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Alskad Empire Chronicles #2
The Exalted
Since the founding of the Empire, Alskad has been ruled by the singleborn…but the new heir to the throne carries a secret that will change everything
When an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her aid.
To the south, Vi Abernathy—Bo’s secret twin—joins a ragtag army of resistance fighters, determined to free Alskad and the colony of Ilor from the control of the corrupt temple and its leaders. But as Vi discovers a strength she never knew she had and prepares to rejoin her brother in Alskad, news of the coup and Bo’s narrow escape arrive in Ilor.
Determined to rescue Bo, Vi sails to Denor with the rebels at her side and a plan to outwit Queen Noriava, knowing there’s only one way she and Bo will be able to save the Alskad Empire—together.
When an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her aid.
To the south, Vi Abernathy—Bo’s secret twin—joins a ragtag army of resistance fighters, determined to free Alskad and the colony of Ilor from the control of the corrupt temple and its leaders. But as Vi discovers a strength she never knew she had and prepares to rejoin her brother in Alskad, news of the coup and Bo’s narrow escape arrive in Ilor.
Determined to rescue Bo, Vi sails to Denor with the rebels at her side and a plan to outwit Queen Noriava, knowing there’s only one way she and Bo will be able to save the Alskad Empire—together.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2019
25 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Sage Patterson
10 books123 followersKaitlyn Sage Patterson grew up with her nose in a book outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After completing her M.F.A., she moved to South Korea, where she taught English and started writing her debut novel. THE DIMINISHED will be published by HarlequinTEEN in April 2018, followed by its sequel in 2019.
When she's not staring off into space and trying to untangle some particularly troublesome plot point, she can be found in her kitchen, perfecting the art of the macaron; or at the barn, where she rides and trains dressage horses; or with her husband, spoiling their sweet rescue dogs.
When she's not staring off into space and trying to untangle some particularly troublesome plot point, she can be found in her kitchen, perfecting the art of the macaron; or at the barn, where she rides and trains dressage horses; or with her husband, spoiling their sweet rescue dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 3, 2019
The Exalted by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson is the second book in the young adult fantasy Alskad Empire Chronicles. Not that anyone should quote me on this but I believe these two books are meant to be a duology but I could be wrong. Regardless this fantasy story continues over and picks up after the end of the first book so it’s best to read them in order as a new reader may not understand this one without the world building of the first.
In The Diminished, the first book of the series, readers were introduced to a world known as the Alskad Empire where the vast majority of births result in twins with the very rare singleborn birth. Bo Trousillion was thought to be a singleborn which had put him in the running to take over the thrown one day. Vi Abernathy on the other hand was born a twin but she had believed her sibling had passed shortly after birth making her a diminished.
Eventually it was found that Vi and Bo were twins and they fought to keep the secret. The Exalted picks up Vi and Bo’s story with the pair being separated so the point of view switches between what is going on with each of them. Bo had been forced to flee the empire and is fighting to regain control of the crown. Meanwhile Vi has joined a group of resistance fighters to fight to free Alskad
I have to say having read the first book of the series and liking it it did still take me a while to remember the events and get back into the story with these characters. I think there may have actually been more action and a quicker pace this time around but my confusing beginning still took a little longer to settle in leaving me to give this second book 3 1/2 stars. It’s still a creative fantasy and I had read both back to back I may have been more entranced and on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In The Diminished, the first book of the series, readers were introduced to a world known as the Alskad Empire where the vast majority of births result in twins with the very rare singleborn birth. Bo Trousillion was thought to be a singleborn which had put him in the running to take over the thrown one day. Vi Abernathy on the other hand was born a twin but she had believed her sibling had passed shortly after birth making her a diminished.
Eventually it was found that Vi and Bo were twins and they fought to keep the secret. The Exalted picks up Vi and Bo’s story with the pair being separated so the point of view switches between what is going on with each of them. Bo had been forced to flee the empire and is fighting to regain control of the crown. Meanwhile Vi has joined a group of resistance fighters to fight to free Alskad
I have to say having read the first book of the series and liking it it did still take me a while to remember the events and get back into the story with these characters. I think there may have actually been more action and a quicker pace this time around but my confusing beginning still took a little longer to settle in leaving me to give this second book 3 1/2 stars. It’s still a creative fantasy and I had read both back to back I may have been more entranced and on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 2, 2018
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this follow up to The Diminished. It's filled with the same lush details and gorgeous writing as The Diminished, and I loved the further character development of Curlin. The Exalted is faster paced than book one and moves swiftly back and forth between Vi and Bo. The twin relationship allows both male and female leads to be equally strong, regardless of their upbringings or desires to rule. Their connection makes it impossible for one to rise above the other.
This book is all about balances and contradictions, with really well-fleshed out complicated characters. Patterson doesn't give us all good or all evil, but allows bad people to sometimes do good things, which is much more realistic and convoluted. Battles are fought, but the protagonists have to bear the weight of the consequences on their souls—unlike so many stories where the end justifies the means. There are no guarantees of happy endings for any of these characters, and that tension kept me on the edge. (Yes, I did cry. I won't tell you where.)
It's an interesting discussion on religion, government, and society—blind faith and corruption. I loved the ending and wish I could go on about it here but don't want to spoil it.
Having read The Diminished first, I'm not sure how easily this would stand alone to new reader—I can't unlearn the first book, so I'm not a good judge of that, but since I loved The Diminished so much, I would advise a new reader to Patterson's work to start at the beginning. It's truly an epic journey.
This book is all about balances and contradictions, with really well-fleshed out complicated characters. Patterson doesn't give us all good or all evil, but allows bad people to sometimes do good things, which is much more realistic and convoluted. Battles are fought, but the protagonists have to bear the weight of the consequences on their souls—unlike so many stories where the end justifies the means. There are no guarantees of happy endings for any of these characters, and that tension kept me on the edge. (Yes, I did cry. I won't tell you where.)
It's an interesting discussion on religion, government, and society—blind faith and corruption. I loved the ending and wish I could go on about it here but don't want to spoil it.
Having read The Diminished first, I'm not sure how easily this would stand alone to new reader—I can't unlearn the first book, so I'm not a good judge of that, but since I loved The Diminished so much, I would advise a new reader to Patterson's work to start at the beginning. It's truly an epic journey.
October 9, 2019
I have received this ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Low-key read this series out of order. I didn't mean for it to happen but it did and I have zero regrets. The Exalted has an intriguing title/cover. Once I saw it I just had to have it. Sucks that I got rejected from NetGalley but then accepted by Edelweiss.
Since I haven't even started book 1 yet, I already know I'm going to love it. Mostly because this book was so freaking good. It didn't matter to me that I was a little confused in some parts because I can always re-read this after the first book. Every character that I met in this book made me so happy. They made me laugh, smile, and somewhat cringe (only the evil ones).
Without spoiling anything, it was amazing. HOWEVER, one scene did remind me of GOT so yeah.. that's my one spoiler. Deal with it.
I'm read to dive into book one now. Goodbye forever.
Low-key read this series out of order. I didn't mean for it to happen but it did and I have zero regrets. The Exalted has an intriguing title/cover. Once I saw it I just had to have it. Sucks that I got rejected from NetGalley but then accepted by Edelweiss.
Since I haven't even started book 1 yet, I already know I'm going to love it. Mostly because this book was so freaking good. It didn't matter to me that I was a little confused in some parts because I can always re-read this after the first book. Every character that I met in this book made me so happy. They made me laugh, smile, and somewhat cringe (only the evil ones).
Without spoiling anything, it was amazing. HOWEVER, one scene did remind me of GOT so yeah.. that's my one spoiler. Deal with it.
I'm read to dive into book one now. Goodbye forever.
June 3, 2019
Thank you so much to Inkyard press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
*omitting the summary here*
When I first requested The Exalted I didn't realize that it was a sequel, so I had the pleasure of binge reading the duology. One thing I really appreciate is how The Diminished ended in a very satisfying and non cliffhanger ish way, so I was more than ready to read this but did not feel pressured to. I was glad to have it lined up!
This book put me through the entire spectrum of emotions, I was laughing, clapped a few times, spilled a few tears for various fallen warriors, and ended with a book hangover that resulted in a grossly delayed review (I'm sorry, my bad).
The Exalted moved a lot faster than the previous book and every part of it mattered. I was reading as much as I could each day and it was hard to put it down. Between the Suzerain's fear mongering and regicide, the Shriven being ...well, terrifying and also beautiful, the Bo and Noriava subplot, then the ascension to the throne again...there was a lot going on!
I loved Bo and Vi's family and the little girls were hilarious. All of the new characters were great, Noriava as cunning as anyone, the general, and the camp warriors who we met. Also the Shriven, we will leave it at that but the numbers in white was one of my favorite scenea.
I do believe that some books read better with a rough ending, and I appreciate that in a war important people are going to die...but really? I wasn't sure if I should be impressed at how many main characters died or if it was overdone. One particular hero I do feel like should have gotten some last words, or something, he was so important and if you were reading quickly you would have missed where he died. Bye bye new and shortlived book boyfriend :( :( :(
Why did H die and not M? the twin thing didn't seem entirely consistent but I am so glad there were also some platonic relationships in this book. I also think Vi's depressive bout was real and important, this whole book just felt very...real...at times.
Anyway - Found families, gay characters, I don't understand nonbinary but that was mentioned, strong female leaders, and nail biting nonstop action with a twist of court intrigue and betrayal out the wazoo, power grabs....if these are your tropes and you're not afraid to cry, go grab this duology and get to it! An easy 5 stars for this book!
*omitting the summary here*
When I first requested The Exalted I didn't realize that it was a sequel, so I had the pleasure of binge reading the duology. One thing I really appreciate is how The Diminished ended in a very satisfying and non cliffhanger ish way, so I was more than ready to read this but did not feel pressured to. I was glad to have it lined up!
This book put me through the entire spectrum of emotions, I was laughing, clapped a few times, spilled a few tears for various fallen warriors, and ended with a book hangover that resulted in a grossly delayed review (I'm sorry, my bad).
The Exalted moved a lot faster than the previous book and every part of it mattered. I was reading as much as I could each day and it was hard to put it down. Between the Suzerain's fear mongering and regicide, the Shriven being ...well, terrifying and also beautiful, the Bo and Noriava subplot, then the ascension to the throne again...there was a lot going on!
I loved Bo and Vi's family and the little girls were hilarious. All of the new characters were great, Noriava as cunning as anyone, the general, and the camp warriors who we met. Also the Shriven, we will leave it at that but the numbers in white was one of my favorite scenea.
I do believe that some books read better with a rough ending, and I appreciate that in a war important people are going to die...but really? I wasn't sure if I should be impressed at how many main characters died or if it was overdone. One particular hero I do feel like should have gotten some last words, or something, he was so important and if you were reading quickly you would have missed where he died. Bye bye new and shortlived book boyfriend :( :( :(
Why did H die and not M? the twin thing didn't seem entirely consistent but I am so glad there were also some platonic relationships in this book. I also think Vi's depressive bout was real and important, this whole book just felt very...real...at times.
Anyway - Found families, gay characters, I don't understand nonbinary but that was mentioned, strong female leaders, and nail biting nonstop action with a twist of court intrigue and betrayal out the wazoo, power grabs....if these are your tropes and you're not afraid to cry, go grab this duology and get to it! An easy 5 stars for this book!
June 10, 2019
The Exalted was so much better than The Diminished because it was well developed, had excellent character arcs and the plot was 10 times more interesting.
The Exalted picks up where The Diminished ends, told through the parallel narratives of Vi and Bo as they fight for the future of the Alskad empire. Bo is fighting to claim his throne despite his questionable illegitimacy while his twin, Vi is leading a resistance movement to end the corrupt temple. The plot is faster paced and has many twists. The storyline had a smoother flow and I liked the politic intrigue and worldbuilding. It didn't seem as rushed as its predecessor.
Additionally, I think that the characters are so much more developed in The Exalted. Vi and Bo have so much character growth and their alternating POV's wove together nicely (I really like the letters to each other at the beginning of each chapter). Also, shout out to Curlin. Loved that girl and she was my favorite character with Vi as a close second.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin TEEN for proving a free ARC
The Exalted picks up where The Diminished ends, told through the parallel narratives of Vi and Bo as they fight for the future of the Alskad empire. Bo is fighting to claim his throne despite his questionable illegitimacy while his twin, Vi is leading a resistance movement to end the corrupt temple. The plot is faster paced and has many twists. The storyline had a smoother flow and I liked the politic intrigue and worldbuilding. It didn't seem as rushed as its predecessor.
Additionally, I think that the characters are so much more developed in The Exalted. Vi and Bo have so much character growth and their alternating POV's wove together nicely (I really like the letters to each other at the beginning of each chapter). Also, shout out to Curlin. Loved that girl and she was my favorite character with Vi as a close second.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin TEEN for proving a free ARC
September 4, 2019
I found this to be a sequel that surpassed the original. More depth is added to the characters and the world-building is excellent. While I am sad the story ends here, it was a very satisfying ending. Recommend both books of the duology!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
May 24, 2019
The Exalted is a sequel. I didn't realize that, but I didn't have trouble understanding anything. I just couldn't get interested enough to really connect with this story. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
I’m happy to say that this was a good way to end the series. I did have those I KNEW IT moments which made reading it so much fun.
I feel like this book is very generic but I love the characters so much that I really don’t see many flaws.
I feel like this book is very generic but I love the characters so much that I really don’t see many flaws.
November 12, 2024
****I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Harlequin Teen.*****
I was thoroughly impressed with book one of this duology, The Diminished by Ms. Patterson. i was not disappointed with book 2!
The Exalted featured the same in-depth world building and distinguished writing that I adored in The Diminished! However, where book 1 is meant to set up the storyline, book 2 is on full tilt with action packed plot and further character development. I normally cringe with multiple POV changes but they were necessary in this title to allow the twins to fulfill their destinies.
I enjoyed this book because of the checks and balance approach Ms. Patterson gives to her characters. No one is completely evil or overtly good. This brings out the human aspect in the characters. Though they are twins, Vi and Bo are completely different and cannot seem to make themselves standout alone.
As with book 1, I would highly recommend this book to true fans of the YA genre. There are ups and downs, emotions and expectations, with consequences and reactions to hard decisions.
A huge resounding THANK YOU to Harlequin Teen and NetGalley for allowing me access to this title in exchange for an honest review! Please keep them coming, Kaitlyn Sage Patterson! I will buy every book you produce!
I was thoroughly impressed with book one of this duology, The Diminished by Ms. Patterson. i was not disappointed with book 2!
The Exalted featured the same in-depth world building and distinguished writing that I adored in The Diminished! However, where book 1 is meant to set up the storyline, book 2 is on full tilt with action packed plot and further character development. I normally cringe with multiple POV changes but they were necessary in this title to allow the twins to fulfill their destinies.
I enjoyed this book because of the checks and balance approach Ms. Patterson gives to her characters. No one is completely evil or overtly good. This brings out the human aspect in the characters. Though they are twins, Vi and Bo are completely different and cannot seem to make themselves standout alone.
As with book 1, I would highly recommend this book to true fans of the YA genre. There are ups and downs, emotions and expectations, with consequences and reactions to hard decisions.
A huge resounding THANK YOU to Harlequin Teen and NetGalley for allowing me access to this title in exchange for an honest review! Please keep them coming, Kaitlyn Sage Patterson! I will buy every book you produce!
Read
June 1, 2019Categories
Young Adult Family, Young Adult LGBT, Young Adult Action & Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy
Miniseries
The Alskad Empire Chronicles
Young Adult Family, Young Adult LGBT, Young Adult Action & Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy
Miniseries
The Alskad Empire Chronicles
June 6, 2019
***Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review***
If you are like me and felt that The Diminished, book one of this duology, left something to be desired, then you will most likely feel the way I do about this sequel. The Exalted is not only written better but is executed better in every way possible. When I read The Diminished, I had a difficult time connecting with either of the main characters. I also called the main plot twist from a mile away. However, the last third of The Diminished gave me hope for the second book.
The Exalted has a much quicker pace than its predecessor. This book picks up right where the last one left off, and the action starts early on in the story. The characters are also written much better. There is a ton of growth in both Vi and Bo’s characters. I felt myself connecting with them (finally) and cheering them on while also feeling their pain.
I applaud the author in her depiction of depression and how war can affect people in different ways. I won’t go into this too much because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the author writes an incredibly realistic reaction to killing for the first time and how that grief will affect a person.
My biggest complaint is that there were a few character deaths at the end of the story. Don’t worry, I won’t say who. But, I think the author overdid it here. Yes, this is war. Yes, people will die. Yes, characters we have grown to care for will most likely die or be injured. However, when you kill off a character the audience loves, you need to do it for a specific reason. This death must motivate one of the characters to do something they might not have otherwise done; the death should be used as a tool to help further the story. This didn’t happen, in my opinion. The deaths, especially one in particular, didn’t bring anything to the plot but grief. I honestly don’t see why the author chose to kill this character. Especially when the story immediately wraps up right after these deaths. There was no time for the character--or the audience--to grieve and see the full impact of these deaths.
Overall, I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I recommend people give this book a chance, especially if you weren’t the biggest fan of the first book. This duology is centered upon a unique premise, and its conclusion is pretty solid.
If you are like me and felt that The Diminished, book one of this duology, left something to be desired, then you will most likely feel the way I do about this sequel. The Exalted is not only written better but is executed better in every way possible. When I read The Diminished, I had a difficult time connecting with either of the main characters. I also called the main plot twist from a mile away. However, the last third of The Diminished gave me hope for the second book.
The Exalted has a much quicker pace than its predecessor. This book picks up right where the last one left off, and the action starts early on in the story. The characters are also written much better. There is a ton of growth in both Vi and Bo’s characters. I felt myself connecting with them (finally) and cheering them on while also feeling their pain.
I applaud the author in her depiction of depression and how war can affect people in different ways. I won’t go into this too much because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the author writes an incredibly realistic reaction to killing for the first time and how that grief will affect a person.
My biggest complaint is that there were a few character deaths at the end of the story. Don’t worry, I won’t say who. But, I think the author overdid it here. Yes, this is war. Yes, people will die. Yes, characters we have grown to care for will most likely die or be injured. However, when you kill off a character the audience loves, you need to do it for a specific reason. This death must motivate one of the characters to do something they might not have otherwise done; the death should be used as a tool to help further the story. This didn’t happen, in my opinion. The deaths, especially one in particular, didn’t bring anything to the plot but grief. I honestly don’t see why the author chose to kill this character. Especially when the story immediately wraps up right after these deaths. There was no time for the character--or the audience--to grieve and see the full impact of these deaths.
Overall, I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I recommend people give this book a chance, especially if you weren’t the biggest fan of the first book. This duology is centered upon a unique premise, and its conclusion is pretty solid.
September 3, 2024
This was such a great sequel, so much happened, and I loved seeing how it resolved!
June 10, 2019
Title: The Exalted
Author: Kaitlyn Sage Patterson
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Page Count: 496
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: #Young Adult Family, #Young Adult LGBT, #Young Adult Action & Adventure, #Young Adult Fantasy #TheExalted #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for sending me this early Arc, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis
Since the founding of the Empire, Alskad has been ruled by the singleborn…but the new heir to the throne carries a secret that will change everything
When an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her aid.
To the south, Vi Abernathy—Bo’s secret twin—joins a ragtag army of resistance fighters, determined to free Alskad and the colony of Ilor from the control of the corrupt temple and its leaders. But as Vi discovers a strength she never knew she had and prepares to rejoin her brother in Alskad, news of the coup and Bo’s narrow escape arrive in Ilor.
Determined to rescue Bo, Vi sails to Denor with the rebels at her side and a plan to outwit Queen Noriava, knowing there’s only one way she and Bo will be able to save the Alskad Empire—together.
Through sudden twists and surprising revelations, Patterson takes both Vi and Bo on painful journeys of self-discovery and growth. But there is strength in numbers, and this “diminished” girl and “singleborn” boy are no longer alone in the world — they have each other. With Bo’s help, Vi is determined to channel her anger and pain to “make myself into the spark that would set the world aflame.”
The Exalted, Is the last installment to Kaitlyn Sage Patterson,
Alskad Empire Chronicles, Patterson’s latest book takes off exactly where
The Diminished left off. Even though Vi and Bo were reunited at the end of Patterson’s debut, the sequel sees these long-lost twins separated again on different missions to save the Alskad Empire.
In Patterson’s conclusion Vi and Bo were united at the end of The Diminished, In this sequel we see the twins once again separated and on faced paced adventures. Once again the author the has executed a well developed storyline.
Great character development with both Vi,and Bo’s POV’s, and sub-characters.
The Author masterly creates a memorable fantasy world building. The books pace was brisk and vividly rendered, which enabled this follow up to live up to its anticipated hype. Engaging political intrigue and a war kept me fully invested.
What really stood out for me in both books was the diversity and the representation of caste structure system within the Alskad Empire.
One aspect of the book that I especially loved was the way the authors depicts the twin relationship allowing for both male and female leads to be equally strong, regardless of their upbringings or their desires to rule the empire.
Patterson’s unique premise, and non stop action engages the reader all the way up to an emotional end.
You will definitely will want to add this to your reading list for this year.
I definitely will be looking forward to more work from this creative new voice in Ya Fiction.
Young Adult Family, Young Adult LGBT, Young Adult Action & Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy
Author: Kaitlyn Sage Patterson
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Page Count: 496
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: #Young Adult Family, #Young Adult LGBT, #Young Adult Action & Adventure, #Young Adult Fantasy #TheExalted #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for sending me this early Arc, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis
Since the founding of the Empire, Alskad has been ruled by the singleborn…but the new heir to the throne carries a secret that will change everything
When an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her aid.
To the south, Vi Abernathy—Bo’s secret twin—joins a ragtag army of resistance fighters, determined to free Alskad and the colony of Ilor from the control of the corrupt temple and its leaders. But as Vi discovers a strength she never knew she had and prepares to rejoin her brother in Alskad, news of the coup and Bo’s narrow escape arrive in Ilor.
Determined to rescue Bo, Vi sails to Denor with the rebels at her side and a plan to outwit Queen Noriava, knowing there’s only one way she and Bo will be able to save the Alskad Empire—together.
Through sudden twists and surprising revelations, Patterson takes both Vi and Bo on painful journeys of self-discovery and growth. But there is strength in numbers, and this “diminished” girl and “singleborn” boy are no longer alone in the world — they have each other. With Bo’s help, Vi is determined to channel her anger and pain to “make myself into the spark that would set the world aflame.”
The Exalted, Is the last installment to Kaitlyn Sage Patterson,
Alskad Empire Chronicles, Patterson’s latest book takes off exactly where
The Diminished left off. Even though Vi and Bo were reunited at the end of Patterson’s debut, the sequel sees these long-lost twins separated again on different missions to save the Alskad Empire.
In Patterson’s conclusion Vi and Bo were united at the end of The Diminished, In this sequel we see the twins once again separated and on faced paced adventures. Once again the author the has executed a well developed storyline.
Great character development with both Vi,and Bo’s POV’s, and sub-characters.
The Author masterly creates a memorable fantasy world building. The books pace was brisk and vividly rendered, which enabled this follow up to live up to its anticipated hype. Engaging political intrigue and a war kept me fully invested.
What really stood out for me in both books was the diversity and the representation of caste structure system within the Alskad Empire.
One aspect of the book that I especially loved was the way the authors depicts the twin relationship allowing for both male and female leads to be equally strong, regardless of their upbringings or their desires to rule the empire.
Patterson’s unique premise, and non stop action engages the reader all the way up to an emotional end.
You will definitely will want to add this to your reading list for this year.
I definitely will be looking forward to more work from this creative new voice in Ya Fiction.
Young Adult Family, Young Adult LGBT, Young Adult Action & Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy
Want to read
August 19, 2019War, politics, heartbreak, love, family, separation….please….tell me what more you can want in a YA Fantasy novel? It’s ok. I’ll wait.
To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I LOVED it. Patterson has written a complex, well developed and engaging world with characters and plotlines that kept me wanting to turn the page. I was hooked from the very first chapter….without even reading the first book!
I can only imagine how difficult it must be to write books in the Fantasy genre. The author has to create a world that is engaging but not overpowering, a plotline that is unique but not overly out there and characters that the reader can connect with without being too boring, rage filled, proud, un-diverse, cocky or wooden. Oh, and don’t forget to add in a good trope or two but not any that have been way overdone or not done enough. As readers, it is hard to make us happy but I think Kaitlyn Sage Patterson has hit every mark damn near perfectly!
With masterfully done world building I was able to fully immerse myself into the Alskad Empire. Quick and action packed pace held my attention for the duration of the story. Relatable, diverse and well developed characters allowed me to form connections (maybe too many connections but I don’t want to talk about that right now…you know what you did!). What really stood out for me, though, was how evenly Patterson placed the lead on Bo and Vi. Twins from two different worlds, two different upbringings and two different goals but they are equally matched in just about every sense of the word. I found that refreshing and definitely sets Patterson apart from a lot of other authors in the genre.
While I did thoroughly enjoy reading The Exalted, from the very beginning I knew there was a lot I was missing. I mentioned earlier that I hadn’t read the first book in this duology and I really wish I had. It’s very obvious as soon as you start reading that there is background that should be learned. Luckily, The Exalted has “re-read” written all over it so I will definitely be picking up The Diminished first and getting the full picture.
If you like high fantasy filled with political intrigue, violent wars, engaging and diverse characters and vivid world building then The Exalted is the book for you. Just do yourself a favor and read the first book before diving in.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from Patterson in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my own, honest opinion.
To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I LOVED it. Patterson has written a complex, well developed and engaging world with characters and plotlines that kept me wanting to turn the page. I was hooked from the very first chapter….without even reading the first book!
I can only imagine how difficult it must be to write books in the Fantasy genre. The author has to create a world that is engaging but not overpowering, a plotline that is unique but not overly out there and characters that the reader can connect with without being too boring, rage filled, proud, un-diverse, cocky or wooden. Oh, and don’t forget to add in a good trope or two but not any that have been way overdone or not done enough. As readers, it is hard to make us happy but I think Kaitlyn Sage Patterson has hit every mark damn near perfectly!
With masterfully done world building I was able to fully immerse myself into the Alskad Empire. Quick and action packed pace held my attention for the duration of the story. Relatable, diverse and well developed characters allowed me to form connections (maybe too many connections but I don’t want to talk about that right now…you know what you did!). What really stood out for me, though, was how evenly Patterson placed the lead on Bo and Vi. Twins from two different worlds, two different upbringings and two different goals but they are equally matched in just about every sense of the word. I found that refreshing and definitely sets Patterson apart from a lot of other authors in the genre.
While I did thoroughly enjoy reading The Exalted, from the very beginning I knew there was a lot I was missing. I mentioned earlier that I hadn’t read the first book in this duology and I really wish I had. It’s very obvious as soon as you start reading that there is background that should be learned. Luckily, The Exalted has “re-read” written all over it so I will definitely be picking up The Diminished first and getting the full picture.
If you like high fantasy filled with political intrigue, violent wars, engaging and diverse characters and vivid world building then The Exalted is the book for you. Just do yourself a favor and read the first book before diving in.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from Patterson in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my own, honest opinion.
July 18, 2019
ARC provided by InkYard press via NetGalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this sequel. It was brilliant in its story line and character development. It was a satisfactory ending to this duology, however I hope it is not the last story set in this fascinating world.
Bo and Vi continue on their journey pretty much from where the first book ended. I really enjoyed both of their character arcs with all of the messy emotions that went with them. I really liked that the author did not shy away from the topic of how wars and battles affect people differently. Also that good people sometimes have to do bad things to win those wars. Vi goes through a grieving time and was very depressed after a particularly nasty battle, which I felt was very honest. Bo also has his struggles with the loss of his grandmother and his throne at the same time. His struggles to get it back were well done with a lot of court intrigue.
Many of the other characters that I grew to love are back, and many new characters are introduced. Curlin continued to grow on me and I really came to understand her better in this book. Quill and his twin Mal were also part of this story, although Quill wasn’t around quite as much as I would have liked. His and Vi’s relationship was strained at time almost to the breaking point, mostly because Vi shut him out when she was struggling with her depression. Swinton continued to win the hearts of everyone he met, and I just adored him with Bo.
There were many new characters introduced, and they were all well done. Vi’s family was amazing and I loved them all, but a special nod needs to go to Pem and Still, two adorable little girls who certainly prove that they were gutsy and bold every step of their journey. Noriava was also a great new evil character, who only wanted what was best for her kingdom, but totally went about it in the wrong ways.
The plot of this second book was just as good as the first. There were more action scenes and less world building which made for a faster read for the most part. The struggles between religion, government and society would make for some interesting discussions. The ending though felt a bit rushed. Unfortunately there were some important deaths at the end that happened so fast that they were almost missed. Also the characters and the readers didn’t have time to grieve for them either. I applaud the author for being willing to kill off likable and important characters but because these both happened so close to the end, they ended up belittling the characters contributions to the overall story.
This is a strong debut series featuring a fascinating world were twins share an important connection. A very rich world with lots of its own mythology, religion and ruthless villains. The diverse cast of characters are all well developed and the twists and turns of the story will certainly keep you entertained as well. I will certainly be keeping out an eye for more books by this author, and hopefully ones set in the world of Alskad.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
I really enjoyed this sequel. It was brilliant in its story line and character development. It was a satisfactory ending to this duology, however I hope it is not the last story set in this fascinating world.
Bo and Vi continue on their journey pretty much from where the first book ended. I really enjoyed both of their character arcs with all of the messy emotions that went with them. I really liked that the author did not shy away from the topic of how wars and battles affect people differently. Also that good people sometimes have to do bad things to win those wars. Vi goes through a grieving time and was very depressed after a particularly nasty battle, which I felt was very honest. Bo also has his struggles with the loss of his grandmother and his throne at the same time. His struggles to get it back were well done with a lot of court intrigue.
Many of the other characters that I grew to love are back, and many new characters are introduced. Curlin continued to grow on me and I really came to understand her better in this book. Quill and his twin Mal were also part of this story, although Quill wasn’t around quite as much as I would have liked. His and Vi’s relationship was strained at time almost to the breaking point, mostly because Vi shut him out when she was struggling with her depression. Swinton continued to win the hearts of everyone he met, and I just adored him with Bo.
There were many new characters introduced, and they were all well done. Vi’s family was amazing and I loved them all, but a special nod needs to go to Pem and Still, two adorable little girls who certainly prove that they were gutsy and bold every step of their journey. Noriava was also a great new evil character, who only wanted what was best for her kingdom, but totally went about it in the wrong ways.
The plot of this second book was just as good as the first. There were more action scenes and less world building which made for a faster read for the most part. The struggles between religion, government and society would make for some interesting discussions. The ending though felt a bit rushed. Unfortunately there were some important deaths at the end that happened so fast that they were almost missed. Also the characters and the readers didn’t have time to grieve for them either. I applaud the author for being willing to kill off likable and important characters but because these both happened so close to the end, they ended up belittling the characters contributions to the overall story.
This is a strong debut series featuring a fascinating world were twins share an important connection. A very rich world with lots of its own mythology, religion and ruthless villains. The diverse cast of characters are all well developed and the twists and turns of the story will certainly keep you entertained as well. I will certainly be keeping out an eye for more books by this author, and hopefully ones set in the world of Alskad.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
November 27, 2019
This is the second book in the series so far, and I may or may not have made the mistake of reading them out of order >.>
But! It was still enjoyable, if not a bit confusing as I put things together the best I could. I still enjoyed the book but I wonder if I had managed to read them in order if I would have enjyoed it more.
I love the idea of a single birth being an anomaly since multipe births are not the norm in real life. I also like the secrecy behind the seperated at birth aspect. It kept it a mystery and it was initially what drew me to the book in the first place.
But! It was still enjoyable, if not a bit confusing as I put things together the best I could. I still enjoyed the book but I wonder if I had managed to read them in order if I would have enjyoed it more.
I love the idea of a single birth being an anomaly since multipe births are not the norm in real life. I also like the secrecy behind the seperated at birth aspect. It kept it a mystery and it was initially what drew me to the book in the first place.
January 4, 2020
Vi and Bo have finally found each other, and so many answers to their past. They’re still very much at risk, though. Vi is helping to lead a revolution in Ilor, while Bo in Alskad prepared to take the throne. When Queen Runa is killed, however, Bo’s throne is threatened and he must find a way to take it back. Can the twins defeat the corrupt temple and take back Alskad?
To read my full review visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
To read my full review visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
September 15, 2020
When an assassin’s bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her.
A an okay book for a sequel but I find that it is hard to keep a series going.
A an okay book for a sequel but I find that it is hard to keep a series going.
May 28, 2019
This one was book two to the Alskad Empire Chronicles and I am so happy that I got to read this one. I devoured book one and this one was so so good. It caught up after the events of book one and I could not put it down. I know that a few other people in our review group didn't care for book one but man I did!! The characters and the writing came together to deliver a wonderful ending.
May 30, 2019
I loved The Diminished and have been excited for this book for some time. But as much as I liked it, The Exalted was even better! I liked reading it from both Vi and Bo's POV. I didn't want a chapter to end just as much as I wanted to get to the next chapter. I also enjoyed all of the new characters. I really hope this isn't the last we read about the Alskad Empire.
June 7, 2019
A beautiful sequel to "The Diminished" where we find our favorite characters, Vi and Bo, each battling to fulfill their desires while grappling with complicated relationships, messed-up politics, and of course, life as a teenager.
If you read The Diminished you won't be disappointed with the action, surprises, and world of The Exalted! Loved every minute of reading it.
If you read The Diminished you won't be disappointed with the action, surprises, and world of The Exalted! Loved every minute of reading it.
July 24, 2019
Absolutely essential if you read THE DIMINISHED but a great read even if you didn’t. This is a rich, imaginative fantasy with sophisticated, nuanced social, economic and political messages. I loved be Bo and Vi and was on the edge of my seat reading the conclusion of their story. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2019
I didn't realize when requesting this book that it was a sequel. It was interesting but without reading the first it got confusing and hard to follow. Beautiful cover.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 7, 2019
I didnt realize this was the second book in a series. I still found it to be really good. A few things I didnt get which is why I'll be reading the first book to clarify. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
dnf
February 16, 2021I don’t know why but this book just lost my interest. I tried starting it for 42 days and I just did not want to read it. Oh well.
May 21, 2019
This was a very good book! I have not read the first book, but I was able to get into the story easily. This book has a good pace and well developed characters.
I really like how the characters aren't necessarily good or evil. Having two main characters also adds more perspectives.
I will definitely be picking up the first book after reading this!
I really like how the characters aren't necessarily good or evil. Having two main characters also adds more perspectives.
I will definitely be picking up the first book after reading this!
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