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The Drinnglennin Chronicles #2
A Realm at Stake
Dark days lie ahead for Drinnglennin... An ominous darkness is gathering over the Known World, and none will escape its long shadow. In Helgrinia, Fynn, the bastard son of Aetheor Yarl, finds his position ever more precarious—and when tragedy strikes on Midsommer’s Eve, he is compelled to take a perilous vow. Across the Erolin Sea, Master Morgan travels the length of the Isle determined to uncover the roots of King Urlion’s illness. The treachery he discovers sets him on an even more dangerous course. In the elven sanctuary of Mithralyn, Whit and Halla’s mutual enmity grows, and an ill-thought out decision by one of the cousins spells calamity for the other. Maura and Leif, summoned to Drinnkastel by the ailing High King and presented as royal relatives, become embroiled in the intrigue and jealousies of the Konigur court. Maura’s fears of discovery are compounded when she learns that Borne Braxton, who knows her true identity, is also in the capital. All the while, deep in the Lost Lands, Lazdac Strigori stirs his cauldron of chaos, as the bitter seeds he has planted bear their baneful fruit. A day of reckoning is fast approaching for those he deems have denied him his rightful heritage, which bodes ill for all.
- GenresFantasy
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2020
About the author
K.C. Julius
9 books33 followersK.C. Julius is the author of The Drinnglennin Chronicles. This epic medieval fantasy series is the culmination of a story that had been running through her head for over a decade.
A classic tale of adventure, sword and sorcery, romance and betrayal, The Chronicles combines all of the elements of the stories she personally loves.
Beyond to Hutanya (published under Kristan Julius) is a YA fantasy set in Hutanya, a world in which water has become a precious commodity.
K.C. currently lives in the Mosel River valley with her jolly German husband. She loves to travel, take long walks in the woods, read, welcome visitors and spend time with family and friends at her lake house in New Hampshire.
A classic tale of adventure, sword and sorcery, romance and betrayal, The Chronicles combines all of the elements of the stories she personally loves.
Beyond to Hutanya (published under Kristan Julius) is a YA fantasy set in Hutanya, a world in which water has become a precious commodity.
K.C. currently lives in the Mosel River valley with her jolly German husband. She loves to travel, take long walks in the woods, read, welcome visitors and spend time with family and friends at her lake house in New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 9, 2022
Audio: (5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
& Story: (5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book! Having the character introduction over and done with, the book was able to dive into misadventures and drama with all the teens. Didn't expect the teens to end up split up across different lands while trying to navigate their goals and ambitions – especially Halla, she was in some real danger throughout a good portion of the story! & Something this series does really well is tying the characters back to certain events and other plot points in the story – creating its own web! 😅
This book had my emotions all over the place. I was annoyed at Whit, worried for Halla – disappointed in Maura, and enthused with Leif. There were quite a few points in the story where I had to pause everything and text a friend some random plot detail or shocking revelation, haha. My attention never wavered and I was completely enthralled with the last 30% of the book – it was crazy!
One criticism I did have is that I'm not a huge fan of the character perspectives changing every couple of chapters. It was something I struggled with in the first book and was still not crazy about in this book. Despite it not being my thing, it was better executed in this book, and having an introduction to the characters & a wonderful narrator helped a lot! (Seriously, the narrator for this book – Chris Walker-Thomson was fantastic! His voice for Morgan is so so good!) There were so many great things about this book that the perspective shift wasn’t enough to dissuade me from giving this one five stars!
Would totally recommend this one to any fantasy fan, it’s a great read. Honestly, if you love a good conspiracy web, like me – this one is fantastic! 😌
& Story: (5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book! Having the character introduction over and done with, the book was able to dive into misadventures and drama with all the teens. Didn't expect the teens to end up split up across different lands while trying to navigate their goals and ambitions – especially Halla, she was in some real danger throughout a good portion of the story! & Something this series does really well is tying the characters back to certain events and other plot points in the story – creating its own web! 😅
This book had my emotions all over the place. I was annoyed at Whit, worried for Halla – disappointed in Maura, and enthused with Leif. There were quite a few points in the story where I had to pause everything and text a friend some random plot detail or shocking revelation, haha. My attention never wavered and I was completely enthralled with the last 30% of the book – it was crazy!
One criticism I did have is that I'm not a huge fan of the character perspectives changing every couple of chapters. It was something I struggled with in the first book and was still not crazy about in this book. Despite it not being my thing, it was better executed in this book, and having an introduction to the characters & a wonderful narrator helped a lot! (Seriously, the narrator for this book – Chris Walker-Thomson was fantastic! His voice for Morgan is so so good!) There were so many great things about this book that the perspective shift wasn’t enough to dissuade me from giving this one five stars!
Would totally recommend this one to any fantasy fan, it’s a great read. Honestly, if you love a good conspiracy web, like me – this one is fantastic! 😌
June 27, 2023
I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The story continues and we are introduced to a few more characters, some will be pivotal to the story. As in book one, the world-building, characters, and descriptions are vivid and outstanding! It took me a little more time to be pulled into this story, I think because I wasn't expecting to be meeting new people, but it was worth it. I look forward to continuing the saga and seeing how my favourite characters fare as they eventually come together. Oh, and I definitely want to see what's in store for the dragons!!!
The story continues and we are introduced to a few more characters, some will be pivotal to the story. As in book one, the world-building, characters, and descriptions are vivid and outstanding! It took me a little more time to be pulled into this story, I think because I wasn't expecting to be meeting new people, but it was worth it. I look forward to continuing the saga and seeing how my favourite characters fare as they eventually come together. Oh, and I definitely want to see what's in store for the dragons!!!
August 31, 2020
Super read
I am just completing the second book in the series and ready to plunge into the third. These books are seriously addictive. This is a quality read, so grateful they were available on K.U.
I am just completing the second book in the series and ready to plunge into the third. These books are seriously addictive. This is a quality read, so grateful they were available on K.U.
August 2, 2020
Yup. Another good one.
I love this series. Keep them coming. More please. I particularly liked the crisp descriptions of the jousting. Once again the characters grab you interest and your fealty.
I love this series. Keep them coming. More please. I particularly liked the crisp descriptions of the jousting. Once again the characters grab you interest and your fealty.
May 16, 2020
Could not put this book down! The characters I fell in love with in the first book were developed even further in this one, and with the introduction of new, complex, exciting characters and places it was a riveting page turner. The new characters in this second book and the overall "feel" of the story are slightly darker than the first. It was an enjoyable progression and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 21, 2020
This book is such a page turner, I found myself thinking about the story while at work counting down until I could read it again. The character development, for both existing and new characters, is amazing in this book. You get so carried away with their individual stories, you end up not being able to choose a favourite. This book has more serious themes, takes you on an unexpected journey, and I cannot wait for book three!
May 5, 2020
Introducing new characters but the same wonderfully crafted fantasy world, A Realm at Stake left me incredibly excited for the third book to be released! Can't wait to continue the read!
June 10, 2021
I enjoyed this as much as book one. We are introduced to a couple of new characters but we also catch up with our favourites from book one. There are more battles, more magics more intrigue and we learn more about the lands over the sea. As a woman there were some uncomfortable bits to read, actually one or two scenes had my blood boiling - the oversea lands do not treat women well. However, despite the typical patriarchal societies, there are some strong female characters so I can get past that! I will be reading book 3 soon I expect. Can’t wait to find out what is in store for the heroes and heroines.
March 22, 2022
I enjoyed this sequel but it took quite a while for it to get going. This could well be that the first book was overall excellent and sequels generally seem lacklustre, but for the first third of this book it really struggled to keep my interest.
Good sequel bu the tone at the beginning of the book seems a tad off and it's difficult to remember all the convoluted plots and characters. Definitely worth sticking with however, and it's great to see everything is starting to come together.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for a review.
Good sequel bu the tone at the beginning of the book seems a tad off and it's difficult to remember all the convoluted plots and characters. Definitely worth sticking with however, and it's great to see everything is starting to come together.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for a review.
August 13, 2022
TW for rape and graphic violence.
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook edition in exchange for an honest review.
Some nice worldbuilding, per Julius' trademark style. The way she levels the playing field between warring nations, making you love and hate every character is really quite mesmerizing. Everyone's a hero in their own eyes--and everyone's a villain.
Still, a little too heavy for my taste. Don't think I'll be continuing the series.
Full review for the curious: https://bookmarkedone.home.blog/2022/....
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook edition in exchange for an honest review.
Some nice worldbuilding, per Julius' trademark style. The way she levels the playing field between warring nations, making you love and hate every character is really quite mesmerizing. Everyone's a hero in their own eyes--and everyone's a villain.
Still, a little too heavy for my taste. Don't think I'll be continuing the series.
Full review for the curious: https://bookmarkedone.home.blog/2022/....
October 23, 2021
Somewhat frustrated book 1 ended with a dragon crying to destroy mankind, then book 2 centered back on the convoluted human storylines until once again at the end, the dragons are back to center stage with another impending crisis.
The storylines are beginning to come together, at least, though two more books seems like a long haul. I may take a break and read some f!UFC before I head into book 3.
The storylines are beginning to come together, at least, though two more books seems like a long haul. I may take a break and read some f!UFC before I head into book 3.
July 13, 2021
Adding Complexity to the Story
While this book adds to the ongoing story following each of the main characters, I did not find "A Realm at Stake" to have the same compelling grip as Book 1. Don't get me wrong, this book is very good. Book 2 suffers in comparison to Book 1 due to the excellence of Book 1, a common problem for sequels. I definitely recommend this book.
While this book adds to the ongoing story following each of the main characters, I did not find "A Realm at Stake" to have the same compelling grip as Book 1. Don't get me wrong, this book is very good. Book 2 suffers in comparison to Book 1 due to the excellence of Book 1, a common problem for sequels. I definitely recommend this book.
September 10, 2021
Like other reviews before me, I am devouring these books. Quality characters, engaging plotlines, addictive. This book furthers separate quests for each of our main characters, and you will want to have the next book on hand quickly.
June 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book. I can't get into this one. I keep trying to stick with it and it's just not grabbing me. Halfway through, there's a raid and an infant and a 3 year old "casually" get their heads chopped off. I'm done. It's a dnf for me.
January 9, 2024
Dringlennin
I loved this tale of another apparently older world. I loved the characters especially Halla, Maura, and Fynn and I hope to meet with them again in the future.
I loved this tale of another apparently older world. I loved the characters especially Halla, Maura, and Fynn and I hope to meet with them again in the future.
March 23, 2025
Awesome series!
I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of fantasy. I already have book 3 on deck to start reading!
I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of fantasy. I already have book 3 on deck to start reading!
June 18, 2022
See my review of book #1, Portents of Chaos. This one is just as wearying. I may finish the series, but have to move on to somewhere else for now. How this book has a 4.5 rating is beyond me.
February 19, 2020
After reading Portents of Chaos (Book 1) I dove into A Realm At Stake, which builds wonderfully on the layered intrigue and character growth found in its predecessor. The stakes certainly feel higher in this book, which is exactly what you want from a sequel, and I found myself caring even more deeply about each character and what they face in a world divided - not too dissimilar to the real world in some ways... We sweep across the island and the wider Continent effortlessly with some great world-building, and the conflicts feel real and tangible and messy, as conflicts should.
The turn of phrase of K.C. Julius is one of my favourite things about this Drinnglennin Chronicles series, and certainly one of the reasons I came back for more.
Well worth a read, but make sure to start at Portents of Chaos if you haven't read it already
The turn of phrase of K.C. Julius is one of my favourite things about this Drinnglennin Chronicles series, and certainly one of the reasons I came back for more.
Well worth a read, but make sure to start at Portents of Chaos if you haven't read it already
February 25, 2020
The 2nd book in K.C, Julius Drinnglennin Chronicles does not disappoint. Once again I was swept into a gripping fantasy that I couldn't put down. A Realm At Stake continues the story of the Known World with the High King's position becoming even more precarious as the sense of evil in the kingdom and mystery and intrigue deepens. New characters are introduced including Lief, a main character who promises to become one of my favorites. As Vikings meet dragons I a once again marvel at the skill of the author who has woven such an irresistible tale - I can't wait for book 3.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews