What do you think?
Rate this book
Nicolas Lenoir #2
Master of Plagues
"A dark fantasy detective story that takes readers on a dark, sometimes disturbing journey. E.L. Tettensor crafts a tale that makes you think even while you shudder—a delightful combination.”—Fresh Fiction on Darkwalker
Unraveling a deadly mystery takes time—and his is running out…
Having barely escaped the clutches of the Darkwalker, Inspector Nicolas Lenoir throws himself into his work with a determination he hasn’t known in years. But his legendary skills are about to be put to the test. A horrific disease is ravaging the city—and all signs point to it having been deliberately unleashed.
With a mass murderer on the loose, a rising body count, and every hound in the city on quarantine duty, the streets of Kennian are descending into mayhem, while Lenoir and his partner, Sergeant Bran Kody, are running out of time to catch a killer and find a cure.
Only one ray of hope exists: the nomadic Adali, famed for their arcane healing skills, claim to have a cure. But dark magic comes at a price, one even the dying may be unwilling to pay. All that’s left to Lenoir is a desperate gamble. And when the ashes settle, the city of Kennian will be changed forever...
Unraveling a deadly mystery takes time—and his is running out…
Having barely escaped the clutches of the Darkwalker, Inspector Nicolas Lenoir throws himself into his work with a determination he hasn’t known in years. But his legendary skills are about to be put to the test. A horrific disease is ravaging the city—and all signs point to it having been deliberately unleashed.
With a mass murderer on the loose, a rising body count, and every hound in the city on quarantine duty, the streets of Kennian are descending into mayhem, while Lenoir and his partner, Sergeant Bran Kody, are running out of time to catch a killer and find a cure.
Only one ray of hope exists: the nomadic Adali, famed for their arcane healing skills, claim to have a cure. But dark magic comes at a price, one even the dying may be unwilling to pay. All that’s left to Lenoir is a desperate gamble. And when the ashes settle, the city of Kennian will be changed forever...
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2015
10 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Tettensor
2 books53 followersNative Canadian, longtime New Yorker, purveyor of fine mysteries. Nicolas Lenoir is the first series by EL Tettensor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2018
So, I have now finished all the published works by this author that I know of, and I’ll be seeing her at the When Words Collide conference in just over a week. Overall, I have to say that I like her writing. I didn’t like this book quite as much as I did the first one of the Nicolas Lenoir series, but that was probably just me—I’ve managed to overload myself just a bit lately and I’m feeling a bit pressured to read and read fast to make library deadlines, rather than reading as my spirit leads me!
As it was, right about half way through this book, the plot grabbed me and I then went fast & furious to the ending. Although this plot line is wrapped up, I have the sense there may be a third book in the offing and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it. There are still issues to be dealt with, namely Lenoir and his junior partner Kody need to sort out their professional relationship and Lenoir needs to make some arrangements about orphan Zach too. It seems a bit harsh to rely on the kid for information but not make his life good enough that he can leave pick-pocketing behind.
Now that I think about it, although this book inhabits the same fantasy world as the first volume, this was a more prosaic plot line, with human enemies rather than paranormal ones. This rather dismal Victorian-esque world is well suited to the paranormal, so use of a plague as the main problem was a bit disappointing.
Nevertheless, I will be interested to hear the author’s perspectives on writing and writers at the conference.
As it was, right about half way through this book, the plot grabbed me and I then went fast & furious to the ending. Although this plot line is wrapped up, I have the sense there may be a third book in the offing and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it. There are still issues to be dealt with, namely Lenoir and his junior partner Kody need to sort out their professional relationship and Lenoir needs to make some arrangements about orphan Zach too. It seems a bit harsh to rely on the kid for information but not make his life good enough that he can leave pick-pocketing behind.
Now that I think about it, although this book inhabits the same fantasy world as the first volume, this was a more prosaic plot line, with human enemies rather than paranormal ones. This rather dismal Victorian-esque world is well suited to the paranormal, so use of a plague as the main problem was a bit disappointing.
Nevertheless, I will be interested to hear the author’s perspectives on writing and writers at the conference.
February 2, 2015
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/01/27/t...
Updated: US Giveaway of MASTER OF PLAGUES 1/27/15 - 2/3/15: http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/01/27/t...
Author E.L. Tettensor has been on my radar ever since reading her excellent debut Darkwalker and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to find out in the summer of 2014 that she will be returning to the world of Nicolas Lenoir with a fresh new sequel featuring the eponymous detective.
