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The Scarlet Star Trilogy #2
Bloodmoon
A Bloodmoon is rising…
With Fell Falls put firmly behind him, Tonmerion Hark has only one desire: to make his way east and once again feel the soil of his Empire under his boots.
But blood has been spilt. Machinations of the powerful foiled. Scores have been scraped in the desert sand and now they must be settled. A new power is growing in London, and it pines for revenge.
Now that both Tonmerion and Rhin find themselves being hunted over prairie and wasteland, he and his strange new family put their fate in the hands of a travelling circus, headed straight for the shores of the Iron Ocean, and a ship home.
There is only one truth: all will be settled on the night of the Bloodmoon.
Check out www.bengalley.com for sneak peeks and samples.
With Fell Falls put firmly behind him, Tonmerion Hark has only one desire: to make his way east and once again feel the soil of his Empire under his boots.
But blood has been spilt. Machinations of the powerful foiled. Scores have been scraped in the desert sand and now they must be settled. A new power is growing in London, and it pines for revenge.
Now that both Tonmerion and Rhin find themselves being hunted over prairie and wasteland, he and his strange new family put their fate in the hands of a travelling circus, headed straight for the shores of the Iron Ocean, and a ship home.
There is only one truth: all will be settled on the night of the Bloodmoon.
Check out www.bengalley.com for sneak peeks and samples.
422 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2015
37 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Ben Galley
51 books850 followersBen Galley is a British author of dark and epic fantasy books who currently hails from Vancouver, Canada. Since publishing his debut Emaneska Series, Ben has released the award-winning weird western Scarlet Star Trilogy and standalone The Heart of Stone, the critically-acclaimed Chasing Graves Trilogy, and the new Scalussen Chronicles.
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2018
Bloodmoon is a step down from Bloodrush.
The world building, which gripped my imagination, in the first book, is now familiar and hence, not a stand out feature. I had mentioned in my review of Bloodrush that Ben Galley needed to focus on the story and characters in subsequent books as world building could take you only so far. Welp, in that respect, Bloodmoon is only average.
There were three separate threads and, of these, the machinations in London were the most interesting. And this speaks a lot about the blandness of the main characters.
Don't get me wrong though. Ben Galley's writing is still brilliant. And the world is still unique. But these are not enough to overcome the sense that nothing much is happening.
Maybe, Bloodmoon is just suffering from 'middle-itis' since it is the second book in the trilogy. Hopefully, Bloodfeud will be much better.
The world building, which gripped my imagination, in the first book, is now familiar and hence, not a stand out feature. I had mentioned in my review of Bloodrush that Ben Galley needed to focus on the story and characters in subsequent books as world building could take you only so far. Welp, in that respect, Bloodmoon is only average.
There were three separate threads and, of these, the machinations in London were the most interesting. And this speaks a lot about the blandness of the main characters.
Don't get me wrong though. Ben Galley's writing is still brilliant. And the world is still unique. But these are not enough to overcome the sense that nothing much is happening.
Maybe, Bloodmoon is just suffering from 'middle-itis' since it is the second book in the trilogy. Hopefully, Bloodfeud will be much better.
August 3, 2015
It started with Bloodrush...(and what a rush that was #sorrynotsorry) and rising from the ashes life must go on! I was a little excited for this book, I'd been looking forward to it since the end of Bloodrush and now I have post Bloodmoon blues.
The cover is beautifully errie....If you didn't get that blood would be a part of the book from the titles, then the cover sure goes a long way to fix that, seeped in shades of reds, with the great big moon rising up...oh wait could that be the bloodmoon?? I alos love the typography of Ben's name, so different from the Emaneska, its like the name here has grit. But I digress...The book:
There's a difference sense of pace here, a different intensity, it's very much a journey book - across the Endless lands (America to you and me) helped, buy what better means, than a travelling circus. IN so much as this was a focus we also got to send a lot more time with the events happening in London (something I mentioned wanting more of), and get more from Faye queen, in a way where everything was gradually building up to the climax of not only this book but the s*** storm that is to come in book 3!
I had wondered where this story would go, so I was pleasantly surprised with the introduction of a Circus. I love a circus in a story, but it has to be one thats a little dark, that has a bit of edge to it, and when you have a circus of rushers it certainly has edge. I also like reading into certain things far too much, and one of the first literary encounters I had with Circuses was Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak, and a lot of the time I was getting really similar vibes...there was even a character called Shan, and even if this wasn't a reference, it was a really nice throwback for me to experience when reading.
Being the second in a series the characters felt familiar. You had them and you went with them immediately like you already knew them. Merion is this great juxtaposition between the man and the boy he is. Rhin can't seem to catch a break and Lurker and Lilian....would you come on already! One of the great things about Ben's writing is his ability to capture everyone's voice really well, building up such a variety of characters and maintaining them throughout.
Without wanting to repeat myself too much from previous reviews, I do want to touch again on the magick system, which feels so fresh to read as it takes ideas of channeling magic and put's a fresh spin on to it. There's also a great guide in the back of the books, just in case you've lost your own rushing reference and need a reminder.
This is a fantastic series, which, if you've never read any of ben's work you really need to get on to. You won't be disappointed. The only disappointment I can foresee is the end of the series! Bring on Book 3
The cover is beautifully errie....If you didn't get that blood would be a part of the book from the titles, then the cover sure goes a long way to fix that, seeped in shades of reds, with the great big moon rising up...oh wait could that be the bloodmoon?? I alos love the typography of Ben's name, so different from the Emaneska, its like the name here has grit. But I digress...The book:
There's a difference sense of pace here, a different intensity, it's very much a journey book - across the Endless lands (America to you and me) helped, buy what better means, than a travelling circus. IN so much as this was a focus we also got to send a lot more time with the events happening in London (something I mentioned wanting more of), and get more from Faye queen, in a way where everything was gradually building up to the climax of not only this book but the s*** storm that is to come in book 3!
I had wondered where this story would go, so I was pleasantly surprised with the introduction of a Circus. I love a circus in a story, but it has to be one thats a little dark, that has a bit of edge to it, and when you have a circus of rushers it certainly has edge. I also like reading into certain things far too much, and one of the first literary encounters I had with Circuses was Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak, and a lot of the time I was getting really similar vibes...there was even a character called Shan, and even if this wasn't a reference, it was a really nice throwback for me to experience when reading.
Being the second in a series the characters felt familiar. You had them and you went with them immediately like you already knew them. Merion is this great juxtaposition between the man and the boy he is. Rhin can't seem to catch a break and Lurker and Lilian....would you come on already! One of the great things about Ben's writing is his ability to capture everyone's voice really well, building up such a variety of characters and maintaining them throughout.
Without wanting to repeat myself too much from previous reviews, I do want to touch again on the magick system, which feels so fresh to read as it takes ideas of channeling magic and put's a fresh spin on to it. There's also a great guide in the back of the books, just in case you've lost your own rushing reference and need a reminder.
This is a fantastic series, which, if you've never read any of ben's work you really need to get on to. You won't be disappointed. The only disappointment I can foresee is the end of the series! Bring on Book 3
August 31, 2015
I like this follow up to Bloodrush a lot. Ben Galley picked up the story without missing a beat and took us down the dust and dangerous trail that Merion Hark, and his entourage travel on their way back to the Empire. Again, the characters are dimensional and interesting and their relationships drove the story.
I am looking forward to what happens next.
I am looking forward to what happens next.
November 12, 2024
Bloodmoon by Ben Galley - Second book in The Scarlet Trilogy
challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
This story has built upon the previous book (which most do, but there are some that don't). I also feel that the trilogy is really well paced...and knows where it is going. I look forward to picking up this final book, to see what the author has done with his characters.
I have to say...that I have become "more" numb to the disgusting idea of ingesting blood of all the creatures. But, saying that...it is still (will always be) theoretical. Yuck. No thank you, just kill me.
I found the characters MORE likeable than I did in the previous story. The still do not do the right things at all times, unfortunately (but in real life, who really does?).
Merion - our main character. He's becoming less of a fool, though not totally. There were times that I forgot that I didn't agree with WHY he's doing things (which, for the story...is what's supposed to happen).
Lilian - we are now understanding her part in the reason why Merion was sent to her...and the purpose to keep him safe, and learn.
Rhin - in the first book, I thought he was actually against the main character, but now...I think we can see WHY he's done what he's done. We may not agree with his methods, but I think we can say...he's on the "right side".
Lurker - Yeah, not going to say much, but I will say that I enjoyed his storyline better in this story.
Yara - friend or foe? Is the Circus what it first seems? Hmm?
Caidae - friend or foe? We know that Merion was infatuated with her, but then was not (for good reasons), but where is her mind at the moment?
...and those in England that are fighting against our main character.
In this story...we are heading to them, and how things goes well (and/or fall apart).
BTW, what do we think of King Lincoln and Queen Mary. That is such a weird thing to say, type or even think of.
This world is ours, but NOT.
Very interesting to think, and ponder the "what ifs..."
challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
This story has built upon the previous book (which most do, but there are some that don't). I also feel that the trilogy is really well paced...and knows where it is going. I look forward to picking up this final book, to see what the author has done with his characters.
I have to say...that I have become "more" numb to the disgusting idea of ingesting blood of all the creatures. But, saying that...it is still (will always be) theoretical. Yuck. No thank you, just kill me.
I found the characters MORE likeable than I did in the previous story. The still do not do the right things at all times, unfortunately (but in real life, who really does?).
Merion - our main character. He's becoming less of a fool, though not totally. There were times that I forgot that I didn't agree with WHY he's doing things (which, for the story...is what's supposed to happen).
Lilian - we are now understanding her part in the reason why Merion was sent to her...and the purpose to keep him safe, and learn.
Rhin - in the first book, I thought he was actually against the main character, but now...I think we can see WHY he's done what he's done. We may not agree with his methods, but I think we can say...he's on the "right side".
Lurker - Yeah, not going to say much, but I will say that I enjoyed his storyline better in this story.
Yara - friend or foe? Is the Circus what it first seems? Hmm?
Caidae - friend or foe? We know that Merion was infatuated with her, but then was not (for good reasons), but where is her mind at the moment?
...and those in England that are fighting against our main character.
In this story...we are heading to them, and how things goes well (and/or fall apart).
BTW, what do we think of King Lincoln and Queen Mary. That is such a weird thing to say, type or even think of.
This world is ours, but NOT.
Very interesting to think, and ponder the "what ifs..."
December 25, 2016
I loved the first book, Bloodrush, and this one was really good as well. Started a little slow for me, and with crucial mysteries revealed already in the last book, it fell a tad short of Bloodrush. It was still a great story and if you liked/loved Bloodrush, you'd be a fool not to continue right on to Bloodfeud--which is what I'm going to do...right now...leave me alone so I can read it!
February 11, 2023
Destruction has a penchant to be noticed and adored. Whether it is manmade or Maker-wrought, you can’t help but stare.
Ben Galley's "Bloodmoon" is another wonderful tale that follows a broad and extremely eclectic cast from the driest desert of Wyoming back across the Endless Land that is America. Whereas the pacing of this second chapter may not have been as strong throughout as the first book, it is still filled with delicious prose and tension galore. All I can say upon completion is I can't wait to start the final book in the trilogy first thing tomorrow!
It’s about time the villain won.
Interestingly enough - to me at least - my impressions of this middle tome reminded me in many ways of the strengths and less-strong parts of its matching middle book of the "Chasing Graves" three-parter. I even cheekily considered for a moment just copying my review of "Grim Solace", changing the names (to protect the innocent) and pasting it here. But I can never could pass up a chance to wax poetic … or just be as dull and long-winded as I can muster. Hey, every review helps, right? Plus I do so enjoy noting these quotes down as I read along!
He swore silently never to doubt chipmunks again.
My argument (from earlier, trust me) is simply that we spend a great deal of time again getting from Point A to Point B - or working through politic machinations of similar ilk - which I think greatly affected my jet-lagged ability to focus and push through some parts of at very least the first sections. All I mean then is simply that this "Tolkien-esque" rendering of long journeys is a quality of the genre that also was sometimes painfully apparent here, as I began to desperately want things to just get on with it. This was very true as our different groupings made their way by foot or by slow- and/or stubborn- beast from Wyoming through Nebraskar (so. sick. of. sand!). At least until someone finally acquiesced and did the smart thing of boarding a train for the rest of the journey. Why that didn't happen earlier isn't all that logical but hey, you do need something to fill in the pages, right? Can't just run up and chuck gold rings into volcanoes without a little exposition I guess...
It was noon. The sun beat down like an angry blacksmith who had just found his wife in bed with the cobbler.
By then of course, we knew which players were going to rise up but waiting on them to get to their final stage for the big reveal did take a while. But oh once they did get there… wow! This was for me really the saving grace of this book, namely, the HUGE and oh-so-tense battle sequences and their respective set-ups, including all manner of deceitful actions and revelations. Naturally, these involved and featured all manner of different actors, different motivations and more, and it was just thrilling! Those last hundred pages or so for me flew by as I literally held my breath waiting to see what came from it all!
There was a weight to the air. A ball and chain shackled to every second that crept past, teeth-clenchingly slowly. The hours were like shades of treacle, each one thicker than the last.
It should also be noted that some of the "Alternate Earth" aspects of this series truly shone in this book, noting the presence of the so-called "Red King" was a big hit for me! And along the way, Galley really underscored many of the more fantasy leaning aspects of his story. Whether it was the origins of rushers and leeches (and more) or Merion doing his best Dr. Strange imitation or Rhin fighting ancient and horrific forces sent by the Queen of the Fae to lay him low, this one really had so much to absorb and devour!
Their breath was the scraping of stones. Their faces were forged in vapour, giving their stolen bones flesh. Their eyes were hollows with sharp specks of light hiding at their centres.
Galley has certainly set forth his surviving players for a grand finale that will no doubt see even more of our main crew suffer further indignities … or worse. I love how even the bloodiest of scenes can be presented with a prose that just makes my toes curl. Sure, it's doing damage most foul to my dancing abilities, but I'll take it! Because this is great entertainment and more fun than you can shake an electric eel at!
Ben Galley's "Bloodmoon" is another wonderful tale that follows a broad and extremely eclectic cast from the driest desert of Wyoming back across the Endless Land that is America. Whereas the pacing of this second chapter may not have been as strong throughout as the first book, it is still filled with delicious prose and tension galore. All I can say upon completion is I can't wait to start the final book in the trilogy first thing tomorrow!
It’s about time the villain won.
Interestingly enough - to me at least - my impressions of this middle tome reminded me in many ways of the strengths and less-strong parts of its matching middle book of the "Chasing Graves" three-parter. I even cheekily considered for a moment just copying my review of "Grim Solace", changing the names (to protect the innocent) and pasting it here. But I can never could pass up a chance to wax poetic … or just be as dull and long-winded as I can muster. Hey, every review helps, right? Plus I do so enjoy noting these quotes down as I read along!
He swore silently never to doubt chipmunks again.
My argument (from earlier, trust me) is simply that we spend a great deal of time again getting from Point A to Point B - or working through politic machinations of similar ilk - which I think greatly affected my jet-lagged ability to focus and push through some parts of at very least the first sections. All I mean then is simply that this "Tolkien-esque" rendering of long journeys is a quality of the genre that also was sometimes painfully apparent here, as I began to desperately want things to just get on with it. This was very true as our different groupings made their way by foot or by slow- and/or stubborn- beast from Wyoming through Nebraskar (so. sick. of. sand!). At least until someone finally acquiesced and did the smart thing of boarding a train for the rest of the journey. Why that didn't happen earlier isn't all that logical but hey, you do need something to fill in the pages, right? Can't just run up and chuck gold rings into volcanoes without a little exposition I guess...
It was noon. The sun beat down like an angry blacksmith who had just found his wife in bed with the cobbler.
By then of course, we knew which players were going to rise up but waiting on them to get to their final stage for the big reveal did take a while. But oh once they did get there… wow! This was for me really the saving grace of this book, namely, the HUGE and oh-so-tense battle sequences and their respective set-ups, including all manner of deceitful actions and revelations. Naturally, these involved and featured all manner of different actors, different motivations and more, and it was just thrilling! Those last hundred pages or so for me flew by as I literally held my breath waiting to see what came from it all!
There was a weight to the air. A ball and chain shackled to every second that crept past, teeth-clenchingly slowly. The hours were like shades of treacle, each one thicker than the last.
It should also be noted that some of the "Alternate Earth" aspects of this series truly shone in this book, noting the presence of the so-called "Red King" was a big hit for me! And along the way, Galley really underscored many of the more fantasy leaning aspects of his story. Whether it was the origins of rushers and leeches (and more) or Merion doing his best Dr. Strange imitation or Rhin fighting ancient and horrific forces sent by the Queen of the Fae to lay him low, this one really had so much to absorb and devour!
Their breath was the scraping of stones. Their faces were forged in vapour, giving their stolen bones flesh. Their eyes were hollows with sharp specks of light hiding at their centres.
Galley has certainly set forth his surviving players for a grand finale that will no doubt see even more of our main crew suffer further indignities … or worse. I love how even the bloodiest of scenes can be presented with a prose that just makes my toes curl. Sure, it's doing damage most foul to my dancing abilities, but I'll take it! Because this is great entertainment and more fun than you can shake an electric eel at!
July 4, 2018
This novel suffers from middle child syndrome. Parts of it feel like it's prepping for the end of the trilogy. That's not bad, though, because I'm really looking forward to reading the next novel.
What really stands to this series is the world-building. I'm beginning to realise I have a hankering for alternative history worlds. Benjamin Disraeli is re-imagined as Bremar Dizali, and Queen Victoria is the apparently immortal Queen Victorious. Russia is Rosiya. My personal example for this is always His Dark Materials - one of the best fantasy series out there, particularly given that it's extremely mature for a YA/children's series - but this is much darker and puts the 'weird' into weird western. Galley is not afraid of the violence, of stepping into horror territory, and it serves his work well.
Somehow, the YA elements don't compromise this grimdark approach. And that's kind of what I like best in this series. It's a mix of different styles that probably shouldn't work, but do. It's different. That's not to say it's perfect or unique, but it is an enjoyable reading experience, which is surely the most important point of any series.
What really stands to this series is the world-building. I'm beginning to realise I have a hankering for alternative history worlds. Benjamin Disraeli is re-imagined as Bremar Dizali, and Queen Victoria is the apparently immortal Queen Victorious. Russia is Rosiya. My personal example for this is always His Dark Materials - one of the best fantasy series out there, particularly given that it's extremely mature for a YA/children's series - but this is much darker and puts the 'weird' into weird western. Galley is not afraid of the violence, of stepping into horror territory, and it serves his work well.
Somehow, the YA elements don't compromise this grimdark approach. And that's kind of what I like best in this series. It's a mix of different styles that probably shouldn't work, but do. It's different. That's not to say it's perfect or unique, but it is an enjoyable reading experience, which is surely the most important point of any series.
February 14, 2020
Ooooh, despite being ill and feeling like death, this book gave me an escape, and I enjoyed it immensely! There's plenty to keep the reader fascinated, with fantastic characters and a plotline that didn't need too much work on my part, though obviously not a simplistic one, that wouldn't keep even my flu-ridden brain engaged lol!
The writing is good, as was that of the first in this series, and the end is one that leaves things open for a third, obvious in a trilogy, yet is a story in itself and can be read as a stand alone without any loss for the reader.
Definitely an author I've enjoyed reading!
The writing is good, as was that of the first in this series, and the end is one that leaves things open for a third, obvious in a trilogy, yet is a story in itself and can be read as a stand alone without any loss for the reader.
Definitely an author I've enjoyed reading!
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, managed to expand the world whilst also moving thr story along. I do have to say that I still forgot the MC is young.
I loved the circus in it, but felt like we were with them for a very long time. I was enjoying the cross country chase more than the circus bit.
Still really enjoyed it and jumped straight into book 3.
I loved the circus in it, but felt like we were with them for a very long time. I was enjoying the cross country chase more than the circus bit.
Still really enjoyed it and jumped straight into book 3.
July 16, 2019
Something got lost somewhere for me. The story didn't match up to Bloodrush. Certainly a great way to get a look at different rushers by adding a circus. Nothing fantastic here hoping the conclusion is better.
January 5, 2018
Great read,especially because I now know the characters. I did, at stages, want to skip paragraphs to get to the meat of the story.
March 21, 2022
Awesome 👍🏻
January 7, 2016
Left Me Anxious For the Finale
Galley has crafted an intricate and truly original fantasy world in this series. This is a strong second installment.
The series takes place in a Magick filled 19th century, and is truly immersive. The character development is well written from all angles, and the new elements of the fantasy aspect are as original as you would expect from this upcoming author. The story was beautifully written, and I cannot wait for the release of book 3.
Galley has crafted an intricate and truly original fantasy world in this series. This is a strong second installment.
The series takes place in a Magick filled 19th century, and is truly immersive. The character development is well written from all angles, and the new elements of the fantasy aspect are as original as you would expect from this upcoming author. The story was beautifully written, and I cannot wait for the release of book 3.
April 27, 2016
Very well crafted
The world that the series is based in is a very well crafted, semi alternate history. The magic system is both unique and comfortably easy to understand. Ben is a fantastic author, and I have enjoyed all of his work so far. I look forward to more.
The world that the series is based in is a very well crafted, semi alternate history. The magic system is both unique and comfortably easy to understand. Ben is a fantastic author, and I have enjoyed all of his work so far. I look forward to more.
Read
September 18, 2020great series, slow start, good ending.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews