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Rogue Elegance #2
The Forbidden City
All her life, Emerala wanted nothing more than to see the world. When her small act of rebellion against the crown leaves her with a price on her head and nowhere to run, Captain Alexander Mathew offers her a way out. With the Golden Guard closing in, Emerala flees onboard the Rebellion and sets sail for that coveted line where sky meets sea.
As it turns out, a life of piracy isn’t quite as romantic as Emerala had always imagined it would be.
Alexander Mathew is a man haunted by his late father’s aspirations. Desperate and determined, he drags Emerala and his crew through increasingly dangerous trials in a last ditch effort to honor a dead man’s legacy. As whispers of mutiny rise, Evander the Hawk works to play both sides, straddling the line between ally and enemy. In a world where alliances change as quickly as the tides Emerala soon learns that the only person she can depend upon is herself.
Back in Emerala’s homeland, political tensions continue to rise as the family she left behind struggles to find their place in a world that has all but cast them out. The increasingly violent clashes between the Cairan people and the brutal Golden Guard pushes the island of Chancey ever closer to civil war. In the midst of it all, Nerani the Elegant grows continually closer to General James Byron, knowing all the while that the forbidden affair is likely to cost both of them their lives.
As it turns out, a life of piracy isn’t quite as romantic as Emerala had always imagined it would be.
Alexander Mathew is a man haunted by his late father’s aspirations. Desperate and determined, he drags Emerala and his crew through increasingly dangerous trials in a last ditch effort to honor a dead man’s legacy. As whispers of mutiny rise, Evander the Hawk works to play both sides, straddling the line between ally and enemy. In a world where alliances change as quickly as the tides Emerala soon learns that the only person she can depend upon is herself.
Back in Emerala’s homeland, political tensions continue to rise as the family she left behind struggles to find their place in a world that has all but cast them out. The increasingly violent clashes between the Cairan people and the brutal Golden Guard pushes the island of Chancey ever closer to civil war. In the midst of it all, Nerani the Elegant grows continually closer to General James Byron, knowing all the while that the forbidden affair is likely to cost both of them their lives.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2017
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Dowling
5 books48 followersI am a writer and procrastinator harboring an unhealthy obsession with Star Wars and the zombie apocalypse.
Once upon a time I wrote a thing about pirates, and it's become a decade-long passion project. Book One of The Rogue Elegance trilogy was published in 2016, with Book Two hitting shelves in fall of 2017. If you're a fan of pirates, murder, magic, and all around manipulation, The Rogue Elegance series is definitely for you.
The third and final book of the Rogue Elegance Trilogy will be released in late spring of 2018. It feels a bit like my last little baby bird will be leaving the nest. I can't promise not to cry about it.
I'm currently working on a New Adult Peter Pan retelling that deals heavily with mental health, and I couldn't be more excited to bring that story to life.
Once upon a time I wrote a thing about pirates, and it's become a decade-long passion project. Book One of The Rogue Elegance trilogy was published in 2016, with Book Two hitting shelves in fall of 2017. If you're a fan of pirates, murder, magic, and all around manipulation, The Rogue Elegance series is definitely for you.
The third and final book of the Rogue Elegance Trilogy will be released in late spring of 2018. It feels a bit like my last little baby bird will be leaving the nest. I can't promise not to cry about it.
I'm currently working on a New Adult Peter Pan retelling that deals heavily with mental health, and I couldn't be more excited to bring that story to life.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 19, 2017
I'm always scared to pick up the second book in a trilogy. The first book has the fun of discovering a new world. The third book has the payoff of the ultimate resolution. The second book is too often a bridge from the first book to the third. Second books give us the information we need and set up the start of book three, but they usually do it with a mediocre story. The Forbidden City is not that kind of middle book. It is one of the few second books that is better than the first. The world is bigger, giving us a second chance at that feeling that comes from discovering a new world. The cast is bigger. There are a couple of new characters, and some characters, like Nerani, move up from sidekick status to full-fledged hero. Many of secrets are shared, revealing new secrets to be revealed in the last book. The Forbidden City still creates a bridge to book three. That is a necessity, but it has that discovery feel of a book one, a great story, and best of all, there is a point where all the pieces start coming together, the path forward is precarious but seems set then some $***t happens and our band of gypsies and pirates are left with one hell of a mess. I can't wait to see how they deal with it in book three.
A Bigger World
Emerela sails off with Captain Mathews’ pirates, and the world goes from one small city to an entire ocean full of different places, peoples, cultures, and dangers. We meet a cannibal king and a woman from an ancient myth. We travel to the Cairan homeland, discover old magic and important prophecies. The world building in The Forbidden City stands out more than it did in The Changing Tide, simply because there is so much more world the build. I love the little details, the magic parrots on the ship, the necklace the cannibal king wears, the crows in Caria. Emerela never spends too long in any one place, but at each place, Dowling does a good job of giving us a sense of the people and their peculiarities.
Even back with Cairans Emerela has left behind, the world has grown. The Forbidden City is an important setting, a haven for the gypsies while the Chancian King goes into full-blown genocide mode. (BY THE WAY, I wasn't expecting the King to go all human on me. He was a petty, hateful man, and I wasn't prepared for the moment of sympathy I felt for him.) The city is safe, so long as it stays secret, but a safe place can feel like a prison if you can’t leave. I won’t say more about the Forbidden City because everything about it is a secret at the end of The Changing Tide.
Some Answers, Some Questions
Book one left me with questions. What's up with the green and gold eyes, where is Prince Frederick, what is Hawk's game, and what does the map lead to? Many of my questions are answered or partially answered. Some of my theories were confirmed. Some things happened that I did not expect. I like the balance here. One of the things that is tricky in a middle book is figuring out how much to reveal and how much to save for the next book. If nothing is revealed, then it feels like the story doesn’t move forward, and without some revelations about the characters, it is hard to get us, readers, more invested in the characters. On the other hand, if we learn too much it can make the last book disappointing. I don’t think too much was revealed. I still have plenty of questions, but there was enough revealed to keep things fun. I liked that I caught some foreshadowing, but there were also revelations I didn't see coming. As the story moves, more questions arise, but not so many that I was confused. I know the world, the characters, and the story better than I did at the end of The Changing Tide, but this world still has many secrets to reveal.
Relationships
We have a love triangle at sea, a love triangle that testa loyalties, and a good seduction. The Forbidden City steps up the romance. It's not tawdry, and it's nowhere close to being erotica, but if you have pirates and gypsies running around tight corsets, there has to be the occasional deep breath to highlight a flirtatious line. Things get hot a steamy a couple of times, but I appreciate that Dowling fades to black and leaves the details to our imaginations.
I enjoyed Nerani’s love triangle. There's more to it than just whom Nerani will pick. There is real danger and the safety of others to consider. My Nerani ship was set in book one, but my fondness for her as a character has grown. I want her to grab the General and run off to somewhere safe, somewhere they can be happy, but now that I've fallen for her, I'm sure this won't happen. I'm not saying anything about what happens with her triangle in The Forbidden City. I just have a feeling that Dowling took the time to build up Nerani in this book so I would fall for her, making it all the easier to punch me in the feelings in book three when she does something awful to Nerani.
I'm not sure how I feel about Emerela’s love triangle. At times, I wanted her to kill both the guys and become the Captain and Pirate Lord. She could team up with Lethal, a murderer who joins the pirates, and rule the oceans. I'm not completely sold on either love interest for her. She has two choices, the clueless guy, or the stupidly dangerous guy. I'm currently cheering for stupidly dangerous. He is a fun character, and with him around, I know things won’t get boring. I doubt it would be good for Emerela, so I feel a bit mean cheering for him.
Relationship Spoiler: Big spoiler!
Nitpicking
There is only one thing I’d have liked to see play out differently. Seranai is a woman with a plan. I love her, and I hate her. Her dark thoughts are so much fun, but her blind selfishness is truly evil. I want her to think she has won. I want her to get everything she wants then be killed in some horrific manner.
Seranai has a bigger role in The Forbidden City, but near the end, she only has cameo appearances. Once she makes it to the Forbidden City, we don't see much of her. We know what she is doing, but I'd have liked to see her scheming continue. I wonder what she thinks of the city, how she thinks her plan is going, is she frustrated or enjoying herself, and I’d like to know if she is emotionally conflicted. I doubt it, but I don’t know. Maybe something in the city surprises her or touches her in some way that makes her connect with her people. Maybe not, but it is something I’d like to have seen explored. Her story arc was one of the best in the book but would be better with a scene or two from her perspective inside the Forbidden City.
Wrap Up
I’m stingy with that fifth star. Some of my all-time favorite authors don’t have a book I’ve given five stars. For five stars, I have to like the writing, the story, the world building, the pacing, fall in love with at least one character, and be enthralled. The story, the characters, and the world in The Forbidden City are all enthralling. I’d happily spend another six or seven book in this world. I want more Emerela, Hawk, and Nerani, but now, the world is big enough for more stories. I’d read the story of the cannibal king coming to power or a story set in Caria, and I am very eager to read the end of this trilogy.
A Bigger World
Emerela sails off with Captain Mathews’ pirates, and the world goes from one small city to an entire ocean full of different places, peoples, cultures, and dangers. We meet a cannibal king and a woman from an ancient myth. We travel to the Cairan homeland, discover old magic and important prophecies. The world building in The Forbidden City stands out more than it did in The Changing Tide, simply because there is so much more world the build. I love the little details, the magic parrots on the ship, the necklace the cannibal king wears, the crows in Caria. Emerela never spends too long in any one place, but at each place, Dowling does a good job of giving us a sense of the people and their peculiarities.
Even back with Cairans Emerela has left behind, the world has grown. The Forbidden City is an important setting, a haven for the gypsies while the Chancian King goes into full-blown genocide mode. (BY THE WAY, I wasn't expecting the King to go all human on me. He was a petty, hateful man, and I wasn't prepared for the moment of sympathy I felt for him.) The city is safe, so long as it stays secret, but a safe place can feel like a prison if you can’t leave. I won’t say more about the Forbidden City because everything about it is a secret at the end of The Changing Tide.
Some Answers, Some Questions
Book one left me with questions. What's up with the green and gold eyes, where is Prince Frederick, what is Hawk's game, and what does the map lead to? Many of my questions are answered or partially answered. Some of my theories were confirmed. Some things happened that I did not expect. I like the balance here. One of the things that is tricky in a middle book is figuring out how much to reveal and how much to save for the next book. If nothing is revealed, then it feels like the story doesn’t move forward, and without some revelations about the characters, it is hard to get us, readers, more invested in the characters. On the other hand, if we learn too much it can make the last book disappointing. I don’t think too much was revealed. I still have plenty of questions, but there was enough revealed to keep things fun. I liked that I caught some foreshadowing, but there were also revelations I didn't see coming. As the story moves, more questions arise, but not so many that I was confused. I know the world, the characters, and the story better than I did at the end of The Changing Tide, but this world still has many secrets to reveal.
Relationships
We have a love triangle at sea, a love triangle that testa loyalties, and a good seduction. The Forbidden City steps up the romance. It's not tawdry, and it's nowhere close to being erotica, but if you have pirates and gypsies running around tight corsets, there has to be the occasional deep breath to highlight a flirtatious line. Things get hot a steamy a couple of times, but I appreciate that Dowling fades to black and leaves the details to our imaginations.
I enjoyed Nerani’s love triangle. There's more to it than just whom Nerani will pick. There is real danger and the safety of others to consider. My Nerani ship was set in book one, but my fondness for her as a character has grown. I want her to grab the General and run off to somewhere safe, somewhere they can be happy, but now that I've fallen for her, I'm sure this won't happen. I'm not saying anything about what happens with her triangle in The Forbidden City. I just have a feeling that Dowling took the time to build up Nerani in this book so I would fall for her, making it all the easier to punch me in the feelings in book three when she does something awful to Nerani.
I'm not sure how I feel about Emerela’s love triangle. At times, I wanted her to kill both the guys and become the Captain and Pirate Lord. She could team up with Lethal, a murderer who joins the pirates, and rule the oceans. I'm not completely sold on either love interest for her. She has two choices, the clueless guy, or the stupidly dangerous guy. I'm currently cheering for stupidly dangerous. He is a fun character, and with him around, I know things won’t get boring. I doubt it would be good for Emerela, so I feel a bit mean cheering for him.
Relationship Spoiler: Big spoiler!
Nitpicking
There is only one thing I’d have liked to see play out differently. Seranai is a woman with a plan. I love her, and I hate her. Her dark thoughts are so much fun, but her blind selfishness is truly evil. I want her to think she has won. I want her to get everything she wants then be killed in some horrific manner.
Seranai has a bigger role in The Forbidden City, but near the end, she only has cameo appearances. Once she makes it to the Forbidden City, we don't see much of her. We know what she is doing, but I'd have liked to see her scheming continue. I wonder what she thinks of the city, how she thinks her plan is going, is she frustrated or enjoying herself, and I’d like to know if she is emotionally conflicted. I doubt it, but I don’t know. Maybe something in the city surprises her or touches her in some way that makes her connect with her people. Maybe not, but it is something I’d like to have seen explored. Her story arc was one of the best in the book but would be better with a scene or two from her perspective inside the Forbidden City.
Wrap Up
I’m stingy with that fifth star. Some of my all-time favorite authors don’t have a book I’ve given five stars. For five stars, I have to like the writing, the story, the world building, the pacing, fall in love with at least one character, and be enthralled. The story, the characters, and the world in The Forbidden City are all enthralling. I’d happily spend another six or seven book in this world. I want more Emerela, Hawk, and Nerani, but now, the world is big enough for more stories. I’d read the story of the cannibal king coming to power or a story set in Caria, and I am very eager to read the end of this trilogy.
May 29, 2018
❤ sooooooo good!!!!!
April 29, 2018
"Which is better, do you suppose? To dive or to jump straight down?"
Book 2 of the Rogue Elegance series, The Forbidden City: Book Two of Rogue Elegance, takes place shortly after the events of The Changing Tide. With the prophecy set in motion and our main characters scattered throughout Chancey, The Forbidden City, and in Emerala's case—the world, the stakes are raised and the reader is left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of who will survive, who will succeed, and how all of the characters' storylines will intertwine.
"The world has never stayed still. Even boys with hearts of ice find themselves melted down into something new."
Atmospheric. Vivid. Cinematic. The world has always been my favorite part of this series, and in this book we see it expanded in ways I hadn't thought possible. With Emerala at sea, James' life in Chancey further explored, and the Forbidden City introduced, we learn more about the the harshness of the world these characters inhabit and how that has shaped them, as well as are introduced to more lovable characters—my favorite being Peterson.
The new characters and setting added another layer of richness to a world that was already extremely detailed. By the end of The Forbidden City: Book Two of Rogue Elegance, I felt as though I knew the world as well as I had known Chancey by the end of The Changing Tide. I loved seeing the world both through Emerala, who, like the reader, is experiencing it for the first time, and through The Hawk and Alexander who have traveled the seas and seen it all before.
Speaking of those three...
"She looks inhuman—otherworldly—like some ancient, wild thing. He could love her for it if things were different—if he was a man with the luxury of romance."
The love triangle(s) in this book were AMAZING! I'm usually the first person to say I'm not a fan of love triangles, but Dowling handled them masterfully, sprinkling in the romance and sexual tension, without ever allowing them to overtake the main plot. Both Emerala and Nerani are strong and complex women whose stories are not defined by the men they end up with—I'm personally on team Hawk for Emerala, as he's a pirate to the core and I'll always be rooting for the morally ambiguous characters and team James Byron for Nerani because I'm a sucker for star-crossed lovers. But I'm not counting Alexander or Topan out of the running yet!
"Tonight I will sleep with my regrets. Tonight I will spend another midnight choking on my cowardice. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day the fates finally catch up to me. Perhaps tomorrow I'll finally be able to rest, even if that rest shall be at the bottom of the storming sea."
There simply aren't enough words to describe my love of this story, the characters, and their world. Dowling has managed to capture everything I loved about The Changing Tide and heightens it all in this book. The magic is elevated while the real world themes of prejudice and social justice are still explored in depth. After the events of this book I am so uncertain as to what will happen next and am eagerly (and nervously!) awaiting the release of the third and final installment in the Rogue Elegance series, The Winding Maze (available May 18th!) If you are a lover of the sea, adventures, pirates, magic, and complex characters, then this is the book series for you—I will never not recommend it!
"We can't live in fear just because there might be death at the end of an adventure."
Book 2 of the Rogue Elegance series, The Forbidden City: Book Two of Rogue Elegance, takes place shortly after the events of The Changing Tide. With the prophecy set in motion and our main characters scattered throughout Chancey, The Forbidden City, and in Emerala's case—the world, the stakes are raised and the reader is left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of who will survive, who will succeed, and how all of the characters' storylines will intertwine.
"The world has never stayed still. Even boys with hearts of ice find themselves melted down into something new."
Atmospheric. Vivid. Cinematic. The world has always been my favorite part of this series, and in this book we see it expanded in ways I hadn't thought possible. With Emerala at sea, James' life in Chancey further explored, and the Forbidden City introduced, we learn more about the the harshness of the world these characters inhabit and how that has shaped them, as well as are introduced to more lovable characters—my favorite being Peterson.
The new characters and setting added another layer of richness to a world that was already extremely detailed. By the end of The Forbidden City: Book Two of Rogue Elegance, I felt as though I knew the world as well as I had known Chancey by the end of The Changing Tide. I loved seeing the world both through Emerala, who, like the reader, is experiencing it for the first time, and through The Hawk and Alexander who have traveled the seas and seen it all before.
Speaking of those three...
"She looks inhuman—otherworldly—like some ancient, wild thing. He could love her for it if things were different—if he was a man with the luxury of romance."
The love triangle(s) in this book were AMAZING! I'm usually the first person to say I'm not a fan of love triangles, but Dowling handled them masterfully, sprinkling in the romance and sexual tension, without ever allowing them to overtake the main plot. Both Emerala and Nerani are strong and complex women whose stories are not defined by the men they end up with—I'm personally on team Hawk for Emerala, as he's a pirate to the core and I'll always be rooting for the morally ambiguous characters and team James Byron for Nerani because I'm a sucker for star-crossed lovers. But I'm not counting Alexander or Topan out of the running yet!
"Tonight I will sleep with my regrets. Tonight I will spend another midnight choking on my cowardice. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day the fates finally catch up to me. Perhaps tomorrow I'll finally be able to rest, even if that rest shall be at the bottom of the storming sea."
There simply aren't enough words to describe my love of this story, the characters, and their world. Dowling has managed to capture everything I loved about The Changing Tide and heightens it all in this book. The magic is elevated while the real world themes of prejudice and social justice are still explored in depth. After the events of this book I am so uncertain as to what will happen next and am eagerly (and nervously!) awaiting the release of the third and final installment in the Rogue Elegance series, The Winding Maze (available May 18th!) If you are a lover of the sea, adventures, pirates, magic, and complex characters, then this is the book series for you—I will never not recommend it!
"We can't live in fear just because there might be death at the end of an adventure."
March 9, 2018
A Wonderful Read!
I am floored. Sometimes, the middle of a trilogy can feel like a bit of a slump. But not in this case. This book was a wild ride of adventure, pirates, mystery and swoon worthy moments (James Byron I'm looking at YOU). I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the third book.
I am floored. Sometimes, the middle of a trilogy can feel like a bit of a slump. But not in this case. This book was a wild ride of adventure, pirates, mystery and swoon worthy moments (James Byron I'm looking at YOU). I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the third book.
January 20, 2019
The second book in the trilogy, The Forbidden City, is just as smart and captivating as the first. This time Dowling expands her universe, adding in new locations and taking us to places far beyond the borders of Chancey. This adds so much depth to the world she has created. New characters are also introduced, and we get the feeling that each is intricately connected to the web that ties time and circumstance together.
Emerala finds herself aboard the pirate ship, The Rebellion. Although her defiant and head-strong attitude fits well with the dastardly, rag-tag crew of pirates, she still manages to find trouble time and again. Trouble which two unlikely suitors, The Hawk and Captain Mathew, seem to always manage to get her out of in the nick of time. She is feisty, independent, and at times exasperating but she is a character of strength that is so likable it is easy to root for her. Their adventures and mis-deeds on the high seas add a depth to Dowling’s story and ever-expanding world. Fraught with backstabbing, untrustworthy sorts, and lots of odd and interesting places and characters, Dowling excels in adding dimension to her worldbuilding and character development. The addition of these new and interesting settings emphasis not only the story, but the underlying magic, superstitions, and prejudices that are the foundation to many characters belief systems as well as the main themes highlighted in these books.
Back in Chancey the Cairan’s have disappeared and the king’s paranoia is growing. Hidden away in their ancient city the Cairans are planning an uprising. The prophecy has foretold of Cairan blood taking back the throne and Topan, the Cairan king, knows just who he wants to put in power and how. Unfortunately, rebellions are never easy especially when you can’t trust those on your own side. In the palace the king grows even more paranoid fearful that gypsy magic will be his undoing. Little does he know the secrets of the past will be the betrayal he can’t escape.
In this book General James Byron and Nerani’s stories are thrust into the forefront adding so much depth to their characters and to the overall atmosphere of the story. Stalwart and loyal, James Byron is the ultimate soldier for the king, but he hides a secret, one that could get him killed. Nerani, comes into her own in the book. Out from the shadow of her cousin, her strength and determination emerge. Their story is one of forbidden love, could bring down a nation.
Dowling’s talent for prose makes the world she is creating even more intense and intoxicating. She woos the reader with a world so rich and captivating that it is impossible for your senses not to react, drawing you in to live in her world.
The Forbidden City aptly continues the story of a nation in turmoil, broken to the point of civil war. A story that is powerful and thought-provoking and elicits multiple emotions from the reader. I am excited to see how the story ends in Book Three.
Emerala finds herself aboard the pirate ship, The Rebellion. Although her defiant and head-strong attitude fits well with the dastardly, rag-tag crew of pirates, she still manages to find trouble time and again. Trouble which two unlikely suitors, The Hawk and Captain Mathew, seem to always manage to get her out of in the nick of time. She is feisty, independent, and at times exasperating but she is a character of strength that is so likable it is easy to root for her. Their adventures and mis-deeds on the high seas add a depth to Dowling’s story and ever-expanding world. Fraught with backstabbing, untrustworthy sorts, and lots of odd and interesting places and characters, Dowling excels in adding dimension to her worldbuilding and character development. The addition of these new and interesting settings emphasis not only the story, but the underlying magic, superstitions, and prejudices that are the foundation to many characters belief systems as well as the main themes highlighted in these books.
Back in Chancey the Cairan’s have disappeared and the king’s paranoia is growing. Hidden away in their ancient city the Cairans are planning an uprising. The prophecy has foretold of Cairan blood taking back the throne and Topan, the Cairan king, knows just who he wants to put in power and how. Unfortunately, rebellions are never easy especially when you can’t trust those on your own side. In the palace the king grows even more paranoid fearful that gypsy magic will be his undoing. Little does he know the secrets of the past will be the betrayal he can’t escape.
In this book General James Byron and Nerani’s stories are thrust into the forefront adding so much depth to their characters and to the overall atmosphere of the story. Stalwart and loyal, James Byron is the ultimate soldier for the king, but he hides a secret, one that could get him killed. Nerani, comes into her own in the book. Out from the shadow of her cousin, her strength and determination emerge. Their story is one of forbidden love, could bring down a nation.
Dowling’s talent for prose makes the world she is creating even more intense and intoxicating. She woos the reader with a world so rich and captivating that it is impossible for your senses not to react, drawing you in to live in her world.
The Forbidden City aptly continues the story of a nation in turmoil, broken to the point of civil war. A story that is powerful and thought-provoking and elicits multiple emotions from the reader. I am excited to see how the story ends in Book Three.
December 31, 2017
The world building in this book is just so beautiful that I can’t help but give it 5 stars. The first book felt like a big setup for the main story, and while it was entertaining, it did make me feel a little let down at the end. This second installment is anything but a let down. I can’t help but love and hate each person in this world. They’re all so unique and interesting. From generals, to pirates, to mermaids, to secret heirs, it’s all just so good. Each character’s storyline is woven so thoughtfully into this intricate masterpiece that I cannot wait to see how it all ends in the next book!
April 6, 2018
This book gripped me and didn't let go. I'm finished with it and I can't stop thinking about the characters and what they might possibly face in the final installment. It is thrilling, fast-paced, and action-packed! There are characters you'll love to death, and the ones you'll wish you could reach in and rip their hearts out yourself. On top of it all, Dowling's writing is beautiful.
Book two of Rogue Elegance is even better than book one. It's longer, the world gets bigger--as do the stakes--and every character has an important part to play. Emerala's adventures aboard the Rebellion are fraught with danger and lies and deceit. You're never quite sure who she can trust, and that makes the small love triangle between her, the Hawk, and the captain SO interesting!
In Chancey, Nerani is torn by love and duty. She really steps up from her small part in The Changing Tide and for a while I cared more about what was happening to her than anyone else. And James Byron... Damn. I couldn't care too much about him in the first book, but he sure changed my mind this time. His character development is amazing.
Overall, this book is fantastic! There's so much intrigue and I stayed up way too late finishing it. I can't wait for The Winding Maze!
Book two of Rogue Elegance is even better than book one. It's longer, the world gets bigger--as do the stakes--and every character has an important part to play. Emerala's adventures aboard the Rebellion are fraught with danger and lies and deceit. You're never quite sure who she can trust, and that makes the small love triangle between her, the Hawk, and the captain SO interesting!
In Chancey, Nerani is torn by love and duty. She really steps up from her small part in The Changing Tide and for a while I cared more about what was happening to her than anyone else. And James Byron... Damn. I couldn't care too much about him in the first book, but he sure changed my mind this time. His character development is amazing.
Overall, this book is fantastic! There's so much intrigue and I stayed up way too late finishing it. I can't wait for The Winding Maze!
May 16, 2018
All I can say is...what a wild ride! The Changing Tide was good...and the Forbidden City was even better. When you think of a good pirate adventure, what do you think of? Whatever you’re thinking, I guarantee it’s in there. Dowling has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that immerses you into the story of hidden cities, daring pirates, and mysterious prophesies that make you feel you are standing right with the characters, breathing the air they are breathing. These characters will infuriate you, and infatuate you. This story will have you on the edge of your seat as Dowling slowly unravels the pieces of the mystery that has each of these characters in a whirlwind. You seriously don’t want to miss this exciting and epic adventure!
July 22, 2018
4.5 stars.
Really, really good story. Pirates? Check. Star-crossed romance? Check. A war brewing? Check. Mistaken and hidden identities? Check. All the adventure? You the bet.
Rebellion lies around the corner in this tale, and I am expecting big things or the final entry in the trilogy. Dowling weaves a complex, lively tale with immense skill. Her descriptions are lush and vivid, most of her characters are given great depth, and one can see the varied plot lines slowly coming together as this series progresses.
I highly recommend this one!
Really, really good story. Pirates? Check. Star-crossed romance? Check. A war brewing? Check. Mistaken and hidden identities? Check. All the adventure? You the bet.
Rebellion lies around the corner in this tale, and I am expecting big things or the final entry in the trilogy. Dowling weaves a complex, lively tale with immense skill. Her descriptions are lush and vivid, most of her characters are given great depth, and one can see the varied plot lines slowly coming together as this series progresses.
I highly recommend this one!
May 13, 2018
The parrot
The vivid door and imagination exudes from Dowling's pages. Each character comes with their own corks and struggles with inner demons to conquer just as we all do. If I had to chose a favorite character, sign me up for the parrot. You'll understand around chapter 11 I believe. Can't wait for the third book.
The vivid door and imagination exudes from Dowling's pages. Each character comes with their own corks and struggles with inner demons to conquer just as we all do. If I had to chose a favorite character, sign me up for the parrot. You'll understand around chapter 11 I believe. Can't wait for the third book.
June 7, 2018
Book two: WOW!
Book two: WOW! There are so many twists and turns and highs in this book it was hard to put it down for any amount of time! Just when your heart slows from the last turn of fate, it picks right back up again! THE FORBIDDEN CITY is a must read for anyone who loves pirate tales and fast pace thrillers! Love this book!
Book two: WOW! There are so many twists and turns and highs in this book it was hard to put it down for any amount of time! Just when your heart slows from the last turn of fate, it picks right back up again! THE FORBIDDEN CITY is a must read for anyone who loves pirate tales and fast pace thrillers! Love this book!
July 2, 2018
Second books of trilogies are often a bore, and nothing but filler pages to get to the finale, but this was anything but. The story took (pleasantly) unexpected turns and had me guessing from the start. I finished it dying to get my hands on the third book.
May 13, 2018
Fantastic read and well done characters. If you love pirates, love triangles, and adventure you'll enjoy this creative piece. I'll be as patient as Emerala while I wait for the next in this series.
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