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The Great Hearts #2
A Game of Gods
Calidan Darkheart has survived monsters, men and the first years of the Academy, but will he be able to survive a higher power than his own?
As a young student at the Academy and freshly dealing with the loss of a dear friend, Calidan must endure a new trial; one that will test every fibre of his being. If he survives, he will be forged into something new and be one step closer to his ultimate goal. Revenge.
Alone in the dark, Calidan the Imperator has so far managed to avoid the clutches of a rampaging beast but now seeks to escape and fulfil his lifelong dream. Intent on saving his best friend Cassius and heading deeper into the barren wastelands, he seeks a prey that will eclipse all others.
He might find that the reality is more than he can handle.
David Oliver’s second novel in the Great Hearts series brings back the dual adventures of past and present day Calidan, following the protagonist’s journey from earnest youth to a cold and forbidding Imperator.
Brutal combat, terrifying magics, dark secrets and the antics of a certain panther lay within.
As a young student at the Academy and freshly dealing with the loss of a dear friend, Calidan must endure a new trial; one that will test every fibre of his being. If he survives, he will be forged into something new and be one step closer to his ultimate goal. Revenge.
Alone in the dark, Calidan the Imperator has so far managed to avoid the clutches of a rampaging beast but now seeks to escape and fulfil his lifelong dream. Intent on saving his best friend Cassius and heading deeper into the barren wastelands, he seeks a prey that will eclipse all others.
He might find that the reality is more than he can handle.
David Oliver’s second novel in the Great Hearts series brings back the dual adventures of past and present day Calidan, following the protagonist’s journey from earnest youth to a cold and forbidding Imperator.
Brutal combat, terrifying magics, dark secrets and the antics of a certain panther lay within.
- GenresFantasy
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
64 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 26, 2021
Overall rating = 4.5 stars
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: A Game Of Gods is the insanely awesome sequel to The Great Hearts. I loved The Great Hearts when I first came across it over three years ago. The debut was a dark concoction of action, fantasy, adventure and an alluring dual timeline set plot. For me, I was just too excited when I first got an ARC for this book. I dove in with heavy expectations and the book didn't disappoint.
A Game Of Gods is a sequel that again features Calidan and Cassius as both adults and their teenage selves. After the cliffhanger ending of TGH, we immediately open with Calidan and Cassius in the subterranean mine. In the past timeline, we get to see Cassius, Ella, Sophia, Scythe, Rikol & Calidan return from their adventure in the new land. They are brought back to the academy nearly four months after they left and now are plunged in to the happenings at the academy. There's subterfuge, politicking as well as ruminations about what it truly means to be bonded with a great heart. There's also the fourth year test, which is the big pivotal thing that occupies the main plot in the past timeline.
It is a test that differs every year and no one knows what exactly happens in it other than it's taxing in every way and previously imps have died. The present timeline deals with Cassius and Calidan being on the tracks of the beast that destroyed their childhood. Both these plots and timelines showcase extreme danger for our protagonists and there's quite a few worldbuilding details interspersed within.
The best part of all within this book is the added POV episodes from other characters such as the other imps and this was a crucial move within the past timeline. Because of the fourth year test, we get differing views in to the happenings of the test conditions and how it envelops all the characters. I loved how the author was able to expand on the action-adventure feel of the first book. Plus with the previous locale being that of a sandy desert, it was refreshing to see the exact opposite this time around.
The action levels within this book are amped up even more than the first book and as much as I enjoyed that in the first, I doubly enjoyed it here. Not only within the fourth test but there are further adventures with another Great Heart-Imperator duo. This was an excellent counter and I loved what this meant for the future.
Characterization was solid in the first book and with this book, David Oliver shows his skills as we get characters of different genders. The biggest draw of the book was how much it focussed on the Emperor and his machinations. He has been the biggest enigma of this series and within this volume, we get a solid taste of his power and cruelty. He's someone who keeps the darkness at bay but he's not to be trifled with. I can't wait to see gets revealed in the future installments about him and Charles.
There's also a lot more spycraft afoot and I loved that aspect of military academy storyline.
Overall this book was just what I wanted with its mix of adventure, plot twists and insane action amidst a fantasy world. David Oliver uses plenty tropes but fuels them with his own twists and give this story just the hypercharged boost that it needs. Overall this fantasy story is one that mixes genres but still manages to differentiate itself beautifully.
More to come in full FBC review....
CONCLUSION: A Game Of Gods is the explosive sequel to The Great Hearts, with more action, more revelations and a lot more of what made The Great Hearts such a special debut. David Oliver continues to mightily impress with his mix of dark fantasy, exciting characters & action-adventure.
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: A Game Of Gods is the insanely awesome sequel to The Great Hearts. I loved The Great Hearts when I first came across it over three years ago. The debut was a dark concoction of action, fantasy, adventure and an alluring dual timeline set plot. For me, I was just too excited when I first got an ARC for this book. I dove in with heavy expectations and the book didn't disappoint.
A Game Of Gods is a sequel that again features Calidan and Cassius as both adults and their teenage selves. After the cliffhanger ending of TGH, we immediately open with Calidan and Cassius in the subterranean mine. In the past timeline, we get to see Cassius, Ella, Sophia, Scythe, Rikol & Calidan return from their adventure in the new land. They are brought back to the academy nearly four months after they left and now are plunged in to the happenings at the academy. There's subterfuge, politicking as well as ruminations about what it truly means to be bonded with a great heart. There's also the fourth year test, which is the big pivotal thing that occupies the main plot in the past timeline.
It is a test that differs every year and no one knows what exactly happens in it other than it's taxing in every way and previously imps have died. The present timeline deals with Cassius and Calidan being on the tracks of the beast that destroyed their childhood. Both these plots and timelines showcase extreme danger for our protagonists and there's quite a few worldbuilding details interspersed within.
The best part of all within this book is the added POV episodes from other characters such as the other imps and this was a crucial move within the past timeline. Because of the fourth year test, we get differing views in to the happenings of the test conditions and how it envelops all the characters. I loved how the author was able to expand on the action-adventure feel of the first book. Plus with the previous locale being that of a sandy desert, it was refreshing to see the exact opposite this time around.
The action levels within this book are amped up even more than the first book and as much as I enjoyed that in the first, I doubly enjoyed it here. Not only within the fourth test but there are further adventures with another Great Heart-Imperator duo. This was an excellent counter and I loved what this meant for the future.
Characterization was solid in the first book and with this book, David Oliver shows his skills as we get characters of different genders. The biggest draw of the book was how much it focussed on the Emperor and his machinations. He has been the biggest enigma of this series and within this volume, we get a solid taste of his power and cruelty. He's someone who keeps the darkness at bay but he's not to be trifled with. I can't wait to see gets revealed in the future installments about him and Charles.
There's also a lot more spycraft afoot and I loved that aspect of military academy storyline.
Overall this book was just what I wanted with its mix of adventure, plot twists and insane action amidst a fantasy world. David Oliver uses plenty tropes but fuels them with his own twists and give this story just the hypercharged boost that it needs. Overall this fantasy story is one that mixes genres but still manages to differentiate itself beautifully.
More to come in full FBC review....
CONCLUSION: A Game Of Gods is the explosive sequel to The Great Hearts, with more action, more revelations and a lot more of what made The Great Hearts such a special debut. David Oliver continues to mightily impress with his mix of dark fantasy, exciting characters & action-adventure.
August 16, 2021
Should Be 2 but I enjoyed First Book
The first book in the series, I liked despite the credibility gap along with inconsistencies. Lot of great subplots, interesting and different BUT.... 11-12-13-year-olds as MC’s who act, perform and have situational awareness that exceeds seasoned war veterans? After a while, I forced myself to think of the characters as if they're in their 20-30’s. Wouldn't have been able to take nor read nor continue.
There's the credibility as I've mentioned but in book two, this one, I realized I'll have to read the next, possibly more, books in the series to find out and understand what I've just read.
It's not cute, It's not clever, It's not xxxx!....to provide so little background and actually mislead. Kill off some likable characters and portray an evil everyone can hate just ain't enough. The author shoots himself in the foot. 12-year-olds performing like spec ops and trickling the background to the reader, haphazardly at times, undermines the story. That had this reader skimming. Reading, skimming...no difference and no desire to buy-read more to be frustrated.
The first book in the series, I liked despite the credibility gap along with inconsistencies. Lot of great subplots, interesting and different BUT.... 11-12-13-year-olds as MC’s who act, perform and have situational awareness that exceeds seasoned war veterans? After a while, I forced myself to think of the characters as if they're in their 20-30’s. Wouldn't have been able to take nor read nor continue.
There's the credibility as I've mentioned but in book two, this one, I realized I'll have to read the next, possibly more, books in the series to find out and understand what I've just read.
It's not cute, It's not clever, It's not xxxx!....to provide so little background and actually mislead. Kill off some likable characters and portray an evil everyone can hate just ain't enough. The author shoots himself in the foot. 12-year-olds performing like spec ops and trickling the background to the reader, haphazardly at times, undermines the story. That had this reader skimming. Reading, skimming...no difference and no desire to buy-read more to be frustrated.
June 27, 2021
The first Great Hearts novel revealed a solid and original dark fantasy indy. This is a worthy sequel to the first book. The continuation of the dual chronology really works, perhaps better in the book than the first, as we get more glimpses of the "present" world this time and fill in some of the gaps around how the boys got from A to B, so some nice character development.
Second books are so important to a series because they reveal a) whether an author has a solid plan for the plot and characters and b) whether they have the interest and chops to see it through. I can confirm two checks on those points, so if you like to read second book reviews before starting a series as I sometimes do, you can relax on that score.
I listened to the audio version of the first one and that was the best author-read audiobook I've heard, so if you read the first one and the audiobook is out for this one by the time you read this, you might want to try.
Second books are so important to a series because they reveal a) whether an author has a solid plan for the plot and characters and b) whether they have the interest and chops to see it through. I can confirm two checks on those points, so if you like to read second book reviews before starting a series as I sometimes do, you can relax on that score.
I listened to the audio version of the first one and that was the best author-read audiobook I've heard, so if you read the first one and the audiobook is out for this one by the time you read this, you might want to try.
April 21, 2021
I read this after reading the first in the series 'The Great Hearts' and loved it. I am new to this genre and am genuinely surprised by how much I am enjoying it. This second book follows the characters introduced in the first book and their journey which brings them closer to the present day. It's cleverly written and as the plot develops I was able to make links to the past but was also aware of information that was being trailed for the future. It's the kind of book that if you re-read it you'd have some 'aha' moments by making connections that you may have missed the first time.
I can't wait for the next one!
I can't wait for the next one!
June 26, 2021
This is one of those books where the world is so engrossing, you almost don't need a plot, you just want to learn more and hear more about the different places, technology, culture etc.
This book also delivers on a plot that is fast-paced, with a good balance between action, gruelling survival, and political intrigue. Oh, and the characters are a lot of fun!
Highly recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the first -- it's more of the same! My only regret is that it's been a few years in between reading the first, and some of the characters and plot was a little fuzzy. I think it's worth reading the first again before diving back in for more.
This book also delivers on a plot that is fast-paced, with a good balance between action, gruelling survival, and political intrigue. Oh, and the characters are a lot of fun!
Highly recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the first -- it's more of the same! My only regret is that it's been a few years in between reading the first, and some of the characters and plot was a little fuzzy. I think it's worth reading the first again before diving back in for more.
May 28, 2021
Author David Oliver has done a good job of writing a "series filler" novel without succumbing to the pitfalls that happen to most other authors. This series is built in a way to allow the reader to get closure on multiple stories while still letting the overall plot plod along.
In this book we're taken along with the group on a more harrowing journey: the 4th year trial. We also get much more information about the Emperor, the Enemy, and some veiled innuendo regarding the Great Hearts' fates.
In this book we're taken along with the group on a more harrowing journey: the 4th year trial. We also get much more information about the Emperor, the Enemy, and some veiled innuendo regarding the Great Hearts' fates.
January 20, 2023
Same qualities and flaws as the first book. A well-written story with an interesting world-building and characters too nice for my taste, sprinkled with a few inconsistencies here and there. Despite my hopes and what's implied with Calidan's character development, things don't get much darker. Still an enjoyable read if not memorable.
May 7, 2021
A great read
This series reminds me of Brian Staveley's work on good ways. Epic, exciting and full of well developed characters you can invest in. I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
This series reminds me of Brian Staveley's work on good ways. Epic, exciting and full of well developed characters you can invest in. I can't wait for the next installment of the series!
July 11, 2021
Excellent read!
This was an unknown author to me , and I am so glad I gave him a try . Engaging and fast paced story, with interesting and multi dimensional characters . I am looking forward for the next book in the series .
This was an unknown author to me , and I am so glad I gave him a try . Engaging and fast paced story, with interesting and multi dimensional characters . I am looking forward for the next book in the series .
June 26, 2023
great sequel
I have to say that this series doesn’t disappoint. The second book was just as good as the first one. The two points of view keep revealing tidbits on the main villains and allow you to see the main characters in a very different light.
I have to say that this series doesn’t disappoint. The second book was just as good as the first one. The two points of view keep revealing tidbits on the main villains and allow you to see the main characters in a very different light.
June 15, 2021
Great again!
Series still has me hooked! Can’t wait for next one. Love the past and present style. The ominous thoughts are always fun.
Series still has me hooked! Can’t wait for next one. Love the past and present style. The ominous thoughts are always fun.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews