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Scarlet and the White Wolf #2
Mariner's Luck
In this second book of the Scarlet and the White Wolf trilogy, Scarlet the pedlar and Liall the bandit find themselves among hostile company aboard a Rshani brigantine headed north through icy waters. Liall has been summoned home to Rshan na Ostre by way of a cryptic message. Scarlet, after a near-fatal encounter with bounty-hunters seeking Liall's head, recklessly follows Liall into danger. Now the unlikely pair -a slight, honorable Hilurin and a giant northern rogue- are relentlessly pursued over rough seas on a perilous journey for Liall to reclaim his past, but what new dangers will await them in the fabled Land of Night?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
42 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Kirby Crow
24 books382 followersKirby Crow worked as an entertainment editor and ghostwriter for several years before happily giving it up to bake brownies, read yaoi, play video games, and write her own novels. Whenever she isn't slaying Orcs or flying a battleship for the glory of the Amarr Empire, she can be found in the kitchen, her vegetable garden, or at the keyboard, tapping away at her next book.
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 14, 2016
'Mariner's Luck' is the second book in Kirby Crow's series 'Scarlet and the White Wolf' the main focus of this one seemed to be the development of Liall & Scarlet's relationship as they travelled to Liall's homeland. Scarlet has proven himself to be brave and courageous beyond measure as he comes to Liall's rescue on more than one occasion and Liall is no less fearless in his attempts to protect Scarlet from harm.
Unfortunately part of Liall's efforts to protect Scarlet involves keeping secrets and in a relationship that rarely, if ever, goes well. The romance between Liall and Scarlet flows throughout the story as a subtle steady undercurrent never really taking centre stage nor does it step off to the wings. It is a constant hum that drew me along and kept me wanting more. I like that this story is relying on an actual plot and interaction between the MC's to develop their relationship.
For me this was the connecting piece between where the story started in Scarlet's native land and where it will ultimately end in Liall's homeland or possibly beyond (I haven't read book 3 yet, so who knows?) and while the author could have chosen to do this in a few pages at the end of the first book or the beginning of the third book I really enjoyed the that this 4 month voyage was given more attention than that. A lot of Liall and Scalet's relationship happened on this voyage and I liked that it wasn't rushed or condensed into a few pages but given the time to unfold in a more believable manner.
I have little if any doubt that when I get done book 3 like so many of my friends who have read this series I will be clamoring for the next book, but at least I'll have lots of good company. I'm off to read book 3 because really the only thing I can add here is if you love fantasy and m/m works for you. YOU need to check this series out.
Unfortunately part of Liall's efforts to protect Scarlet involves keeping secrets and in a relationship that rarely, if ever, goes well. The romance between Liall and Scarlet flows throughout the story as a subtle steady undercurrent never really taking centre stage nor does it step off to the wings. It is a constant hum that drew me along and kept me wanting more. I like that this story is relying on an actual plot and interaction between the MC's to develop their relationship.
For me this was the connecting piece between where the story started in Scarlet's native land and where it will ultimately end in Liall's homeland or possibly beyond (I haven't read book 3 yet, so who knows?) and while the author could have chosen to do this in a few pages at the end of the first book or the beginning of the third book I really enjoyed the that this 4 month voyage was given more attention than that. A lot of Liall and Scalet's relationship happened on this voyage and I liked that it wasn't rushed or condensed into a few pages but given the time to unfold in a more believable manner.
I have little if any doubt that when I get done book 3 like so many of my friends who have read this series I will be clamoring for the next book, but at least I'll have lots of good company. I'm off to read book 3 because really the only thing I can add here is if you love fantasy and m/m works for you. YOU need to check this series out.
June 12, 2016
Review in the first book, Scarlet and the White Wolf.
December 7, 2012
This story was basically a blow-by-blow rewrite of “Prisoner of the Raven”, which I hated for a number of reasons. A very long sea voyage during which one protagonist gets sick (while being nursed and fretted over by the other protagonist), then protagonist #2 gets sick (and gets nursed by protagonist #1) and then repeat this cycle again and again, ad nauseum. Almost everything was redone here, right down the UTTERLY POINTLESS heterosexual encounter. What, again, was the point of writing a scene where Liall gets his privates fondled by his old female mentor and enjoys it enough to get sexually aroused, make out with her, and almost cheat on Scarlet? What was the point? To show him getting excited just so as to reiterate (yet again) that Liall is super masculine and can get it up for the ladies? What point AT ALL was there in the author including this scene? At least his didn’t completely have hardcore straight sex with her in FRONT of Scarlet like the character did in “Prisoner of the Raven”, which was utterly debasing and revolting, and not because it was lady parts, I’m not that squeamish. I was disgusted because it was cheap and pointless, and it didn’t add anything to the storyline. And what of the storyline with Liall’s ex-wife? It was pointless as well. And in the end it came to nothing at all. Other than portraying her as a trite, immature, hysterical b*#ch, which surprises me coming from a female writer. What irritates me now is that so often, even in gay literature, there is a lack of legitimacy and dignity regarding the homosexual relationship arc. Gay characters can’t even reign supreme in their own literary domain now?! It's like we're going backwards and I think that really speaks to some deeper issues. Anyway, I’m done ranting to noone. I didn’t care for this story and I skimmed through the third one just to wrap it up, and, BIG NEWS: I didn’t really care for it either. What started as a very promising potential plot basically just went off the rails on a crazy train. I don’t even care enough to write another whiney review about the third book.
February 9, 2012
I loved this one almost as much as the first one.
Seeing Scarlet out of his element and on the sea while simultaneously seeing Liall in his element and among his people was fascinating to me. Scarlet and Liall get much closer in this one. They start to accept the situation they are in and act on the feelings they have for each other. At the same time, we start to understand Liall more and find out why he's so harsh on himself and reluctant to return home. Where Scarlet and the White Wolf is about Scarlet's life, Mariner's Luck is mostly about Liall's life. So, now we know Scarlet and Liall equally.
The world is just as fascinating as in the first book and I liked how we get to see a different society and culture than Byzantur. Rshan, Liall's home country, is filled with cold, cruel men and women. The kind that would plot against you behind your back then praise you to your face. It made for an interesting welcome home for Liall and a few enjoyable encounters for me.
The only problem I had with this one is how much I didn't like Liall treating Scarlet at times. Nor how he acted when he got to his homelands .
I still love this series, though. I'm looking forward to reading the third one and I'm desperately hoping the fourth one gets released soon!
Originally read 9/25/10
Seeing Scarlet out of his element and on the sea while simultaneously seeing Liall in his element and among his people was fascinating to me. Scarlet and Liall get much closer in this one. They start to accept the situation they are in and act on the feelings they have for each other. At the same time, we start to understand Liall more and find out why he's so harsh on himself and reluctant to return home. Where Scarlet and the White Wolf is about Scarlet's life, Mariner's Luck is mostly about Liall's life. So, now we know Scarlet and Liall equally.
The world is just as fascinating as in the first book and I liked how we get to see a different society and culture than Byzantur. Rshan, Liall's home country, is filled with cold, cruel men and women. The kind that would plot against you behind your back then praise you to your face. It made for an interesting welcome home for Liall and a few enjoyable encounters for me.
The only problem I had with this one is how much I didn't like Liall treating Scarlet at times. Nor how he acted when he got to his homelands .
I still love this series, though. I'm looking forward to reading the third one and I'm desperately hoping the fourth one gets released soon!
Originally read 9/25/10
November 13, 2013
This is such a great fantasy series, it's truly epic and up there with the best of them if you ask me. This book takes place mostly on a ship, travelling back to Liall's kingdom. Scarlet is a foreigner, and is viewed with contempt and loathing by the crew and is seen merely as a possession of Liall's, something which Scarlet detests. There are still plenty of secrets between Scarlet and Liall but at last they are closer and they have a relationship of sorts. This is a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend the series.
July 7, 2016
FORMIDABLE. Sigo para el #3
January 25, 2011
I think Mariner's Luck suffered somewhat from middle book syndrome. Not much seemed to happen in the first... seventy-five percent of the book, or thereabouts, and then a lot of things came out in the end. Most of the book is taken up with a journey which consists mostly of Scarlet being endangered repeatedly, and Liall and Scarlet repeatedly hurting and misunderstanding each other. There is one big hint at Scarlet's power, but little comes of it. Then, in the last quarter of the book, they reach Liall's home, meet his family, consummate their relationship, secrets threaten to come out, political set-up begins...
It feels like a bridge between two books. The last quarter of the book is definitely worth it, particularly for the sex scene between Scarlet and Liall! It's tastefully done and emotionally satisfying without being some great big cheesefest about how they're going to live happily ever after. The tension was getting near unbearable -- in the sense that it was becoming ridiculous -- and I hope Kirby Crow successfully walks the line, in the next book, between taking away a large part of Scarlet's personality and not acknowledging the emotional development going on.
I'm looking forward to what the next book holds, anyway.
It feels like a bridge between two books. The last quarter of the book is definitely worth it, particularly for the sex scene between Scarlet and Liall! It's tastefully done and emotionally satisfying without being some great big cheesefest about how they're going to live happily ever after. The tension was getting near unbearable -- in the sense that it was becoming ridiculous -- and I hope Kirby Crow successfully walks the line, in the next book, between taking away a large part of Scarlet's personality and not acknowledging the emotional development going on.
I'm looking forward to what the next book holds, anyway.
January 27, 2013
First off, I very highly recommend the series; I think this is the weakest volume, but I could not put it down, and the moment I finished it I started the third volume.
Spoiler: picking up from my review of the first volume, my main problem is with the long delay of consummation between the couple. It doesn't really happen until the third volume, and given that this book consists mostly of a four-month long sea voyage in which the two would-be lovers are trapped in a cabin together, bored out of their minds, the delay becomes an exercise in extreme frustration for all involved. It reminded me a lot of Dynasty of Ghosts, which also took hundreds of pages for the couple to finally get together. Admittedly, I think I have a personal problem with overly missish male heroes who run from sex and must be endlessly pursued by their excessively patient lovers. I start wishing the story would veer into non-con territory and have the more experienced of the heroes just throw the other guy down on the bed.
That being said, there is plenty of high-seas adventure and character development here to make this overall a very satisfying read. For MM-themed high fantasy series, this is definitely one of the best I've read.
Spoiler: picking up from my review of the first volume, my main problem is with the long delay of consummation between the couple. It doesn't really happen until the third volume, and given that this book consists mostly of a four-month long sea voyage in which the two would-be lovers are trapped in a cabin together, bored out of their minds, the delay becomes an exercise in extreme frustration for all involved. It reminded me a lot of Dynasty of Ghosts, which also took hundreds of pages for the couple to finally get together. Admittedly, I think I have a personal problem with overly missish male heroes who run from sex and must be endlessly pursued by their excessively patient lovers. I start wishing the story would veer into non-con territory and have the more experienced of the heroes just throw the other guy down on the bed.
That being said, there is plenty of high-seas adventure and character development here to make this overall a very satisfying read. For MM-themed high fantasy series, this is definitely one of the best I've read.
August 27, 2015
I am liking this series more and more. Here, we have some strong female characters at least, so my criticism regarding the first book promoting a patriarchal society/gender stereotypes is not really valid here.
And I love the dynamic between stubborn, brave Scarlet and mysterious rake Liam. Whereas the plot is still as gripping as it was in book 1. This series is not perfect, but so terribly addictive! I cannot stop reading, to the point where it is very preventing me from both studying and sleeping.
Well, on to book 3, I guess ... PS: The constant cliffhangers are starting to get on my nerves.
February 5, 2015
4.5 stars. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book. Excellent world-building and writing. Love the two MCs, especially Scarlet. Moving on to Book 3.
April 2, 2011
Ravishing, seductive, heartbreaking and subtle. Everything I could want from High fantasy M/M and more.
A thrilling continuation of the lives of these charaters. I will definitely be reading these books again.
(Full review to follow)
A thrilling continuation of the lives of these charaters. I will definitely be reading these books again.
(Full review to follow)
June 4, 2016
Scarlet and Liall finally get it on in the second book of this excellent m/m fantasy trilogy.
Scarlet's expression flickered. His smile grew warmer, and he lifted his hand out of the water and cupped Liall's face. "I won't be offended if you touch me, you stupid Kasiri bastard. I want you to."
Scarlet's expression flickered. His smile grew warmer, and he lifted his hand out of the water and cupped Liall's face. "I won't be offended if you touch me, you stupid Kasiri bastard. I want you to."
March 18, 2012
This second book in the series focuses mainly on Scarlet and Liall's sea voyage to Liall's homeland. As a foreigner, Scarlet is viewed with contempt and dislike by the crew of ship and, at best, he is seen as Liall's possession. It was interesting to watch the interaction between Scarlet and Liall as their relationship developed. Despite this being the second book, the two men had spent very little time alone together before they boarded the ship and now they are forced into spending a lot of time together in very close quarters. On their arrival at Liall's home it becomes apparent that he has been keeping secrets from Scarlet and Scarlet once again finds himself in a place where he doesn't fit in and doesn't even speak the language. Towards the end we discover that Liall has more secrets from Scarlet but as we know Scarlet has been keeping a big secret of his own, I expect the sparks will fly when we get to the third book!
The pages flew by in this book and it was very rewarding to watch the feelings that Liall and Scarlet have for each other get deeper as their journey progressed. Hopefully their relationship can survive the mayhem and adventure which will surely follow in the next book.
The pages flew by in this book and it was very rewarding to watch the feelings that Liall and Scarlet have for each other get deeper as their journey progressed. Hopefully their relationship can survive the mayhem and adventure which will surely follow in the next book.
June 13, 2015
rating: 2.25/5
I couldn't help but be disappointed with this second novel in the series. The first novel set up an interesting world with two very different and unique characters. And even though the plot was a bit simplistic, their interactions were slow, their relationship simmering under tension.
With this one Scarlet turns whiney. The plot is disorganized and writing uneven. Even the world building stalls in the first half which I spent bored out of my mind. The relationship turns to eye-rolling drama.
However, with the arrival in the north the story and world-building picks up again. That is the only reason that I think eventually I'll be reaching for the next one. The court intrigue resurrects what the ship voyage had flat-lined.
And the ending wasn't really an ending. It left me feeling hollow and empty, but not in a good way. It felt more like the end of a chapter and left me willing the page to turn so I could continue reading as I thought in disbelief, "that's it?"
I couldn't help but be disappointed with this second novel in the series. The first novel set up an interesting world with two very different and unique characters. And even though the plot was a bit simplistic, their interactions were slow, their relationship simmering under tension.
With this one Scarlet turns whiney. The plot is disorganized and writing uneven. Even the world building stalls in the first half which I spent bored out of my mind. The relationship turns to eye-rolling drama.
However, with the arrival in the north the story and world-building picks up again. That is the only reason that I think eventually I'll be reaching for the next one. The court intrigue resurrects what the ship voyage had flat-lined.
And the ending wasn't really an ending. It left me feeling hollow and empty, but not in a good way. It felt more like the end of a chapter and left me willing the page to turn so I could continue reading as I thought in disbelief, "that's it?"
June 28, 2016
I continue my adventure in the fictional land built by Kirby Crow. I love it and continue to be delighted that these are the books I chose as my holiday read.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
July 2, 2021
On poursuit la même trame, mais on change de décor. Une partie sur le bateau, l’autre sur les terres de Liall. La vie de nos héros sera en danger constante et ils devront se serrer les coudes pour survivre. L’arrivée chez Liall sera-t-elle une bénédiction ?
Un plaisir de retrouver nos deux héros, mais une mini déception. On terminait en bonne voie, et on a vite reculé. Durant une très grosse partie de notre lecture, la dynamique de nos héros ressemblait à aime-moi, je te fuis. Un énorme manque de communication des deux côtés, des peurs et ils ont vraiment eu besoin qu’on les secoue.
Par contre, il ne faut pas oublier que la vie sur le navire n’a pas été de tout repos. Entre coup bas, violence, trahison et combat, le climat était tout sauf romantique. Une traversée qui aura été rude et nous a offert quelques rebondissements.
Mais on a fini par avoir quelques touches de romances. Ils sont quand même mignons tous les deux. Pour autant, je suis toujours perplexe. Je pense que j’ai encore la peur qu’on recule pour moins avancer. Donc à voir par la suite !
Pour finir, l’intrigue du troisième tome est lancée dans les deux derniers chapitres. Beaucoup de secrets, quelques révélations, mais l’auteure nous réservera quelques surprises encore. On va quand même faire une pause, mais une fois l’autre LC finie, nous retournerons vers Scarlet et son loup.
En résumé, un roman qui se lit bien : c’est fluide, facile à lire donc un gros plus. Je ne suis malheureusement pas plus transcendée par ma lecture donc toujours pas la LC de l’année, mais bon ! On ne baisse pas les bras. Je vous recommande cette lecture pour vous faire votre propre avis.
Un plaisir de retrouver nos deux héros, mais une mini déception. On terminait en bonne voie, et on a vite reculé. Durant une très grosse partie de notre lecture, la dynamique de nos héros ressemblait à aime-moi, je te fuis. Un énorme manque de communication des deux côtés, des peurs et ils ont vraiment eu besoin qu’on les secoue.
Par contre, il ne faut pas oublier que la vie sur le navire n’a pas été de tout repos. Entre coup bas, violence, trahison et combat, le climat était tout sauf romantique. Une traversée qui aura été rude et nous a offert quelques rebondissements.
Mais on a fini par avoir quelques touches de romances. Ils sont quand même mignons tous les deux. Pour autant, je suis toujours perplexe. Je pense que j’ai encore la peur qu’on recule pour moins avancer. Donc à voir par la suite !
Pour finir, l’intrigue du troisième tome est lancée dans les deux derniers chapitres. Beaucoup de secrets, quelques révélations, mais l’auteure nous réservera quelques surprises encore. On va quand même faire une pause, mais une fois l’autre LC finie, nous retournerons vers Scarlet et son loup.
En résumé, un roman qui se lit bien : c’est fluide, facile à lire donc un gros plus. Je ne suis malheureusement pas plus transcendée par ma lecture donc toujours pas la LC de l’année, mais bon ! On ne baisse pas les bras. Je vous recommande cette lecture pour vous faire votre propre avis.
November 15, 2023
The journey continues and has a cliffhanger. Regretfully, I must wait until next month to borrow the others in the series on Hoopla. I am hoping to one day own all the physical copies of the series. It's as good, but wildly different, as A Wolf in the Door by Charlie Adhara. 5 ⭐!
September 19, 2018
Interesting, but the sea voyage did take a bit too long.
December 30, 2012
I really enjoy reading about this world and have already started book three. I want to see how the adventure ends - as an epic fantasy book, I really enjoy it.
As a romance book, the interplay between Scarlet and Liall is still fun, but the sex scenes are pretty simplistic and not very descriptive. Still one of my favorite gay romances, but it could have been written with a bit less emphasis on the relationships and have been a straight fantasy story, with a bit of homosexuality.
As a romance book, the interplay between Scarlet and Liall is still fun, but the sex scenes are pretty simplistic and not very descriptive. Still one of my favorite gay romances, but it could have been written with a bit less emphasis on the relationships and have been a straight fantasy story, with a bit of homosexuality.
June 30, 2015
Ха! А эта мне прям понравилась! Хотя... ничего удивительного, во второй части герои по большей части медленно томятся в собственном соку, а тушеные книги мне всегда по душе!
Сюжетные излишества в виде придворных сплетен и скандалов меня как раз угнетают, но это необходимое зло.
Буду надеяться, что у Scarlet o'Hara разовьется его талант и он там всех во дворце шокирует своими пиротехническими умениями!)))
Дальше пошла читать.
Сюжетные излишества в виде придворных сплетен и скандалов меня как раз угнетают, но это необходимое зло.
Буду надеяться, что у Scarlet o'Hara разовьется его талант и он там всех во дворце шокирует своими пиротехническими умениями!)))
Дальше пошла читать.
March 18, 2016
I was looking forward to seeing what Liall's country looked like, but was really disappointed when I realised that over half the book is set on the ship... I was also quite frustrated with Liall in this, he wouldn't tell Scarlet anything and treated him as a child through the entire journey.
Still, it was good and I enjoyed it, and the parts we did get to see of "the land of night" were pretty interesting.
Still, it was good and I enjoyed it, and the parts we did get to see of "the land of night" were pretty interesting.
June 25, 2016
I was expecting something more... I like Scarlet and Liall, but they seems two overgrowth babies! The first half of the book is not so good because they really seems two babies. It's not a bad story and now I would read the next one because I want to know how the story finishes, but I am not so impressed.
October 6, 2012
Very good, but it made me wonder why book 1 and 2 couldn't be just one volume. I'm the only one that like longer fantasy books? Book 1 and 2 were so short I really think it would be more logical one, not two books.
Starting the 3 now, book 2 end as book 1, with a cliffhanger.
Starting the 3 now, book 2 end as book 1, with a cliffhanger.
October 27, 2012
This second book is more focused on the romance development. It was less thrilling but I still enjoyed it very much. The end lets me hope for obscure machinations...
Read
July 12, 2013End? *flip, flip* what do you mean, 'end'? Dammit.
June 30, 2016
Just as good as Book 1, secrets and lies and intrigue and a journey to a far away land.
Bring on Book 3, full review after Book 4
Bring on Book 3, full review after Book 4
January 2, 2019
3.5 stars
It took me some time to start enjoying this one, as I don't like books that are placed aboard a ship and this one is exactly that. I also wanted Liall to open up more about himself, if what he says he feels about Scarlett is true, because with the way he was behaving, I didn't get to feel his love. Adventure-wise though, I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
It took me some time to start enjoying this one, as I don't like books that are placed aboard a ship and this one is exactly that. I also wanted Liall to open up more about himself, if what he says he feels about Scarlett is true, because with the way he was behaving, I didn't get to feel his love. Adventure-wise though, I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
March 26, 2019
Everything from the last book continued on over into this with some other eye-rolling happenings. Now with some politics thrown in.
Will not be continuing the series. Extremely disappointed.
Will not be continuing the series. Extremely disappointed.
July 12, 2014
If you want to see my casting for Scarlet/Liall, hop on over my review of the first book:)
This one picks up right after the first novel's ending, with Scarlet and Liall on the ship journeying to Liall's homeland.
Most of the plot/action in this installment takes place on the boat, giving Scarlet and Liall time to quarrel and grow closer together, but still keeping secrets from one another.
Even though I knew he had his own demons and was also trying to keep Scarlet safe, I still didn't like the way Liall spoke to/treated Scarlet at times. At least he had the sense to apologize to Scarlet.
Certain event that happens to Scarlet regarding one of the crewman and two co-horts ooooh! I wanted to kick him in the balls, at the minimum. Unlike Scarlet, I thought the punishment was fitting but I also wouldn't have minded the rats being thrown overboard a couple times as well.
I loved Liall's protectiveness over Scarlet and vice versa, made me smile and inwardly cheer :) The bond between them is a bit shaky but still strong.
The little moments they kept having and how they were so tentative with each other *sighs*
There was plenty to write about on a four month journey and it was fun seeing how the mariners lived/operated... and 'seeing' inside Liall and Scarlet's thoughts was.. not sure if fun is the right word but something like that. I wanted to hug the two of them sometimes.
The pacing suffered a bit at times and was boring in a couple spots but overall didn't affect my enjoyment of the tale. Liall and Scarlet sparring on the deck was one of my favorite scenes.
The captain Qixa grew on me. By the time we depart from him,I knew I was going to miss him.. an honorable man and a good ally.
Liall's homeland sounded amazing, yet beautiful and dangerous.... though I can't imagine living without the sun blazing overhead. I could 'feel' the cold as they journeyed toward the place where Liall was born. Those furs and the sleigh, I wanted to steal them for my winter blankets:).
I'm with Scarlet on the cold though lol, I'd be bundled up under seven layers of clothing.
Interesting to hear the 'legends' of Hilurin and the Shining ones from the Rshani point-of-view... makes ya wonder. Wonder if we'll hear more of it/them in the next book.
You can feel a change in the air in the palace when Liall (too lazy to look up Liall's proper name's spelling) and Scarlet are there... a foreboding... a quiet and cunning thing. 'Best be on your guard' was the first thing on my mind before Liall said something of the like.
I liked the queen right off the bat :) A complex, strong woman.
The bold plan the Queen told Liall... I hope it works though I anticipate many obstacles along the way.
The little tidbit thrown out about Nadei at the end, I suspected it throughout (just as I thought Liall may have a regal bloodline)... I wonder what happened and what part that Court lady played in it.
We learn some of Liall's history though I have the feeling what was left unsaid is rich and complex.
Hopefully Scarlet and Liall come clean with their secrets, it won't do them any good keeping things from each other.. It'll only help them in the long run.
All in all, would recommend this one :) Not as good as the first but still a wonderful continuation of the story. Liall/Scarlet's love is such a beautiful thing :)
Happy reading! my brain is tired but wanted to get this review out haha.
-----
My casting for Liall's mother:
This one picks up right after the first novel's ending, with Scarlet and Liall on the ship journeying to Liall's homeland.
Most of the plot/action in this installment takes place on the boat, giving Scarlet and Liall time to quarrel and grow closer together, but still keeping secrets from one another.
Even though I knew he had his own demons and was also trying to keep Scarlet safe, I still didn't like the way Liall spoke to/treated Scarlet at times. At least he had the sense to apologize to Scarlet.
Certain event that happens to Scarlet regarding one of the crewman and two co-horts ooooh! I wanted to kick him in the balls, at the minimum. Unlike Scarlet, I thought the punishment was fitting but I also wouldn't have minded the rats being thrown overboard a couple times as well.
I loved Liall's protectiveness over Scarlet and vice versa, made me smile and inwardly cheer :) The bond between them is a bit shaky but still strong.
The little moments they kept having and how they were so tentative with each other *sighs*
There was plenty to write about on a four month journey and it was fun seeing how the mariners lived/operated... and 'seeing' inside Liall and Scarlet's thoughts was.. not sure if fun is the right word but something like that. I wanted to hug the two of them sometimes.
The pacing suffered a bit at times and was boring in a couple spots but overall didn't affect my enjoyment of the tale. Liall and Scarlet sparring on the deck was one of my favorite scenes.
The captain Qixa grew on me. By the time we depart from him,I knew I was going to miss him.. an honorable man and a good ally.
Liall's homeland sounded amazing, yet beautiful and dangerous.... though I can't imagine living without the sun blazing overhead. I could 'feel' the cold as they journeyed toward the place where Liall was born. Those furs and the sleigh, I wanted to steal them for my winter blankets:).
I'm with Scarlet on the cold though lol, I'd be bundled up under seven layers of clothing.
Interesting to hear the 'legends' of Hilurin and the Shining ones from the Rshani point-of-view... makes ya wonder. Wonder if we'll hear more of it/them in the next book.
You can feel a change in the air in the palace when Liall (too lazy to look up Liall's proper name's spelling) and Scarlet are there... a foreboding... a quiet and cunning thing. 'Best be on your guard' was the first thing on my mind before Liall said something of the like.
I liked the queen right off the bat :) A complex, strong woman.
The bold plan the Queen told Liall... I hope it works though I anticipate many obstacles along the way.
The little tidbit thrown out about Nadei at the end, I suspected it throughout (just as I thought Liall may have a regal bloodline)... I wonder what happened and what part that Court lady played in it.
We learn some of Liall's history though I have the feeling what was left unsaid is rich and complex.
Hopefully Scarlet and Liall come clean with their secrets, it won't do them any good keeping things from each other.. It'll only help them in the long run.
All in all, would recommend this one :) Not as good as the first but still a wonderful continuation of the story. Liall/Scarlet's love is such a beautiful thing :)
Happy reading! my brain is tired but wanted to get this review out haha.
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My casting for Liall's mother:
December 31, 2015
3.5 stars
(If you haven’t read Book 1, The Pedlar and the Bandit King, this review will contain spoilers)
This continues Scarlet and Liall’s adventures directly after book one. After a terrific action-packed scene, they gain passage aboard a ship bound for the far North, to Liall’s homeland. The author continues with the same great imagery and compelling story about these two men from very different backgrounds who are inexorably drawn to each other.
Most of this book tells of their long, four month ocean voyage where they are constantly together in close quarters. It’s mostly clashing feelings and simmering attraction between them, and Scarlet’s virginal stand-offishness gets tiresome. Liall plays into it with his dithering and having to protect Scarlet’s honor from the scabrous mariner’s surrounding them. It all reminds me of those smutty pirate bodice rippers, and Scarlet is the damsel held captive and in constant peril for his life and virginity. Except without the smut.
It’s the last third or so of the book when things really pick up; there is some great at-sea action to push the pacing. And the wonderful seduction scenes, when we finally get them, are well worth the wait. We know that there is much more to both these men. The author doles out snippets, just enough, to keep us guessing about Liall’s family and history. It is welcome when we get more glimmers of it in the very last section of the book.
In book one Scarlet is such a dynamic figure. He’s fiercely independent and self sufficient, he is clever and inventive. I’ve lost a little of that in him here. He seems to fade into Liall’s shadow as we get more of Liall’s voice and his background. It’s inevitable as this becomes all about courtly intrigue and family infighting. But here is Scarlet -- he’s followed Liall, left his beloved homeland for the unknown, thrown into the machinations, and in danger of being relegated to concubine status.
One wonders how Scarlet will stand for it, and how he’ll fit into it all with his own not-to-be-forgotten, mysterious powers. I'm hooked; on to book three.
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