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Black Rose Sorceress #2
Rose and Thorn
Crown Prince Thorn:
I felt defeated. Helpless. If Sherra were alive, why didn't she mindspeak to tell me so? Every day, I floundered against that notion—that if she were alive, she'd have contacted me by now.
"Don't give up, Thorn," Hunter said softly. "We don't know everything there is to know."
"Hunter, every day reminds me of how little we actually do know."
Sherra has not returned to the King.
Seven months have passed and Kaakos, Ny-nes' leader, is rebuilding his army. His plan is to unleash an onslaught against Az-ca—in retaliation for the destruction of his troops and weapons.
In Az-ca, the King's health is failing, the enemy is on the march and Merrin and his rogues have forged an alliance with enemy infiltrators. Will the Crown Prince be forced to deal with attacks from both sides, without Sherra's help?
Will Az-ca survive if Sherra is dead, as so many believe?
I felt defeated. Helpless. If Sherra were alive, why didn't she mindspeak to tell me so? Every day, I floundered against that notion—that if she were alive, she'd have contacted me by now.
"Don't give up, Thorn," Hunter said softly. "We don't know everything there is to know."
"Hunter, every day reminds me of how little we actually do know."
Sherra has not returned to the King.
Seven months have passed and Kaakos, Ny-nes' leader, is rebuilding his army. His plan is to unleash an onslaught against Az-ca—in retaliation for the destruction of his troops and weapons.
In Az-ca, the King's health is failing, the enemy is on the march and Merrin and his rogues have forged an alliance with enemy infiltrators. Will the Crown Prince be forced to deal with attacks from both sides, without Sherra's help?
Will Az-ca survive if Sherra is dead, as so many believe?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2017
189 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Connie Suttle
76 books807 followersConnie Suttle lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three cats.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 1, 2018
KU
This book continues with the cascading events of cause and effect as the battles continue and plots thickens. Identities become realities and treasonous actions devastate entire communities as skills broaden out and achieve new heights of complexity as magical discoveries come further into focus. As with the previous novel the tale has a distinctive middle portion which reaches its crescendo towards the end.
There are many modern day issues addressed in this series, not the least of which is prejudice and its resultant physical and political consequences. Add in a dash of ethical philosophies and you have a very real and rivetting series.
This book continues with the cascading events of cause and effect as the battles continue and plots thickens. Identities become realities and treasonous actions devastate entire communities as skills broaden out and achieve new heights of complexity as magical discoveries come further into focus. As with the previous novel the tale has a distinctive middle portion which reaches its crescendo towards the end.
There are many modern day issues addressed in this series, not the least of which is prejudice and its resultant physical and political consequences. Add in a dash of ethical philosophies and you have a very real and rivetting series.
June 16, 2017
I thought the plot was all over the place. There were too many points of view from too many new characters which just resulted in less time with existing characters. The story kind of dragged yet somehow felt rushed at the same time. So many things happened but I didn't get the sense that I was experiencing any of it, I felt like I was reading a summarization of sorts.
I thought there were too many all-powerful characters introduced. Existing characters had the tendency to become all-powerful too, especially Sherra who had a new handy magical skill perfect for any troublesome situation that arose. It didn't feel like anything was a challenge for her, and so a once strong female character became a run of the mill Mary Sue.
I didn't feel like there was enough in depth characterization either. There were too many emotionally charged events that were explained like afterthoughts. I just really didn't enjoy this at all and found myself having to fight the urge to skim.
I thought there were too many all-powerful characters introduced. Existing characters had the tendency to become all-powerful too, especially Sherra who had a new handy magical skill perfect for any troublesome situation that arose. It didn't feel like anything was a challenge for her, and so a once strong female character became a run of the mill Mary Sue.
I didn't feel like there was enough in depth characterization either. There were too many emotionally charged events that were explained like afterthoughts. I just really didn't enjoy this at all and found myself having to fight the urge to skim.
July 17, 2018
I seriously struggled with this second read. Book one was so good and 5 stars for me. This one had way to many things going on and most felt like the author was just filling space to make a book IMO. Im sad that this one wasn't as good. I might read book three but it wont be anytime soon.
April 23, 2017
Really liked this book. There were some things I didn't love- I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just leave it at some relationships could have taken longer to develop and a rather large piece of information is either a plot inconsistency or something we will learn about next book. I would have really liked to spend more time in the main characters head. The story was interesting, full of intriguing elements and actions that made me as a reader reflect upon how we as a society are living in our own word, and how it is not so dissimilar to this one.
I recommend this and will read the next one.
I recommend this and will read the next one.
May 1, 2017
What a disappointment
I liked the first book but this 2nd one feels like the author had to stretch the story to reach her reqd number of words! All those quibbles and unnecessary events! It's frankly irritating. I was expecting a really great sequel but what I got was someyhing I wished I never spent 2nights on. I skipped and skipped pages until I finally reached the last page.
I liked the first book but this 2nd one feels like the author had to stretch the story to reach her reqd number of words! All those quibbles and unnecessary events! It's frankly irritating. I was expecting a really great sequel but what I got was someyhing I wished I never spent 2nights on. I skipped and skipped pages until I finally reached the last page.
June 27, 2019
A good continuation of this series.
June 25, 2017
This book read more like a military strategy book. They are still hunting down Merrin, and the whole book revolves around capturing him. There were more viewpoints than I cared for, and a lot of strategy. The romance was okay, but not great. Sherra and Kerok had some serious communication problems, most usually starting with Sherra disliking a policy or law, Kerok getting angry about it, then they'd make up and sleep together. Also, Kerok seems to only want sex, while Sherra wants to talk politics and how to make things better. Honestly, Sherra should be King instead. Speaking of which, I felt that Sherra was too overpowered in this book. Nothing was a challenge for her anymore.
I get that Kerok really missed Sherra, but I felt that their relationship went to a serious level way too fast compared to the last book.
Also, even though Sherra and Kerok became intimate, the author decided not to write anything past the kissing. I read through half the book to see their reunion, and the author can't even bother to write up even a makeout scene. The book has such mature themes, but doesn't have even one good intimate scene even though romance is still a heavy theme in the book.
Summary:
Kickass heroine
Lots of strategy talk
Intimate scenes excluded
Romance felt too sudden
I get that Kerok really missed Sherra, but I felt that their relationship went to a serious level way too fast compared to the last book.
Also, even though Sherra and Kerok became intimate, the author decided not to write anything past the kissing. I read through half the book to see their reunion, and the author can't even bother to write up even a makeout scene. The book has such mature themes, but doesn't have even one good intimate scene even though romance is still a heavy theme in the book.
Summary:
Kickass heroine
Lots of strategy talk
Intimate scenes excluded
Romance felt too sudden
April 23, 2017
Sharra is back!
Sharra is back and more powerful than ever. The war is heating up and new allies are found. Waiting with bated breathe for the next one, I can hardly wait!!!
Sharra is back and more powerful than ever. The war is heating up and new allies are found. Waiting with bated breathe for the next one, I can hardly wait!!!
November 17, 2021
I have read one other series by this author and I am finding that my likes and dislikes match my feelings regarding this series, so far.
What I Like:
*The heroine. She is overpowered and a mary sue but I love that in my main female protagonists. Give me a strong but also kind, compassionate and self sacrificing lead female any day.
*The plot. I am enjoying discovering more about the world and the various conflicts.
*The strong female friendships. I wish all female authors included this aspect because it is a joy to read.
*The magic. I have truly enjoyed discovering Sherra's magic and her finding different ways with which to use it.
What I Don't Like:
*The romance. I love romance books but for some reason, with this author, I never feel the romance. There isn't any chemistry and if the characters didn't say how they felt I would never know through their actions. It is very odd because I feel the friendships and camaraderie so strongly.
What I Feel Ambivalent About:
*The villains. I wish they were a bit more layered. There is some backstory but mostly it feels like it is supposed to be one of those " some people are just evil" reasons. While this is sometimes true in real life usually there are factors that lead to that end.
Overall, I find this authors books to be very entertaining and highly addictive even if they don't satisfy my romance craving.
What I Like:
*The heroine. She is overpowered and a mary sue but I love that in my main female protagonists. Give me a strong but also kind, compassionate and self sacrificing lead female any day.
*The plot. I am enjoying discovering more about the world and the various conflicts.
*The strong female friendships. I wish all female authors included this aspect because it is a joy to read.
*The magic. I have truly enjoyed discovering Sherra's magic and her finding different ways with which to use it.
What I Don't Like:
*The romance. I love romance books but for some reason, with this author, I never feel the romance. There isn't any chemistry and if the characters didn't say how they felt I would never know through their actions. It is very odd because I feel the friendships and camaraderie so strongly.
What I Feel Ambivalent About:
*The villains. I wish they were a bit more layered. There is some backstory but mostly it feels like it is supposed to be one of those " some people are just evil" reasons. While this is sometimes true in real life usually there are factors that lead to that end.
Overall, I find this authors books to be very entertaining and highly addictive even if they don't satisfy my romance craving.
May 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
So I really liked the first one and while I still did enjoy this one it was just missing something for me.
It went back and forth back and forth but felt like nothing was getting accomplished. I really don't like Thorn much I'm indifferent to him but I do like Sherra and her girls and the few other warriors. It felt like Thorns character backslid or something he was kinda annoying and wouldn't change rules that were in place "just because" like he wasn't taking action basically and I was hoping for a lot more forward movement.
It also wrapped up so suddenly that I was left going wait that's the end? I get that its probably just a cliff hanger that will pick right back up but it was just odd to me.
But other then that I still am liking this series because I want to see where it leads I'm invested now so will be waiting for the next to come out!
So I really liked the first one and while I still did enjoy this one it was just missing something for me.
It went back and forth back and forth but felt like nothing was getting accomplished. I really don't like Thorn much I'm indifferent to him but I do like Sherra and her girls and the few other warriors. It felt like Thorns character backslid or something he was kinda annoying and wouldn't change rules that were in place "just because" like he wasn't taking action basically and I was hoping for a lot more forward movement.
It also wrapped up so suddenly that I was left going wait that's the end? I get that its probably just a cliff hanger that will pick right back up but it was just odd to me.
But other then that I still am liking this series because I want to see where it leads I'm invested now so will be waiting for the next to come out!
December 21, 2017
I like this world and I enjoy seeing the sweeping changes Sherra starts—with magic and how their world politics are working. I just know there will be an awesome reveal as to how things are the way they are and look forward to seeing it. The surprises at the end of this book were good I will admit, but I just know there is gonna be some doosies in the next book for sure.
One thing that I really like about CS books is how the PoV changes so much. I know she marks who the PoV is—most of the time you can tell by what they’re talking about if you missed the listing. This makes for a lot of stuff that goes on in the book which I’m guessing why the blurbs for all of her books are so … annoying and vague sometimes. Guess you can’t really sum up what all is going on.
BTW, what is it and all that tea drinking---seriously?
One thing that I really like about CS books is how the PoV changes so much. I know she marks who the PoV is—most of the time you can tell by what they’re talking about if you missed the listing. This makes for a lot of stuff that goes on in the book which I’m guessing why the blurbs for all of her books are so … annoying and vague sometimes. Guess you can’t really sum up what all is going on.
BTW, what is it and all that tea drinking---seriously?
May 28, 2017
I didn’t really enjoy the first book in this series. All through that book I kept hoping Sherra would fight back, unfortunately she just conformed to Kerok’s demands.
In this book she begins to push her boundaries and attempts to get Kerok to move from his need to control and keep women in their place, in Sherra’s case this means in his bed satisfying his lust. I really dislike him! As the royal effectively in charge he could have changed many of the corrupt laws but he does nothing.
It’s not until the last quarter of the book he begins to compromise but even then it’s because he wants her compliant and in his bed.
Having had my moan about Kerok, I should say that I did enjoy this book slightly more than the first.
In this book she begins to push her boundaries and attempts to get Kerok to move from his need to control and keep women in their place, in Sherra’s case this means in his bed satisfying his lust. I really dislike him! As the royal effectively in charge he could have changed many of the corrupt laws but he does nothing.
It’s not until the last quarter of the book he begins to compromise but even then it’s because he wants her compliant and in his bed.
Having had my moan about Kerok, I should say that I did enjoy this book slightly more than the first.
July 30, 2017
When compared to the first book of this series, Rose and Thorn was deeply below my expectations.
Sherra continues to be a strong character, but that's exactly the problem. It seems that Sherra never fails! If something goes wrong with her plans or actions it's because of someone else, always. She is perfect. And that bothers me, because I don't like perfect characters.
Also, I don't like characters that never change, and that is what happened in this book. If the character is on the "good side", it will remain in it. And if it is on the "bad side", it's the same. And the plans of each individual are discovered too easily. Sherra and Kerok seldom are surprised, they understand that something is wrong almost immediately.
The story was fine, but I was expecting more.
Sherra continues to be a strong character, but that's exactly the problem. It seems that Sherra never fails! If something goes wrong with her plans or actions it's because of someone else, always. She is perfect. And that bothers me, because I don't like perfect characters.
Also, I don't like characters that never change, and that is what happened in this book. If the character is on the "good side", it will remain in it. And if it is on the "bad side", it's the same. And the plans of each individual are discovered too easily. Sherra and Kerok seldom are surprised, they understand that something is wrong almost immediately.
The story was fine, but I was expecting more.
April 13, 2018
Book 2 does not disappoint!
We follow Sherra and Koreks journey towards the enemy that fanatically hates them, diving deeper into their lives and the friends around them the dark magics weave and twist the plot deeper and deeper.
As a second book in a trilogy, this was always going to be about setting up the scenes the the final book, and while the book meanders along comfortably, there and some bits that drag! Connie has made them very short chapters and presumably she believes they need to be there, for me though it was a chance to put the book down and make a cuppa! ( I normally can’t but a book down)
That aside Sherra has come into her own and I can’t wait to start on book three 😍
We follow Sherra and Koreks journey towards the enemy that fanatically hates them, diving deeper into their lives and the friends around them the dark magics weave and twist the plot deeper and deeper.
As a second book in a trilogy, this was always going to be about setting up the scenes the the final book, and while the book meanders along comfortably, there and some bits that drag! Connie has made them very short chapters and presumably she believes they need to be there, for me though it was a chance to put the book down and make a cuppa! ( I normally can’t but a book down)
That aside Sherra has come into her own and I can’t wait to start on book three 😍
November 27, 2017
I really liked the first book in this series, but this one seemed to be missing something. I think that it was the abundance of characters and the multiple point of views. It was almost overkill. Not only were a ton of new characters introduced, but the characters that I fell in love with from book 1 seemed quite scarce in this one. Also, once again, the romance department seemed to be lacking. I doubt I will continue this particular series but I will definitely check out more of this writers other work.
November 18, 2017
I really wanted to love this. I really liked the first book, and throughout the whole book I was craving their relationship to be solidified. So by the time I got to this book I was ready for them to focus a little more on the two of them. I was tired of switching to different POV's and the relationship aspect of it being on the back burner. So I stopped reading at about 57%. Maybe one day I will pick it back up because it really is a great story, but I prefer to have more relationship building.
February 9, 2018
Disapointed
I'll start with the positives, well written and edit BUT I found this book a slog. I don't mind multiple POV writing however the frequency of changing narrator and the variety of narrator I found disruptive. I struggled to bond with the characters because of this I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy the reading experience.
I'll start with the positives, well written and edit BUT I found this book a slog. I don't mind multiple POV writing however the frequency of changing narrator and the variety of narrator I found disruptive. I struggled to bond with the characters because of this I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy the reading experience.
May 4, 2017
Wonderful w
I just can't put it down. I am anticipating what will happen in the next book. I will need to read her other stores since this one is amazing.
I just can't put it down. I am anticipating what will happen in the next book. I will need to read her other stores since this one is amazing.
May 4, 2017
Amazing
If you enjoy fantasy and future you will love this book. Great storyline, wonderful character development. I highly recommend this series!!!!
If you enjoy fantasy and future you will love this book. Great storyline, wonderful character development. I highly recommend this series!!!!
May 4, 2017
And the plot thickens. Very exciting from the first page to the last. Looking forward to the next book.
May 5, 2017
This book for me wasn't as great as the first one. Too many points of view was unnecessary. The book just had too much going on in it. It became a bit muddled but it really picked up at the end.
May 10, 2017
Awesome series
Really like this series, can't wait to get the third book! So many books, so little time! Connie's books will keep me busy for awhile.
Really like this series, can't wait to get the third book! So many books, so little time! Connie's books will keep me busy for awhile.
May 10, 2017
In love!
I'm enamored by this series, it keeps getting better and better, I would say it's Connie's best work yet. Jumping in my pants for the next book .
I'm enamored by this series, it keeps getting better and better, I would say it's Connie's best work yet. Jumping in my pants for the next book .
May 13, 2017
Such a Clever book
Love this series. Love that you get to know more than the main character. Love that she is so smart and tough. Cant wait for the next!!
Love this series. Love that you get to know more than the main character. Love that she is so smart and tough. Cant wait for the next!!
May 30, 2017
Awesome book
This book is excellent, I only advise to read the first book Then this one, can't wait for third book. Great read great writing.
This book is excellent, I only advise to read the first book Then this one, can't wait for third book. Great read great writing.
June 6, 2017
Very exciting
Great adventure series with a bit of romance.. heaps of action which I love .. can't wait to read the next book 😊
Great adventure series with a bit of romance.. heaps of action which I love .. can't wait to read the next book 😊
June 14, 2017
Review to come.
August 26, 2017
Too many PoV's in this one, ended up being confusing.
Enjoyable never-the-less. Looking forward to the next book.
Enjoyable never-the-less. Looking forward to the next book.
December 5, 2017
Gave up at 50%. Such a disappointment it would take me too long to list all the reasons.
December 27, 2017
The action was still fast and furious but it jumped around from character to character a bit too much for me. also it didn't feel like it expounded on the relationships as well as the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews