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Record of the Sentinel Seer #2
Rule of the Night
Blood called to the stars.
Darkness is answering...
After facing the Wildwood's wrath, Lekore must set his sights on protecting his people from a threat descending from the depths of space. The key to safeguarding the cities of Erokel lies in an ancient shield system—if it can be repaired in time.
And the faraway threat isn't Lekore’s only trouble. Closer dangers draw near to claim him and his abilities for their own. Somehow, he must wrestle with his newfound right to the throne, while he fends off a Tawloomez invasion, a slave revolt, and the worshippers of the Night—with only four days until first contact.
Meanwhile, the evil beyond his world has other plans...
Darkness is answering...
After facing the Wildwood's wrath, Lekore must set his sights on protecting his people from a threat descending from the depths of space. The key to safeguarding the cities of Erokel lies in an ancient shield system—if it can be repaired in time.
And the faraway threat isn't Lekore’s only trouble. Closer dangers draw near to claim him and his abilities for their own. Somehow, he must wrestle with his newfound right to the throne, while he fends off a Tawloomez invasion, a slave revolt, and the worshippers of the Night—with only four days until first contact.
Meanwhile, the evil beyond his world has other plans...
- GenresFantasy
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2022
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 18, 2022
[ARC Review]
5 stars! Yep, and very well deserved.
This was wonderful. With stormlight archive vibes (you heard me) put into a more sci-fi style body with a soft magic system. And it left me with an actual book hangover....
Such feels! Especially that last third quarter raged past.....wow.
I loved this author before, but she's truly outdone herself now!
This is clean, adult, epic sci-fantasy with more scifi than the last instalment of the series.
Multiple third person POV.
Favourites:
- World building: so VAST! In the previous instalment we got some hints at a greater universe outside of this planet with other races, but in this one we get thrown in deep! It made my eyes sparkle with possibility and I can't wait to find out even more, as promised, in the next book.
- Characters: every character in this story is their own person with their own agenda and pains. It's hard to pick a favourite but among them are Lekore our real MC of course, with his almost angelic disposition and his naivity, Nerenoth with his strong sense of responsibility and the way he seems to be completely un-bribable (that's a word now), to Ademas who is so crazy complicated and a little more grey.
- Antagonists: there's quite a few, from the big fish to the small, and they were well done. Especially the new antagonists in this book, the bigger fish at the top, I LOVED. They were so well written, and made me laugh more than once.
What I missed:
- I can't come up with a single sensible thing right now. This story really blew me away.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate to extreme violence, mild gore
Other: slavery and distrimination (not glorified)
Conclusion
If you like whimsical prose, a soft magic system, big universes with various strange races, moral dilemmas and a whirlwind, action packed third quarter of the book in a character driven story with a big cast, this needs to be your next go to....or, well...I'd start with book one!
5 stars! Yep, and very well deserved.
This was wonderful. With stormlight archive vibes (you heard me) put into a more sci-fi style body with a soft magic system. And it left me with an actual book hangover....
Such feels! Especially that last third quarter raged past.....wow.
I loved this author before, but she's truly outdone herself now!
This is clean, adult, epic sci-fantasy with more scifi than the last instalment of the series.
Multiple third person POV.
Favourites:
- World building: so VAST! In the previous instalment we got some hints at a greater universe outside of this planet with other races, but in this one we get thrown in deep! It made my eyes sparkle with possibility and I can't wait to find out even more, as promised, in the next book.
- Characters: every character in this story is their own person with their own agenda and pains. It's hard to pick a favourite but among them are Lekore our real MC of course, with his almost angelic disposition and his naivity, Nerenoth with his strong sense of responsibility and the way he seems to be completely un-bribable (that's a word now), to Ademas who is so crazy complicated and a little more grey.
- Antagonists: there's quite a few, from the big fish to the small, and they were well done. Especially the new antagonists in this book, the bigger fish at the top, I LOVED. They were so well written, and made me laugh more than once.
What I missed:
- I can't come up with a single sensible thing right now. This story really blew me away.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate to extreme violence, mild gore
Other: slavery and distrimination (not glorified)
Conclusion
If you like whimsical prose, a soft magic system, big universes with various strange races, moral dilemmas and a whirlwind, action packed third quarter of the book in a character driven story with a big cast, this needs to be your next go to....or, well...I'd start with book one!
January 16, 2023
This is one of those rare books where the sequel is better than the first book. I loved how the story picked right back up from where it left off in book 1. It was fast paced and attention grabbing.
January 8, 2022
The stars are calling....
Rule of the Night picks up mere hours after Prince of the Fallen left off, with unknown (for some, terribly known for others) evil only days away, and limited time to mount any kind of resistance. Conflict isn't in short supply (is it ever?) as every faction, ethnic group, individual with a grudge, and demigod with delusions of grandeur come to make Lekore's life more complicated. There were moments reading this book when I stopped to ask, 'when is the last time any of them slept?'--and that exhaustion of both mind and body was well portrayed. Rule of the Night comes with that frenetic feeling of too many things falling apart all at once, yet events were lined up in an order that made it easy enough for me to follow. The conflict of the main plot is engaging and nail-biting throughout, but for me the real gem in this story is the attitudes of the main(ish? It's a big cast...) characters.
In a world where morally grey heroes are sought after above any other protagonist archetype, it's a rare series that not only includes heroic characters, but makes their struggles real and relatable. All too often, heroes are either infallible or unrelatable, when they ought to be neither. The protagonists in this book are (bolded, underscored, emphasized) real heroes. They're strong. They're committed to the protection of the innocent. They see the good in people others would alienate or annihilate, and strive to change the minds of others around them. They challenge their own biases and apologize when it's needed. They've suffered for their ideals of kindness and grace, yet their suffering hasn't made them cynics or caused them to sell out. And you know, in a modern world where having a cynical chip on your shoulder is almost a desirable trait, that's an example I can get behind. I'll be going back and re-reading this one, probably over and over again.
Rule of the Night picks up mere hours after Prince of the Fallen left off, with unknown (for some, terribly known for others) evil only days away, and limited time to mount any kind of resistance. Conflict isn't in short supply (is it ever?) as every faction, ethnic group, individual with a grudge, and demigod with delusions of grandeur come to make Lekore's life more complicated. There were moments reading this book when I stopped to ask, 'when is the last time any of them slept?'--and that exhaustion of both mind and body was well portrayed. Rule of the Night comes with that frenetic feeling of too many things falling apart all at once, yet events were lined up in an order that made it easy enough for me to follow. The conflict of the main plot is engaging and nail-biting throughout, but for me the real gem in this story is the attitudes of the main(ish? It's a big cast...) characters.
In a world where morally grey heroes are sought after above any other protagonist archetype, it's a rare series that not only includes heroic characters, but makes their struggles real and relatable. All too often, heroes are either infallible or unrelatable, when they ought to be neither. The protagonists in this book are (bolded, underscored, emphasized) real heroes. They're strong. They're committed to the protection of the innocent. They see the good in people others would alienate or annihilate, and strive to change the minds of others around them. They challenge their own biases and apologize when it's needed. They've suffered for their ideals of kindness and grace, yet their suffering hasn't made them cynics or caused them to sell out. And you know, in a modern world where having a cynical chip on your shoulder is almost a desirable trait, that's an example I can get behind. I'll be going back and re-reading this one, probably over and over again.
July 11, 2022
This world is so rich, so real, so alive! It's the second in the series and what a terrific continuance, flawlessly flowing from the first to the second book. There is so much going on, the characters can barely come up for air, as one event after another batter them but it's easy to follow, so well presented. Lekore, a powerful Elemental, who spent his childhood isolated, finds himself out of his depth. How he navigates his new position, how he struggles, is realistically described. Lekore is the type of character I would love to have as my friend, he sees good in everyone, even those who try to assassinate him. Unspoilt, unassuming, only wanting to help and bring about peace, he cannot understand the concept of hate, such a wonderful character! As is his brother, Ademas, although a much more complex character, he's my favourite. With so called gods thrown into the mix and different culture and beliefs vying to oust the other, the thrills kept me riveted throughout. It is a truly spectacular story, so well written, very enthralling and thoroughly captivating!
January 19, 2022
Kingdoms of land and sky collide in this high-stakes, fast-paced second book of the Record of the Sentinel Seer series.
Record of the Sentinel Seer series is a magnificently crafted classic style fantasy intertwined with sci-fi, creating an outstanding, intricate world. This is a combination I had no idea I needed but will now crave. I will say the amount of sci-fi in Prince of the Fallen (book 1) was just a whisper vs Rule of the Night (book 2) where the sci-fi elements were elevated. This book is perfect for someone trying to get into more sci-fi type reads. The celestial touch really made the book otherworldly (here we go being punny).
Picking up mere hours where Prince of the Fallen ends, Rule of the Night opens with the urgency of action. And was there action? At every turn, we were treated to chaos that I couldn't get enough of. While Prince of the Fallen felt more character driven, Rule of the Night lends to more action. I never knew if a betrayal, kidnapping, sacrifice, or assassination was coming. The unknown kept me reading this cover to cover, and when I closed the book, I still wanted more. The beautiful characters carried through seamlessly to this novel and continued to grow throughout. Their distinctive personalities were essential in shaping and molding how the action played out.
M.H. Woodscourt has a prose that evokes the senses, awakening the reader into this enchanting world. Her descriptive writing style without piling on details and taking away from the reader's imagination is why I absolutely love her stories. It is a fine line that she balances perfectly. And there is not enough I can say of her characters. They are so distinctive and vivid, yet not so overly written that they are not relatable. They go through emotions and turmoil while still remaining devoted to their beliefs, but not to the point they are unwilling to accept change.
While I did receive an ARC of this book, it in no way influenced my views on it. I am grateful I had the opportunity to read it just a bit early :)
Record of the Sentinel Seer series is a magnificently crafted classic style fantasy intertwined with sci-fi, creating an outstanding, intricate world. This is a combination I had no idea I needed but will now crave. I will say the amount of sci-fi in Prince of the Fallen (book 1) was just a whisper vs Rule of the Night (book 2) where the sci-fi elements were elevated. This book is perfect for someone trying to get into more sci-fi type reads. The celestial touch really made the book otherworldly (here we go being punny).
Picking up mere hours where Prince of the Fallen ends, Rule of the Night opens with the urgency of action. And was there action? At every turn, we were treated to chaos that I couldn't get enough of. While Prince of the Fallen felt more character driven, Rule of the Night lends to more action. I never knew if a betrayal, kidnapping, sacrifice, or assassination was coming. The unknown kept me reading this cover to cover, and when I closed the book, I still wanted more. The beautiful characters carried through seamlessly to this novel and continued to grow throughout. Their distinctive personalities were essential in shaping and molding how the action played out.
M.H. Woodscourt has a prose that evokes the senses, awakening the reader into this enchanting world. Her descriptive writing style without piling on details and taking away from the reader's imagination is why I absolutely love her stories. It is a fine line that she balances perfectly. And there is not enough I can say of her characters. They are so distinctive and vivid, yet not so overly written that they are not relatable. They go through emotions and turmoil while still remaining devoted to their beliefs, but not to the point they are unwilling to accept change.
While I did receive an ARC of this book, it in no way influenced my views on it. I am grateful I had the opportunity to read it just a bit early :)
January 12, 2022
Rule of the Night is one of those “one more chapter” late into the night kind of reads. This second instalment of the series brought me back to my favourite characters and swept me along for the next stages of their journey. I wanted to know what happened next. Had to.
With new threats and old enemies hot on their heels, I loved how Woodscourt still paid careful attention to their emotional journeys. While Lekore is probably the most obvious example, everyone has effectively had their lives turned on their heads, and grappling with that is no easy task. Among the action and even chaos around them, dealing with the emotional side of what had and was happening still had a firm place in the story. This leant to the characters feeling just as true and real as they did in Prince of the Fallen while bringing life to the new characters we met this time.
As always, I love the way Woodscourt weaves her stories and brings her worlds to life. The magic of it all is palpable.
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
With new threats and old enemies hot on their heels, I loved how Woodscourt still paid careful attention to their emotional journeys. While Lekore is probably the most obvious example, everyone has effectively had their lives turned on their heads, and grappling with that is no easy task. Among the action and even chaos around them, dealing with the emotional side of what had and was happening still had a firm place in the story. This leant to the characters feeling just as true and real as they did in Prince of the Fallen while bringing life to the new characters we met this time.
As always, I love the way Woodscourt weaves her stories and brings her worlds to life. The magic of it all is palpable.
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
March 16, 2022
I received this arc in exchange for a voluntary review. This book was an enjoyable read. I am always worried about the second book in a series having “second book syndrome” where it isn’t quite as good as the first. That was not the case here. The sci-fi content was greater in this book than the first. There seemed to be non-stop twists and turns in the story for the MC. The characters had depth and dimension. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat at multiple points in the story.
If you enjoy reading stories filled with rich world building, true heroes, and interesting storylines then this book (and series) is for you.
Sensitive Themes: There are some themes within the book that may be troubling to others (e.g. slavery). However, they add to the story and are written about with consideration to others.
If you enjoy reading stories filled with rich world building, true heroes, and interesting storylines then this book (and series) is for you.
Sensitive Themes: There are some themes within the book that may be troubling to others (e.g. slavery). However, they add to the story and are written about with consideration to others.
January 20, 2022
ARC Review! No spoilers! The true definition of a book series that will leave you lost in Fantasy. A book that I have stayed up SO late so many night just to read what happens next.
I love fantasy but this was the first series I have read that had SciFi weaved in and it is ADDICTING. M.H. Woodscourt literally left me speechless at every dang page. The detail had be right along side the characters and involved with every page turning event. Their chaos was mine.
Truly talented author. Stellar First book. AMAZING second book.. Just patiently waiting for what comes next for this series. READ IT.
I love fantasy but this was the first series I have read that had SciFi weaved in and it is ADDICTING. M.H. Woodscourt literally left me speechless at every dang page. The detail had be right along side the characters and involved with every page turning event. Their chaos was mine.
Truly talented author. Stellar First book. AMAZING second book.. Just patiently waiting for what comes next for this series. READ IT.
December 23, 2021
"Let us bury hate, right here."
In this stunning sequel to Prince of the Fallen, M.H. Woodscourt leads her characters on the path to healing and understanding. The same cast returns, and she introduces us to new characters. I hope to learn more about Tahomin and Keo in the next book.
The writing is flawless. The characters are real, believable well-rounded people with redeeming qualities and faults. Lekore and Nerenoth are still my favorites.
As always, Woodscourt weaves a fantastic tale of intrigue and adventure that leaves the reader wanting more.
In this stunning sequel to Prince of the Fallen, M.H. Woodscourt leads her characters on the path to healing and understanding. The same cast returns, and she introduces us to new characters. I hope to learn more about Tahomin and Keo in the next book.
The writing is flawless. The characters are real, believable well-rounded people with redeeming qualities and faults. Lekore and Nerenoth are still my favorites.
As always, Woodscourt weaves a fantastic tale of intrigue and adventure that leaves the reader wanting more.
August 12, 2024
Super Addictive Series!
A unique action-packed medieval/fantasy/science fiction adventure that readers will not be able to put down. If you thought book one was amazing, well the second installment is a million times more amazing... extended to infinity and beyond. The characters, creatures, world building, and writing style are pure magic and out of this universe. I read the book all in one day, forcing a stop to eat. I almost didn't stop to eat. Now I feel sad I finished.
A unique action-packed medieval/fantasy/science fiction adventure that readers will not be able to put down. If you thought book one was amazing, well the second installment is a million times more amazing... extended to infinity and beyond. The characters, creatures, world building, and writing style are pure magic and out of this universe. I read the book all in one day, forcing a stop to eat. I almost didn't stop to eat. Now I feel sad I finished.
August 13, 2022
Lekore’s journey continues as he becomes stronger with his gifts. This is a very enjoyable series of you like fantasy/sci-fi. Keeps you on your toes, and ready to find out what details are next. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey with the seer into the stars.
May 16, 2022
This was an excellent book with a beautiful, clear writing style. The plot was complex, interesting, well paced, and well executed. It gave more depth to the characters that had already been introduced to us in the first book, and the new characters were dynamic and interesting. (Especially Tahomin - he's a villain's assistant with enough depth, you have to keep an eye on him!) I loved the seamless blending of the science fiction and fantasy elements.
This was a wonderful second installment in a series that will appeal to anyone who likes epic-sized stories too big to be contained on one planet.
This was a wonderful second installment in a series that will appeal to anyone who likes epic-sized stories too big to be contained on one planet.
April 16, 2022
5/5
The second installment of the Sentinel Seer series does not disappoint!
Rule of the Night follows on immediately after Prince of the Fallen and dives straight back into the action. The arrival of the Sun Gods brings an interesting twist to the world, as the unfamilar technology and capabilities seem holy or magical to the Kel and Tawloomez who live in an unindustrialised world with little technology. Combine that with the mystical elemental powers that Lekore wields and we have a magical world indeed.
Woodscourt cleverly blends the technical prowess of the Ahvenians with the awed inhabitants who worship them. Against the backdrop of impending doom arriving from the stars, every sect possible decides it’s time to stake their claim. Lekore is attacked from all sides, and has little time to even assimilate his new position before he is faced with new dangers.
Brilliant worldbuilding and engaging characters draw you in as Woodscourt weaves her magic and draws you deeper into the politcial intrigue and warring factions.
An excellent science fantasy series you won’t regret reading.
The second installment of the Sentinel Seer series does not disappoint!
Rule of the Night follows on immediately after Prince of the Fallen and dives straight back into the action. The arrival of the Sun Gods brings an interesting twist to the world, as the unfamilar technology and capabilities seem holy or magical to the Kel and Tawloomez who live in an unindustrialised world with little technology. Combine that with the mystical elemental powers that Lekore wields and we have a magical world indeed.
Woodscourt cleverly blends the technical prowess of the Ahvenians with the awed inhabitants who worship them. Against the backdrop of impending doom arriving from the stars, every sect possible decides it’s time to stake their claim. Lekore is attacked from all sides, and has little time to even assimilate his new position before he is faced with new dangers.
Brilliant worldbuilding and engaging characters draw you in as Woodscourt weaves her magic and draws you deeper into the politcial intrigue and warring factions.
An excellent science fantasy series you won’t regret reading.
May 17, 2023
Wow! I've read a lot of books that are a series and a lot of the second books don't have the steam the first book had. Can't say that about this book. Matter of fact I will go so far as to say this book picked up more steam! I'm totally involved with these characters and this tale. I mean I'm so engaged that twice I became concerned about characters and had to skip ahead to see if they survive and then go back to where I was in the story😆. It's epic fantasy meshed with science fiction. And I didn't know that I like this kind of story. I highly recommend this book. The character building is phenomenal as is the world building. I said this in my review of the first book and I will say it again now. I would love to see it on the screen. I can see the characters and the scene in my mind already. I don't know why but the stories iv read from this author brings to mind stories iv read from the author Patrick Rothfuss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
She is a good writer but.....
Sadly the Second book in the series disappointed me. I enjoyed her world creation, and enjoyed her characters and use of language, but her lack of Science fiction experience caused me to lurch to a jarring halt. Too much reference to our Earth's assets, i.e. Chess , wine, a while bridge, too many people managing a very advanced space vehicle, simplistic explanations of ship systems. It was all too obvious that she has barely touched science fiction, and most sounded like they were learned from Star Trek rather than literature. It is sad because I enjoyed her inventiveness in the first book, but sadly diminished by the Second which I found I needed to force myself to finish. I must admit that her editor must have let her down here as all obvious anomalies should have been flagged and recreated. As a result I will not attempt the third book as I am sure I would find it too pzinful.
Sadly the Second book in the series disappointed me. I enjoyed her world creation, and enjoyed her characters and use of language, but her lack of Science fiction experience caused me to lurch to a jarring halt. Too much reference to our Earth's assets, i.e. Chess , wine, a while bridge, too many people managing a very advanced space vehicle, simplistic explanations of ship systems. It was all too obvious that she has barely touched science fiction, and most sounded like they were learned from Star Trek rather than literature. It is sad because I enjoyed her inventiveness in the first book, but sadly diminished by the Second which I found I needed to force myself to finish. I must admit that her editor must have let her down here as all obvious anomalies should have been flagged and recreated. As a result I will not attempt the third book as I am sure I would find it too pzinful.
March 23, 2022
I read the first book in less than two days (with interruptions) and ordered the second one the same weekend. I also finished it in two days.
What I love about this book, is that it jumps right back into the action that ended the first book.
And it doesn't stop. The characters, especially Lekore, are in turmoil over previous and future events and nothing is smooth for any of them.
The story is an easy read, but not simple by any means. It's a well built world, well established characters, all in a complex setting that is easy to follow and understand.
Anyone can feel for the situations the main characters find themselves in and relate to their plights and emotions.
I cried at four different scenes and regret that I finished it so quickly, because now I have to wait for the next book.
Read it! It's epic!
What I love about this book, is that it jumps right back into the action that ended the first book.
And it doesn't stop. The characters, especially Lekore, are in turmoil over previous and future events and nothing is smooth for any of them.
The story is an easy read, but not simple by any means. It's a well built world, well established characters, all in a complex setting that is easy to follow and understand.
Anyone can feel for the situations the main characters find themselves in and relate to their plights and emotions.
I cried at four different scenes and regret that I finished it so quickly, because now I have to wait for the next book.
Read it! It's epic!
January 27, 2022
Lekore needs to protect his people from the danger coming from deep within space. An ancient shield is what he needs to protect everyone, but he's unsure if it can be fixed in time to save his people.
I cannot emphasis enough how incredible the world building is. The first book set us up for a unique world full of different characters, but book two really emphasizes the vastness of it and the author really expanded on their world.
The characters were developed well and made the story much more relatable. Lekore, Nerenorth, and Ademas all had unique personalities, but blended well together to make a great story.
I cannot emphasis enough how incredible the world building is. The first book set us up for a unique world full of different characters, but book two really emphasizes the vastness of it and the author really expanded on their world.
The characters were developed well and made the story much more relatable. Lekore, Nerenorth, and Ademas all had unique personalities, but blended well together to make a great story.
June 24, 2022
Of the sequel novels, this story stays closest to the characters we got to know in Prince of the Fallen, mostly following Lekore and his world. However, this story takes us deeper into the ethical challenges and questions of identity that shape the rest of the series. The book is well-plotted, but for me the story is almost entirely about the characters and theme: the questions of good and evil, right and wrong, destiny and choice, which define the series and, increasingly, Lekore's character. Very enjoyable, very thought-provoking.
June 19, 2022
Another great read with surprises and action at every turn. And so many interesting characters to follow.
I never knew quite what to expect next and nothing came as I expected. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Bring on Book 3!
I never knew quite what to expect next and nothing came as I expected. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Bring on Book 3!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews