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Companions' Crusade
In Companions’ Crusade, the second book in The Story of Evil trilogy, what’s left of the group of companions who set out from Hunters’ Den head further north to Casanovia to make a stand against the Hooded Phantom’s advancing army. They will unlock the abilities of three more elements as well as the visions that accompany them. It is through these visions the heroes will finally learn the shocking answers to many of the mysteries from their pasts.
400 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 10, 2020
First, a big thank you to the author,Tony Johnson for sending me a free e-book copy of A Story of Evil, A Hero's Downfall. This was sent in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Companions' Crusade picked up right were A Hero's Downfall left off. The chapter count even continued counting from the last chapter of A Hero's Downfall. I don't know if I had seen that done before, but I thought it was a great idea. It really helped me begin the story with the mindset of a continuation of the story.
All of the positive things I had to say about A Hero's Downfall continued here in Companions' Crusade. The story pacing again was spot on with each chapter flowing perfectly in the next leaving me wanting to immediately read the following chapter. The story kept me guessing from beginning to end. There were some key plot twists I honestly didn't see coming. Specifically the revelation Steve receives with the final vision totally caught me off guard. I believed just as much as he did in the knowledge of Cyrus and Emma and their son.
The characters, for the most part, stayed very true to who it seemed they were from book 1. Steve had some very understandable moments of doubt. An argument between Grizz and Steve where Grizz pointed out some of Steve's potential shortfalls was great as a reader. It was one of those moments where you know your friend is saying the things that hurt you the most because they know that is where you are most insecure. That kind of argument where both parties are saying things that are hurtful, but don't really mean. I was happy to Steve really consider those words and determine how he was going to let them affect him.
Kari is the one character that seemed to take a step back for me. I had her marked as the balance to the trio before. She was always the most level headed. Her tantrum (maybe not the best word, but I'm not sure what else to call it) after not getting to spend the time with Steve she had anticipated seemed wildly out of character. I get that these characters are all young and young romance has a tendency to play with one's emotions. So, a small tantrum may have been something I could overlook, but when she carried it over into the next day, it just didn't feel like the Kari I had come to know at that point.
Ty is Ty. That feels like an inadequate depiction, but it's true. His initial meeting with Shana was one of my favorite scenes in the whole book. It was such a perfect time for him to blow of some steam and just cut loose. Their duty of notifying Almiria leadership of the impending attack was complete. It was time to get some rest and it was a good time in the flow of the story for a bit of comic relief. It was made all the better when he brought up Shana's dart throwing ability when she was looking for a weapon of her own.
Grizz is a character that still has a lot of showing to do. He came into A Hero's Downfall only in the second half and from his introduction we knew his life was going to change, but that didn't occur until the end of the book. So, we got to see the fallout of that. Given that the timeline of the book was only a couple weeks, it was totally fitting that Grizz was still struggling with his despair and escapism for the whole of the book. I think this was very well written. He's that guy you can't help but want to shake and yell at, telling him that the bottle will not help. But at the same time you know, as do his companions, that won't help. He started to come around near the end of the story only to find out things weren't as bad as he thought they were. So, I'm excited to see what comes of Grizz in book 3. And what this means for how he interacts with the party going forward.
Our newest party member Shana was an integral part of how things went down in Almiria. She is definitely a leader in her own right. But aside from a "go getter" attitude, and willingness to be on the front lines with her friends - despite significant inexperience - I don't think we really got to know her as much as the other characters. I'm interested to see her grow and progress in the next story.
We also found out so much more about Malorek in this book. And man, I hate that guy. I know I'm supposed to hate him, but he is one of those villains that I just feel zero empathy for. I get psychopath and sociopath mixed up, but I'm pretty sure he is a clear sociopath. To watch him manipulate the princess and then turn on her the moment they get married made my stomach hurt. Even those these are visions of the past and we already know, for the most part, how things go down, I was hoping his friends would bring him to justice with each line I read.
I still struggled a bit with the overall writing style, and again specifically with inner monologues. I could definitely tell the writing had come a long way from the first book, but I would say that it still isn't quite there. There were definitely points where a thought bubble was exactly what I needed for that insert of knowledge I didn't have previously, but the majority of them felt wholly unneeded. And there are still a few word choices and things that don't flow quite as well as they could. That is why I didn't give this book, that I really enjoyed, a full five star rating.
I am really looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy. I hope I don't have to wait long as I know it hasn't been completed yet. But the reveal of the whole prophecy right at the end of the story was a killer!
Companions' Crusade picked up right were A Hero's Downfall left off. The chapter count even continued counting from the last chapter of A Hero's Downfall. I don't know if I had seen that done before, but I thought it was a great idea. It really helped me begin the story with the mindset of a continuation of the story.
All of the positive things I had to say about A Hero's Downfall continued here in Companions' Crusade. The story pacing again was spot on with each chapter flowing perfectly in the next leaving me wanting to immediately read the following chapter. The story kept me guessing from beginning to end. There were some key plot twists I honestly didn't see coming. Specifically the revelation Steve receives with the final vision totally caught me off guard. I believed just as much as he did in the knowledge of Cyrus and Emma and their son.
The characters, for the most part, stayed very true to who it seemed they were from book 1. Steve had some very understandable moments of doubt. An argument between Grizz and Steve where Grizz pointed out some of Steve's potential shortfalls was great as a reader. It was one of those moments where you know your friend is saying the things that hurt you the most because they know that is where you are most insecure. That kind of argument where both parties are saying things that are hurtful, but don't really mean. I was happy to Steve really consider those words and determine how he was going to let them affect him.
Kari is the one character that seemed to take a step back for me. I had her marked as the balance to the trio before. She was always the most level headed. Her tantrum (maybe not the best word, but I'm not sure what else to call it) after not getting to spend the time with Steve she had anticipated seemed wildly out of character. I get that these characters are all young and young romance has a tendency to play with one's emotions. So, a small tantrum may have been something I could overlook, but when she carried it over into the next day, it just didn't feel like the Kari I had come to know at that point.
Ty is Ty. That feels like an inadequate depiction, but it's true. His initial meeting with Shana was one of my favorite scenes in the whole book. It was such a perfect time for him to blow of some steam and just cut loose. Their duty of notifying Almiria leadership of the impending attack was complete. It was time to get some rest and it was a good time in the flow of the story for a bit of comic relief. It was made all the better when he brought up Shana's dart throwing ability when she was looking for a weapon of her own.
Grizz is a character that still has a lot of showing to do. He came into A Hero's Downfall only in the second half and from his introduction we knew his life was going to change, but that didn't occur until the end of the book. So, we got to see the fallout of that. Given that the timeline of the book was only a couple weeks, it was totally fitting that Grizz was still struggling with his despair and escapism for the whole of the book. I think this was very well written. He's that guy you can't help but want to shake and yell at, telling him that the bottle will not help. But at the same time you know, as do his companions, that won't help. He started to come around near the end of the story only to find out things weren't as bad as he thought they were. So, I'm excited to see what comes of Grizz in book 3. And what this means for how he interacts with the party going forward.
Our newest party member Shana was an integral part of how things went down in Almiria. She is definitely a leader in her own right. But aside from a "go getter" attitude, and willingness to be on the front lines with her friends - despite significant inexperience - I don't think we really got to know her as much as the other characters. I'm interested to see her grow and progress in the next story.
We also found out so much more about Malorek in this book. And man, I hate that guy. I know I'm supposed to hate him, but he is one of those villains that I just feel zero empathy for. I get psychopath and sociopath mixed up, but I'm pretty sure he is a clear sociopath. To watch him manipulate the princess and then turn on her the moment they get married made my stomach hurt. Even those these are visions of the past and we already know, for the most part, how things go down, I was hoping his friends would bring him to justice with each line I read.
I still struggled a bit with the overall writing style, and again specifically with inner monologues. I could definitely tell the writing had come a long way from the first book, but I would say that it still isn't quite there. There were definitely points where a thought bubble was exactly what I needed for that insert of knowledge I didn't have previously, but the majority of them felt wholly unneeded. And there are still a few word choices and things that don't flow quite as well as they could. That is why I didn't give this book, that I really enjoyed, a full five star rating.
I am really looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy. I hope I don't have to wait long as I know it hasn't been completed yet. But the reveal of the whole prophecy right at the end of the story was a killer!
July 4, 2020
So many of my questions were answered in this book! Many new characters joined the story along with the lovable characters from the first book. The author’s intentionality at including many diverse characters really made this book special to me. The author’s meticulous planning and attention to detail throughout the series is very evident in this book as many secrets and mysteries are revealed while others are introduced, leaving me once again eagerly awaiting the next book. In the author’s usual fashion there are many twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I couldn’t put it down! A strong installment in the series. I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 13, 2020
Our group of companions are making their way to Casanovia post haste as this time they intend to arrive in the city before the evil army of monsters of the dark lord arrive. So far after the fall of Celestial, Almiria and Serendale had also fallen to the army, but Steve vowed he would fight to save Casanovia from suffering the same fate. In Casanovia they encounter opposition after a first attack from the air, and many try to flee the city but many others stay and fight side by side with the companions. They continue to get visions prior to being granted the power to wield an element by Alazar, and through these visions discover the link they have to one another and to Malorek. In this book the elect are granted three more elemental powers, and together they prepare to face their greatest battle yet. I really enjoyed the building of pressure towards the great battle against Silas Zoran, self acclaimed King, who is hated by one and all. I love the honour and chivalry Steve shows throughout, he has the makings of a great leader and felt a lot of sympathy for Grizz, whilst he is mourning the loss of his family even though he acted so angrily and vengefully, I also love the fact that both Ty and Steve seem to have found love amidst all the horror of war and bloodshed. I like the way we are getting backdated bits of history through the visions which lead us to build a picture of Malorek and his psychopathic behaviour, and of course then there are dragons and Crimson Singe is a dragon from legend. I am really captivated by this magnificent epic tale and I am dying to start reading the end of the trilogy.
August 20, 2020
Disclaimer: The author provided me a copy of this novel
The continual downward spiral of humanity leads the reader to believe that humanity will soon be extinct with the rise of the dark lords minions. When it seems all would be lost, our heros rise to the challenge to overcome insurmountable odds. The reappearance of past acquaintances, the reemergence of a legend and the unraveling of the mystery that envelops our heros will keep the reader enthralled and eager to continue on this adventure. For mankind, for Celestial's fallen!
The first novel had a couple shortcomings, but this novel showed improvement on the author's writing ability. The much needed banter between characters and character conversations were evident once our heros embarked upon a small vessel to Casanovia. It was a breadth of fresh air having this added aspect that was lacking dearly from the first novel.
However, an aspect that has continued into this novel is that sometimes the author will end a chapter with one last sentence that removes all aspects of mystery that were built up in that chapter. Rather than letting the reader guess or draw their own conclusions until it is time for the great unveiling, the author will throw the information in the readers face. Albeit, this may be different depending on the reader. Some may want to be spoon fed, but I tend to enjoy a little mystery as it keeps me moving forward in the sweet anticipation of seeing if I deduced correctly.
Other than that, this series continues to entice, improve on penmanship and leave the reader enthralled and begging for more.
The continual downward spiral of humanity leads the reader to believe that humanity will soon be extinct with the rise of the dark lords minions. When it seems all would be lost, our heros rise to the challenge to overcome insurmountable odds. The reappearance of past acquaintances, the reemergence of a legend and the unraveling of the mystery that envelops our heros will keep the reader enthralled and eager to continue on this adventure. For mankind, for Celestial's fallen!
The first novel had a couple shortcomings, but this novel showed improvement on the author's writing ability. The much needed banter between characters and character conversations were evident once our heros embarked upon a small vessel to Casanovia. It was a breadth of fresh air having this added aspect that was lacking dearly from the first novel.
However, an aspect that has continued into this novel is that sometimes the author will end a chapter with one last sentence that removes all aspects of mystery that were built up in that chapter. Rather than letting the reader guess or draw their own conclusions until it is time for the great unveiling, the author will throw the information in the readers face. Albeit, this may be different depending on the reader. Some may want to be spoon fed, but I tend to enjoy a little mystery as it keeps me moving forward in the sweet anticipation of seeing if I deduced correctly.
Other than that, this series continues to entice, improve on penmanship and leave the reader enthralled and begging for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
In this continuing, and exciting sequel of Tony Johnson's "The Story of Evil Companions' Crusade," we follow Steve, Ty, Kari, and Grizz on their epic journey to Casanovia. After the fall of Celestial, and Serendale, they must warn Casanovia of the Hooded Phantom's advancing army and maintain a stronghold, otherwise, the fall of the remaining Kingdom is in jeopardy.
When a vision is revealed, another one of Alazar's elect is chosen and given an element to help fight the Hooded Phantom. In these visions, we discover the truth of Malorek's back story and the connections of the elect with each other and to Malorek. A surprising twist regarding the prophecy on the Aurelian sword, and the destinies of those involved is also revealed.
This sequel does not disappoint as the excitement, action, sad, and heart-warming moments is still maintained.
Will our heroes overcome their latest challenge and succeed in protecting Casanovia and finally have some hope to continue on their quest to stop the Hooded Phantom, Silas, and his advancing army of monsters? The conclusion will be revealed in the last installment of the trilogy.
Thank you Tony Johnson for providing a free e-book copy for my honest review.
When a vision is revealed, another one of Alazar's elect is chosen and given an element to help fight the Hooded Phantom. In these visions, we discover the truth of Malorek's back story and the connections of the elect with each other and to Malorek. A surprising twist regarding the prophecy on the Aurelian sword, and the destinies of those involved is also revealed.
This sequel does not disappoint as the excitement, action, sad, and heart-warming moments is still maintained.
Will our heroes overcome their latest challenge and succeed in protecting Casanovia and finally have some hope to continue on their quest to stop the Hooded Phantom, Silas, and his advancing army of monsters? The conclusion will be revealed in the last installment of the trilogy.
Thank you Tony Johnson for providing a free e-book copy for my honest review.
June 7, 2020
I received this PDF version from the author so I could give it a review.
What a shocking surprise for all of the characters but for Steve the most! WOW. I hope he finds away around the prophecy so he can see the fruits of his labors.
It'd be good to read the first one before reading this one but I think it'd be alright to read this as a stand alone since there are quite a few flashbacks and discussion of things that happened in the first.
I'd recommend this to fans of Dragonlance and that genre.
What a shocking surprise for all of the characters but for Steve the most! WOW. I hope he finds away around the prophecy so he can see the fruits of his labors.
It'd be good to read the first one before reading this one but I think it'd be alright to read this as a stand alone since there are quite a few flashbacks and discussion of things that happened in the first.
I'd recommend this to fans of Dragonlance and that genre.
July 15, 2020
The story continues and like the previous book you keep turning pages to see if our heros survive all that comes to them in their fight for freedom and justice in their lands.
If you like fantasy with strong characters and a great storyline this series is for you.
Thank you Tony Johnson for the opportunity to read the 2nd book of this excellent series.
If you like fantasy with strong characters and a great storyline this series is for you.
Thank you Tony Johnson for the opportunity to read the 2nd book of this excellent series.
August 20, 2020
Excellent read
This second book in the series was as good as the first. I felt like was a part of the story as it pulled me in and held me. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and intrigue. The way the characters worked together even after one lost his family was like a family of it own.
This second book in the series was as good as the first. I felt like was a part of the story as it pulled me in and held me. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and intrigue. The way the characters worked together even after one lost his family was like a family of it own.
June 24, 2020
This second installment of The Story of Evil trilogy is even better than the first book! The pace of this book allows for a little more breathing room, but the story keeps you completely engaged with each of our favorite heroes. I loved it, and can't wait for the third book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews