Cobweb Empire

Cobweb Bride Trilogy #2

by Vera Nazarian

In a world where no one can die, she alone can kill...

Cobweb Empire (Cobweb Bride Trilogy #2) is the second book of the intricate epic fantasy flavored by Renaissance history and the romantic myth of Persephone, about death's ultimatum to the world.

Now that she's Death's Champion, what will Percy do?

In a world where all death and dying has ceased, and only one person can kill, everyone can only expect a miracle. But what if it's just the tip of the iceberg?

Percy Ayren must make her way south, despite all odds, to the place where the death shadow of the Cobweb Bride calls her. With the help of her companions and the invincible black knight, Lord Beltain Chidair whose enigmatic presence disturbs her in a way she cannot explain, Percy must continue her quest, while the mortal world falls apart around them….

Meanwhile, the Marquis Vlau Fiomarre faces the truth of his impossible feelings for Claere Liguon, the Emperor’s daughter. He had cruelly taken her life, and now he must serve her until his last dying breath—it is no longer a matter of honor but secret passion.

And now, the world itself is changing…. A new dark witch rises, and she will make your heart freeze with her beauty and power….

Empires clash, kings and emperors and gods vie for supremacy, the living and the dead are at war, while love stories play out in amazing directions, and new mind-blowing mysteries are born.

Experience the stunning continuation of the epic story in Cobweb Empire.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fiction, Young Adult, Magic, Ebooks

Nook

First published September 25, 2013

About the author

Vera Nazarian is a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, award-winning artist, and member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a writer with a penchant for moral fables and stories of intense wonder, true love, and intricacy.

She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.

She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.

After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.

Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?

Reviews

[Isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF COBWEB EMPIRE (see end of post)

Do you ever regret giving 5 stars to the first book of a series, not because it doesn't deserve it, but because the second book is even better and you have no way to make the rating reflect that?

Because that's the case here.

I absolutely LOVED Cobweb Bride, I think I ended up making myself somewhat of a nuisance and recommending it to my entire friends' list on Goodreads because I couldn't bear the thought that someone somewhere was not, as I was, still trapped in that book's universe and willingly searching for Death's Keep in the Northern Forest. No, they were just going on with their lives...

Cobweb Empire picks up right where Cobweb Bride left off - I can't say where, and how, exactly, because that would just spoil the whole first book for those who haven't read it, but let's just say that Percy is a girl on a mission, appointed by Death himself (this is still weird for me, by the way - in Portuguese Death is a woman...) and the whole troupe is there with her.

But things are getting progressively worse in the world. It's not just the fact that people have ceased dying - places are disappearing at dusk, going missing into the shadows and sometimes, when light returns, they do not come back.
So Percy's mission, which she undertakes accompanied by the Black Knight Beltain, must be completed with the utmost urgency.
Still, Percy has some trouble dealing with her new "status", shall we say...



We revisit the delightful Lady Amaryllis and Lord Nathan of Morphea, who are still prisoners and have the most imaginative escape I've ever read! I love these two so much! I really hope we'll get to see more of them!

We are introduced to some new characters - I'll let everyone discover them on their own when they read the book, with one exception: the Sovereign of the Sapphire Court, Rumanar Avalais. I could spend the rest of my life writing about my fascination and, dare I say it, love for evil ladies. For instance, Princess Aurora is so dull, all she does is sleep and sing, but Maleficent? That's a lady with a plan, an awesome name, an amazing wardrobe, a clever pet, and the ability to turn into a dragon. Also, Izma, and Ursula, and all the awesome poisoners, schemers, power hungry women in every story ever. Evil ladies, what can I say? Role models, really.

Her Brilliance (a title I shall claim if my plans to rule the world come to fruition) Rumanar Avalais entered right away into this pantheon. She has the most amazing beauty routine, which consists of draining the life out of beautiful young girls and keeping herself forever young. Right there I was quite taken - but she did all this while ruling her own kingdom and being the very definition of "all shall love me and despair". Plus, she's quite the trickster as we come to find out in the very last page...
I shall say no more but that Rumanar Avalais is probably my second favourite character of this series.

The first being, of course, the undead Infanta Claere Liguon who though admittedly lacking in evil ways makes up for it by being a very frail lady who suddenly finds herself empowered by her death (...or undeath) at the hands of her murderer turned... what? Yes, that's the only downside to this book. I was really looking forward to Claere and Vlau and their complex relationship. Because really, what do you do when you kill someone and then fall in love with them?

Still, I loved this book so, so much! I'm still suffering from an absolutely soul crushing book hangover because of it. Send help. In the form of the third book, preferably.

Join me on this book hangover and enter our:


COBWEB EMPIRE EBOOK GIVEAWAY

[Chie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this..saying that I'm excited for the third book will be a huge understatement because I'm freaking dying to read it!!!

The ending is no cliffhanger but the story keeps on getting awesomer(lol is this even a word? :P)

So anyways.. COBWEB EMPIRE did and totally hit my expectations..no actually it exceeded my EXPECTATIONS and that is saying a lot..I love how it continues to surprise me, the author never fails to leave me in awe.


I wanted everyone to read this ..and know this awesome feeling.. I'm feeling lol seriously..I think a friend of mine is getting tired hearing me my non-stop praise and stories about this book! So please everyone ..read this..YOU.WILL.NOT.REGRET.IT!



You can also read this review at my blog.. TALKING SUSHI MONSTER BLOG

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhh!

I would have avoided The Cobweb Bride if I'd realized it wasn't a complete story--ignorance I'm now grateful for, because I'm totally invested in the story.

The first book seems deliciously leisurely as it sets up the story. This second installment just drops you right in the middle if the action and doesn't mess around. I was glad there wasn't much laboring over bringing new readers up to speed, but I have to wonder about those who stumble into it without realizing they need to start at the beginning. Should there not be a billboard directing them to detour to the start?

Whatever. There's a quest to fulfill, and it all comes together, despite terrible odds, a changing world, villains, zombies, and blizzards.

Having survived (and left hanging by) Game of Thrones, I was relieved, thrilled, gratified that this series is not needlessly padded to sell more books. Despite the length (too short, actually!), the story clips along. The words are so carefully crafted that there is nothing superfluous, yet nothing missing. It is the porridge just right. Well... Maybe not something so pedestrian as mere oats. Perhaps pheasant under glass, as this is a lush fairy tale, despite our peasant heroine.

And who did not see her relationship coming miles away when she first swung that skillet? What's a fairy tale without a swan in the making and true love to drive it all?

Once again, this story ends abruptly--and the tale yet unfinished. This time, though, I will skip the whinging about being lured into buying the next book and just dive in. This is too delicious to never find closure and I want my happy ending!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Info: Genre: Pseudo-historical Fantasy
Reading Level: Upper Young Adult
Recommended for: those interested in Persephone/Demeter mythology, alternate history, well-told fantasy stories
Trigger Warnings: murder, suicide, war

My Thoughts: This is the continuation of the Cobweb Bride trilogy, the first book of which I read in July. It is a pseudo-historical fantasy set during the Renaissance, although not strictly historically accurate (thus the fantasy aspect). It cleverly recreates the Persephone myth and twists it around a bit, which I find to be fascinating in the extreme, and with Vera Nazarian's deft touch and excellent writing, this series is one anyone interested in the Persephone/Demester story, or alternate history, or well-done fantasy will enjoy.

I really enjoy Grial, she's just a hoot. Here is an example of the sorts of things she tends to say, from a conversation she is having with Lord Beltain.

“But if you ask me, every time seems strange and dark,” Grial said, “when you are living smack in the middle of it. It's only much later, afterwards, once you've lived long enough to look back, that you can start to see both the bright colors and the dark spots properly—and sometimes, you even see polka dots and clubs and diamonds and even hearts—and yes, a very common thing, you do get to see these pesky little string floaters in your eye! In any case, age is nothing more than the acquisition of Temporal Perspective! Oh, and rheumatism too, I must add.”

She does have a tendency to go a bit off topic, which I found absolutely disarming. All the characters are distinct without being cliché, and each is a fascinating character study onto themselves for someone who is interested in seeing that sort of thing.

I'm very much looking forward to the third book of this trilogy, which I hope will be coming out very soon. If this book sounds like something you would like, don't hesitate to pick it up, but also don't forget this is the second book in the series and you will need to read the first book first. Highly recommended.

Series Information: The Cobweb Bride Trilogy
Book 1: Cobweb Bride, review linked here
Book 2: Cobweb Empire
Book 3: Cobweb Forest, release date TBA

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this e-book from the author. No review was specifically requested, but I'm happy to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: In a world where no one can die, she alone can kill... 

Cobweb Empire (Cobweb Bride Trilogy #2) is the second book of the intricate epic fantasy flavored by Renaissance history and the romantic myth of Persephone, about death's ultimatum to the world.

Now that she's Death's Champion, what will Percy do?

In a world where all death and dying has ceased, and only one person can kill, everyone can only expect a miracle. But what if it's just the tip of the iceberg?

Percy Ayren must make her way south, despite all odds, to the place where the death shadow of the Cobweb Bride calls her. With the help of her companions and the invincible black knight, Lord Beltain Chidair, whose enigmatic presence disturbs her in a way she cannot explain, Percy must continue her quest, while the mortal world falls apart around them….

Meanwhile, the Marquis Vlau Fiomarre faces the truth of his impossible feelings for Claere Liguon, the Emperor’s daughter. He had cruelly taken her life, and now he must serve her until his last dying breath—it is no longer a matter of honor but secret passion.

And now, the world itself is changing…. A new dark witch rises, and she will make your heart freeze with her beauty and power….

Empires clash, kings and emperors and gods vie for supremacy, the living and the dead are at war, while love stories play out in amazing directions, and new mind-blowing mysteries are born.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

Holy my greatness. So much happened!! I still think Percy is the Bride after everything. That ending OMG. I cannot believe all that happened. So many different things going on. So much action that keeps you reading. I absolutely loved this book. So happy with the ending because Percy can still be the bride.

[Icy Sedgwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in October I reviewed Vera Nazarian's Cobweb Bride, the first in a trilogy set in an imaginary pocket of Europe during the Renaissance. I absolutely loved book one, awarding it four blunt pencils, and managed to get my mitts on Cobweb Empire, its follow-up. I've had book two on my Kindle for some time, but I'll admit, the release of the final book, Cobweb Forest, gave me the kick up the bum that I needed to read it.

As with book one, Cobweb Empire tells the story of Percy Ayren, the ordinary village girl from northern Lethe, only now Percy isn't so ordinary. During book one, death stopped entirely while the Reaper searched for his Cobweb Bride, and the dead were forced to keep going in whatever state they were in at the point of 'death'. By book two, things are getting worse, and entire sections of the world are simply disappearing. After an audience with the Reaper, Percy's now been granted the ability to give the dead a final ending, reuniting their broken bodies with their souls. In a world where no one can die, such an ability is obviously highly prized, and many people see the value in having Percy in their custody. Trouble is, Percy needs to be elsewhere, still tasked with finding the Cobweb Bride, so off she goes, accompanied by handsome knight Sir Beltain Chidair, to find her.

While Percy's having adventures throughout both the Realm and the Domain, a host of other characters are also exploring the extensive world created by Nazarian, be they the terrifying Sovereign of the Domain, hell bent on conquering the Realm, or the dandyish duo, Lady Amaryllis and Lord Nathan, held captive in a northern dungeon. There is plenty going on to keep the narrative ticking along at a smart pace, and being book two, Cobweb Empire has the luxury of being able to hit the ground running. Having read the Kindle version, I think I read at least 20% of it in one go.

As ever, the characterisation is spot on (although I'm not sure that eyes need to be constantly described as being 'liquid'), and it's easy to root for Percy. Grial the witch makes more of an appearance in this book, and she's a wonderful character who reminds me a lot of Mrs Weasley from Harry Potter. I was pleased to get to know Lady Amaryllis more - she was a little stereotypical in book one but she shows real wit and ingenuity in book two, as does Nazarian herself. The world she has created is an extraordinary one, packed with inventive details. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

It won't make much sense if you haven't read book one, but I'd highly recommend that you buy both and read them back to back. It also baffles me why Hollywood keeps making remakes when it could be adapting something like this for the big screen. Hopefully HBO might take the hint!

[wendy bohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great trilogy!

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place soon after the events of Cobweb Bride, this volume is once again a magnificent tribute to the art of fine writing, showcasing the author's unparalleled imagination.

Taking place on a grander scale that the one presented in Cobweb Bride, its characters are drawn in such a whimsical and rich way, that can only add more colour to the rich environment in which the story takes place.

In a mixture of occidental with oriental, with frontiers blurred and later on simply gone without a trace, Cobweb Empire manages to tell a familiar tale, of long lost traditions and mythology, but in its peculiar and very original voice.

In the first book, we were introduced to a number of characters, and I confess that I especially loved Percy and the Black Knight. Although Claere _The doomed Infanta _ and Vlau, the Marquis, managed to leave me quite engrossed in their story.
Not only that, but the characters felt alive _ not an easy feat, since one of them was already dead! _, they had a fire to them!!
And I'm not only referring to the moment when Percy makes uses of a skillet... on the Black Night's head!

So yes, I was really looking forward to reading this second volume!
And if the plot and world building are most likely worthy of a five star rating, the characters _for me _ in this volume weren't...
There's this phrase in the book that pretty much sums the thing that made it impossible for me to fully connect with the characters and love them as I did in the first volume:

“This is all the stuff of poetry and minstrel song”

No one can deny, _least of all me _ that the way the characters are portrayed in this story couldn't be more in "agreement" with the tone of the story.

The thing is, I wanted more from them!
More feeling! More emotion!! It was like the characters were distanced from one another... and stiff... as beautiful ice statues... or yes, as a minstrel song that touches only the surface...

Regarding the relationship between Percy and the Black Knight, and although being aware of their social positions, I disliked the way Percy faded in comparison to the way she had been portrayed in the first book.

Then I missed Claere and Vlau... I really, really did!!
Truth is, all the other characters _although crucial to the story _ for all their peculiarities, felt almost all the same and not that interesting.
Even so, this was a masterful story, and after the way it ended I'm quite curious to see what is going to happen in the last volume.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cobweb Bride trilogy. The final book in the series, The Cobweb Forest, has already been released. I enjoyed this book a lot, I love some of the characters and ideas in this story. The descriptions are lush and detailed as well.

The girls that went to Death’s Keep to determine if they were the Cobweb Bride are returning home. Percy journeys with them and finds out that she has been granted the power to grant true death and is now Death’s Champion. She is meet with a wide variety of response; some people are grateful for her ability to grant true death and others label her a witch. Percy soon leaves her home town and continues to follow the strange tug she feels towards the true Cobweb Bride.

This is an epic fantasy with some interesting ideas. In the first book of this series we find out that Death is refusing to do his job. As a result no one dies anymore instead they live on in terrible pain and misery. Food cannot be killed or cooked and as a result people are starving. Death has promised to resume his duties if someone finds his Cobweb Bride.

This book switches between a number of different viewpoints. My favorite by far is Percy. She is a simple girl who has been granted the power of giving true death, that of Death’s Champion. She must use that power to go on a journey to find Death’s Cobweb Bride. In this book we get to see her wield her new power a lot and also get to witness the toll this power takes on her. We also spend a lot of time with the Black Knight and he is a wonderful character too.

Additionally there is the Empress, she is evil and deadly and beautiful and makes a great addition to the story.

The only problem I have with this book is that it is very wordy. While I love the detailed descriptions, sometimes it gets to be a bit much and the story starts to drag because of it. Also I really enjoyed Percy’s portions of the book much more than any of the other characters. So sometimes I would find myself skimming through the “non-Percy” sections quickly...trying eagerly to get to the next Percy section of the book.

Overall this was a wonderful continuation of the Cobweb Bride series. This is a beautifully written epic fantasy with a creative premise and wonderful characters. I really enjoyed it a lot. The only complaint is that the book can get kind of wordy at times. Additionally I enjoyed Percy’s sections so much more than everyone elses, I found myself quickly pushing through the other POVs to get back to hers. Recommended to epic fantasy lovers who enjoy lush descriptions. I can’t wait to read the final book in the series, The Cobweb Forest.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cobweb Empire picks up where Cobweb Bride ended. Percy's new role as Death's Champion has allowed her to put her grandmother to rest, and in a world where Death no longer claims mortals, Percy's gift can be seen as either a blessing or a curse.

Percy's reunion with her family and her hometown is short-lived, however, as she must continue on with her journey to find the Cobweb Bride so that she can restore order to the land. All Percy knows is that the Cobweb Bride resides in the south, and this is where she and her party head.

In addition to the burden of her quest, Percy also faces new challenges in the world around her. The world remains in turmoil following the consequences of no more death, and the turmoil only grows in the second book.

For one, Duke Hoarfrost, the primary antagonist of the first book, now leads an army of undead against the living. He has sided with the enemy, a queen who means bad news -- and I mean very bad news. Just to give you a taste of how evil this woman is, she has her entire army kill themselves/each other before marching against the enemy. The description of the event gave me chills!

Also, the land is disappearing. Certain towns, roads, mountains, fields, etc -- all sorts of landmarks are just going missing. Sometimes they return, and sometimes they don't.

