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Crown of Blood #2
Warlord's Wager
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate-cover edition for ISBN 9781517787127
Treason. Prophecy. The world as they knew it is gone forever…
Emperor Lukan Avanov has no equal. Despite his power, even he can’t break the curse that predicts his death at the hands of his own son. Desperate to keep the prophecy from coming true, Lukan banishes his dangerous wife Lynx from the Heartland. As he tries to focus his attention on the war with Treven, he must rely on a bitter rival to keep his throne and the empire safe.
Axel Avanov is third in line to the throne but first in Lynx’s heart. Unwilling to support Lukan’s plan to control his subjects’ minds, he enlists the help of unlikely allies and outlawed weapons to fight for his future. But will his military genius be enough to outwit the ever-present danger within the empire?
Warlord’s Wager is an epic steampunk fantasy set in the sweeping world of Chenaya.
Treason. Prophecy. The world as they knew it is gone forever…
Emperor Lukan Avanov has no equal. Despite his power, even he can’t break the curse that predicts his death at the hands of his own son. Desperate to keep the prophecy from coming true, Lukan banishes his dangerous wife Lynx from the Heartland. As he tries to focus his attention on the war with Treven, he must rely on a bitter rival to keep his throne and the empire safe.
Axel Avanov is third in line to the throne but first in Lynx’s heart. Unwilling to support Lukan’s plan to control his subjects’ minds, he enlists the help of unlikely allies and outlawed weapons to fight for his future. But will his military genius be enough to outwit the ever-present danger within the empire?
Warlord’s Wager is an epic steampunk fantasy set in the sweeping world of Chenaya.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2015
About the author
Gwynn White
21 books246 followersUSA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels set on distant planets.
All Gwynn White's stories have an adventure at the heart mixed with a liberal sprinkling of romance and intrigue. To confuse things, she also write adventure travel books set firmly on planet Earth.
She lives in Western Australia with her husband, Andrew, my three daughters, a yapping Toy Pomeranian, and a fantastic farm cat called Pixel. When she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, herding kids around, taking dogs for walks, and avoiding all cooking.
All Gwynn White's stories have an adventure at the heart mixed with a liberal sprinkling of romance and intrigue. To confuse things, she also write adventure travel books set firmly on planet Earth.
She lives in Western Australia with her husband, Andrew, my three daughters, a yapping Toy Pomeranian, and a fantastic farm cat called Pixel. When she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, herding kids around, taking dogs for walks, and avoiding all cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 11, 2017
Excellent
Excellent book full of conniving, spying, births and sacrifice. Keeps your attention from start to finish, with it's perfectly paced story. I am very much enjoying this series and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. These books have a lot going on in them, this particular one was focused on Axle, of course not just him but around him, his sacrifices, what he is doing and planning, to help against Lukan and get things started for Nicholas (Lynx and Lukan's son) to kill Lukan. Oh, you just need to read these books at least so far they're excellent.
Excellent book full of conniving, spying, births and sacrifice. Keeps your attention from start to finish, with it's perfectly paced story. I am very much enjoying this series and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. These books have a lot going on in them, this particular one was focused on Axle, of course not just him but around him, his sacrifices, what he is doing and planning, to help against Lukan and get things started for Nicholas (Lynx and Lukan's son) to kill Lukan. Oh, you just need to read these books at least so far they're excellent.
August 12, 2016
Warlord's Wager picks up immediately where Rebel's Honor left off, continuing the story. I started this book the moment I finished the first, but I'm a little slow getting my review up. (That's not a reflection on the story--just me being a slacker.) I'm not going to go into plot details, but if you liked Rebel's Honor, you will not be disappointed with this installment.
Like the first book, Warlord's Wager is another page turner that I could not put down. And like the first book it is packed with intrigue. Layers and layers of intrigue. I never knew what would happen next and that kept the tension high.
Gwynn writes wonderful, well-developed characters set in a unique world. The setting is an interesting blend of fantasy, steampunk, and a bit of science fiction. It's a particular combination I haven't encountered before which makes the series one of a kind.
I haven't had a chance to read the third book in the series, Dragon's Fire, but it's at the top of TBR pile. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Like the first book, Warlord's Wager is another page turner that I could not put down. And like the first book it is packed with intrigue. Layers and layers of intrigue. I never knew what would happen next and that kept the tension high.
Gwynn writes wonderful, well-developed characters set in a unique world. The setting is an interesting blend of fantasy, steampunk, and a bit of science fiction. It's a particular combination I haven't encountered before which makes the series one of a kind.
I haven't had a chance to read the third book in the series, Dragon's Fire, but it's at the top of TBR pile. I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 26, 2016
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
I can't believe I'm so into a series where the love interests don't actually get together. Theirs is certainly a star-crossed love story. Tragic, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once.
I'm definitely addicted & reading on. Love both Axel & Lynx. Hate Kestrel & Lukan. And adore all the rest.
The world building is brilliant.
Well done.
I can't believe I'm so into a series where the love interests don't actually get together. Theirs is certainly a star-crossed love story. Tragic, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once.
I'm definitely addicted & reading on. Love both Axel & Lynx. Hate Kestrel & Lukan. And adore all the rest.
The world building is brilliant.
Well done.
June 28, 2017
Too much telling you what will happen and then showing it happen
One character explains what they are going to do...in detail. Then, you get to read about that exact same thing happening. So, it's like a 100 page book stretched out through repetition. It's not awful, but it's too hard to read and re-read the same material just told from a dif pov.
One character explains what they are going to do...in detail. Then, you get to read about that exact same thing happening. So, it's like a 100 page book stretched out through repetition. It's not awful, but it's too hard to read and re-read the same material just told from a dif pov.
April 10, 2016
Great storytelling!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Lynx and Axel are great star crossed lovers. Their families, friends, and enemies are all well fleshed out characters and make this story wonderful! Now I'm off to read the next book!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Lynx and Axel are great star crossed lovers. Their families, friends, and enemies are all well fleshed out characters and make this story wonderful! Now I'm off to read the next book!
April 23, 2016
Warlords Wager continues with double cross and an occasional triple cross. More suspense as the plot continues to evolve. Great scene shifting as we go from each angle of an ongoing unfolding tale. Oh yea I have book three on my to do list for tomorrow.
April 30, 2016
Even better than the first book. I've already become so invested in characters that develop quicker and more believably than in many of the big publishers' titles. I finished it in less than a day, hungry for the third.
September 20, 2016
Great storytelling!
This series is written so well that I have an epic "mind-movie" running while reading it. The author's phrasing, wording, and smart wordsmithing makes reading her stories a real adventure.
This series is written so well that I have an epic "mind-movie" running while reading it. The author's phrasing, wording, and smart wordsmithing makes reading her stories a real adventure.
September 23, 2016
Love can conquer anything.
No matter what the crazy emperor throws at Axle and Lynx, they persevere. Treachery, spying and romance, all play a part in this very different war story.
No matter what the crazy emperor throws at Axle and Lynx, they persevere. Treachery, spying and romance, all play a part in this very different war story.
January 6, 2016
Good read
Keeps you intrigued about how all the twists and turns. The plotting is greatly written and masterly well thought out.
Keeps you intrigued about how all the twists and turns. The plotting is greatly written and masterly well thought out.
September 27, 2016
Awesome series
I fell in love with this series. It is action-packed. Spies, espionage, good vs evil, love, heirs to the throne ,treachery ....it has it all.
I fell in love with this series. It is action-packed. Spies, espionage, good vs evil, love, heirs to the throne ,treachery ....it has it all.
May 29, 2017
I have kept Rebel's honor on my TBR list for a long time.
Now I regret it.
I have started reading this series and I am unable to stop.
With Lynx conceiving the prophesied child and her heart still belonging to Axel, Lukan, her husband and all-powerful emperor controlling his subjects thanks to ice crystals and count Felix, decided to banish his wife, his son and his traitorous brother to an isolated cottage in the forest. Injected with ice crystals on their own, both Lynx and Tao can't cross a boundary if they don't want to end up dead. Axel, being promoted from warlord to Lord of the Conquest, is sent to Treven to solve the conflict threatening to burst out, and gain control over ice crystal mines. But his heart belongs elsewhere, and he forms an unlikely alliance to hold a rebellion opposing Lukan's despotism.
I am hopelessly addicted to this series. With elements of fantasy, steampunk and dystopia, the author succeeded in creating a wonderful, dark and intricate world full of promises, magic and technological inventions alongside. The enchanting world building is complemented by awesome plot developing at alarming pace, and topped with extraordinary characters.
The complexity of characters is the element I value most. Being strong and developed, we get to know each of their personalities from many angles, understanding them as real people with real feelings and motives to act. The tensed, cursed romance between Axel and Lynx complicated by the feelings of other characters stands in the center of emotional side of the book, well-accompanied by variety of other emotions - loss, grief, betrayal, determination, rage or hope.
I love, love, love this series and will continue reading it as long as the author will be willing to write on :)
Fully recommended!
Now I regret it.
I have started reading this series and I am unable to stop.
With Lynx conceiving the prophesied child and her heart still belonging to Axel, Lukan, her husband and all-powerful emperor controlling his subjects thanks to ice crystals and count Felix, decided to banish his wife, his son and his traitorous brother to an isolated cottage in the forest. Injected with ice crystals on their own, both Lynx and Tao can't cross a boundary if they don't want to end up dead. Axel, being promoted from warlord to Lord of the Conquest, is sent to Treven to solve the conflict threatening to burst out, and gain control over ice crystal mines. But his heart belongs elsewhere, and he forms an unlikely alliance to hold a rebellion opposing Lukan's despotism.
I am hopelessly addicted to this series. With elements of fantasy, steampunk and dystopia, the author succeeded in creating a wonderful, dark and intricate world full of promises, magic and technological inventions alongside. The enchanting world building is complemented by awesome plot developing at alarming pace, and topped with extraordinary characters.
The complexity of characters is the element I value most. Being strong and developed, we get to know each of their personalities from many angles, understanding them as real people with real feelings and motives to act. The tensed, cursed romance between Axel and Lynx complicated by the feelings of other characters stands in the center of emotional side of the book, well-accompanied by variety of other emotions - loss, grief, betrayal, determination, rage or hope.
I love, love, love this series and will continue reading it as long as the author will be willing to write on :)
Fully recommended!
May 28, 2017
Starts right after book one.
It's a lot more about politics and how things go for Emperor and his closest ministers.
Each character has a different way in this book - Tao and Lynx are banished from Empire, Kestrel is a bi*ch that only thinks about her feelings to Lukan, Axel is a man to his core, I love his character.
But what will happen when there will be three children that would be able to claim a throne? More in book 3!
It's a lot more about politics and how things go for Emperor and his closest ministers.
Each character has a different way in this book - Tao and Lynx are banished from Empire, Kestrel is a bi*ch that only thinks about her feelings to Lukan, Axel is a man to his core, I love his character.
But what will happen when there will be three children that would be able to claim a throne? More in book 3!
June 2, 2017
A must read!
This series is a must read for anyone who likes the fight for doing right in a world who is governed by the wrong. The characters are wonderful, including Lukan and Felix. The only one who disappoints me is Kestral. These are the first I have read from this author and they are fabulous. On to book 3.
This series is a must read for anyone who likes the fight for doing right in a world who is governed by the wrong. The characters are wonderful, including Lukan and Felix. The only one who disappoints me is Kestral. These are the first I have read from this author and they are fabulous. On to book 3.
July 26, 2019
Great characters, storyline and action
This book continues Lynx's story with Axel. The book picks up right where the first book ended so there isn't any confusion. There were a few surprises in this book that I wasn't expecting. I felt they just kept the book exciting and fresh. Getting the 3rd book now!
This book continues Lynx's story with Axel. The book picks up right where the first book ended so there isn't any confusion. There were a few surprises in this book that I wasn't expecting. I felt they just kept the book exciting and fresh. Getting the 3rd book now!
June 17, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the series and picks up right where Rebel's Honor left off, just as action packed with spies, espionage as well as the star crossed lovers. Book three is on my to read list next.
June 21, 2017
Solid characters and good reading
Plenty of action, intrigue and post apocalyptical fantasy, with enough romance minus the tawdry descriptive sensuality to satisfy anyone who enjoys fantasy/scifi. Well written and quite enjoyable.
Plenty of action, intrigue and post apocalyptical fantasy, with enough romance minus the tawdry descriptive sensuality to satisfy anyone who enjoys fantasy/scifi. Well written and quite enjoyable.
August 12, 2017
Well, I can't complain about things dragging or being confusing during this book! Could not put it down. I think Axel made a mistake not taking the baby with him, but then I don't know what the author has in mind. On to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
I purchased Warlord's Wager as part of a 3-book Crown of Blood box set. I've been enjoying the Crown of Blood series because of it's complex and interesting story line. Great progaonists and villains, as well as a twisty plot.
December 20, 2017
2nd in a Great Series
This storyline is fantastic and keeps you guessing. I am having a hard time with the relationship of the 2 main characters lasting through 16 years with no contact, but that is just me. The writing draws you in and the next thing you know the book is done.
This storyline is fantastic and keeps you guessing. I am having a hard time with the relationship of the 2 main characters lasting through 16 years with no contact, but that is just me. The writing draws you in and the next thing you know the book is done.
June 3, 2017
Not as good as Rebel's Honor (book one in Crown of Blood series)
June 25, 2017
Not as exciting as the first. Lots of build-up in this novel. I look forward to the next one.
July 21, 2019
Good book 2
The story continues .... I was hoping Lynx would escape and be reunited with Axel...but no....Ann Tao? What happens to him?
The story continues .... I was hoping Lynx would escape and be reunited with Axel...but no....Ann Tao? What happens to him?
October 26, 2019
5 stars
The war rates in this book. The child has been borne. Treachery has been discovered. Only time will tell the outcome. Great series.
The war rates in this book. The child has been borne. Treachery has been discovered. Only time will tell the outcome. Great series.
March 21, 2017
This picks up right after book 1 and just keeps getting better. Lynx and her sister are in a strange new place trying to navigate and learn all they can. Lynx and Tao are also becoming friends. Lukan and Kestrel are both complicated and annoying. I have hope that Kestrel will get to be a better sister/person, but not sure what it will take for that to happen. Lukan - well I hate him, but love him at the same time.
February 7, 2017
This story pulls at so many emotions. It's written so well and with so much perspective from the different players that often times I was feeling for the "bad" guys.
September 8, 2016
Oh my...
The story just gets better and better... I truly can't wait to read the next book in the series and I've got the feeling I'll be devouring anything else by the author as well
The story just gets better and better... I truly can't wait to read the next book in the series and I've got the feeling I'll be devouring anything else by the author as well
May 8, 2017
It's hard to put this down because everyone is plotting something. The informas... nothing is sacred. If you liked the first book then you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews