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The Cadeleonian Series #2
Lord of the White Hell, Book Two
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Kiram fought his family and Cadeleonian bigots to remain in the Sagrada Academy to prove himself as a mechanist and to dispel the deadly shadow curse that threatens to destroy his upperclassman, Javier Tornesal.
But when his efforts provoke retaliation, Kiram’s family and home are endangered. Both Kiram and Javier risk everything in a desperate gambit to combat the curse.
But they never imagined their battle would come so soon, or that it would be led by the one person they trust most of all.
Kiram fought his family and Cadeleonian bigots to remain in the Sagrada Academy to prove himself as a mechanist and to dispel the deadly shadow curse that threatens to destroy his upperclassman, Javier Tornesal.
But when his efforts provoke retaliation, Kiram’s family and home are endangered. Both Kiram and Javier risk everything in a desperate gambit to combat the curse.
But they never imagined their battle would come so soon, or that it would be led by the one person they trust most of all.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2010
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1713 people want to read
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April 10, 2025
I guess you wonder where I've been, I searched to find a love within / I came back to let you know, I got a thing for you and I can't let go (What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell).
In a turn of events that should surprise nobody… I really loved this book. Woah, that's crazy, right? It's the usual, really, as lovingly empathetic, hilariously witty, and devastatingly emotional as expected; Lord of the White Hell book 2 combines all of the above in a stunning conclusion that has left me sitting here in ache... because my reading posture sucks ass, but also longing ache! Okay well, I’m probably laying it on a bit thick and baring my heart in such an open way embarrasses me, so let me just cut to the chase before I run out of adjectives and say that Ginn Hale has written yet another masterpiece. I will say that throughout this review I’m going to probably come across as a little more negative than I did when I talked about book one, but this is only due to the fact that there were a few characters that pissed me off like Elezar and Javier. Otherwise, I promise that my incessant complaining is only a testament to how great this book is considering I’m still showering it in praises! And while my heart still belongs to the Master of Restless Shadows duology (as you can probably guess considering I never shut up about it), I still think it's fascinating to see how these characters have grown and evolved throughout the years. Besides, it’s always nice when you can tell how much an author cares about the characters as much of we do. As for the story, we still follow Kiram as the only narrator as he’s trying to navigate through all the problems that he left festering from the last book. This all includes Javier being an entitled asshole, his mother waiting with a long list of potential suitors waiting for him back home, and... oh yeah... Fedeles being cursed by an ancient shadow demon? Hold up, one of these things is not like the other. That’s kind of where my one criticism with this book lay, because unlike Master of Restless Shadows, which was able to sneak in a beautiful romantic story line aside all the world-ending plots, this book almost felt a bit disjointed in its inability to properly balance the importance of all sources of conflict presented throughout the story. Like, I always enjoy romance in books, I really do, but I was really hoping that Kiram would have been able to push aside his constant infatuation towards Javier and instead focused on saving Fedeles like he kept claiming he would. I’m just saying, their buddy is literally trapped in The Sunken Place right beside them and we all know this by this point in the story, so it’s kind of wild that they spent so much time dancing and sight-seeing. Nonetheless, I think it's important to understand that while The Cadeleonian Series has since evolved into having a very detailed and lore heavy fantasy setting, these first two books are first and foremost about a forbidden love between a culturally displaced young man yearning for adventure and a lord trapped in a dangerously conservative society trying to unlearn his inborn shame.
In fact, I’d probably say that these earlier books reminded me a little of how the Shadow and Bone books were very by-the-numbers Young-Adult fiction at first, and in my opinion, things only really started getting good when the author started experimenting with more complicated and weird narrative turns when she got to the Six of Crows books. That sounds like a backwards compliment, but even though I didn’t finish the Shadow and Bone trilogy and stopped watching the show when they started adapting certain scenes from the book that I found boring (I didn't like Milo or whatever Alina's love-interest name was), I still appreciated that it set up a world where a badass like Inej could exist and thrive. Hm... what was I talking about again? Oh yeah, these Lord of the White Hell books are still fantastic, and even though the romance between Kiram and Javier definitely doesn’t hit the same way Atreau and Narsi's relationship from Master of Restless Shadows did, I was still captivated by their story and couldn't help but want them to run away together as if they existed in a song written by Carly Rae Jepsen. Unfortunately, this is the part where confess that Javier never really grew on me in these books. I wouldn’t say that it ever got so bad that I felt like his wrongdoings towards Kiram were unfairly absolved by the narrative, but there was a disappointing lack of resolution in the hanging story threads nonetheless. Scenes that were given strong emotional weight at the climax of the last book were resolved way too quick with nary an apology in sight! By now I think I've made it clear that I have very strong opinions on “the correct” person in stories being the one to “make things right,” it’s kind of my thing! And look, I believe that Javier is a good character and has a strong arc, I just don't like him much! Besides, I’m clearly not taking it too personally considering the five gold stars up there. I’m even loathe to admit that I can see why this more naturalistic approach to Kiram and Javier making up after their big fight is enticing from a writing perspective seeing as it mirrors real relationships more closely. Yet... I still just kind of wanted to see Javier… in pain? Wait that sounds bad, I’m just saying that my favorite parts in a novel, be it Lord of White Hell or Simon Snow, are when the love-interest is suffering. Huh, that sounds worse. Eh whatever, I might as well admit that I’m a real sicko and I feed off of scenes where the love-interest is going through it, jealous and bitter. That's probably why I like love-triangles, I’m messy and I love drama! Anyway, what I’m getting at is that throughout the entire story I was totally a devil on the shoulder, telling Kiram to leave Javier's flat ass because my boy Vashir is over there looking to give him real riding lessons! On a serious note though, more than anything I was hoping that Kiram would have been more of an active player in the story, as I often felt like he was little more than a spectator to the events happening throughout the book. Sure, maybe it’s purposeful that Kiram plays the Nick Carraway role, looking on in admiration and romanticizing this rich dude, but given all the narrative focus on his prestigious mechanist skills, I was hoping his talent would come up sooner than the third-act.
“You keep a secret too long and it gains a kind of power over you, I think. It starts to own you.”
I know right now you’re thinking, “Oh, he’s really going to talk about Javier for four paragraphs, huh?” and… I am, sorry. Hey, I said the Lord of the White Hell books were on the romance side of things more than anything else, and if there’s one thing about me, is that I can rant and rave about romantic interests for ages! Besides, if Kiram and Javier can ignore Fedeles being mind-controlled like Wanda Maximoff controlling the citizens of Westview, then so can I. Anyway, I know that Javier’s whole obsessive love thing he has going for Kiram is supposed to be darkly sexy or whatever, but after a while he really was just giving Quasimodo vibes. Not the hunchback bit, the creepy stalker bit. I mean, these books are definitely of the era in which they were written, where the love-interest was always aloof and demanding, but I’m just thankful that this kind of characterization has since been re-examined in the public consciousness. I’m not saying that nobody can be toxic, but a little variety is always nice and I've always liked it the most when the characters seem to like each other. The whole "I own you, my love," Nosferatu, Phantom of the Opera type shit was never my thing and I especially couldn't escape it back in the day! By the time Divergent was doing the "edgy" and "dark" romantic lead bit, I was soo~ooo DONE! Remember the love-interest was named “Four?” Like, come on now. I've exhausted this point, but I've always found it to be a breath of fresh air whenever a love-interest is supportive and shows their love through anything other than an obsessive need to control and own. Yeah, I concede the fact that these characteristics were given to Javier because they’re aspects literally drilled into him by his up-bringing as a Cadeleonian lord, which is a point that’s literally discussed by Kiram at length throughout both books, but I’d argue that because Kiram is always “giving in” and never holding Javier accountable for his bad behavior, I couldn't help but wonder if these two would remain happy together when the dust settles. Hm, maybe I do want to see him in pain. Had Javier been given his own pov chapters it could have helped alleviate some of my issues with his selfishness, but I still have to appreciate the fact that while Javier is Lord of the White Hell, this is still Kiram’s story through and through. It’s through his eyes that we’re able to examine the Cadeleonian culture, and through him that we’re given leave to judge and ponder accordingly. I should move on, because it's starting to sound like I’m in love with Kiram or something... but let the record show that this is not the case, I tell you! I am not in love with Kiram… I’m in love with Narsi. That was a joke, by the way. Maybe. Um, I could go on and on about the reasons why I don’t think Javier and Kiram were a good match for each other, but it's important to know that that fact doesn't mean that I think it's a flaw in the writing. There are plenty of love stories about people that shouldn't be together that I love. And I'll list them here! ...Just kidding, then we'd be here all day and that'd cut into my allocated "complaining about Javier" time.
But let's talk about the liberating art of dance and how Kiram’s love for it informs a large part of his characterization. We never get to see him getting down in book one because it's important for us to distinctly feel his alienation and separation from his home. During the school dance, Kiram is noticeably ignored by his classmates (including Javier, by the way) because of his race and it's a gut-punch to read as he's forced to watch from the sidelines and repress his cultural love for dancing. It's sad stuff, really! While in this book, the scene is mirrored as Kiram goes back home to his family and while at the cookout he again relearns his love for dancing, having a grand old time cutting the rug with people who aren’t so socially repressed. These two moments are (in my opinion) purposefully contrasted with each other, and even though Javier is clearly Kiram's one true love (as designated by the narrative), I still couldn't help but picture a stilted and wooden future for him should he stick with the stick-in-the-muds. “I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet ain’t got no rhythm” and all that. It doesn’t help that the only time Javier was there to “protect” Kiram, it only ever highlighted his obsessive jealously and childishness. A guy flirting with Kiram? Javier is there with his hand on the hilt of his sword, but later in the book when Kiram is getting mugged, all of a sudden he’s nowhere to be seen? Chilling with his horse or whatever? Man, he never really did anything much to combat the noble man-child accusations, did he? All take and no give, this guy was… as Yoda once said. And yeah, I guess he offers shelter when Kiram has an intense falling out with his family, but even then it’s more his friend, Nestor’s hospitality that he has to thank considering it’s his house they’re all bunking at. Now back to good things, despite all my complaining thus far, even if they’re kind of toxic and maybe not good for each other, Ginn Hale’s got the chemistry thing between them down pat. Kiram would say something devastatingly earnest, Javier would say something disarmingly charming, and I’d say ooo~ooh girl, shock me like electric eel! It’s a tried and true method, really. Besides, I think this book was smart in that the narrative gave Javier and Kiram a Romeo and Juliet sense of impending doom where we can’t help but hope that things will work out for them regardless of the risks. And not to brag, but I’m one of those people who never turned on The Titanic and I always enjoyed the love story as well as that bit where they're all hanging off the side of the boat. I've got layers! Really though, show me a tragic love story and I’ll be seated. So yeah, while I didn't like Javier too much, I really did love this book... too much! Besides, there’s no doubt in my mind that Ginn Hale’s writing remains an tired-and-true source for electric entertainment, sensitive representation, and blissful happiness! There, I found a few more adjectives.
And though I only want the best, it's true / I can't believe the things I do for you.
In a turn of events that should surprise nobody… I really loved this book. Woah, that's crazy, right? It's the usual, really, as lovingly empathetic, hilariously witty, and devastatingly emotional as expected; Lord of the White Hell book 2 combines all of the above in a stunning conclusion that has left me sitting here in ache... because my reading posture sucks ass, but also longing ache! Okay well, I’m probably laying it on a bit thick and baring my heart in such an open way embarrasses me, so let me just cut to the chase before I run out of adjectives and say that Ginn Hale has written yet another masterpiece. I will say that throughout this review I’m going to probably come across as a little more negative than I did when I talked about book one, but this is only due to the fact that there were a few characters that pissed me off like Elezar and Javier. Otherwise, I promise that my incessant complaining is only a testament to how great this book is considering I’m still showering it in praises! And while my heart still belongs to the Master of Restless Shadows duology (as you can probably guess considering I never shut up about it), I still think it's fascinating to see how these characters have grown and evolved throughout the years. Besides, it’s always nice when you can tell how much an author cares about the characters as much of we do. As for the story, we still follow Kiram as the only narrator as he’s trying to navigate through all the problems that he left festering from the last book. This all includes Javier being an entitled asshole, his mother waiting with a long list of potential suitors waiting for him back home, and... oh yeah... Fedeles being cursed by an ancient shadow demon? Hold up, one of these things is not like the other. That’s kind of where my one criticism with this book lay, because unlike Master of Restless Shadows, which was able to sneak in a beautiful romantic story line aside all the world-ending plots, this book almost felt a bit disjointed in its inability to properly balance the importance of all sources of conflict presented throughout the story. Like, I always enjoy romance in books, I really do, but I was really hoping that Kiram would have been able to push aside his constant infatuation towards Javier and instead focused on saving Fedeles like he kept claiming he would. I’m just saying, their buddy is literally trapped in The Sunken Place right beside them and we all know this by this point in the story, so it’s kind of wild that they spent so much time dancing and sight-seeing. Nonetheless, I think it's important to understand that while The Cadeleonian Series has since evolved into having a very detailed and lore heavy fantasy setting, these first two books are first and foremost about a forbidden love between a culturally displaced young man yearning for adventure and a lord trapped in a dangerously conservative society trying to unlearn his inborn shame.
In fact, I’d probably say that these earlier books reminded me a little of how the Shadow and Bone books were very by-the-numbers Young-Adult fiction at first, and in my opinion, things only really started getting good when the author started experimenting with more complicated and weird narrative turns when she got to the Six of Crows books. That sounds like a backwards compliment, but even though I didn’t finish the Shadow and Bone trilogy and stopped watching the show when they started adapting certain scenes from the book that I found boring (I didn't like Milo or whatever Alina's love-interest name was), I still appreciated that it set up a world where a badass like Inej could exist and thrive. Hm... what was I talking about again? Oh yeah, these Lord of the White Hell books are still fantastic, and even though the romance between Kiram and Javier definitely doesn’t hit the same way Atreau and Narsi's relationship from Master of Restless Shadows did, I was still captivated by their story and couldn't help but want them to run away together as if they existed in a song written by Carly Rae Jepsen. Unfortunately, this is the part where confess that Javier never really grew on me in these books. I wouldn’t say that it ever got so bad that I felt like his wrongdoings towards Kiram were unfairly absolved by the narrative, but there was a disappointing lack of resolution in the hanging story threads nonetheless. Scenes that were given strong emotional weight at the climax of the last book were resolved way too quick with nary an apology in sight! By now I think I've made it clear that I have very strong opinions on “the correct” person in stories being the one to “make things right,” it’s kind of my thing! And look, I believe that Javier is a good character and has a strong arc, I just don't like him much! Besides, I’m clearly not taking it too personally considering the five gold stars up there. I’m even loathe to admit that I can see why this more naturalistic approach to Kiram and Javier making up after their big fight is enticing from a writing perspective seeing as it mirrors real relationships more closely. Yet... I still just kind of wanted to see Javier… in pain? Wait that sounds bad, I’m just saying that my favorite parts in a novel, be it Lord of White Hell or Simon Snow, are when the love-interest is suffering. Huh, that sounds worse. Eh whatever, I might as well admit that I’m a real sicko and I feed off of scenes where the love-interest is going through it, jealous and bitter. That's probably why I like love-triangles, I’m messy and I love drama! Anyway, what I’m getting at is that throughout the entire story I was totally a devil on the shoulder, telling Kiram to leave Javier's flat ass because my boy Vashir is over there looking to give him real riding lessons! On a serious note though, more than anything I was hoping that Kiram would have been more of an active player in the story, as I often felt like he was little more than a spectator to the events happening throughout the book. Sure, maybe it’s purposeful that Kiram plays the Nick Carraway role, looking on in admiration and romanticizing this rich dude, but given all the narrative focus on his prestigious mechanist skills, I was hoping his talent would come up sooner than the third-act.
“You keep a secret too long and it gains a kind of power over you, I think. It starts to own you.”
I know right now you’re thinking, “Oh, he’s really going to talk about Javier for four paragraphs, huh?” and… I am, sorry. Hey, I said the Lord of the White Hell books were on the romance side of things more than anything else, and if there’s one thing about me, is that I can rant and rave about romantic interests for ages! Besides, if Kiram and Javier can ignore Fedeles being mind-controlled like Wanda Maximoff controlling the citizens of Westview, then so can I. Anyway, I know that Javier’s whole obsessive love thing he has going for Kiram is supposed to be darkly sexy or whatever, but after a while he really was just giving Quasimodo vibes. Not the hunchback bit, the creepy stalker bit. I mean, these books are definitely of the era in which they were written, where the love-interest was always aloof and demanding, but I’m just thankful that this kind of characterization has since been re-examined in the public consciousness. I’m not saying that nobody can be toxic, but a little variety is always nice and I've always liked it the most when the characters seem to like each other. The whole "I own you, my love," Nosferatu, Phantom of the Opera type shit was never my thing and I especially couldn't escape it back in the day! By the time Divergent was doing the "edgy" and "dark" romantic lead bit, I was soo~ooo DONE! Remember the love-interest was named “Four?” Like, come on now. I've exhausted this point, but I've always found it to be a breath of fresh air whenever a love-interest is supportive and shows their love through anything other than an obsessive need to control and own. Yeah, I concede the fact that these characteristics were given to Javier because they’re aspects literally drilled into him by his up-bringing as a Cadeleonian lord, which is a point that’s literally discussed by Kiram at length throughout both books, but I’d argue that because Kiram is always “giving in” and never holding Javier accountable for his bad behavior, I couldn't help but wonder if these two would remain happy together when the dust settles. Hm, maybe I do want to see him in pain. Had Javier been given his own pov chapters it could have helped alleviate some of my issues with his selfishness, but I still have to appreciate the fact that while Javier is Lord of the White Hell, this is still Kiram’s story through and through. It’s through his eyes that we’re able to examine the Cadeleonian culture, and through him that we’re given leave to judge and ponder accordingly. I should move on, because it's starting to sound like I’m in love with Kiram or something... but let the record show that this is not the case, I tell you! I am not in love with Kiram… I’m in love with Narsi. That was a joke, by the way. Maybe. Um, I could go on and on about the reasons why I don’t think Javier and Kiram were a good match for each other, but it's important to know that that fact doesn't mean that I think it's a flaw in the writing. There are plenty of love stories about people that shouldn't be together that I love. And I'll list them here! ...Just kidding, then we'd be here all day and that'd cut into my allocated "complaining about Javier" time.
But let's talk about the liberating art of dance and how Kiram’s love for it informs a large part of his characterization. We never get to see him getting down in book one because it's important for us to distinctly feel his alienation and separation from his home. During the school dance, Kiram is noticeably ignored by his classmates (including Javier, by the way) because of his race and it's a gut-punch to read as he's forced to watch from the sidelines and repress his cultural love for dancing. It's sad stuff, really! While in this book, the scene is mirrored as Kiram goes back home to his family and while at the cookout he again relearns his love for dancing, having a grand old time cutting the rug with people who aren’t so socially repressed. These two moments are (in my opinion) purposefully contrasted with each other, and even though Javier is clearly Kiram's one true love (as designated by the narrative), I still couldn't help but picture a stilted and wooden future for him should he stick with the stick-in-the-muds. “I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet ain’t got no rhythm” and all that. It doesn’t help that the only time Javier was there to “protect” Kiram, it only ever highlighted his obsessive jealously and childishness. A guy flirting with Kiram? Javier is there with his hand on the hilt of his sword, but later in the book when Kiram is getting mugged, all of a sudden he’s nowhere to be seen? Chilling with his horse or whatever? Man, he never really did anything much to combat the noble man-child accusations, did he? All take and no give, this guy was… as Yoda once said. And yeah, I guess he offers shelter when Kiram has an intense falling out with his family, but even then it’s more his friend, Nestor’s hospitality that he has to thank considering it’s his house they’re all bunking at. Now back to good things, despite all my complaining thus far, even if they’re kind of toxic and maybe not good for each other, Ginn Hale’s got the chemistry thing between them down pat. Kiram would say something devastatingly earnest, Javier would say something disarmingly charming, and I’d say ooo~ooh girl, shock me like electric eel! It’s a tried and true method, really. Besides, I think this book was smart in that the narrative gave Javier and Kiram a Romeo and Juliet sense of impending doom where we can’t help but hope that things will work out for them regardless of the risks. And not to brag, but I’m one of those people who never turned on The Titanic and I always enjoyed the love story as well as that bit where they're all hanging off the side of the boat. I've got layers! Really though, show me a tragic love story and I’ll be seated. So yeah, while I didn't like Javier too much, I really did love this book... too much! Besides, there’s no doubt in my mind that Ginn Hale’s writing remains an tired-and-true source for electric entertainment, sensitive representation, and blissful happiness! There, I found a few more adjectives.
And though I only want the best, it's true / I can't believe the things I do for you.
December 23, 2017
Holy guacamole! 😱 I loved the book one and how I love book two more! I love it! 😍Everything comes together and it came very cohesively and magnificently in this book. I won’t repeat about the personality traits of our two MCs since I’ve already written about it in book one. This is the second book of Ginn Hale’s “Lord of White Hell” series and you can find my review of the first book here. 😉
So this picked up right from where the first one ended. Kiram and Javier had a huge argument at the end of the first book and after that Kiram thought everything was done between them. 😭 He tried to stay away from Javier and resisted his charming seductions. But the end of the school year is coming and soon they have to go back to their respective homes for summer holiday. However, just after the end of the year, Kiram’s invention of the steam engine was destroyed and he was haunted by the shadow curse and almost died. After that incident, Kiram decided to live his life to the fullest and stop denying his heart’s earnest request of having Javier as his lover. 👏 And the summer came and they had to go back home. And thus, our great love story begins. 💙
I love that this book is based in Analecto rather than Sagrada Academy as the first book. It gives us much wider scope of the world building of the white hell series. Just as Kiram, Javier also decided to follow his heart and follow Kiram to his home in Analecto. I knew Javier loved Kiram but I really didn’t think he’d sacrifice everything for Kiram. 😱 So many swoon worthy moments, 😍 the stolen kisses, the subtle and loving courting of each other, the promise of a future together, everything is so lovely. ~ *swoon* ~ 😌 And the learning about the power of Magick and Shajdi, the Bahiim ways and the stories of Adari (men who love men), those were all very enrapturing. 😍 Many unsolved issues from the first book were cleverly cleared one by one. 👏 I could guess who was the real villain when I reached around half of the book but I didn’t see that coming of the ending. 😱 That was a master twist. 👏 I’m really fascinated by Ginn Hale’s manipulation of the plots and twists. I think the story wrapped up very beautifully. However, I wish there’d been an epilogue although they did get a very merry HEA. 😌 I really hope there will be more books or at least one novella about the new beginning of Kiram and Javier. I’d sooo love to read their adventures together in the land of Miragoths and the kingdom of Yuan. 💚 Now I’m excited to read the other two books in the world of Cadelon which is about Elezar and another MC.
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
”after last night, Kiram was no longer willing to sacrifice the pleasure of the moment for fear of a loss the future might bring.”
“You keep a secret too long and it gains a kind of power over you, I think. It starts to own you.”
“A familiar grace came to them then; their motions coupled in a perfect synchronicity that could have been battle or sex. But there was no desperation here, no conquest or loss. Their two bodies united in one dance, simple and beautiful and only meant for the two of them.”
“I’ll worry about tomorrow when it comes. Tonight, it’s just us.”
“I will not have him harmed,” Javier stated firmly. “He is dear to me, Elezar. More dear than my own life. He is my heart and soul. And if you raise a hand against him again, then you make me your enemy.” 😍👏
5 ecstatic and satisfied Adari lover stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So this picked up right from where the first one ended. Kiram and Javier had a huge argument at the end of the first book and after that Kiram thought everything was done between them. 😭 He tried to stay away from Javier and resisted his charming seductions. But the end of the school year is coming and soon they have to go back to their respective homes for summer holiday. However, just after the end of the year, Kiram’s invention of the steam engine was destroyed and he was haunted by the shadow curse and almost died. After that incident, Kiram decided to live his life to the fullest and stop denying his heart’s earnest request of having Javier as his lover. 👏 And the summer came and they had to go back home. And thus, our great love story begins. 💙
I love that this book is based in Analecto rather than Sagrada Academy as the first book. It gives us much wider scope of the world building of the white hell series. Just as Kiram, Javier also decided to follow his heart and follow Kiram to his home in Analecto. I knew Javier loved Kiram but I really didn’t think he’d sacrifice everything for Kiram. 😱 So many swoon worthy moments, 😍 the stolen kisses, the subtle and loving courting of each other, the promise of a future together, everything is so lovely. ~ *swoon* ~ 😌 And the learning about the power of Magick and Shajdi, the Bahiim ways and the stories of Adari (men who love men), those were all very enrapturing. 😍 Many unsolved issues from the first book were cleverly cleared one by one. 👏 I could guess who was the real villain when I reached around half of the book but I didn’t see that coming of the ending. 😱 That was a master twist. 👏 I’m really fascinated by Ginn Hale’s manipulation of the plots and twists. I think the story wrapped up very beautifully. However, I wish there’d been an epilogue although they did get a very merry HEA. 😌 I really hope there will be more books or at least one novella about the new beginning of Kiram and Javier. I’d sooo love to read their adventures together in the land of Miragoths and the kingdom of Yuan. 💚 Now I’m excited to read the other two books in the world of Cadelon which is about Elezar and another MC.
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💗💜💗
”after last night, Kiram was no longer willing to sacrifice the pleasure of the moment for fear of a loss the future might bring.”
“You keep a secret too long and it gains a kind of power over you, I think. It starts to own you.”
“A familiar grace came to them then; their motions coupled in a perfect synchronicity that could have been battle or sex. But there was no desperation here, no conquest or loss. Their two bodies united in one dance, simple and beautiful and only meant for the two of them.”
“I’ll worry about tomorrow when it comes. Tonight, it’s just us.”
“I will not have him harmed,” Javier stated firmly. “He is dear to me, Elezar. More dear than my own life. He is my heart and soul. And if you raise a hand against him again, then you make me your enemy.” 😍👏
5 ecstatic and satisfied Adari lover stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 19, 2018
“All those nights you were looking so serious and pouring over that diary you were just reading pornography?"
Oh, aren’t we all doing that?
😂What a ride !!!! I couldn’t wait to read this book, because the end of the first one was like “WTF? why? Who ends a book like that?” But I had the sequel already so YES🥂💜🙌 cheers to that!
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
The characters are fantastic and well written.
The romance is so healthy, cute, hot, respectful, deep and loving. What else could you ask for? And like all relationships it as it’s problems, but love wins😍🙌.
The friendships are AMAZING HOLY GUACAMOLE AMAZING 🤩🤩 friendships goals💜.
The plot was great! And this was a ride, it felt as if I read much more than just two books because so much happened!.!.!.! And it was just a fun, interesting and an amazing ride!.!.!.!.!
“But there was a power in humor, especially ridiculous, simple humor”
So true, one of the best humour is the stupid kind!
February 2, 2025
I think I'm dead, someone should nudge me. Oh my goodness, these last pages ... puuuh .... and the ones before that ... oh my, so good.
My heart is galloping.
If you are about to read or want to read this, make sure you can read the last 100 pages in one go. Trust me, you don't want to be interrupted.
I can't imagine a more beautiful death than if it really happened now. ‚Died happily grinning while reading a far too good book‘, you can write that on my tombstone, absolutely perfect.
The second part is full of adventure and the world of these books gets bigger as soon as Javier and Kiram leave the academy. It is exciting and wonderful to get to know the culture of Kiram. At the same time, it is horrifying to realize that despite all the tolerance there is so much prejudice and ingrained attitudes.
I have come to hate parts of Kiram's family.
But I am so incredibly happy how Javier and Kiram are blossoming and connecting more deeply than ever.
“Are you listening to yourself? Scourged? You’d be whipped bloody. Excommunication would strip you of your title, your lands, and your name. Everything! And on top of that you’d be exiled to a desert in Yuan or the Mirogoth forests or some other terrible place.”
“Weren’t you suggesting that we run away to Yuan just a few months ago?” Javier arched a black brow and flashed that handsome, arrogant and—at this moment—infuriating smile of his.
“I wasn’t thinking that you’d take steps to make it a legal necessity,” Kiram snapped. 🖤😳🖤
And yes, there is even a bit of sex in this book, but I won't give anything away, it's just too beautiful, even if these intimate scenes are far too short.
The ending is a bit abrupt, but there is a wonderful epilogue on the author's website:
https://ginn-hale-tyzt.squarespace.co...
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: homophobia, religious zealots, superstition, fights, lots injuries, also of a horse, magic, a mother I would like to punch
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: yes (Kiram kisses someone else and a jealous ex-boyfriend causing troubles)
Breakup: No
Kinks: none
My heart is galloping.
If you are about to read or want to read this, make sure you can read the last 100 pages in one go. Trust me, you don't want to be interrupted.
I can't imagine a more beautiful death than if it really happened now. ‚Died happily grinning while reading a far too good book‘, you can write that on my tombstone, absolutely perfect.
The second part is full of adventure and the world of these books gets bigger as soon as Javier and Kiram leave the academy. It is exciting and wonderful to get to know the culture of Kiram. At the same time, it is horrifying to realize that despite all the tolerance there is so much prejudice and ingrained attitudes.
I have come to hate parts of Kiram's family.
But I am so incredibly happy how Javier and Kiram are blossoming and connecting more deeply than ever.
“Are you listening to yourself? Scourged? You’d be whipped bloody. Excommunication would strip you of your title, your lands, and your name. Everything! And on top of that you’d be exiled to a desert in Yuan or the Mirogoth forests or some other terrible place.”
“Weren’t you suggesting that we run away to Yuan just a few months ago?” Javier arched a black brow and flashed that handsome, arrogant and—at this moment—infuriating smile of his.
“I wasn’t thinking that you’d take steps to make it a legal necessity,” Kiram snapped. 🖤😳🖤
And yes, there is even a bit of sex in this book, but I won't give anything away, it's just too beautiful, even if these intimate scenes are far too short.
The ending is a bit abrupt, but there is a wonderful epilogue on the author's website:
https://ginn-hale-tyzt.squarespace.co...
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: homophobia, religious zealots, superstition, fights, lots injuries, also of a horse, magic, a mother I would like to punch
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: yes (Kiram kisses someone else and a jealous ex-boyfriend causing troubles)
Breakup: No
Kinks: none
April 27, 2025
At the end of book 1, I really did think my love for Javier was over.
He was unforgivable in his actions, and I just didn't know if he'd be able to redeem himself in my eyes to enjoy this series........
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 1%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 40%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 60%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 75%:
AND THEN IN ONE MOMENT OF FIERY, AGRESSIVE, DEATH-SCARE ENDUCED PASSION, JAVIER BLUBBERS OUT HIS FEELINGS IN 3 SENTENCES THAT FELT LIKE 3 QUICK HANDED BLADES TO MY HEART AND MY DUMB ASS CAVES LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS IN A FUCKING CYCLONE…
World/Character/Side character building WAS HEAVY in this one, for 70% of the book I felt like... I know this is building to something, because it's too boring right now for this NOT TO END IN CHAOS....... AND BOY WAS I VALIDATED, because that fucking ending was CHAOTIC AF MY DUDES, holy white helllllllllllllll yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss.
Also, shout out to Nestor for being a real homie, ditched his wife on his wedding day to save his bro's. Real bro's before hoe's moment AND I LIVE FOR THAT.
Parts of this book got BRUTAL. Crazy ass birds, child getting trampled into blood and guts by a horse, man cut in half, stabbings. It really did go crazy at the end there hahahaha.
Javier is forgiven.
All is good.
Kiram and all the side characters who are brothers are the real MVP of this book.
Yo, BUT WHERE DA FUQ DID THE COOL UNCLES GO????????????
DID I MISS SOMETHING!??!?! WHERE THEY AT???????
He was unforgivable in his actions, and I just didn't know if he'd be able to redeem himself in my eyes to enjoy this series........
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 1%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 40%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 60%:
Me at Javier breathing in Kiram's presence at 75%:
AND THEN IN ONE MOMENT OF FIERY, AGRESSIVE, DEATH-SCARE ENDUCED PASSION, JAVIER BLUBBERS OUT HIS FEELINGS IN 3 SENTENCES THAT FELT LIKE 3 QUICK HANDED BLADES TO MY HEART AND MY DUMB ASS CAVES LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS IN A FUCKING CYCLONE…
World/Character/Side character building WAS HEAVY in this one, for 70% of the book I felt like... I know this is building to something, because it's too boring right now for this NOT TO END IN CHAOS....... AND BOY WAS I VALIDATED, because that fucking ending was CHAOTIC AF MY DUDES, holy white helllllllllllllll yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss.
Also, shout out to Nestor for being a real homie, ditched his wife on his wedding day to save his bro's. Real bro's before hoe's moment AND I LIVE FOR THAT.
Parts of this book got BRUTAL. Crazy ass birds, child getting trampled into blood and guts by a horse, man cut in half, stabbings. It really did go crazy at the end there hahahaha.
Javier is forgiven.
All is good.
Kiram and all the side characters who are brothers are the real MVP of this book.
Yo, BUT WHERE DA FUQ DID THE COOL UNCLES GO????????????
DID I MISS SOMETHING!??!?! WHERE THEY AT???????
January 2, 2023
4 Stars
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. These two must learn to work and trust the other to overcome the terrible curse affecting Javier and his family.
Overall, a very satisfying conclusion that had several twists and betrayals, along with a great fight against the enemy at the end. Though this frustratingly ended quite abruptly, Hale is a master at the complexity that involves her protagonists plight and fight for a happy ending, and what matters most is she doesn’t fail her readers here. Enjoy!
Starting where the first book left off, this delves more into the burgeoning, and mostly forbidden, relationship between Kiram and Javier. These two must learn to work and trust the other to overcome the terrible curse affecting Javier and his family.
Overall, a very satisfying conclusion that had several twists and betrayals, along with a great fight against the enemy at the end. Though this frustratingly ended quite abruptly, Hale is a master at the complexity that involves her protagonists plight and fight for a happy ending, and what matters most is she doesn’t fail her readers here. Enjoy!
December 5, 2017
Wonderful!
Part two was even better than the first! It picks up right where part one ended and got more intense and gripping as the narrative unfolded.
The story moves to Anacleto, Kiri's home city, after the school term ends. Anacleto is divided between the Haldiim and Cadeleonians and is also the Grunito home city, so Nestor and Elezar are close by and since Nestor is to be married a certain lord of the white hell cannot stay away.
To watch these two fall in love and become each other's everything was the best part, for me. The plot is still exceedingly engaging and pulled me in, though I did figure out who the bad guy was early on it didn't diminish my enjoyment one iota.
Javier makes peace with his being an "adari" and embraces his feelings for Kiri fully. They become a unit, neither able to be without the other for long. As teens their libido is high but their sexy times are not explicit. Frequent, but not explicit.
Loads or adventure.
Loads of romance.
The bad guys lose.
The good guys win.
Loyal friends.
Loyal horses.
Fantastic worldbuilding.
Glorious HEA.
I could hardly ask for anything more and I was sad when I got to the end. I need to look to see if any of the other characters ever got books. Like Elezar. Poor guy.
Anyhoo, highly recommended! I loved it to pieces.
This series goes directly to the favorites shelf!
Part two was even better than the first! It picks up right where part one ended and got more intense and gripping as the narrative unfolded.
The story moves to Anacleto, Kiri's home city, after the school term ends. Anacleto is divided between the Haldiim and Cadeleonians and is also the Grunito home city, so Nestor and Elezar are close by and since Nestor is to be married a certain lord of the white hell cannot stay away.
To watch these two fall in love and become each other's everything was the best part, for me. The plot is still exceedingly engaging and pulled me in, though I did figure out who the bad guy was early on it didn't diminish my enjoyment one iota.
Javier makes peace with his being an "adari" and embraces his feelings for Kiri fully. They become a unit, neither able to be without the other for long. As teens their libido is high but their sexy times are not explicit. Frequent, but not explicit.
"He is dear to me, Elezar. More dear than my own life. He is my heart and soul."
Loads or adventure.
Loads of romance.
The bad guys lose.
The good guys win.
Loyal friends.
Loyal horses.
Fantastic worldbuilding.
Glorious HEA.
I could hardly ask for anything more and I was sad when I got to the end. I need to look to see if any of the other characters ever got books. Like Elezar. Poor guy.
Anyhoo, highly recommended! I loved it to pieces.
This series goes directly to the favorites shelf!
July 13, 2016
Worth all the stars you see.
Broken down into two books so that 700 pages doesn't run off potential readers, this is a fast paced fantasy adventure story. Picking right up where book #1 leaves off we run straight ahead into all the drama and challenges Kiram and Javier face.
Duty
Sacrifice
Freedom
They navigate political intrigue and peril while growing up and redrawing friendships and familial relationships. They've left the Academy behind for the less structured environment of a vibrant city. Kiram saw Javier's world, and now Javier must see Kiram's. Are the differences too great? The sacrifices too big?
Overall, alluring and action packed.
Most seductive quote:
Broken down into two books so that 700 pages doesn't run off potential readers, this is a fast paced fantasy adventure story. Picking right up where book #1 leaves off we run straight ahead into all the drama and challenges Kiram and Javier face.
Duty
“It’s so much easier to relinquish power rather than accept responsibility, you know.”
Sacrifice
“Always look to your weaknesses, Kiram, and to those of your enemies,” Alizadeh advised him.
Freedom
Kiram thought he felt Javier’s lips against his cheek and then he fell into a deep sleep.
They navigate political intrigue and peril while growing up and redrawing friendships and familial relationships. They've left the Academy behind for the less structured environment of a vibrant city. Kiram saw Javier's world, and now Javier must see Kiram's. Are the differences too great? The sacrifices too big?
Overall, alluring and action packed.
Most seductive quote:
Most beloved youth, I pray that I do not offend in sending something so simple to someone so much more delectable. I await your return as the tulip longs to penetrate the warm earth of spring.
December 30, 2018
The 2nd instalment of Ginn Hale’s Lord of the White Hell series begins with the boys returning to the Sagrada Academy after competing in an inter school tournament. Javier and Kiram are at odds after a night spent in a bordello with the Hellions, where it becomes obvious Javier will hide his true nature at any cost. Kiram returns to work stoically, but events conspire to throw him into Javiers path more often than Kiram would like. Danger still lurks and Javier and Kiram have to work together to fight the darkness that threatens to destroy not only Javier, but his friends and family too.
Ginn Hale creates a rich, diverse world full of lush detail, characters and cultures. This last point is one of things I enjoyed the most; the starchy Cadeleonians were in such stark contrast to the warm and inviting Haldiim, although at times I think Nestor’s family bucked the trend, just a little! The structures, towns and surrounds were written in such beautiful depth that it brought the streets to life. Fine detail and pockets of enchanting world building that made this book, and the 1st novel, a pleasure to read.
The story itself is seamless, with no unnecessary detail and each event builds the narrative. The growth of the boys didn’t stop, and their characters become more complex as they struggle with their feelings for each other and the effect their relationship will have on their lives, friendships and family. At times their path into adulthood is so difficult and painful, that their youthful actions feel all the more real for it.
I loved this book. There is no being remotely level-headed about it really. At times I forced myself to put it down, because I read so damn quickly. I wanted to draw the experience out and savour it. Lord of the White Hell is so incredibly rich and Kiram and Javier are such special characters that it’s made me hope, rather fervently, that there will be more books to come. There is definitely the potential. I even wondered about secondary characters having a story, like Kiram’s brother Majdi and maybe even Elezar. Hello addict, much? heh.
Astonishingly good, beautifully written and a story that will stay with you long after you’ve stopped turning pages.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/10/...
First read 7th August 2010.
Re read March 2015.
Ginn Hale creates a rich, diverse world full of lush detail, characters and cultures. This last point is one of things I enjoyed the most; the starchy Cadeleonians were in such stark contrast to the warm and inviting Haldiim, although at times I think Nestor’s family bucked the trend, just a little! The structures, towns and surrounds were written in such beautiful depth that it brought the streets to life. Fine detail and pockets of enchanting world building that made this book, and the 1st novel, a pleasure to read.
The story itself is seamless, with no unnecessary detail and each event builds the narrative. The growth of the boys didn’t stop, and their characters become more complex as they struggle with their feelings for each other and the effect their relationship will have on their lives, friendships and family. At times their path into adulthood is so difficult and painful, that their youthful actions feel all the more real for it.
I loved this book. There is no being remotely level-headed about it really. At times I forced myself to put it down, because I read so damn quickly. I wanted to draw the experience out and savour it. Lord of the White Hell is so incredibly rich and Kiram and Javier are such special characters that it’s made me hope, rather fervently, that there will be more books to come. There is definitely the potential. I even wondered about secondary characters having a story, like Kiram’s brother Majdi and maybe even Elezar. Hello addict, much? heh.
Astonishingly good, beautifully written and a story that will stay with you long after you’ve stopped turning pages.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/10/...
First read 7th August 2010.
Re read March 2015.
Read
September 1, 2015You can catch the discussion of this series over on my review of the first book.
The first book ends on an emotional cliff-hanger so I ploughed straight on with the second - and while this Ginn Fucking Hale, so I loved it and was essentially satisfied by the way things played out, I was slightly disappointed at the distance travelled between the first book (which is at least 50% a school story) and this one, which has a much broader scope.
Also I felt the Big Break between the lovers that concludes the first volume was resolved in a slightly by-the-numbers way - which made it feel like structure-necessitated tension, rather than an organic part of their emotional journey. Even though Kiram's concerns are very damn real. The other thing I appreciated about the second volume was the increased complexity in the depiction of the two cultures. Previously it was a bit enlightened versus oppressive. But I thought it was pretty fascinating the way Hale explores the way oppression and restriction and prejudice can still exist within a culture that seems, on the surface, more accepting.
Basically: typically impressive stuff from one just about of the best writers in the genre.
The first book ends on an emotional cliff-hanger so I ploughed straight on with the second - and while this Ginn Fucking Hale, so I loved it and was essentially satisfied by the way things played out, I was slightly disappointed at the distance travelled between the first book (which is at least 50% a school story) and this one, which has a much broader scope.
Also I felt the Big Break between the lovers that concludes the first volume was resolved in a slightly by-the-numbers way - which made it feel like structure-necessitated tension, rather than an organic part of their emotional journey. Even though Kiram's concerns are very damn real. The other thing I appreciated about the second volume was the increased complexity in the depiction of the two cultures. Previously it was a bit enlightened versus oppressive. But I thought it was pretty fascinating the way Hale explores the way oppression and restriction and prejudice can still exist within a culture that seems, on the surface, more accepting.
Basically: typically impressive stuff from one just about of the best writers in the genre.
January 9, 2025
Re-read. This was a lovely comfort read for me (despite the body count), it’s been many years since I first read it (published 2010) and it was so nice to be back in this very well developed fantasy world. Brilliant audio narration too.
I feel like this book deserves way more words about it, highlighting all the good things, so hopefully I’ll feel inspired to come back and add to this review.
I feel like this book deserves way more words about it, highlighting all the good things, so hopefully I’ll feel inspired to come back and add to this review.
March 1, 2021
4.5
Now this is the book I couldn't quite stop reading and that didn't change even the 2nd time. There is more magic, more action, more danger but also stolen kisses, subtle courting and a lot of character development. The world creation is getting even richer and more supporting characters come into play and most of them get their own character without taking the focus of the MCs or making the story confusing.
Slowly Hale picks up all the loose endings and brings them to a logical conclusion. It's a delight to see Kiram and Javier grow, individually as well as together. At the end there is no doubt at all that they are meant to stays together and that their feelings are no teenage delusion. I might have gotten some damp eyes before the story got to its perfect ending but what better way to leave a book … and I won't lament about missing an epilog like I did on the first review. If I remember it correctly I loved the second duology even better and maybe/ hopefully I'll meet Kiram and Javier again someday – there's still the Kingdom of Yuan to explore and I'm sure I'll be one of the first to follow them into a new adventure.
============
Rating first read: 4
Actually there is no book 1 and book 2 of Lord of the White Hell. There is only one split in two. If you like fantasy and romance - and I don't mean romantic fantasy or fantasy romance - then you have to read both. This is your story if you're looking for a familiar world building that is still rich enough to enjoy exploring its details, if you don't care about an epic tale but still need a complex adventure, if you appreciate a bit of darkness but no despair, if you enjoy slow burn with moderate steam where it's necessary, if you don't mind a certain level of angst but don't want the relationship focusing on simple communication issues, if you like your main characters making those errors new adult are supposed to make and if you want a little mystery about who's the enemy but need him to be devious until the very end.
Of course the addition of magical curses, steadfast friendships, family dynamics and unobtrusive philosophy doesn't harm either. The only thing I really, really miss: an epilogue because although it has a HEA with a good timing I need a little bit more comfort.
Now this is the book I couldn't quite stop reading and that didn't change even the 2nd time. There is more magic, more action, more danger but also stolen kisses, subtle courting and a lot of character development. The world creation is getting even richer and more supporting characters come into play and most of them get their own character without taking the focus of the MCs or making the story confusing.
Slowly Hale picks up all the loose endings and brings them to a logical conclusion. It's a delight to see Kiram and Javier grow, individually as well as together. At the end there is no doubt at all that they are meant to stays together and that their feelings are no teenage delusion. I might have gotten some damp eyes before the story got to its perfect ending but what better way to leave a book … and I won't lament about missing an epilog like I did on the first review. If I remember it correctly I loved the second duology even better and maybe/ hopefully I'll meet Kiram and Javier again someday – there's still the Kingdom of Yuan to explore and I'm sure I'll be one of the first to follow them into a new adventure.
============
Rating first read: 4
Actually there is no book 1 and book 2 of Lord of the White Hell. There is only one split in two. If you like fantasy and romance - and I don't mean romantic fantasy or fantasy romance - then you have to read both. This is your story if you're looking for a familiar world building that is still rich enough to enjoy exploring its details, if you don't care about an epic tale but still need a complex adventure, if you appreciate a bit of darkness but no despair, if you enjoy slow burn with moderate steam where it's necessary, if you don't mind a certain level of angst but don't want the relationship focusing on simple communication issues, if you like your main characters making those errors new adult are supposed to make and if you want a little mystery about who's the enemy but need him to be devious until the very end.
Of course the addition of magical curses, steadfast friendships, family dynamics and unobtrusive philosophy doesn't harm either. The only thing I really, really miss: an epilogue because although it has a HEA with a good timing I need a little bit more comfort.
May 15, 2025
Update: I have awoken and genuinely have zero memory of writing this review. 🧍♀️ However I stand with everything this Other Me has said. A+ book no notes
----
I read the last 60% of this book in one go. I should have slept three hours ago but I simply could not put it down. Javier is staying in my pocket. Nestor made me cry. I want to rattle Kiram around and chew on him like he’s made of ice. I am tired. I am sleep deprived. I am content. I described the characters to my friend and she said “I don’t even have to ask who you like, Javier is your type”. I’m going to stuff him into my mouth. Im gonna tie him onto a string and fling him around like a yoyo. I’m going to abandon all obligations tomorrow and move on to the next book. Goodnight.
----
I read the last 60% of this book in one go. I should have slept three hours ago but I simply could not put it down. Javier is staying in my pocket. Nestor made me cry. I want to rattle Kiram around and chew on him like he’s made of ice. I am tired. I am sleep deprived. I am content. I described the characters to my friend and she said “I don’t even have to ask who you like, Javier is your type”. I’m going to stuff him into my mouth. Im gonna tie him onto a string and fling him around like a yoyo. I’m going to abandon all obligations tomorrow and move on to the next book. Goodnight.
August 18, 2014
This is an amazing second installment and I am once again in awe of Ginn Hale's incredible talent. There was a very satisfying ending and it's good to know that more books are planned in this series.
February 24, 2013
4.5 stars
I enjoyed Book One well enough, but I loved Book Two!
The things that annoyed me about the first one were largely missing in this book - it was still overly descriptive in places, but the story never once lagged. It was action-packed, interesting, and even hilarious at times.
I wasn't a huge fan of Javier in Book One - his arrogance grated on my nerves, even if Kiram did find it charming. But in this book, I saw him grow as a person, and I admit that him didn't occur to me to solve the problem of the two of them finding a way to make a relationship work, mostly because . So by the end, I was won over.
There are just so many absolutely wonderful, endearing characters - Not only do I love both MCs, but I love Kiram's uncle Rafie and his partner, Alizadeh. I love Kiram's BFF, Nestor, and even Elezar (Nestor's older brother, and Javier's BFF) I liked, even though I pitied him at times. Scholar Blasio, and Fedeles. All of them just delightful.
There were times when things got a little predictable, like when , but it didn't keep me from enjoying it.
Favorite scenes:
Apparently, Ginn Hale is writing a 3rd one, so... yay! Looking forward to the continuation of Kiram and Javier's adventures, and more time with all of these great characters I've grown to love. :-)
P.S. Thanks for the loan, Sans!
I enjoyed Book One well enough, but I loved Book Two!
The things that annoyed me about the first one were largely missing in this book - it was still overly descriptive in places, but the story never once lagged. It was action-packed, interesting, and even hilarious at times.
I wasn't a huge fan of Javier in Book One - his arrogance grated on my nerves, even if Kiram did find it charming. But in this book, I saw him grow as a person, and I admit that him didn't occur to me to solve the problem of the two of them finding a way to make a relationship work, mostly because . So by the end, I was won over.
There are just so many absolutely wonderful, endearing characters - Not only do I love both MCs, but I love Kiram's uncle Rafie and his partner, Alizadeh. I love Kiram's BFF, Nestor, and even Elezar (Nestor's older brother, and Javier's BFF) I liked, even though I pitied him at times. Scholar Blasio, and Fedeles. All of them just delightful.
There were times when things got a little predictable, like when , but it didn't keep me from enjoying it.
Favorite scenes:
Apparently, Ginn Hale is writing a 3rd one, so... yay! Looking forward to the continuation of Kiram and Javier's adventures, and more time with all of these great characters I've grown to love. :-)
P.S. Thanks for the loan, Sans!
February 15, 2024
Enjoyable sequel and much like the first, I flew through it! I continued to enjoy the world building here, but unlike the first book this one takes place almost entirely outside of the school on summer break. I did find myself missing the boarding school vibes, but understand the choice. I felt it frustrating that the ending issue of the previous book is essentially never brought up again or ever resolved in any satisfactory way--it felt like an odd choice given what an intense and clearly significant impression it had made for there to be zero conversation or ever circling back once Kiram decides to get back with Javier. I also found Javier's character to be almost *too* different in this one. Whereas in the first book he verges into too much of an actual asshole, here he sometimes felt a little too soft and we hardly ever see the asshole side of him in a way that just didn't feel super consistent or cohesive for me in terms of his overall characterization arc throughout the duology.
Still I did very much enjoy on the whole. Kiram continues to be lovely, and I enjoyed his development here. The world building is fascinating, and the ending was satisfying. Looking forward to reading more in this universe!
Still I did very much enjoy on the whole. Kiram continues to be lovely, and I enjoyed his development here. The world building is fascinating, and the ending was satisfying. Looking forward to reading more in this universe!
November 17, 2020
Individually there were a lot of things I didn't like about this book. Starting with Kiram's behavior and some of his decisions. There's no doubt this is a romance-driven fantasy and not the other way around. Kiram is very much in love and we see that in his every move. It was a bit too much for me. Who knew I'd prefer less romance and more action. How the times change, huh?!
And then there were scenes that should've make me love and care for these characters more, however they did nothing but annoy me. Those scenes were supposed to make more conflict and should've been emotionally charged, but they were far too short and were resolved too quickly to achieve either of those things, and as a result it felt like these quick derails were just there to make the book longer.
The ending.... sigh... too rushed and for how long I waited for the big bang.... well the bang was missing.
Strangely enough I come to like Javier, after the way he left things in the first book. Though I would have liked more resistance from Kiram that's for sure. Tsk.
Overall I still had a positive experience. I wonder if we will see Javier and Kiram in the next books. I hope so.
And then there were scenes that should've make me love and care for these characters more, however they did nothing but annoy me. Those scenes were supposed to make more conflict and should've been emotionally charged, but they were far too short and were resolved too quickly to achieve either of those things, and as a result it felt like these quick derails were just there to make the book longer.
The ending.... sigh... too rushed and for how long I waited for the big bang.... well the bang was missing.
Strangely enough I come to like Javier, after the way he left things in the first book. Though I would have liked more resistance from Kiram that's for sure. Tsk.
Overall I still had a positive experience. I wonder if we will see Javier and Kiram in the next books. I hope so.
Want to read
December 11, 2015Thank you, Secret Santa!!! *happy dance*
May 22, 2018
Short review: I don’t know how I feel about this book so I’m settling for three stars for now. While I grew to love the characters, main and side, I felt the plot lacked the action and mystery of a good fantasy. On top of the lack of action this book was way too slow. Nothing happened until the last 80%. Everything that did eventually happen felt rushed and the ending left me with even more answers. Despite this I’m still giving Elezar’s companion sequels a shot for two reasons:
1. I already bought them because I’m a compulsive book buyer!
2. It’s set five years into the future so the MCs are older and well I’m curious about all those answers I need! Let’s hope it’s better.
Overall I can’t say I loved this two part story. I enjoyed parts and I cared for the main characters but the lack of entertainment and action spoiled the book for me. Kiram was a fun MC but this story defiantly would have worked better with multiple povs!
1. I already bought them because I’m a compulsive book buyer!
2. It’s set five years into the future so the MCs are older and well I’m curious about all those answers I need! Let’s hope it’s better.
Overall I can’t say I loved this two part story. I enjoyed parts and I cared for the main characters but the lack of entertainment and action spoiled the book for me. Kiram was a fun MC but this story defiantly would have worked better with multiple povs!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
I can’t believe it’s ended! I loved it and want more of it!!
I don’t know what to say about it. I loved the characters. There were many, many of them and I typically don’t remember much of them because they’re too many but I do remember the characters here and even who they actually are, not just knowing their names and such.
Javier and Kiram were very likeable. Even during times when they were their own crises of faiths. I like how the magical aspect turned out because it’s given it that much more potential. I also love the side characters! I especially adore Fedeles. Wish we had more of him coherent. But alas, that’s not part of the storyline.
I love this series and want so much more!!
I don’t know what to say about it. I loved the characters. There were many, many of them and I typically don’t remember much of them because they’re too many but I do remember the characters here and even who they actually are, not just knowing their names and such.
Javier and Kiram were very likeable. Even during times when they were their own crises of faiths. I like how the magical aspect turned out because it’s given it that much more potential. I also love the side characters! I especially adore Fedeles. Wish we had more of him coherent. But alas, that’s not part of the storyline.
I love this series and want so much more!!
January 11, 2022
The 2nd book of White Hell duology has the right balance of romance and action. I was not surprised by the unfolding of the mystery as I had already guessed it by the end of book 1. But, I liked the adventure of these 4 boys.
I would get back to the rest of this series when I have time to read the ebooks.
I would get back to the rest of this series when I have time to read the ebooks.
October 3, 2015
What can I say, Lord of the White Hell has it all, stellar world building, a marvelous plot, young adults who behave like adults, curses, horses, culture clash and romance.
Perfect
Perfect
August 18, 2010
Lord of the White Hell is a 700 pg epic fantasy story filled with romance, danger, legend, lore, action, clashing religion, and the theme of following your heart. Thankfully this incredible story is broken up into two books so as not to scare readers but book two picks up exactly where book one left off. In fact I even went back and read the last few pages of book one so I’d know where book two was starting. So be sure to read the prior book (which you definitely should anyway!).
Book Two starts with Kiram heading back to school with mixed feelings. He realizes he’s in love with Javier but he’s not going to settle for a relationship with a man that’s secret, hidden, and eventually will be tossed aside for a wife and marriage. Kiram’s culture celebrates two men together and he’s not willing to give that up so he attempts to set aside his feelings for Javier and focus on his machine and schooling. Of course romance isn’t the only issue for these young men as the shadow curse within Fedeles is getting worse and Javier’s white hell may be both the cure and their destruction.
Once again Hale has delivered a fantasy masterpiece that is well written, compelling and so engaging you don’t want it to end. The complex fantasy setting crafted in the first book is continued here but since the majority of the world building has been done, the plot moves on to focus on the search for a cure and the romance between Kiram and Javier. Book Two focuses less on the complicated and intricate fantasy world and instead ramps up the action and adventure aspect. Here Kiram again as the third person narrator is racing to finish his mechanism, confident that it’ll cure Fedeles and free Javier from the family curse. The two young men also give into their attraction and thus there is more romance but no explicit sex.
The overall plot stretching through both books is simply stunning. It’s intricate, complicated, original, and quite absorbing. There are a few (very) minor stumbles where the pace slows or the level of detail gets too minute but really these are almost not worth mentioning. Instead the rich fantasy world depicted and meaty plot will capture your attention and never let it go. The great writing and prose choice helps offer descriptions and complex explanations without ever feeling like being lectured or overwhelmed with information. The skillful weaving of dialogue, action, romance, description, and characters comes to deliver one of the best fantasy stories I’ve read.
The characters are well crafted and incredibly fascinating. Usually reviews will talk about well developed characters and this is true here but one of the best things about this two book story is that each one is really eye catching. Not only are the main characters of Javier and Kiram fun and absorbing to read but when secondary characters drift in and out of scenes, I actually want more of them as well. For example Fedeles is simply wonderful. He’s technically a prop as he’s the vessel for the shadow curse and controlled by someone else but his development is subtle and nuanced so he shines on his own despite this. I actually wished there had been more of him in the second half. Additionally Kiram’s family bursts onto the scene and practically steals the focus while Javier and Kiram’s friends each offer something to draw your eye and engage your interest. This cast is essential to the rich feeling of the story, filled with not only world building but a network of characters with complicated, messy relationships but filled with emotion.
Surprisingly the pages seem to fly by with a good pace and consistent mixture. At 350 pages each (in fact I could have read books one and two back to back) I didn’t want it to end and really couldn’t put it down. The ending is satisfying and full, though slightly too quick. After a considerable build up, the final revelations of the evil villain and resolution seem too short. Perhaps that’s just because I didn’t want the story to ever end and there is a pretty solid ending for everyone involved. The only other minor quibble I have about the ending is that it’s a little too easy for the important players. This isn’t bad per se and I didn’t mind it while reading but when I think about it now I realize the young men got off a little easy, considering everything.
But really the few minor issues I have are just that, minor. Instead I can happily say this is a truly stunning and compelling story that sucks you in from the beginning. Book one is pretty heavy fantasy based and goes into a ton of world building detail – almost too much – that may not always suit fans who don’t love the genre as much as I do. However Book two definitely picks up with more action, romance, true love, miracles, and happy endings. The entire story is the best of the both worlds when put together and delivers a fabulous epic. This is definitely and easily two books I’ll read again and has put Hale on my must buy author list. Her incredible writing is something to experience and I’d put this story up against any “mainstream” fantasy story easily.
If you haven’t ordered this two book story – do so now!
Book Two starts with Kiram heading back to school with mixed feelings. He realizes he’s in love with Javier but he’s not going to settle for a relationship with a man that’s secret, hidden, and eventually will be tossed aside for a wife and marriage. Kiram’s culture celebrates two men together and he’s not willing to give that up so he attempts to set aside his feelings for Javier and focus on his machine and schooling. Of course romance isn’t the only issue for these young men as the shadow curse within Fedeles is getting worse and Javier’s white hell may be both the cure and their destruction.
Once again Hale has delivered a fantasy masterpiece that is well written, compelling and so engaging you don’t want it to end. The complex fantasy setting crafted in the first book is continued here but since the majority of the world building has been done, the plot moves on to focus on the search for a cure and the romance between Kiram and Javier. Book Two focuses less on the complicated and intricate fantasy world and instead ramps up the action and adventure aspect. Here Kiram again as the third person narrator is racing to finish his mechanism, confident that it’ll cure Fedeles and free Javier from the family curse. The two young men also give into their attraction and thus there is more romance but no explicit sex.
The overall plot stretching through both books is simply stunning. It’s intricate, complicated, original, and quite absorbing. There are a few (very) minor stumbles where the pace slows or the level of detail gets too minute but really these are almost not worth mentioning. Instead the rich fantasy world depicted and meaty plot will capture your attention and never let it go. The great writing and prose choice helps offer descriptions and complex explanations without ever feeling like being lectured or overwhelmed with information. The skillful weaving of dialogue, action, romance, description, and characters comes to deliver one of the best fantasy stories I’ve read.
The characters are well crafted and incredibly fascinating. Usually reviews will talk about well developed characters and this is true here but one of the best things about this two book story is that each one is really eye catching. Not only are the main characters of Javier and Kiram fun and absorbing to read but when secondary characters drift in and out of scenes, I actually want more of them as well. For example Fedeles is simply wonderful. He’s technically a prop as he’s the vessel for the shadow curse and controlled by someone else but his development is subtle and nuanced so he shines on his own despite this. I actually wished there had been more of him in the second half. Additionally Kiram’s family bursts onto the scene and practically steals the focus while Javier and Kiram’s friends each offer something to draw your eye and engage your interest. This cast is essential to the rich feeling of the story, filled with not only world building but a network of characters with complicated, messy relationships but filled with emotion.
Surprisingly the pages seem to fly by with a good pace and consistent mixture. At 350 pages each (in fact I could have read books one and two back to back) I didn’t want it to end and really couldn’t put it down. The ending is satisfying and full, though slightly too quick. After a considerable build up, the final revelations of the evil villain and resolution seem too short. Perhaps that’s just because I didn’t want the story to ever end and there is a pretty solid ending for everyone involved. The only other minor quibble I have about the ending is that it’s a little too easy for the important players. This isn’t bad per se and I didn’t mind it while reading but when I think about it now I realize the young men got off a little easy, considering everything.
But really the few minor issues I have are just that, minor. Instead I can happily say this is a truly stunning and compelling story that sucks you in from the beginning. Book one is pretty heavy fantasy based and goes into a ton of world building detail – almost too much – that may not always suit fans who don’t love the genre as much as I do. However Book two definitely picks up with more action, romance, true love, miracles, and happy endings. The entire story is the best of the both worlds when put together and delivers a fabulous epic. This is definitely and easily two books I’ll read again and has put Hale on my must buy author list. Her incredible writing is something to experience and I’d put this story up against any “mainstream” fantasy story easily.
If you haven’t ordered this two book story – do so now!
September 20, 2019
I'm completely in love with this fictional world and these amazing characters!
Being a Romance addict, I can't believe that the adventure, plot and secondary themes captivated me as much as the Main Couple chemistry and love-development.
I must know more about Javier and Kilam! And Fedeles... And Elezar!!!! And lovely Nestor!
There is so much going on in these pages and off them! So many answers in this second book! But also so many new questions! I just need to read more about every character here!.
This author left me speechless... So good to know she has so many books :)
Being a Romance addict, I can't believe that the adventure, plot and secondary themes captivated me as much as the Main Couple chemistry and love-development.
I must know more about Javier and Kilam! And Fedeles... And Elezar!!!! And lovely Nestor!
There is so much going on in these pages and off them! So many answers in this second book! But also so many new questions! I just need to read more about every character here!.
This author left me speechless... So good to know she has so many books :)
August 4, 2019
Liked it a lot, didn't quite love it. Not sure it was worth 700 pages to get to the bittersweet ending . Proud, tormented heroes aren't really my catnip, but Javier redeems himself from a fair amount of asshole behavior in part 1, and Kiram is just wonderful from start to finish. The relationships between the Hellions are some of the best parts of the book, and I appreciated especially how Kiram and Nestor are finally able to tell each other how much their friendship means (in an appropriately male way of course).
Some of the plotting seemed odd - I wish we had seen Javier's training with Alizadeh, and the abrupt way that Kiram learns the identity of the bad guy felt like a cop out - but the exploration of the different cultures and belief systems was fascinating.
Not sure I am ready to jump into the next two books (Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book One) because they are a significant time investment, but I'll keep them on a list of books I would like to read on vacation.
Some of the plotting seemed odd - I wish we had seen Javier's training with Alizadeh, and the abrupt way that Kiram learns the identity of the bad guy felt like a cop out - but the exploration of the different cultures and belief systems was fascinating.
Not sure I am ready to jump into the next two books (Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book One) because they are a significant time investment, but I'll keep them on a list of books I would like to read on vacation.
August 12, 2011
4 stars because of the ending. I feel it was a bit abrupt with just the main conflict resolved. It left me with many questions, and feeling a bit cheated, as I had hoped for a solid conclusion for everything (and everyone). There wasn't one. I hope it is because because the author has plans for a third book, however. If not, that's a pity.
This was still a great book, a lot of fun to read. I couldn't put it down, because I just had to know how it ends. The main 'villain' didn't come as a surprise, but it was still interesting to see how things played out. I think most of all, I loved the characterization in this book, as well as the world the author created. Even the secondary characters are very different and interesting, I wouldn't mind reading their own stories.
Though I admit, at times I felt the events described weren't very important (like their trips to markets while Javier studied, for example). I wanted to scroll to more exciting parts. I would've rather read about Javier's training, and what it entailed, than these markets excursions that didn't really add anything and felt like filler.
Well, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy stories and long books.
I really hope there'll be a third book.
This was still a great book, a lot of fun to read. I couldn't put it down, because I just had to know how it ends. The main 'villain' didn't come as a surprise, but it was still interesting to see how things played out. I think most of all, I loved the characterization in this book, as well as the world the author created. Even the secondary characters are very different and interesting, I wouldn't mind reading their own stories.
Though I admit, at times I felt the events described weren't very important (like their trips to markets while Javier studied, for example). I wanted to scroll to more exciting parts. I would've rather read about Javier's training, and what it entailed, than these markets excursions that didn't really add anything and felt like filler.
Well, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy stories and long books.
I really hope there'll be a third book.
July 25, 2013
I was hoping for so much more from this book. The setting was strong, and Kiram started out as a great character. The plot was a little predictable (or rather, those were some pretty heavy handed hints) but it was still interesting.
I'm sad to say the "romance" actually killed this one for me. I thought the interactions between Javier and Kiram were immature and at times unhealthy. At no point did I feel like I was reading about their love and its ability to triumph. Instead it felt like clingy obsessive teenage boy meets repressed gay boy and they have lots of sex while ba stuff happens. Disappointing.
And yet, this underdeveloped relationship topped all other plot points in the end. Every other character is suddenly ignored. We learn nothing more about fedeles. We learn nothing about Genimo or how Elezar and Javier reacted to his betrayal. We learn nothing about how Blasio is coping. Kiram's uncles, his family, all of that is dropped. There were so many interesting things to explore, and it was all left hanging.
A third book would definitely wrap up a lot for this story, and I'd definitely read one if it were proffered.
I'm sad to say the "romance" actually killed this one for me. I thought the interactions between Javier and Kiram were immature and at times unhealthy. At no point did I feel like I was reading about their love and its ability to triumph. Instead it felt like clingy obsessive teenage boy meets repressed gay boy and they have lots of sex while ba stuff happens. Disappointing.
And yet, this underdeveloped relationship topped all other plot points in the end. Every other character is suddenly ignored. We learn nothing more about fedeles. We learn nothing about Genimo or how Elezar and Javier reacted to his betrayal. We learn nothing about how Blasio is coping. Kiram's uncles, his family, all of that is dropped. There were so many interesting things to explore, and it was all left hanging.
A third book would definitely wrap up a lot for this story, and I'd definitely read one if it were proffered.
August 3, 2016
*3.5*
Exciting, although it dragged a bit in some sections. I wish there would have been some Javier POV as well, since he would have been the classical Fantasy book main character, with what he goes through as a person. Kiram bored me slightly in this second part, since what made him interesting in part 1 (the fish out of water, young mechanical genius) was not really happening here.
I also felt like there were things happening that I would like to have read in "real time", instead of finding out it has already happened through a comment from one of the characters .
Exciting, although it dragged a bit in some sections. I wish there would have been some Javier POV as well, since he would have been the classical Fantasy book main character, with what he goes through as a person. Kiram bored me slightly in this second part, since what made him interesting in part 1 (the fish out of water, young mechanical genius) was not really happening here.
I also felt like there were things happening that I would like to have read in "real time", instead of finding out it has already happened through a comment from one of the characters .
April 11, 2021
This was just as good as the first book except I was glad to get know more about where Kiram came from and the dichotomy of his and Javier's cultures. Although there was more freedom in Kiram's culture, there were still expectations that he was supposed to live up to that he realized that he wouldn't be able to after falling for Javier and wanting to help him.
The story was excellent all the way through and I am glad there were no unnecessary tragedies that I was possibly expecting. It was wonderful to see their relationship develop especially after Javier witnessed what is was like to be able to love freely.
I truly enjoyed this narrator and wish he did more MM books because his voice is husky and smooth like he just woke up & it is very pleasing (if you know what I mean, nudge-nudge wink-wink.)
I will definitely be read the next books in the series, but I am sad they are not on audiobook.
The story was excellent all the way through and I am glad there were no unnecessary tragedies that I was possibly expecting. It was wonderful to see their relationship develop especially after Javier witnessed what is was like to be able to love freely.
I truly enjoyed this narrator and wish he did more MM books because his voice is husky and smooth like he just woke up & it is very pleasing (if you know what I mean, nudge-nudge wink-wink.)
I will definitely be read the next books in the series, but I am sad they are not on audiobook.
June 4, 2016
An excellent book 2 from Ginn Hale. Kiram returns home to Anacleto and the adventure continues. Javier strives to gain greater control of the white hell or 'shajdi' inside him. Seems as if a book 3 should be in the pipe-line.
"All life is sacred. Whether it takes the shape of a moth, a man, or a great oak, every life is precious and part of a greater whole, because no matter how different our physical bodies, all our souls arise from and return to the same divine union of the shajdi."
"All life is sacred. Whether it takes the shape of a moth, a man, or a great oak, every life is precious and part of a greater whole, because no matter how different our physical bodies, all our souls arise from and return to the same divine union of the shajdi."
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