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Saga of the Forgotten Warrior #2
House of Assassins
Larry Correia's best-selling epic fantasy series, Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, continues.
Ashok Vadal was once a member of the highest caste in all of Lok. As a Protector, he devoted his life to upholding the Law, rooting out those who still practiced the old ways and delivering swift justice with his ancestor blade Angruvadal. None was more merciless than he in stamping out the lingering belief in gods and demons among the casteless. His brutality was legendary and celebrated.
But soon Ashok learned that his life to that point had been a lie. He himself, senior member of the Protector Order, was casteless. He had been nothing more than an unwitting pawn in a political game. His world turned upside down, and finding himself on the wrong side of the Law, he began a campaign of rebellion, war, and destruction unlike any Lok had ever seen.
Thera had been first daughter of Vane. A member of the Warrior Order, she had spent her life training for combat. Until a strange sight in the heavens appeared one day. Thera was struck by lighting, and from that day forward, she heard the Voice. A reluctant prophet with the power to see into the future, she fought alongside Ashok Vadal and his company of men known as the Sons of the Black Sword, until a shape-shifting wizard with designs on her powers of precognition spirited her away. He holds her prisoner in the House of Assassins.
Ashok Vadal and the Sons of the Black Sword march to rescue Thera. With his sword Angruvadal, Ashok was unstoppable. But Angruvadal is gone, shattered to pieces on the demon-possessed husk of a warrior. Now, Ashok must fight without the aid of the magic blade for the first time. Thera's life depends on it. But there is much more at risk in the continent of Lok. Strange forces are working behind the scenes.
Ashok Vadal and the Sons of the Black Sword are caught up in a game they do not fully understand, with powerful forces allied against them. Ashok no longer knows what to believe. He is beginning to think perhaps the gods really do exist. If so, he's warned them to stay out of his way. They would do well to listen.
Length: 16 hours and 40 minutes
Ashok Vadal was once a member of the highest caste in all of Lok. As a Protector, he devoted his life to upholding the Law, rooting out those who still practiced the old ways and delivering swift justice with his ancestor blade Angruvadal. None was more merciless than he in stamping out the lingering belief in gods and demons among the casteless. His brutality was legendary and celebrated.
But soon Ashok learned that his life to that point had been a lie. He himself, senior member of the Protector Order, was casteless. He had been nothing more than an unwitting pawn in a political game. His world turned upside down, and finding himself on the wrong side of the Law, he began a campaign of rebellion, war, and destruction unlike any Lok had ever seen.
Thera had been first daughter of Vane. A member of the Warrior Order, she had spent her life training for combat. Until a strange sight in the heavens appeared one day. Thera was struck by lighting, and from that day forward, she heard the Voice. A reluctant prophet with the power to see into the future, she fought alongside Ashok Vadal and his company of men known as the Sons of the Black Sword, until a shape-shifting wizard with designs on her powers of precognition spirited her away. He holds her prisoner in the House of Assassins.
Ashok Vadal and the Sons of the Black Sword march to rescue Thera. With his sword Angruvadal, Ashok was unstoppable. But Angruvadal is gone, shattered to pieces on the demon-possessed husk of a warrior. Now, Ashok must fight without the aid of the magic blade for the first time. Thera's life depends on it. But there is much more at risk in the continent of Lok. Strange forces are working behind the scenes.
Ashok Vadal and the Sons of the Black Sword are caught up in a game they do not fully understand, with powerful forces allied against them. Ashok no longer knows what to believe. He is beginning to think perhaps the gods really do exist. If so, he's warned them to stay out of his way. They would do well to listen.
Length: 16 hours and 40 minutes
17 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 1, 2019
About the author
Larry Correia
121 books4,500 followersLarry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
August 16, 2024
Watch my video review by clicking here.
A wonderful follow up in one of the most underrated epic fantasy series currently being written. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
A wonderful follow up in one of the most underrated epic fantasy series currently being written. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
February 23, 2025
4.25/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟 💫 stars!
In "House of Assassins" by Larry Correia, the story picks up where we left it in the Son of the black sword. Ashok Vadal, a high caste Protector, upheld the Law with his sentient blade, Angruvadal. But Ashok's world turned upside down when he learned about his true place in their society, becoming a pawn in a grand scheme. Now, he fights against the very system he once served.
In this installment, Correia takes us deeper into Thera’s story, and we learn about her motivations and character. Thera, a prophet with the power to see beyond the present, is held captive by a wizard, and Ashok, along with the Sons of the Black Sword, marches through the land of Lok to rescue her.
Lok is cold and full of strife, and rich in lore and danger. Without his magic blade, Ashok must rely on his skill and determination. Ashok's quest takes him through ice and war. Each step felt like a test, each foe a trial. The bonds he makes are strong, each one a thread in his fate. The unraveling of Ashok’s inner strife with himself, his guilt and dilemma, is fun to watch.
Something has to be said about the action scenes that are just awesome. I visualized everything like I was watching a movie.
The Indian inspiration was kind in your face. The names of people and places, the ancient words, the people’s clothing and mannerisms, the excesses and exigencies of the caste system, the world building, were all obviously Indian. That said, Correia makes it work.
An immensely entertaining read.
In "House of Assassins" by Larry Correia, the story picks up where we left it in the Son of the black sword. Ashok Vadal, a high caste Protector, upheld the Law with his sentient blade, Angruvadal. But Ashok's world turned upside down when he learned about his true place in their society, becoming a pawn in a grand scheme. Now, he fights against the very system he once served.
In this installment, Correia takes us deeper into Thera’s story, and we learn about her motivations and character. Thera, a prophet with the power to see beyond the present, is held captive by a wizard, and Ashok, along with the Sons of the Black Sword, marches through the land of Lok to rescue her.
Lok is cold and full of strife, and rich in lore and danger. Without his magic blade, Ashok must rely on his skill and determination. Ashok's quest takes him through ice and war. Each step felt like a test, each foe a trial. The bonds he makes are strong, each one a thread in his fate. The unraveling of Ashok’s inner strife with himself, his guilt and dilemma, is fun to watch.
Something has to be said about the action scenes that are just awesome. I visualized everything like I was watching a movie.
The Indian inspiration was kind in your face. The names of people and places, the ancient words, the people’s clothing and mannerisms, the excesses and exigencies of the caste system, the world building, were all obviously Indian. That said, Correia makes it work.
An immensely entertaining read.
November 2, 2018
Amazing. I am so impressed with the creativity and the character/world building in this trilogy.
I loved the first book, Son of the Black Sword, but I had little clue of what to expect from this installment. Well, it took off like gang-busters and kept me thinking about it throughout the reading as well as long afterward. I got the eARC months in advance of the release and it drove me crazy with speculations until more people could read it. Now I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.
When last we saw poor Ashok, he and a cobbled together group were headed out to find their prophet. The most effective of them (including our main protagonist) don't seem to actually believe this prophet is a prophet, but Ashok is bound and must complete his mission. This is a fascinating and well-rendered trope and I love how Correia pulls it off.
There are multiple POVs, as there are in most epic fantasy. Some characters are incredibly odious while others are perplexing. Some are funny (Correia is great at injecting humor into dialogue) and some are poignant. He takes you through all the emotions and back again.
I love this series. It's everything I want in an epic fantasy and more. The audio-book is particularly good as well.
ETA: I read recently that there are actually going to be 4 or 5 books in this series. I thought it was a trilogy so WOOHOOT! Although I can't wait for the conclusion, I am totally fine with more books on the way there.
I loved the first book, Son of the Black Sword, but I had little clue of what to expect from this installment. Well, it took off like gang-busters and kept me thinking about it throughout the reading as well as long afterward. I got the eARC months in advance of the release and it drove me crazy with speculations until more people could read it. Now I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.
When last we saw poor Ashok, he and a cobbled together group were headed out to find their prophet. The most effective of them (including our main protagonist) don't seem to actually believe this prophet is a prophet, but Ashok is bound and must complete his mission. This is a fascinating and well-rendered trope and I love how Correia pulls it off.
There are multiple POVs, as there are in most epic fantasy. Some characters are incredibly odious while others are perplexing. Some are funny (Correia is great at injecting humor into dialogue) and some are poignant. He takes you through all the emotions and back again.
I love this series. It's everything I want in an epic fantasy and more. The audio-book is particularly good as well.
ETA: I read recently that there are actually going to be 4 or 5 books in this series. I thought it was a trilogy so WOOHOOT! Although I can't wait for the conclusion, I am totally fine with more books on the way there.
March 27, 2025
So fun, badass, and metal. Exceeded expectations.
December 23, 2019
Ahoy there mateys! Though the first mate and I have very different reading tastes, occasionally we do recommend books to each other. Books the first mate introduced to me included xom-b, holes, and the perks of being a wallflower. He and I both read the following:
house of assassins (Larry Correia)
We listened to and talked about the book and I enjoyed his viewpoint so Iordered asked him to write a review. So you get one from me and a bonus additional review from me crew. Please note that I write like I talk and the first mate writes like he thinks. Hope you enjoy!
Side note: While I try to post no spoilers, this be a review of book two so read at yer own peril . . .
From the Captain:
This series was a recommendation by me First Mate. I loved book one back in 2016 and was excited for the next one. I read the paper version of book one. The First Mate listened to both books on audio book and was enthusiastic (to say the least) about the narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds. So before reading book two, I decided to revisit book one on audio. The First Mate and I listened to book one together. He was completely right. On me first read, I called it "A fluff book with a little bit of depth." What the hell was I thinking? The story is fantastic and even better because of the narrator! Plus it was lovely to listen to the book in segments and discuss it with the First Mate. So there was no question about book two - audio book indeed!
And I loved, loved, loved book two. Though it be hard to say which book I enjoyed more. I continue to love Ashok Vadal, Thera, and the Librarian. Though the assassins and bad guy priest were kinda stereotypical to me on first read, the audio books fixed that problem. And book two took them in non-stereotypical directions that I certainly couldn't have anticipated. Gutch continues to be hysterical. Jagdish continues to be an excellent counterpoint to Gutch. Seriously I love these characters!
Plus this book was hopping. The pace seemed blisteringly fast and I would actually shake me fist in rage every time a chapter ended and it was time to stop listening for the night. I had to know what was happening next. That said, the gaps between listening to the book didn't even matter as soon as I heard the voice of Tim Gerard Reynolds. Instantly transported to where I left off. He is a wizard with a magical voice.
While book one was more linear in plot flow, book two did jump around a bit because of the POVs being separated. But I loved it. And the ending! Talk about suspense. I actually think both books ended so very well. The arc of each book was tied up but the last page left a big question that makes the wait for the answer cause almost a physical ache. I need book three. Now. Arrrrrr!
From the First Mate (some book one spoilers):
First of all, if you’re someone who loves audiobooks, or someone who occasionally dabbles in them, or someone who’s been never really taken to them, or someone looking for their first introduction to audiobooks, look no further. Tim Gerard Reynolds narrating Larry Correria’s “Saga of the Forgotten Warrior” may be the best marriage of narrator and material that I’ve ever encountered. Correia is a very good writer, but Reynolds adds so much to the overall work that I wouldn’t even consider enjoying these books in any other way. Reynolds has so many voices, such delightful accents, an utter mastery of timing and inflection, a way of imbuing in the most minor of characters with life that, well, I can’t sing his praises more highly.
“House of Assassins” follows directly from the ending of the first book, tells a self-contained adventure of its own, and progresses the overall narrative of the series. Correria does a fine job of making all of these elements work in their own right. We get a much deeper look into the magic system of the world, more glimpses into the murky history, tons of political intrigue, battles galore, and even a good helping of comedic stylings mostly from Gutch.
Ultimately, this novel seems to be about how our various characters deal with personal loss. Ashok is dealing with the loss of Angruvadal. Sikasso the loss of his arm. Devedas the loss of his brother. We learn what Thera lost and how that drives her. We learn what each does to try to live without something that was integral to their very being.
“House of Assassins” is slightly longer than “Son of the Black Sword” and yet it feels quite a bit shorter. I would have bet vital parts of my anatomy that it was shorter prior to looking it up only to find out that they were practically the same length. Partly this is due to the fact that the narrative simply doesn’t spend as much time with any one character as much as the first book did. Correia has expanded the list of characters to the point that a few of them only appear in a chapter or two. Also because there are so many storylines going on at once, the timescale is considerably compressed when compared to the first novel. We’re with the characters this time for a matter of weeks instead of almost a year.
I finished “Son of the Black Sword” lamenting the fact that Correia didn’t put his own spin on epic fantasy in the same way that he did on Lovecraftian horror with his Monster Hunter books. After this second book, I feel that I was in error. He has certainly put his own spin on it, and at this point I’m looking forward to another novel in this series far more than I am for his other series.
Highest recommendation to fans of epic fantasy.
house of assassins (Larry Correia)
We listened to and talked about the book and I enjoyed his viewpoint so I
Side note: While I try to post no spoilers, this be a review of book two so read at yer own peril . . .
From the Captain:
This series was a recommendation by me First Mate. I loved book one back in 2016 and was excited for the next one. I read the paper version of book one. The First Mate listened to both books on audio book and was enthusiastic (to say the least) about the narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds. So before reading book two, I decided to revisit book one on audio. The First Mate and I listened to book one together. He was completely right. On me first read, I called it "A fluff book with a little bit of depth." What the hell was I thinking? The story is fantastic and even better because of the narrator! Plus it was lovely to listen to the book in segments and discuss it with the First Mate. So there was no question about book two - audio book indeed!
And I loved, loved, loved book two. Though it be hard to say which book I enjoyed more. I continue to love Ashok Vadal, Thera, and the Librarian. Though the assassins and bad guy priest were kinda stereotypical to me on first read, the audio books fixed that problem. And book two took them in non-stereotypical directions that I certainly couldn't have anticipated. Gutch continues to be hysterical. Jagdish continues to be an excellent counterpoint to Gutch. Seriously I love these characters!
Plus this book was hopping. The pace seemed blisteringly fast and I would actually shake me fist in rage every time a chapter ended and it was time to stop listening for the night. I had to know what was happening next. That said, the gaps between listening to the book didn't even matter as soon as I heard the voice of Tim Gerard Reynolds. Instantly transported to where I left off. He is a wizard with a magical voice.
While book one was more linear in plot flow, book two did jump around a bit because of the POVs being separated. But I loved it. And the ending! Talk about suspense. I actually think both books ended so very well. The arc of each book was tied up but the last page left a big question that makes the wait for the answer cause almost a physical ache. I need book three. Now. Arrrrrr!
From the First Mate (some book one spoilers):
First of all, if you’re someone who loves audiobooks, or someone who occasionally dabbles in them, or someone who’s been never really taken to them, or someone looking for their first introduction to audiobooks, look no further. Tim Gerard Reynolds narrating Larry Correria’s “Saga of the Forgotten Warrior” may be the best marriage of narrator and material that I’ve ever encountered. Correia is a very good writer, but Reynolds adds so much to the overall work that I wouldn’t even consider enjoying these books in any other way. Reynolds has so many voices, such delightful accents, an utter mastery of timing and inflection, a way of imbuing in the most minor of characters with life that, well, I can’t sing his praises more highly.
“House of Assassins” follows directly from the ending of the first book, tells a self-contained adventure of its own, and progresses the overall narrative of the series. Correria does a fine job of making all of these elements work in their own right. We get a much deeper look into the magic system of the world, more glimpses into the murky history, tons of political intrigue, battles galore, and even a good helping of comedic stylings mostly from Gutch.
Ultimately, this novel seems to be about how our various characters deal with personal loss. Ashok is dealing with the loss of Angruvadal. Sikasso the loss of his arm. Devedas the loss of his brother. We learn what Thera lost and how that drives her. We learn what each does to try to live without something that was integral to their very being.
“House of Assassins” is slightly longer than “Son of the Black Sword” and yet it feels quite a bit shorter. I would have bet vital parts of my anatomy that it was shorter prior to looking it up only to find out that they were practically the same length. Partly this is due to the fact that the narrative simply doesn’t spend as much time with any one character as much as the first book did. Correia has expanded the list of characters to the point that a few of them only appear in a chapter or two. Also because there are so many storylines going on at once, the timescale is considerably compressed when compared to the first novel. We’re with the characters this time for a matter of weeks instead of almost a year.
I finished “Son of the Black Sword” lamenting the fact that Correia didn’t put his own spin on epic fantasy in the same way that he did on Lovecraftian horror with his Monster Hunter books. After this second book, I feel that I was in error. He has certainly put his own spin on it, and at this point I’m looking forward to another novel in this series far more than I am for his other series.
Highest recommendation to fans of epic fantasy.
March 16, 2020
When I read Son of The Black Sword (book 1 in this series) back in 2016 I was almost blown away. I thought it was awesome and I love the world and the plot twists. However, back then I was really new to the fantasy genre. I hadn't read really anything that wasn't A Song of Ice and Fire. Now having read other series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive I have a bit more to compare House of Assassins to than I did book 1. As a result I didn't like this book nearly as much.
This book has great battles and fighting, but I wanted to get more of the mysteries, backstory, and worldbuilding in book 2 and I don't feel like we got much of that at all. It almost felt like a long side-quest instead of moving the larger plot forward. Also, Ashok really didn't grow much as a character in this book when I thought he would. The back quarter of the book almost put it in 4 star territory, but I kept waiting for a big reveal like in book 1 and it didn't really happen. I'll be reading book 3 when it comes out, but I won't be as excited.
This book has great battles and fighting, but I wanted to get more of the mysteries, backstory, and worldbuilding in book 2 and I don't feel like we got much of that at all. It almost felt like a long side-quest instead of moving the larger plot forward. Also, Ashok really didn't grow much as a character in this book when I thought he would. The back quarter of the book almost put it in 4 star territory, but I kept waiting for a big reveal like in book 1 and it didn't really happen. I'll be reading book 3 when it comes out, but I won't be as excited.
April 4, 2019
4.5 Stars.
A worthy followup to the first book, Correia is a great writer, his characters are well defined and very fun to read, the action scenes are so cool, this will come as no surprise to his MHI series fans.
Ashok is a very complicated man: in this book we see him trying to break (albeit unconsciously) the walls imprisoning his mind and succeeding in causing a few cracks, even deprived of his famous weapon he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Thera's story arc was very appreciated, now we know her background story, her family and what circumstances caused her to become the prophet of the forgotten.
this book lays the foundation for the next big events, Omand's meticulous plans are slowly coming to fruition, will the sons of the black sword raise to the occasion? we'll see I guess, I just hope that the wait won't be in terms of years!!!
A worthy followup to the first book, Correia is a great writer, his characters are well defined and very fun to read, the action scenes are so cool, this will come as no surprise to his MHI series fans.
Ashok is a very complicated man: in this book we see him trying to break (albeit unconsciously) the walls imprisoning his mind and succeeding in causing a few cracks, even deprived of his famous weapon he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Thera's story arc was very appreciated, now we know her background story, her family and what circumstances caused her to become the prophet of the forgotten.
this book lays the foundation for the next big events, Omand's meticulous plans are slowly coming to fruition, will the sons of the black sword raise to the occasion? we'll see I guess, I just hope that the wait won't be in terms of years!!!
July 10, 2025
This series smacks.
April 1, 2019
This is my favorite Correia book so far! I really like the setting he created, his characters and the story are deep and interesting. Just a note, I alternated between reading the hard copy and listening to the audible version. I'm sure there will be at least one more book in the series...can't wait to read it!!
July 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️║A solid second entry—less gripping than book one, but still a bloody good time.
House of Assassins is a bit of a narrative detour, centered around a high-stakes mission that takes the characters off the main path, but it does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to world-building and character development. The stakes escalate, the world expands, and the rebellion starts to feel real.
Ashok is still an absolute badass and the action scenes are just fantastic—fast, brutal, and cinematic. This series continues to feel like epic fantasy for fans of hard-hitting action movies. No slog, no bloat. Just grit, blades, monsters, and gallows humor. Gutch emerges as a personal favorite with his humor, irreverence and resourcefulness.
Correia’s prose is straightforward in the best way: smooth, punchy, and confident. It won’t win awards for elegance, but it knows exactly what kind of story it’s telling and delivers. The villains are a bit cartoonishly evil, but honestly, it works. This is pulpy adventure fantasy, not a slow-burn meditation on moral complexity.
What I love most is how the theme of human worth—regardless of caste or status—continues to drive the heart of the story. It’s not subtle, but it’s effective. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as Son of the Black Sword, but it’s still a damn good read. Book three’s getting cracked open soon.
Saga of the Forgotten Warrior by Larry Correia
Book 1: Son of the Black Sword 4/5
Book 2: House of Assassins 4/5
House of Assassins is a bit of a narrative detour, centered around a high-stakes mission that takes the characters off the main path, but it does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to world-building and character development. The stakes escalate, the world expands, and the rebellion starts to feel real.
Ashok is still an absolute badass and the action scenes are just fantastic—fast, brutal, and cinematic. This series continues to feel like epic fantasy for fans of hard-hitting action movies. No slog, no bloat. Just grit, blades, monsters, and gallows humor. Gutch emerges as a personal favorite with his humor, irreverence and resourcefulness.
Correia’s prose is straightforward in the best way: smooth, punchy, and confident. It won’t win awards for elegance, but it knows exactly what kind of story it’s telling and delivers. The villains are a bit cartoonishly evil, but honestly, it works. This is pulpy adventure fantasy, not a slow-burn meditation on moral complexity.
What I love most is how the theme of human worth—regardless of caste or status—continues to drive the heart of the story. It’s not subtle, but it’s effective. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as Son of the Black Sword, but it’s still a damn good read. Book three’s getting cracked open soon.
Saga of the Forgotten Warrior by Larry Correia
Book 1: Son of the Black Sword 4/5
Book 2: House of Assassins 4/5
February 11, 2019
Never a dull moment! A unique fun, fast paced story. If you think you might remotely be interested in this book don’t wait .. buy it now!
February 26, 2019
Really like this style, simple but elegant.
May 20, 2019
Entertaining read but didn’t like it as much as the first book. Felt like a long side story rather than a tool to further the main plot.
February 15, 2024
I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as Book 1 but holy hell this series is good
April 28, 2019
This is book two of the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series by Larry Correia. I enjoyed book one so much, I quickly snapped up book 2. I like this story and the humor. Some of this is kind of funny. The genre is Epic Fantasy and it has been fun. I haven't read a lot of fantasy until recently and now I just devour it, especially a great series. The characters are wonderful. Ashok, the MC, is solid. He adds nice depth to this journey that he and his little band of 'sons' are on.
The narrator of the audio is one of my faves. Tim Gerard Reynolds does a wonderful job with this type of book. And when the narrator is so good, it just enhances the story for me. I liked the first book a wee bit more, but still 4 stars for this one.
The narrator of the audio is one of my faves. Tim Gerard Reynolds does a wonderful job with this type of book. And when the narrator is so good, it just enhances the story for me. I liked the first book a wee bit more, but still 4 stars for this one.
January 27, 2019
I received a review copy of this book from Edelweiss. This does not affect my rating or opinions.
1. Son of the Black Sword | 🔥🔥🔥
I try not to compare books, especially not to super-popular franchises, but I kept thinking that this is what I'd hoped Game of Thrones would be. (Except that Saga of the Forgotten Warrior has demons instead of dragons, but that's okay.) There's political intrigue, lots of swordfighting, both magic and science, even religion based on old gods.
I actually cared about most of the characters whose POV we follow — including the ones who were introduced early on in this book or late in the previous book. Ashok's single-minded devotion to his oath is challenged frequently and nuanced enough not to be too annoying; Thera is the Warrior my younger self would've loved to emulate; Rada is the antisocial reader and reluctant adventurer my present self identifies with. ("People made her uncomfortable. She much preferred the company of a book" — this is me!)
The rich worldbuilding from the first book continues, and we get to peek at the workings and traditions of the different Orders (not to be confused with castes): Protectors, Inquisitors, Archivists, Historians ... and, outside the system, the House of Assassins. Correia brings us an immersive world without overwhelming the reader, greatly improving on the infodumps that bothered me in the first book.
The plot also manages a balance, between boring and overcomplicated. Though I wasn't really surprised at any point — not even by the big "twists" — and I did skim the fighting scenes because they're quite detailed, there wasn't a dull moment in this adventure.
1. Son of the Black Sword | 🔥🔥🔥
I try not to compare books, especially not to super-popular franchises, but I kept thinking that this is what I'd hoped Game of Thrones would be. (Except that Saga of the Forgotten Warrior has demons instead of dragons, but that's okay.) There's political intrigue, lots of swordfighting, both magic and science, even religion based on old gods.
I actually cared about most of the characters whose POV we follow — including the ones who were introduced early on in this book or late in the previous book. Ashok's single-minded devotion to his oath is challenged frequently and nuanced enough not to be too annoying; Thera is the Warrior my younger self would've loved to emulate; Rada is the antisocial reader and reluctant adventurer my present self identifies with. ("People made her uncomfortable. She much preferred the company of a book" — this is me!)
The rich worldbuilding from the first book continues, and we get to peek at the workings and traditions of the different Orders (not to be confused with castes): Protectors, Inquisitors, Archivists, Historians ... and, outside the system, the House of Assassins. Correia brings us an immersive world without overwhelming the reader, greatly improving on the infodumps that bothered me in the first book.
The plot also manages a balance, between boring and overcomplicated. Though I wasn't really surprised at any point — not even by the big "twists" — and I did skim the fighting scenes because they're quite detailed, there wasn't a dull moment in this adventure.
February 22, 2019
I like Larry Correa's books in general, but this series especially.
As I wrote in my review of Son of the black sword, this book is a mixture of Stormlight archive, Mistborn and Judge Dredd (but forgot to mention the obvious "Demon cycle"), in this book, I have found one more similarity Stormlight archive, and that's the structure of the two books.
The first one was with glimpses to the Ashok's past, and this one... Well you'll see when you'll read.
Although all those similarities, the series can hold their own, and apparently very good, as I have enjoyed those books immensely.
One more good thing that I can say about this series, is Ashok, the main character.
Ashok is a great character. He's cruel, but just, can take a live, but won't take someone's property, or pretend to be someone else. Very unique, and evolving character.
I recommend this book to all who loved at least some books from which I have mentioned above, and I eagerly waiting to the next one.
I hope it won't take as long as took him to write this one.
As I wrote in my review of Son of the black sword, this book is a mixture of Stormlight archive, Mistborn and Judge Dredd (but forgot to mention the obvious "Demon cycle"), in this book, I have found one more similarity Stormlight archive, and that's the structure of the two books.
The first one was with glimpses to the Ashok's past, and this one... Well you'll see when you'll read.
Although all those similarities, the series can hold their own, and apparently very good, as I have enjoyed those books immensely.
One more good thing that I can say about this series, is Ashok, the main character.
Ashok is a great character. He's cruel, but just, can take a live, but won't take someone's property, or pretend to be someone else. Very unique, and evolving character.
I recommend this book to all who loved at least some books from which I have mentioned above, and I eagerly waiting to the next one.
I hope it won't take as long as took him to write this one.
December 17, 2021
This is not really a “feel good” book but it is very entertaining. So many interesting and varied characters & a great story. I’ll be sad when this series is over.
May 31, 2025
Even better than the first one
4.5/5. I think I enjoyed this story even more than the first novel in the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior. The backstory here of Thera Vane, the Sons of Ramrowan, and the House of Assassins added so much to the history and lore of Lok. I have heard some people say that this story was a step down from the first book, but I disagree with that completely. Correia continues to build this world and add to the characterization of the main characters, in particular Ashok Vadal, Thera, Keta, Devedas, Rada, Omand, and Sikasso. Excellent heroes and villains!
I look forward to continuing this series. I highly recommend it to every epic/dark fantasy fan.
4.5/5. I think I enjoyed this story even more than the first novel in the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior. The backstory here of Thera Vane, the Sons of Ramrowan, and the House of Assassins added so much to the history and lore of Lok. I have heard some people say that this story was a step down from the first book, but I disagree with that completely. Correia continues to build this world and add to the characterization of the main characters, in particular Ashok Vadal, Thera, Keta, Devedas, Rada, Omand, and Sikasso. Excellent heroes and villains!
I look forward to continuing this series. I highly recommend it to every epic/dark fantasy fan.
February 1, 2025
Another very enjoyable entry into the series.
We pick up after the events of book 1. The casteless have their prophet and warrior and the rebellion is in full swing.
The start of this book is a little slow but it does pick up as we go along and again the finale doesn’t disappoint.
The most enjoyable part of these books is that when I read each chapter it always finishes and has me thinking… I wonder what’s gonna happen next. It’s intriguing and builds tension and suspense really well.
Also I find I actually do like all the characters, so jumping from person to person through the chapters does not slow the pacing or enjoyment.
We pick up after the events of book 1. The casteless have their prophet and warrior and the rebellion is in full swing.
The start of this book is a little slow but it does pick up as we go along and again the finale doesn’t disappoint.
The most enjoyable part of these books is that when I read each chapter it always finishes and has me thinking… I wonder what’s gonna happen next. It’s intriguing and builds tension and suspense really well.
Also I find I actually do like all the characters, so jumping from person to person through the chapters does not slow the pacing or enjoyment.
May 26, 2024
Not as good as the first one, but in still enjoying this series a lot.
February 5, 2026
This is the first real epic fantasy I've read in a long time, and yes, I am throwing shade at Stormlight Archives
February 22, 2019
4.5 Stars
December 25, 2019
So so tired of machismo bullshit and useless damsel garbage. This is your fantasy, Lar? How awesome it is when women are dragged back in time to the dark ages by their hair.
August 9, 2020
Very satisfying follow up to the first instalment and plenty of intrigue set up for the next book. Looking forward to it!
January 17, 2023
I love this series!
September 18, 2026
Mt Rating: 4.25 / 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. It's not quite the knockout that book one was, but going in I already knew this is a six book series, and a story that long isn't going to be all gas all the time. Correia is clearly building toward something bigger here, and book two feels very much like part of that process. I'm fine with that. I'm fully invested at this point, and I have a feeling every book in this series is going to land somewhere north of four stars for me.
For the setup without spoiling anything, this picks up right where book one left off, with the group scattered across the continent of Lok and everyone chasing different goals. Ashok is fighting without the advantage he's relied on his entire life, which forces him to figure out who he actually is as a warrior. Thera is in the hands of a secretive order of wizards who want to understand the source of her power, and they're not particular about how they get it. Meanwhile the rebellion is growing into something with real weight behind it, and back in the Capitol the political schemers are still quietly moving pieces around a board nobody else can see. It's a book about people converging on the same place from very different directions.
The structure is the biggest change from book one. Where the first book was tightly focused, this one splits into multiple threads and jumps between them, and that's where my one real gripe comes in. The middle section dragged for me. There's a stretch where the story is doing a lot of moving people into position and filling in background, and while none of it is bad, the momentum definitely sags compared to how hard book one pushed. If you hit that patch and feel it, you're not imagining things.
But the last third completely makes up for it. Once everything starts converging, this book absolutely takes off. The payoff is excellent, the action is brutal and well choreographed, and there are a few moments that genuinely surprised me. It's the kind of finish that makes you forgive whatever slow patch got you there, and it left me immediately wanting the next one.
The worldbuilding keeps expanding in the directions I was hoping for. We get a much deeper look at how magic actually works in this world, where it comes from, and what it costs the people who use it, and that's my favorite thread in the whole series. Those little details that made me suspicious in book one are still here, still getting quietly reinforced, and I'm more convinced than ever that there's something bigger underneath this world than a standard fantasy setting. Correia is doling it out in pieces, and I'm happy to be patient for it. The character work holds up too, with some new additions who bring a completely different energy to the group and one in particular who ended up being a favorite of mine.
Thematically this one digs harder into faith and who gets to define truth. The rebellion runs on prophecy, the Law runs on the denial of gods entirely, and almost nobody in the middle is sure what they actually believe. Watching Ashok wrestle with that, a man who spent his whole life certain, is the strongest part of his arc here. The grimdark tone is still very much intact, and nobody gets an easy win.
Tim Gerard Reynolds is once again exceptional. He's one of my favorite narrators in the whole audiobook industry, and he does the heavy lifting on the multiple POV structure, keeping every thread and every character distinct even as the book bounces between them. He also carries those slower middle stretches far better than a lesser narrator would have. This series would not hit the same without him.
Slight step down from book one, but still a very good listen and a necessary piece of a much bigger story. If you liked the first one, keep going. That final third is worth the trip, and I'm already looking forward to book three.
I really enjoyed this one. It's not quite the knockout that book one was, but going in I already knew this is a six book series, and a story that long isn't going to be all gas all the time. Correia is clearly building toward something bigger here, and book two feels very much like part of that process. I'm fine with that. I'm fully invested at this point, and I have a feeling every book in this series is going to land somewhere north of four stars for me.
For the setup without spoiling anything, this picks up right where book one left off, with the group scattered across the continent of Lok and everyone chasing different goals. Ashok is fighting without the advantage he's relied on his entire life, which forces him to figure out who he actually is as a warrior. Thera is in the hands of a secretive order of wizards who want to understand the source of her power, and they're not particular about how they get it. Meanwhile the rebellion is growing into something with real weight behind it, and back in the Capitol the political schemers are still quietly moving pieces around a board nobody else can see. It's a book about people converging on the same place from very different directions.
The structure is the biggest change from book one. Where the first book was tightly focused, this one splits into multiple threads and jumps between them, and that's where my one real gripe comes in. The middle section dragged for me. There's a stretch where the story is doing a lot of moving people into position and filling in background, and while none of it is bad, the momentum definitely sags compared to how hard book one pushed. If you hit that patch and feel it, you're not imagining things.
But the last third completely makes up for it. Once everything starts converging, this book absolutely takes off. The payoff is excellent, the action is brutal and well choreographed, and there are a few moments that genuinely surprised me. It's the kind of finish that makes you forgive whatever slow patch got you there, and it left me immediately wanting the next one.
The worldbuilding keeps expanding in the directions I was hoping for. We get a much deeper look at how magic actually works in this world, where it comes from, and what it costs the people who use it, and that's my favorite thread in the whole series. Those little details that made me suspicious in book one are still here, still getting quietly reinforced, and I'm more convinced than ever that there's something bigger underneath this world than a standard fantasy setting. Correia is doling it out in pieces, and I'm happy to be patient for it. The character work holds up too, with some new additions who bring a completely different energy to the group and one in particular who ended up being a favorite of mine.
Thematically this one digs harder into faith and who gets to define truth. The rebellion runs on prophecy, the Law runs on the denial of gods entirely, and almost nobody in the middle is sure what they actually believe. Watching Ashok wrestle with that, a man who spent his whole life certain, is the strongest part of his arc here. The grimdark tone is still very much intact, and nobody gets an easy win.
Tim Gerard Reynolds is once again exceptional. He's one of my favorite narrators in the whole audiobook industry, and he does the heavy lifting on the multiple POV structure, keeping every thread and every character distinct even as the book bounces between them. He also carries those slower middle stretches far better than a lesser narrator would have. This series would not hit the same without him.
Slight step down from book one, but still a very good listen and a necessary piece of a much bigger story. If you liked the first one, keep going. That final third is worth the trip, and I'm already looking forward to book three.
January 12, 2026
4.5
I feel like this was a side quest in the midst of our main quest and I was here for it.
Better character work, more backstory, and slower pacing made this a more enjoyable read for me thank book 1.
I love this little band of misfits and their determination to beat the odds.
Ready to rumble onto book 3 very soon
I feel like this was a side quest in the midst of our main quest and I was here for it.
Better character work, more backstory, and slower pacing made this a more enjoyable read for me thank book 1.
I love this little band of misfits and their determination to beat the odds.
Ready to rumble onto book 3 very soon
February 10, 2026
It started a little slower than the first book for me but finished strong. Multiple on going storylines that I’m looking forward continuing to read about
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