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Mantles of Power #2
Mortal Gods
Torn from her friends, Kitania is captured by a goddess. She can only hope that her friends have survived.
Torn from the sides of her friends by angelic magic, Kitania finds herself in the mortal world once more, among those who suspect she’s a demon assassin or spy. Though most of those suspicions quickly subside, she finds herself drawn into the elven court’s intrigue and is powerless to act against those who sent her there.
Meanwhile, Isalla and Rose are waiting for word of their lost friend, even as they begin gathering more hints of what those who betrayed them are scheming. Yet as the two groups come closer to reuniting, the plots of their enemies are progressing, and despite their experiences they’ve underestimated the lengths to which the conspiracy will go for victory.
Torn from the sides of her friends by angelic magic, Kitania finds herself in the mortal world once more, among those who suspect she’s a demon assassin or spy. Though most of those suspicions quickly subside, she finds herself drawn into the elven court’s intrigue and is powerless to act against those who sent her there.
Meanwhile, Isalla and Rose are waiting for word of their lost friend, even as they begin gathering more hints of what those who betrayed them are scheming. Yet as the two groups come closer to reuniting, the plots of their enemies are progressing, and despite their experiences they’ve underestimated the lengths to which the conspiracy will go for victory.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2019
57 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Medrano
47 books309 followersI was born in October, 1985. Not much of my history would likely be of interest, but I grew up primarily in Utah, a land of ultra-conservative people, and yet oddly open to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.
My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.
Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2022
This is second in a fantasy trilogy and picks up right after the first. I definitely recommend reading in order.
So we found out that Kanae is really Kitania, the lost daughter of the succubus queen, and that her relationship with Isalla is on thin ice just before she was transported a world (and more?) away. And the story is pretty much all that happens before they are reunited, splitting the narrative across worlds and with little cross-communication between then. Which isn't really a bad thing. Or maybe I've just gotten used to the author's narrative head hopping.
The story was interesting and the pace was enough to keep me engaged. The action is centered on Kitania, so we have much more of her on-page and that's not a bad thing. I liked her calm patience and gradual winning over of her captors. I was completely there for her winning friends and trust, though I was a little wary of her starting a relationship with a resident noble—and the manipulation that prevents communication with her pals.
The scope of the story broadens a lot in this book and I'm not sure where that's going and I don't think my engagement went as the author intended here. I mean, I like the core characters from the first book so broadening it out with a new realm (and resident goddess) wasn't the draw I think it was meant to be. Still four stars of engagement, but I'm not sure how that'll resolve in the last book of the trilogy.
A note about Chaste/Steamy: Sex happens in the story, with enough build-up that I can't quite call it chaste. But there's not really any on-page steam either. This is rather common for the author so I've come to expect it.
So we found out that Kanae is really Kitania, the lost daughter of the succubus queen, and that her relationship with Isalla is on thin ice just before she was transported a world (and more?) away. And the story is pretty much all that happens before they are reunited, splitting the narrative across worlds and with little cross-communication between then. Which isn't really a bad thing. Or maybe I've just gotten used to the author's narrative head hopping.
The story was interesting and the pace was enough to keep me engaged. The action is centered on Kitania, so we have much more of her on-page and that's not a bad thing. I liked her calm patience and gradual winning over of her captors. I was completely there for her winning friends and trust, though I was a little wary of her starting a relationship with a resident noble—and the manipulation that prevents communication with her pals.
The scope of the story broadens a lot in this book and I'm not sure where that's going and I don't think my engagement went as the author intended here. I mean, I like the core characters from the first book so broadening it out with a new realm (and resident goddess) wasn't the draw I think it was meant to be. Still four stars of engagement, but I'm not sure how that'll resolve in the last book of the trilogy.
A note about Chaste/Steamy: Sex happens in the story, with enough build-up that I can't quite call it chaste. But there's not really any on-page steam either. This is rather common for the author so I've come to expect it.
July 12, 2019
I enjoyed Heaven’s Fallen, but I approached this one with a little apprehension as I wasn’t entire happy with the ending to the last book and had some worries about where the story might be going. As it turned out it wasn’t really the plot that was the problem, the start of the book was just so dull. After a hundred pages or so, I was ready to give up.
Eventually the story started to progress and it became a decent read, although the four/five/six way love triangle/hexagon, involving Kitania was a bit annoying.
Eventually the story started to progress and it became a decent read, although the four/five/six way love triangle/hexagon, involving Kitania was a bit annoying.
July 9, 2019
Love It
Let's be honest, I always love books by Benjamin Medrano. I know everybody says the books is slow, but that very pace builds the tension. It can't always be action and explosions. Though we get plenty of those later in the book. I like that we got to see Kit as being a bit more vulnerable. It made her very real to me. One of the best parts of Benjamin Medrano's writing is just how diverse his characters are and the amazing depth they show. As always, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Let's be honest, I always love books by Benjamin Medrano. I know everybody says the books is slow, but that very pace builds the tension. It can't always be action and explosions. Though we get plenty of those later in the book. I like that we got to see Kit as being a bit more vulnerable. It made her very real to me. One of the best parts of Benjamin Medrano's writing is just how diverse his characters are and the amazing depth they show. As always, I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 5, 2019
HE'S DONE IT AGAIN,!!!
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat! I couldn't put my book down. I read it straight through. Although the relationships are getting a bit complicated, the action is consistantly spellbinding and I can't figure out the antagonists end game. Benjamin Medrano has built a scintillating world and has woven (to me), a wondrous tale. I'm about to devour the last book of the trilogy, can't wait!!!
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat! I couldn't put my book down. I read it straight through. Although the relationships are getting a bit complicated, the action is consistantly spellbinding and I can't figure out the antagonists end game. Benjamin Medrano has built a scintillating world and has woven (to me), a wondrous tale. I'm about to devour the last book of the trilogy, can't wait!!!
July 14, 2023
Even better than the first!!
I swear, this series got better every book— especially considering how high the bar was set with the first one!! But it more than delivered action, anticipation, even more intriguing characters & connections & plot twists & suspense & surprises with every reveal. I can’t wait to continue following their lives, endeavors, journeys & futures of their stories!!
I swear, this series got better every book— especially considering how high the bar was set with the first one!! But it more than delivered action, anticipation, even more intriguing characters & connections & plot twists & suspense & surprises with every reveal. I can’t wait to continue following their lives, endeavors, journeys & futures of their stories!!
July 19, 2019
Goddammit it started out so good and I was all excited then the pacing went to shit again and some things got put on hold just to extend the length of the book honestly could have cut out 3-5 hours on the audio version from the mid point towards the end. If he had done that I'd have liked it way more. However over all this is just so freaking slow that I want to pull my hair out in frustration.
August 12, 2019
Character emotional maturity inconsistencies continue, and it feels like every female character is hot, and wants to screw all the time. It felt... annoying. More story and less romantic/sexy time would have been greatly appreciated. I've liked multiple other series by this author, but I'm done with this one.
July 2, 2022
Wonderful.
The first book took me by surprise and the second shows that wasn't by chance. This author tells stories that are wonderfully fun with interesting, well imagined worlds and likable characters. So much so I am tempted to take a break before reading the final book as I will deeply miss this cast once I am finished!
The first book took me by surprise and the second shows that wasn't by chance. This author tells stories that are wonderfully fun with interesting, well imagined worlds and likable characters. So much so I am tempted to take a break before reading the final book as I will deeply miss this cast once I am finished!
July 8, 2019
Love all of the authors books
I love all of this authors books and eagerly await the next installment.
This is a good middle book of the series.
Anyways I have preordered the next book.
I love all of this authors books and eagerly await the next installment.
This is a good middle book of the series.
Anyways I have preordered the next book.
April 13, 2024
Completely awesome!
This was a very good read and story had a great many layers to it. Kitaria was great and showed her vulnerability to love and also odd relationship. But the main story is deep and fulfilling cannot wait for the last book.
This was a very good read and story had a great many layers to it. Kitaria was great and showed her vulnerability to love and also odd relationship. But the main story is deep and fulfilling cannot wait for the last book.
July 13, 2019
Excellently written.
Another well written and engrossing tale by Medrano. I didn't want to stop reading until the end. I enjoyed every moment of this book.
Another well written and engrossing tale by Medrano. I didn't want to stop reading until the end. I enjoyed every moment of this book.
July 6, 2020
No typos ! Splendid story telling ! Terrific cast of characters ! With just a smattering of intimate coupling !
March 6, 2021
Okay
Not a bad read, better than the first book by far. If food, it would be chain restaurant level food.
Not a bad read, better than the first book by far. If food, it would be chain restaurant level food.
May 5, 2020
Slow start, meandering plot, less charm than usual
I enjoyed Heaven's Fallen (book 1) and was looking forward to Mortal Gods. Sadly It spends the first half stuck in neutral spinning it's wheels and going nowhere.
There are a few other aggravations here. All characters except Kitania fade out into a uniform blandness. Worst of all, Our heroes who are fighting a conspiracy are doing a better job of keeping it secret than the damned conspirators. Hey Girls! You know what would help? TELL PEOPLE! Tell people that there is this big conspiracy going on. The failure of each and every character to do so is not bad judgement from the characters, that's just bad writing. Argh! this kind of slipshod idiocy can ruin an otherwise good book.
Things do pick up around the mid point. When the action starts it keeps going for the rest of the book.
If you are invested in book 1, by all means go ahead and read this too. I 60% enjoyed it. 20% pulling my hair, and 20% falling asleep.
I enjoyed Heaven's Fallen (book 1) and was looking forward to Mortal Gods. Sadly It spends the first half stuck in neutral spinning it's wheels and going nowhere.
There are a few other aggravations here. All characters except Kitania fade out into a uniform blandness. Worst of all, Our heroes who are fighting a conspiracy are doing a better job of keeping it secret than the damned conspirators. Hey Girls! You know what would help? TELL PEOPLE! Tell people that there is this big conspiracy going on. The failure of each and every character to do so is not bad judgement from the characters, that's just bad writing. Argh! this kind of slipshod idiocy can ruin an otherwise good book.
Things do pick up around the mid point. When the action starts it keeps going for the rest of the book.
If you are invested in book 1, by all means go ahead and read this too. I 60% enjoyed it. 20% pulling my hair, and 20% falling asleep.
January 12, 2020
A different focus than the first book, but just as good!
After the events of the first book Kanae finds herself a prisoner in the mortal world. Now she has to find her way in a court of entrusting and suspicious elves while her companions search for any shred of information of her whereabouts.
I enjoyed the larger focus on Kanae an how she dealt with fish-out-of-water situation she found herself in. The change of scenery provides both the author and the reader an expanded view of the mortal world or at least that one of the elven nations.
Overall a good book
After the events of the first book Kanae finds herself a prisoner in the mortal world. Now she has to find her way in a court of entrusting and suspicious elves while her companions search for any shred of information of her whereabouts.
I enjoyed the larger focus on Kanae an how she dealt with fish-out-of-water situation she found herself in. The change of scenery provides both the author and the reader an expanded view of the mortal world or at least that one of the elven nations.
Overall a good book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews