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Blessed Epoch #2
Ice and Embers
Despite their disparate natures, Yarrow, Duncan, and Sasha united against overwhelming odds to save Prince Garith’s life. Now Garith is king and the three friends may be facing their undoing.
Distraught over Yarrow’s departure to find the cure to his magical affliction, Duncan struggles with his new role as Bairn of Windwake, a realm left bankrupt and in turmoil by his predecessor. Many of Duncan’s vassals conspire against him, and Sasha’s unorthodox solutions to Duncan’s problem have earned them the contempt of Garith’s nobles.
When word reaches Duncan and Sasha that Yarrow is in danger, they want nothing more than to rush to his aid. But Duncan’s absence could tip Windwake into the hands of his enemies. In addition, a near-mythic order of assassins wants Sasha dead. Without Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha can’t take the fight to the assassins. They are stuck, entangled in a political world they don’t understand. But finding Yarrow may cause more problems, and with his court divided, King Garith must strike a balance between supporting his friends and assuaging the nobles who want Duncan punished—and Sasha executed.
Distraught over Yarrow’s departure to find the cure to his magical affliction, Duncan struggles with his new role as Bairn of Windwake, a realm left bankrupt and in turmoil by his predecessor. Many of Duncan’s vassals conspire against him, and Sasha’s unorthodox solutions to Duncan’s problem have earned them the contempt of Garith’s nobles.
When word reaches Duncan and Sasha that Yarrow is in danger, they want nothing more than to rush to his aid. But Duncan’s absence could tip Windwake into the hands of his enemies. In addition, a near-mythic order of assassins wants Sasha dead. Without Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha can’t take the fight to the assassins. They are stuck, entangled in a political world they don’t understand. But finding Yarrow may cause more problems, and with his court divided, King Garith must strike a balance between supporting his friends and assuaging the nobles who want Duncan punished—and Sasha executed.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2013
1 person is currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Li
39 books124 followersGus's Books are available at Dreamspinner Press, Silver Publishing, , Yaoi Press, and Storm Moon Press.
Gus has much love for readers and book enthusiasts. Communication and friendship is encouraged!
Website: www.BooksByEonandGus.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 21, 2013
I like fantasy a lot, and I like this series, but I have to be in the mood for it, because Augusta Li kind of asks a lot from reaedrs. Their is a lot going on with plots and subplots weaving together and the foreign and fantasy races and cultures, alot of which have their own language. It isn't confusing and its presented in such a way that it isn't hard to follow, it just isn't light or straightforward because a lot of the foreshadowing and characterization is kinda subtle. A lot of time you have to guess at character's thoughts and motives through their actions and dialogue instead of being told what they're thinking, well, with the exception of Yarrow whose brain is still all jumbled up and full of...stuff.
Its hard to talk about the plot without a ton of spoilers, but like the last book, its very fast paced and actiony but more focused then in the first book, like the characters are deliberately pursuing things rather then stuff happening to them. The political intrigue is well done but frustrating and I found myself sympathizing a lot with Sasha's "methods" even while I felt sorry for Duncan and the trouble it caused for him, He;s a good guy, but I have to admit I liked it when he finally reached his breaking point with Sasha. Sasha is hot, and I'm glad he didn't do a 360 moral turn around though he does evolve.
You get to learn more about the Emiri race and its very interesting. I really liked the sailing scenes, and Sai, a secondary character from the first book, took on a more important role. He's great and constantly surprising with what he says and does, sort of a pirate and lazy and always pursuing his own pleasure but noble in the end, and a little tragic. The whole culture is very unique.
The sex scenes are curtailed from the first book, there are a few and they're hot, but they're shorter and less frequent. More of the characterization happens between what the characters say to each other, and what they don't. Yarrow especially still keeps a lot of secrets but after you find out what happened to him his decisions kind of make sense.
It's bloody and if you don't like violence and long battles sequences you might want to avoid this. Some of the battles are blow by blow and really graphic. Some of the injuries to the characters are nasty. And Sasha is a real assassin and you get to see it on page in all its nasty glory. Yarrow's magic is explained farther, and that part I found really interesting, along with the revelations about the world's mythology.
Overall, complex and well done if a little taxing to read, stressful and uncomfortable at times. Yarrow and to an extent even Sasha are very flawed characters and don't always do the morally right things. Not for the squeamish for sure! (Because of the violence, not the sex, even though its a menage relationship the sex is pretty vanilla) A lot of questions from the first book are answered but a lot more are raised. Based on the end, I'm curious to read the next book. Hopefully it won't take forever.
Its hard to talk about the plot without a ton of spoilers, but like the last book, its very fast paced and actiony but more focused then in the first book, like the characters are deliberately pursuing things rather then stuff happening to them. The political intrigue is well done but frustrating and I found myself sympathizing a lot with Sasha's "methods" even while I felt sorry for Duncan and the trouble it caused for him, He;s a good guy, but I have to admit I liked it when he finally reached his breaking point with Sasha. Sasha is hot, and I'm glad he didn't do a 360 moral turn around though he does evolve.
You get to learn more about the Emiri race and its very interesting. I really liked the sailing scenes, and Sai, a secondary character from the first book, took on a more important role. He's great and constantly surprising with what he says and does, sort of a pirate and lazy and always pursuing his own pleasure but noble in the end, and a little tragic. The whole culture is very unique.
The sex scenes are curtailed from the first book, there are a few and they're hot, but they're shorter and less frequent. More of the characterization happens between what the characters say to each other, and what they don't. Yarrow especially still keeps a lot of secrets but after you find out what happened to him his decisions kind of make sense.
It's bloody and if you don't like violence and long battles sequences you might want to avoid this. Some of the battles are blow by blow and really graphic. Some of the injuries to the characters are nasty. And Sasha is a real assassin and you get to see it on page in all its nasty glory. Yarrow's magic is explained farther, and that part I found really interesting, along with the revelations about the world's mythology.
Overall, complex and well done if a little taxing to read, stressful and uncomfortable at times. Yarrow and to an extent even Sasha are very flawed characters and don't always do the morally right things. Not for the squeamish for sure! (Because of the violence, not the sex, even though its a menage relationship the sex is pretty vanilla) A lot of questions from the first book are answered but a lot more are raised. Based on the end, I'm curious to read the next book. Hopefully it won't take forever.
March 13, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Sequel to Ash and Echoes
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Duncan and Sasha are trying to settle into life at Windwake, but it is a struggle for both of them when many of Duncan’s vassals are against them. Sasha’s assassin ways are frowned upon and Duncan’s refusal to reward the conspiring vassals cause unrest, Duncan and Sasha cross swords when Sasha seeks to protect Duncan. Yarrow has left the men he loves behind to seek a way to final part with the creature within him, but it is far harder than he ever imagined to even finding any clues, but his one slim hope is an old map and journal and with his friend, Sai, by his side he sets off. When Duncan and Sasha learn of Yarrow’s perilous journey they race to be by his side, but what faces them all when they return home could end up destroying what the ancient being couldn’t.
Whoo *wipes sweat off brow* what can you say about a book that can weave a tale exceptionally well, while leading you in different directions and dangerous adventures… brilliant!! We re-join Duncan, Sasha and Yarrow as they love, argue and despair of the circumstances as they all try to do what is best for them and their country. Each and every character is exactly as we remember them, Duncan is still devoted to what is right, Sasha still loves being an assassin and Yarrow is still a confusing jumble, as they progress in this story each man has his fears about the other two really accepting them and those fears are hard to put away when the politics of the country is determined to interfere.
The adventures that they face are astounding, the danger inherent and their love tested. I would love to say that we get all the answers that we want, but Augusta Li leaves us with more questions, and I can’t wait for the answers. We finally discover who the creature was in its previous life, we discover the truth of the Thirteen Goddesses and Yarrow faces up to his past, but it doesn’t end there as bargains are struck and new discoveries are made. I love this epic adventure and it’s incredible descriptions, I hate the circumstances that our men fall into, but adore the devotion they show to each other and I really can’t wait to see what happens next to our trio of characters.
I have to recommend this story to those who love high fantasy, bloody battles, escaping port, strange lands, incredible turns, dangerous sea journeys, binding love and an ending that makes you secretly grin in delight.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Sequel to Ash and Echoes
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Duncan and Sasha are trying to settle into life at Windwake, but it is a struggle for both of them when many of Duncan’s vassals are against them. Sasha’s assassin ways are frowned upon and Duncan’s refusal to reward the conspiring vassals cause unrest, Duncan and Sasha cross swords when Sasha seeks to protect Duncan. Yarrow has left the men he loves behind to seek a way to final part with the creature within him, but it is far harder than he ever imagined to even finding any clues, but his one slim hope is an old map and journal and with his friend, Sai, by his side he sets off. When Duncan and Sasha learn of Yarrow’s perilous journey they race to be by his side, but what faces them all when they return home could end up destroying what the ancient being couldn’t.
Whoo *wipes sweat off brow* what can you say about a book that can weave a tale exceptionally well, while leading you in different directions and dangerous adventures… brilliant!! We re-join Duncan, Sasha and Yarrow as they love, argue and despair of the circumstances as they all try to do what is best for them and their country. Each and every character is exactly as we remember them, Duncan is still devoted to what is right, Sasha still loves being an assassin and Yarrow is still a confusing jumble, as they progress in this story each man has his fears about the other two really accepting them and those fears are hard to put away when the politics of the country is determined to interfere.
The adventures that they face are astounding, the danger inherent and their love tested. I would love to say that we get all the answers that we want, but Augusta Li leaves us with more questions, and I can’t wait for the answers. We finally discover who the creature was in its previous life, we discover the truth of the Thirteen Goddesses and Yarrow faces up to his past, but it doesn’t end there as bargains are struck and new discoveries are made. I love this epic adventure and it’s incredible descriptions, I hate the circumstances that our men fall into, but adore the devotion they show to each other and I really can’t wait to see what happens next to our trio of characters.
I have to recommend this story to those who love high fantasy, bloody battles, escaping port, strange lands, incredible turns, dangerous sea journeys, binding love and an ending that makes you secretly grin in delight.
October 6, 2015
In 'Ice and Embers' by Augusta Li, we pick up where the first book left off with Duncan and Sasha still trying to feel their way through their relationship. They are strong, passionate men and take great pleasure in each other's company, but they miss Yarrow. They promised not to look for him, but they want him to come home. When they are warned by Sai, the Emiri captain, that Yarrow is in great danger, they drop everything to rush to his side; but this complicates things even further before anything straightens out. Each man must face his fears and stand alone before they can stand together. Their way is fraught with angst, trepidation, and danger; but their future together is at stake. The triad will only be as strong as the strength each man can give to it. This will take a great deal of soul searching and determination to prove to themselves and each other the depth of their affection and to reach any kind of resolution to their conflicts.
Duncan is the same as always, steady as a rock, nurturing, and loving; but his sense of responsibility to the people he's supposed to protect is weighing heavily on him. He's torn between duty and love. He and Sasha clash more than ever because of their diametrically opposed views of morality. Sasha just doesn't understand Duncan's lenient attitude and respect for the law, while Duncan can't accept that Sasha's solution to every problem is to assassinate the source. When Sasha causes the worst situation yet for Duncan after promising he would stay out of trouble, Duncan has had it and it ends in a physical confrontation. It's always amazed me how men can beat the hell out of each other and end up closer than before, but this is what happens.
Sasha is as sexy and incorrigible as ever. His overly zealous efforts to protect Duncan prove only to make matters worse. He struggles with the concept of diplomacy and authority. He's given up a lot to be with Duncan and Yarrow and feels lost, without a real sense of purpose. He has no regrets, but a lot of doubts. If he can't kill to defend, then he's not sure what he's supposed to do. Sasha is confused, but loves Duncan and Yarrow and is determined to learn how to show them. It's not an easy task for someone who was taught not to feel emotions because that equates to weakness. He doesn't want to be seen as weak, but he does want to express himself in a way that will be fulfilling not only to himself but to the two men he loves more than life.
Yarrow is as impulsive as ever and as unbalanced. Try as he may, even after a year, he's no closer to figuring out how to be rid of the evil presence inside of him. He misses his men and desperately wants to return to them. He's also not entirely sure they will want him after all this time, but he doesn't feel safe being with them while he's not entirely in control of the creature inside him. When he comes across an opportunity to find someone who may have the answers he seeks, he jumps at it even though it's fraught with danger, uncertainty, and may merely be a wild goose chase. There's one major change in Yarrow in this book. He's changed in regard to fidelity. Before, he would have taken his pleasure wherever it presented itself, but he has more than one opportunity to be unfaithful and turns them all down; even sweet, sexy Sai who is obviously madly in love with Yarrow. It doesn't feel right to him anymore when his heart is with Sasha and Duncan.
Sai probably changes more than any other character from the first book. Being an Emiri, his life has been carefree, pleasure seeking, and of questionable morals, but in this story, he becomes more serious and begins to really understand the meaning of loyalty. He respects Yarrow's wishes that they not be intimate, although it almost kills him to do so, showing how much he cares for him. Sai is incredibly brave and makes a lot of sacrifices for Yarrow. He puts his feelings aside and even risks his own life to bring the two men Yarrow loves to him when that's where Sai feels they need to be. Through Sai's experiences in this adventure, he becomes a different person, never to return to the person he was before.
This is a truly epic tale which is not only well-written, but highly organized for such a complex story. There is so much to keep up with, to tie together, and to keep separate yet August manages to do so with an outstandingly accomplished style. Even with all their flaws, Duncan, Sasha, and Yarrow are incredible men whom I've come to love. True to his style, August answers many of the burning questions speculated upon in the first book, but, also poses just as many in this story—a magnificently ingenious trick to keep us longing for more. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves high fantasy, magic, and intrigue. Thank you, August, for another thought provoking, epic adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by DSP Publications for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Duncan is the same as always, steady as a rock, nurturing, and loving; but his sense of responsibility to the people he's supposed to protect is weighing heavily on him. He's torn between duty and love. He and Sasha clash more than ever because of their diametrically opposed views of morality. Sasha just doesn't understand Duncan's lenient attitude and respect for the law, while Duncan can't accept that Sasha's solution to every problem is to assassinate the source. When Sasha causes the worst situation yet for Duncan after promising he would stay out of trouble, Duncan has had it and it ends in a physical confrontation. It's always amazed me how men can beat the hell out of each other and end up closer than before, but this is what happens.
Sasha is as sexy and incorrigible as ever. His overly zealous efforts to protect Duncan prove only to make matters worse. He struggles with the concept of diplomacy and authority. He's given up a lot to be with Duncan and Yarrow and feels lost, without a real sense of purpose. He has no regrets, but a lot of doubts. If he can't kill to defend, then he's not sure what he's supposed to do. Sasha is confused, but loves Duncan and Yarrow and is determined to learn how to show them. It's not an easy task for someone who was taught not to feel emotions because that equates to weakness. He doesn't want to be seen as weak, but he does want to express himself in a way that will be fulfilling not only to himself but to the two men he loves more than life.
Yarrow is as impulsive as ever and as unbalanced. Try as he may, even after a year, he's no closer to figuring out how to be rid of the evil presence inside of him. He misses his men and desperately wants to return to them. He's also not entirely sure they will want him after all this time, but he doesn't feel safe being with them while he's not entirely in control of the creature inside him. When he comes across an opportunity to find someone who may have the answers he seeks, he jumps at it even though it's fraught with danger, uncertainty, and may merely be a wild goose chase. There's one major change in Yarrow in this book. He's changed in regard to fidelity. Before, he would have taken his pleasure wherever it presented itself, but he has more than one opportunity to be unfaithful and turns them all down; even sweet, sexy Sai who is obviously madly in love with Yarrow. It doesn't feel right to him anymore when his heart is with Sasha and Duncan.
Sai probably changes more than any other character from the first book. Being an Emiri, his life has been carefree, pleasure seeking, and of questionable morals, but in this story, he becomes more serious and begins to really understand the meaning of loyalty. He respects Yarrow's wishes that they not be intimate, although it almost kills him to do so, showing how much he cares for him. Sai is incredibly brave and makes a lot of sacrifices for Yarrow. He puts his feelings aside and even risks his own life to bring the two men Yarrow loves to him when that's where Sai feels they need to be. Through Sai's experiences in this adventure, he becomes a different person, never to return to the person he was before.
This is a truly epic tale which is not only well-written, but highly organized for such a complex story. There is so much to keep up with, to tie together, and to keep separate yet August manages to do so with an outstandingly accomplished style. Even with all their flaws, Duncan, Sasha, and Yarrow are incredible men whom I've come to love. True to his style, August answers many of the burning questions speculated upon in the first book, but, also poses just as many in this story—a magnificently ingenious trick to keep us longing for more. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves high fantasy, magic, and intrigue. Thank you, August, for another thought provoking, epic adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by DSP Publications for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 1, 2017
** This review is word-for-word as that contained within the Blessed Epoch, Vol. 1 review **
Book 2: Ice and Embers
Length: 23-46%
POV: Yarrow, Duncan, Sasha, Garith
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
Again, I'm of two minds. This time, it's really about the lack of consistency within the series. Book 1 was so choked up with sub-plots that all came together into one big plot, while this one has one big plot that isn't that detailed or complicated, is rather obvious and left me rolling my eyes a little, at the unnecessary ending.
I don't find it at all believable that the members of the order keep going about shouting 'traitor' at Sasha, while trying to kill him. These are the angriest assassins I've ever seen, for a bunch of people who were apparently bred/taught to be devoid of all emotion (actually included in the text as “The Crimson Scythe taught anger and hatred could hamper their work...”). Yet, every single one of them is furious with Sasha and end up being all the sloppier for it. It just doesn't add up.
I also find it really illogical for the timeline where the order are concerned. There's one part where Sasha is with the order. The timeline reads that he leaves Yarrow and Duncan, goes to a local tavern to get a drink, barely drinks anything and leaves with members of the order. Yarrow and Duncan catch up, barely wasted five minutes talking after Sasha left, followed and have a drink to interrogate the bar girl, only to follow Sasha straight out, not even five or ten minutes after he left. But, somehow, it takes 'what feels like hours' to travel through the path left for them. So, how did the order get Sasha there, set up a trap, torture him and prepare to face Yarrow without anyone being breathless, in such a short time? It's either impossible timing or incomplete explanation of the order using another entrance.
When it comes to the 'treacherous nobles' storyline, I find it very hard to believe that one cantankerous old woman could create a mob of snobs willing to commit treason just to get their hands on more money and get a new bairn. It seems far too dangerous and outlandish to be believed.
We were given Garith's POV in this one, but I'm really not sure why. The only thing it showed us is that he is in love with Sanders and that he turns to his mother and wife for advice, which ends with them leading him around with a leash, just as was presumed in the previous book. Neither of these are a surprise and I'm not sure his POV was really needed to show us that, since it was already obvious.
I was right about who the creature was, which wasn't a surprise, either, as all the signs were there to be put together without much effort. Unfortunately, this story arc was dragged out just like the Sasha and Duncan storyline. While much more interesting and something that I wanted to find out about, it dragged on laboriously for a long, long time, particularly while Yarrow was pretending to be an average, everyday student of magery. I really don't think that part was needed, as there had to be another way for him to find what he needed or at least not put us through the ruse of seeing it all play out.
Similarly, I found Sasha and Duncan's story arc seriously boring! Their constant quips and bickering was exhausting and annoying, because it only rehashed all the things we already knew they were dealing with, without ever coming to a conclusion without the help of Yarrow. I also didn't like the fact that they could lash out in a physical fight with each other, beating each other in an all out brawn about lack of respect and trust, only to end up in needless sex.
I love Yarrow and understand Sasha, but while I like him and Duncan, the knight is obtuse and unaccountably stupid. Yarrow says enough in one sentence for anyone with half a brain to make sense of what he means about his past, but Duncan requires a full account, before he can understand what is being said, forcing Sasha to talk about it and Yarrow to hear it, all because he's a complete dunce!
I liked the addition of Hale and Corbin, who were both intriguing characters who were underused. I would have loved for Hale to stick around with Yarrow, but it doesn't seem like we'll see him again, which is seriously disappointing as his character could have a major influence if just used properly.
The plot isn't halfway as convoluted or as twisted as book 1, but it's lacking for that. Because, for half of the story, nothing happens that is either interesting or worth sticking around for. Mostly, it's Yarrow pretending to be someone he's not and Duncan and Sasha living together, handing politics. It isn't until halfway through that anything even remotely interesting happens and I actually found myself wishing for the intricate, twisting sub-plots of book 1, just because it would mean something was happening.
Overall, the story does have less sex, which I wanted, and a less convoluted and twisted plot, but it's all to the story's detriment. The plot was barely existent in some places, the story dragged considerably in places, leaving the entire first half of the novel as boring, dragging and uninteresting. There was no need for Garith's POV, because it only showed us what we already knew. It felt far more like the real arc of the novel wasn't about Yarrow's escape from the creature, Duncan's bairn-ship or their journey back to each other, but actually unrealised, unrequired love, both between Garith and Sanders and Yarrow and Sai. It took Yarrow sailing with Sai to pick up the novel and begin to reach that parts I wanted to read.
~
Favourite Quote
“The winds are always changing, Yarrow, and all we can do is adjust our sails.”
“If he needed to, Sasha would spill an ocean of blood to bring them all together again. Their strange little family was the only thing he'd ever valued in his life.”
~
Book 2: Ice and Embers
Length: 23-46%
POV: Yarrow, Duncan, Sasha, Garith
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
Again, I'm of two minds. This time, it's really about the lack of consistency within the series. Book 1 was so choked up with sub-plots that all came together into one big plot, while this one has one big plot that isn't that detailed or complicated, is rather obvious and left me rolling my eyes a little, at the unnecessary ending.
I don't find it at all believable that the members of the order keep going about shouting 'traitor' at Sasha, while trying to kill him. These are the angriest assassins I've ever seen, for a bunch of people who were apparently bred/taught to be devoid of all emotion (actually included in the text as “The Crimson Scythe taught anger and hatred could hamper their work...”). Yet, every single one of them is furious with Sasha and end up being all the sloppier for it. It just doesn't add up.
I also find it really illogical for the timeline where the order are concerned. There's one part where Sasha is with the order. The timeline reads that he leaves Yarrow and Duncan, goes to a local tavern to get a drink, barely drinks anything and leaves with members of the order. Yarrow and Duncan catch up, barely wasted five minutes talking after Sasha left, followed and have a drink to interrogate the bar girl, only to follow Sasha straight out, not even five or ten minutes after he left. But, somehow, it takes 'what feels like hours' to travel through the path left for them. So, how did the order get Sasha there, set up a trap, torture him and prepare to face Yarrow without anyone being breathless, in such a short time? It's either impossible timing or incomplete explanation of the order using another entrance.
When it comes to the 'treacherous nobles' storyline, I find it very hard to believe that one cantankerous old woman could create a mob of snobs willing to commit treason just to get their hands on more money and get a new bairn. It seems far too dangerous and outlandish to be believed.
We were given Garith's POV in this one, but I'm really not sure why. The only thing it showed us is that he is in love with Sanders and that he turns to his mother and wife for advice, which ends with them leading him around with a leash, just as was presumed in the previous book. Neither of these are a surprise and I'm not sure his POV was really needed to show us that, since it was already obvious.
I was right about who the creature was, which wasn't a surprise, either, as all the signs were there to be put together without much effort. Unfortunately, this story arc was dragged out just like the Sasha and Duncan storyline. While much more interesting and something that I wanted to find out about, it dragged on laboriously for a long, long time, particularly while Yarrow was pretending to be an average, everyday student of magery. I really don't think that part was needed, as there had to be another way for him to find what he needed or at least not put us through the ruse of seeing it all play out.
Similarly, I found Sasha and Duncan's story arc seriously boring! Their constant quips and bickering was exhausting and annoying, because it only rehashed all the things we already knew they were dealing with, without ever coming to a conclusion without the help of Yarrow. I also didn't like the fact that they could lash out in a physical fight with each other, beating each other in an all out brawn about lack of respect and trust, only to end up in needless sex.
I love Yarrow and understand Sasha, but while I like him and Duncan, the knight is obtuse and unaccountably stupid. Yarrow says enough in one sentence for anyone with half a brain to make sense of what he means about his past, but Duncan requires a full account, before he can understand what is being said, forcing Sasha to talk about it and Yarrow to hear it, all because he's a complete dunce!
I liked the addition of Hale and Corbin, who were both intriguing characters who were underused. I would have loved for Hale to stick around with Yarrow, but it doesn't seem like we'll see him again, which is seriously disappointing as his character could have a major influence if just used properly.
The plot isn't halfway as convoluted or as twisted as book 1, but it's lacking for that. Because, for half of the story, nothing happens that is either interesting or worth sticking around for. Mostly, it's Yarrow pretending to be someone he's not and Duncan and Sasha living together, handing politics. It isn't until halfway through that anything even remotely interesting happens and I actually found myself wishing for the intricate, twisting sub-plots of book 1, just because it would mean something was happening.
Overall, the story does have less sex, which I wanted, and a less convoluted and twisted plot, but it's all to the story's detriment. The plot was barely existent in some places, the story dragged considerably in places, leaving the entire first half of the novel as boring, dragging and uninteresting. There was no need for Garith's POV, because it only showed us what we already knew. It felt far more like the real arc of the novel wasn't about Yarrow's escape from the creature, Duncan's bairn-ship or their journey back to each other, but actually unrealised, unrequired love, both between Garith and Sanders and Yarrow and Sai. It took Yarrow sailing with Sai to pick up the novel and begin to reach that parts I wanted to read.
~
Favourite Quote
“The winds are always changing, Yarrow, and all we can do is adjust our sails.”
“If he needed to, Sasha would spill an ocean of blood to bring them all together again. Their strange little family was the only thing he'd ever valued in his life.”
~
April 12, 2013
This second book of the Blessed Epoch is even better than Ash and Echoes, and that is quite an accomplishment! The story progresses as Duncan and Sasha deal daily with treacherous nobles and personal battles, both of them longing for Yarrow's return. Yarrow, in the meantime, is discovering wonders and knowledge he never thought to find, but is also travelling further and further from his partners and safety. It has been a very long time since I have read any series that has so fascinated and delighted me! I can not wait for the next book!
June 3, 2013
Not nearly as much fun as the first book. I was disappointed by the choices of many of the characters, and the plot just seemed to become more and more overwrought. A little too much drama, and far too much angst for me.
October 30, 2017
as good and maybe even better than the first book
loved it
loved it
do-not-read
April 24, 2021MMM
October 13, 2015
4.5 Stars for the continuation of an amazing series full of unexpected plot twist, brutality and love that warms your heart.
Come visit my blog for more rambling about books www.strawberrygeek-reads.blogspot.de
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now that Yarroway is gone to deal with the past that clings to him, Duncan and Sasha are alone at Duncan's new home. Sasha hates all the hassle an aristocratic and high-class life brings with it and just like to deal with it as simple as possible. Namely killing anyone that is a threat to Duncan in Sasha's opinion. Needless to say that neither Duncan nor the nobility is especially happy with Sasha. But Sasha can't just get rid of his upbringing as an assassin just as Duncan can't get rid of his morals and sense for propriety.
When Sai comes to tell them that Yarroway needs their help both of them are only too eager to get to Yarroway as soon as possible.
This was just as fucking brilliant as the first book and fingers already strain for the next, but then I won't get to this review until I have finished it. So let's keep this quick cause there is a sexy book waiting for my on my bed.
The dynamics between them are just lovely and I enjoy it every time I get a part where all three of them are together. The only thing I would criticise is that there are a few scenes where something happens or is said where the characters don't start to ask questions but just let it kind of slide. That was the only thing that really bothered and nagged at me in both books up to now. The characters are otherwise very realistic. They are not perfect. Each of them has their own flaws and their decisions aren't always good, right or even moral.
There are more plot twist we get thrown into our faces rather unexpected but nethertheless not unwelcome. I really look forward to see how some of those get resolved in the third book.
Just go read it! Meanwhile I'll devour the next one to see what the fuck's going to happen...
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I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now that Yarroway is gone to deal with the past that clings to him, Duncan and Sasha are alone at Duncan's new home. Sasha hates all the hassle an aristocratic and high-class life brings with it and just like to deal with it as simple as possible. Namely killing anyone that is a threat to Duncan in Sasha's opinion. Needless to say that neither Duncan nor the nobility is especially happy with Sasha. But Sasha can't just get rid of his upbringing as an assassin just as Duncan can't get rid of his morals and sense for propriety.
When Sai comes to tell them that Yarroway needs their help both of them are only too eager to get to Yarroway as soon as possible.
This was just as fucking brilliant as the first book and fingers already strain for the next, but then I won't get to this review until I have finished it. So let's keep this quick cause there is a sexy book waiting for my on my bed.
The dynamics between them are just lovely and I enjoy it every time I get a part where all three of them are together. The only thing I would criticise is that there are a few scenes where something happens or is said where the characters don't start to ask questions but just let it kind of slide. That was the only thing that really bothered and nagged at me in both books up to now. The characters are otherwise very realistic. They are not perfect. Each of them has their own flaws and their decisions aren't always good, right or even moral.
There are more plot twist we get thrown into our faces rather unexpected but nethertheless not unwelcome. I really look forward to see how some of those get resolved in the third book.
Just go read it! Meanwhile I'll devour the next one to see what the fuck's going to happen...
January 21, 2015
The cover is nice...
Seriously, this book is much better than the first. I still don't get much emotion from these characters, but the adventure is ok. I didn't skip any pages this time, so yay!
Yarrow is still the one I focused on, although the other two weren't a complete miss. Not to say Yarrow is better than the other two, only that his story was most compelling for me.
I think I will read the third, if only to see how this all ends, although I will not be rushing to read immediately.
Seriously, this book is much better than the first. I still don't get much emotion from these characters, but the adventure is ok. I didn't skip any pages this time, so yay!
Yarrow is still the one I focused on, although the other two weren't a complete miss. Not to say Yarrow is better than the other two, only that his story was most compelling for me.
I think I will read the third, if only to see how this all ends, although I will not be rushing to read immediately.
May 19, 2015
I liked the parts with Yarrow, but every time the plot went back to Sasha and Duncan, I could feel myself slipping into some kind of boredom coma. I liked them as characters, individually and with Yarrow, but when it was just the two of them my eyes would start glazing over. Their interactions felt forced and the fact that their part of the plot was boring didn't really help. I spent most of the book hoping they would reunite with Yarrow just so I could start liking them again.
July 19, 2013
The epic story continues. The revelation near the end of this book blew my mind and I can't wait to see where Li takes this world and how Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha will handle it. Duncan really steps into the spotlight in this book and I'm glad to see he got a cover. Without giving anything away I'm not sure if Yarrow's solution for his problem is a blessing or a curse.
May 6, 2017
Well written, but felt more like reading a series of unfortunate events rather than a story.
June 30, 2015
Please see my review for the first book.
April 15, 2013
Even better then the first. Love Sai!
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