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A Daughter's Ransom #2
The GhostMaker: To Take a World:
There's not much left in the world of Baeno...
With two Watchers dead and the third turned against the world she was supposed to protect, chaos reigns for near a decade as Skayla rules with the strange beasts called Drogans.
And then there's Baey. Rescued by the last act of The Watcher, Sven Mara, she now stays hidden in the mansion of Valdon, where the last Gifted of Baeno stand as a pitiful defense for the City of Kaedna. The last promise of The Creator says she--an Esmer(or one with wings)--will free Baeno from the grips of Skayla and the mysterious beasts that aid her. However, doubts haunt Baey, and even the others at Valdon seem to doubt her destiny. But one thing keeps her strong; the ring she was given by Sven Mara, a trinket no one but her can see.
But when a stranger appears on Valdon's doorsteps, everyone doubts his motives and the message he carries. Little do they know what he stole, and little do they know how close Valdon is to ruin.…
With two Watchers dead and the third turned against the world she was supposed to protect, chaos reigns for near a decade as Skayla rules with the strange beasts called Drogans.
And then there's Baey. Rescued by the last act of The Watcher, Sven Mara, she now stays hidden in the mansion of Valdon, where the last Gifted of Baeno stand as a pitiful defense for the City of Kaedna. The last promise of The Creator says she--an Esmer(or one with wings)--will free Baeno from the grips of Skayla and the mysterious beasts that aid her. However, doubts haunt Baey, and even the others at Valdon seem to doubt her destiny. But one thing keeps her strong; the ring she was given by Sven Mara, a trinket no one but her can see.
But when a stranger appears on Valdon's doorsteps, everyone doubts his motives and the message he carries. Little do they know what he stole, and little do they know how close Valdon is to ruin.…
467 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2021
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 15, 2023
A fun, action-packed, magical tale full of twists!
GhostMaker is an interesting and profound exploration of identity. It covers a wide range of themes including memory loss, free will, betrayal, and family, both the ones we're born into as well as found family, through intriguing characters, exciting action, terrifying antagonist, fascinating magic, all against a dystopian-esque fantasy world backdrop.
Niamh Schmid strikes a beautiful balance in the narrative of multiple perspectives with skillful play on emotions, tension, joy in the midst of hopelessness, twists on popular tropes like "the chosen one" and plot twists. I love the way the questions and mysteries propel the story forward. And how when I think I've got everything figured out, Schmid adds these delightful twists!
Like in Book 1 of A Daughter's Ransom series, there is a natural unfolding of backstory, for even the more secondary characters, making them well fleshed out and rich in their own right. Sven is heartbreaking! Estasia is probably one of my favorites from this book! And I really enjoyed Baey coming into her own! The way Schmid mirrors struggles and threads between characters is brilliant! It was fun to see such a varied group of people learn to work together and trust each other. They are characters I'm excited to see more of!
I also enjoyed the new twist on classic fantasy creatures like the feathered dragons known as Drogons. They we're also one of the cool tie backs to book 1, too! I cannot wait to see how the stories continue to intersect!
Esmer, the winged people like Baey, are really cool, as well! I enjoyed the different uses of Baey's wings and how they felt like a tangible symbol of her growth and development.
I cannot wait to continue the series!
GhostMaker is an interesting and profound exploration of identity. It covers a wide range of themes including memory loss, free will, betrayal, and family, both the ones we're born into as well as found family, through intriguing characters, exciting action, terrifying antagonist, fascinating magic, all against a dystopian-esque fantasy world backdrop.
Niamh Schmid strikes a beautiful balance in the narrative of multiple perspectives with skillful play on emotions, tension, joy in the midst of hopelessness, twists on popular tropes like "the chosen one" and plot twists. I love the way the questions and mysteries propel the story forward. And how when I think I've got everything figured out, Schmid adds these delightful twists!
Like in Book 1 of A Daughter's Ransom series, there is a natural unfolding of backstory, for even the more secondary characters, making them well fleshed out and rich in their own right. Sven is heartbreaking! Estasia is probably one of my favorites from this book! And I really enjoyed Baey coming into her own! The way Schmid mirrors struggles and threads between characters is brilliant! It was fun to see such a varied group of people learn to work together and trust each other. They are characters I'm excited to see more of!
I also enjoyed the new twist on classic fantasy creatures like the feathered dragons known as Drogons. They we're also one of the cool tie backs to book 1, too! I cannot wait to see how the stories continue to intersect!
Esmer, the winged people like Baey, are really cool, as well! I enjoyed the different uses of Baey's wings and how they felt like a tangible symbol of her growth and development.
I cannot wait to continue the series!
January 31, 2022
I highly recommend book 2, To Take A World: The GhostMaker! I sat down and soaked up its 467 pages in one business week, which is much faster than I normally read!
I loved book 1 and am very intrigued by the unique way this series is compiled! We get to meet so many unique characters as we travel through different TetraWorlds! Both books 1 and 2 have subtle connections stringing the pieces of the bigger picture together, while the different storylines are all leading to a connected plot!
If you love Dragons, then you will love Drogans! As I read book 2 and found out more and more about these creatures, it was the most interesting new take on a dragon concept that I have ever seen!
Baey is my favorite character in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where the story leads for her going forward!
The world building is so immersive and complete! The characters all have such believable personalities and motives that drive them to make decisions that make sense for their personalities, while there are still mysteries and exciting twists and turns that lead to these happenings!
I read books 1 and 2 while the authors, Niamh Schmid and Rebecca Schmid, were featured in the virtual book club, Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner. Book 3 of this series is available and I am so excited to read that, and to continue following the rest of their series as it releases! I recommend this to people who love all kinds of genres, as they cover a wide span of them. Also this series makes for great book club discussions!
I loved book 1 and am very intrigued by the unique way this series is compiled! We get to meet so many unique characters as we travel through different TetraWorlds! Both books 1 and 2 have subtle connections stringing the pieces of the bigger picture together, while the different storylines are all leading to a connected plot!
If you love Dragons, then you will love Drogans! As I read book 2 and found out more and more about these creatures, it was the most interesting new take on a dragon concept that I have ever seen!
Baey is my favorite character in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where the story leads for her going forward!
The world building is so immersive and complete! The characters all have such believable personalities and motives that drive them to make decisions that make sense for their personalities, while there are still mysteries and exciting twists and turns that lead to these happenings!
I read books 1 and 2 while the authors, Niamh Schmid and Rebecca Schmid, were featured in the virtual book club, Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner. Book 3 of this series is available and I am so excited to read that, and to continue following the rest of their series as it releases! I recommend this to people who love all kinds of genres, as they cover a wide span of them. Also this series makes for great book club discussions!
October 19, 2021
The book starts with a bang with a character known as one of the three Watchers, Sven, facing off against an enemy rather close to home. He hands a mysterious ring to a young girl, Baey. Baey is an Esmer, one with wings – and might be the world’s only hope of survival.
Years later, Baey is hiding in a ramshackle mansion, one of the last defences against the evil Skayla. Then a stranger with a secret mission arrives. Soon suspicions fly and whispers of a traitor begin, yet the stranger struggles to remember even his own name. Soon the group are forced to flee, then other misfit friends join them on their quest to save the world, if possible, from Skayla’s clutches…
The GhostMaker is an amazing read! It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Like with the previous book, the worldbuilding is breathtaking and immersive. Although in an entirely different setting, characters and plot to the debut novel, the distinctive writing – including a good dose of sassy humour – marks this as another brilliant Schmid book.
If you’re looking for superb writing, breathtaking imagination and rich worldbuilding that never overwhelms this reader, then this is the book for you. It’s immensely readable and as it is completely separate from the first book, could be read as a stand-alone. Of course, though, I highly recommend Of Shade and Shadow, too! Looking forward to the next in the Schmid series. (less)
Years later, Baey is hiding in a ramshackle mansion, one of the last defences against the evil Skayla. Then a stranger with a secret mission arrives. Soon suspicions fly and whispers of a traitor begin, yet the stranger struggles to remember even his own name. Soon the group are forced to flee, then other misfit friends join them on their quest to save the world, if possible, from Skayla’s clutches…
The GhostMaker is an amazing read! It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Like with the previous book, the worldbuilding is breathtaking and immersive. Although in an entirely different setting, characters and plot to the debut novel, the distinctive writing – including a good dose of sassy humour – marks this as another brilliant Schmid book.
If you’re looking for superb writing, breathtaking imagination and rich worldbuilding that never overwhelms this reader, then this is the book for you. It’s immensely readable and as it is completely separate from the first book, could be read as a stand-alone. Of course, though, I highly recommend Of Shade and Shadow, too! Looking forward to the next in the Schmid series. (less)
January 3, 2022
Little Baey is an Esmer, one of the winged folk, last of her kind and prophesised to save the world of Baeno. Hidden away in Valdon, the last place of resistance to evil tyrant Skyla, Baey chaffs at her over protective guardians. When the stranger Feyn shows up with a warning that someone in their midst is a traitor, it seems most likely that it is Feyn who is the spy. Yet Baey is drawn to him, however, perhaps because of all the people she knows, he is the only one to treat her as an equal, or at least a grown up.
When most of your world has been torn apart by the evil and tyrannical Skyla, her flying Drogans and her infamous assassin the Ghostmaker, and everyone else is in the grip of her MindHold, how can you find the strength to continue to resists, or is there even any point trying?
I loved this imaginative story, set in a dangerous and devastated world. The story is told from three different POVs - Baey, Feyn and Estasia, a rather dour but doughty rebel. Although told in the first person, all three have very distinct voices, which impressed me. It’s the second book in the series, but you don’t have to have read the first to enjoy it (I intend to read the first book in the near future though!). Well-written, fast-paced, exciting, with a great range of characters, I highly recommend it.
When most of your world has been torn apart by the evil and tyrannical Skyla, her flying Drogans and her infamous assassin the Ghostmaker, and everyone else is in the grip of her MindHold, how can you find the strength to continue to resists, or is there even any point trying?
I loved this imaginative story, set in a dangerous and devastated world. The story is told from three different POVs - Baey, Feyn and Estasia, a rather dour but doughty rebel. Although told in the first person, all three have very distinct voices, which impressed me. It’s the second book in the series, but you don’t have to have read the first to enjoy it (I intend to read the first book in the near future though!). Well-written, fast-paced, exciting, with a great range of characters, I highly recommend it.
September 9, 2022
I loved it so, so much! Fantastic action, twists and storyline. Such a page-turner! I don’t even know where to start, but I guess that’s because there was really nothing that I didn’t like there. The world building, although happening at war times, was beautiful and really deepened the story on so many levels.
Different races, Gifts, and special artefacts gave this book a true feeling of a great fantasy story. I really enjoyed how all the small details were plotted into the story, and how significant these were. That, and travelling, of course! There was plenty of travelling and adventure on the way.
Yet, the best part of “To Take a World: The GhostMaker” were characters, with the GhostMaker himself being my favorite. His very sad and complex story, as well everything he has experienced as a result, were both heart-breaking and heart-warming. His dynamic with Baey was so beautifully shown that it was impossible not to care for him.
Without giving spoilers (as trust me, you want to read this story by yourself!), all I can say is that you should really give it a go. If fantasy books are what you enjoy reading, you won’t regret picking up this one! I loved the first two books in the series, and I now can’t wait to read book 3!
Different races, Gifts, and special artefacts gave this book a true feeling of a great fantasy story. I really enjoyed how all the small details were plotted into the story, and how significant these were. That, and travelling, of course! There was plenty of travelling and adventure on the way.
Yet, the best part of “To Take a World: The GhostMaker” were characters, with the GhostMaker himself being my favorite. His very sad and complex story, as well everything he has experienced as a result, were both heart-breaking and heart-warming. His dynamic with Baey was so beautifully shown that it was impossible not to care for him.
Without giving spoilers (as trust me, you want to read this story by yourself!), all I can say is that you should really give it a go. If fantasy books are what you enjoy reading, you won’t regret picking up this one! I loved the first two books in the series, and I now can’t wait to read book 3!
January 26, 2022
A new world in the Daughter's Ransom series, and what a world.
The GhostMaker : To Take a World, is a delightful introduction to a new part, a new world of this TetraWorlds, and it's so exciting to unravel, book after book, how big this series is going to be.
As the youngest in my family, I could relate to Baey so much it hurt. I can't wait to see where her story will lead her next. I fell in love with Sven, with the way the character is built, the complexities of him, everything. Estasia is wonderful too, and to be honest, I love how easy you get attached to every single character in this book.
The GhostMaker : To Take a World, is a delightful introduction to a new part, a new world of this TetraWorlds, and it's so exciting to unravel, book after book, how big this series is going to be.
As the youngest in my family, I could relate to Baey so much it hurt. I can't wait to see where her story will lead her next. I fell in love with Sven, with the way the character is built, the complexities of him, everything. Estasia is wonderful too, and to be honest, I love how easy you get attached to every single character in this book.
March 21, 2023
Interesting read
I very much enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt bad for Sven, and how he went through so much. Estasia was great because she did so much to help while she was really in no position to do so. I also felt bad about how Baey was treated by the people who took her in, though I love how Sven works to build her confidence. Will definitely read more in this series.
I very much enjoyed the characters in this book. I felt bad for Sven, and how he went through so much. Estasia was great because she did so much to help while she was really in no position to do so. I also felt bad about how Baey was treated by the people who took her in, though I love how Sven works to build her confidence. Will definitely read more in this series.
September 28, 2021
A fight between siblings.
The GhostMaker, Sven escapes from his sisters dungeon and with the help of others is attempting to set their world right. Niamh Schmid has created a fantastic world for us to play and imagine in. With each page we are drawn further into this fantasy world and farther from ours.
The GhostMaker, Sven escapes from his sisters dungeon and with the help of others is attempting to set their world right. Niamh Schmid has created a fantastic world for us to play and imagine in. With each page we are drawn further into this fantasy world and farther from ours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2021
AHHHHHHHH
Great story, great characters, can’t get much better than that! And…I need to know what happens next! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Great story, great characters, can’t get much better than that! And…I need to know what happens next! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
October 19, 2021
The book starts with a bang with a character known as one of the three Watchers, Sven, facing off against an enemy rather close to home. He hands a mysterious ring to a young girl, Baey. Baey is an Esmer, one with wings – and might be the world’s only hope of survival.
Years later, Baey is hiding in a ramshackle mansion, one of the last defences against the evil Skayla. Then a stranger with a secret mission arrives. Soon suspicions fly and whispers of a traitor begin, yet the stranger struggles to remember even his own name. Soon the group are forced to flee, then other misfit friends join them on their quest to save the world, if possible, from Skayla’s clutches…
The GhostMaker is an amazing read! It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Like with the previous book, the worldbuilding is breathtaking and immersive. Although in an entirely different setting, characters and plot to the debut novel, the distinctive writing – including a good dose of sassy humour – marks this as another brilliant Schmid book.
If you’re looking for superb writing, breathtaking imagination and rich worldbuilding that never overwhelms this reader, then this is the book for you. It’s immensely readable and as it is completely separate from the first book, could be read as a stand-alone. Of course, though, I highly recommend Of Shade and Shadow, too! Looking forward to the next in the Schmid series.
Years later, Baey is hiding in a ramshackle mansion, one of the last defences against the evil Skayla. Then a stranger with a secret mission arrives. Soon suspicions fly and whispers of a traitor begin, yet the stranger struggles to remember even his own name. Soon the group are forced to flee, then other misfit friends join them on their quest to save the world, if possible, from Skayla’s clutches…
The GhostMaker is an amazing read! It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go. Like with the previous book, the worldbuilding is breathtaking and immersive. Although in an entirely different setting, characters and plot to the debut novel, the distinctive writing – including a good dose of sassy humour – marks this as another brilliant Schmid book.
If you’re looking for superb writing, breathtaking imagination and rich worldbuilding that never overwhelms this reader, then this is the book for you. It’s immensely readable and as it is completely separate from the first book, could be read as a stand-alone. Of course, though, I highly recommend Of Shade and Shadow, too! Looking forward to the next in the Schmid series.
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November 25, 2023I knew I wasn't the kind of person who could kill someone--even someone who deserved it. But never before had I wished to be.
To Take a World: The GhostMaker is a far-reaching fantasy tale with steampunk touches. A group of rebels fight against seemingly impossible odds. Will an unexpected ally help them take back their world, or will the last holdouts succumb to the dreaded MindHold?
This book had a complex world with quite a few twists and turns and some lovely bits of prose. As far as characters, I especially loved Estasia, who did a great job of grounding me in the world, and I was rooting for dear little Baey throughout. And the villain Skayla is terrifying. It was a pleasure to see so many well-considered female characters.
I read this book first because I had heard you could start with this one as easily as Book 1, but I suspect like most series, it's probably better to start at the beginning. This book leaves plenty open at the end, with the promise of several worlds being linked.
A unique read for fans of fantasy stories.
To Take a World: The GhostMaker is a far-reaching fantasy tale with steampunk touches. A group of rebels fight against seemingly impossible odds. Will an unexpected ally help them take back their world, or will the last holdouts succumb to the dreaded MindHold?
This book had a complex world with quite a few twists and turns and some lovely bits of prose. As far as characters, I especially loved Estasia, who did a great job of grounding me in the world, and I was rooting for dear little Baey throughout. And the villain Skayla is terrifying. It was a pleasure to see so many well-considered female characters.
I read this book first because I had heard you could start with this one as easily as Book 1, but I suspect like most series, it's probably better to start at the beginning. This book leaves plenty open at the end, with the promise of several worlds being linked.
A unique read for fans of fantasy stories.
February 21, 2023
New Characters Yet As Good As The First Book
At first, I was disappointed that this second book did not continue the same story, but I quickly fell into it. The new characters and the new story are just as compelling. I can't wait to see how this series all comes together.
At first, I was disappointed that this second book did not continue the same story, but I quickly fell into it. The new characters and the new story are just as compelling. I can't wait to see how this series all comes together.
October 24, 2021
This book is amazing and beautiful, just like the first.
January 31, 2022
I highly recommend book 2, To Take A World: The GhostMaker! I sat down and soaked up its 467 pages in one business week, which is much faster than I normally read!
I loved book 1 and am very intrigued by the unique way this series is compiled! We get to meet so many unique characters as we travel through different TetraWorlds! Both books 1 and 2 have subtle connections stringing the pieces of the bigger picture together, while the different storylines are all leading to a connected plot!
If you love Dragons, then you will love Drogans! As I read book 2 and found out more and more about these creatures, it was the most interesting new take on a dragon concept that I have ever seen!
Baey is my favorite character in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where the story leads for her going forward!
The world building is so immersive and complete! The characters all have such believable personalities and motives that drive them to make decisions that make sense for their personalities, while there are still mysteries and exciting twists and turns that lead to these happenings!
I read books 1 and 2 while the authors, Niamh Schmid and Rebecca Schmid, were featured in the virtual book club, Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner. Book 3 of this series is available and I am so excited to read that, and to continue following the rest of their series as it releases! I recommend this to people who love all kinds of genres, as they cover a wide span of them. Also this series makes for great book club discussions!
I loved book 1 and am very intrigued by the unique way this series is compiled! We get to meet so many unique characters as we travel through different TetraWorlds! Both books 1 and 2 have subtle connections stringing the pieces of the bigger picture together, while the different storylines are all leading to a connected plot!
If you love Dragons, then you will love Drogans! As I read book 2 and found out more and more about these creatures, it was the most interesting new take on a dragon concept that I have ever seen!
Baey is my favorite character in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where the story leads for her going forward!
The world building is so immersive and complete! The characters all have such believable personalities and motives that drive them to make decisions that make sense for their personalities, while there are still mysteries and exciting twists and turns that lead to these happenings!
I read books 1 and 2 while the authors, Niamh Schmid and Rebecca Schmid, were featured in the virtual book club, Book Club-Hosted by Heather Skinner. Book 3 of this series is available and I am so excited to read that, and to continue following the rest of their series as it releases! I recommend this to people who love all kinds of genres, as they cover a wide span of them. Also this series makes for great book club discussions!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews