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Sisters of the Storm #2
Reckoning
She won’t hesitate to take on any demon from any of the seven hells, but none of them are as terrifying as the ones in her own mind.
Baezha Ambrose is a gifted sorceress. Aleena Kurrin, her adoptive sister, is a gifted warrior. Together they have faced countless foes, but now Baezha must face what she fears the most – her past. She’d fled her home town of Oleppo after her world ended in fire and blood and left her crippled with guilt. In the years since, the forces that destroyed her world have taken over Oleppo and grown stronger. Now she must return to Oleppo to sort things out.
The Watchers is a secret society of religious zealots fanatically devoted to the extinction of magic. Baezha’s extraordinary talent with magic makes her their most hated enemy, and they bring all of their obsessive fanaticism to bear on her. The Order of Entropy is a faction of sorcerers dedicated to destructive magic. They see Baezha as an intolerably dangerous rival, and they know precisely how to hurt her. They know her sordid past better than Baezha herself.
Crippled by guilt and fighting a two front war in a city that has made her very existence a crime, Baezha will need all the help she can get. She has but one ally, her sister Chosen, Aleena, who is as powerful in war as Baezha is in magic. With Aleena’s help, Baezha shall bring a reckoning to the evil that destroyed all she loved. Or that evil will have its final victory over her.
Though listed as book 2 of the series, this is a stand alone novel.
Baezha Ambrose is a gifted sorceress. Aleena Kurrin, her adoptive sister, is a gifted warrior. Together they have faced countless foes, but now Baezha must face what she fears the most – her past. She’d fled her home town of Oleppo after her world ended in fire and blood and left her crippled with guilt. In the years since, the forces that destroyed her world have taken over Oleppo and grown stronger. Now she must return to Oleppo to sort things out.
The Watchers is a secret society of religious zealots fanatically devoted to the extinction of magic. Baezha’s extraordinary talent with magic makes her their most hated enemy, and they bring all of their obsessive fanaticism to bear on her. The Order of Entropy is a faction of sorcerers dedicated to destructive magic. They see Baezha as an intolerably dangerous rival, and they know precisely how to hurt her. They know her sordid past better than Baezha herself.
Crippled by guilt and fighting a two front war in a city that has made her very existence a crime, Baezha will need all the help she can get. She has but one ally, her sister Chosen, Aleena, who is as powerful in war as Baezha is in magic. With Aleena’s help, Baezha shall bring a reckoning to the evil that destroyed all she loved. Or that evil will have its final victory over her.
Though listed as book 2 of the series, this is a stand alone novel.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2017
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Guy E. Estes
7 books56 followersGuy Estes was born in Huntsville, Alabama in 1970 and grew up on his family's ancestral sugar plantation in New Iberia, Louisiana, where he currently resides with his wife and three children. His grandchildren are the eighth generation of his family to grow up on the place, which was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. He has a bachelor's degree in social studies education and a master's degree in European history. His day job is an instructor at a small safety consultation company. He taught public school for three years and, as a result, no longer fears hell. He can also be found at https://guyestes.weebly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2017
Reckoning is not for the faint-hearted: plenty of gore, action, fight scenes (with dragon, elf, demon & pyrokinetic).
I have not read the first book but Reckoning reads as a stand-alone. It opens with a bang with a fight between Baezha and the Drahn Vor, the Eaters of Souls. Baezha and her sister Aleena are summoned to the Ashoga for a trial. During the trial, using cones, we get a recap of Baezha’s past that lasts a third of the book.
The recap serves as the ground to explain Baezha’s guilt. Reckoning is about her guilt and revenge on those who have killed her parents. But not all is what it seems. Even as great sorceress as she is, Baezha is misled by memories implanted by her enemies. After the death of parents, Rowan and Sonya, she finds a mentor in Kyle who trains her to be a warrior.
As well as proficient in the use of magic, Baezha also uses psychic power. And I like that flaw in her. Despite her physical strength, she isn’t mentally strong: she continually seeks out the approval of her parents and Yul and her guilt at their death causes her to self-harm. When her mind is manipulated by her enemy (who tries to persuade her to slit her wrist), it is Aleena, her sister, who helps her to rise up and believe in her goodness.
There is a religious undertone in the book. Torture, in that horrible purification chamber, is carried out in the name of the Blessed Father by those who repudiate the use of magic. Cruelty that culminates in the Final Judgment by Order of Entropy.
The prose flows smoothly –other than few misspelled words that could be corrected with a spell check. Two-thirds of the book is in dialogue and description is sparse, so it was a quick, gripping read. The liquid emerald, in the end, was well deserved I’d say.
Thank you for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read the first book but Reckoning reads as a stand-alone. It opens with a bang with a fight between Baezha and the Drahn Vor, the Eaters of Souls. Baezha and her sister Aleena are summoned to the Ashoga for a trial. During the trial, using cones, we get a recap of Baezha’s past that lasts a third of the book.
The recap serves as the ground to explain Baezha’s guilt. Reckoning is about her guilt and revenge on those who have killed her parents. But not all is what it seems. Even as great sorceress as she is, Baezha is misled by memories implanted by her enemies. After the death of parents, Rowan and Sonya, she finds a mentor in Kyle who trains her to be a warrior.
As well as proficient in the use of magic, Baezha also uses psychic power. And I like that flaw in her. Despite her physical strength, she isn’t mentally strong: she continually seeks out the approval of her parents and Yul and her guilt at their death causes her to self-harm. When her mind is manipulated by her enemy (who tries to persuade her to slit her wrist), it is Aleena, her sister, who helps her to rise up and believe in her goodness.
There is a religious undertone in the book. Torture, in that horrible purification chamber, is carried out in the name of the Blessed Father by those who repudiate the use of magic. Cruelty that culminates in the Final Judgment by Order of Entropy.
The prose flows smoothly –other than few misspelled words that could be corrected with a spell check. Two-thirds of the book is in dialogue and description is sparse, so it was a quick, gripping read. The liquid emerald, in the end, was well deserved I’d say.
Thank you for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2017
Sisters of the Storm Two is very action packed, more than half of the book devoted to fighting monsters, beasts, sorcerers, and nightmares. I don’t mean any plot involving strategy, recuperating, and so on. I mean actual fighting—kicking, maiming, thrusting, slashing.
It was almost as if a video game involving battles in a fantasyland, like Smite, was playing out in this book. They are thrilling, though.
Aleena mainly fights through warrior maneuvers (physical strength) while Baezha fights using magic (mind control). It’s interesting to see that Aleena can fight magic using brute force and not be outclassed.
The combatants sure take their disputes very personally. It’s so extreme, that defeating the enemy isn’t enough, the enemy also has to be mocked, taunted, tortured, and die as slowly as possible, even though in death there is futility to the victim. I would have enjoyed this book more if it didn’t resort to such torture, especially what happens to Beazha’s parents. There wasn’t sufficient reason for the evildoers to hate Beazha so much, as all she did was excel at her witchcraft and gain immense power. If agitators want to gain power, all they had to do was eliminate or expel Baezha, and they probably would have no strong desire to see her suffer, only just to make sure she could not prevent their rise to power. It’s true that such personal conflict heightens the suspense in this book but I think it went a bit too far and perhaps made this book out of reach for younger or more sensitive readers who might have otherwise enjoyed it.
This history of Baezha excelling in class and coming of age is too similar to Aleena’s in the first book. It’s the same outcome: the sister Chosen is beautiful and talented and immensely powerful, and a jealous same-age classmate causes temptation to the Chosen one to kill, which the Chosen doesn’t do, but then the Chosen suffers from expulsion from the class and mockery that still comes up in nightmares. Also, the parents of the chosen are targeted to suffer.
I liked this book a lot better than the one with Aleena. For one thing, the book with Aleena has her chained and imprisoned much of the time, whereas in this book Baezha is never imprisoned. However, both books have scenes of graphic detail that probably don’t belong in mainstream epic fantasy genre books. I mean those of torture, not fighting. In fighting, gore is to be expected, but once the fight is over, I expect it to be over. Or those scenes where innocent victims (such as Baezha's parents) are targeted only because they are pawns as means to weaken the true warriors who love them so much.
I found the trial interesting. Nice to see that there is some semblance of a justice system after all. Is the Ashoga, this adjudicator, actually more powerful that anyone else?
It was almost as if a video game involving battles in a fantasyland, like Smite, was playing out in this book. They are thrilling, though.
Aleena mainly fights through warrior maneuvers (physical strength) while Baezha fights using magic (mind control). It’s interesting to see that Aleena can fight magic using brute force and not be outclassed.
The combatants sure take their disputes very personally. It’s so extreme, that defeating the enemy isn’t enough, the enemy also has to be mocked, taunted, tortured, and die as slowly as possible, even though in death there is futility to the victim. I would have enjoyed this book more if it didn’t resort to such torture, especially what happens to Beazha’s parents. There wasn’t sufficient reason for the evildoers to hate Beazha so much, as all she did was excel at her witchcraft and gain immense power. If agitators want to gain power, all they had to do was eliminate or expel Baezha, and they probably would have no strong desire to see her suffer, only just to make sure she could not prevent their rise to power. It’s true that such personal conflict heightens the suspense in this book but I think it went a bit too far and perhaps made this book out of reach for younger or more sensitive readers who might have otherwise enjoyed it.
This history of Baezha excelling in class and coming of age is too similar to Aleena’s in the first book. It’s the same outcome: the sister Chosen is beautiful and talented and immensely powerful, and a jealous same-age classmate causes temptation to the Chosen one to kill, which the Chosen doesn’t do, but then the Chosen suffers from expulsion from the class and mockery that still comes up in nightmares. Also, the parents of the chosen are targeted to suffer.
I liked this book a lot better than the one with Aleena. For one thing, the book with Aleena has her chained and imprisoned much of the time, whereas in this book Baezha is never imprisoned. However, both books have scenes of graphic detail that probably don’t belong in mainstream epic fantasy genre books. I mean those of torture, not fighting. In fighting, gore is to be expected, but once the fight is over, I expect it to be over. Or those scenes where innocent victims (such as Baezha's parents) are targeted only because they are pawns as means to weaken the true warriors who love them so much.
I found the trial interesting. Nice to see that there is some semblance of a justice system after all. Is the Ashoga, this adjudicator, actually more powerful that anyone else?
March 4, 2018
A Delectable Web of Magic...
One of the concepts I liked best in “Reckoning” was the webweaving scene where Baezha takes two strings (blue and white), presses them to turn them green and then again to turn them gold. She then grabs a third and fourth and they switch colors as she commands them to. Other strands begin to extend from the ones she’s manipulated and when she is done, she has woven a web of magic. This scene, for me, summarizes what the author has done in this novel. Its storyline is plausible and well constructed, one thread concerning Ash coming to Oleppo and proclaiming himself an inquisitor from Ashoga and that he had been called upon to root out any unethical magic being practiced. The action is snappy, similes and metaphors abound, the use of color throughout (verdant green, aquamarine, scarlet, gold) adds richness to the prose, and descriptions are vivid. “Its body was covered with dark, wiry hair, under which sinewy muscles danced. Its fingers were long and its hands were strong, and it had the head of a boar. Its breath huffed through its snout. Its tusks were yellowish-white, and its eyes were small glittering jewels of malevolence.” The point Baezha makes “that while subjecting someone to her worst fears might very well destroy her, it can also have the opposite effect by tempering her steel” is well made, reinforced at the novel’s end with a quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and conveys a theme that is empowering. A recommended read to anyone seeking to delve into an imaginative world brought to life by a skillful writer.
One of the concepts I liked best in “Reckoning” was the webweaving scene where Baezha takes two strings (blue and white), presses them to turn them green and then again to turn them gold. She then grabs a third and fourth and they switch colors as she commands them to. Other strands begin to extend from the ones she’s manipulated and when she is done, she has woven a web of magic. This scene, for me, summarizes what the author has done in this novel. Its storyline is plausible and well constructed, one thread concerning Ash coming to Oleppo and proclaiming himself an inquisitor from Ashoga and that he had been called upon to root out any unethical magic being practiced. The action is snappy, similes and metaphors abound, the use of color throughout (verdant green, aquamarine, scarlet, gold) adds richness to the prose, and descriptions are vivid. “Its body was covered with dark, wiry hair, under which sinewy muscles danced. Its fingers were long and its hands were strong, and it had the head of a boar. Its breath huffed through its snout. Its tusks were yellowish-white, and its eyes were small glittering jewels of malevolence.” The point Baezha makes “that while subjecting someone to her worst fears might very well destroy her, it can also have the opposite effect by tempering her steel” is well made, reinforced at the novel’s end with a quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and conveys a theme that is empowering. A recommended read to anyone seeking to delve into an imaginative world brought to life by a skillful writer.
May 4, 2018
Actual rating 3.5
Reckoning is powered by a solid pair of protagonist and strong story of revenge. Action is prevalent, though occasionally a little awkward and too drawn out. The culminating sequence in particular dragged on for me, if part because it was long and in part because there was already so much preceding it.
The antagonists are vile in several different ways and prove themselves well deserving of their eventual fates. The world itself is a fairly standard medieval fantasy world, with the highlight being the Ashoga (which are a sort of an undead tribunal of spirits for the sorcerers within the world, and provide the story's initial catalyst.)
I have two qualms, although they are largely insignificant in the story. The first is that the author tends to rehash comments/events/instances without real need. For instance, one character takes a moment to explain why Baezha clings to her guilt, then several chapters on the author explains it again from Baezha's perspective, but the wording and general meaning don't change. Similar instances don't occur frequently during the story, but they do happen and are tedious.
The second qualm is that the author uses a fair amount of "telling" to convey what he wants the reader to see and feel, often when the desired effect was self evident.
Still, this was a good, enjoyable story, and well worth a read for action aficionados.
One last thing to to note, this story contains a substantial amount of sexuality (generally very explicitly alluded to rape.)
Reckoning is powered by a solid pair of protagonist and strong story of revenge. Action is prevalent, though occasionally a little awkward and too drawn out. The culminating sequence in particular dragged on for me, if part because it was long and in part because there was already so much preceding it.
The antagonists are vile in several different ways and prove themselves well deserving of their eventual fates. The world itself is a fairly standard medieval fantasy world, with the highlight being the Ashoga (which are a sort of an undead tribunal of spirits for the sorcerers within the world, and provide the story's initial catalyst.)
I have two qualms, although they are largely insignificant in the story. The first is that the author tends to rehash comments/events/instances without real need. For instance, one character takes a moment to explain why Baezha clings to her guilt, then several chapters on the author explains it again from Baezha's perspective, but the wording and general meaning don't change. Similar instances don't occur frequently during the story, but they do happen and are tedious.
The second qualm is that the author uses a fair amount of "telling" to convey what he wants the reader to see and feel, often when the desired effect was self evident.
Still, this was a good, enjoyable story, and well worth a read for action aficionados.
One last thing to to note, this story contains a substantial amount of sexuality (generally very explicitly alluded to rape.)
June 27, 2017
This is the second book in the Sisters of the Storm series, but it is also regarded as a standalone novel. First things first, I LOVE the cover artwork. Fantastically detailed and without resorting to the good-ol model in front of a photoshopped background. I never was a fan of those. Secondly, it is important to see if the book does truly stand on its own. This is especially vital in my case since I have not read the first book. I’m pleased to say that “Reckoning” definitely does. The reader is immersed in a fantasy world that takes the time to let you in on the details bit by bit. Though at times a lot to absorb, the lore is developed properly and consistently. Now onto the leading lady.
This is Baezha Ambrose’s struggle and her journey is a page turner from start to finish. At first, I felt that Aleena Kurrin was a lot less developed in comparison, but I soon realized this was Baezha’s time to shine. Nonetheless, the duo is endlessly awesome. Guy E. Estes’ writing left me wanting more of the world he’s created. I will have to pick up the first installment.
Oh, did I forget to mention the action? If you’re looking for action-packed fantasy, this is it! The gory fights are entertaining and speak to the grittier fantasy fans such as myself. Estes weaves a cautionary tale about the dangers of power, discrimination, and zealotry. I very much look forward to the next installment in the series.
This is Baezha Ambrose’s struggle and her journey is a page turner from start to finish. At first, I felt that Aleena Kurrin was a lot less developed in comparison, but I soon realized this was Baezha’s time to shine. Nonetheless, the duo is endlessly awesome. Guy E. Estes’ writing left me wanting more of the world he’s created. I will have to pick up the first installment.
Oh, did I forget to mention the action? If you’re looking for action-packed fantasy, this is it! The gory fights are entertaining and speak to the grittier fantasy fans such as myself. Estes weaves a cautionary tale about the dangers of power, discrimination, and zealotry. I very much look forward to the next installment in the series.
September 29, 2017
This book has everything. It is seriously packed with fantasy elements, action, and a heroine that is totally kick… you know. Baezha is a woman with a lot of guilt and driving need for revenge, which plays out in some awesome action sequences. I should say there is gore, violence, and some parts that might upset younger readers, or anyone who is overly sensitive. I personally think they were perfectly in place in this story and enhance the narrative.
The characters, especially Baezha drive the story and she is very dimensional, not being perfect but being perfectly flawed. I look forward to more in this world and perhaps getting to look closer at some of the other people.
Even though this was not the first part, it stands on its own and I was easily able to sink into the world. In fact, I enjoyed this so well I’d like to go back and read the first part. I loved that it started right in thick of things and didn’t waste any words along the way to the end. Paced for page turning, all night reading.
I think fantasy readers are in for treat with this one.
The characters, especially Baezha drive the story and she is very dimensional, not being perfect but being perfectly flawed. I look forward to more in this world and perhaps getting to look closer at some of the other people.
Even though this was not the first part, it stands on its own and I was easily able to sink into the world. In fact, I enjoyed this so well I’d like to go back and read the first part. I loved that it started right in thick of things and didn’t waste any words along the way to the end. Paced for page turning, all night reading.
I think fantasy readers are in for treat with this one.
July 6, 2022
Ah-ha
What I read were three sample books. They were good enough that I went and paid full price on the first three. This is book two. I should have looked at the download name! The author has actually done a good job, now that I know what happened to me. I do object to having to pay the full price and not the discount price, though it has been worth it.
What I read were three sample books. They were good enough that I went and paid full price on the first three. This is book two. I should have looked at the download name! The author has actually done a good job, now that I know what happened to me. I do object to having to pay the full price and not the discount price, though it has been worth it.
July 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book as mush as I did the first one. Once again I did find myself skipping over parts of the battle scenes. I did feel for Aleena and Baezha and could relate to a lot of their struggles. All in all it was a well written book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews