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The Bookminder #2
The Kithseeker
France, 1680
Liara's defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate--bereft of magick--but even this cannot guarantee her safety. Because the death of her father-in-magick would seal the girl's fate, necessity demands she and her wizard maintain a watchful eye on the war mage, while protecting her from his dark designs.
Anisthe has embarked on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant with an agenda all his own. They search for a legendary mirror that contains the world's most powerful magick. Although the stuff of fairytales, the possibility of its existence compels Nagarath and Liara to seek the artifact themselves. Both know that should Anisthe lay claim to that power, Liara would be at his mercy and not even Nagarath could save her.
Thus, the pair find themselves at Versailles, surrounded by agents who ferret out magick users and destroy them. Uncertain who is friend and who is foe, with their rival on their heels, they must discover the mirror before Anisthe releases its evil, or worse, it lays claim to Liara's magick and brings doom upon them all.
Liara's defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate--bereft of magick--but even this cannot guarantee her safety. Because the death of her father-in-magick would seal the girl's fate, necessity demands she and her wizard maintain a watchful eye on the war mage, while protecting her from his dark designs.
Anisthe has embarked on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant with an agenda all his own. They search for a legendary mirror that contains the world's most powerful magick. Although the stuff of fairytales, the possibility of its existence compels Nagarath and Liara to seek the artifact themselves. Both know that should Anisthe lay claim to that power, Liara would be at his mercy and not even Nagarath could save her.
Thus, the pair find themselves at Versailles, surrounded by agents who ferret out magick users and destroy them. Uncertain who is friend and who is foe, with their rival on their heels, they must discover the mirror before Anisthe releases its evil, or worse, it lays claim to Liara's magick and brings doom upon them all.
- GenresFantasy
338 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2018
3 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Wiseman
12 books242 followersM. K. Wiseman has degrees in Interarts & Technology and Library & Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her office, therefore, is a curious mix of storyboards and reference materials. Both help immensely in the writing of historical novels. She currently resides in Wisconsin but dreams often of her childhood home in New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 13, 2018
Fantastic new installment in this unique series! If you love this time period (17th century France) and you're looking for a fantasy/adventure, this series is definitely for you. Finely crafted characters with great relationship development, a compelling storyline, and something new around every corner, The Kithseeker is even more fascinating than its predecessor. This isn't just for teens - it has definite crossover appeal for adults as well.
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October 14, 2018This was such an unique and fantastic read! It has amazing characters and a plot that will keep you turning pages or scrolling through the night!😍 The only issue is that I wanted more and wished I read the backstory! The storyline was quite compelling and many fantasy lovers alike would fall in love with the world building! A wonderful read, that I highly recommend!
June 8, 2021
The Kithseeker by M.K. Wiseman is the second book in The Bookminder Series. This story picks up right after book one, so I highly recommend reading these books in order.
I love when the second book is just as good, or better than, the first book. The Kithseeker builds on the characters and events of book one, and there is more action and excitement in this story. This story makes use of the historical setting in this installment, which I was obsessed with. I love the setting of 1680 Parisan mixed with magical elements. It made for a unique story.
M.K. Wiseman‘s writing is excellent and has gotten better since the first book. It really draws you into the story and anchors you to the historical setting.
Nagarath has become my favorite character in this novel. I love his quirkiness, humor, and kindness. Liara has definitely grown since book one, as well. I think this author knows how to show character growth from book one to two.
I really enjoyed The Kithseeker. I recommend giving it a read if you love this genre, but make sure you start with book 1!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
4.5/5☆ rounded to 5 for Amazon & Goodreads
I love when the second book is just as good, or better than, the first book. The Kithseeker builds on the characters and events of book one, and there is more action and excitement in this story. This story makes use of the historical setting in this installment, which I was obsessed with. I love the setting of 1680 Parisan mixed with magical elements. It made for a unique story.
M.K. Wiseman‘s writing is excellent and has gotten better since the first book. It really draws you into the story and anchors you to the historical setting.
Nagarath has become my favorite character in this novel. I love his quirkiness, humor, and kindness. Liara has definitely grown since book one, as well. I think this author knows how to show character growth from book one to two.
I really enjoyed The Kithseeker. I recommend giving it a read if you love this genre, but make sure you start with book 1!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
4.5/5☆ rounded to 5 for Amazon & Goodreads
June 16, 2021
My review of The Kithseeker is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 7, 2018
This was a fascinating follow up to the first part of this fantasy which I liked.
Liara and Nagarath and their nemesis were as compelling in this one as they were before.
Beginning with a kind of role reversal where the master has to depend on his student, the story was a page turning read.
Liara and Nagarath and their nemesis were as compelling in this one as they were before.
Beginning with a kind of role reversal where the master has to depend on his student, the story was a page turning read.
June 8, 2021
The Kithseeker is a YA historical fantasy novel, and book two in the series. I love the time period of this novel. It's 1680 in Dvigrad, and Liara and Nagarath are racing aainst time to find a legendary mirror before Anisthe. Their journey takes them through Europe. I love the fantasy aspects mixed with the glamourous 1680 Parisan court. This is the type of historical fantasy I live for. Vivid descriptions that really make you feel like you've been transported back in time.
Nagarath has a unique sense of humor and a kindness not everyone has. I really enjoyed his character. Liara, on the other hand, is spunky and reckless - which I always love to read about. The two characters are fantastic. This book does have quite a few POVs, and I do admit, sometimes I felt there wasn't a need to be in certain people's heads. I liked that we were able to see Liara, Nagarath and Anisthe's inner thoughts, but I wasn't sure if I needed to know the supporting character's thoughts. I think I may have enjoyed the multiple POVs a bit more had we just stuck with the main three characters.
M. K. Wiseman's ability to create a unique voice for each character really shines here. I was never confused about which character I was reading. I also love her use of description that really made me feel like I was back in 1680.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA historical fantasy. My only suggestion would be to read book one before diving in, so you get the full story.
Nagarath has a unique sense of humor and a kindness not everyone has. I really enjoyed his character. Liara, on the other hand, is spunky and reckless - which I always love to read about. The two characters are fantastic. This book does have quite a few POVs, and I do admit, sometimes I felt there wasn't a need to be in certain people's heads. I liked that we were able to see Liara, Nagarath and Anisthe's inner thoughts, but I wasn't sure if I needed to know the supporting character's thoughts. I think I may have enjoyed the multiple POVs a bit more had we just stuck with the main three characters.
M. K. Wiseman's ability to create a unique voice for each character really shines here. I was never confused about which character I was reading. I also love her use of description that really made me feel like I was back in 1680.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA historical fantasy. My only suggestion would be to read book one before diving in, so you get the full story.
March 14, 2019
The Kithseeker is the second book of the YA historical fantasy series The Bookminder by MK Wiseman. Starting in Dvigrad in 1680, Liara and Nagarath pick up where they left us in book one, and race against time to foil a desperate mage from seeking the fabled Mirror of Khariton. From their escape from magical prosecution in Italy to the skirmishes in the back alleys of Spain to the intrigue of the glamorous Parisan court in France, Liara and Nagarath struggle to put behind them a bitter betrayal from Book 1 and try to redefine their deepening relationship to each other.
Story
The Kithseeker picks up immediately after the events of Book 1 (The Bookminder). Therefore, reading Book 1 is a must to fully appreciate character motivations in Book 2. Unlike Book 1, Nagarath and Liara are no longer isolated in their tower in Parentino. Instead, their journey takes them throughout Europe in an attempt to seek out a powerful magical artifact known as the Mirror of Khariton. While similar to Book 1, much of the story is focused on the inner dialogue and self-reflection of Liara and Nagarath, I thought the author did a good job in incorporating more action, excitement and adding more promising supporting characters to The Kithseeker cast.
One of my comments for Book 1 was that, while The Bookminder took place in 1679, because Liara and Nagarath spent the majority of the book isolated inside their tower, the historical setting didn't seem to have been used efficiently. The Kithseeker, however, truly made use of this unique historical setting while incorporating magical aspects. Fantasy elements in the glamorous 1680 Parisan aristocratic court? It was so unique and fun to read!
Writing
The author's narrative voice is truly well developed in this book. I love the consistent use of this archaic speech that Nagarath talks with. It really anchors the reader into the historical setting of the story.
My only real gripe with The Kithseeker is that I feel there are too many nonessential POVs. There are really only three characters that are "Kithseeking": Liara, Nagarath, and Anisthe. In their own ways, each of them were searching for something. Liara was trying to define her relationship with Nagarath and Anisthe. Nagarath had to confront old friends and past rivalries in a place he prefers to forget and keep buried in the past. Anisthe was seeking to recover what he had lost. All three of their journeys work well together climaxing at their final confrontation in Paris. I think that if the two supporting characters, Domagoj's and Amsalla's, POVs were dropped, the story would have had much more emotional and personal impact between Nagarath, Liara, and Anisthe.
Characters
I've always enjoyed Nagarath's character since book 1. I love his speaking style, his quirky sense of humor, and his kindness towards Liara. Liara has truly grown from Book 1. Her development in The Kithseeker is great. The reader can see how deeply her actions from Book 1 affected her morale and her relationship with Nagarath. At the same time, she never really lost the spunky, reckless foundation of her personality (as can be seen in the last few chapters of The Kithseeker.) I like that consistency in character.
Enjoyability
I'm invested in this series. Team Nagarath and Liara all the way.
Rating
Story: 4 Stars
Writing: 4 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Enjoyability: 5 Stars
Notes: Many thanks to Netgalley and Xchyler Publishing for providing a copy of this book.
Story
The Kithseeker picks up immediately after the events of Book 1 (The Bookminder). Therefore, reading Book 1 is a must to fully appreciate character motivations in Book 2. Unlike Book 1, Nagarath and Liara are no longer isolated in their tower in Parentino. Instead, their journey takes them throughout Europe in an attempt to seek out a powerful magical artifact known as the Mirror of Khariton. While similar to Book 1, much of the story is focused on the inner dialogue and self-reflection of Liara and Nagarath, I thought the author did a good job in incorporating more action, excitement and adding more promising supporting characters to The Kithseeker cast.
One of my comments for Book 1 was that, while The Bookminder took place in 1679, because Liara and Nagarath spent the majority of the book isolated inside their tower, the historical setting didn't seem to have been used efficiently. The Kithseeker, however, truly made use of this unique historical setting while incorporating magical aspects. Fantasy elements in the glamorous 1680 Parisan aristocratic court? It was so unique and fun to read!
Writing
The author's narrative voice is truly well developed in this book. I love the consistent use of this archaic speech that Nagarath talks with. It really anchors the reader into the historical setting of the story.
My only real gripe with The Kithseeker is that I feel there are too many nonessential POVs. There are really only three characters that are "Kithseeking": Liara, Nagarath, and Anisthe. In their own ways, each of them were searching for something. Liara was trying to define her relationship with Nagarath and Anisthe. Nagarath had to confront old friends and past rivalries in a place he prefers to forget and keep buried in the past. Anisthe was seeking to recover what he had lost. All three of their journeys work well together climaxing at their final confrontation in Paris. I think that if the two supporting characters, Domagoj's and Amsalla's, POVs were dropped, the story would have had much more emotional and personal impact between Nagarath, Liara, and Anisthe.
Characters
I've always enjoyed Nagarath's character since book 1. I love his speaking style, his quirky sense of humor, and his kindness towards Liara. Liara has truly grown from Book 1. Her development in The Kithseeker is great. The reader can see how deeply her actions from Book 1 affected her morale and her relationship with Nagarath. At the same time, she never really lost the spunky, reckless foundation of her personality (as can be seen in the last few chapters of The Kithseeker.) I like that consistency in character.
Enjoyability
I'm invested in this series. Team Nagarath and Liara all the way.
Rating
Story: 4 Stars
Writing: 4 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Enjoyability: 5 Stars
Notes: Many thanks to Netgalley and Xchyler Publishing for providing a copy of this book.
June 14, 2021
After his battle with Nagarath and Liara, Anisthe has decided to travel to France. It seems he is in possession of a magical mirror that is supposed to hold the magic of famed wizard Khariton. When Nagarath and Liara learn of this it becomes a race to get to the mirror first.
Along the way we also meet the third student that Nagarth and Anisthe trained with, Amsalla. She has a habit of being in the middle of everything and is the king’s wizard. She meets up with Nagarath and Liara and it’s clear that she wants to start some trouble between the two. She is also watching Anisthe but doesn’t realize that his assistant, Domagoj has got her in his sights too.
Everyone is trying to get to the mirror first and no one can be trusted. It feels like everyone is out to get each other and poor Liara doesn’t understand the fight she finds herself in. I feel bad for her but at the same time I understand how far she has come since her life in Dvigrad.
I liked this story better than the Bookminder because we started meeting more people and exploring the country. Amsalla just irritated me and there were times that I wanted to slap Nagarath upside the head for his actions/thoughts.
I’m curious to see how things are going to transpire in The Fatewreaker. Thank goodness I have everything ready to hop into it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Along the way we also meet the third student that Nagarth and Anisthe trained with, Amsalla. She has a habit of being in the middle of everything and is the king’s wizard. She meets up with Nagarath and Liara and it’s clear that she wants to start some trouble between the two. She is also watching Anisthe but doesn’t realize that his assistant, Domagoj has got her in his sights too.
Everyone is trying to get to the mirror first and no one can be trusted. It feels like everyone is out to get each other and poor Liara doesn’t understand the fight she finds herself in. I feel bad for her but at the same time I understand how far she has come since her life in Dvigrad.
I liked this story better than the Bookminder because we started meeting more people and exploring the country. Amsalla just irritated me and there were times that I wanted to slap Nagarath upside the head for his actions/thoughts.
I’m curious to see how things are going to transpire in The Fatewreaker. Thank goodness I have everything ready to hop into it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
June 12, 2021
Read the first book and then read this one... I was curious to know what would happen in the story of these characters, where would book two would go, and I was excited to continue the adventure.
Magic, fantasy and the touch of historical fiction to it. We are following Liara, Nagarath and Anisthe in a journey through Europe, France nonetheless.
My interest in the characters has not stopped, I found them compelling. It did help that we could read their thoughts thanks to the various POVs. Each one of them had a voice and I could connect with them and understand what was going on, even with the changes of perspectives.
I liked that we had more action and movement in this book, compared to the previous on. It was exciting to read the main characters going through the journey and interacting with others. It felt dynamic in a different way.
Overall, I loved that we keep knowing more the characters and the world. And I loved the mix of historical elements and fantasy, since they are two genres I love, it was good to see them combined.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, M.K. Wiseman for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Magic, fantasy and the touch of historical fiction to it. We are following Liara, Nagarath and Anisthe in a journey through Europe, France nonetheless.
My interest in the characters has not stopped, I found them compelling. It did help that we could read their thoughts thanks to the various POVs. Each one of them had a voice and I could connect with them and understand what was going on, even with the changes of perspectives.
I liked that we had more action and movement in this book, compared to the previous on. It was exciting to read the main characters going through the journey and interacting with others. It felt dynamic in a different way.
Overall, I loved that we keep knowing more the characters and the world. And I loved the mix of historical elements and fantasy, since they are two genres I love, it was good to see them combined.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, M.K. Wiseman for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
October 14, 2021
So Much Fun! Need to be read in Order.
I really like this series a lot... Even though Liara kind of drives me a bit nuts at times you find yourself drawn in and liking, loving and hating certain characters. The author does a great job keeping the pace up in the story, building enough depth in both the world and characters that I found it hard to put down. It does have it's slower more reflective parts but I personally liked the change, in many ways it made it feel more natural. These books do need to be read in order, they pick up pretty close to where the last book left off, there is a little bit of a recap given but not enough to make it an easy stand alone story. If you like good clean magic based fantasies then then is right up your alley. I can't wait to see what happens in the next!
Parents: PG- This is pretty clean, I don't remember any bad language, the violence is normal to mild fantasy levels and sexual content is minimal: attraction, flirtation and mild insinuations but not heavily part of the story.
The narrator does a great job, has good differentiation between characters, and is fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I really like this series a lot... Even though Liara kind of drives me a bit nuts at times you find yourself drawn in and liking, loving and hating certain characters. The author does a great job keeping the pace up in the story, building enough depth in both the world and characters that I found it hard to put down. It does have it's slower more reflective parts but I personally liked the change, in many ways it made it feel more natural. These books do need to be read in order, they pick up pretty close to where the last book left off, there is a little bit of a recap given but not enough to make it an easy stand alone story. If you like good clean magic based fantasies then then is right up your alley. I can't wait to see what happens in the next!
Parents: PG- This is pretty clean, I don't remember any bad language, the violence is normal to mild fantasy levels and sexual content is minimal: attraction, flirtation and mild insinuations but not heavily part of the story.
The narrator does a great job, has good differentiation between characters, and is fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 20, 2018
This is the second in this series and the story picks up from where it left off in part one. Full of adventure and travel, magick and mayhem. I loved the historical and fantasy elements both well brought to life as Liara and Nagarath, race to beat Anisthe and Domagoj to find a magic mirror imbued with the art of Kharitoun an Archmage from times past.
The jealousies and rivalries between these four and the lovely but untrustworthy Amsalla, ebb and flow, shifting this way and that like sand dunes in the desert breeze. They have to outwit or outrun the persecutors of magic across Italy, Spain and France and at the same time head to the centre of the Sun King's court and his spellpiercers, who detect magic use by others and turn them in to the authorities.
A very good read, as the story develops so too do the characters, becoming more involved, complex and multi-dimensional. There are still parts where the pace falters or tension gets a little lost but I am now fully committed to this series and can't wait for the next book.
This series is told in episodes but no one book finishes the story and these need to be read in order. Worth it though.
The jealousies and rivalries between these four and the lovely but untrustworthy Amsalla, ebb and flow, shifting this way and that like sand dunes in the desert breeze. They have to outwit or outrun the persecutors of magic across Italy, Spain and France and at the same time head to the centre of the Sun King's court and his spellpiercers, who detect magic use by others and turn them in to the authorities.
A very good read, as the story develops so too do the characters, becoming more involved, complex and multi-dimensional. There are still parts where the pace falters or tension gets a little lost but I am now fully committed to this series and can't wait for the next book.
This series is told in episodes but no one book finishes the story and these need to be read in order. Worth it though.
September 18, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I was completely surprised by this story, it was really, really good, well written, but it had lots of added extras I wasn’t expecting!
I love books set in this period but this one you will see from the blurb it is different to the usual historical fiction books that I read so I went into reading it with an open mind and I have to say it was excellent!
The characters are great, very well developed and they worked brilliantly with the story. The plot is really good and the planning to execute the story so well and with such great detail is brilliant – it really is an excellent story, I was intrigued right from the start and the ending is perfect for the book!
Although this is the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one yet so I would say that this works fine as a stand alone. I will be looking to get my hands on the first one shortly to get more of the back story to the series!
Five stars from me – I really enjoyed the story and it will be one I very highly recommended!!
I was completely surprised by this story, it was really, really good, well written, but it had lots of added extras I wasn’t expecting!
I love books set in this period but this one you will see from the blurb it is different to the usual historical fiction books that I read so I went into reading it with an open mind and I have to say it was excellent!
The characters are great, very well developed and they worked brilliantly with the story. The plot is really good and the planning to execute the story so well and with such great detail is brilliant – it really is an excellent story, I was intrigued right from the start and the ending is perfect for the book!
Although this is the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one yet so I would say that this works fine as a stand alone. I will be looking to get my hands on the first one shortly to get more of the back story to the series!
Five stars from me – I really enjoyed the story and it will be one I very highly recommended!!
August 23, 2018
This is the second book in the Bookminder Series - and this book really ramps up from the first one. The first book (The Bookminder) had a lot of scene setting & establishing the rules of the world. The Kithseeker had a lot less need to do that so got right into it. If you have not read the first book, I would recommend you do - this would not be a good standalone book as it assumes you know the world already.
Whilst the character of Liara still frustrated me, her relationship with the wizard Nagarath really evolved, and she became much more mature. I enjoyed seeing their misunderstandings and all the complexity of their feelings towards each other.
Travelling across Europe and introducing other characters, whilst parts of the story line did not seem totally plausible at times - going to Versailles and the adventures they get up to, made this a really fun read. I enjoyed this book more than the first one, as I could see the world clearly.
Looking forward to the next one - this book opened up so many questions!
Whilst the character of Liara still frustrated me, her relationship with the wizard Nagarath really evolved, and she became much more mature. I enjoyed seeing their misunderstandings and all the complexity of their feelings towards each other.
Travelling across Europe and introducing other characters, whilst parts of the story line did not seem totally plausible at times - going to Versailles and the adventures they get up to, made this a really fun read. I enjoyed this book more than the first one, as I could see the world clearly.
Looking forward to the next one - this book opened up so many questions!
June 11, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to The Kithseeker as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Bookminder Series with Rachel's Random Resources. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
We've packed up and taken the magic to France! Liara's growing into herself as a young woman with magic, and she and Nagarath have a bad guy to stop. Who's ready for the adventure to continue? I am! Time to trek across 17th Century Europe with a teenage witch.
As I had hoped, Liara is growing as a person and isn't quite so insufferable as she was in book one. That said, Nagarath continues to be my favourite character. This book is presented in split POV between the two main characters, and although Liara was definitely growing on my this time, I still looked forward to getting back to Nagarath every time.
If you like YA fantasy, check out this series!
We've packed up and taken the magic to France! Liara's growing into herself as a young woman with magic, and she and Nagarath have a bad guy to stop. Who's ready for the adventure to continue? I am! Time to trek across 17th Century Europe with a teenage witch.
As I had hoped, Liara is growing as a person and isn't quite so insufferable as she was in book one. That said, Nagarath continues to be my favourite character. This book is presented in split POV between the two main characters, and although Liara was definitely growing on my this time, I still looked forward to getting back to Nagarath every time.
If you like YA fantasy, check out this series!
September 17, 2018
Recap: Liara and Nagarath search for Khariton's Mirror, a fabled device capable of great power. They must stop Anisthe from regaining his magic and prevent the mirror from falling into the wrong hands.
Review: Its really 3.5 stars because there were parts of this book that had my heart racing, reading as fast as I could to see what happened next. But there was also a great deal of inner monologue soul searching and slow plot unravelling which while not necessarily a bad thing detracted from the pacey parts of the book for me. I am furious with Nagarath so obviously I'm going to read the third book.
Review: Its really 3.5 stars because there were parts of this book that had my heart racing, reading as fast as I could to see what happened next. But there was also a great deal of inner monologue soul searching and slow plot unravelling which while not necessarily a bad thing detracted from the pacey parts of the book for me. I am furious with Nagarath so obviously I'm going to read the third book.
February 5, 2019
Following Liara on her journey with Nagarath on a magical, historic quest to find the elusive Khariton's Mirror proved irresistible. A perfect follow up to Bookminder, I enjoyed the evolution of Liara and Nagarath's relationship as well as the introduction of the new characters. And sweet Sophie took a little piece of my heart with her. Well done.
March 14, 2019
Thanks to Netgallery and Xchyler Publishing for the opportunity to review this book. This is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book so much more than The Bookminder. It is not as slow and is gripping. I like the main character now.
I was procrastinating reading this because of the first book. I also found that it was written better. I am glad that I gave it a go.
I enjoyed this book so much more than The Bookminder. It is not as slow and is gripping. I like the main character now.
I was procrastinating reading this because of the first book. I also found that it was written better. I am glad that I gave it a go.
January 8, 2024
I received a free copy via Netgalley.
This had been in my library for quite a while.
I really did struggle with this and just could not engage with the characters or the story.
The plot was too slow with no emotional feeling between the characters.
I gave it two stars for being able to finish it, but it really was not for me.
This had been in my library for quite a while.
I really did struggle with this and just could not engage with the characters or the story.
The plot was too slow with no emotional feeling between the characters.
I gave it two stars for being able to finish it, but it really was not for me.
September 21, 2018
This is book 2 in the Bookminder series, and you need to have read book 1 first as this continues with the adventures.
Book 2 is a brilliant continuation of the story and kept me hooked throughout as the action is pretty much non stop
Book 2 is a brilliant continuation of the story and kept me hooked throughout as the action is pretty much non stop
July 15, 2019
Excellent, nuanced character portrayals with plenty of twists in a glittering depiction of fantasy-infused Europe, from dark Eastern forests to treacherous Mediterranean seas and the whirlwind of Louis XIV's court in Paris. Excited for the final installment!
January 3, 2020
Audiobook review
A really good fantasy book. It has history & magical aspects too.
It was a ride of magical twists.
Such a good way to get involved with characters when they’re this deep & full of life.
Well worth a read or listen.
A really good fantasy book. It has history & magical aspects too.
It was a ride of magical twists.
Such a good way to get involved with characters when they’re this deep & full of life.
Well worth a read or listen.
September 21, 2018
The story continues. More complex, with more humanity and magic and intrigue. The characters are strong - love them or hate them or just want to shake them!
July 24, 2025
The second installment of The Bookminder and a great storyline to continue Liara and Nagarath’s journey. I loved this book even more than the last with it’s interesting plot, new questionable acquaintances, a hint of romantic curiosity as well as far off exciting lands to continue their adventure.
Liara and Nagarath are only getting more captivating for me. It’s clear they are growing feelings for each other, but Liara is still too young to identify the feelings she has for him and Nagarath’s unlikely chance of running into his old attachment; Amsalla DeBouverelle, has caused an underlining string of emotions to surface with his actions.
It’s easy to find how Liara struggles to keep her emotions in check when she has never experienced feelings like this before. Jealousy sneaks it’s way into her life which catches her more off guard when Liara realises how real her feelings are for her wizard. Not that she would tell him of course with his attentions on Amsalla. Even with her emotions up in the air, Liara gradually changes from the immature selfish girl from the previous book and we see her grow into an independent young woman who opens herself up to the world around her with her new experiences and trials in becoming a presentable woman in high society with the assistance of her new companion, Sophie. Liara can’t help but secretly crave the life that would bring her back to Parentino’s library with her Nagarath, just the two of them living the simple life within the castle walls.
The reader keeps the pace perfectly to allow us to get to know our characters, the locations they end up in and the whirlwind of emotions that follow them along. I still feel like I don’t know Nagarath’s character well enough yet though. We get glimpses into his previous life as he takes Liara around the world where they end up in Versailles in France where they stay with old friends and see old acquaintances. He obviously previously lived a very comfortable life with high connections in society that easily acquires them with an invitation to the King’s palace itself. No magic required. His feelings for Liara are very intriguing. He puts on a front to keep up appearances in society for he can’t be seen traveling with an eligible young woman on his own without some family connection between them. His old friends can see past the facade of being her ‘uncle’ simply by the way he looks at her openly in a room full of people. It’s adorable and I feel, besides his previous attentions to Amsalla, he hasn’t allowed himself much experience with women. His actions are almost as young and innocent as Liara’s.
‘Feeling sheepish for such an omission to her courtly education, and reckless from how much she looked like herself, Nagarath’s carefully rebuilt barrier came crashing down. Propriety be damned. She was going to know how to dance when she entered the court of the King of France.
Nagarath made a neat half-bow and waited. He prompted, “Liara. You’re learning to dance.”
“Now?”
Nagarath simply waited for Liara’s answering curtsy.
“But…” Liara hesitated, and seeing how Nagarath was going to keep waiting for her, she clumsily curtsied and then stood awkwardly. With a grin and flourish of his wand, Nagarath set into motion the music box which sat on his mantle, the tinkling melody repeating itself in perpetuity through the lesson.’
I really liked the amount of action and adventure within this book compared to the limited locations in the previous one set mainly in Parentino and Dvigrand. The author allowed us to see the world from their eyes set back into the 1680’s around Europe, from Italy to Spain then ending up in streets of Paris before stepping into the Parisan court of Versailles. The author has really done well to set the scene in the historical settings.
‘Even the shabby buildings were impressive. Matched brickwork and rows of windows stretched the length of the street only to meet another building, equally grand. It was as though the buildings were courtiers, too, each trying to outmatch its neighbor with its perfect proportions or grand entrances of arch after arch. Everything seemed so delicate, breakable. The exact opposite of what Liara had grown up knowing; solid, simple, rustic, and serviceable. In Paris, everything seemed designed to look like something else. Gloves looked like curtains, pruned trees resembled statues. Every available surface had been carved, patterned, and decorated. It was dizzying to look at.’
I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment when it gets released to find out what happens with Nagarath and Liara in their next adventure!
Liara and Nagarath are only getting more captivating for me. It’s clear they are growing feelings for each other, but Liara is still too young to identify the feelings she has for him and Nagarath’s unlikely chance of running into his old attachment; Amsalla DeBouverelle, has caused an underlining string of emotions to surface with his actions.
It’s easy to find how Liara struggles to keep her emotions in check when she has never experienced feelings like this before. Jealousy sneaks it’s way into her life which catches her more off guard when Liara realises how real her feelings are for her wizard. Not that she would tell him of course with his attentions on Amsalla. Even with her emotions up in the air, Liara gradually changes from the immature selfish girl from the previous book and we see her grow into an independent young woman who opens herself up to the world around her with her new experiences and trials in becoming a presentable woman in high society with the assistance of her new companion, Sophie. Liara can’t help but secretly crave the life that would bring her back to Parentino’s library with her Nagarath, just the two of them living the simple life within the castle walls.
The reader keeps the pace perfectly to allow us to get to know our characters, the locations they end up in and the whirlwind of emotions that follow them along. I still feel like I don’t know Nagarath’s character well enough yet though. We get glimpses into his previous life as he takes Liara around the world where they end up in Versailles in France where they stay with old friends and see old acquaintances. He obviously previously lived a very comfortable life with high connections in society that easily acquires them with an invitation to the King’s palace itself. No magic required. His feelings for Liara are very intriguing. He puts on a front to keep up appearances in society for he can’t be seen traveling with an eligible young woman on his own without some family connection between them. His old friends can see past the facade of being her ‘uncle’ simply by the way he looks at her openly in a room full of people. It’s adorable and I feel, besides his previous attentions to Amsalla, he hasn’t allowed himself much experience with women. His actions are almost as young and innocent as Liara’s.
‘Feeling sheepish for such an omission to her courtly education, and reckless from how much she looked like herself, Nagarath’s carefully rebuilt barrier came crashing down. Propriety be damned. She was going to know how to dance when she entered the court of the King of France.
Nagarath made a neat half-bow and waited. He prompted, “Liara. You’re learning to dance.”
“Now?”
Nagarath simply waited for Liara’s answering curtsy.
“But…” Liara hesitated, and seeing how Nagarath was going to keep waiting for her, she clumsily curtsied and then stood awkwardly. With a grin and flourish of his wand, Nagarath set into motion the music box which sat on his mantle, the tinkling melody repeating itself in perpetuity through the lesson.’
I really liked the amount of action and adventure within this book compared to the limited locations in the previous one set mainly in Parentino and Dvigrand. The author allowed us to see the world from their eyes set back into the 1680’s around Europe, from Italy to Spain then ending up in streets of Paris before stepping into the Parisan court of Versailles. The author has really done well to set the scene in the historical settings.
‘Even the shabby buildings were impressive. Matched brickwork and rows of windows stretched the length of the street only to meet another building, equally grand. It was as though the buildings were courtiers, too, each trying to outmatch its neighbor with its perfect proportions or grand entrances of arch after arch. Everything seemed so delicate, breakable. The exact opposite of what Liara had grown up knowing; solid, simple, rustic, and serviceable. In Paris, everything seemed designed to look like something else. Gloves looked like curtains, pruned trees resembled statues. Every available surface had been carved, patterned, and decorated. It was dizzying to look at.’
I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment when it gets released to find out what happens with Nagarath and Liara in their next adventure!
June 28, 2018
Actual rate: 3.5
I liked the characters as they are very realistic and consistent. There weren’t a lot of dialogues as I prefer but it was made up for with the description and explanation.
I would have loved the book if I had read the first one. As I did not understand the problems they were facing. This is definitely a book that should not be read as a stand alone.
I liked the characters as they are very realistic and consistent. There weren’t a lot of dialogues as I prefer but it was made up for with the description and explanation.
I would have loved the book if I had read the first one. As I did not understand the problems they were facing. This is definitely a book that should not be read as a stand alone.
July 3, 2018
**Many thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion of this book.**
The historic fantasy setting of this book is great and I love the detailed descriptions by the author. I was completely transported. The characters grow on you and the links
between the characters build the world around you, until you are completely sucked in. I definitely became emotionally involved with these characters and this world.
I will say this though, it's best if you read the first book before moving on to the next. I personally like the continuation of the series and look forward to future works from this author.
The historic fantasy setting of this book is great and I love the detailed descriptions by the author. I was completely transported. The characters grow on you and the links
between the characters build the world around you, until you are completely sucked in. I definitely became emotionally involved with these characters and this world.
I will say this though, it's best if you read the first book before moving on to the next. I personally like the continuation of the series and look forward to future works from this author.
August 20, 2018
The kithseeker by m k Wiseman.
France, 1680
Liara's defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate--bereft of magick--but even this cannot guarantee her safety. Because the death of her father-in-magick would seal the girl's fate, necessity demands she and her wizard maintain a watchful eye on the war mage, while protecting her from his dark designs.
Anisthe has embarked on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant with an agenda all his own. They search for a legendary mirror that contains the world's most powerful magick. Although the stuff of fairytales, the possibility of its existence compels Nagarath and Liara to seek the artifact themselves. Both know that should Anisthe lay claim to that power, Liara would be at his mercy and not even Nagarath could save her.
Thus, the pair find themselves at Versailles, surrounded by agents who ferret out magick users and destroy them. Uncertain who is friend and who is foe, with their rival on their heels, they must discover the mirror before Anisthe releases its evil, or worse, it lays claim to Liara's magick and brings doom upon them all.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. I love liaras character. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
France, 1680
Liara's defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate--bereft of magick--but even this cannot guarantee her safety. Because the death of her father-in-magick would seal the girl's fate, necessity demands she and her wizard maintain a watchful eye on the war mage, while protecting her from his dark designs.
Anisthe has embarked on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant with an agenda all his own. They search for a legendary mirror that contains the world's most powerful magick. Although the stuff of fairytales, the possibility of its existence compels Nagarath and Liara to seek the artifact themselves. Both know that should Anisthe lay claim to that power, Liara would be at his mercy and not even Nagarath could save her.
Thus, the pair find themselves at Versailles, surrounded by agents who ferret out magick users and destroy them. Uncertain who is friend and who is foe, with their rival on their heels, they must discover the mirror before Anisthe releases its evil, or worse, it lays claim to Liara's magick and brings doom upon them all.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. I love liaras character. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
August 20, 2018
It was an interesting read, but didn't grab my attention. I was lost a lot of the time because I wasn't aware that this was book two in the series. I highly recommend reading book one first since this one picks up right where the other left off. It has a lot of potential but wasn't the right book for me.
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