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Chimera #2
A Conjuring of Assassins
A Conjuring of Assassins is Cate Glass's second adventure with the Chimera team, a ragtag crew who use their forbidden magic for the good of the kingdom.
Romy and her three partners in crime—a sword master, a silversmith, and her thieving brother—have embraced their roles as the Shadow Lord's agents, using their forbidden magic to accomplish tasks his other spies cannot.
Now, the Shadow Lord needs them to infiltrate the home of the Mercediaran Ambassador and prevent him from obtaining information that would lead to all-out war with Cantagna's most dangerous enemy.
To succeed, they will have to resurrect long-buried secrets, partner with old enemies, and once again rely on the very magics that could get them sentenced to death.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Romy and her three partners in crime—a sword master, a silversmith, and her thieving brother—have embraced their roles as the Shadow Lord's agents, using their forbidden magic to accomplish tasks his other spies cannot.
Now, the Shadow Lord needs them to infiltrate the home of the Mercediaran Ambassador and prevent him from obtaining information that would lead to all-out war with Cantagna's most dangerous enemy.
To succeed, they will have to resurrect long-buried secrets, partner with old enemies, and once again rely on the very magics that could get them sentenced to death.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
38 people are currently reading
1094 people want to read
About the author
Cate Glass
4 books136 followersCate Glass is a writer of the fantasy adventure series Chimera. Cate Glass is also a pen name of Carol Berg, award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen epic fantasy novels and half a dozen novellas and short stories.
Though Cate's home has a great view of the Colorado Rockies, she has lived a large portion of her life in realms of mystery and adventure - Middle Earth, Camelot, Amber, Wonderland, Harry Dresden's Chicago, Jim Chee's New Mexico, Cheltenham race track or the colleges of Oxford, Victorian London, Cold War Berlin, the Welsh borderlands, River Heights, Marvel's version of Hell's Kitchen...you get the drift.
While studying mathematics and software engineering at Rice University and the University of Colorado respectively, Cate carved out a special place for studies in English and History of Art and reading, reading, reading.
A few years into a career as a software development engineer, Cate took up a hobby of writing her own fiction. Many manuscripts later (see Carol Berg's bibliography) Cate is deep into the stories of the Chimera.
Cate enjoys binging on movies and (well-written!) TV, as well as camping, hiking, and biking with her mechanical engineer spouse, and three sons who juggle music and teaching, software and carpentry, rocket science and ice hockey.
Though Cate's home has a great view of the Colorado Rockies, she has lived a large portion of her life in realms of mystery and adventure - Middle Earth, Camelot, Amber, Wonderland, Harry Dresden's Chicago, Jim Chee's New Mexico, Cheltenham race track or the colleges of Oxford, Victorian London, Cold War Berlin, the Welsh borderlands, River Heights, Marvel's version of Hell's Kitchen...you get the drift.
While studying mathematics and software engineering at Rice University and the University of Colorado respectively, Cate carved out a special place for studies in English and History of Art and reading, reading, reading.
A few years into a career as a software development engineer, Cate took up a hobby of writing her own fiction. Many manuscripts later (see Carol Berg's bibliography) Cate is deep into the stories of the Chimera.
Cate enjoys binging on movies and (well-written!) TV, as well as camping, hiking, and biking with her mechanical engineer spouse, and three sons who juggle music and teaching, software and carpentry, rocket science and ice hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 11, 2020
A very good sequel to "An Illusion of Thieves", with a new fascinating adventure, good characters' developments and a strong atmosphere.
The magic is well used to make a riveting story, without any abracadabra but instead a clever demonstration of the difficulties encountered by its users. Romy's special fascinating (and so original!) magic, for instance, is as useful as chilling for its limitations.
The book is rather long and much detailed for a story which unfolds only in a few days, but it makes for a perfect immersion and a great reading experience. The twists and turns of the intrigue, political and personal, are quite riveting.
I also particularly appreciated the bonds between the Chimera's members, their affection and trust. The musing of Romy about her past, her childhood for a small part but mostly about her last seven years spent as the Shadow Lord's compagnon, friend, lover and slave, are very clever and wholesome. Many books use a master-slave relationship to built up a story (Cate Glass herself, with her Carol Berg's pseudonym, have woven one of those, a fantastically coherent and touching one, in her Rai-Kirah Series) but usually with a sad lack for coherence and healthy psychology. Making a romance out of an abusive relationship, even if the master is "good", "not really in agreement with the situation", "had them-self suffered a lot", "had a difficult childhood", "have always wait for permission", "is so sexy and rich and perfect" etc. - is very wrong. In the Chimera series Romy fully realises that all what she had with this man was distorted by the situation. Even if she was consentant, and never forced, and respected for her intelligence and wit, she still was a slave, a courtesan, without any freedom. Her regrets are useless, and more, she understands, unwholesome. Their relation was never balanced and so, even for all their complicity and share interests, detrimental for her.
Just a last note to say that, contrary to most readers on Netgalley, I'm sorry to say that I vigorously dislike the books series' covers. They seem very cheap, especially for such a publisher, and... bizarre. The colors aren't harmonious, the silhouettes weird, and the whole movement of each cover makes me nearly nauseous... I'm not fan either of the typography, very seventies. If I hadn't being informed about this book by the author's blog (Carol Berg's), I'm afraid that I would probably have been repelled by the cover and missed a very good read... Of course one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but still, it's the first thing we see, the first contact, the first impression. And as the saying goes: no one as a second chance to make a first good impression!
(I thank Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
The magic is well used to make a riveting story, without any abracadabra but instead a clever demonstration of the difficulties encountered by its users. Romy's special fascinating (and so original!) magic, for instance, is as useful as chilling for its limitations.
The book is rather long and much detailed for a story which unfolds only in a few days, but it makes for a perfect immersion and a great reading experience. The twists and turns of the intrigue, political and personal, are quite riveting.
I also particularly appreciated the bonds between the Chimera's members, their affection and trust. The musing of Romy about her past, her childhood for a small part but mostly about her last seven years spent as the Shadow Lord's compagnon, friend, lover and slave, are very clever and wholesome. Many books use a master-slave relationship to built up a story (Cate Glass herself, with her Carol Berg's pseudonym, have woven one of those, a fantastically coherent and touching one, in her Rai-Kirah Series) but usually with a sad lack for coherence and healthy psychology. Making a romance out of an abusive relationship, even if the master is "good", "not really in agreement with the situation", "had them-self suffered a lot", "had a difficult childhood", "have always wait for permission", "is so sexy and rich and perfect" etc. - is very wrong. In the Chimera series Romy fully realises that all what she had with this man was distorted by the situation. Even if she was consentant, and never forced, and respected for her intelligence and wit, she still was a slave, a courtesan, without any freedom. Her regrets are useless, and more, she understands, unwholesome. Their relation was never balanced and so, even for all their complicity and share interests, detrimental for her.
Just a last note to say that, contrary to most readers on Netgalley, I'm sorry to say that I vigorously dislike the books series' covers. They seem very cheap, especially for such a publisher, and... bizarre. The colors aren't harmonious, the silhouettes weird, and the whole movement of each cover makes me nearly nauseous... I'm not fan either of the typography, very seventies. If I hadn't being informed about this book by the author's blog (Carol Berg's), I'm afraid that I would probably have been repelled by the cover and missed a very good read... Of course one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but still, it's the first thing we see, the first contact, the first impression. And as the saying goes: no one as a second chance to make a first good impression!
(I thank Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
February 29, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher—Tor Books—for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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An Illusion of Thieves ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
A Conjuring of Assassins ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Wow. I can't express enough how much I love this series. Magical, intriguing, with a daunting mission to complete it all
Continuing the Chimera journey after the event in An Illusion of Thieves, this group that consist of:
Romy, a former mistress of the Shadow Lord
Neri, Romy's younger brother that can walk through walls
Placidio, a mysterious swordmaster
Dumond, whose magic can create amazing things
is on another dangerous mission. They are asked to retrieve the Assassin List, a document so valuable the nation's safety is depend on whose hand own it. But just like their previous work, there is something bigger playing in here. People can become friends or foe when politics is involved. If they succeed, they'll receive a worthy payment. Should they fail, their life would be on forfeit.
Can I just say, this series is so underrated. The world needs to know that this book exists. If you enjoy fantasy, can't have enough of magic, craving for political intrigues, Chimera series is for you! Check out my review for the first book, An Illusion of Thieves here
As you can tell by now, I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I was super excited when I got approved to read the e-ARC. I've been dying to have my hands on it since I finished AIOT. And oh my, the sequel did not disappoint! It enchanted me from the first page, I couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written it felt like I was there with the characters. Though the world and the many characters mentioned confused me a little, the thrill of their adventure erased that.
Talking about adventure, their mission completely blew my mind. The Chimera is a solid unit with 4 awesome members in it. Each character have a strong characterization and role in this story. No one overshadowed anyone. Their teamwork created risky but brilliant plans and thus resulting in nerve-racking moments. I was on edge every time they strike because what they're facing is tangled with mystery and conspiracy. I'm totally immersed the whole time!
When I said that this book is magical, I mean it 1000% I'm dead serious. It's not just that the magic in this world is unique, but it was explained so well and I'm feeling there is more to it. Besides, it's very common to read about elemental magic or something like it. But to know there there's magic that can change you into someone you made up in your mind, to have magic that can create doors to anywhere you want to, IT WAS FUN AND MEMORABLE.
I loved Romy, she's brave, smart and determine. Her magic is remarkable, I'm mesmerized every time she used it. Also I want to compliment Neri for having a great character development. He was a stubborn boy but he has changed into a dependable brother. I'm so proud! Oh, and I'm really curious about Teo. He's peculiar, kind, and definitely someone with powerful magic. I hope to know him more in the next book. I'm a little sad because I didn't see much of the Shadow Lord in this book. I know that he's no longer play an important role in the story but I can't understand it yet. I just hope that someday he'll realizes that Romy is there all this time.Just let the two be together again, please 😭
Overall, A Conjuring of Assassins is a great sequel with breathtaking magical action scenes, well-developed characters, shocking mysteries, political intrigues, and stunning world-building. I recommend you to read the series then we can talk about it! It may be confusing at first, hence the endless characters mentioned, but just keep going and you'll see why I really enjoyed it.
Do let me know if you decide to read Chimera series! 😆
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An Illusion of Thieves ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
A Conjuring of Assassins ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Wow. I can't express enough how much I love this series. Magical, intriguing, with a daunting mission to complete it all
Continuing the Chimera journey after the event in An Illusion of Thieves, this group that consist of:
Romy, a former mistress of the Shadow Lord
Neri, Romy's younger brother that can walk through walls
Placidio, a mysterious swordmaster
Dumond, whose magic can create amazing things
is on another dangerous mission. They are asked to retrieve the Assassin List, a document so valuable the nation's safety is depend on whose hand own it. But just like their previous work, there is something bigger playing in here. People can become friends or foe when politics is involved. If they succeed, they'll receive a worthy payment. Should they fail, their life would be on forfeit.
Can I just say, this series is so underrated. The world needs to know that this book exists. If you enjoy fantasy, can't have enough of magic, craving for political intrigues, Chimera series is for you! Check out my review for the first book, An Illusion of Thieves here
As you can tell by now, I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I was super excited when I got approved to read the e-ARC. I've been dying to have my hands on it since I finished AIOT. And oh my, the sequel did not disappoint! It enchanted me from the first page, I couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written it felt like I was there with the characters. Though the world and the many characters mentioned confused me a little, the thrill of their adventure erased that.
Talking about adventure, their mission completely blew my mind. The Chimera is a solid unit with 4 awesome members in it. Each character have a strong characterization and role in this story. No one overshadowed anyone. Their teamwork created risky but brilliant plans and thus resulting in nerve-racking moments. I was on edge every time they strike because what they're facing is tangled with mystery and conspiracy. I'm totally immersed the whole time!
When I said that this book is magical, I mean it 1000% I'm dead serious. It's not just that the magic in this world is unique, but it was explained so well and I'm feeling there is more to it. Besides, it's very common to read about elemental magic or something like it. But to know there there's magic that can change you into someone you made up in your mind, to have magic that can create doors to anywhere you want to, IT WAS FUN AND MEMORABLE.
I loved Romy, she's brave, smart and determine. Her magic is remarkable, I'm mesmerized every time she used it. Also I want to compliment Neri for having a great character development. He was a stubborn boy but he has changed into a dependable brother. I'm so proud! Oh, and I'm really curious about Teo. He's peculiar, kind, and definitely someone with powerful magic. I hope to know him more in the next book. I'm a little sad because I didn't see much of the Shadow Lord in this book. I know that he's no longer play an important role in the story but I can't understand it yet. I just hope that someday he'll realizes that Romy is there all this time.
Overall, A Conjuring of Assassins is a great sequel with breathtaking magical action scenes, well-developed characters, shocking mysteries, political intrigues, and stunning world-building. I recommend you to read the series then we can talk about it! It may be confusing at first, hence the endless characters mentioned, but just keep going and you'll see why I really enjoyed it.
Do let me know if you decide to read Chimera series! 😆
March 1, 2020
A Conjuring of Assassins falls short of the standard set by Book 1. The novel was stretched out and its awesome were far apart.
did-not-finish
October 29, 2022DNF at page 107
January 23, 2020
This is the second book in Cate Glass's Chimera series. Romy and her three partners are asked to find a list of powerful men and women who are pledged to assassinate the evil Protector of Mercedaire. They discover far more is at risk when they infiltrate his household.
I enjoyed this book and was glad to see everyone becoming more familiar with their powers. It was nice to see them work together. It's always great to read fantasy stories mixed with espionage.
I received an ARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book and was glad to see everyone becoming more familiar with their powers. It was nice to see them work together. It's always great to read fantasy stories mixed with espionage.
I received an ARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2020
I continue to enjoy this mix of heist fantasy and political intrigue/spy fantasy because it contains just enough heist elements to satisfy my heist-needs but unlike novels that are "just" about one big heist it doesn't keep vital parts of the plan from the reader. I understand that's a necessity to keep the tension but it's so easy to go wrong and then I get annoyed at the vagueness or roll my eyes at the big reveal because you really thought I'd fall for that? (*glances at Crooked Kingdom).
But in the Chimera books, the tension comes from the heist and the unravelling of the political intrigue so the heist is still...heist-y but you always know what is going on but don't mind because you're also figuring out the machinations behind the political intrigue.
But in the Chimera books, the tension comes from the heist and the unravelling of the political intrigue so the heist is still...heist-y but you always know what is going on but don't mind because you're also figuring out the machinations behind the political intrigue.
September 2, 2020
I liked this one even more than book one! Saskia Maarleveld did a great job with the narration as well. I definitely think I'll audiobook the next book over print based on that. Very entertaining. :)
November 26, 2020
The group came together in book one, and this time, Il Padrone sets the Chimera a new task, to locate a document called The Assassins List.
Romy is experimenting further with her magic, and is testing altering her memories temporarily, so she can become someone totally different. While the spell is in effect, she is totally that constructed person, and one of her Chimera fellows can bring her back to herself with a touch. The group uses this technique, along with all their other skills on their hunt for this list. Along the way, they discover a prisoner who Romy knew from her previous life as Il Padrone's courtesan. The prisoner appears unconcerned about his situation, and unwilling to tell Romy what is so special about the list.
Needless to say, the group must go through all sorts of efforts to find the list, and actually stumble upon a plot by rival city state Mercediaran, with thousands of lives at risk in Cantagna.
The author also drops in a new fascinating person, Teo, whom Romy rescues early in the book. He has magic, though seems unaware of it. Romy and Teo share vivid and disturbing dreams, to which the answer will probably revealed in book three. Which I am definitely reading.
Romy is experimenting further with her magic, and is testing altering her memories temporarily, so she can become someone totally different. While the spell is in effect, she is totally that constructed person, and one of her Chimera fellows can bring her back to herself with a touch. The group uses this technique, along with all their other skills on their hunt for this list. Along the way, they discover a prisoner who Romy knew from her previous life as Il Padrone's courtesan. The prisoner appears unconcerned about his situation, and unwilling to tell Romy what is so special about the list.
Needless to say, the group must go through all sorts of efforts to find the list, and actually stumble upon a plot by rival city state Mercediaran, with thousands of lives at risk in Cantagna.
The author also drops in a new fascinating person, Teo, whom Romy rescues early in the book. He has magic, though seems unaware of it. Romy and Teo share vivid and disturbing dreams, to which the answer will probably revealed in book three. Which I am definitely reading.
February 25, 2020
Our group of magic-wielding do-gooders is back for another dangerous mission!
The world and the plot really being to expand in this one, and I'm so intrigued by Teo and all that his showing up involves.
Also, I've been reading these via audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! Hoping we get more of this.
The world and the plot really being to expand in this one, and I'm so intrigued by Teo and all that his showing up involves.
Also, I've been reading these via audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! Hoping we get more of this.
April 9, 2020
The second Chimera book takes a little while to start rolling. (On the plus side, if it's been a while since you've read the first book, you're in luck because it takes the time to remind you of everything you need.)
Once it gets going though, it is every bit as delightful as the first book. Romy, ex-courtesan, current scribe by day and badass vigilante sorcerer by night, remains one of my favourite fictional characters. One thing I missed from the first book was the presence of her fellow conspirators. Picadio is the only one that gets time in this book. But as much as I loved the bonding in the first book, this one makes up for it by creating a great mystery. It retains its unique writing and lovely sense of humour from the first book, and it slowly deepens the world-building, hinting at the deeper story of the series, with the gods and magic.
The decision to read a second book like this is pretty easy. If you enjoyed the first one, there is a good chance you'll like this. If you didn't, you definitely won't.
Once it gets going though, it is every bit as delightful as the first book. Romy, ex-courtesan, current scribe by day and badass vigilante sorcerer by night, remains one of my favourite fictional characters. One thing I missed from the first book was the presence of her fellow conspirators. Picadio is the only one that gets time in this book. But as much as I loved the bonding in the first book, this one makes up for it by creating a great mystery. It retains its unique writing and lovely sense of humour from the first book, and it slowly deepens the world-building, hinting at the deeper story of the series, with the gods and magic.
The decision to read a second book like this is pretty easy. If you enjoyed the first one, there is a good chance you'll like this. If you didn't, you definitely won't.
July 5, 2021
The second half of the book was fun. The first half was mostly setting things up and felt pretty boring. Things get pretty exciting near the end. Good read overall.
June 24, 2020
Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles.
A Conjuring of Assassins is the second instalment in Cate Glass’s Chimera Series, featuring Romy and her rag tag band of magic users. Magic is forbidden in Cantagna, so when Romy and the gang become entangled in a secret plot to incite revolution, they must use all their whits and schemes to foil the plot and stop their magic being discovered.
An Illusion of Thieves was one of my favourite books of 2019. I loved the world building and the heist aspects of the story, so I was incredibly eager to pick up this second instalment. The story dives in pretty much straight where An Illusion of Thieves leaves off, dropping the reader straight into the action. The story is a fast paced one, full of magic, action and scheming, it’s the perfect read if you’re a fan of heist novels.
One of things I love most about this series are the magnificent characters – Romy, the Shadow Lord’s dismissed mistress turned scribe, Neri her rebellious younger brother, Dumond the blacksmith who does whatever he can to protect his family and Placidio the wise and mysterious duellist. They’re all fascinating each with a complex back story and I loved seeing the characters continue to grow through this second instalment. We are also introduced to a new character – the mysterious Teo who I have so many questions about – making me all the most desperate to get my hands on book three.
A Conjuring of Assassins is a clever tale, full of mystery and intrigue. It will have you hooked from the very beginning and this is definitely a book I found hard to put down. As a sequel it definitely did not disappoint and I am so looking forward to finding out what the gang get up to next. If you haven’t had the chance to pick up An Illusion of Thieves yet, now is definitely the time – the beautiful writing, fascinating world building and brilliant characters will make you completely fall in love with this series.
A Conjuring of Assassins is the second instalment in Cate Glass’s Chimera Series, featuring Romy and her rag tag band of magic users. Magic is forbidden in Cantagna, so when Romy and the gang become entangled in a secret plot to incite revolution, they must use all their whits and schemes to foil the plot and stop their magic being discovered.
An Illusion of Thieves was one of my favourite books of 2019. I loved the world building and the heist aspects of the story, so I was incredibly eager to pick up this second instalment. The story dives in pretty much straight where An Illusion of Thieves leaves off, dropping the reader straight into the action. The story is a fast paced one, full of magic, action and scheming, it’s the perfect read if you’re a fan of heist novels.
One of things I love most about this series are the magnificent characters – Romy, the Shadow Lord’s dismissed mistress turned scribe, Neri her rebellious younger brother, Dumond the blacksmith who does whatever he can to protect his family and Placidio the wise and mysterious duellist. They’re all fascinating each with a complex back story and I loved seeing the characters continue to grow through this second instalment. We are also introduced to a new character – the mysterious Teo who I have so many questions about – making me all the most desperate to get my hands on book three.
A Conjuring of Assassins is a clever tale, full of mystery and intrigue. It will have you hooked from the very beginning and this is definitely a book I found hard to put down. As a sequel it definitely did not disappoint and I am so looking forward to finding out what the gang get up to next. If you haven’t had the chance to pick up An Illusion of Thieves yet, now is definitely the time – the beautiful writing, fascinating world building and brilliant characters will make you completely fall in love with this series.
September 12, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan-Tor/Forge - Tor Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely love twists and turns and this book was full of them. A family of assassins now turned immediate heroes and discover that the Ambassador's home from simple things could mean death was so outrageously exciting that I could not stop reading this book. The plot was way out of left field and that made me want to read it even more. A lot of our teen book club members read the first installment of the series and really liked it and I know for a fact they will love this one as well. Our teen patrons respond well to books with a unique story line and concepts that are unusually different and A Conjuring of Assassins is exactly that.
We will consider adding this title to our Science Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I absolutely love twists and turns and this book was full of them. A family of assassins now turned immediate heroes and discover that the Ambassador's home from simple things could mean death was so outrageously exciting that I could not stop reading this book. The plot was way out of left field and that made me want to read it even more. A lot of our teen book club members read the first installment of the series and really liked it and I know for a fact they will love this one as well. Our teen patrons respond well to books with a unique story line and concepts that are unusually different and A Conjuring of Assassins is exactly that.
We will consider adding this title to our Science Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
May 8, 2022
The Fussy Reader
TLDR
Characters - 3/5
Plot - 3.5/5
Setting - 2.5/5
Writing - 4/5
Final Impression - 3/5
-
Much like book one, there's a lot of meandering and procrastination before we get to the meat of the story, the actual heist. The writing once again is the book's strength. Really solid writing with excellent prose.
My favourite character remains Placidio. He's very to the point and gets the job done. He's dry and grumpy but soft on the inside, and we all love a soft grump, don't we? A good read that I enjoyed but I just need more from it all around.
Full Review
Plot
So I more or less feel the same about this novel as I did about the first. I enjoyed it but was left feeling like I wanted more from it. In that regard, the author remains pretty consistent with what I've seen from the series thus far. I'll also add that many of the positives and negatives I mentioned in my review for book one, transfer over to book two. I think this is why I've taken so long to write this review. I pretty much feel the same as I did at the end of the other book. So I won't bleat on too much in this review as I feel like I've already said everything I need to say in my other review.
First off, I'll start by saying that I enjoyed the heist element, though it did feel a little weaker than the heist we got in the first book. There was so much going on, so many convoluted threads that I often felt completely lost. Though it did all seem to come together at the end, I just wish it had all been slightly better explained.
Can't help but feel the book was longer than it needed to be. Much like book one, there's a lot of meandering and procrastination before we get to the meat of the story, the actual heist. And while I enjoyed the infiltration into the lord's house and the diviner role Romy played, I was still only 50% following what was actually going on and why. I know Romy needed the assassin list but by the time she actually attempted to steal it, I'd forgotten what its relevance was, and the story never reminded me.
Characters
Question: Why does Romy need to use her power and 'go into the zone' when pretending to be someone else? Like why? Seriously? There's a massive risk to the mission every time she does this because she loses herself, believing herself to truly be the character she's playing and only by hearing her true name does she snap out of it. But why does she need to do this??
Placidio doesn't need to do this in order to pretend, nor her brother Neri so why is it always so necessary for Romy to risk the mission in this way by forgetting her true identity? I don't get it, and the lack of reasoning just annoyed me in the end.
A new character is introduced, Teo. So much of Romy's storyline focuses on this random guy she finds in the water and I guess I just don't really know what purpose he served. I didn't feel invested in him at all. Thankfully he wasn't introduced as a love interest, but I can't for the life of me figure out why he was introduced at all. I mean, sure, he helped out a little during the team's mission and he was able to pull Romy out of her trance at the end but, as I said before, I don't even know why Romy NEEDS to go into a trance, so the significance of the moment cancels itself out from a simple lack of explanation.
My favourite character remains Placidio. He's very to the point and gets the job done. He's dry and grumpy but soft on the inside, and we all love a soft grump, don't we? I like the relationship he has with Neri, more than any other. He really comes across as a mentor/father figure to the lad and I feel the closeness and respect stronger between Placidio and Neri than I do Neri and his own sister.
Even though the characters are pretty decently developed throughout, I still don't fully feel like I know them. Some of them are just sort of there and I'd like to go deeper with each one. I want to know what really drives them to get up in the mornings and the things that keep them awake at night. I want to feel their personal stakes and their internal conflicts. I want those fears and disbelief and moments of self-doubt. I want them to feel more human. I want to deep dive into a character's psyche every time I meet one, but unfortunately, this set of characters still feels very shallow and surface-level to me.
I think a big part of the problem, in terms of my lack of connecting to the characters, is the absence of banter. There was very little humour in book one, and in this book, it's basically non-existent. Any good heist team need to have a great rapport with each other, tease each other, and bounce playful insults back and forth. It is a clear sign of a strong, comfortable relationship and too often these characters come across as too polite to each other. Where's the banter, man?
Setting
Not to sound like a broken record here, but I wanted more. In book one we get a decent foundation of the world and its politics. I'd hoped to see this built upon in a lot more detail. Unfortunately, the world felt more sparse than lived-in. And though it felt reasonably alive on the page, it didn't feel like the world continued to live when the characters weren't present. Like everything stops and ceases to exist the moment Romy's back is turned.
A disappointing lack of detail eluding to its Italian influence.
Writing Style
The writing once again, is the book's strength. Really solid writing with excellent prose. Though I wanted more development all around, I can't flautist the general writing style and syntax of the author. A very clean read, slow at times, but also pretty gripping in all the right places
Final Impression
Aaaaand...somehow I ended up bleating on. Didn't expect to have as much to say about this one, but I suppose as a book two, I wanted to see the issues I'd had in book one improved upon, and I was a little frustrated to see much of the same, if not a slight step down. I guess second-book syndrome is a real thing after all.
The thing is, there's nothing overtly wrong with anything in the novel and maybe the reason I find myself being critical is because I can see the potential of this being a truly awesome heist series, and by my personal estimation, it's not being reached. I just want so much more from this series and it never quite seems to take off.
Like I said earlier, a good read that I enjoyed but I just need more from it all around. It's like there's a wall up that's stopping me from getting too close to anything happening, preventing me from being able to fully invest in the characters. Nonetheless, I'm interested enough to pick up book three at some point.
March 3, 2020
I had to quickly read book once to read book two - since it was available for free on here. I had purchased book one a year ago but never really gotten around to reading it.
After reading it, picking up this, and finishing it... well, I feel there is a still a lot more that can be done with this series. It's not a bad series by any means. It is interesting - Oceans II / Italian Renaissance / fantasy = fun. There just feels something missing?
It probably is that the characters themselves don't feel developed. I mean, I know you're following everything through Romy's eyes but you have no idea what she loves/what she hates/what she is afraid of. :/ The story is way too tightly told that you never really get to explore the characters outside of the mission.
Then, throwing in the new character - Theo - who is adorable, aloof, and reminds me of The Fool from Robin Hobb's books... you are told very little and who and what he is. I have inklings and those inklings are indeed spread throughout the book, however, the one with the answers - Placido, The Swordmaster - is not telling.
I find the books enjoyable and a good read, but I want more from them what they're giving me. Maybe as the series continues we get more, but still, three books in and you should have a better grasp on who your characters are. Right?
After reading it, picking up this, and finishing it... well, I feel there is a still a lot more that can be done with this series. It's not a bad series by any means. It is interesting - Oceans II / Italian Renaissance / fantasy = fun. There just feels something missing?
It probably is that the characters themselves don't feel developed. I mean, I know you're following everything through Romy's eyes but you have no idea what she loves/what she hates/what she is afraid of. :/ The story is way too tightly told that you never really get to explore the characters outside of the mission.
Then, throwing in the new character - Theo - who is adorable, aloof, and reminds me of The Fool from Robin Hobb's books... you are told very little and who and what he is. I have inklings and those inklings are indeed spread throughout the book, however, the one with the answers - Placido, The Swordmaster - is not telling.
I find the books enjoyable and a good read, but I want more from them what they're giving me. Maybe as the series continues we get more, but still, three books in and you should have a better grasp on who your characters are. Right?
January 29, 2021
mmmm maybe a 3.5 . . .
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. the beginning was a slog to get through with a lot of info-dumping. and occasionally there were sluggish paragraphs that contributed nothing to the story that I briefly scanned.
the story got a little rediculous towards the end as well. I liked some parts, such as the chapters written from Monette's point of view. Monette is the character Romy takes on as part of the Big plan. those parts were more raw, emotional, and full of dillemas, while Romy's character was all descriptions of what she was doing and planning, and not much for the personal growth.
but I am a sucker for some manipulative non-consenting vulnerable prose with a solid age difference—unfortunate it's in a genre that wouldn't let it grow any more
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. the beginning was a slog to get through with a lot of info-dumping. and occasionally there were sluggish paragraphs that contributed nothing to the story that I briefly scanned.
the story got a little rediculous towards the end as well. I liked some parts, such as the chapters written from Monette's point of view. Monette is the character Romy takes on as part of the Big plan. those parts were more raw, emotional, and full of dillemas, while Romy's character was all descriptions of what she was doing and planning, and not much for the personal growth.
but I am a sucker for some manipulative non-consenting vulnerable prose with a solid age difference—unfortunate it's in a genre that wouldn't let it grow any more
November 8, 2020
I loved this even more than the first book An Illusion of Thieves (my review), which I didn't think possible! I'm eagerly awaiting the last book in the trilogy, A Summoning of Demons.
In the first book, Romy found others who possessed outlawed magical talent - including her reckless younger brother Neri - and they came together to become the secret Chimera crew and pull off a heist that saved Cantagna. They were so successful that they were immediately given another task by The Shadow Lord.
This time around, it will take all of their courage and pushing their powers to their fullest extent to try and keep a scandalous list out of enemy hands. Several of the oldest and most powerful families have foolishly signed a secret pact known as The Assassin's List to pledge support for a plot to assassinate the tyrant Protector of rival Mercedaire.
Romy goes undercover in the strange and dangerous household of the Mercedaire Ambassador and uncovers an intricate spider's web of intrigue stretching sticky strands of malice throughout the city's elite, threatening the peace of all Nine Interdependencies of the Costa Drago.
Complicating matters is Romy's discovery of a tattooed foreigner washed up nearly dead on the shore. She feels an inexplicable connection to Teo, and his many tattoos include the same symbol that the blacksmith Dumond inscribes on the "good luck" tokens he makes to help magic users avoid detection by the monstrous sniffers.
Although slower paced than the first book, all the seemingly unrelated plots intertwine masterfully in the end. Watching the crew - ex-courtesan and scribe Romy, her little brother and thief Neri, the swordsmaster Placidio and the smith Dumond and his seamstress wife Vashti - become real friends is such a treat.
In her undercover role, Romy plays a seer, and one of the most interesting aspects of the story for me was the invented divination system. Called the Nine Mysteries, the double-ended bronze Ascoltaré needles are inscribed with symbols and cast out from the hands; the seer reads omens in the patterns the needles make as they fall. It's a fascinating system!
I'm really looking forward to learning more about Teo's people, the nature of magic, the drowned city and the sniffers. Can't wait for the next book! Highly recommended!
In the first book, Romy found others who possessed outlawed magical talent - including her reckless younger brother Neri - and they came together to become the secret Chimera crew and pull off a heist that saved Cantagna. They were so successful that they were immediately given another task by The Shadow Lord.
This time around, it will take all of their courage and pushing their powers to their fullest extent to try and keep a scandalous list out of enemy hands. Several of the oldest and most powerful families have foolishly signed a secret pact known as The Assassin's List to pledge support for a plot to assassinate the tyrant Protector of rival Mercedaire.
Romy goes undercover in the strange and dangerous household of the Mercedaire Ambassador and uncovers an intricate spider's web of intrigue stretching sticky strands of malice throughout the city's elite, threatening the peace of all Nine Interdependencies of the Costa Drago.
Complicating matters is Romy's discovery of a tattooed foreigner washed up nearly dead on the shore. She feels an inexplicable connection to Teo, and his many tattoos include the same symbol that the blacksmith Dumond inscribes on the "good luck" tokens he makes to help magic users avoid detection by the monstrous sniffers.
Although slower paced than the first book, all the seemingly unrelated plots intertwine masterfully in the end. Watching the crew - ex-courtesan and scribe Romy, her little brother and thief Neri, the swordsmaster Placidio and the smith Dumond and his seamstress wife Vashti - become real friends is such a treat.
In her undercover role, Romy plays a seer, and one of the most interesting aspects of the story for me was the invented divination system. Called the Nine Mysteries, the double-ended bronze Ascoltaré needles are inscribed with symbols and cast out from the hands; the seer reads omens in the patterns the needles make as they fall. It's a fascinating system!
I'm really looking forward to learning more about Teo's people, the nature of magic, the drowned city and the sniffers. Can't wait for the next book! Highly recommended!
November 17, 2019
I received an Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. I'll be reviewing the series on my YouTube channel Books Rebound closer to release but for now I figured I'd write a review here.
I really love this series. It feels really fun and refreshing since it's lighter in tone and more fast paced than a lot of what I read. This book really impressed me just as much as the first, though I did prefer the first a little more.
So this series takes place in an Italian inspired world where magic is a crime. All those with magic are deemed spawn of Dragonis, an ancient evil that sleeps beneath the Costa Drago in this world's rich mythology. Our main character Romy was sold by her mother to the Moon House where she was trained as a courtesan and eventually wound up service the city's ruler for nine years as Mistress Cataline where they fell in love. Due to her brothers crime, her father's hand was cut off and he along with his family of eleven were exiled from the city but her brother Neri was forced to stay and Romy was exiled from Sandro's service back to the Beggar's Ring of the city. There Romy and her brother met two other sorcerers and when word came of a plot against Sandro, they used their magic and wits to foil the plan in book one. Sandro recognized their service and the good they could do and decided to ignore their crime of magic and call on them in the future if the need arises.
Romy can replace a story in someone's head, erasing a memory or creating a new one. She can work this on herself as well and act so well that she becomes a whole new person, forgetting her true identity until someone touching her speaks her name and she can return to herself.
Neri, her brother, can find any item as well as find a path to it, using his magic to walk through walls. He makes for a great thief and scout.
Dumond, a metal worker, has the ability to paint a doorway on a wall and walk through it to the other side or to an entirely different location where another door has been painted.
Placidio, an enigmatic swordsman, has the ability to predict his opponents moves before theyve even thought to make them. He can see a few seconds into the future and react accordingly.
Teo, a new character even more enigmatic than Placido, can speak in another mage's mind, heal quickly and lend his magic to other sorcerers.
In this book the need has indeed arisen once more. There is a foreign prisoner being transferred from Sandro's custody into the custody of the Mercediaran embassy. This prisoner has a document, The Assassin's List, that could plunge Cantagna into a war with Mercediare if it comes to light. Romy and her team, known as the Chimera, have to act fast in order to secure the list. This book has more intrigue than the first as the Chimera slowly discover plans within plans within plans that just get crazier and more audacious. I really can't say much more than that here but if you liked the first book there's no way you'll dislike the second book. I highly recommend this.
Romy will definitely be featured in an upcoming YouTube video about strong female characters who aren't just emulating men's physical strength but have a strength all their own. She reminds me a bit of Phedra from Kushiels Legacy.
I really love this series. It feels really fun and refreshing since it's lighter in tone and more fast paced than a lot of what I read. This book really impressed me just as much as the first, though I did prefer the first a little more.
So this series takes place in an Italian inspired world where magic is a crime. All those with magic are deemed spawn of Dragonis, an ancient evil that sleeps beneath the Costa Drago in this world's rich mythology. Our main character Romy was sold by her mother to the Moon House where she was trained as a courtesan and eventually wound up service the city's ruler for nine years as Mistress Cataline where they fell in love. Due to her brothers crime, her father's hand was cut off and he along with his family of eleven were exiled from the city but her brother Neri was forced to stay and Romy was exiled from Sandro's service back to the Beggar's Ring of the city. There Romy and her brother met two other sorcerers and when word came of a plot against Sandro, they used their magic and wits to foil the plan in book one. Sandro recognized their service and the good they could do and decided to ignore their crime of magic and call on them in the future if the need arises.
Romy can replace a story in someone's head, erasing a memory or creating a new one. She can work this on herself as well and act so well that she becomes a whole new person, forgetting her true identity until someone touching her speaks her name and she can return to herself.
Neri, her brother, can find any item as well as find a path to it, using his magic to walk through walls. He makes for a great thief and scout.
Dumond, a metal worker, has the ability to paint a doorway on a wall and walk through it to the other side or to an entirely different location where another door has been painted.
Placidio, an enigmatic swordsman, has the ability to predict his opponents moves before theyve even thought to make them. He can see a few seconds into the future and react accordingly.
Teo, a new character even more enigmatic than Placido, can speak in another mage's mind, heal quickly and lend his magic to other sorcerers.
In this book the need has indeed arisen once more. There is a foreign prisoner being transferred from Sandro's custody into the custody of the Mercediaran embassy. This prisoner has a document, The Assassin's List, that could plunge Cantagna into a war with Mercediare if it comes to light. Romy and her team, known as the Chimera, have to act fast in order to secure the list. This book has more intrigue than the first as the Chimera slowly discover plans within plans within plans that just get crazier and more audacious. I really can't say much more than that here but if you liked the first book there's no way you'll dislike the second book. I highly recommend this.
Romy will definitely be featured in an upcoming YouTube video about strong female characters who aren't just emulating men's physical strength but have a strength all their own. She reminds me a bit of Phedra from Kushiels Legacy.
February 4, 2020
“Though who can say what love or friendship is when one is bound unconsenting to the other – even when the chains are silk”
A Conjuring of Assassins is the second novel of the Chimera’s, with An Illusion of Thieves being the first in the series.
Like the first, I feel slightly hoodwinked by A Conjuring of Assassins. The first three quarters of the novel are quite arduous to get through, though not unenjoyable, with the last quarter smacking such a punch that you can’t help but feel incredibly pulled in and leave with positive feelings about the book.
We follow the Chimera along on a heist, where they have been contracted to locate an Assassin’s List – which at first glance appears to be a super simple task to undertake, however once they make their first moves they uncover that there is a much more sinister plot at play here and they need to draw upon all of their strengths in order to fully infiltrate the hidden agendas in order to shape it to an agreeable outcome.
The relationships between all of the characters continue to be a strong selling point of this novel. The levels of respect between everyone is something that you rarely see, however it is such a strength to their team and is more often than not their saving grace when it comes to pulling off such high-stakes maneuvers.
Romy, again, continues to intrigue and she really comes into her own through hard work, perseverance and belief (both self-belief and the belief that others have in her).
The only thing that I would wish for, which is probably only a personal preference of mine (because the absence of it doesn’t detract anything from the story line) is for a more romantic element to be involved – though I’m a sucker for romance and love a bit of tension in most of what I read.
*thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2020
This book does a good job at developing and expanding the world introduced in the first book. It follows immediately from the first book, where the group is sent to find a document from a spy.
But things are not what they seem - so there's a mystery while Romy tries to figure out the underlying plot that is taking place. There's a bit more about the relationship with Sandro - I think a good summary is "it's complicated". I'm still not a fan but I do understand why they might end up being an endgame romance.
I liked the introduction of Teo, who is I have a feeling that this is shaping up for the third book.
There's less about the relationship between Chimera because of the trust they have between them too.
But things are not what they seem - so there's a mystery while Romy tries to figure out the underlying plot that is taking place. There's a bit more about the relationship with Sandro - I think a good summary is "it's complicated". I'm still not a fan but I do understand why they might end up being an endgame romance.
I liked the introduction of Teo, who is I have a feeling that this is shaping up for the third book.
There's less about the relationship between Chimera because of the trust they have between them too.
May 13, 2020
I can't wait for a sequel!
June 25, 2025
The character interactions and political intrigue was what set the foundation of this book, and the magic made it fun. Well delivered but not a drag. This was good as a book and great as a sequel.
February 4, 2020
"Chimera: 1. a mythical creature, a fire-breathing female with face, body, and limbs of three different beasts. 2. something that exists only in the imagination and is not possible in reality."
A Conjuring of Assassins finds Romy, Neri, Placidio, and Dumond further developing Chimera, their magical espionage squad in service to the Shadow Lord, Alessandro di Gallanos. They have a current mission to intercept a prisoner going by the name of Cinque, a man with assets that include the Assassin's List. It's a list that Sandro says must not fall into the hands of Mercediaran Protector Vizio and so he activates Chimera for the job. But does Romy already know this Cinque in a different context? And while walking home, Romy encounters a mysterious drowning man, Teo. Teo has the ability to heal himself rapidly and is covered with odd markings on his skin that change and darken. Who is he really and where is he from? Chimera's mission is complicated enough already but can Neri hold it together to do as he's told, will Placidio survive a vendetta he's involved in, and will Romy be safe with this Teo hidden in her home in Lizard's Alley? As the days to the prisoner transfer count down, the Chimera band's challenges mount but they rise to them.
A Conjuring of Assassins is even more enveloping than the first book in the Chimera series. I found myself happily lost in this magical world. I am heartily looking forward to the third book in the series, tentatively titled A Summoning of Demons.
I also enjoyed the audiobook, which is marvelously narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Conjuring of Assassins finds Romy, Neri, Placidio, and Dumond further developing Chimera, their magical espionage squad in service to the Shadow Lord, Alessandro di Gallanos. They have a current mission to intercept a prisoner going by the name of Cinque, a man with assets that include the Assassin's List. It's a list that Sandro says must not fall into the hands of Mercediaran Protector Vizio and so he activates Chimera for the job. But does Romy already know this Cinque in a different context? And while walking home, Romy encounters a mysterious drowning man, Teo. Teo has the ability to heal himself rapidly and is covered with odd markings on his skin that change and darken. Who is he really and where is he from? Chimera's mission is complicated enough already but can Neri hold it together to do as he's told, will Placidio survive a vendetta he's involved in, and will Romy be safe with this Teo hidden in her home in Lizard's Alley? As the days to the prisoner transfer count down, the Chimera band's challenges mount but they rise to them.
A Conjuring of Assassins is even more enveloping than the first book in the Chimera series. I found myself happily lost in this magical world. I am heartily looking forward to the third book in the series, tentatively titled A Summoning of Demons.
I also enjoyed the audiobook, which is marvelously narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
"Our mission was to locate the Assassins List and destroy it. But first we had to insert the Chimera between the two men Fortune would bring together three days from this"
LA DIVINAZIONE CON GLI AGHI È DA PROVARE
Con una trama più complessa ed un cast di personaggi già ben noti, "A Conjuring of Assassins" segna un deciso passo in avanti rispetto al primo capitolo della trilogia Chimera per molti aspetti, pur conservando l'atmosfera accogliente e vivace che aveva caratterizzato "An Illusion of Thieves", di cui questo romanzo è un sequel diretto: la narrazione riprende solo pochi giorni dopo l'epilogo e si sviluppa sulla base di uno schema simile, pur includendo una trama secondaria che ho trovato interessante, anche se malamente amalgamata all'altra storia.
La vicenda principale riguarda una nuova missione affidata alla squadra Chimera dallo Shadow Lord: questa volta dovranno recuperare una lista contenente i nomi di alcune persone molto in vista a Cantagna che si sono unite in una congiura ai danni della tiranna della vicina Mercediare. Di fianco a questa trama che mi ha fatto tornare indietro di ben diciotto anni (in particolare, all'epoca in cui "Elisa di Rivombrosa" dettava legge dagli schermi di Canale 5) troviamo una storia secondaria incentrata sul misterioso Teo, un uomo salvato da Romy quando rischia di annegare nel fiume Venia e che nell'incidente ha perso quasi tutti i ricordi; per quanto importante sia il suo contributo per la risoluzione della storia e per l'intreccio della serie nel suo complesso, come già accennato ho trovato un po' forzata e conveniente la sua entrata in scena, mentre l'avventura principale mi ha decisamente convinta, con un ottimo ritmo dovuto in parte al minore spazio necessario per la presentazione dei personaggi.
Proprio i personaggi si confermano senza dubbio il punto di forza di questa serie, che concede sempre il giusto spazio alle interazioni sia delle varie coppie sia del gruppo protagonista nel suo insieme, che risulta essere ormai quasi una famiglia, tanto sono affiatati: i loro momenti assieme riescono a trasmette un calore ed una felicità genuini che raramente ho riscontrato nel genere fantasy, soprattutto per il target adult dove si tende a puntare più sulla spettacolarizzazione della violenza rispetto all'emotività dei sentimenti. Il rapporto su cui Glass si è focalizzata di più in questo romanzo è quello tra Placidio e Romy -che cerca di smuovere la riservatezza dello spadaccino- senza però accantonare il percorso di crescita di Neri, al quale entrambi stanno contribuendo e che qui compie un importante miglioramento.
Un altro aspetto che approvo in pieno sono indubbiamente le rivelazioni legate al sistema magico. Assieme al lettore, Romy riesce a scoprire nuove informazioni legate ai limiti del suo potere, ma anche a come funzioni la magia in generale e alla sua connessione con la mitologia del mondo fantasy della Costa Drago. Molto carina anche l'idea della predizione tramite la lettura degli aghi, che risulta descritta con grande accuratezza.
Cosa invece non mi ha convinta appieno? Oltre alla parte dedicata a Teo ed al cringe che continuo a provare ad ogni nuova parola in fanta-italiano, devo segnalare come qui l'autrice abbia un po' abusato del name dropping, specialmente nelle scene in cui Romy sta impersonando qualcun altro ed il lettore deve aspettare pagine o interi capitoli prima di avere conferma di determinate identità. Ho trovato anche un pochino frettoloso l'epilogo, che lascia forse troppi spunti aperti per l'ultimo libro.
Voto effettivo: quattro stelline e mezza
LA DIVINAZIONE CON GLI AGHI È DA PROVARE
Con una trama più complessa ed un cast di personaggi già ben noti, "A Conjuring of Assassins" segna un deciso passo in avanti rispetto al primo capitolo della trilogia Chimera per molti aspetti, pur conservando l'atmosfera accogliente e vivace che aveva caratterizzato "An Illusion of Thieves", di cui questo romanzo è un sequel diretto: la narrazione riprende solo pochi giorni dopo l'epilogo e si sviluppa sulla base di uno schema simile, pur includendo una trama secondaria che ho trovato interessante, anche se malamente amalgamata all'altra storia.
La vicenda principale riguarda una nuova missione affidata alla squadra Chimera dallo Shadow Lord: questa volta dovranno recuperare una lista contenente i nomi di alcune persone molto in vista a Cantagna che si sono unite in una congiura ai danni della tiranna della vicina Mercediare. Di fianco a questa trama che mi ha fatto tornare indietro di ben diciotto anni (in particolare, all'epoca in cui "Elisa di Rivombrosa" dettava legge dagli schermi di Canale 5) troviamo una storia secondaria incentrata sul misterioso Teo, un uomo salvato da Romy quando rischia di annegare nel fiume Venia e che nell'incidente ha perso quasi tutti i ricordi; per quanto importante sia il suo contributo per la risoluzione della storia e per l'intreccio della serie nel suo complesso, come già accennato ho trovato un po' forzata e conveniente la sua entrata in scena, mentre l'avventura principale mi ha decisamente convinta, con un ottimo ritmo dovuto in parte al minore spazio necessario per la presentazione dei personaggi.
Proprio i personaggi si confermano senza dubbio il punto di forza di questa serie, che concede sempre il giusto spazio alle interazioni sia delle varie coppie sia del gruppo protagonista nel suo insieme, che risulta essere ormai quasi una famiglia, tanto sono affiatati: i loro momenti assieme riescono a trasmette un calore ed una felicità genuini che raramente ho riscontrato nel genere fantasy, soprattutto per il target adult dove si tende a puntare più sulla spettacolarizzazione della violenza rispetto all'emotività dei sentimenti. Il rapporto su cui Glass si è focalizzata di più in questo romanzo è quello tra Placidio e Romy -che cerca di smuovere la riservatezza dello spadaccino- senza però accantonare il percorso di crescita di Neri, al quale entrambi stanno contribuendo e che qui compie un importante miglioramento.
Un altro aspetto che approvo in pieno sono indubbiamente le rivelazioni legate al sistema magico. Assieme al lettore, Romy riesce a scoprire nuove informazioni legate ai limiti del suo potere, ma anche a come funzioni la magia in generale e alla sua connessione con la mitologia del mondo fantasy della Costa Drago. Molto carina anche l'idea della predizione tramite la lettura degli aghi, che risulta descritta con grande accuratezza.
Cosa invece non mi ha convinta appieno? Oltre alla parte dedicata a Teo ed al cringe che continuo a provare ad ogni nuova parola in fanta-italiano, devo segnalare come qui l'autrice abbia un po' abusato del name dropping, specialmente nelle scene in cui Romy sta impersonando qualcun altro ed il lettore deve aspettare pagine o interi capitoli prima di avere conferma di determinate identità. Ho trovato anche un pochino frettoloso l'epilogo, che lascia forse troppi spunti aperti per l'ultimo libro.
Voto effettivo: quattro stelline e mezza
April 2, 2024
[There are no explicit plot spoilers in this review.]
A Conjuring of Assassins is the second book in the Chimera series by Carol Berg, writing under the pen name, Cate Glass. The author delivers a satisfying, self-contained story that can be appreciated on its own, but doesn't push the overall series forward in a significant way.
Book Two picks up immediately after the grand caper in Book One, with Romy and her friends recruited to solve a tangled political problem by using their particular talents. The first 20% of the book is peppered with plenty of gentle recap, which will be great if Book One isn't fresh in your mind but more irritating if you're reading them back-to-back. There's an overreliance on coincidence to introduce new story elements, such as Placidio the swordsman running afoul with the Pizotti family, Romy's encounter with a familiar lawyer, or the discovery of an injured man in the fog.
Once the characters begin their new assignment in earnest (around Chapter 6), the book finds its stride and will keep you hooked until the end. The heist storyline is centered more around political intrigue and influence this time, adding a well-executed layer of interest above simply stealing a MacGuffin. I have always appreciated the way that this author builds suspense in a central mystery by methodically dropping hints and reminders of key questions until the master plan becomes clear to the reader -- this approach works particularly well in the Chimera series.
The characters (both new and old) are well-written although they don't evolve much beyond their starting points. Granted, this makes tons of sense when you consider that the entire book takes place in roughly a week, but the characters sometimes toe the line between being interesting in their own right and treading water as mere plot ciphers.
More noticeable is the fact that the world-building takes a backseat in this outing. This is a fun “heist of the week” story that takes place in Cantagna -- the intricate foundation of societal structure, mysticism, and beliefs that the author established in Book One is no closer to culmination by the end. I would have appreciated a few more breadcrumbs to keep me invested. For example, we see the "sniffers" in action many times, but are no closer to understanding their predicament or means of detection. Romy's visions of antiquity are obviously telegraphing something about future books, but the reveals relegated to the final pages of Book Two offer more questions than answers.
With calibrated expectations, there is a lot to love in A Conjuring of Assassins. This is a tasty morsel of a story that acts as a refreshing palate cleanser in between volumes of your favourite byzantine epic fantasy. Read it for the well-choreographed caper plot that doesn't fall back on a trite, neverending succession of backstabs to surprise. Read it for the main characters that realize they are made stronger through their trust and friendship and the supporting characters that are too delightfully complex to label as pure villains. Just don't be surprised if you reach the end and are left wanting, like a mid-season episode of Alias!
A Conjuring of Assassins is the second book in the Chimera series by Carol Berg, writing under the pen name, Cate Glass. The author delivers a satisfying, self-contained story that can be appreciated on its own, but doesn't push the overall series forward in a significant way.
Book Two picks up immediately after the grand caper in Book One, with Romy and her friends recruited to solve a tangled political problem by using their particular talents. The first 20% of the book is peppered with plenty of gentle recap, which will be great if Book One isn't fresh in your mind but more irritating if you're reading them back-to-back. There's an overreliance on coincidence to introduce new story elements, such as Placidio the swordsman running afoul with the Pizotti family, Romy's encounter with a familiar lawyer, or the discovery of an injured man in the fog.
Once the characters begin their new assignment in earnest (around Chapter 6), the book finds its stride and will keep you hooked until the end. The heist storyline is centered more around political intrigue and influence this time, adding a well-executed layer of interest above simply stealing a MacGuffin. I have always appreciated the way that this author builds suspense in a central mystery by methodically dropping hints and reminders of key questions until the master plan becomes clear to the reader -- this approach works particularly well in the Chimera series.
The characters (both new and old) are well-written although they don't evolve much beyond their starting points. Granted, this makes tons of sense when you consider that the entire book takes place in roughly a week, but the characters sometimes toe the line between being interesting in their own right and treading water as mere plot ciphers.
More noticeable is the fact that the world-building takes a backseat in this outing. This is a fun “heist of the week” story that takes place in Cantagna -- the intricate foundation of societal structure, mysticism, and beliefs that the author established in Book One is no closer to culmination by the end. I would have appreciated a few more breadcrumbs to keep me invested. For example, we see the "sniffers" in action many times, but are no closer to understanding their predicament or means of detection. Romy's visions of antiquity are obviously telegraphing something about future books, but the reveals relegated to the final pages of Book Two offer more questions than answers.
With calibrated expectations, there is a lot to love in A Conjuring of Assassins. This is a tasty morsel of a story that acts as a refreshing palate cleanser in between volumes of your favourite byzantine epic fantasy. Read it for the well-choreographed caper plot that doesn't fall back on a trite, neverending succession of backstabs to surprise. Read it for the main characters that realize they are made stronger through their trust and friendship and the supporting characters that are too delightfully complex to label as pure villains. Just don't be surprised if you reach the end and are left wanting, like a mid-season episode of Alias!
February 9, 2020
TW: sexual harassment, mentions of suicide, mentions of a child’s death, racism
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from Macmillan-Tor/Forge in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to them and to the author.
I had requested for the ARC of the first book in the Chimera series, An Illusion of Thieves, on a whim and became totally enamored with the characters and the world. So when I saw the second book was also available to be requested from NetGalley, I pounced right on it! The covers in this series are really so pretty and surprisingly detailed.
What I Liked
-When I first cracked open this book, it didn't take me long to remember why I loved the members of the Chimera so much. I was so happy to be back with these characters.
The development of Romy’s powers is so interesting and we get to explore the different avenues of it's uses this time around. She's definitely gone beyond just be able to play with memory.
-Teo, the strange man Romy saves from drowning, was such an endearing new character. Very mysterious but also he really gave off big dumb jock energy, which I adore.
-What Glass does with her stories is interesting: she opens up the world, letting you know how other countries/kingdoms affect Cantagna, but she still keeps the story contained within the city and the plot is still focused on how the city, not the world, is affected. Often sequels have the characters moving away from the setting of the first book and seeing how the whole world is affected by their previous actions, but in the Chimera series, we remain in the familiar world of Cantagna and I appreciate that kind of break from other fantasies. Plus, Glass's world-building is top tier, especially when it came to the needles of fate.
-Normally, I'm usually not interested in watching every plan succeed (I need a little failure from the characters), but the Chimera are so competent that I’m not even that annoyed that everything works out for them.
-I kind of ship Placidio and Pix. They'd be so cute together!
-I really love Placidio and Romy’s friendship. They are respectful of each other but Romy still takes Placidio's fatherly advice to heart, and he believes in her strength and in her plans, even when he disagrees. It's such a soft friendship and always a delight to witness on the page.
-I found it strangely powerful to see Romy visit the Moon House--the place where her parents had sold her into sex slavery--for the first time since she'd been bought for Sandro. I wonder if she'll ever have the chance to confront the trauma she experienced there, instead of pushing it into the past.
-Ok, I know the scene where everyone disrupts Egerik’s meeting wasn’t supposed to be funny but it had me bursting out laughing. It felt like such a comedic beat.
-Um...so I still ship Sandro and Romy...:/ I know it’ll never work and I know it's ridiculously problematic (he technically owned her, after all) but he clearly loves her and she still cares about him. I’m also happy, though, that her protectiveness over her friends trumped her love for him. I don't want to be a Sandro apologist, but I appreciate that he has no interest in letting a monarchy rule Cantagna.
-The villain actually kind of freaked me out this time around. I don't think it'll be the last time we hear of the Brotherhood.
-I actually found Cei really interesting and I wish we had a chance to learn more about him. I don't think we'll ever see him again but who knows.
What I Didn't Like
-In terms of the writing, Glass is a pretty great writing but I find the language really formal and hard to read. It doesn't flow very well so you end up having to really slowly read through the sentences so you don't misinterpret anything. She also tends to replace dialogue with “I went in to explain...” a lot of the time.
-Like the first book, we're only ever in Romy's head and I would have liked to be in someone else's sometimes.
Conclusion
Another winner! I'm always so happy when the sequel lives up to my enjoyment of the first book. I had such a blast with these characters and with diving back into Cantagna. I don't know how many books there will be in the series but I'll be here for it all!
My Rating: 4.5/5
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from Macmillan-Tor/Forge in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to them and to the author.
I had requested for the ARC of the first book in the Chimera series, An Illusion of Thieves, on a whim and became totally enamored with the characters and the world. So when I saw the second book was also available to be requested from NetGalley, I pounced right on it! The covers in this series are really so pretty and surprisingly detailed.
What I Liked
-When I first cracked open this book, it didn't take me long to remember why I loved the members of the Chimera so much. I was so happy to be back with these characters.
The development of Romy’s powers is so interesting and we get to explore the different avenues of it's uses this time around. She's definitely gone beyond just be able to play with memory.
-Teo, the strange man Romy saves from drowning, was such an endearing new character. Very mysterious but also he really gave off big dumb jock energy, which I adore.
-What Glass does with her stories is interesting: she opens up the world, letting you know how other countries/kingdoms affect Cantagna, but she still keeps the story contained within the city and the plot is still focused on how the city, not the world, is affected. Often sequels have the characters moving away from the setting of the first book and seeing how the whole world is affected by their previous actions, but in the Chimera series, we remain in the familiar world of Cantagna and I appreciate that kind of break from other fantasies. Plus, Glass's world-building is top tier, especially when it came to the needles of fate.
-Normally, I'm usually not interested in watching every plan succeed (I need a little failure from the characters), but the Chimera are so competent that I’m not even that annoyed that everything works out for them.
-I kind of ship Placidio and Pix. They'd be so cute together!
-I really love Placidio and Romy’s friendship. They are respectful of each other but Romy still takes Placidio's fatherly advice to heart, and he believes in her strength and in her plans, even when he disagrees. It's such a soft friendship and always a delight to witness on the page.
-I found it strangely powerful to see Romy visit the Moon House--the place where her parents had sold her into sex slavery--for the first time since she'd been bought for Sandro. I wonder if she'll ever have the chance to confront the trauma she experienced there, instead of pushing it into the past.
-Ok, I know the scene where everyone disrupts Egerik’s meeting wasn’t supposed to be funny but it had me bursting out laughing. It felt like such a comedic beat.
-Um...so I still ship Sandro and Romy...:/ I know it’ll never work and I know it's ridiculously problematic (he technically owned her, after all) but he clearly loves her and she still cares about him. I’m also happy, though, that her protectiveness over her friends trumped her love for him. I don't want to be a Sandro apologist, but I appreciate that he has no interest in letting a monarchy rule Cantagna.
-The villain actually kind of freaked me out this time around. I don't think it'll be the last time we hear of the Brotherhood.
-I actually found Cei really interesting and I wish we had a chance to learn more about him. I don't think we'll ever see him again but who knows.
What I Didn't Like
-In terms of the writing, Glass is a pretty great writing but I find the language really formal and hard to read. It doesn't flow very well so you end up having to really slowly read through the sentences so you don't misinterpret anything. She also tends to replace dialogue with “I went in to explain...” a lot of the time.
-Like the first book, we're only ever in Romy's head and I would have liked to be in someone else's sometimes.
Conclusion
Another winner! I'm always so happy when the sequel lives up to my enjoyment of the first book. I had such a blast with these characters and with diving back into Cantagna. I don't know how many books there will be in the series but I'll be here for it all!
My Rating: 4.5/5
February 4, 2020
The story begins with a four people consisting of a professional duelist, a sword master, a metalsmith, Remy and her brother Neri, all of them magic users or sorcerers. They call themselves The Chimera, the Mystical Animal created of several different animals.
They are in a tavern waiting for Remy to unwind from her assumed illusion. Her magic allows her to become another through her implicit faith that she is that form. Her will so strong, even those close to her see the new envisioned form.
The problem comes when she attempts reverting to herself. Dropping the illusion does not work because she loses herself in the illusion and forgets everything. The illusion disappears only when another, preferably a woman, calls her true name and touches her body. This limits the usage of her magic unless she finds another way to both remember who she really is and has the ability to safely release the illusion returning to her true self without the aid of another.
These Chimera are waiting for a prisoner to arrive. He is known to have hidden somewhere an Assassins List of names and they have been tasked with the responsibility of finding out where it is hidden and recovering and destroying the list.
Throughout this whole book we are led on a journey of intrigue, mystery, danger, terror and murder lurks around every corner. The plots and sub plots are so intricate and many that I had a hard time discerning who was not out to kill the Chimera, who was plotting with who and and was it actually safe to trust anyone.
The imagery is vivid and descriptions colorful as the story unfolds. From the dual at the beginning to the finding of the list, everything was vividly realistic and attention garnering.
I will say this, the sexual innuendo did not add to the story even though Remy is trained as a courtesan and assumes the role with ease and when needed. It seemed to detract from the ongoing, unfolding story. It would be better, for instance to read more of the dual, and why Neri was not where he should be than have to skim over these pages. This is just one example, and if libraries are placing this in YA sections and will be encouraging teens to read the book, I feel this is not appropriate subject matter for them. As a reviewer I felt impelled to point this out, were this just adult reading, then it is permissible. Adults can decide whether to continue, teens may not do so.
I wish to thank the author, NetGalley, and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for allowing me to read this book in advance of its publishing date.
They are in a tavern waiting for Remy to unwind from her assumed illusion. Her magic allows her to become another through her implicit faith that she is that form. Her will so strong, even those close to her see the new envisioned form.
The problem comes when she attempts reverting to herself. Dropping the illusion does not work because she loses herself in the illusion and forgets everything. The illusion disappears only when another, preferably a woman, calls her true name and touches her body. This limits the usage of her magic unless she finds another way to both remember who she really is and has the ability to safely release the illusion returning to her true self without the aid of another.
These Chimera are waiting for a prisoner to arrive. He is known to have hidden somewhere an Assassins List of names and they have been tasked with the responsibility of finding out where it is hidden and recovering and destroying the list.
Throughout this whole book we are led on a journey of intrigue, mystery, danger, terror and murder lurks around every corner. The plots and sub plots are so intricate and many that I had a hard time discerning who was not out to kill the Chimera, who was plotting with who and and was it actually safe to trust anyone.
The imagery is vivid and descriptions colorful as the story unfolds. From the dual at the beginning to the finding of the list, everything was vividly realistic and attention garnering.
I will say this, the sexual innuendo did not add to the story even though Remy is trained as a courtesan and assumes the role with ease and when needed. It seemed to detract from the ongoing, unfolding story. It would be better, for instance to read more of the dual, and why Neri was not where he should be than have to skim over these pages. This is just one example, and if libraries are placing this in YA sections and will be encouraging teens to read the book, I feel this is not appropriate subject matter for them. As a reviewer I felt impelled to point this out, were this just adult reading, then it is permissible. Adults can decide whether to continue, teens may not do so.
I wish to thank the author, NetGalley, and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for allowing me to read this book in advance of its publishing date.
March 19, 2020
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of A Conjuring of Assassins for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I've been sitting on this review since January. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. I would open this draft, stare at it, look back at my notes, stare at the draft some more, and the words never came.
I enjoyed A Conjuring of Assassins, much like I enjoyed its predecessor. In both books, the middles were slow, but every small detail came together in strong, kick-ass, fast-paced endings. Despite my poor excuse for an attention span during the middles of these Chimera books, this ragtag group of strangers-turned-family has wormed its way into my heart.
Besides Romy's close relationship with her brother, which was the center of much of An Illusion of Thieves, I most admire her relationship with Placidio. There's a growing bond there, with mutual respect, and I'm interested in finding out where that road leads. We still don't know much about Placidio's past, or his connection to the grander plot at play, outside of is invaluable role amongst the Chimera team.
As for Romy's past, we watch her revisit the place that shaped her into the Shadow Lord's courtesan. Unfortunately, this was one of the scenes that dragged on, causing my mind to wander, and I found myself having to reread a page or two to make up for it. Of course, there was information revealed in this scene that would serve the ending of the story, but my eyes glazed over nonetheless.
Which leads me to believe that this particular series is not for me. I like the characters, their dynamic as a team, and how careful and methodical they are when planning their Chimera missions. So the characters are great, Romy's a force of nature not to be messed with, and the magic system is intriguing... But I don't think I'm invested in the overall plot of the series. Political fantasy, I've come to learn, is not my favourite subgenre.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I be reading the next one in the series? TBD.
I've been sitting on this review since January. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. I would open this draft, stare at it, look back at my notes, stare at the draft some more, and the words never came.
I enjoyed A Conjuring of Assassins, much like I enjoyed its predecessor. In both books, the middles were slow, but every small detail came together in strong, kick-ass, fast-paced endings. Despite my poor excuse for an attention span during the middles of these Chimera books, this ragtag group of strangers-turned-family has wormed its way into my heart.
Besides Romy's close relationship with her brother, which was the center of much of An Illusion of Thieves, I most admire her relationship with Placidio. There's a growing bond there, with mutual respect, and I'm interested in finding out where that road leads. We still don't know much about Placidio's past, or his connection to the grander plot at play, outside of is invaluable role amongst the Chimera team.
As for Romy's past, we watch her revisit the place that shaped her into the Shadow Lord's courtesan. Unfortunately, this was one of the scenes that dragged on, causing my mind to wander, and I found myself having to reread a page or two to make up for it. Of course, there was information revealed in this scene that would serve the ending of the story, but my eyes glazed over nonetheless.
Which leads me to believe that this particular series is not for me. I like the characters, their dynamic as a team, and how careful and methodical they are when planning their Chimera missions. So the characters are great, Romy's a force of nature not to be messed with, and the magic system is intriguing... But I don't think I'm invested in the overall plot of the series. Political fantasy, I've come to learn, is not my favourite subgenre.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I be reading the next one in the series? TBD.
March 3, 2020
I was surprised when I got to this and saw that the copyright name was different to the author name, so I looked it up and finally realised after two books that Cate Glass is Carol Berg an author I've considered reading before but never got around to.
Publishers making authors change their names to in effect hide the connection to the sales of their past books sure does make it hard to follow them!
All of that aside this is a good book and a very competent sequel. I came into it wondering if the author was up to handling a book long mystery/heist for in the first book in the series that part of the plot doesn't begin until about halfway through and the answer is a resounding yes.
What really makes this work stand out is the way the author introduces concepts from real world Romanticism into her renaissance fantasy, by drawing on the Romantic interest in the Sublime and Beautiful as a plot detail the setting of the book becomes all the more believable and unique.
The characterisation was memorable for me because the supporting cast of characters all have internal lives outside of their importance to the plot which makes them feel real and not just tools to be used as and when they are useful to the narrative and our protagonist.
Finally massive bonus points for writing a fantasy novel where the truth behind the central mystery stays hidden until it is time to reveal it to the reader. Far too many fantasy books make their secrets almost immediately obvious to any reader with the slightest genre savvy.
Publishers making authors change their names to in effect hide the connection to the sales of their past books sure does make it hard to follow them!
All of that aside this is a good book and a very competent sequel. I came into it wondering if the author was up to handling a book long mystery/heist for in the first book in the series that part of the plot doesn't begin until about halfway through and the answer is a resounding yes.
What really makes this work stand out is the way the author introduces concepts from real world Romanticism into her renaissance fantasy, by drawing on the Romantic interest in the Sublime and Beautiful as a plot detail the setting of the book becomes all the more believable and unique.
The characterisation was memorable for me because the supporting cast of characters all have internal lives outside of their importance to the plot which makes them feel real and not just tools to be used as and when they are useful to the narrative and our protagonist.
Finally massive bonus points for writing a fantasy novel where the truth behind the central mystery stays hidden until it is time to reveal it to the reader. Far too many fantasy books make their secrets almost immediately obvious to any reader with the slightest genre savvy.
February 27, 2020
A Conjuring of Assassins is a sequel to Glass’s previous An Illusion of Thieves, and readers are advised to get familiar with that one, first, as it contains important character and world-building elements.
Having established the Chimera team in the first book, A Conjuring of Assassins has them working their first formal assignment for the Shadow Lord—steal the Assassin’s List, a document that, in the wrong hands, could lead to a devastating war.
Of course, nothing about the job is as simple as it seems—the courier is not just a courier, the stakes are not a slight matter of espionage or blackmail, and the personal risks are far more than mere torture and public execution if caught. The villain in this case is more than a political opportunist; he engages in a form of unique personal corruption.
Romy and her confederates spend the entire caper working from incomplete information, which creates a slow-building rats nest of a story with unanswered questions and dangling threads. Trust the author— it all resolves in an adrenaline-soaked sequence that finds every character improvising on the fly and taking full advantage of the opportunities that chaos provides.
We are also introduced to Teo, a literal international man of mystery, even to himself.
Rated 8/10— well worth your time and attention.
Recommended for lovers of caper stories and amateur fortune tellers.
Having established the Chimera team in the first book, A Conjuring of Assassins has them working their first formal assignment for the Shadow Lord—steal the Assassin’s List, a document that, in the wrong hands, could lead to a devastating war.
Of course, nothing about the job is as simple as it seems—the courier is not just a courier, the stakes are not a slight matter of espionage or blackmail, and the personal risks are far more than mere torture and public execution if caught. The villain in this case is more than a political opportunist; he engages in a form of unique personal corruption.
Romy and her confederates spend the entire caper working from incomplete information, which creates a slow-building rats nest of a story with unanswered questions and dangling threads. Trust the author— it all resolves in an adrenaline-soaked sequence that finds every character improvising on the fly and taking full advantage of the opportunities that chaos provides.
We are also introduced to Teo, a literal international man of mystery, even to himself.
Rated 8/10— well worth your time and attention.
Recommended for lovers of caper stories and amateur fortune tellers.
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