2016
I loved it! I kept putting off reading this book too. I passed it by several times thinking it didn't look that interesting, it was too long, etc. I'm glad I finally picked it up. Well worth the read. I've just ordered the conclusion to this trilogy and can't wait to get it!
March 30, 2008
A well-rounded sequel to "Heir of Autumn". Engrossing characters, intense action and an open ending that begs for a satisfying conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews