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Allies & Assassins #2
A Conspiracy of Princes
The newly crowned Prince Jared, ruler of All Archenfield, has inherited a kingdom in crisis. The murder of his older brother has revealed a traitorous plot in his court, calling into question who, if anyone, Jared can trust as he ascends the throne. Now the realm is on the brink of invasion from the brutal Princes of Paddenburg, and Jared must travel to neighboring kingdoms in search of allies to defend his throne. Little does he know that an even more dangerous plot is hatching in the Archenfield court—one put in motion by the very people he left in charge.
The second book in Justin Somper’s Allies & Assassins series delivers another twisted tale of high-stakes betrayal and political machinations in a court where no one can be trusted and everyone is a suspect.
The second book in Justin Somper’s Allies & Assassins series delivers another twisted tale of high-stakes betrayal and political machinations in a court where no one can be trusted and everyone is a suspect.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2015
About the author
Justin Somper
55 books517 followersJustin Somper is a bestselling UK author whose Vampirates books have been translated into over twenty languages. Justin trained in sword-fighting to help him write the fight scenes in the Vampirates series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 29, 2016
Well, I guess this is going to be a trilogy!
Wait, what?! Author only contracted to do two books and not working on another one in this series?? With that ending?? Aw, crap.
Wait, what?! Author only contracted to do two books and not working on another one in this series?? With that ending?? Aw, crap.
April 17, 2021
I knew going in that this was a duology, and I reached the point in the book where I was like "there aren't a lot of pages left, and things keep getting worse and not better." I checked when the book was published (2015) and checked to see if there was a third (there wasn't). And then I finished the book, which ended with everything that could go wrong going wrong. It was set up perfectly to have a third book.
And that's when I learned there isn't one. And that there won't be one.
I'm heartbroken, to say the least. I grew attached to these characters, and I wanted to see their story through. But I'm left with no closure, no resolution. It was really disappointing. I think this book would have made a good sequel, but seeing as it's the last book in the series, it was incredibly unsatisfactory and I can only give it a two.
And that's when I learned there isn't one. And that there won't be one.
I'm heartbroken, to say the least. I grew attached to these characters, and I wanted to see their story through. But I'm left with no closure, no resolution. It was really disappointing. I think this book would have made a good sequel, but seeing as it's the last book in the series, it was incredibly unsatisfactory and I can only give it a two.
January 1, 2016
The sequel to Allies and Assassins doesn't fall victim to sophomore slump; the only problem is that on occasion a little more backstory would be nice for those who read the first book a while ago. The mix of strong male and female characters, as well as good and evil characters (and the reminder that not everyone is as they appear on the surface) is done well. Not having read any of the Game of Thrones books, I don't know for sure, but I suspect this would be a good gateway into that series for middle grade readers.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
October 5, 2015
You know how some second books aren't as good as the first? Well, to my great delight, this wasn't one of them. I just finished it and I have so many positive, wonderful thoughts. This is the first time I've kept notes on a book (via the back of my library receipt) and I'm really happy I did. So here's what I took note of...
Major and minor spoilers ahead...
The story picks up right where Allie & Assassins left off: with the impending invasion of Paddenburg. First off, the inclusion of the map helped a lot. Second, what was up with the prologue? Was that the author's way of saying, "This is what would have happened had things gone according to plan"? I foolishly thought that Logan was dead and when he was mentioned later, I was confused. Frankly, I still am as to the inclusion of that part.
But I digress. I'll discuss my thoughts in the order I had them written.
~Why does Hal have a cigarette? That seemed way too modern for this--as I imagine it to be--medieval setting. That's actually one of the things that killed the mood some times: the weirdly modern tidbits sprinkled throughout the story. It was mostly in dialog though.
~When Asta said that she "had an image of [Jared] sitting right here on this bench" I was like "Asta can see the future." But that didn't amount to anything, so I guess not. There isn't magic in these books anyway, so my idea was totally wishful thinking.
~An aspect that came up a lot was the over use of exclamation points and dashes. It had me looking up the way to use dashes and constantly reminded me that we're shouting!!!!!!
~What world is this that includes Valhalla and the Sword of Damocles? Those didn't fit in.
~When we met Edvin in book one, I pictured him as this awkward twelve year old with ill fitting clothes. Now he's saying he would "Cut quite a swath through foreign courts, especially...when there are females involved". Ummm, ok.
~The description of that crown made it out to be ugly and unwieldy. Press on.
~Now on the map, these countries don't exactly look small. But then Jared goes tramping across three of them in, like, five days. Do all of these places culminate to the size of Vatican City or something? Yeah, that's a bit small, but you get the idea.
~This is so minor it's barely worth bringing up but, Axel's toast was ready super fast since he'd woken up earlier than usual. p. 106
~When they talked to Queen Francesca I thought for sure that Logan would spring from jail and they'd have nothing in the end. reads ending. Close enough.
~The reveal that Kai is the prince's cousin, straight outta The Kings of Clonmel.
~So a week ago Nova fell to her apparent death and now she's galloping across the highlands? That doesn't seem very accurate.
~I suspected something mostly improper was going on between Lucas and Silva back in book one when Asta comes back from the fjord and runs into Lucas just before they find Silva's body. But later on Axel is talking to Lucas and he asked who was the baby's father and I'm like "Woah, is Lucas Aramis from BBC's The Musketeers?"
~Emelie and Axel. Do I need to expand on that thought? Aside from the randomness of their past relationship (at least, I thought it was random), I thought her questions to him were reasonable. But you know what that scene was missing? Some suggestive glances and actions resulting in some bed action. Let me be the first to admit that sex doesn't solve everything or even anything. But the parts with them and then with Elin and Morgan (seriously though, how old is Elin? 'cause that was a little gross) could have had a bit more, dare I say it, sex.
~I love that part on p. 318 when Axel is all like "Should I draw you a picture?"
~I would have liked an explanation of how Lydia met the Princes of P. She said that when she first met them they had plenty of ambition but no clear strategy, so how did they meet?
~This just occurred to me while writing this: Ven & Hen think they're controlling L&L, L&L think they're the people really in control, and Axel & Jared are like "Uh, no, we're the ones who are really in charge of things. In a round about way." Love it.
~At the beginning when Jared asks Asta to be his Poet (yay), she gives him the sprig of rue. I thought for sure that it would come up and save someone's life. Maybe Hal and that would secure his vote for Jared. Oh well.
~When Axel saves Asta's life, I grinned like an idiot. Me: "See, it's ok to cheer for the anit-hero."
~groans in annoyance at the sheer lameness of it Is Ven gay? Does this have to be included in every book now?
~Just before Jared fights Ven he thinks that invading Archenfield is motiveless. Getting more land, no matter how greedy that makes you, is still a motive.
~"I am the Prince of All Archenfield now," Axel snapped. "You are? Since when?" "I'd have thought your spies would have been swift to bring you this news," said Axel. "Or were you too busy being humiliated on the battlefield by my cousin?" Me: "Go Axel!"
~Elliot is the spy? Buuuuurrrrrrnnnnnn.
~p. 447 Interesting way to squeeze the title in. (It's called a murder of crows? I did not know that.)
~After the battle Rohan's men kinda disappear. The author could have taken one sentence to avoid that.
~Axel stabbing Elliot? Perfection.
~"What makes you think it was the first time I killed someone?" Me, bug-eyed, breathes softly: "Woah."
~The reveal that Jared and Axel are working together? Pure perfection. I mean, can it get any better? But I wonder how they'll split the winnings and if there's a possibility that Axel might go to the dark side anyway. Could Logan twist his thoughts in that regard? I hope Axel gets Paddenburg and Jared Archenfield and they forge the best alliance ever. Only time will tell.
~And finally: I really hope that Elias doesn't turn out to be another P spy. That would not be cool.
So, that was way too long. And I still have some things to add.
The characters:
Jared & Asta~I really liked seeing both of their growths in this book. One day they'll make a killer couple. Even Axel admitted he liked Asta. And the way Jared handled the negotiations with the other countries was quite admirable, lies and all.
Axel~In case you can't tell by now, I really like Axel. This is one of those few times when I sort of like the anti-hero more than the protagonist. He's ambitious, yeah, but you know where he stands. Most of the time.
Koel~I thought I liked her, but then things went south. But, much like Jared, I do have a fondness for her. A bit.
The death of Father Simeon and Jonas~Whatever.
The Paddenburg Bunch and Logan~Kill them all!
The Plot:
I don't normally go for political machinations, but this won me over. If Game of Thrones is anything like this, I'll definitely have to check that out too. The genuine twisty-ness of things and the lack of trust you should have for any of the characters is something I rarely, if ever, experience. Axel said something along the lines of if you don't trust anyone, you'll be less hurt if they betray you. That rings true with this story.
Overall: I am so stoked for book 3. I don't know when it's coming out, but I await its arrival eagerly.
Major and minor spoilers ahead...
The story picks up right where Allie & Assassins left off: with the impending invasion of Paddenburg. First off, the inclusion of the map helped a lot. Second, what was up with the prologue? Was that the author's way of saying, "This is what would have happened had things gone according to plan"? I foolishly thought that Logan was dead and when he was mentioned later, I was confused. Frankly, I still am as to the inclusion of that part.
But I digress. I'll discuss my thoughts in the order I had them written.
~Why does Hal have a cigarette? That seemed way too modern for this--as I imagine it to be--medieval setting. That's actually one of the things that killed the mood some times: the weirdly modern tidbits sprinkled throughout the story. It was mostly in dialog though.
~When Asta said that she "had an image of [Jared] sitting right here on this bench" I was like "Asta can see the future." But that didn't amount to anything, so I guess not. There isn't magic in these books anyway, so my idea was totally wishful thinking.
~An aspect that came up a lot was the over use of exclamation points and dashes. It had me looking up the way to use dashes and constantly reminded me that we're shouting!!!!!!
~What world is this that includes Valhalla and the Sword of Damocles? Those didn't fit in.
~When we met Edvin in book one, I pictured him as this awkward twelve year old with ill fitting clothes. Now he's saying he would "Cut quite a swath through foreign courts, especially...when there are females involved". Ummm, ok.
~The description of that crown made it out to be ugly and unwieldy. Press on.
~Now on the map, these countries don't exactly look small. But then Jared goes tramping across three of them in, like, five days. Do all of these places culminate to the size of Vatican City or something? Yeah, that's a bit small, but you get the idea.
~This is so minor it's barely worth bringing up but, Axel's toast was ready super fast since he'd woken up earlier than usual. p. 106
~When they talked to Queen Francesca I thought for sure that Logan would spring from jail and they'd have nothing in the end. reads ending. Close enough.
~The reveal that Kai is the prince's cousin, straight outta The Kings of Clonmel.
~So a week ago Nova fell to her apparent death and now she's galloping across the highlands? That doesn't seem very accurate.
~I suspected something mostly improper was going on between Lucas and Silva back in book one when Asta comes back from the fjord and runs into Lucas just before they find Silva's body. But later on Axel is talking to Lucas and he asked who was the baby's father and I'm like "Woah, is Lucas Aramis from BBC's The Musketeers?"
~Emelie and Axel. Do I need to expand on that thought? Aside from the randomness of their past relationship (at least, I thought it was random), I thought her questions to him were reasonable. But you know what that scene was missing? Some suggestive glances and actions resulting in some bed action. Let me be the first to admit that sex doesn't solve everything or even anything. But the parts with them and then with Elin and Morgan (seriously though, how old is Elin? 'cause that was a little gross) could have had a bit more, dare I say it, sex.
~I love that part on p. 318 when Axel is all like "Should I draw you a picture?"
~I would have liked an explanation of how Lydia met the Princes of P. She said that when she first met them they had plenty of ambition but no clear strategy, so how did they meet?
~This just occurred to me while writing this: Ven & Hen think they're controlling L&L, L&L think they're the people really in control, and Axel & Jared are like "Uh, no, we're the ones who are really in charge of things. In a round about way." Love it.
~At the beginning when Jared asks Asta to be his Poet (yay), she gives him the sprig of rue. I thought for sure that it would come up and save someone's life. Maybe Hal and that would secure his vote for Jared. Oh well.
~When Axel saves Asta's life, I grinned like an idiot. Me: "See, it's ok to cheer for the anit-hero."
~groans in annoyance at the sheer lameness of it Is Ven gay? Does this have to be included in every book now?
~Just before Jared fights Ven he thinks that invading Archenfield is motiveless. Getting more land, no matter how greedy that makes you, is still a motive.
~"I am the Prince of All Archenfield now," Axel snapped. "You are? Since when?" "I'd have thought your spies would have been swift to bring you this news," said Axel. "Or were you too busy being humiliated on the battlefield by my cousin?" Me: "Go Axel!"
~Elliot is the spy? Buuuuurrrrrrnnnnnn.
~p. 447 Interesting way to squeeze the title in. (It's called a murder of crows? I did not know that.)
~After the battle Rohan's men kinda disappear. The author could have taken one sentence to avoid that.
~Axel stabbing Elliot? Perfection.
~"What makes you think it was the first time I killed someone?" Me, bug-eyed, breathes softly: "Woah."
~The reveal that Jared and Axel are working together? Pure perfection. I mean, can it get any better? But I wonder how they'll split the winnings and if there's a possibility that Axel might go to the dark side anyway. Could Logan twist his thoughts in that regard? I hope Axel gets Paddenburg and Jared Archenfield and they forge the best alliance ever. Only time will tell.
~And finally: I really hope that Elias doesn't turn out to be another P spy. That would not be cool.
So, that was way too long. And I still have some things to add.
The characters:
Jared & Asta~I really liked seeing both of their growths in this book. One day they'll make a killer couple. Even Axel admitted he liked Asta. And the way Jared handled the negotiations with the other countries was quite admirable, lies and all.
Axel~In case you can't tell by now, I really like Axel. This is one of those few times when I sort of like the anti-hero more than the protagonist. He's ambitious, yeah, but you know where he stands. Most of the time.
Koel~I thought I liked her, but then things went south. But, much like Jared, I do have a fondness for her. A bit.
The death of Father Simeon and Jonas~Whatever.
The Paddenburg Bunch and Logan~Kill them all!
The Plot:
I don't normally go for political machinations, but this won me over. If Game of Thrones is anything like this, I'll definitely have to check that out too. The genuine twisty-ness of things and the lack of trust you should have for any of the characters is something I rarely, if ever, experience. Axel said something along the lines of if you don't trust anyone, you'll be less hurt if they betray you. That rings true with this story.
Overall: I am so stoked for book 3. I don't know when it's coming out, but I await its arrival eagerly.
March 28, 2018
This was a good read, I loved how the Prince went off to fix what his country had messed up and find new allies, the journey and description of these make belief countries were amazing and filled the mind with wonder.
And once again, you couldn't trust who was on who's side in the political conflict.
The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because it left too many unanswered questions. (SPOILER ALERT*)
What was the point of the Prince's struggle over the last two books if his kingdom was lost anyway? Who will end up ultimately in charge of the country? will it be the traitor, his cousin or will his cousin finally get a clue and help him regain the throne? seeing as he lost the Princedom in less than 2 days 😂😂 When will the evil siblings strike out against the two princes? Did she ever love him? Sooo many questions and no book three. So disappointing. No conclusion or closure what so ever. Not cool....
Still a good read tho and don't regret it. Gave it a 4 star because I still enjoyed this more than say....Mockingjay. That book ruined The Hunger Game trilogy for me. This plot hasn't been ruined....yet lol, it just needed a solid end imo 🤔😊
And once again, you couldn't trust who was on who's side in the political conflict.
The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because it left too many unanswered questions. (SPOILER ALERT*)
What was the point of the Prince's struggle over the last two books if his kingdom was lost anyway? Who will end up ultimately in charge of the country? will it be the traitor, his cousin or will his cousin finally get a clue and help him regain the throne? seeing as he lost the Princedom in less than 2 days 😂😂 When will the evil siblings strike out against the two princes? Did she ever love him? Sooo many questions and no book three. So disappointing. No conclusion or closure what so ever. Not cool....
Still a good read tho and don't regret it. Gave it a 4 star because I still enjoyed this more than say....Mockingjay. That book ruined The Hunger Game trilogy for me. This plot hasn't been ruined....yet lol, it just needed a solid end imo 🤔😊
October 29, 2017
If ever there was a book with twists and turns throughout, this is the one.
The book picks up right where the first one ended, with just enough of a recap and reintroduction of the characters that helps the reader get back into the plot. But then, everything you think you know, think you understand, or even think you can predict becomes murky with conspiracy.
I won't give any of the details away, even though I would love to post some questions to see what others have to say, other than to keep reading to the very...last...page. Even after read that page, you may be like me. More questions than answers.
The book picks up right where the first one ended, with just enough of a recap and reintroduction of the characters that helps the reader get back into the plot. But then, everything you think you know, think you understand, or even think you can predict becomes murky with conspiracy.
I won't give any of the details away, even though I would love to post some questions to see what others have to say, other than to keep reading to the very...last...page. Even after read that page, you may be like me. More questions than answers.
January 28, 2023
ALLIES & ASSASSINS + A CONSPIRACY OF PRINCES
BY. JUSTIN SOMPER
Prince Anders Wynyard has died, and now Prince Jared must ascend to the throne. The problem is that he is only a sixteen year old boy, with no intelligence on how to properly rule a princedom.. While an invasion from the nearby and ambitious princedom - Paddenburg - is nearly upon them, there are multiple leeches lurking inside the castle - and who knows, they just might be right about kicking Prince Jared off the throne.
Justin Somper’s series is a fascinating, intriguing, and amazing series.
Don’t miss it.
BY. JUSTIN SOMPER
Prince Anders Wynyard has died, and now Prince Jared must ascend to the throne. The problem is that he is only a sixteen year old boy, with no intelligence on how to properly rule a princedom.. While an invasion from the nearby and ambitious princedom - Paddenburg - is nearly upon them, there are multiple leeches lurking inside the castle - and who knows, they just might be right about kicking Prince Jared off the throne.
Justin Somper’s series is a fascinating, intriguing, and amazing series.
Don’t miss it.
September 25, 2017
1.5 stars
This is so disappointing. Especially as this could have been 1000 times better! It was slow...I could have lived with that but I don't like the ending. There isn't a third book so this should have ended it NOT leave it on a cliffhanger. Besides, even apart from that I just felt like there shouldn't have been a sequel and the first one should have ended without the cliffhanger.
Either way...this took me WAY TOO LONG to finish. #disappointed.
This is so disappointing. Especially as this could have been 1000 times better! It was slow...I could have lived with that but I don't like the ending. There isn't a third book so this should have ended it NOT leave it on a cliffhanger. Besides, even apart from that I just felt like there shouldn't have been a sequel and the first one should have ended without the cliffhanger.
Either way...this took me WAY TOO LONG to finish. #disappointed.
April 17, 2019
The plot in second book is different from the first one. Book one is about “who did it.” This second installment is about “what is the grand scheme.” My mind is blown for I don’t know what is really the truth. In the end, the truth unravels but it’s left on cliffhanger. Since this book is published in 2015, will there be a third book to find out the ending of it? I wish there is. Crossing my fingers.
June 9, 2022
4.5 / 5
This duology isn’t perfect - and having just found out that this is a duology I would say I’m not a huge fan of the ending - but it’s still a very good time. I enjoyed all the court politics and the betrayals. I was fully engrossed in the details. I would recommend these books wholeheartedly.
This duology isn’t perfect - and having just found out that this is a duology I would say I’m not a huge fan of the ending - but it’s still a very good time. I enjoyed all the court politics and the betrayals. I was fully engrossed in the details. I would recommend these books wholeheartedly.
August 2, 2020
Enjoyed the book, frustrating that there isn't a follow up.