Having been given a new lease on life following his harrowing encounter with the grim spirit Darkwalker, Lenoir is back to work with a renewed energy. But his resolve is tested almost right away when a disturbing new case sets the entire Kennian police force on alert. A deadly new disease is ravaging the city, inflicting fever, vomiting, and massive internal and external hemorrhaging on its victims. The symptoms and mortality rates are bad enough, but then comes irrefutable evidence that the plague was ruthlessly unleashed on purpose. But by whom?
In this incredible follow-up, Lenoir and his partner Sergeant Bran Kody are racing against time on the trail to find a mass murderer in the midst of widespread fear and panic. City resources are stretched to the limits and still more people are dying by the day, and it’s a whirlwind of suspense as all those trying to hold things together find themselves torn between finding the culprit, or finding a cure.
I can’t tell you what a joy it is to be back in this world reading about these characters, especially since they’ve grown so much since the first book. Inspector Lenoir is a no longer the jaded curmudgeon he once was, and now that his apathy has lifted we can finally see his brilliance shine. That’s not to say his personality has done a complete one-eighty; he is still the fastidious detective with a tongue as sharp as his mind. And as Sergeant Kody is so often reminded, the inspector is not given to coddling himself or anyone else. However, that has not stopped the two men from becoming closer as a unique working relationship develops between them. Kody’s character is also explored a lot more in this installment, with his perspective given plenty of page time. The sergeant starts coming into his own, taking the lead on some parts of the investigation and standing up to Lenoir he feels are important. It’s good to see these two evolve together, as it’s clear they can learn so much from each other.
The world of this series is as rich and evocative as ever, even in the grip of a deadly disease. It’s interesting to note that the fantasy elements are not as strong in this book as it was in the first. Aside from the involvement of Adali healing, Master of Plagues is relatively light on magic and the paranormal. In spite of this, I think this makes the novel even more engaging. For one thing, it would be impossible to read this story without pondering its parallels to current events, in light of the Ebola outbreak in Africa and the fear that it sparked across the globe in 2014. Not only are the symptoms of Kennian’s plague disconcertingly similar to those of Ebola, social effects like mass hysteria and the discrimination against a specific group of people are also themes that will ring all too familiar. It’s not surprising, since Tettensor has stated that she draws a lot of her inspiration from the real world and her own experiences living and working in Burundi. The basis for the fictional Adali culture, for example, has some of its roots in the pastorialist societies of northeast Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
All told, Master of Plagues is another deftly written novel, a worthy sequel that is every bit as good as its predecessor. Both books have gotten 5 stars from me, and I don’t have to tell you how rare that is. But that’s what I like to see! Like Darkwalker, this book takes the reader on a delectable journey to get to bottom of a grand mystery, and there are plenty of plot twists and surprises along the way to keep you on your toes. Nicolas Lenoir is a character that has quickly grown on me, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll get up to next.
Updated: US Giveaway of MASTER OF PLAGUES 1/27/15 - 2/3/15: http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/01/27/t...
Author E.L. Tettensor has been on my radar ever since reading her excellent debut Darkwalker and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to find out in the summer of 2014 that she will be returning to the world of Nicolas Lenoir with a fresh new sequel featuring the eponymous detective.
Having been given a new lease on life following his harrowing encounter with the grim spirit Darkwalker, Lenoir is back to work with a renewed energy. But his resolve is tested almost right away when a disturbing new case sets the entire Kennian police force on alert. A deadly new disease is ravaging the city, inflicting fever, vomiting, and massive internal and external hemorrhaging on its victims. The symptoms and mortality rates are bad enough, but then comes irrefutable evidence that the plague was ruthlessly unleashed on purpose. But by whom?
In this incredible follow-up, Lenoir and his partner Sergeant Bran Kody are racing against time on the trail to find a mass murderer in the midst of widespread fear and panic. City resources are stretched to the limits and still more people are dying by the day, and it’s a whirlwind of suspense as all those trying to hold things together find themselves torn between finding the culprit, or finding a cure.
I can’t tell you what a joy it is to be back in this world reading about these characters, especially since they’ve grown so much since the first book. Inspector Lenoir is a no longer the jaded curmudgeon he once was, and now that his apathy has lifted we can finally see his brilliance shine. That’s not to say his personality has done a complete one-eighty; he is still the fastidious detective with a tongue as sharp as his mind. And as Sergeant Kody is so often reminded, the inspector is not given to coddling himself or anyone else. However, that has not stopped the two men from becoming closer as a unique working relationship develops between them. Kody’s character is also explored a lot more in this installment, with his perspective given plenty of page time. The sergeant starts coming into his own, taking the lead on some parts of the investigation and standing up to Lenoir he feels are important. It’s good to see these two evolve together, as it’s clear they can learn so much from each other.
The world of this series is as rich and evocative as ever, even in the grip of a deadly disease. It’s interesting to note that the fantasy elements are not as strong in this book as it was in the first. Aside from the involvement of Adali healing, Master of Plagues is relatively light on magic and the paranormal. In spite of this, I think this makes the novel even more engaging. For one thing, it would be impossible to read this story without pondering its parallels to current events, in light of the Ebola outbreak in Africa and the fear that it sparked across the globe in 2014. Not only are the symptoms of Kennian’s plague disconcertingly similar to those of Ebola, social effects like mass hysteria and the discrimination against a specific group of people are also themes that will ring all too familiar. It’s not surprising, since Tettensor has stated that she draws a lot of her inspiration from the real world and her own experiences living and working in Burundi. The basis for the fictional Adali culture, for example, has some of its roots in the pastorialist societies of northeast Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
All told, Master of Plagues is another deftly written novel, a worthy sequel that is every bit as good as its predecessor. Both books have gotten 5 stars from me, and I don’t have to tell you how rare that is. But that’s what I like to see! Like Darkwalker, this book takes the reader on a delectable journey to get to bottom of a grand mystery, and there are plenty of plot twists and surprises along the way to keep you on your toes. Nicolas Lenoir is a character that has quickly grown on me, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll get up to next.
June 21, 2015
She did it again!
E. L. Tettensor delivered a powerful and strong sequel to "Darkwalker".
This time there is less supernatural and more dark crime fiction.
Excellent characters and more inforamtion about the world in story full if twist and turns and a lot of deaths.
E. L. Tettensor delivered a powerful and strong sequel to "Darkwalker".
This time there is less supernatural and more dark crime fiction.
Excellent characters and more inforamtion about the world in story full if twist and turns and a lot of deaths.
April 4, 2015
Fantasy Review Barn
An outbreak of plague is not a crime. That it occurs in a city that acts as a major trading center is hardly suspicious. Yet Investigator Lenoir and his protégé Kody are asked to meet with a medical man who believes there is a crime involved. And after only a short investigation it is clear the man is right; this plague was deliberately brought into the city. Which means it is now Lenoir’s problem. It is up to him and Kody to find the who and why before everything in the city boils over.
Leaving behind the supernatural seen in Darkwalker we get a more conventional detective story in Master of Plagues. Lenoir finds himself knee deep in everything this disease is affecting. Beyond figuring out who is responsible and why he also is running increased tensions within the city. All the old favorites born of fear start showing themselves; disaster profiteering, unrest, and of course racial divides. It appears to some that the Adali may be immune to the disease, though in reality the groupe just has better treatment methods. But in a time where sickness is blamed on bad humors in the air and leeches are a large part of every treatment plan it is unclear if the Adali’s ways will be accepted by the larger population or if it will just make them even more of a target to fear.
Master of Plagues never reached the high bar that I felt Darkwalker provided. I felt it lacked for ot having some of the supernatural elements, though I did like that those present were presented ina way that left their actually supernaturalness up in the air. I also felf Lenoir was a bit too slow to the obvious answer of motive this time around; there are only two good reasons someone would start a plague I could think of( baring true lack of sanity), and Lenoir never grabbed onto the one that seemed more obvious to this reader. Perhaps in attempts not to lead the reader to obvious conclusions the actual ‘Master’ of this plague is never developed, making his/her final reveal anti-climatic.
Despite that it is a fun detective/adventure story. Lenoir’s battles both with the case and with incompetency of those above him has not failed to interest me yet. It is made better still by the fact that the incompetent are realistically so rather than pure caricatures; only one person is laughable stupid while others just make bad decisions. It is worth noting that part of what makes Lenoir endearing is he also is prone to bad decisions despite a high intellect.
While this is a second book the series seems to be more along the lines of connected stand alones. Certainly one could read this book without reading Darkwalker (though, as stated above, I think that would not be the correct decision). But for those paying attention there also seems to e a long game being played in the background that will connect the series eventually. Tied no doubt to the ‘Darkwalker’ and those Lenoir connected with in books thus far. Something I will look forward too.
Not as good as Darkwalker but still a short and fun diversion. I am looking forward to seeing how some of the longer plotlines tie together as the series progresses.
3 stars
Copy for review provided by publisher.
An outbreak of plague is not a crime. That it occurs in a city that acts as a major trading center is hardly suspicious. Yet Investigator Lenoir and his protégé Kody are asked to meet with a medical man who believes there is a crime involved. And after only a short investigation it is clear the man is right; this plague was deliberately brought into the city. Which means it is now Lenoir’s problem. It is up to him and Kody to find the who and why before everything in the city boils over.
Leaving behind the supernatural seen in Darkwalker we get a more conventional detective story in Master of Plagues. Lenoir finds himself knee deep in everything this disease is affecting. Beyond figuring out who is responsible and why he also is running increased tensions within the city. All the old favorites born of fear start showing themselves; disaster profiteering, unrest, and of course racial divides. It appears to some that the Adali may be immune to the disease, though in reality the groupe just has better treatment methods. But in a time where sickness is blamed on bad humors in the air and leeches are a large part of every treatment plan it is unclear if the Adali’s ways will be accepted by the larger population or if it will just make them even more of a target to fear.
Master of Plagues never reached the high bar that I felt Darkwalker provided. I felt it lacked for ot having some of the supernatural elements, though I did like that those present were presented ina way that left their actually supernaturalness up in the air. I also felf Lenoir was a bit too slow to the obvious answer of motive this time around; there are only two good reasons someone would start a plague I could think of( baring true lack of sanity), and Lenoir never grabbed onto the one that seemed more obvious to this reader. Perhaps in attempts not to lead the reader to obvious conclusions the actual ‘Master’ of this plague is never developed, making his/her final reveal anti-climatic.
Despite that it is a fun detective/adventure story. Lenoir’s battles both with the case and with incompetency of those above him has not failed to interest me yet. It is made better still by the fact that the incompetent are realistically so rather than pure caricatures; only one person is laughable stupid while others just make bad decisions. It is worth noting that part of what makes Lenoir endearing is he also is prone to bad decisions despite a high intellect.
While this is a second book the series seems to be more along the lines of connected stand alones. Certainly one could read this book without reading Darkwalker (though, as stated above, I think that would not be the correct decision). But for those paying attention there also seems to e a long game being played in the background that will connect the series eventually. Tied no doubt to the ‘Darkwalker’ and those Lenoir connected with in books thus far. Something I will look forward too.
Not as good as Darkwalker but still a short and fun diversion. I am looking forward to seeing how some of the longer plotlines tie together as the series progresses.
3 stars
Copy for review provided by publisher.
February 5, 2015
Initial Thoughts: I really enjoyed this second novel. Though the paranormal aspect was missing this time, the tension and mystery were not. I was completely pulled into this dark and eerie world. The mystery again wove itself around and when I thought I had it figured out, I was twisting around again. I continue to love Lenoir. Though softened a bit from the first novel, he is still as ever egotistical and abrupt. I continue to crush on Kody, he is smart, strong, and capable, loyal and dedicated. I especially loved Zach and all that he adds to the novel. As she did previously, I was completely glued to the pages of this novel and absolutely sucked in. Loved it and can't wait until the next adventure! Please click on the link to the full review by Gikany and myself posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2015/02/review-m...
September 7, 2018
Audiobook review. Narrator: John Curless
The narrator does such a wonderful job with all the character voices. He brings this story to life.
I like how Nicolas' character grows in this story. In the first book, he was merely going through the motions but not really caring about anything. Things turn around for him, surprising him as much as those he works with.
My only complaint about the book is that there aren't any more in the series. The author has created such an interesting world and characters that I care about - I really want more.
The narrator does such a wonderful job with all the character voices. He brings this story to life.
I like how Nicolas' character grows in this story. In the first book, he was merely going through the motions but not really caring about anything. Things turn around for him, surprising him as much as those he works with.
My only complaint about the book is that there aren't any more in the series. The author has created such an interesting world and characters that I care about - I really want more.
June 12, 2017
Excellent book! My second Nicolas Lenoir novel. Wish there were more.
January 5, 2015
**Advance SPOILER FREE Review. I received an ARC for free from the author. Release date currently set as February 3, 2015**
Master of Plagues is round two in the adventures of Inspector Nicolas Lenoir. We first met him in E.L. Tettensor's pitch-perfect debut novel, Darkwalker, and she has seen fit to regale us with another mystery for the man to solve. We return to Kennian, which is something of an alter-Victorian era London. Kennian boasts a muddy, gritty, rainy with a chance of more rain, can-almost smell-the-horse, swarthiness. This isn't a place for the weak of heart or will power - or those without water-proof shoes. This time, on top of the muck and the mire, a severe bought of plague has struck. This is a plague that kills its victims within 3-4 days of being contracted, continues to be highly contagious in dead bodies, and is burning like a wildfire through the populations of the poverty stricken camps on the outskirts of Kennian.
Lenoir is summoned by the Mayor to hear of a theory that will set into motion the entirety of the rest of the book - the plague isn't natural. There is suspicion it was planted artificially and, for whatever reason, someone has purposely started killing off people in the hundreds, and soon thousands. With only a few facts to go on, and a disease that is claiming lives faster than even the best Inspector can think, Lenoir has to get to the bottom of this riddle before Kennian, and other major cities on the continent, are wiped out for good.
I'm not sure what I was hoping for when I returned to Lenoir's world, but it was definitely something more than this. I don't mean to sound overly harsh. Much like Darkwalker, the world is excellently written with beautiful vocabulary that paints the bleak and grey life of Kennian residents with a precise brush. E.L. Tettensor has a fantastic way with words. If you had a chance to read her other novel released this past year, The Bloodbound (written under the name Erin Lindsey) you may already know this.
In Darkwalker, Lenoir faced a supernatural foe that served as an ethereal judge, jury, and executioner for an unknown master. Lenoir was a man who had ceased caring for his work and had no friends or family to speak of. Hailing from a distant land of Arrenais (an alter-France from the sound of it), Lenoir seems to be running from a past he is ashamed of, and an old life of privilege, given up long ago for reasons not totally clear. The pace of writing was tight, and introduced main-stay characters like his partner, now turned Sergeant, Bran Kody, and a street urchin by the name of Zach. The main threat of the book felt focused and ever mounting in the level of danger it presented to the Inspector. Threats to his accomplices felt far more real, and the conclusion brought together all the breadcrumbs that had been tossed to us in the pages before the climax. The actual Darkwalker itself was fascinating, and all the world building promised plenty more mystery in books to come.
Alas, aside from recapping certain locations and mentions of races, Master of Plagues seems stuck in Kennian. With promises of getting more into the Adali culture and way of life, we are only given the barest glimpse, just as in the first book. In fact, in the first book we learned more. Other elements felt formulaic as well, such as Bran Kody continuing to be a punching bag (poor thing), and Zach getting himself caught up with the wrong people and held captive for a good portion of the story (again). Unfortunately, however, despite the so-called threat of the plague, it never felt for a second that either of these characters might actually succumb to some kind of horrible fate. Zach's contribution to the story is so meaningless for the most part, that he comes off more as the cartoon-y side kick creature that's put in to be more relateable to children. There's a disappointing lack of information that is known about Lenoir's encounter with a supernatural being and indeed, the supernatural elements of the world are left out almost entirely. Brushed aside as if there WASN'T an entire book and culture of evidence to support there is more than meets the eye to this world.
The author was, to my knowledge, living in Africa while writing this book. While reading about the plague, it was hard not to picture a lot of the overtones of the current Ebola outbreak. The way the plague is handled and the discrimination against the poor and other-race Adali people was also a harsh reflection of exactly how the disease has been treated in the real world. In that sense it is a surprisingly relevant story, even while being alter-historical mystery/fiction.
That being said, I just can't get past 3 stars in my rating. Goodreads subtitles 3 stars as "liked it" and I did LIKE the book, I just didn't LOVE it with the 5 stars I had to give Darkwalker. I felt that the mystery could have had a lot more bite and the climax much more .... something. When the maniac behind the curtain is finally revealed there was more the sense of "well no one would have seen that coming because we never heard that name before" instead of that satisfying "I followed all the clues, and now I get to see if I was right." The book itself has Lenoir's superior telling him not to beat himself up because nobody can predict something like a plague, but as a reader, that still feels like a cop out.
I'm harder on the book because of the sterling precedent Darkwalker set for it. I wanted to go back to a world that had magic living in its shadows and demonic creatures of vengeance hunting for a man's soul. Instead I got mud, fires, plagues, and the feeling I was a side-kick to Dickens trudging through London slums in search of good source material for his next book.
I have heard that there isn't a third book currently planned, and I do hope that changes. However this review may sound, I DO want to go back to the world and see how it expands. However, the next time I visit Lenoir, I hope he'll show my imagination around a bit more.
Master of Plagues is round two in the adventures of Inspector Nicolas Lenoir. We first met him in E.L. Tettensor's pitch-perfect debut novel, Darkwalker, and she has seen fit to regale us with another mystery for the man to solve. We return to Kennian, which is something of an alter-Victorian era London. Kennian boasts a muddy, gritty, rainy with a chance of more rain, can-almost smell-the-horse, swarthiness. This isn't a place for the weak of heart or will power - or those without water-proof shoes. This time, on top of the muck and the mire, a severe bought of plague has struck. This is a plague that kills its victims within 3-4 days of being contracted, continues to be highly contagious in dead bodies, and is burning like a wildfire through the populations of the poverty stricken camps on the outskirts of Kennian.
Lenoir is summoned by the Mayor to hear of a theory that will set into motion the entirety of the rest of the book - the plague isn't natural. There is suspicion it was planted artificially and, for whatever reason, someone has purposely started killing off people in the hundreds, and soon thousands. With only a few facts to go on, and a disease that is claiming lives faster than even the best Inspector can think, Lenoir has to get to the bottom of this riddle before Kennian, and other major cities on the continent, are wiped out for good.
I'm not sure what I was hoping for when I returned to Lenoir's world, but it was definitely something more than this. I don't mean to sound overly harsh. Much like Darkwalker, the world is excellently written with beautiful vocabulary that paints the bleak and grey life of Kennian residents with a precise brush. E.L. Tettensor has a fantastic way with words. If you had a chance to read her other novel released this past year, The Bloodbound (written under the name Erin Lindsey) you may already know this.
In Darkwalker, Lenoir faced a supernatural foe that served as an ethereal judge, jury, and executioner for an unknown master. Lenoir was a man who had ceased caring for his work and had no friends or family to speak of. Hailing from a distant land of Arrenais (an alter-France from the sound of it), Lenoir seems to be running from a past he is ashamed of, and an old life of privilege, given up long ago for reasons not totally clear. The pace of writing was tight, and introduced main-stay characters like his partner, now turned Sergeant, Bran Kody, and a street urchin by the name of Zach. The main threat of the book felt focused and ever mounting in the level of danger it presented to the Inspector. Threats to his accomplices felt far more real, and the conclusion brought together all the breadcrumbs that had been tossed to us in the pages before the climax. The actual Darkwalker itself was fascinating, and all the world building promised plenty more mystery in books to come.
Alas, aside from recapping certain locations and mentions of races, Master of Plagues seems stuck in Kennian. With promises of getting more into the Adali culture and way of life, we are only given the barest glimpse, just as in the first book. In fact, in the first book we learned more. Other elements felt formulaic as well, such as Bran Kody continuing to be a punching bag (poor thing), and Zach getting himself caught up with the wrong people and held captive for a good portion of the story (again). Unfortunately, however, despite the so-called threat of the plague, it never felt for a second that either of these characters might actually succumb to some kind of horrible fate. Zach's contribution to the story is so meaningless for the most part, that he comes off more as the cartoon-y side kick creature that's put in to be more relateable to children. There's a disappointing lack of information that is known about Lenoir's encounter with a supernatural being and indeed, the supernatural elements of the world are left out almost entirely. Brushed aside as if there WASN'T an entire book and culture of evidence to support there is more than meets the eye to this world.
The author was, to my knowledge, living in Africa while writing this book. While reading about the plague, it was hard not to picture a lot of the overtones of the current Ebola outbreak. The way the plague is handled and the discrimination against the poor and other-race Adali people was also a harsh reflection of exactly how the disease has been treated in the real world. In that sense it is a surprisingly relevant story, even while being alter-historical mystery/fiction.
That being said, I just can't get past 3 stars in my rating. Goodreads subtitles 3 stars as "liked it" and I did LIKE the book, I just didn't LOVE it with the 5 stars I had to give Darkwalker. I felt that the mystery could have had a lot more bite and the climax much more .... something. When the maniac behind the curtain is finally revealed there was more the sense of "well no one would have seen that coming because we never heard that name before" instead of that satisfying "I followed all the clues, and now I get to see if I was right." The book itself has Lenoir's superior telling him not to beat himself up because nobody can predict something like a plague, but as a reader, that still feels like a cop out.
I'm harder on the book because of the sterling precedent Darkwalker set for it. I wanted to go back to a world that had magic living in its shadows and demonic creatures of vengeance hunting for a man's soul. Instead I got mud, fires, plagues, and the feeling I was a side-kick to Dickens trudging through London slums in search of good source material for his next book.
I have heard that there isn't a third book currently planned, and I do hope that changes. However this review may sound, I DO want to go back to the world and see how it expands. However, the next time I visit Lenoir, I hope he'll show my imagination around a bit more.
March 20, 2017
My reading preference leans toward modern Urban Fantasy or Science Fiction. I am not a big fan of Old Age Fantasy or general stories set hundreds of years in the past. While I occasionally delve into these types of stories, I usually just find them to be OK. I bought these books because of a review comparing the protagonist to Sherlock Holmes, and I have gotten a little interested in Holmes (mostly because of the movies and TV show though). Nicolas Lenoir is not Sherlock Holmes, and that is a good thing. Inspector Lenoir has changed some since his book 1 encounter with the Darkwalker. He is more focused on doing a good job, while also trying to be more understanding of his peers and underlings. He is by no means perfect, but he is a likeable flawed person who tries to do what is right.
Tettensor's writing style drew me in and kept me interested in a type of story that usually would not be overly appealing to me. There were no tedious paragraphs or pages describing things that did not need describing - something that too many writers do.
I hope there are more books in this series.
Tettensor's writing style drew me in and kept me interested in a type of story that usually would not be overly appealing to me. There were no tedious paragraphs or pages describing things that did not need describing - something that too many writers do.
I hope there are more books in this series.
May 30, 2021
3.5 Audible edition. Maybe not the best story to read during a pandemic. It lacks the supernatural creepiness of Darkwalker, but instead taps into the horror of a plague epidemic. Lenoir and Kody undertake the nearly impossible task of discovering how the plague was started as well why and who is responsible. There is action and tension as the story moves smoothly along. The narrator has the perfect tone exhibiting gravitas as well as the exacerbation that is experienced.
August 21, 2017
An excellent supernatural, and historical mystery.
If you enjoy mysteries and don't mind a bit of paranormal horror, this book series is for you.
I listened to the audio book which was exceptionally well done and entertaining. I was quite sad when I'd finished them and had to leave this world.
I look forward from more from this author.
If you enjoy mysteries and don't mind a bit of paranormal horror, this book series is for you.
I listened to the audio book which was exceptionally well done and entertaining. I was quite sad when I'd finished them and had to leave this world.
I look forward from more from this author.
October 19, 2025
Very enjoyable characters, great setting, just overall a wonderful series that I hope the author returns to. If you enjoyed the Alienist series by Caleb Carr, you will likely enjoy these books. There is a believability to the interactions of the various members of the main characters group, as well as a well fleshed out world surrounding them.
December 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to Lenoir and Kody's next mystery.
June 29, 2015
Loved it! I've read the first one and while not a must, I highly suggest reading "Darkwalker" before you read this one. There are some references to what came before that will leave you wondering if you haven't had a chance to pick it up.
Inspection Lenoir has plenty of work ahead of him - he knows that someone has brought a plague to his city, but the reason he struggles with is why. My favorite characters made their appearances - Zach & Bran Kody especially. The Adali healer/soothsayer/witchdoctor Merden lends his strength and knowledge to their efforts and Braelish doctors find they might have to concede they don't know it all when it comes to curing their patients of this particular plague. The conspiracy itself, as it unraveled, was more complex than I initially though, but it all made sense in the end. An all too familiar, human motive.
Enjoy this one!
Inspection Lenoir has plenty of work ahead of him - he knows that someone has brought a plague to his city, but the reason he struggles with is why. My favorite characters made their appearances - Zach & Bran Kody especially. The Adali healer/soothsayer/witchdoctor Merden lends his strength and knowledge to their efforts and Braelish doctors find they might have to concede they don't know it all when it comes to curing their patients of this particular plague. The conspiracy itself, as it unraveled, was more complex than I initially though, but it all made sense in the end. An all too familiar, human motive.
Enjoy this one!
August 16, 2015
As the second book in a series, it is not necessary to read the first book (Darkwalker) before enjoying this one.
Inspector Nicolas Lenoir investigates whether or not a plague has been started in their city deliberately.
Overall, it's a pretty gripping page turner. I really had to make the conscious effort to stick with the book, however. Not having read the first book, I started the book actively disliking Inspector Lenoir, however, he becomes less grating with time.
Additionally, I personally found the world this is set in to be a bit too close to our own world. I found it easy to draw parallels between the fantasy world and our world. Actually, you'd have to be blind not to see it.
Inspector Nicolas Lenoir investigates whether or not a plague has been started in their city deliberately.
Overall, it's a pretty gripping page turner. I really had to make the conscious effort to stick with the book, however. Not having read the first book, I started the book actively disliking Inspector Lenoir, however, he becomes less grating with time.
Additionally, I personally found the world this is set in to be a bit too close to our own world. I found it easy to draw parallels between the fantasy world and our world. Actually, you'd have to be blind not to see it.
August 16, 2015
As the second book in a series, it is not necessary to read the first book (Darkwalker) before enjoying this one.
Inspector Nicolas Lenoir investigates whether or not a plague has been started in their city deliberately.
Overall, it's a pretty gripping page turner. I really had to make the conscious effort to stick with the book, however. Not having read the first book, I started the book actively disliking Inspector Lenoir, however, he becomes less grating with time.
Additionally, I personally found the world this is set in to be a bit too close to our own world. I found it easy to draw parallels between the fantasy world and our world. Actually, you'd have to be blind not to see it.
Inspector Nicolas Lenoir investigates whether or not a plague has been started in their city deliberately.
Overall, it's a pretty gripping page turner. I really had to make the conscious effort to stick with the book, however. Not having read the first book, I started the book actively disliking Inspector Lenoir, however, he becomes less grating with time.
Additionally, I personally found the world this is set in to be a bit too close to our own world. I found it easy to draw parallels between the fantasy world and our world. Actually, you'd have to be blind not to see it.
December 22, 2015
Many say that the most difficult endeavor for a writer is to produce an effective sequel to a highly successful book: it would indeed seem to be the case with Master of Plagues that in my opinion struggles to hold up to its predecessor Darkwalker. Don’t misunderstand me, it’s still a good, engaging book and I enjoyed it, but it felt less… absorbing, for want of a better word. Somehow it lacked the sense of urgency and impending doom conveyed by Darkwalker, even though the story itself is quite dramatic.
Full review at SPACE and SORCERY Blog
Full review at SPACE and SORCERY Blog
March 6, 2015
To be honest, I'm rounding up from 4.5 stars, because I picked up what was going on very early in the book. What was fascinating was the how of the investigation, the pursuit, how the mastermind(s) had cutouts, red herrings, and countered each move by the Kennian police. As the theme of magic and science held my interest throughout; the characters, even the 'background' characters of the chief of a fire crew, the harbormaster, were all singular. And the book builds more of the greater world with Duke Warrick and the Darkwalker.
May 25, 2015
The author set a high standard with the first book - Darkwalker - which was hard to meet. This book is dark, think noir, and yet fascinating. The characters engaging, but the promise is just a fingers-tip short of being fulfilled. I would advise reading in order and if dark fantasy is the readers preference, enjoy.
May 12, 2015
I like this series, a historical fiction mystery with a little dark fantasy mix. The lead character is cranky and brilliant, his informant is a young guttersnipe and his upstanding side-kick straight-laced and strong. The bad guy in this story doesn't take front and center, but runs our heroes on a merry chase. Lots of death and destruction. Interesting stuff.
February 23, 2015
4 1/2 stars.
Dark and gritty as the plague-ridden city, this dark fantasy detective novel is a combination of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, blended with a dash of disturbing supernatural.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/search?q=m...
Dark and gritty as the plague-ridden city, this dark fantasy detective novel is a combination of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, blended with a dash of disturbing supernatural.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/search?q=m...
February 27, 2015
This is the second volume in E. L. Tettensor's Nicolas Lenoir stories, and I'm glad I picked it up. I'm a sucker for a good epidemic tale, and this one also improved on the first book. Lenoir's irascible personality is balanced by his companions, and all together, they make for good company.
April 20, 2016
Captured my attention with the title. Writing was enjoyable and even though this is a second book in a serial I was not lost, in fact I greatly enjoyed every moment. Looking forward to reading more books based on these characters.
September 28, 2015
Well-written book, even better then the first book of the series! If you are looking for a fantasy/gunpowder dective series look no further!
Read
February 21, 2016I don't want to rate it without finishing it, but I wasn't drawn in like I was with the first book. Too bad. Maybe I'll give it a chance later.
April 13, 2017
Inspector Nicolas Lenoir wonders why he was spared by the Darkwalker as he scrambles to find who is spreading the plague. As he and Sergeant Bran Kody track the killer Zach is put in peril and every hound is on quarantine duty. In the end Lenoir finds the cure, helps stop the fires in the streets of Kennian and saves many lives.
I love this series by E.L. Tettensor!
I love this series by E.L. Tettensor!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews