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A gifted warrior consumed by revenge. An unstoppable enemy rampaging ever closer. A ravaged country in desperate need of a ruler.
After a brutal and bloody invasion, a once powerful matriarchal nation is in chaos.
Only the shy warrior Violya can pick up the pieces and save her broken country. But an old threat – for one thousand years suppressed – has awoken. Now unleashed, it’s hell-bent on destruction.
To protect her people, Violya must cast aside her desire for vengeance, master her rare magic and find the courage to rule – and fast.
Time is running out as a prophecy is coming true. A formidable enemy is closing in to crush them all. Can Violya unite friend and foe to face the looming catastrophe before it’s too late?
She’s out for blood, but first she must master her own…
VIOLYA is a grimdark epic fantasy packed with unique creatures and beings, blood-soaked action and brutal battles. It’s a sweeping tale of power and betrayal, sex and survival, love and family ties, powerful magic and hardened warriors.
Gritty adult fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, a diverse cast of complex characters, and a richly detailed plot told from multiple narratives.
VIOLYA is the second book in the In the Heart of the Mountains trilogy, the first is MELOKAI.
After a brutal and bloody invasion, a once powerful matriarchal nation is in chaos.
Only the shy warrior Violya can pick up the pieces and save her broken country. But an old threat – for one thousand years suppressed – has awoken. Now unleashed, it’s hell-bent on destruction.
To protect her people, Violya must cast aside her desire for vengeance, master her rare magic and find the courage to rule – and fast.
Time is running out as a prophecy is coming true. A formidable enemy is closing in to crush them all. Can Violya unite friend and foe to face the looming catastrophe before it’s too late?
She’s out for blood, but first she must master her own…
VIOLYA is a grimdark epic fantasy packed with unique creatures and beings, blood-soaked action and brutal battles. It’s a sweeping tale of power and betrayal, sex and survival, love and family ties, powerful magic and hardened warriors.
Gritty adult fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, a diverse cast of complex characters, and a richly detailed plot told from multiple narratives.
VIOLYA is the second book in the In the Heart of the Mountains trilogy, the first is MELOKAI.
- GenresFantasy
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2019
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Rosalyn Kelly
10 books82 followersGet my novella The Fall of Vaasar as a free ebook here: www.rosalynkelly.co.uk/free-book
Rosalyn Kelly grew up in the magical New Forest in the south of England and has lived around the country as well as in the Middle East, and travelled all over the world.
She studied English Literature and Language at Oxford Brookes University before embarking on a PR and marketing career.
After ten years telling the stories of international brands and businesses, she decided the time had come to tell her own and her debut novel MELOKAI was published in 2017. Her second novel VIOLYA was published in 2019.
The inspiration for her epic fantasy trilogy came when she was trekking in the mountains of Nepal's stunning Annapurna Sanctuary.
When she's not putting her heart and soul into Book Three of the In The Heart of The Mountains trilogy, she daydreams about where to travel to next, paints with acrylic, reads voraciously and writes book reviews on her blog.
Rosalyn Kelly grew up in the magical New Forest in the south of England and has lived around the country as well as in the Middle East, and travelled all over the world.
She studied English Literature and Language at Oxford Brookes University before embarking on a PR and marketing career.
After ten years telling the stories of international brands and businesses, she decided the time had come to tell her own and her debut novel MELOKAI was published in 2017. Her second novel VIOLYA was published in 2019.
The inspiration for her epic fantasy trilogy came when she was trekking in the mountains of Nepal's stunning Annapurna Sanctuary.
When she's not putting her heart and soul into Book Three of the In The Heart of The Mountains trilogy, she daydreams about where to travel to next, paints with acrylic, reads voraciously and writes book reviews on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 11, 2020
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4.5/5
VIOLYA by Rosalyn Kelly is the second volume of IN THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS, which is a feminist dark fantasy series that deals with a multitude of societies undergoing deep social changes. I really enjoyed the previous volume, MELOKAI, and eagerly picked up this book the moment that it came out.
The book opens up with a helpful recap of the previous one's story hooks and plots, which I believe more books should include. The previous Melokai is dead along with her child, the rebellion by the peons has been crushed, and the people of Peqkyrian are stuck between the twin dooms of death or losing their traditionalist Amazon-esque culture. Worse, they are surrounded by enemy civilizations that wish to destroy them for their alien ways as well as resources. The Peqkyrian are not perfect victims with a history of conquest, slavery, and oppression among them.
Much of the book's first half deals with following up the events of the previous one's climax. The Peqkyrian have been hit hard and are struggling to deal with the blow to their cultural pride every bit as much as the damage done by the invaders. Though they technically won, they had their leader killed and their great library burned to the ground. Rayma's death causes most of the people to mourn her, even though she was a hated tyrant just a few days prior.
Violya is the new Melokai and stuck with the unenviable task of trying to reform a society that murders most of its useless men, keeps slaves, and is corrupt with cronyism at every level. She has the power of the Sight and has won a great series of victories but this does not guarantee her status. Violya wishes to reform Peqkyrian society, if for no other reason than their rampant slavery and misandry deprives them of valuable military resources. Unfortunately, reform is not always welcome and has the potential to backfire as we see with other rulers.
I was particularly fond of the character Jessima. Married off to a religious fanatic who she is not overly fond of, she's carrying the baby of his brother and set to become queen of Lian. Unfortunately, it is a society with no respect for women and she is expected to be nothing more than a pampered concubine when the entirety of the royal dynasty comes apart around her.
The politics of this world are brutal, the action is fierce, and the world-building is top notch. I think if you're looking for a new grimdark series then this is probably your best bet. It has a female perspective that is sometimes overlooked in the genre but benefits works like A Song of Ice and Fire as well as The Witcher. Sometimes the characters are a little too unsympathetic but everyone's of enjoyment for antiheroes varies.
I was also fond of the characters Ammad and Toby as the two of them show very different perspectives on the non-Peqkyrian storylines going on. Ammand is a brutish murderous scumbag who is like Khal Drogo and Joffrey had a baby. He has nothing going for him but his ability to kill and royal pedigree. So, when he loses both of his arms, he has nothing to fall back on. Toby is a captured prince who is tortured by the depraved ancient enemies of his family who have no interest in leaving him intact for ransom. His horror story is similar to the adversity many women suffer in grimdark fiction and seeing it gender reversed was, if not refreshing, an interesting twist.
In conclusion, definitely check this out if you have the time. In the Heart of the Mountains is shaping up to be solid works of fantasy and original to boot. I really enjoyed this book. I should warn readers that there is a lot of dark subject matter within. At least one character suffers sexual assault, there is torture, and it is a dark violent world that absolutely deserves the title of grimdark. It is also a strongly feminist work that I think brings a new view to the genre.
4.5/5
VIOLYA by Rosalyn Kelly is the second volume of IN THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS, which is a feminist dark fantasy series that deals with a multitude of societies undergoing deep social changes. I really enjoyed the previous volume, MELOKAI, and eagerly picked up this book the moment that it came out.
The book opens up with a helpful recap of the previous one's story hooks and plots, which I believe more books should include. The previous Melokai is dead along with her child, the rebellion by the peons has been crushed, and the people of Peqkyrian are stuck between the twin dooms of death or losing their traditionalist Amazon-esque culture. Worse, they are surrounded by enemy civilizations that wish to destroy them for their alien ways as well as resources. The Peqkyrian are not perfect victims with a history of conquest, slavery, and oppression among them.
Much of the book's first half deals with following up the events of the previous one's climax. The Peqkyrian have been hit hard and are struggling to deal with the blow to their cultural pride every bit as much as the damage done by the invaders. Though they technically won, they had their leader killed and their great library burned to the ground. Rayma's death causes most of the people to mourn her, even though she was a hated tyrant just a few days prior.
Violya is the new Melokai and stuck with the unenviable task of trying to reform a society that murders most of its useless men, keeps slaves, and is corrupt with cronyism at every level. She has the power of the Sight and has won a great series of victories but this does not guarantee her status. Violya wishes to reform Peqkyrian society, if for no other reason than their rampant slavery and misandry deprives them of valuable military resources. Unfortunately, reform is not always welcome and has the potential to backfire as we see with other rulers.
I was particularly fond of the character Jessima. Married off to a religious fanatic who she is not overly fond of, she's carrying the baby of his brother and set to become queen of Lian. Unfortunately, it is a society with no respect for women and she is expected to be nothing more than a pampered concubine when the entirety of the royal dynasty comes apart around her.
The politics of this world are brutal, the action is fierce, and the world-building is top notch. I think if you're looking for a new grimdark series then this is probably your best bet. It has a female perspective that is sometimes overlooked in the genre but benefits works like A Song of Ice and Fire as well as The Witcher. Sometimes the characters are a little too unsympathetic but everyone's of enjoyment for antiheroes varies.
I was also fond of the characters Ammad and Toby as the two of them show very different perspectives on the non-Peqkyrian storylines going on. Ammand is a brutish murderous scumbag who is like Khal Drogo and Joffrey had a baby. He has nothing going for him but his ability to kill and royal pedigree. So, when he loses both of his arms, he has nothing to fall back on. Toby is a captured prince who is tortured by the depraved ancient enemies of his family who have no interest in leaving him intact for ransom. His horror story is similar to the adversity many women suffer in grimdark fiction and seeing it gender reversed was, if not refreshing, an interesting twist.
In conclusion, definitely check this out if you have the time. In the Heart of the Mountains is shaping up to be solid works of fantasy and original to boot. I really enjoyed this book. I should warn readers that there is a lot of dark subject matter within. At least one character suffers sexual assault, there is torture, and it is a dark violent world that absolutely deserves the title of grimdark. It is also a strongly feminist work that I think brings a new view to the genre.
December 31, 2019
This is book two, the follow up to Melokai. I very much enjoyed the world Melokai introduced us to, and have been eagerly awaiting the sequel. This book did not disappoint.
Where the first book spent more time introducing us to the world and the cultures, this one picks up where it left off and focuses much more on characters. Most of the point of view characters from book one continue here, with the exception of course of any who did not survive book one. No spoilers.
The character development is more evenly distributed in this book, and we get to see more from cultures that were briefly shown in book one. There are cave people who are nearing extinction and their culture has devolved into mostly solely about mating in hopes of having more female offspring. We delve into their cave society in this book and learn more about their struggles.
We also find out more about the special wolf Sarrya, the first female wolf who is able to stand on two legs. She is also gifted with some magical abilities and has become an influential force.
The biggest transformation comes from the title character, Violya, who takes over leadership of the Peqkya nation and makes major changes. Many of the different cultures are making major changes, the wolves, the camel people, even the human kingdom is filled with uprising and revolution. All have themes of restoring balance, fairness, equality, and the uproar such major reform can bring.
This is a dark book and the villains do horrendous things, but the protagonists mostly are self-aware people who want to bring about change and make their societies better for everyone. In that way, this book has much more hope in it than book one.
Alliances are built, broken, and reformed as the cultures regroup and prepare to face a new enemy that is set to be the main conflict of book three.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. This is a unique series. I've never read anything like it, and so far it's only getting better.
Where the first book spent more time introducing us to the world and the cultures, this one picks up where it left off and focuses much more on characters. Most of the point of view characters from book one continue here, with the exception of course of any who did not survive book one. No spoilers.
The character development is more evenly distributed in this book, and we get to see more from cultures that were briefly shown in book one. There are cave people who are nearing extinction and their culture has devolved into mostly solely about mating in hopes of having more female offspring. We delve into their cave society in this book and learn more about their struggles.
We also find out more about the special wolf Sarrya, the first female wolf who is able to stand on two legs. She is also gifted with some magical abilities and has become an influential force.
The biggest transformation comes from the title character, Violya, who takes over leadership of the Peqkya nation and makes major changes. Many of the different cultures are making major changes, the wolves, the camel people, even the human kingdom is filled with uprising and revolution. All have themes of restoring balance, fairness, equality, and the uproar such major reform can bring.
This is a dark book and the villains do horrendous things, but the protagonists mostly are self-aware people who want to bring about change and make their societies better for everyone. In that way, this book has much more hope in it than book one.
Alliances are built, broken, and reformed as the cultures regroup and prepare to face a new enemy that is set to be the main conflict of book three.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. This is a unique series. I've never read anything like it, and so far it's only getting better.
December 6, 2019
Review: I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review and NOT Netgalley i.e. the tramplers of First Amendment rights while licking the anus’ of publishers.
Once again this author takes a very daunting approach to writing as there is a lot going on. Big props for wending a tale steeped in a myriad of unconventional approaches. What is a consistent theme throughout the novel, no matter the Kingdom in which it resides, is that men suck and when not sucking they are beta males touting socialist rhetoric as an answer to a long abiding kleptocracy. The progressive message seeks to blend in with a the story line in a myriad of ways. Flexible belief systems and sexual orientations/species preferences are all on display in an attempt to embrace the collective “anything goes” mantra.
The characterization is what sets this novel apart from most in the genre. Violya is quite the ass-kicker with interesting abilities and a penchant for werewolf dick. Violya is a complex individual and you root for her success which is the outcome of a good writers ability of drawing the reader in. What mostly sucked was the not so believable transition of Princess Douche Baggery into a Valkyrie, assembling an entire army made up of only females (here we go again) to save her Kingdom from usurping jackasses.
The magic is spot on and develops with the story line. The scene descriptions are very accomplished and add a depth that is often needed when the bells of male denigration are rung. The sex scenes can be somewhat graphic but I like that fearlessness in writing.
I look forward to the next novel in this series to resolve some of the gaps that need filling.
Once again this author takes a very daunting approach to writing as there is a lot going on. Big props for wending a tale steeped in a myriad of unconventional approaches. What is a consistent theme throughout the novel, no matter the Kingdom in which it resides, is that men suck and when not sucking they are beta males touting socialist rhetoric as an answer to a long abiding kleptocracy. The progressive message seeks to blend in with a the story line in a myriad of ways. Flexible belief systems and sexual orientations/species preferences are all on display in an attempt to embrace the collective “anything goes” mantra.
The characterization is what sets this novel apart from most in the genre. Violya is quite the ass-kicker with interesting abilities and a penchant for werewolf dick. Violya is a complex individual and you root for her success which is the outcome of a good writers ability of drawing the reader in. What mostly sucked was the not so believable transition of Princess Douche Baggery into a Valkyrie, assembling an entire army made up of only females (here we go again) to save her Kingdom from usurping jackasses.
The magic is spot on and develops with the story line. The scene descriptions are very accomplished and add a depth that is often needed when the bells of male denigration are rung. The sex scenes can be somewhat graphic but I like that fearlessness in writing.
I look forward to the next novel in this series to resolve some of the gaps that need filling.
December 3, 2019
Anyone who loves great sagas needs to check out this series. The world is as richly imagined as the complex word of The Game of Thrones series by George R. R. Martin. It explores totally different types of people, the politics of the land both internal and between nations, with the added punch of magic.
The last Molokai, the leader of her people, was killed during an invasion by a neighboring land. Violya is a warrior. No one is more surprised than she when she is selected as the new Molokai.
But V is much more than a warrior. She has many secrets. One is that she possesses magic, something that none of her people has had in centuries. V’s other secrets are wrapped up in the year she spent away from the capital city when she turned eighteen.
The job she steps into is not an easy one. The threat from neighboring lands is still very real. But there may be a worse, unknown enemy lurking somewhere to the east. At first it was thought that the cave dwellers were the threat, or perhaps the wolves. Now it seems to be a much more ominous enemy they will have to face.
Fert, a nearby nation is embroiled with problems of their own. There is a civil war going on. With trouble there and in the desert to the south, trade is at a near standstill.
What will befall this troubled land? Can Violya forge a bond between the nations so that they can stand together against a threat to all?
The last Molokai, the leader of her people, was killed during an invasion by a neighboring land. Violya is a warrior. No one is more surprised than she when she is selected as the new Molokai.
But V is much more than a warrior. She has many secrets. One is that she possesses magic, something that none of her people has had in centuries. V’s other secrets are wrapped up in the year she spent away from the capital city when she turned eighteen.
The job she steps into is not an easy one. The threat from neighboring lands is still very real. But there may be a worse, unknown enemy lurking somewhere to the east. At first it was thought that the cave dwellers were the threat, or perhaps the wolves. Now it seems to be a much more ominous enemy they will have to face.
Fert, a nearby nation is embroiled with problems of their own. There is a civil war going on. With trouble there and in the desert to the south, trade is at a near standstill.
What will befall this troubled land? Can Violya forge a bond between the nations so that they can stand together against a threat to all?
December 11, 2019
I have been eagerly waiting to read Rosalyn's second book to see where she would take the characters next. This sequel is compelling and I was hooked by the first chapter (think I read it in 2 days!). The characters have evolved and there is more depth to their personalities which bring them to life through this intricate tale that is set in some intriguing locations. I love how the detailed descriptions of the environment allow you to visualize each element as if you were there, but don't detract from the storyline.
I would highly recommend this if you enjoy fantasy, magic and exotic characters and locations. I can't wait to see what happens in the final book!
I received an advance copy of the book ad voluntarily chose to read and review it - and it was worth the wait!
I would highly recommend this if you enjoy fantasy, magic and exotic characters and locations. I can't wait to see what happens in the final book!
I received an advance copy of the book ad voluntarily chose to read and review it - and it was worth the wait!
December 11, 2019
With the first book in this trilogy ending in a gripping finale, I couldn't wait to read the follow up, Violya. And I wasn't disappointed thanks to plenty of fast-paced action and strong female characters all set in a convincingly complex fantasy landscape.
With some beautiful descriptive touches, Violya transports you to another world. One where women don't just take a back seat or linger on the periphery but are at the heart of the story.
Like the first book Melokai, I couldn't put this novel down. I'm already excited for book three!
I received an advance copy of this book that I voluntarily chose to review.
With some beautiful descriptive touches, Violya transports you to another world. One where women don't just take a back seat or linger on the periphery but are at the heart of the story.
Like the first book Melokai, I couldn't put this novel down. I'm already excited for book three!
I received an advance copy of this book that I voluntarily chose to review.
December 19, 2019
Violya is the second book in the In The Heart of the Mountains Trilogy, the first one being Melokai which I read a couple of years ago.
This is an epic fantasy saga and the second book delivers just as much action and adventure as the first. In this second instalment the author has drawn me once again back into the world she has created. This book sees the different races of people being drawn into something more dangerous and it is a threat to the survival of their races.
The author has pitted family members against each other, with traitorous and bloody feudal consequences. For one family power is all-encompassing, it is all they have ever wanted so when it is threatened there are no holds barred. Trusted friends show their true colours and put lives at risk.
This story has a backstory that is interwoven throughout, it explains traditions and customs. As the different races are having to deal with many changes it is a really good way of bringing the past to the front as tradition is challenged.
Violya is the main protagonist and she has been chosen to become the new Melokai, leader of her race of people. Violya is stronger than most as she has the gift of magic. AS she is a warrior she is used to being in the thick of the action and so she is her own envoy travelling through lands to try to form alliances.
The author has an amazing way with her descriptions. She has made it so easy to imagine the different races from her descriptions. She goes even further by developing each race so as they have their own histories, explanations about their troubles and also what threatens them. Not every race is innocent though foresight is a way to start to put the past in the past and by doing that a new future and alliances can be formed.
I love everything about this trilogy, the characters, the stories, the settings and the descriptions. The author has woven quite a complex story but it has been created ion such a way as to make it understandable. The reading then becomes effortless and this makes it such a brilliant read.
If you are a fan of grimdark, fantasy saga genres then both Melokai and Violya should be on your list to pick up and read. They are fabulous and I cannot wait for the final book in this epic trilogy, though it will also be tinged with sadness as it will mean the end of a fabulous trilogy. Violya is a book I would Highly Recommend
This is an epic fantasy saga and the second book delivers just as much action and adventure as the first. In this second instalment the author has drawn me once again back into the world she has created. This book sees the different races of people being drawn into something more dangerous and it is a threat to the survival of their races.
The author has pitted family members against each other, with traitorous and bloody feudal consequences. For one family power is all-encompassing, it is all they have ever wanted so when it is threatened there are no holds barred. Trusted friends show their true colours and put lives at risk.
This story has a backstory that is interwoven throughout, it explains traditions and customs. As the different races are having to deal with many changes it is a really good way of bringing the past to the front as tradition is challenged.
Violya is the main protagonist and she has been chosen to become the new Melokai, leader of her race of people. Violya is stronger than most as she has the gift of magic. AS she is a warrior she is used to being in the thick of the action and so she is her own envoy travelling through lands to try to form alliances.
The author has an amazing way with her descriptions. She has made it so easy to imagine the different races from her descriptions. She goes even further by developing each race so as they have their own histories, explanations about their troubles and also what threatens them. Not every race is innocent though foresight is a way to start to put the past in the past and by doing that a new future and alliances can be formed.
I love everything about this trilogy, the characters, the stories, the settings and the descriptions. The author has woven quite a complex story but it has been created ion such a way as to make it understandable. The reading then becomes effortless and this makes it such a brilliant read.
If you are a fan of grimdark, fantasy saga genres then both Melokai and Violya should be on your list to pick up and read. They are fabulous and I cannot wait for the final book in this epic trilogy, though it will also be tinged with sadness as it will mean the end of a fabulous trilogy. Violya is a book I would Highly Recommend
February 27, 2020
Finally done with this - excuse my words - crap. I only read it because a) it was cheap (I have the ebook), b) taking a book to lectures is not so easy to hide and c) it's still more interesting than some of my classes.
That said, it was really annoying to read. Why not one star, then? Because some of the characters are interesting, despite being stupid. And because of the cliffhanger at the end of the book.
If you want to read something and not question what is going on, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, I can't recommend it.
However, I would like to know what's coming next. But am I willing to torture myself with another one of those? I don't think so...
>Warning: SPOILERS ahead!<
Now, to why it was annoying to read: Logic? What is this 'logic'? Right, most things don't make sense at all.
For example:
1) That's also true for book 1, but I somehow overlooked it there: Why are the people of one of the coldest regions those with the darkest skin? And why the hell do they sweat the most in the desert? Like, how does this happen? What went wrong with evolution there?
2) Started in book one, get's weirder in this one: How can two different species mix so easily and produce healthy offspring? I can somehow understand humans + humans who lived in complete darkness for centuries and evolved accordingly. I guess that can work somehow. But humans and wolves? And humans and Dromedari, who obviously have some dromedar DNA in them? At least the offspring show features from both species, but naturally they should not even exist!
3)Jessima's pregnancy and travel to Lian. She comes back from Peqkya and shows signs of pregnancy, according to a friend that means she is at least 5 months pregnant. Then she spends two months traveling underground, through a desert, with tiny rations, during which she does not walk AT ALL. But she can suddenly walk to her carriage, on legs with practically no muscles, with a 7 months old fetus in her belly. She then gives birth to a completely healthy child. How?
4) Travel distances and time. The journey from Cleland City to Lian takes two months. But the journey from Mlaw to Riaow takes only, what, four to five weeks? Looking at the map, thats roughly the same distance. And both are slowed down. The former by untrained ladies, one of them heavily pregnant, the latter by an entire army, including wounded people. There are many other occasions where the mentioned amount of time passed strikes me as odd, too.
5) Ammad can feed himself strawberries. With his feed. EASILY! Have you tried doing that? You'd have to be an acrobat to do that, and Ammad is clearly not one, even with his training. Speaking of which: Throwing knives with your mouth? How is that supposed to work?
Now, those are the examples that stuck to my mind. There are more, I'm sure, but I can't remember them right now and I have no desire to go through the book again.
Oh, one more from book one: How stupid do you have to be to think your infant is safer in a battle tied to your back than in the arms of his father, who stands by and can easily run away and hide the two of them? Sorry, but this years Darwin Award goes to Ramya and her baby daughter Terya.
That said, it was really annoying to read. Why not one star, then? Because some of the characters are interesting, despite being stupid. And because of the cliffhanger at the end of the book.
If you want to read something and not question what is going on, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, I can't recommend it.
However, I would like to know what's coming next. But am I willing to torture myself with another one of those? I don't think so...
>Warning: SPOILERS ahead!<
Now, to why it was annoying to read: Logic? What is this 'logic'? Right, most things don't make sense at all.
For example:
1) That's also true for book 1, but I somehow overlooked it there: Why are the people of one of the coldest regions those with the darkest skin? And why the hell do they sweat the most in the desert? Like, how does this happen? What went wrong with evolution there?
2) Started in book one, get's weirder in this one: How can two different species mix so easily and produce healthy offspring? I can somehow understand humans + humans who lived in complete darkness for centuries and evolved accordingly. I guess that can work somehow. But humans and wolves? And humans and Dromedari, who obviously have some dromedar DNA in them? At least the offspring show features from both species, but naturally they should not even exist!
3)Jessima's pregnancy and travel to Lian. She comes back from Peqkya and shows signs of pregnancy, according to a friend that means she is at least 5 months pregnant. Then she spends two months traveling underground, through a desert, with tiny rations, during which she does not walk AT ALL. But she can suddenly walk to her carriage, on legs with practically no muscles, with a 7 months old fetus in her belly. She then gives birth to a completely healthy child. How?
4) Travel distances and time. The journey from Cleland City to Lian takes two months. But the journey from Mlaw to Riaow takes only, what, four to five weeks? Looking at the map, thats roughly the same distance. And both are slowed down. The former by untrained ladies, one of them heavily pregnant, the latter by an entire army, including wounded people. There are many other occasions where the mentioned amount of time passed strikes me as odd, too.
5) Ammad can feed himself strawberries. With his feed. EASILY! Have you tried doing that? You'd have to be an acrobat to do that, and Ammad is clearly not one, even with his training. Speaking of which: Throwing knives with your mouth? How is that supposed to work?
Now, those are the examples that stuck to my mind. There are more, I'm sure, but I can't remember them right now and I have no desire to go through the book again.
Oh, one more from book one: How stupid do you have to be to think your infant is safer in a battle tied to your back than in the arms of his father, who stands by and can easily run away and hide the two of them? Sorry, but this years Darwin Award goes to Ramya and her baby daughter Terya.
January 13, 2020
With Violya, once again I am sent back to Rosalyn Kelly’s grim and brutal world, and for that, I am very happy. Set in her In the Heart of her Mountains series, Kelly’s Violya depicts the story of the titular character Violya (or V for short), the new Melokai of Peqkya. A once cautious warrior, V is thrust into a chaotic nation whereby she must repair her fractured nature, bonds, and garner new treaties with adversaries and once close allies. There is no time for hesitation, V must fight for her nation and come to terms with herself as not only the warrior she knows, but as a Melokai gifted with magical powers.
Akin to Kelly’s former novel, Violya bestows the reader with a variety of chapters from the point of view from a variety of characters such as the familiar wolf father Darrio; Queen Jessima; the Trogr (simian-like people) Gwrlain, and several more.
I was initially worried that I was going to get lost in the minutia of these chapters, forget names and places, but Kelly’s talent as a writer is her fantastic ability to weave interesting and intriguing elements within every chapter that she has so carefully crafted. Her world-building is phenomenal, near the level of George R.R. Martin or J.R.R. Tolkien. I could feel the sands on my cheeks as I veered into the desert kingdom of Drome and was swallowed into the dank pit of Troglo as the characters delved deep into the cavernous dominion of the unusual cave dwellers. There is a name for nearly every language, every people, every landmark, so much that I felt as if I were reading some quasi-historical text.
Continue reading the review here: https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/revi...
Akin to Kelly’s former novel, Violya bestows the reader with a variety of chapters from the point of view from a variety of characters such as the familiar wolf father Darrio; Queen Jessima; the Trogr (simian-like people) Gwrlain, and several more.
I was initially worried that I was going to get lost in the minutia of these chapters, forget names and places, but Kelly’s talent as a writer is her fantastic ability to weave interesting and intriguing elements within every chapter that she has so carefully crafted. Her world-building is phenomenal, near the level of George R.R. Martin or J.R.R. Tolkien. I could feel the sands on my cheeks as I veered into the desert kingdom of Drome and was swallowed into the dank pit of Troglo as the characters delved deep into the cavernous dominion of the unusual cave dwellers. There is a name for nearly every language, every people, every landmark, so much that I felt as if I were reading some quasi-historical text.
Continue reading the review here: https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/revi...
January 18, 2020
Really enjoyed Violya and found it very hard to put down!
After the tragic and cliffhanger ending to book 1 of this trilogy (Melokai), I'd been eagerly awaiting Violya and I wasn't disappointed.
The author takes us into the world where ancient tribal wars are re-awakened, and warrior Violya must lead her people in a role she was destined for. Although I don't read a lot of fantasy, I found Violya gripping and found myself rooting for her and her people. There are many likeable characters to get behind, and a couple of horrible loathsome baddies - written so well that I found myself getting angry at any of their actions.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait for the third and final book!
After the tragic and cliffhanger ending to book 1 of this trilogy (Melokai), I'd been eagerly awaiting Violya and I wasn't disappointed.
The author takes us into the world where ancient tribal wars are re-awakened, and warrior Violya must lead her people in a role she was destined for. Although I don't read a lot of fantasy, I found Violya gripping and found myself rooting for her and her people. There are many likeable characters to get behind, and a couple of horrible loathsome baddies - written so well that I found myself getting angry at any of their actions.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait for the third and final book!
December 22, 2019
An expansive adventure fantasy.
Written with a confident hand, the author fearlessly takes one to places and incidents never imagined, accompanied by (mostly female) characters brave and magical, ready to stand up to evil. I loved the caterpillar scarf!
April 17, 2020
This story is so unique and a delight to read. It did not capture my attention continuously as the first book had but the multiple storylines still had a lot going on and there was still those doark and shocking scenes I came to expect.
I find that with many trilogies the first book is so interesting because of the character and world building that must be done, the second installments are usually a midway journey that is entertaining but it's ultimately leading to an epic conclusion in the final installment, I have no doubt the next book will be as good as the first.
I find that with many trilogies the first book is so interesting because of the character and world building that must be done, the second installments are usually a midway journey that is entertaining but it's ultimately leading to an epic conclusion in the final installment, I have no doubt the next book will be as good as the first.
May 5, 2020
Plenty and plenty of action in this one. I was a bit taken by it all. These battles were huge impacts on the story yet they were over fairly quickly. Which just proves the big battle to come is going to be a monster. Just love how the Author keeps adding more layers to the story, more depths to the different kinds of people that exist in the world she has built.
It had been a while since I read the first so the starting chapter did feel a little info dumped. I couldn’t follow half of it.
It had been a while since I read the first so the starting chapter did feel a little info dumped. I couldn’t follow half of it.
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