May 28, 2016
The sequel to Allies & Assassins did not disappoint. Much like the first book a Conspiracy of Princes welcomes you to a world of mystery, murder, and the never ending plot twist that leave you both astonished and bone dead tired.
I adore the world that Justin Somper has built, in the first book we are introduced to the court of Archenfield and Jared who now is a brand new Prince of All of Archenfield. Jared may be a bit naive and a bit to trusting in all the wrong people, but all the same he is a great Prince even though he hasn't had that much of an experience with it.
In this book we enter into the court once more and are welcomed by Jared who now is crowned, and well into the path of healing from the misfortunes of the previous book. All the same terrible people are present, as well as new ones. Just when you think that maybe Jared may have room to breath a new threat as arisen.
In this book you meet Lady Lydia Wilde, sister of Logan Wilde, and wife of Henning Prince of Paddenburg. And you guess it, Lydia as well as her husband, and Henning's brother Venn, are all the new enemies to a world already full of old ones.
I must say that from other reviews I have come to understand that people have find Somper writing rather boring and a bit to elaborate when it came to the world building, and that he didn't have enough tension. I on the other hand is fascinated and giddy by all the plot twist, the tension, and the never ending thought: how will this all end? I think that Somper brings us into a new world with a set of quite amazing words. I find that his world building, character development, and over all writing is over the top. One of the best writings I have ever laid my hands on.
Compared to the first book we get to see the rest of world that Prince Jared and the Twelve live in. Not only Archenfield, or Paddenburg were we follow Lydia, but also a few of the other countries. I am amazed by the difference, the similarities, and am over all astonished by the puzzle of seasons and environment that Somper has succeeded in building.
It is also due to this that I have ranked the sequel a bit higher than the first book. I love the way we get further and deeper in to the story, I love that the character developments in both Prince Jared, in Asta Peck, and that of Axel Blaxland are portrayed. And over all I love the fact that I once again got to read about them.
These books aren't in my typical liking since I much rather adore to read about monsters, different mythologies, and Young Adult books. But these two has left me no choice but to accept that they are far better than I thought. I picked the first one up on a whim, but I am grateful that I picked it up.
I wouldn't recommend this to those of you who much rather read a story with monsters, magic, and fantasy. This story has non of that. Instead this story gives you war, mystery, and is set way back in the past. Although it does bring a whole lot of other perspectives to the table than just a simple monster from a fantasy book, for monsters are more than just a creature with claws, a monster can be that of man.
I adore the world that Justin Somper has built, in the first book we are introduced to the court of Archenfield and Jared who now is a brand new Prince of All of Archenfield. Jared may be a bit naive and a bit to trusting in all the wrong people, but all the same he is a great Prince even though he hasn't had that much of an experience with it.
In this book we enter into the court once more and are welcomed by Jared who now is crowned, and well into the path of healing from the misfortunes of the previous book. All the same terrible people are present, as well as new ones. Just when you think that maybe Jared may have room to breath a new threat as arisen.
In this book you meet Lady Lydia Wilde, sister of Logan Wilde, and wife of Henning Prince of Paddenburg. And you guess it, Lydia as well as her husband, and Henning's brother Venn, are all the new enemies to a world already full of old ones.
I must say that from other reviews I have come to understand that people have find Somper writing rather boring and a bit to elaborate when it came to the world building, and that he didn't have enough tension. I on the other hand is fascinated and giddy by all the plot twist, the tension, and the never ending thought: how will this all end? I think that Somper brings us into a new world with a set of quite amazing words. I find that his world building, character development, and over all writing is over the top. One of the best writings I have ever laid my hands on.
Compared to the first book we get to see the rest of world that Prince Jared and the Twelve live in. Not only Archenfield, or Paddenburg were we follow Lydia, but also a few of the other countries. I am amazed by the difference, the similarities, and am over all astonished by the puzzle of seasons and environment that Somper has succeeded in building.
It is also due to this that I have ranked the sequel a bit higher than the first book. I love the way we get further and deeper in to the story, I love that the character developments in both Prince Jared, in Asta Peck, and that of Axel Blaxland are portrayed. And over all I love the fact that I once again got to read about them.
These books aren't in my typical liking since I much rather adore to read about monsters, different mythologies, and Young Adult books. But these two has left me no choice but to accept that they are far better than I thought. I picked the first one up on a whim, but I am grateful that I picked it up.
I wouldn't recommend this to those of you who much rather read a story with monsters, magic, and fantasy. This story has non of that. Instead this story gives you war, mystery, and is set way back in the past. Although it does bring a whole lot of other perspectives to the table than just a simple monster from a fantasy book, for monsters are more than just a creature with claws, a monster can be that of man.
January 5, 2016
The chances of you not already hearing a story like “Conspiracy of Princes” by Justin Somper, is pretty slim. It’s the story of a young teenage prince named Jared who receives a war ultimatum from a neighboring kingdom and he has to make allies before the attack comes. While this is happening, his closest noblemen and noblewomen are secretly planning to rid him of his position on the throne. I had optimism going into the story so I hoped it could be interesting, but the author wrote the story terribly. The writing was incredibly boring throughout the entire book and very confusing as well. The chapters were choppy and featured “mini-chapters” within them, which caused me lose track of what was happening pretty often. Not only that, but the novel spent too much time on unimportant scenes. I might be a little bias towards this book because I have not generally had a lot of success with fantasy books except for Harry Potter. I tried very hard to like this book. I couldn’t find any good aspects no matter how hard I tried. The descriptive moments in the book were short-lived as Justin Somper settled on delivering the bare minimum for detail. Description could have gotten me to enjoy the book more but he failed in executing this properly. I haven’t disliked a book this much in a long time. It has been too long ago for me to remember. I definitely do not recommend this book unless you love fantasy and read that genre the most often, and even if that is true, I still don’t think you will like it.
February 20, 2015
A Conspiracy of Princes written by James Somper is an extremely intriguing read after Allies and Assassins, which was the last book in the series. This book contains the same interesting storyline, characters, and maintains a way to make politics interesting in this medieval setting. The still newly crowned Prince Jared of Archenfield has received a new threat to himself as well as his kingdom. Prince Jared must defend his people against the princes of Paddenburg. In an act of desperation, Prince Jared looks to the neighboring kingdoms for help against fending off Archenfield against the kingdom of Paddenburg. A possibly somewhat more troubling problem remains within Archenfield as well. After the assassination in Allies in Assassins is uncovered, Jared wonders if he can trust anyone at all in the inner circle. Prince Jared has to overcome these two feats in this exciting and fast-paced medieval novel.
July 28, 2015
3.5 stars, I'm rounding up.
This book is twistier than a barrel of rattlesnakes! You never know who is plotting what. While I did not like it quite as much as the first one, I still thought this book was a lot of fun. I just wish Prince Jared was a little more...developed. The supporting characters are almost all wonderful, with nuances and quirks, but Jared is very very white bread. I don't really feel like I know him, which is weird because I've spent two books with him.
People I like: Asta, Koel, and Lydia (although I think she's nuts). I was also very fond of Axel as a villain-ish person. Definitely looking forward to book 3!
This book is twistier than a barrel of rattlesnakes! You never know who is plotting what. While I did not like it quite as much as the first one, I still thought this book was a lot of fun. I just wish Prince Jared was a little more...developed. The supporting characters are almost all wonderful, with nuances and quirks, but Jared is very very white bread. I don't really feel like I know him, which is weird because I've spent two books with him.
People I like: Asta, Koel, and Lydia (although I think she's nuts). I was also very fond of Axel as a villain-ish person. Definitely looking forward to book 3!
June 7, 2015
Twists and turns and betrayals abound as Prince Justin faces foes inside and outside his newly-inherited kingdom. Takes place within weeks of the first book, there are political maneuverings, alliances, deceptions, deaths, battles, and intrigue, most of which makes sense.
Possible spoiler in the form of a question:
If Princes Venn and Henning are willing to have their own father murdered to give them authority, why would they agree to letting Prince Jared live and go into exile, especially with a few of his trusted (?) advisors, and especially when he'd already rounded up some allies in neighboring kingdoms?
Possible spoiler in the form of a question:
If Princes Venn and Henning are willing to have their own father murdered to give them authority, why would they agree to letting Prince Jared live and go into exile, especially with a few of his trusted (?) advisors, and especially when he'd already rounded up some allies in neighboring kingdoms?
March 21, 2016
This book was brilliant. Just as compelling and thrilling as the first in the series. The characters have developed flawlessly and there is so much intrigue, especially with the Paddenburg Princes wanting to take over the Throne of Archenfield through a calculated invasion. Axel becomes more devious and power hungry as Asta struggles in her new position at the table of the twelve. The conspiracies build and she does not know who to trust. Jared, being a brave and noble Prince rides out on his quest to find alliances, unaware of the manipulation he leaves behind in his court until it is too late. A page turning, breathless read with epic battle scenes and plot twists throughout!
June 14, 2015
The second in the Allies & Assassins sequence just pulls the reader deeper into Archenfield and it's cast of characters.
The Princedom of Archenfield, having unraveled a plot from within to take down the prince and cause discourse within the Council of Twelve, barely had a hint of the utter treachery and danger that the plot would set into action.
War, brutality and lies that would not only change the landscape of all the territories, but would make you question even the most loyal of subjects.
Trust no one.
The Princedom of Archenfield, having unraveled a plot from within to take down the prince and cause discourse within the Council of Twelve, barely had a hint of the utter treachery and danger that the plot would set into action.
War, brutality and lies that would not only change the landscape of all the territories, but would make you question even the most loyal of subjects.
Trust no one.
June 22, 2015
This book was just okay, but I have to say that I enjoyed the second book to the first one. I felt that it was better put together and flowed better. The author did a wonderful job at creating those evil characters that you just love to hate. Props to you Somper! So to all those people who read Allies and Assassins and didn't enjoy it, give the second one a try.
July 9, 2015
What a great second book from this starting series!! As I read the first book, I knew it would be good.... It was fantastically brilliant! Right from page one, I was hooked- didn't want to put it down and kept me turning the pages!
Recommend reading the first book obviously.
I can't wait for the third!! :-)
Justin is a great writer....... Could these books turn into films!??
Recommend reading the first book obviously.
I can't wait for the third!! :-)
Justin is a great writer....... Could these books turn into films!??
October 10, 2015
In the second book, Somper's influence is Shakespeare's: "Richard the III" blended with hints of: Lord of the Rings-the two towers, and Game of Thrones.
Somper's description of warfare is brutal and personal for several characters.
The story has a cliff hanger ending, implying that there is at least one more book in the series.
Somper's description of warfare is brutal and personal for several characters.
The story has a cliff hanger ending, implying that there is at least one more book in the series.
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October 27, 2016this book was like a realistic fiction book from way back. That "age" had only just invented clocks. I like books of the old ages because of how simple their tools, houses, and weaponry were. This book had tension because of the incoming invasion. Romance between the prince and the poet. As well as some trickery and backstabery due to the vote to kick the king off the throne.
October 22, 2015
It follows the first book of Allies & Assassins. The story telling was good. I did get a little lost towards the end, but overall this is another great young adult read for teenagers. I would also recommend this for adults that want a little fantasy adventure to read.
August 17, 2018
This was amazing so much better than the first one. The everything got flipped upside down. I literally can't believe any of that just happened. So sad that the series is discontinued would have loved to see how it all ended.
December 21, 2016
I read the ARC of A Conspiracy of Princes from Goodreads. It was an intensely interwoven series of stories. I enjoyed it very much and wished I could find the #1 book.
June 8, 2015
unputdownable! full of intrigue and suspense with characters who all have more going on than you'll realize. i can't wait for book 3!
June 25, 2015
This book was okay. But I felt like flowing with current. You know just smooth. No emotions no developments.
June 29, 2015
Great as a second book... look forward to more in the series.
November 25, 2015
I wrote a review on my blog.
June 18, 2018
What the heck kind of ending was that?
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