Similar to the first book, Cobweb Empire also has a plethora of story lines focusing on other characters. Now that I knew what to expect, I was kind of used to it and didn't mind the constant deriving from Percy's adventure.

Percy remains the best part of the book, and although we don't get to see so much in the way of character development this time around, we do get to see her relationship with the Black Knight blossom.

Considering how Cobweb Empire ended, I'm eagerly awaiting the final installment. The ending of Cobweb Empire left me wondering what would happen next, but I'm figuring the evil (or, to give her the benefit of the doubt, misunderstood) queen is going to play a significant role.

[Michele Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different storyline but keen to find the series.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to say about the second installment of Cobweb Bride that hasn't already been mentioned in other reviews?

It is a good, solid read that picks up right where the first book left off. But what is great about this book - as all of Ms. Nazarian's books that I've read - is her propensity to surprise the reader with great plot-twists, wit, charm, and beautifully verbose language (or is that just me that is always happily surprised?). I am never quite sure where the story will take me and though I make conjecture I am not always right. I like that about her stories. I like following the journey not knowing where we will end up once the tale is concluded.

With that said, I want to add that I thoroughly enjoyed following Percy around on her adventures and am looking forward to the last book in this trilogy. To read for sure!

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for a very fun adventure!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book drew me in and this book has kept the promise the first one made. Fantastical. Can't wait to start number three!

[Scott Rezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous and enchanting tale based on a familiar classic myth. Gorgeous prose and storytelling! The first book I've read in the past few years that captured my imagination and left me wanting more... thankfully it's a trilogy! Can't wait to see how this ends—and perhaps, a little sad to know it will!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first one, for sure. It sucks you in, then ends on a cliffhanger. Very much the 2nd book in a trilogy. It still gets lost in the weeds of names/places/history that are either poorly explained or I'm too distracted by a 3yo to keep track of. But I like it and am ready to move on to Book #3!

[Verity Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters continue to be wonderful. And everything becomes vastly more complicated.

The queen of the Domain is seriously creepy.

Since I read this in a three-volume set, it's hard to remember what was revealed when, so I'm going to save my overall comments for my review of the third volume.

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This book captured my attention from the beginning. Couldn't wait to get to the next page. And now have to get the final book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I was going to rate this 3 stars until the ending sentence. I did like this book, though. Like the first one, I was slightly disconnected by the mentions of places like Spain and outlying European nations in a history altered land, but not as much in this book as the second. The reference to "Spaniard" or "French" styles, though, didn't bother me, because reading it in third person, I can relate to those things.

I felt pretty confident that I liked the first book more than this one, but at times I liked it as much, and others I liked it more. It's like being in a confusing relationship, sometimes! That said, this book was definitely more involved in the realm as a whole, and the story took deeper roots that were interesting to travel upon. Following less parties than the first book, The Cobweb Empire focus was predominately on Percy and Beltain, Lady Amaryllis, Lord Nathan and company, and The Sovereign. It is also quite a bit darker, and you start find answers to questions laid in the first book about why Death stopped doing his job (well, more about this, since you find out in the first, technically...), the true reason he cannot find his Cobweb bride, and who is Cobweb bride truly is.

What did I love about this book? Percy and Beltain. I was rooting for Percy in the first book, and I am so glad that she was such a big part of the second book. "Death's Champion", Percy's character is expanded upon, and the interactions between Percy and Beltain were my favorite to follow. Anytime the story switched to somebody else, I found myself rushing toward it a little to get back to that pair. I'm really hoping that they are predominate in the next book, as well! Which I'll begin reading as soon as I finish this review and snatch it off of B&N. :)

What I didn't like about this book? I love descriptive text. I'm a Robert Jordan fan, and anyone who has ever read him knows that he describe for pages at a time, sometimes. Which, you get to a point where you are like, okay .. I get it. I found that happening to me in this book. Vera is great with analogies and descriptions, and really setting a visual to what you are looking at, but sometimes those things can be said in less words, especially when they are repeated descriptions. I swear, if I had to read "pomegranate" one more time, I was going to throw my Nook! (and I love my Nook quite a bit...). And the excessive use of telling me that people are taking a dump or tinkling in their chamberpots or in the wild. I sighed every time I read it. Maybe that's just me being ridiculous. After all, sometimes you'll watch a show or read a series and wonder silly things like that, "Do these people ever use the bathroom!? Eesh!" "I swear, I've read two books in this series and they haven't stopped to eat once." but ... I get it. They wake up and use the potty, they travel a long time and use the potty ... I know, I know, maybe I am silly! I am. But those are the two things that made me pull my hair sometimes! And I laugh at myself for complaining about it.

They are trivial things to complain about, because it was a good book, but I do think it is something that can take away from the reading experience in prolonged use. That expressed, Vera wrote another great book. Unique, interwoven with historical and mythological effects, I enjoyed being along for the literal journey of these characters. I love characters and I hated characters, and I like that. It means I FELT something for them, whether it was negative or positive. The entire book could simply follow Percy, and I would be content with that, but she does do a good job of moving between the different view points and tying the stories together. I feel like the Infanta and the Marquis story was stopped suddenly, but I have a feeling that was for a reason pertaining to the final book of the series.

So on to the next one I go! So onward, Percy. On to our next adventure, shall we?

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series very much. Especially love the character development.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cobweb Empire picked up where the first book, Cobweb Bride, left off. I am not just talking story-wise, but also in its ability to enchant and ensnare me in its story. This was a wonderful follow up to the first book. It maintained its fantastical nature, while providing a different tone from the first book.

What I enjoy most about this book (and series) is the beautiful writing style of Nazarian. Her writing gives a feel of wonder and magic, complementing the tone of the book perfectly. The way the book is narrated you feel as though you are transported to that time period. The cadence, wording, everything is blended together to create a world that’s sort of part of our history but not truly so. She did a great job of conveying the eerie nature of the “living dead” and the macabre nature of what they’ve become. I am glad to see there is no drop off in the writing from the first book to this second one.

While the first book laid the foundation of the series and therefore took some time for the action to build up, the second book took a different tone. From the beginning, you were not lacking in action. Events moved a lot more swiftly in this book, so your attention was engaged from the start. With that said however, it doesn’t mean that everything was hurried. Even with things were moving at a good pace, it still devoted time to developing the different plotlines involved.

I was really impressed at how Nazarian managed to connect the different aspects of the story’s plot together without making it seem convoluted. I loved how you were introduced to a character or an event without really understanding how they initially fit into the book, but as you read further on everything starts making sense. There were a lot more layers to the story than what you were initially given in the first book. This is more than just death wanting his bride, but a world that’s dissolving and coming to war. And by the end of this book, you come to find that there’s more story to explore. It just goes to show how much depth there is to this book and series as a whole.

I appreciated how this book took the time to show the consequences of Percy’s ability as “Death’s Champion”. Not only the concrete effects of her ability, but the emotional aspect of it. You see the good that it can do, but at the same time it makes Percy an outcast of sorts in her world. To some she is a being to feared, to others she can be a weapon to wield and there are those who see her as a being that bring eternal comfort to their loved ones. I just felt this book had a little more emotional content that wasn’t there as much in the first book.

Just like with the first book, I was enthralled with Cobweb Empire. The beautiful writing, charismatic characters with a very likeable heroine, and layered story creates a wonderful book that transports you to a world of magic and macabre. I was entertained from the first page to the last, wondering what is going to happen next. Just as the first book made me want to read the second, so has this second book made me eager to read the final installment of the series.

[Fareeha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from the trilogy.

It’s a solid second installment with a faster pace, more ‘undead’ encounters, a bigger quest, all in the same wonderful and delightful writing style and with a wider storyline.

It’s still enchanting in its very quaintness and as a retelling, it’s an excellent addition to the Hades Persephone lore.

The blending of fantasy in a pseudo-historical setting with the mythological aspects, the adventurous quest, the action and not to mention the subtle but charming romantic undertones, it’s all superbly handled.

Also, I did not expect all the twists at the end. Took me really by surprise. I find it’s an excellent merging of the storyline with the mythology !

I really like the focus on Percy and Beltain. They’re such lovely and worthy characters.

This isn’t a book nor a series which leaves you gasping and makes you continue reading it nonstop. You can leave it and go deal with the real world if need be but once you’re back, it immerses you completely. It’s a special book which allows that — charming and enchanting and non-pushy.

It’s certainly another lovely read for this year !

[♥ Unaeve ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a world where no one is dying.Yay that's a great idea - you would say at first.But think about it.It's not just that you would become immortal or that your loved ones would never have to depart from you.Think about the sick, think about the old people already on there dying bed...
They wouldn't just jump up, become healed,healthy and young again. No,they would be sentenced to endless suffering with no sleep or rest.Nothing can die.Not the old,dying grandma,not the assassinated beautiful princess,not the little child who fell and hurt it self, not even the pig who was on the slaughter table at the moment when death stopped.Still thinking this is a good idea for a world to be? I think not.But it is how it is.Mr.Death him self decided it is time for him to have a bride,but he cant find her.He doesn't now how she looks like nor where she is but he can feel her somewhere in the world.So he decides to stop doing his job until the bride comes to him.

This is the story that we learn of in the first installment of the Cobweb Bride Trilogy.

In this second sequel we will have the honor to join the journey of Persephone through the land at war against the dead armies,on her way to find the Cobweb Bride.
If i would write any more of it it would have to much spoilers so i'll just say that you can expect to engage a handsome,dark knight;a cute and clever peasant girl by the name of Persephone,some spoiled aristocrats;a funny, heartwarming, middle-aged witch;a clever mare;a noble death princess,an assassin in love and regret,and a lot more beautiful and deeply developed characters that will grow to you and become your best friends and foes.

A worthy sequel if not even better as the first part! Such beautiful and poetic writing... The story starts a bit slow at the beginning but takes a nice turn later on with more romance and action. Some really clever parts like the nature of the Lethe river and the final chapter revelation, where i almost thought-OK this is the end, nice and happy-turned to be a huge surprise and smart cliffhanger. They made me smile and happily think of future hours spend reading the promised third part... hopefully sooner rather then later. Thumbs up dear Vera, for this beautiful sequel and thank you for sending me the book when i asked for it.I am very much recommending this serial and i can't wait to lay my eyes on the third book:)

This review appears as well on my book blog "Una dressed in Books",on my Facebook page,Amazon.com and Book Depository

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Militant Recommender Book Review Blog:
http://militantrecommender.blogspot.com/
When I saw there was an indigogo campaign to get "Cobweb Empire" published, I had to kick something in (wish it was more!) and now I have just finished Cobweb Empire and it is epic! Ms. Nazarian is a truly magical writer. We pick up where "Cobweb Bride" ended and Percy, the smart and brave peasant girl, has become (sorry, spoilers for any who haven't read the first book!) Death's Champion and one of her first acts is to give her beloved grandmother the gift of final rest by uniting her death shadow with her body. She also ends the suffering of a pig who had been unsuccessfully butchered. Now, she is on a quest to find Death's intended along with a last few Cobweb Brides, the dead Infanta of the Realm, Grand Princess Claere Liguon and her murderer Vlau Fiomarre. They are accompanied by Lord Beltain Chidair, the dashing Black Knight and son of the nasty, undead ruler the Duke Ian Chidair (or Hoarfrost, as he's known). We also get an inside look at a kingdom, or, perhaps Queendom is a better description... which is ruled by a woman, Rumanar Avalais, who is so all powerful and so beautiful she is called by her subjects "Your Brilliance"! Is she as benevolent as she seems? And, she has taken Vlau Fiomarre's disgraced brother and father under her protection. To what end? We also get the POV of two aristocrats who had gone on a lark to Death's Kingdom along with their so called friend who, when they've been captured by Duke Hoarfrost's undead soldiers and thrown into a dungeon, seems to have allied herself with the dead duke! These are just a few of the events and characters you'll encounter on Percy's journey to find Death's lost love (and...perhaps find one of her own!). This is just a beautifully written and detailed series and highly recommended! I, for one, will be ready to join another indigogo campaign to get Cobweb Forest finished!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word...LOVED!

I enjoyed the hell out of Cobweb Bride and Cobweb Empire was even better. Aside from a lull a little past the middle of the book, I can't complain. Actually some of my favourite books always have that lull and then a fabulous ending to follow.

Speaking of endings...this one is another cliff hanger and I was definitely surprised by it! Of course, I had it figured out but only a paragraph before it was said!

Percy is a wonderful protagonist because she came into her own very quickly. She was not as strong in this one as she was in the first but I think she had become aware of the real danger of her situation and genuinely afraid of what was going on. If you had an army of the dead to deal with, you'd be afraid too!

Beltain Chidair, better known as the Black Knight, is so swoony I can hardly stand it! I asked the author if she had a person in mind when she wrote Chidair and she said she just wanted to create the perfect romantic character. Well done! I am so in love with him.

With Empire, there are new characters added and some that sort of disappear from the action but I know they will be back. If I've learned only one thing, Nazarian has a way of bringing people out of the wood work when you least expect them!

All in all, I gave it 5 stars because it captured my imagination and kept my interested. It's hard to say that for me and books.

Now, the only downside is I have to wait two months before the next one comes out!

[Jess Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this freshly-twisted Persephone myth; it’s not what you might expect in regards to the original tale. Bits and pieces come out at unexpected times and in unexpected ways, but you don’t need to know the original myth to enjoy this.

The story is set in an alternate universe Renaissance-era country in Europe. There’s a lot of rich detail here and I lost myself in this world for several solid hours. It is, at times, gruesome there, yet there’s a Gothic beauty to it. It’s not without romance, either. There’s a kiss in Cobweb Empire that… whew!

Before even opening these books, I fell in love with the covers, which are the author’s own artwork. All I can say is, WOW. She is an extremely visual thinker and I love it when I can read a book and ‘see’ it in my head. I really hope these are made into movies someday. This is one case where the content lives up to a beautiful cover.

The third book in the trilogy is set to come out on December 25th, 2013. I’ll be waiting for it. My thanks to Vera Nazarian for sending me an ebook of Cobweb Empire in turn for my honest review.

Please visit my site to read an interview with Vera Nazarian:

http://jessmollybrownauthor.com

And to read my full review of both books in this series, go to:

http://firstpagetothelast.com

[The Un-Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I'm so annoyed it's getting late and I have to work tomorrow because I totally want to dive into Book 3 to find out what happens. But if I start reading now. I will be bleary eyed and totally not functioning in the morning. Gah! This should be an easy decision to go to bed, shouldn't it?

Anyway... So Cobweb Empire. So we got Death's Champion and a dashing knight, crazed zombies, a city in a bubble, and whack job queen that might also have a tidge of witchcraft in her. Oh and some good old Greek Mythology for good measure. Yep. Sounds crazy but it really works. You can't read this one in stand alone format (ya gotta read the Cobweb Bride first) but it picks up great from Book One and ends with even Death going ummmm WTF just happened? (That will make sense once you read it. Ha!) All of that equates to fantastic storytelling.

One con... repetitive descriptors like "liquid eyes"... I started to make the equivalent to an inner groan towards the end there, with all the "liquid eyes" mentions but you overlook it for the overall appeal and unconventional plot.

5 Stars! Book 3 starts tomorrow. ;)

[Genean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The city is set in siege by Hoarfrost and Deaths Champion - Percy is inside. As death has ceased so had the entire food chain. An escape must be made and a journey South to follow the pull of the Cobweb Bride..
What looks simple is simple yet as complex as it gets with this story. It would be important to show here that the author has woven into its fabric some scenes of honour regard and love which is it's most stirring strength in this mission. From the most plain and stoic heroes are wrought. I suppose this is a reflection on choosing the age of Chivalry - but love is born. The love of the Emperors Daughter and her Murderer the love of Percy and the Black Knight..yes you wonder, however the adventure deepens when it is also found that the land they stand on is disappearing around them and the Siege the War and the Empire is becoming intensely urgent for an outcome so those alive May survive.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really more of a 3.5 stars rating (oh Goodreads, why can't I give half stars?!). I inhaled Cobweb Empire; as with Cobweb Bride, this was the rare book as of late that made me drop/neglect everything and just spend an entire day reading. While some of the writing clunkiness found in Cobweb Bride still remains in this book (introducing characters by way of physical description and repetition of things the reader already knows (the way the dead talk, how the dead look and/or move, how characters feel about each other, etc.)), this story moves along much faster than Cobweb Bride and is thoroughly engrossing, and as with Cobweb Bride, is totally unpredictable. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Nazarian throws in an amazing twist. I can't wait for the third book to come out, because I really have no idea how this is going to end and I'm dying to know.

[Kat W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much more enjoyable than the first book and more focused in scope. There was more action, more character development, more mystery, and a little boost to the romance in the story. The writing is solid and the same quality as the first book, but I found the world much more haunting and sad this time. The part with the tavern keeper's son was an expected piece of tragedy that nevertheless opened the tear ducts. It was a well executed scene, however, and appropriately placed. Oh, and let's not forget the mass Travadii suicide army. That part was plain disturbing especially knowing it could happen in reality, too (like cults).

Despite the dark tone, it's not a downer of a story and it's more exciting overall because of the action and some very intriguing developments. I enjoyed it and look forward to book 3.