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Rosemarked #2
Umbertouched
The mission was a failure. Even though Zivah and Dineas discovered a secret that could bring down the empire, their information is useless without proof. Now, with their cover blown and their quest abandoned, their only remaining hope is to get home before Ampara brings the full might of its armies against their peoples.
As Shidadi and Dara alike prepare for war, Zivah and Dineas grapple with the toll of their time in the capital. After fighting alongside the Amparans against his own kin, can Dineas convince the Shidadi—and himself—where his loyalties lie? After betraying her healer’s vows in Sehmar City, can Zivah find a way to redeem herself—especially when the Dara ask her to do the unthinkable? And after reluctantly falling in love, what will the two do with their lingering feelings, now that the Dineas from Sehmar City is gone forever? Time is running out for all of them, but especially Zivah whose plague symptoms surface once again. Now, she must decide how she’ll define the life she has left.
Together, healer and warrior must find the courage to save their people, expose the truth, and face the devastating consequences headed their way.
As Shidadi and Dara alike prepare for war, Zivah and Dineas grapple with the toll of their time in the capital. After fighting alongside the Amparans against his own kin, can Dineas convince the Shidadi—and himself—where his loyalties lie? After betraying her healer’s vows in Sehmar City, can Zivah find a way to redeem herself—especially when the Dara ask her to do the unthinkable? And after reluctantly falling in love, what will the two do with their lingering feelings, now that the Dineas from Sehmar City is gone forever? Time is running out for all of them, but especially Zivah whose plague symptoms surface once again. Now, she must decide how she’ll define the life she has left.
Together, healer and warrior must find the courage to save their people, expose the truth, and face the devastating consequences headed their way.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2018
47 people are currently reading
2029 people want to read
About the author
Livia Blackburne
24 books1,328 followersNew York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne wrote her first novel while researching the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, she’s switched to full-time writing, which also involves getting into people’s heads but without the help of a 3 Tesla MRI scanner.
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTER OF DUSK, and ROSEMARKED (an Amazon best book of the month and YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee).
Visit her online at www.liviablackburne.com
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTER OF DUSK, and ROSEMARKED (an Amazon best book of the month and YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee).
Visit her online at www.liviablackburne.com
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October 10, 2017Currently in its last substantial round of revisions!
December 8, 2020
**FULL REVIEW (FINALLY) POSTED**
When we left off at the end of Rosemarked, there were a lot (read: A LOT ) of questions to still be answered, and I’m so satisfied with the answers we received. I loved every minute of this book.
Characters
Hi my name is Rachael and I would die for these characters. The development that was given to us in Rosemarked for Zivah, Dineas, and Mehtap is expanded upon in Umbertouched, and the morally gray parts of all their personalities really shine in this book. Nothing is black and white here, everyone has both redeeming and damning qualities, and I for one adore them all. NO character in this book is without my love except for probably that one asshole healer who shall remain nameless but if you’ve read this then you know who I’m talking about. That butthead.
The characters in this book are classic fantasy archetypes, but Umbertouched subverts these in a way that leads to a highly enjoyable reading experience, creating a book that feels both refreshingly new, and like a treasured story that I have read many times over.
Zivah always thought that saving her people and respecting her healer’s vows would go hand in hand, but she finds even more so in Umbertouched that that is not always the case. In this book, we see her try to strike a balance between these two core identities. She makes a lot of questionable choices that I probably wouldn’t have in the same situation, but still remains highly relatable and a good person. (She also apparently knows a bit too much about blood transfusions and I maybe had to skip a few pages because blood is gross. Maybe. )
Dineas is another character who continues to go through his character development, but this time in relations to his PTSD, memory loss, and trying to resist the fact that at his heart of hearts he is definitely a big softie/Hufflepuff. This is my hill and I will die on it. We get to see Dineas develop formerly unknown side effects of the severe medicines he was taking in the first book. I don’t want to say much about his character arc, as I think for him it’s best to go into this one not knowing anything, but I believe that readers of Rosemarked are going to enjoy seeing Dineas take this path to becoming a healthy, functioning human being.
Mehtap is as much of a scene-stealer in Umbertouched as she is in Rosemarked. Literally if I’ve talked to you about this series for more than five minutes you probably know how much Mehtap’s character just blows me the fuck away. Her perceived innocence, willingness to kill to get the job done, refusal to lay down and let death come to her silently, and honestly just her utter Slytherin-ness all comes together to make a character who isn’t a hero?? But also isn’t a villain?? And definitely someone that readers can rally behind. Or at least I could.
We also saw the return of some of my favorite side characters in Rosemarked, which was a welcome surprise! The new characters we were introduced to were also well-written, even if they weren’t granted the same opportunities for growth as those who were in both books.
Mehtap is a Trans Lesbian and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It
And now, we take a little side trip in this review to talk about my personal fave Mehtap and why she is totally definitely gay and trans. My evidence to Mehtap being a trans lesbian is this: all the awesome shit she does to help people and also kick ass, take names just shows evidence of chaotic gay energy. So there. “but that’s not real evidence!!” well to you I say this: I’m gay and I said so.
OTP: Do We Part as Friends?
Plot
Is this series pseudo-high fantasy? Yes. Does that make it any less enjoyable? Hell no. Or, at least, not for me. I tend to rate books based on how much of a good time I have while reading them, and I had such an amazing time with Umbertouched, so five stars for you!
But, at the same time, the climax didn’t make a lot of sense to me?? The plot was super character-driven, which I loved, but the more I thought about the end battle scene/the scene on the boat, the more it didn’t make sense.
Because the plot is so character driven, it does move pretty slowly. But I kind of liked that? At its heart, Umbertouched is about its characters, and if you love people-centric books then you’ll love the Rosemarked series.
The Ending
YES the ending of this book gets it’s own f*cking section because it made me cry seriously so much but it was also super satisfying! It wasn’t too happy, wasn’t too sad, just really bittersweet and hopeful.
I know a lot of readers aren’t going to like it, but I thought it was the most believable conclusion for the series. It felt real, and that’s what matters. I thought it was perfect and it also leaves room for a third book/novella if that were to happen sometime in the future!
SO, dear reader of this review, here’s what you need to do before Umbertouched comes out: REREAD ROSEMARKED. I’m so glad I did before I picked up this novel, because I remembered so much more about what plot points needed to be resolved. I loved this. I hope that everyone who reads it loves it. I love YOU if you’re reading this review. Hearts for days!
Pre-Review
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeuuuuuuuuuuuehfueeeeeeeeeeeeeeefhjfeuuuuu (those are the thoughts going through my brain right now).
I'm dead inside but also so satisfied by that ending and I would give ANYTHING for ANY of these morally gray characters literally how can you even make characters that nuanced it's a gift
wow. just WOW.
full rtc
--
pre-read
update 5/19/18
AAAAAA ITS UP ON NETGALLEY PLEASE ARC GODS I'LL GIVE YOU ANYTHING IN EXCHANGE FOR APPROVAL
also the phrase "reluctantly falling in love" is literally the funniest and best way to describe zivah and dineas's relationship lmaoooo
update 1/30/18
THAT COVER THO I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT I CAN HARDLY BREATHE
11/16/17
expected release: 2018
”Save your honor for those who have honor themselves. Keep your piety for those who don’t spit on the gods.”THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK. Holy crap. This was seriously so emotionally draining for me that I had to just sit there for a few days and stew over everything that happened, because otherwise my review would have just been a 25 minute audio recording of me crying and blubbering into the microphone. Umbertouched expanded and improved upon everything that occurred in Rosemarked, and I’m so happy that the series concluded in such a realistic and beautiful way.
When we left off at the end of Rosemarked, there were a lot (read: A LOT ) of questions to still be answered, and I’m so satisfied with the answers we received. I loved every minute of this book.
Characters
Hi my name is Rachael and I would die for these characters. The development that was given to us in Rosemarked for Zivah, Dineas, and Mehtap is expanded upon in Umbertouched, and the morally gray parts of all their personalities really shine in this book. Nothing is black and white here, everyone has both redeeming and damning qualities, and I for one adore them all. NO character in this book is without my love except for probably that one asshole healer who shall remain nameless but if you’ve read this then you know who I’m talking about. That butthead.
The characters in this book are classic fantasy archetypes, but Umbertouched subverts these in a way that leads to a highly enjoyable reading experience, creating a book that feels both refreshingly new, and like a treasured story that I have read many times over.
”I killed men in the capital. Some fell to the snake I raise for venom, and others came to harm after I put them to sleep. I used my disease as a weapon to threaten others, and there were times when I was tempted to go beyond a simple threat. Yet after all this, I am still Rosemarked. After all this, Ampara comes ever closer to destroying us.”
Zivah always thought that saving her people and respecting her healer’s vows would go hand in hand, but she finds even more so in Umbertouched that that is not always the case. In this book, we see her try to strike a balance between these two core identities. She makes a lot of questionable choices that I probably wouldn’t have in the same situation, but still remains highly relatable and a good person. (She also apparently knows a bit too much about blood transfusions and I maybe had to skip a few pages because blood is gross. Maybe. )
Dineas is another character who continues to go through his character development, but this time in relations to his PTSD, memory loss, and trying to resist the fact that at his heart of hearts he is definitely a big softie/Hufflepuff. This is my hill and I will die on it. We get to see Dineas develop formerly unknown side effects of the severe medicines he was taking in the first book. I don’t want to say much about his character arc, as I think for him it’s best to go into this one not knowing anything, but I believe that readers of Rosemarked are going to enjoy seeing Dineas take this path to becoming a healthy, functioning human being.
”You speak of Mehtap as if she’s an innocent child. She’s an assassin with a child’s face, and she’s lived an easier life than most.”
Mehtap is as much of a scene-stealer in Umbertouched as she is in Rosemarked. Literally if I’ve talked to you about this series for more than five minutes you probably know how much Mehtap’s character just blows me the fuck away. Her perceived innocence, willingness to kill to get the job done, refusal to lay down and let death come to her silently, and honestly just her utter Slytherin-ness all comes together to make a character who isn’t a hero?? But also isn’t a villain?? And definitely someone that readers can rally behind. Or at least I could.
We also saw the return of some of my favorite side characters in Rosemarked, which was a welcome surprise! The new characters we were introduced to were also well-written, even if they weren’t granted the same opportunities for growth as those who were in both books.
Mehtap is a Trans Lesbian and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It
And now, we take a little side trip in this review to talk about my personal fave Mehtap and why she is totally definitely gay and trans. My evidence to Mehtap being a trans lesbian is this: all the awesome shit she does to help people and also kick ass, take names just shows evidence of chaotic gay energy. So there. “but that’s not real evidence!!” well to you I say this: I’m gay and I said so.
OTP: Do We Part as Friends?
”We’ve been wandering in the dark this entire mission, taking steps as best we could and hoping not to trip and fall. I could yell at Zivah, tell her she should have done her part better. I could point at the shattered parts of myself and tell her that’s her doing. But then I would still be stumbling in the darkness, only this time, I’d be alone.”Y’ALL KNOW I love a good hate to love, and Zivah and Dineas have to be one of my favorite OTP’s that I’ve ever read in any YA book ever. Every time they talked or touched or thought about each other I was just sitting there in the background like
The two left off in Rosemarked with an awkward, but pretty good understanding of each other, and I loved seeing their relationship progress further in Umbertouched. I literally pretty much always hate romance in YA fantasies, but Zivah and Dineas have made me rethink that blind hatred.
Plot
Is this series pseudo-high fantasy? Yes. Does that make it any less enjoyable? Hell no. Or, at least, not for me. I tend to rate books based on how much of a good time I have while reading them, and I had such an amazing time with Umbertouched, so five stars for you!
But, at the same time, the climax didn’t make a lot of sense to me?? The plot was super character-driven, which I loved, but the more I thought about the end battle scene/the scene on the boat, the more it didn’t make sense.
Because the plot is so character driven, it does move pretty slowly. But I kind of liked that? At its heart, Umbertouched is about its characters, and if you love people-centric books then you’ll love the Rosemarked series.
The Ending
YES the ending of this book gets it’s own f*cking section because it made me cry seriously so much but it was also super satisfying! It wasn’t too happy, wasn’t too sad, just really bittersweet and hopeful.
I know a lot of readers aren’t going to like it, but I thought it was the most believable conclusion for the series. It felt real, and that’s what matters. I thought it was perfect and it also leaves room for a third book/novella if that were to happen sometime in the future!
SO, dear reader of this review, here’s what you need to do before Umbertouched comes out: REREAD ROSEMARKED. I’m so glad I did before I picked up this novel, because I remembered so much more about what plot points needed to be resolved. I loved this. I hope that everyone who reads it loves it. I love YOU if you’re reading this review. Hearts for days!
”’Our hearts are not so easily changed,’ I say. ‘Nor what runs through our veins.’”
Pre-Review
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeuuuuuuuuuuuehfueeeeeeeeeeeeeeefhjfeuuuuu (those are the thoughts going through my brain right now).
I'm dead inside but also so satisfied by that ending and I would give ANYTHING for ANY of these morally gray characters literally how can you even make characters that nuanced it's a gift
wow. just WOW.
full rtc
--
pre-read
update 5/19/18
AAAAAA ITS UP ON NETGALLEY PLEASE ARC GODS I'LL GIVE YOU ANYTHING IN EXCHANGE FOR APPROVAL
also the phrase "reluctantly falling in love" is literally the funniest and best way to describe zivah and dineas's relationship lmaoooo
update 1/30/18
THAT COVER THO I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT I CAN HARDLY BREATHE
11/16/17
expected release: 2018
September 12, 2018
When an author can create a sequel that immediately sucks readers back into the world they have created, feeling as if they have never left, THAT is the sign of a great storyteller and a fabulous story!
UMBERTOUCHED by Livia Blackburne contains ALL of the intrigue, the unrest, the honor among allies, the heartbreak, the triumphs and even the romance of ROSEMARKED.
There is nothing black and white, even heroes will act questionably at times. Dineas and Zivah will betray much they hold dear for love of country, the greater good and peace. Will their efforts be for nothing? The clock is ticking for Zivah, her time is drawing near to leave the only world she has ever known and Dineas is no longer the man she fell in love with, but they have formed a bond that goes beyond romantic love.
Can Zivah save her people from certain death at the hands of the advancing enemy? Can Dineas convince his people he is not an enemy, that he has his memory and his identity as a Shidadi back? That he would die for his fellow soldiers?
Livia Blackburne has allowed her characters to push this story ahead with raw emotions, desperate missions, deadly battles, hard-fought decisions that will continue to haunt throughout this incredibly intense tale. This is more than a fantasy, it is a story of love and loss, longing and belonging and giving one’s all for those they love, consequences be damned. It’s a story of the search for inner peace and acceptance of an unknown future.
Vile villains, strong heroes, and all of the unfairness in life boldly colors this amazing tale. From start to finish, there isn’t a wasted word, a wasted scene or a wasted emotion. I can’t recommend UMBERTOUCHED or ROSEMARKED enough! A re-read for me, for sure!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Disney-Hyperion!
Series: Rosemarked - Book 2
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (November 6, 2018)
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
UMBERTOUCHED by Livia Blackburne contains ALL of the intrigue, the unrest, the honor among allies, the heartbreak, the triumphs and even the romance of ROSEMARKED.
There is nothing black and white, even heroes will act questionably at times. Dineas and Zivah will betray much they hold dear for love of country, the greater good and peace. Will their efforts be for nothing? The clock is ticking for Zivah, her time is drawing near to leave the only world she has ever known and Dineas is no longer the man she fell in love with, but they have formed a bond that goes beyond romantic love.
Can Zivah save her people from certain death at the hands of the advancing enemy? Can Dineas convince his people he is not an enemy, that he has his memory and his identity as a Shidadi back? That he would die for his fellow soldiers?
Livia Blackburne has allowed her characters to push this story ahead with raw emotions, desperate missions, deadly battles, hard-fought decisions that will continue to haunt throughout this incredibly intense tale. This is more than a fantasy, it is a story of love and loss, longing and belonging and giving one’s all for those they love, consequences be damned. It’s a story of the search for inner peace and acceptance of an unknown future.
Vile villains, strong heroes, and all of the unfairness in life boldly colors this amazing tale. From start to finish, there isn’t a wasted word, a wasted scene or a wasted emotion. I can’t recommend UMBERTOUCHED or ROSEMARKED enough! A re-read for me, for sure!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Disney-Hyperion!
Series: Rosemarked - Book 2
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (November 6, 2018)
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 7, 2018
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
As Shidadi and Dara alike prepare for war, Zivah and Dineas grapple with the toll of their time in the capital. After fighting alongside the Amparans against his own kin, can Dineas convince the Shidadi—and himself—where his loyalties lie? After betraying her healer’s vows in Sehmar City, can Zivah find a way to redeem herself—especially when the Dara ask her to do the unthinkable? And after reluctantly falling in love, what will the two do with their lingering feelings, now that the Dineas from Sehmar City is gone forever?
The short review...
I unexpectedly enjoyed Rosemarked when I read it. It's not what you think of when you think of fantasy. We are so conditioned to expect magic that it kind of blows you away that fantasy equals a fictional world, not magic! The two just traditionally includes magic, because why not?! Well Livia Blackburne gives us a totally different treatment and that paired with the dual POV really worked for me. I was excited to see how the story would continue in the sequel.
And I am happy to report that Umbertouched blew me away just as much as the first book! We jump right back in with Zivah and Dineas as they make their way home. They both struggle with their own difficulties and I really felt a part of their experience. We get two sides of the war not that their efforts as spies has come to an end. It's totally different from the events in Rosemarked yet it continues those efforts in a compelling way. We also meet many of the characters we loved from Sehmar City as they make their own efforts in the war effort.
The ending was satisfying, not overly sweet, but realistically came together considering the characters involved. Again the romance was slow burn and not a central focus in the story. You want some female empowerment then this is the book you want to read.
Cover & Title grade -> A-
I have to say i was underwhelmed with the cover put on Rosemarked (gave it a B+) but having seen how this cover compliments it so well I gave in and fell in love with the pair. I feel like Rosemarked reflects Zivah's POV and Umbertouched reflects Dineas quite well. Showcasing the landscape in such a non-specific way is not something I normally applaud but they are both quite pretty and I admit attract the eye.
Why is Umbertouched such a great sequel to Rosemarked?
-Zivah's struggle as a Healer
We really get a sense of Zivah's isolation. Because she is rosemarked she can't be around her people. She can't treat them and perceives herself as rather useless in this war. Then she figures out a way to put her skills to use. Is it right? Rightfully, should she have? That is the struggle we get to explore and its quite compelling!
-Once an Enemy, Always an Enemy?
Dineas' POV takes us on a totally different journey in this war. He's been on both sides and actually still supports the people he was loyal to no matter which side they are on. He has to live with the consequences from Rosemarked and they are almost worse than being afflicted with the disease. The way this is resolved lies in his feelings for each of his leaders...
-Smart Non-Magical Ways for Warfare!
This is quite an unusual fantasy series in that there is no actual magic involved. Instead realistic methods are used instead. One of my favorites that returns are Dineas' crows and in fact, one takes a shine to Zivah and becomes hers! They play a large part in the plot and I just want my own so bad (and someone of my own to trade messages with too...) We learn more of the disease and how it came about plus there is a smart use of boats.
As a Writer...
What I enjoy about Livia Blackburne's writing is that she keeps us in the moment, however large or small and inspires us to FEEL what Zivah or Dineas was feeling. I really felt like I was them whichever character i was reading at the time. I related to both of their journeys and felt for them when they were dealing with a consequence of a previous action. We don't always get that sense that this character is a real person experiencing a real like. It's so genuine.
And doing that AND giving us dual POVs is just so stellar!
Personally as a reader I enjoy magic in my fantasy, so I'm not looking for a plethora of fantasy to suddenly get all realistic like with the Rosemarked Duology... BUT this did magicless fantasy very well! Umbertouched spot on followed Rosemarked and made for a satisfying end to this couple's journey... to do their part in the war effort, battle their personal demons and survive to love each other for whatever time they have left.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing Style
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World Building
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!
February 2, 2019
Umbertouched is a brilliant follow up to Rosemarked, it took everything I enjoyed about the first book and ramped it up a level answering all my questions and giving me an ending that left me feeling hopeful for the world Zivah and Dineas live in.
After the failure of their mission in Sehmar City Zivah and Dineas have no option but to try to return home in time to warn their people that the Amparan army is headed their way. The Shidadi and Dara will need as much time as possible to prepare for the war that is coming but considering the amount of resources the Amparan empire has they have very little chance of winning. They're also both trying to deal with the fallout from what happened while they were undercover. Zivah broke her healer's vows to save herself and Dineas, something that plays on her mind now she's free. She's also dealing with the symptoms of a relapse, nobody ever survives their second fight with the rose plague so she's living on borrowed time and desperate to do something to help her people survive before she dies.
Dineas isn't the same person he was before going undercover, he's suffering strange symptoms caused by the drugs Zivah used to wipe his memory and now that the potion has been completely reversed he's trying to put the two pieces of himself back together. Everything he did was to save his people but they still see him as a traitor who fought alongside the enemy and killed one of their own. The fact that he did that while undercover doesn't mean much to his old friends and he's also struggling to deal with his own guilt about everything that happened.
These two characters have been through so much and tried so hard to keep their people safe but now they're in an impossible position. They know a secret that could end the war but they were unable to find any proof so that knowledge is next to useless. They're both fighters though and they won't give up on their task easily, their biggest problem is proving that they're not working with the enemy so that their friends will accept their help. I've really enjoyed spending time with these two, and especially loved the slow build romance between them. Things are even more complicated now that Dineas has his memories back but really there is nobody else who understands everything he's been through quite like Zivah so it makes sense that they grew so close.
There really has been a lot to love about this series. All of the characters have complex motives and none of them are perfect, they've all done bad things and made questionable choices but deep down they're all trying to do what's right for their people. We get some surprise alliances here between people who should be enemies and friends aren't always quite what they seem so be prepared for some twists along the way but overall I was really happy with the way most things played out. I'll definitely be watching out for more from Livia Blackburne in the future.
After the failure of their mission in Sehmar City Zivah and Dineas have no option but to try to return home in time to warn their people that the Amparan army is headed their way. The Shidadi and Dara will need as much time as possible to prepare for the war that is coming but considering the amount of resources the Amparan empire has they have very little chance of winning. They're also both trying to deal with the fallout from what happened while they were undercover. Zivah broke her healer's vows to save herself and Dineas, something that plays on her mind now she's free. She's also dealing with the symptoms of a relapse, nobody ever survives their second fight with the rose plague so she's living on borrowed time and desperate to do something to help her people survive before she dies.
Dineas isn't the same person he was before going undercover, he's suffering strange symptoms caused by the drugs Zivah used to wipe his memory and now that the potion has been completely reversed he's trying to put the two pieces of himself back together. Everything he did was to save his people but they still see him as a traitor who fought alongside the enemy and killed one of their own. The fact that he did that while undercover doesn't mean much to his old friends and he's also struggling to deal with his own guilt about everything that happened.
These two characters have been through so much and tried so hard to keep their people safe but now they're in an impossible position. They know a secret that could end the war but they were unable to find any proof so that knowledge is next to useless. They're both fighters though and they won't give up on their task easily, their biggest problem is proving that they're not working with the enemy so that their friends will accept their help. I've really enjoyed spending time with these two, and especially loved the slow build romance between them. Things are even more complicated now that Dineas has his memories back but really there is nobody else who understands everything he's been through quite like Zivah so it makes sense that they grew so close.
There really has been a lot to love about this series. All of the characters have complex motives and none of them are perfect, they've all done bad things and made questionable choices but deep down they're all trying to do what's right for their people. We get some surprise alliances here between people who should be enemies and friends aren't always quite what they seem so be prepared for some twists along the way but overall I was really happy with the way most things played out. I'll definitely be watching out for more from Livia Blackburne in the future.
September 27, 2024
Overall Rating: B-
Not as satisfying as I wanted but close enough to feel for it. Loved the characters and they're complex nature, totally made up for the slow, vague plot with the antagonist barely in it for more than a few pages.
Ending was as ambiguous as it was vague. Hopeful, but you really know how it's gonna pan out.
Not as satisfying as I wanted but close enough to feel for it. Loved the characters and they're complex nature, totally made up for the slow, vague plot with the antagonist barely in it for more than a few pages.
Ending was as ambiguous as it was vague. Hopeful, but you really know how it's gonna pan out.
May 22, 2021
2021 update: this series/book still has my entire heart
Lives up to and surpasses the first book. 😭♥️
Lives up to and surpasses the first book. 😭♥️
September 3, 2018
There were a thousand things I loved about Rosemarked, so when I was approved through netgalley for Umbertouched in return for an honest review, I was stoked.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy Umbertouched as much as it's predecessor, but the pros first!
I loved the internal debate with Zivah and her need to find her way after breaking her Healer Vows. I also enjoyed that Dineas still was dealing with his PTSD. Once I came to terms with Umbertouched having a different feel to it's narrative compared to Rosemarked, I did enjoy the overall story, especially when there wasn't a true happy ever after solution at the end.
However, as a sequel, I felt that Umbertouched left much desired. The character development and growth felt stagnant and the plot was too rushed in parts. Challenges that Zivah and Dineas faced were solved in a mere few chapters and other characters were killed off more for shock value and actual plot progression.
In the end, I would give Umbertouched 3 stars due to the fact it came off overall as unfinished in terms of narrative.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy Umbertouched as much as it's predecessor, but the pros first!
I loved the internal debate with Zivah and her need to find her way after breaking her Healer Vows. I also enjoyed that Dineas still was dealing with his PTSD. Once I came to terms with Umbertouched having a different feel to it's narrative compared to Rosemarked, I did enjoy the overall story, especially when there wasn't a true happy ever after solution at the end.
However, as a sequel, I felt that Umbertouched left much desired. The character development and growth felt stagnant and the plot was too rushed in parts. Challenges that Zivah and Dineas faced were solved in a mere few chapters and other characters were killed off more for shock value and actual plot progression.
In the end, I would give Umbertouched 3 stars due to the fact it came off overall as unfinished in terms of narrative.
November 6, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Umbertouched is the second installment in author Livia Blackburne's Rosemarked series. Umbertouched picks up about a month after the events of Rosemarked. With the stakes rising higher than ever as the characters prepare for an epic final battle, readers will want to stay up late turning the pages to get through this thrilling book. The story rotates narratives between Dineas, a Shidadi warrior, and Zivah, a Dara healer who was infected with the Rose plague.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Umbertouched is the second installment in author Livia Blackburne's Rosemarked series. Umbertouched picks up about a month after the events of Rosemarked. With the stakes rising higher than ever as the characters prepare for an epic final battle, readers will want to stay up late turning the pages to get through this thrilling book. The story rotates narratives between Dineas, a Shidadi warrior, and Zivah, a Dara healer who was infected with the Rose plague.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 1, 2019
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Umbertouched is the perfect sequel, and a fantastic conclusion to a breathtaking series.
"'Our hearts are not so easily changed, nor what runs through our veins.’”
Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter||Reviews
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, War Themes, Murder, Illness, PTSD//
- Premise -
Umbertouched is the sequel to Rosemarked, picking up shortly after the conclusion of the first book. It follows Dineas and Zivah as they struggle to save their home from an inevitable war, while also fighting their own demons. Dineas has been changed by what he's gone through, and others in his tribe notice. Meanwhile, Zivah's rose plague has returned and she doesn't know how long she has left.
- Setting -
Livia Blackburne continues to develop this amazing fantasy world. It may not have actual magic, but it feels magical as you read about the different lands. A lot more time is spent in Dara than in the first book, and I loved seeing more of Zivah's home.
- Writing & Plot -
This book is well written, balancing plot, action, and prose with precision. Livia Blackburne clearly knows a lot about war and battle strategy, and it shows in this book. The weaving storylines merge perfectly, and the war itself feels so real. She never shied away from the brutality and fear that plays a part in a battle, and this was one of the few books where I genuinely didn't know who would survive and who would die. The pace in this book is a little quicker than in the first, but it's still slower than your average YA fantasy. However, it deserves that slowness, and it makes the book so much better.
- Characters -
Umbertouched truly is a character-focused novel. The majority of this book is about the growth of the two protagonists, Dineas and Zivah, and their journey. Livia Blackburne handles Dineas' PTSD perfectly in this book. It's never ignored or forgotten, and the symptoms are very realistic. His journey throughout the book is absolutely amazing, a perfect mix of tragic and hopeful. Zivah is equally awesome. The way her story is wrapped up is perfect for this series, and no one will be disappointed by it. Also, their relationship is so adorable! This series isn't about the romance, but it's balanced very well with the war and other plot threads. Some popular side characters come back in this book, and I was so happy to see them, as well as some amazing new people.
"Save your honor for those who have honor themselves. Keep your piety for those who don’t spit on the gods."
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fantastic characters, epic action, well written
Cons- A little slow at times (but honestly this isn't a con, more of a warning for people who don't like that)
Overall- 5/5 stars.
Umbertouched blew me away. This book was even better than it's predecessor, and it makes me so excited to see what Blackburne writes next.
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Umbertouched is the perfect sequel, and a fantastic conclusion to a breathtaking series.
"'Our hearts are not so easily changed, nor what runs through our veins.’”
Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter||Reviews
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, War Themes, Murder, Illness, PTSD//
- Premise -
Umbertouched is the sequel to Rosemarked, picking up shortly after the conclusion of the first book. It follows Dineas and Zivah as they struggle to save their home from an inevitable war, while also fighting their own demons. Dineas has been changed by what he's gone through, and others in his tribe notice. Meanwhile, Zivah's rose plague has returned and she doesn't know how long she has left.
- Setting -
Livia Blackburne continues to develop this amazing fantasy world. It may not have actual magic, but it feels magical as you read about the different lands. A lot more time is spent in Dara than in the first book, and I loved seeing more of Zivah's home.
- Writing & Plot -
This book is well written, balancing plot, action, and prose with precision. Livia Blackburne clearly knows a lot about war and battle strategy, and it shows in this book. The weaving storylines merge perfectly, and the war itself feels so real. She never shied away from the brutality and fear that plays a part in a battle, and this was one of the few books where I genuinely didn't know who would survive and who would die. The pace in this book is a little quicker than in the first, but it's still slower than your average YA fantasy. However, it deserves that slowness, and it makes the book so much better.
- Characters -
Umbertouched truly is a character-focused novel. The majority of this book is about the growth of the two protagonists, Dineas and Zivah, and their journey. Livia Blackburne handles Dineas' PTSD perfectly in this book. It's never ignored or forgotten, and the symptoms are very realistic. His journey throughout the book is absolutely amazing, a perfect mix of tragic and hopeful. Zivah is equally awesome. The way her story is wrapped up is perfect for this series, and no one will be disappointed by it. Also, their relationship is so adorable! This series isn't about the romance, but it's balanced very well with the war and other plot threads. Some popular side characters come back in this book, and I was so happy to see them, as well as some amazing new people.
"Save your honor for those who have honor themselves. Keep your piety for those who don’t spit on the gods."
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fantastic characters, epic action, well written
Cons- A little slow at times (but honestly this isn't a con, more of a warning for people who don't like that)
Overall- 5/5 stars.
Umbertouched blew me away. This book was even better than it's predecessor, and it makes me so excited to see what Blackburne writes next.
December 22, 2020
This book continues the story of Dineas and Zivah, in their mission to protect their tribes and the people inside them.
Im going to be honest, I don't really remember anything important that happened in this story. This book has been described as a perfect sequel, maybe for people who enjoyed the first book more than I did. I still think the world-building and characters are very well done. These books just weren't for me. Besides that, I enjoyed the romance a lot more than I did in Rosemarked. Again, I can't say too much about it because of spoilers.
favorite quote: "How do you fight a war when the enemy is within?"
When I first heard of these books I was really excited to read them, I think I let the hype get to me.
3/5
Im going to be honest, I don't really remember anything important that happened in this story. This book has been described as a perfect sequel, maybe for people who enjoyed the first book more than I did. I still think the world-building and characters are very well done. These books just weren't for me. Besides that, I enjoyed the romance a lot more than I did in Rosemarked. Again, I can't say too much about it because of spoilers.
favorite quote: "How do you fight a war when the enemy is within?"
When I first heard of these books I was really excited to read them, I think I let the hype get to me.
3/5
November 19, 2022
3.5 Stars ✨
Read
November 13, 2017I beta read an early draft of this book, and I cannot wait to see the finished version when it releases next year. This a YA fantasy duet not to be missed.
November 3, 2018
What a wonderful duology Rosemarked has been. It's always a nerve-wracking experience going into a series finale because your expectations are so high, but I didn't have to worry about anything here. Livia Blackburne delivered a bittersweet, yet powerful finale with Umbertouched.
This book opened up where Rosemarked left off. I'll admit to taking a while to get re-oriented in this world, but once I was in, I was wholly engaged. Livia Blackburne has got a way with words that make it very easy to sink into her story. Zivah and Dineas had gone through hell and more in Rosemarked, and I was curious to see how the impacts of everything of the first book would affect them. The author dove deeply into that creating layers upon layers to these two beautiful characters. Their grief and their trauma were strong elements of their personalities, but so was the immense amount of strength they possessed. Zivah's story arc in Umbertouched was one I found especially touching - she struggled with her morality and her vows as a healer in this book, and that was explored so brilliantly here. I continued to be impressed by her giving nature and her kindness. It was easy to see why she was perfect as a healer. Dineas was an equally admirable character. In the previous book, he repeatedly took potions to erase his memory when he infiltrated the Empire and in this book, we get to see the aftermath of that. He struggled with his identity, with his loyalty, while at the same time being ostracized. It was undeniably difficult for him, but this was a young man who continued to face life fearlessly.
The pacing in Umbertouched was relatively slow for a fantasy novel, but it didn't affect me. I thought the focus on the characters and their paths was logical, and for me, it made the book much more relevant and emotional. Despite the slow progression of the plot, I was still tense throughout the book as the backdrop of the war cast an eerie shadow. I was afraid for all of the characters and there were times when the author did not make it easy on my poor little heart. I found the ending of this book to be very unconventional, but it also made sense and I appreciated that it remained realistic. It's one of those endings that will hurt and it still hurts when I think about it, but the journey that these characters went through to get there will forever be memorable.
Kudos to Livia Blackburne to writing such a compelling series. If you are looking for a fresh and emotional YA fantasy series, the Rosemarked duology should be at the top of your list. Don't let this one fly under your radar.
December 5, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
UMBERTOUCHED carries the consequences from the first novel. Both Zivah and Dineas have escaped the rosemarked village but their troubles haven’t ended. Zivah is still rosemarked and slowly dying. Dineas is troubled by eroding memories and wondering where his place is. Not to mention there’s a government conspiracy, a looming war, and readjustment into their old lives.
While the first novel was filled with character growth and plots, UMBERTOUCHED is much quieter. The half of the novel is preparation and loyalty testing. Neither Zivah nor Dineas fit in with their societies. In the rosemarked village, Zivah was able to be a healer and touch her patients. Now, back home, she back in an isolated existence. Dineas has become more isolated as well, since his tribesman no longer trust him after his undercover mission.
While the budding romance between Zivah and Dineas was sweet and strained during the first novel, it didn’t carry through in the second. First, Zivah only has Dineas to confide in. Where Zivah gained a few outside alliances in the first novel, she doesn’t have those anymore. Zivah only has Dineas to trust but she never expects his feelings to continue. Conversely, Dineas believes that Dineas was only interested in the amnesiac version of him. The two try to overcome their issues, but the romance is never as interesting as them trying to sort out the ideological differences between them. Zivah is a healer and leans toward mercy at all costs. Dineas is uneasy about his alliances but always chooses battle and war.
As the final book in a duology, the heroes are rewarded and the ending is earned but it’s clear that there’s no such thing as a happy or easy ending for Zivah or Dineas. UMBERTOUCHED mends all the loose plot threads of the first novel but allows rooms for the readers to interpret their own ending. Overall, UMBERTOUCHED and ROSEMARKED are a fantastic series for readers interested in ideologies and seeing how hard it is for characters to stick to their beliefs in times of war.
UMBERTOUCHED carries the consequences from the first novel. Both Zivah and Dineas have escaped the rosemarked village but their troubles haven’t ended. Zivah is still rosemarked and slowly dying. Dineas is troubled by eroding memories and wondering where his place is. Not to mention there’s a government conspiracy, a looming war, and readjustment into their old lives.
While the first novel was filled with character growth and plots, UMBERTOUCHED is much quieter. The half of the novel is preparation and loyalty testing. Neither Zivah nor Dineas fit in with their societies. In the rosemarked village, Zivah was able to be a healer and touch her patients. Now, back home, she back in an isolated existence. Dineas has become more isolated as well, since his tribesman no longer trust him after his undercover mission.
While the budding romance between Zivah and Dineas was sweet and strained during the first novel, it didn’t carry through in the second. First, Zivah only has Dineas to confide in. Where Zivah gained a few outside alliances in the first novel, she doesn’t have those anymore. Zivah only has Dineas to trust but she never expects his feelings to continue. Conversely, Dineas believes that Dineas was only interested in the amnesiac version of him. The two try to overcome their issues, but the romance is never as interesting as them trying to sort out the ideological differences between them. Zivah is a healer and leans toward mercy at all costs. Dineas is uneasy about his alliances but always chooses battle and war.
As the final book in a duology, the heroes are rewarded and the ending is earned but it’s clear that there’s no such thing as a happy or easy ending for Zivah or Dineas. UMBERTOUCHED mends all the loose plot threads of the first novel but allows rooms for the readers to interpret their own ending. Overall, UMBERTOUCHED and ROSEMARKED are a fantastic series for readers interested in ideologies and seeing how hard it is for characters to stick to their beliefs in times of war.
August 28, 2018
One thing I hear fans of Robert Jordan, Bryan Jacques, Anne McCafrey, Frank Herbert, and of course J.R.R. Tolkein say quite often is that they wish they could read their favorite fantasy books again for the first time. Livia Blackburne's Rosemarked books can come close. A masterful world-builder and crafter of words, Blackburne's characters come alive in this satisfying Y.A. fantasy series.
March 3, 2021
While there were a few slow parts in the middle, umbertouched was a wonderful book. All of the characters are intricate and intriguing and it is a sequel that lives up to its predecessor. The end was satisfying- if you’ve read Rosemarked, then this book is definitely worth a read as well!
December 19, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS BRILLAINT! I didn’t think much of Rosemarked but umbertouched is so much better, I absolutely loved it!
July 7, 2019
Bit of a bittersweet ending, but ultimately enjoyable!
January 12, 2023
3.5. I HAVE QUESTIONS.
July 2, 2018
Like Rosemarked, with Umbertouched I'm left surprised and impressed. Though I've read a lot of fantasy over the years, this one manages to surprise me.
As with the first book, the pacing is slow. In some ways, that does make the book a bit less readable, but it also feels very realistic. When Zivah works on healing someone from a grievous wound, it take days. The war is tedium and anxiety between the occasional climax of a battle. There's so much time that passes over the course of this book, which, for YA fantasy at least, feels rather strange.
The plotting is of the sort where nothing is ever particularly convenient. Things don't wrap up in a neat bow. Everyone's impacted by all the terrible things that have happened to them. Some villains face punishment, but some do not. The ending actually really surprised me, because
The ending does feel a bit rushed, as though it was a struggle to fit it all into the duology. Another hundred pages or so probably would have been beneficial. The emotional arcs are the ones to suffer primarily, though the plot resolution also feels very swift. I wish I'd gotten a few feels from this series, but I'm very impressed with the creativity of the plotting, and I can't wait to see what else Blackburne can do.
As with the first book, the pacing is slow. In some ways, that does make the book a bit less readable, but it also feels very realistic. When Zivah works on healing someone from a grievous wound, it take days. The war is tedium and anxiety between the occasional climax of a battle. There's so much time that passes over the course of this book, which, for YA fantasy at least, feels rather strange.
The plotting is of the sort where nothing is ever particularly convenient. Things don't wrap up in a neat bow. Everyone's impacted by all the terrible things that have happened to them. Some villains face punishment, but some do not. The ending actually really surprised me, because
The ending does feel a bit rushed, as though it was a struggle to fit it all into the duology. Another hundred pages or so probably would have been beneficial. The emotional arcs are the ones to suffer primarily, though the plot resolution also feels very swift. I wish I'd gotten a few feels from this series, but I'm very impressed with the creativity of the plotting, and I can't wait to see what else Blackburne can do.
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is the high-stakes conclusion to the Rosemarked non-magical fantasy duology. This second book in the duology felt very different from the first, mostly because it focuses on the aftermath of the choices that Zivah and Dineas made in book one and on the battles that ensue. My favorite part of this book was seeing Dineas deal with the repercussions of his dual life---he's now an outsider to both his own people and the Amparans. He sees the Amparans as the enemy, but he also knows some of them as friends and he understands them in ways he hadn't before. His own people look at him with distrust and sometimes outright hostility. His struggle to come to terms with these things and find his place in the new world set before him is a huge strength of the book. Zivah is also struggling with her role as a healer and what that means in the context of war.
The internal battles always interest me more than the external ones, if I'm being honest, and battle strategies are never my favorite part of fantasies (this book is relatively heavy on battles and strategizing), so I didn't love this one quite as much as the first book. I also missed having Zivah and Dineas together for most of the book, but the romance really isn't the main point in this series; it's more of an undercurrent. The stakes were definitely high in this book, though (be prepared to lose some characters you've come to love---it is war, after all) and I was always compelled to keep reading. And the ending to the book is bittersweet and just about perfect, in my opinion.
This series is a fantastic (non-magical) fantasy with complex characters and an examination of the true costs of war. It's a winning combination.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book is the high-stakes conclusion to the Rosemarked non-magical fantasy duology. This second book in the duology felt very different from the first, mostly because it focuses on the aftermath of the choices that Zivah and Dineas made in book one and on the battles that ensue. My favorite part of this book was seeing Dineas deal with the repercussions of his dual life---he's now an outsider to both his own people and the Amparans. He sees the Amparans as the enemy, but he also knows some of them as friends and he understands them in ways he hadn't before. His own people look at him with distrust and sometimes outright hostility. His struggle to come to terms with these things and find his place in the new world set before him is a huge strength of the book. Zivah is also struggling with her role as a healer and what that means in the context of war.
The internal battles always interest me more than the external ones, if I'm being honest, and battle strategies are never my favorite part of fantasies (this book is relatively heavy on battles and strategizing), so I didn't love this one quite as much as the first book. I also missed having Zivah and Dineas together for most of the book, but the romance really isn't the main point in this series; it's more of an undercurrent. The stakes were definitely high in this book, though (be prepared to lose some characters you've come to love---it is war, after all) and I was always compelled to keep reading. And the ending to the book is bittersweet and just about perfect, in my opinion.
This series is a fantastic (non-magical) fantasy with complex characters and an examination of the true costs of war. It's a winning combination.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
December 10, 2018
LOVE the ending of this duology. Such a beautiful story and I love the characters so so much.
November 21, 2018
Wow, this was such a good book!
September 27, 2018
I received an ARC of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story takes place immediately after "Rosemarked" with Zivah and Dineas arriving back in the Dara village after fleeing the Ampara army. Along their way, they attempted to capture evidence that it was the Emperor Kivan and Baruva working together to weaponize the rose plague and that they were the ones who poisoned General Arxa's army on their first visit to the Dara village in "Rosemarked." They prove unsuccessful, finding only the word of Baruva's slaves and though they find that important and worthy, it is unlikely that the weight of the empire will find it to be of importance.
Meanwhile, Zivah and Dineas have a difficult time returning to the village. Zivah, of use despite her rosemarks while journeying to and from Sehmar City, is now no longer allowed to practice her healing and is back to being ostracized from her fellow villagers. Dineas, having taken potions to remove his memories while in Sehmar City so that he might better assimilate into Neju's Guard (General Arxa's army), is immediately branded a traitor amongst his Shidadi. After a series of confusing missteps, including helping Zivah leave the village undetected so that she might continue her search for evidence against Baruva, Dineas is forced out of the Shidadi with the Amparan army prepared to attack.
I enjoyed "Rosemarked" having received it in the Uppercase subscription box; I wouldn't have read it otherwise. (Note: I no longer subscribe to this box receiving three "realistic" fiction books in a row; I read to escape this wretched world.) I was interested to see where Zivah and Dineas' travels took them and how their relationship might change and I was pleasantly pleased by how confusing and messy it was. What relationship isn't? Their's was one that took time to grow unlike the love at first sight often found in novels.
And while I have not experienced this personally and might be wildly off-base, I appreciated the inclusion of Dineas' PTSD. It struck me as a realistic portrayal and a necessary one. He had experienced so much and it would have been off-putting had he come away unscathed. I was especially delighted to read the author's note in which Blackburne thanks a psychologist for assisting her to accurately portray the effects of PTSD. Well done.
This story takes place immediately after "Rosemarked" with Zivah and Dineas arriving back in the Dara village after fleeing the Ampara army. Along their way, they attempted to capture evidence that it was the Emperor Kivan and Baruva working together to weaponize the rose plague and that they were the ones who poisoned General Arxa's army on their first visit to the Dara village in "Rosemarked." They prove unsuccessful, finding only the word of Baruva's slaves and though they find that important and worthy, it is unlikely that the weight of the empire will find it to be of importance.
Meanwhile, Zivah and Dineas have a difficult time returning to the village. Zivah, of use despite her rosemarks while journeying to and from Sehmar City, is now no longer allowed to practice her healing and is back to being ostracized from her fellow villagers. Dineas, having taken potions to remove his memories while in Sehmar City so that he might better assimilate into Neju's Guard (General Arxa's army), is immediately branded a traitor amongst his Shidadi. After a series of confusing missteps, including helping Zivah leave the village undetected so that she might continue her search for evidence against Baruva, Dineas is forced out of the Shidadi with the Amparan army prepared to attack.
I enjoyed "Rosemarked" having received it in the Uppercase subscription box; I wouldn't have read it otherwise. (Note: I no longer subscribe to this box receiving three "realistic" fiction books in a row; I read to escape this wretched world.) I was interested to see where Zivah and Dineas' travels took them and how their relationship might change and I was pleasantly pleased by how confusing and messy it was. What relationship isn't? Their's was one that took time to grow unlike the love at first sight often found in novels.
And while I have not experienced this personally and might be wildly off-base, I appreciated the inclusion of Dineas' PTSD. It struck me as a realistic portrayal and a necessary one. He had experienced so much and it would have been off-putting had he come away unscathed. I was especially delighted to read the author's note in which Blackburne thanks a psychologist for assisting her to accurately portray the effects of PTSD. Well done.
February 27, 2019
When last we saw the healer Zivah and the warrior Dineas, they were on a mission against the Empire. All of their collective efforts were wrapped up in finding out the purpose and strategy of the impending war, and what they could do to stop it.
But the mission did not come without grave fall-out.
Zivah's potion was designed to keep Dineas safely undercover as a double agent but it worked almost too well, causing an unlikely romance to bloom between the two. No matter how hard she fought it, Zivah could not make herself immune to Dineas and his innocent charms. As a result, he burrowed his way into her heart and despite her best efforts, she can't seem to remove him. In his potion-induced stupor, Dineas became the last thing he'd ever wanted to be - an ally to the Amparan army and a friend to the soldiers entrenched in it. He forged friendships that ran deep, and he inspired a loyalty and respect in General Arxa that was all masked in lies and deceit. As the influence of the potion wears off and Dineas has to face the things he has done for the cause, he has to wonder ... was it worth it?
The two came out virtually unscathed - on the surface. They had to flee the city walls when their plan fell to pieces and disaster struck a violent chord around them, but they made it out successfully. It wasn't easy to turn their backs on the people they had begun to call on as friends ... and even harder to realize that betrayal had been living on their doorsteps all along. And through all of this, the two begrudgingly realize that they both obviously caught feelings that they did not intend to catch. But Zivah and Dineas have more important things to think about now: first on the list, how do they make their way back home and warn their tribes of what is looming in the distance? And will there be enough time to prepare for war?
Dineas is infuriated and disgusted with himself. Zivah is embarrassed and prideful. The journey is difficult and full of danger. But it's one that they cannot ignore and so they press on, one step at a time.
The problems only compound for the duo once they reach their intended destination. The Shidadi tribe is torn in two, each ripped side frayed and damaged by arguing over whether or not Dineas can be trusted and whether his intel holds water. They watched as he slaughtered his fellow tribesmen with genuine hatred in his eyes ... and it's difficult for them to believe that all of that was done under the influence of the healer's potion. Dineas is desperate to make them understand that the inevitable is coming - a war full of death and destruction for their lands and tribe - but no one seems to be able to find it in them to completely listen or take him seriously. Zivah is still rosemarked and her symptoms are getting worse by the day. On top of her physical ailments she is battling internally with the way she bastardized her healer's vows. And when Dineas comes up with a plan that further puts her morals into jeopardy, she's not sure she can stomach the outcome. Trouble is, Zivah has no choice, and Dineas knows it.
In Umbertouched, the second installment and conclusion of Livia Blackburne's Rosemarked series, the battle of morality is brought to the brink for nearly every person involved. Woven in such a way that each character is threaded into the other with strands of both contempt and love, Blackburne's writing style shines and continues to be masterful. Mid-graders and YA readers love a driven storyline with relatable characters, and Blackburne delivers on both counts, picking the story up immediately from its predecessor and moving ahead with appropriate speed and strength.
While most fantasy books are plot-driven, Umbertouched is a bit more complex. I again have to speak on the characters, so bear with me while I gush just a little. The development in personality was slow and steady, and all of it believable. Zivah is put into countless situations where she is incredibly uncomfortable, and the choices that she makes along the way linger long after they are made. I was impressed with her singular view on morality and the profoundness of weight with which she felt her healer's vows carried. Taking in to account that she is a teenager, Zivah's maturity was unexpected and a credit to her character in general. Most YA (and most fantasy) writers will showcase their female characters as either lovestruck or cold and cruel, but Blackburne drew a different type of woman for her readers and instead gave them a heroine who didn't need a man to save her. Zivah never allowed her romantic feelings for Dineas to overshadow what she felt to be her ultimate purpose - to save lives. In this respect, she remained true to herself first, and this is something that I find to be an empowering model for the young female reader.
And speaking of Dineas - this man had layers. There was a serious PTSD vibe, and again - remember this guy is a young man, virtually a teenager himself. The realistic way in which he dealt with his issues was compelling and full of an emotion that is not typical of young men. Instead of being shown as the typical male hero who has good looks and acerbic wit, Dineas was riddled with emotion and a sense of decency. Dineas struggled with the things that he did and said (and the friendships he forged) while under the influence of the potion that allowed him to forget his previous life and become completely immersed in his duty as a spy for the Shidadi and outlying tribes. While the potion was a crucial and critical part of his undercover work, the readers never forgot that in Dineas' eyes, it was a detriment to his very soul and carried with it devastating consequences. I was heartbroken for him when he had to answer to his tribe for the transgressions he'd unknowingly made against them, and was impressed again by the layered writing of Blackburne. Umbertouched was not only world-building, as is typical in fantasy novels - it was a study of true character building.
A healthy supportive cast of characters was also in attendance, with a particular spotlight on Mehtap, a character who was previously portrayed in Rosemarked as a helpless and flighty young girl who was only interested in dresses and using makeup to cover her rosemarks. In Umbertouched we see the real Mehtap, and I have to say ... she made an interesting transition from weepy child to ruthless vixen. She was portrayed as a bit of a villain, but not in so harsh a way in that you didn't also want to root for her on a number of levels. Her end-game was admirable but the way she went about things ... well, I won't spoil it too much for you. Also making an appearance are a few notable and new Shidadi tribal members and a several memorable soldiers of Ampara.
All in all, I give Umbertouched a solid 4 out of 5 stars. I readily recommend this duology to a younger and cleaner crowd of mid-grade and YA readers. Older and more seasoned readers may be let down by the lack of hot romance. Don't get me wrong, there is a slow burn going on here ... but no one is getting thrown up against a wall or anything. These novels are clean and appropriate for readers aged 10+.
But the mission did not come without grave fall-out.
Zivah's potion was designed to keep Dineas safely undercover as a double agent but it worked almost too well, causing an unlikely romance to bloom between the two. No matter how hard she fought it, Zivah could not make herself immune to Dineas and his innocent charms. As a result, he burrowed his way into her heart and despite her best efforts, she can't seem to remove him. In his potion-induced stupor, Dineas became the last thing he'd ever wanted to be - an ally to the Amparan army and a friend to the soldiers entrenched in it. He forged friendships that ran deep, and he inspired a loyalty and respect in General Arxa that was all masked in lies and deceit. As the influence of the potion wears off and Dineas has to face the things he has done for the cause, he has to wonder ... was it worth it?
The two came out virtually unscathed - on the surface. They had to flee the city walls when their plan fell to pieces and disaster struck a violent chord around them, but they made it out successfully. It wasn't easy to turn their backs on the people they had begun to call on as friends ... and even harder to realize that betrayal had been living on their doorsteps all along. And through all of this, the two begrudgingly realize that they both obviously caught feelings that they did not intend to catch. But Zivah and Dineas have more important things to think about now: first on the list, how do they make their way back home and warn their tribes of what is looming in the distance? And will there be enough time to prepare for war?
Dineas is infuriated and disgusted with himself. Zivah is embarrassed and prideful. The journey is difficult and full of danger. But it's one that they cannot ignore and so they press on, one step at a time.
The problems only compound for the duo once they reach their intended destination. The Shidadi tribe is torn in two, each ripped side frayed and damaged by arguing over whether or not Dineas can be trusted and whether his intel holds water. They watched as he slaughtered his fellow tribesmen with genuine hatred in his eyes ... and it's difficult for them to believe that all of that was done under the influence of the healer's potion. Dineas is desperate to make them understand that the inevitable is coming - a war full of death and destruction for their lands and tribe - but no one seems to be able to find it in them to completely listen or take him seriously. Zivah is still rosemarked and her symptoms are getting worse by the day. On top of her physical ailments she is battling internally with the way she bastardized her healer's vows. And when Dineas comes up with a plan that further puts her morals into jeopardy, she's not sure she can stomach the outcome. Trouble is, Zivah has no choice, and Dineas knows it.
In Umbertouched, the second installment and conclusion of Livia Blackburne's Rosemarked series, the battle of morality is brought to the brink for nearly every person involved. Woven in such a way that each character is threaded into the other with strands of both contempt and love, Blackburne's writing style shines and continues to be masterful. Mid-graders and YA readers love a driven storyline with relatable characters, and Blackburne delivers on both counts, picking the story up immediately from its predecessor and moving ahead with appropriate speed and strength.
While most fantasy books are plot-driven, Umbertouched is a bit more complex. I again have to speak on the characters, so bear with me while I gush just a little. The development in personality was slow and steady, and all of it believable. Zivah is put into countless situations where she is incredibly uncomfortable, and the choices that she makes along the way linger long after they are made. I was impressed with her singular view on morality and the profoundness of weight with which she felt her healer's vows carried. Taking in to account that she is a teenager, Zivah's maturity was unexpected and a credit to her character in general. Most YA (and most fantasy) writers will showcase their female characters as either lovestruck or cold and cruel, but Blackburne drew a different type of woman for her readers and instead gave them a heroine who didn't need a man to save her. Zivah never allowed her romantic feelings for Dineas to overshadow what she felt to be her ultimate purpose - to save lives. In this respect, she remained true to herself first, and this is something that I find to be an empowering model for the young female reader.
And speaking of Dineas - this man had layers. There was a serious PTSD vibe, and again - remember this guy is a young man, virtually a teenager himself. The realistic way in which he dealt with his issues was compelling and full of an emotion that is not typical of young men. Instead of being shown as the typical male hero who has good looks and acerbic wit, Dineas was riddled with emotion and a sense of decency. Dineas struggled with the things that he did and said (and the friendships he forged) while under the influence of the potion that allowed him to forget his previous life and become completely immersed in his duty as a spy for the Shidadi and outlying tribes. While the potion was a crucial and critical part of his undercover work, the readers never forgot that in Dineas' eyes, it was a detriment to his very soul and carried with it devastating consequences. I was heartbroken for him when he had to answer to his tribe for the transgressions he'd unknowingly made against them, and was impressed again by the layered writing of Blackburne. Umbertouched was not only world-building, as is typical in fantasy novels - it was a study of true character building.
A healthy supportive cast of characters was also in attendance, with a particular spotlight on Mehtap, a character who was previously portrayed in Rosemarked as a helpless and flighty young girl who was only interested in dresses and using makeup to cover her rosemarks. In Umbertouched we see the real Mehtap, and I have to say ... she made an interesting transition from weepy child to ruthless vixen. She was portrayed as a bit of a villain, but not in so harsh a way in that you didn't also want to root for her on a number of levels. Her end-game was admirable but the way she went about things ... well, I won't spoil it too much for you. Also making an appearance are a few notable and new Shidadi tribal members and a several memorable soldiers of Ampara.
All in all, I give Umbertouched a solid 4 out of 5 stars. I readily recommend this duology to a younger and cleaner crowd of mid-grade and YA readers. Older and more seasoned readers may be let down by the lack of hot romance. Don't get me wrong, there is a slow burn going on here ... but no one is getting thrown up against a wall or anything. These novels are clean and appropriate for readers aged 10+.
February 28, 2019
Real Rating: 4.5 stars.
What a bittersweet ending, please send someone to sweep up the shattered pieces of my heart.
I loved Rosemarked and the only reason I didn't give Umbertouched 5 stars like its predecessor was because there was less of the tense interactions between Zivah and Dineas like there were in the first book. I lived for those moments where "new" Dineas was falling in love with Zivah and she was falling for him, but "old" Dineas was just a bitter kill-joy. Due to the nature of the sequel, this was unable to happen and I'm not saying it was a bad thing, I just missed it.
I couldn't put Umbertouched down except to sleep because I had to be a functioning adult at work the next morning. Zivah was still the badass, take-charge, I'll-do-it-myself heroine. She will forever go down in my personal reading history as one of my favorite main characters. Dineas was delightful as well as he struggled with his warring selves and loyalties. I thought Livia Blackburne did a wonderfully creative job of both of their character arcs that continued to make them feel vibrant and real.
The ending felt a little rushed and I wished we had a little more of a wrap-up, but I can't truly complain because I was still tearing-up. The ending was so satisfying because Blackburne stayed true to the story rather than coming up with some neat cop-out to make a "happy ending." Bittersweet is much better than false-sweetness in my book. I appreciated this so much that it's hard to put into words.
A great ending to a great duology.
What a bittersweet ending, please send someone to sweep up the shattered pieces of my heart.
I loved Rosemarked and the only reason I didn't give Umbertouched 5 stars like its predecessor was because there was less of the tense interactions between Zivah and Dineas like there were in the first book. I lived for those moments where "new" Dineas was falling in love with Zivah and she was falling for him, but "old" Dineas was just a bitter kill-joy. Due to the nature of the sequel, this was unable to happen and I'm not saying it was a bad thing, I just missed it.
I couldn't put Umbertouched down except to sleep because I had to be a functioning adult at work the next morning. Zivah was still the badass, take-charge, I'll-do-it-myself heroine. She will forever go down in my personal reading history as one of my favorite main characters. Dineas was delightful as well as he struggled with his warring selves and loyalties. I thought Livia Blackburne did a wonderfully creative job of both of their character arcs that continued to make them feel vibrant and real.
The ending felt a little rushed and I wished we had a little more of a wrap-up, but I can't truly complain because I was still tearing-up. The ending was so satisfying because Blackburne stayed true to the story rather than coming up with some neat cop-out to make a "happy ending." Bittersweet is much better than false-sweetness in my book. I appreciated this so much that it's hard to put into words.
A great ending to a great duology.
November 7, 2018
Umbertouched is a strong conclusion to this Asian-inspired duology. A unique YA fantasy with themes of colonization, freedom, and terminal illness, the series follows a young healer named Zivah and a tribal warrior named Dineas as they seek to save their people from being absorbed by the Amparan empire.
Central to the plot is the Rose Plague- a highly contagious disease that leaves few survivors behind. The rare Umbertouched come through the illness unscathed and immune with amber-colored spots on their skin, but the Rosemarked recover only temporarily and will succumb again to the disease in a matter of months or years. Dineas is umbertouched, but Zivah is rosemarked and we see her come to terms with having a terminal illness through both books in the duology. This is a powerful theme that is rarely if ever seen in YA fantasy.
Umbertouched was well-paced, action-packed, and delivered a very satisfying ending. There is a very sweet romance that develops and I love that is founded on friendship and mutual care. There are battles, political intrigue, and very strong world-building. I think this is a very under-appreciated series! I received an advance review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Central to the plot is the Rose Plague- a highly contagious disease that leaves few survivors behind. The rare Umbertouched come through the illness unscathed and immune with amber-colored spots on their skin, but the Rosemarked recover only temporarily and will succumb again to the disease in a matter of months or years. Dineas is umbertouched, but Zivah is rosemarked and we see her come to terms with having a terminal illness through both books in the duology. This is a powerful theme that is rarely if ever seen in YA fantasy.
Umbertouched was well-paced, action-packed, and delivered a very satisfying ending. There is a very sweet romance that develops and I love that is founded on friendship and mutual care. There are battles, political intrigue, and very strong world-building. I think this is a very under-appreciated series! I received an advance review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2018
So Umbertouched takes place about a month after what happened in Rosemarked and this is going to be short because I can’t spoil anything.
So Zivah and Dineas are basically dealing with the fallout of what happened in the first book. One of the main things Dineas is dealing with his his feelings because He knows who he is but he also spent a lot of time with the enemy and made friends and so he is warring with this emotions. People are having a hard time trusting him because they seen him fight with the enemy, but he knows who he is and fights hard to prove it. Zivah is still warring with her healer status and some things that she did that went against it, all while they are trying to fight against an enemy that is larger than them.
This book was a bit faster paced and more enjoyable than the first one but still a bit slow.
I know some who have really enjoyed this and I did think the storyline was different and interesting so if it sounds like it would be interesting check it out. I would give the duology as a whole probably about 3.25 stars.
Oh also I did listen to most of Umbertouched on audio since I found it on Scribd and I would recommend the audio if you are into audiobooks as I really liked the two narrators.
So Zivah and Dineas are basically dealing with the fallout of what happened in the first book. One of the main things Dineas is dealing with his his feelings because He knows who he is but he also spent a lot of time with the enemy and made friends and so he is warring with this emotions. People are having a hard time trusting him because they seen him fight with the enemy, but he knows who he is and fights hard to prove it. Zivah is still warring with her healer status and some things that she did that went against it, all while they are trying to fight against an enemy that is larger than them.
This book was a bit faster paced and more enjoyable than the first one but still a bit slow.
I know some who have really enjoyed this and I did think the storyline was different and interesting so if it sounds like it would be interesting check it out. I would give the duology as a whole probably about 3.25 stars.
Oh also I did listen to most of Umbertouched on audio since I found it on Scribd and I would recommend the audio if you are into audiobooks as I really liked the two narrators.
August 25, 2018
As the cover suggests this book is more about umbertouched and the ways to become so. Zivah and Dineas have escaped the capital but not the continent. This follows their progress back to their homeland and what happens afterwards. Can they still fit in and where is their place now.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
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