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The Dominion Trilogy #2
The House of Cats and Gulls
Myla, Seth, and Fings find themselves under siege in Deephaven, a city ravaged by the plague, and stalked by demons.Myla has returned with Orien to her native Deepwater to face her past. Learning she's in trouble, Fingers and Seth head off on a rescue mission. Myla doesn't need rescuing, thanks, but now that they're in Deepwater, Seth delves into the secrets of a dead warlock and Fingers digs into the truth of his missing brother.But as the trio converge towards a conspiracy against the throne, Deepwater is attacked by an incomprehensible enemy. As demons, madness and the walking dead stalk the plague-ravaged city, Myla discovers that saving her friends and family is more important than a glorious death, and Seth embraces the darkness within.File Fantasy [ Unfinished Business | In too Deep | Endings and Beginnings | Vengeance ]
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
3 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Deas
29 books183 followersStephen Deas is an engineer in the aerospace industry, working on communications and imaging technology in the defence sector. He is married with two children and lives near Writtle in Essex.
Also writes as Nathan Hawke and S.J. Deas.
Also writes as Nathan Hawke and S.J. Deas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2022
Thank you, Angry Robot, for sending me a copy of the book.
A fantasy series full of adventure and great friendship-family vibes!
This book is the sequel to The Moonsteel Crown. I would highly suggest you to pick up the first book before picking up the second book. It will give you a better insight on the plot and the characters.
Plot: Three friends on a rescue mission joining hands to fight against a conspiracy for the throne. The city is plague ridden and the citizens are going crazy. What ultimately matters to Myla is saving her friends and family.
The writing is really fun and engaging. I finished up reading the two books in one sitting. The characters are well developed and they are quite relatable.
I feel another book in this series from the way the book ended! Exciting!
A fantasy series full of adventure and great friendship-family vibes!
This book is the sequel to The Moonsteel Crown. I would highly suggest you to pick up the first book before picking up the second book. It will give you a better insight on the plot and the characters.
Plot: Three friends on a rescue mission joining hands to fight against a conspiracy for the throne. The city is plague ridden and the citizens are going crazy. What ultimately matters to Myla is saving her friends and family.
The writing is really fun and engaging. I finished up reading the two books in one sitting. The characters are well developed and they are quite relatable.
I feel another book in this series from the way the book ended! Exciting!
February 17, 2022
4.5/5 stars
I liked and enjoyed The Moonsteel Crown, but its sequel The House of Cats and Gulls is even better in nearly every aspect. The tone and narrative structure is far more consistent. It still has the shifting perspectives, but the transitions were far more smooth and not as jarring or prone to backtracking. It also tells a more cohesive story despite the separate story arcs. It brings all the fun of the first book with even more banter and action and more restrained gore.
Again, we follow Myra, Seth, and Fings, but this time they have left Varr and travelled down to Deephaven where Myra fled her past from. They each have their own agendas on why they are there, and their storylines twist and turn around each other but never really intersect. But each of their stories reach a crescendo in the last 20% of the book, leading to a rather explosive final act (and a cliffhanger that demands for the final book in the trilogy).
Myra, our conscientious sword-mage, is determined to finally set things right, but she may not truly know what she is getting herself into. Excommunicated priest-in-training Seth is going down a dark path as he uses the powers he discovered and aims to bring to light more secrets that may shake the very foundation of religion. Superstitious thief Fings is out to finally discover what happened to his older brother when he went off and disappeared 5 years ago while at the same time attempting to help Myra and trying (and failing) to set Seth straight.
While Seth may have been my favorite character in the first book, Fings won me over in this one. Inexplicably, he is the most sensible of the three main characters while also providing much of the lightness and the laughs in the book. Seth, who tends to brood, proves quite inept in his dark ways and bumbles through much of what happens. Myra is stubborn and righteous and also a bit deluded in her goals. And still, they are all great and likable characters despite their flaws. They really just need to work on their communication skills.
The House of Cats and Gulls is a great sequel and a step up in every way. With its lovably flawed central trio, it tells a fun, tight story that demands another sequel.
I was provided an eARC of this book by Angry Robot Books as part of its book tour.
I liked and enjoyed The Moonsteel Crown, but its sequel The House of Cats and Gulls is even better in nearly every aspect. The tone and narrative structure is far more consistent. It still has the shifting perspectives, but the transitions were far more smooth and not as jarring or prone to backtracking. It also tells a more cohesive story despite the separate story arcs. It brings all the fun of the first book with even more banter and action and more restrained gore.
Again, we follow Myra, Seth, and Fings, but this time they have left Varr and travelled down to Deephaven where Myra fled her past from. They each have their own agendas on why they are there, and their storylines twist and turn around each other but never really intersect. But each of their stories reach a crescendo in the last 20% of the book, leading to a rather explosive final act (and a cliffhanger that demands for the final book in the trilogy).
Myra, our conscientious sword-mage, is determined to finally set things right, but she may not truly know what she is getting herself into. Excommunicated priest-in-training Seth is going down a dark path as he uses the powers he discovered and aims to bring to light more secrets that may shake the very foundation of religion. Superstitious thief Fings is out to finally discover what happened to his older brother when he went off and disappeared 5 years ago while at the same time attempting to help Myra and trying (and failing) to set Seth straight.
While Seth may have been my favorite character in the first book, Fings won me over in this one. Inexplicably, he is the most sensible of the three main characters while also providing much of the lightness and the laughs in the book. Seth, who tends to brood, proves quite inept in his dark ways and bumbles through much of what happens. Myra is stubborn and righteous and also a bit deluded in her goals. And still, they are all great and likable characters despite their flaws. They really just need to work on their communication skills.
The House of Cats and Gulls is a great sequel and a step up in every way. With its lovably flawed central trio, it tells a fun, tight story that demands another sequel.
I was provided an eARC of this book by Angry Robot Books as part of its book tour.
March 1, 2022
The sequel to the Moonsteel Crown, and hopefully the middle book in the Dominion sequence. This mostly stands as a series but you'd be better off reading the Thief Taker books and the Silver Kings series to really appreciate what it going on.
At the end of the Moonsteel Crown Myla found that she really needed to face up to the consequences of her bad judgement, and heads off to Deephaven. Over the course of Cats and Gulls she becomes a little older and wiser, and comes to terms with her actions and her family. Deas writes very relatable female characters and Myla's journey is very believable without falling into super girl, or total f up territory.
Fings and Seth also head to Deephaven for their own reasons. Fings, who rises to status of favourite character in this instalment, is searching for his brother Levvi who left to seek his fortune 5 years ago. He's the sensible heart of the story, level-headed and adorable, and there is definitely something in his seemingly crazy beliefs about feathers and chicken feet. Seth is reluctantly being dragged down the path of fate towards a dark future; his every move binding him tighter into the web being woven for him. He's still funny as all get out but much more tragic this time round. Are his choices really much more consequential than he thinks?
So far so good but much as I love the team, their story is also being conducted against the backdrop of much more world shattering events that Deas just teases us with (please let the poor Ice Witch have a name in the next book though?!). Pieces set into motion in the Thief Taker books are finally coming into play, we see the start of events that were mentioned or shown to us in the Silver Kings, and the Black Moon is still coming. But it's quite possible that Myla, Fings and Seth, despite seeming very inconsequential to these events, will hold the fate of the world in their choices.
Highly recommended and read all of the other books as well.
Spoilers for earlier books
*
(More like thoughts for myself)
In this book Seth thinks his vision of Red Lin and our nameless Ice Witch is about 10 years in his future. In Silver Kings this is 18 months before Landfall (Black Moon iteration Crazy Mad arriving in the dragon realms). So this takes place about 11-12 years before the rise of the Black Moon. It’s also set 16 years after the middle Thief Taker as referenced a few times by Tasahre which puts Berren about early to mid thirties at the time of HoCaG. According to the epilogue of Silver Kings Berren is subsumed by Black Moon iteration Bloody Judge and body swapped 6 years Before Landfall. So we’ve got a few years to go before what looks like Seth is responsible for these events and before we catch up to the Silver Kings series. So where did this dragon come from? Where did these wraiths come from? Questions questions.
At the end of the Moonsteel Crown Myla found that she really needed to face up to the consequences of her bad judgement, and heads off to Deephaven. Over the course of Cats and Gulls she becomes a little older and wiser, and comes to terms with her actions and her family. Deas writes very relatable female characters and Myla's journey is very believable without falling into super girl, or total f up territory.
Fings and Seth also head to Deephaven for their own reasons. Fings, who rises to status of favourite character in this instalment, is searching for his brother Levvi who left to seek his fortune 5 years ago. He's the sensible heart of the story, level-headed and adorable, and there is definitely something in his seemingly crazy beliefs about feathers and chicken feet. Seth is reluctantly being dragged down the path of fate towards a dark future; his every move binding him tighter into the web being woven for him. He's still funny as all get out but much more tragic this time round. Are his choices really much more consequential than he thinks?
So far so good but much as I love the team, their story is also being conducted against the backdrop of much more world shattering events that Deas just teases us with (please let the poor Ice Witch have a name in the next book though?!). Pieces set into motion in the Thief Taker books are finally coming into play, we see the start of events that were mentioned or shown to us in the Silver Kings, and the Black Moon is still coming. But it's quite possible that Myla, Fings and Seth, despite seeming very inconsequential to these events, will hold the fate of the world in their choices.
Highly recommended and read all of the other books as well.
Spoilers for earlier books
*
(More like thoughts for myself)
In this book Seth thinks his vision of Red Lin and our nameless Ice Witch is about 10 years in his future. In Silver Kings this is 18 months before Landfall (Black Moon iteration Crazy Mad arriving in the dragon realms). So this takes place about 11-12 years before the rise of the Black Moon. It’s also set 16 years after the middle Thief Taker as referenced a few times by Tasahre which puts Berren about early to mid thirties at the time of HoCaG. According to the epilogue of Silver Kings Berren is subsumed by Black Moon iteration Bloody Judge and body swapped 6 years Before Landfall. So we’ve got a few years to go before what looks like Seth is responsible for these events and before we catch up to the Silver Kings series. So where did this dragon come from? Where did these wraiths come from? Questions questions.
February 22, 2022
THE HOUSE OF CATS AND GULLS is a fantastic second installment in the Dominion series, and like it’s predecessor, it has a little of everything thrown in. There’s danger, intrigue, epic fights, and fearsome enemies, but there’s also a lot of heart and humor to balance it all out. I fell in love with this ragtag bunch in the first book, and I’m glad to see the gang back together again.
This installment really solidifies the friendship between Myla, Seth, and Fingers, and really shows the lengths that they will go to to protect one another. The bond that they formed in the previous book was one of my favorite aspects, and I’m glad to see that it’s once again at the forefront in this book. Though the zombies aren’t half-bad either, so really this book is a win-win all around for me.
The enemies this time around were certainly a fearsome lot. We’ve seen magic battles, fights with the undead, fights with warlocks, but now demons have been thrown in the mix and these guys don’t play around. Add to that the political battles, and this group certainly has a lot on their collective plate.
The pacing once again keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish. There’s never a dull moment as these characters face off against one enemy after another and when they’re not fighting, they’re scheming. Or bickering, they do a lot of that too. Bottom line — this series is such a delight. Fantastic characters, humor, danger, and an immersive storyline, this is definitely a series I’ll recommend.
*Many thanks to @angryrobotbooks for including me on the review tour and providing a digital arc.
This installment really solidifies the friendship between Myla, Seth, and Fingers, and really shows the lengths that they will go to to protect one another. The bond that they formed in the previous book was one of my favorite aspects, and I’m glad to see that it’s once again at the forefront in this book. Though the zombies aren’t half-bad either, so really this book is a win-win all around for me.
The enemies this time around were certainly a fearsome lot. We’ve seen magic battles, fights with the undead, fights with warlocks, but now demons have been thrown in the mix and these guys don’t play around. Add to that the political battles, and this group certainly has a lot on their collective plate.
The pacing once again keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish. There’s never a dull moment as these characters face off against one enemy after another and when they’re not fighting, they’re scheming. Or bickering, they do a lot of that too. Bottom line — this series is such a delight. Fantastic characters, humor, danger, and an immersive storyline, this is definitely a series I’ll recommend.
*Many thanks to @angryrobotbooks for including me on the review tour and providing a digital arc.
February 28, 2022
I was very excited to read this book after the stellar 'The Moonsteel Crown', and boy did this blow my expectations out of the park. I couldn't put it down. Myla now faces the consequences of her actions; Seth and Fings invariably get involved, while also getting up to their own mischief. This book had a noticeably more serious tone, especially during the final act (that ending WOW). I can't wait for the next book.
Stephen Deas does an amazing job again with his faced paced, witty prose that changes between the three main characters, and despite the darker tone still managed to pop in a few laugh out loud moments. I cannot recommend enough, especially if you enjoyed the previous book.
Stephen Deas does an amazing job again with his faced paced, witty prose that changes between the three main characters, and despite the darker tone still managed to pop in a few laugh out loud moments. I cannot recommend enough, especially if you enjoyed the previous book.
April 27, 2023
Full text review: https://jamreads.com/reviews/the-hous...
The House of Cats and Gulls is the second installment in the Dominion series, by Stephen Deas. A direct sequel to the Moonsteel Crown, we will be again following the picturesque group of Myla, Fings, and Seth, but this time in Deephaven, instead of Varr, where things are starting to become more complicated.
Myla has returned to Deephaven, with the company of Orien, in order to set right the things with her past. Her main worry is to keep the rest of her family safe from the consequences of her acts; at this point, she has accepted whatever happens to her if they remain in one piece.
Seth has continued through the dark path he started in Book 1, using it for his own benefit, despite we can see some small remains of the old Seth.
And Fings, well, he's still the pickpocketer and chaotic person we knew previously. But in this second novel, we will take a deeper look at him, as he will be able to find what happened to the brother he thought disappeared five years ago.
We are moved from Vaar to Deephaven, a different setting, but with some elements in common, as Dead Man are populating the streets, with some conspirations ongoing. A plague seems to be haunting the place, and evil power is rising.
With this in mind, Deas weaves a story that is really compelling, especially taking into account we have spent a lot of time with these characters. While the first book is great, I feel this one has a bigger emotional impact, and that's probably due to how the characters are more developed.
In a similar way to what happened in Book 1, we can see how the three characters' arcs are intertwined, having each one its own unique voice, maximizing the effect when they finally clash together.
I found The House of Cats and Gulls even more enjoyable than The Moonsteel Crown. As said previously, if you enjoy epic fantasy but with a smaller setting, the whole Dominion series is a great selection for you. And with this ending, I can't wait to read book 3!
The House of Cats and Gulls is the second installment in the Dominion series, by Stephen Deas. A direct sequel to the Moonsteel Crown, we will be again following the picturesque group of Myla, Fings, and Seth, but this time in Deephaven, instead of Varr, where things are starting to become more complicated.
Myla has returned to Deephaven, with the company of Orien, in order to set right the things with her past. Her main worry is to keep the rest of her family safe from the consequences of her acts; at this point, she has accepted whatever happens to her if they remain in one piece.
Seth has continued through the dark path he started in Book 1, using it for his own benefit, despite we can see some small remains of the old Seth.
And Fings, well, he's still the pickpocketer and chaotic person we knew previously. But in this second novel, we will take a deeper look at him, as he will be able to find what happened to the brother he thought disappeared five years ago.
We are moved from Vaar to Deephaven, a different setting, but with some elements in common, as Dead Man are populating the streets, with some conspirations ongoing. A plague seems to be haunting the place, and evil power is rising.
With this in mind, Deas weaves a story that is really compelling, especially taking into account we have spent a lot of time with these characters. While the first book is great, I feel this one has a bigger emotional impact, and that's probably due to how the characters are more developed.
In a similar way to what happened in Book 1, we can see how the three characters' arcs are intertwined, having each one its own unique voice, maximizing the effect when they finally clash together.
I found The House of Cats and Gulls even more enjoyable than The Moonsteel Crown. As said previously, if you enjoy epic fantasy but with a smaller setting, the whole Dominion series is a great selection for you. And with this ending, I can't wait to read book 3!
April 2, 2022
The second book in the Dominion series continues where the first left. Myla returns to her hometown to face her past before it can destroy the lives of her own and her found family. Orien, the mage, follows her to Deephaven—and has an inexplicable relationship with her. Worried for her, he calls Fings and Seth there too to save her.
Fings sees this as an opportunity to find his long-lost brother and Seth is about to face death for his forbidden magic, so it’s a timely request. For Fings, things are straightforward: rescue Myla and find his brother. For Seth, it’s a chance to learn more about the forbidden magic. Myla learns that others don’t value her self-sacrifice as much as she does, her family included. And it turns out Orien isn’t there for Myla after all.
This was at its heart Myla’s book. She was the reason everyone came to Deephaven and it was her need to set things straight that drove most of the plot. It was therefore unfortunate, that I didn’t feel that plotline at all. No matter what she did or didn’t do, she came across as single-minded and selfish. The people she wanted to save didn’t seem worth saving.
Seth’s path was more interesting, even if he kept making same stupid mistakes again and again, unleashing something he shouldn’t have. In the end, it was his book too, setting the stage for the next one. But my favourite was once again Fings. He’s resourceful, clever and loyal. Things didn’t go quite as he hoped, but he kept going, no matter what it took.
I liked this book maybe better than the first one. The plot was good, and it wasn’t filled with unnecessary stories of the empire’s past. The ending was open enough to make me want to read the next book too.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fings sees this as an opportunity to find his long-lost brother and Seth is about to face death for his forbidden magic, so it’s a timely request. For Fings, things are straightforward: rescue Myla and find his brother. For Seth, it’s a chance to learn more about the forbidden magic. Myla learns that others don’t value her self-sacrifice as much as she does, her family included. And it turns out Orien isn’t there for Myla after all.
This was at its heart Myla’s book. She was the reason everyone came to Deephaven and it was her need to set things straight that drove most of the plot. It was therefore unfortunate, that I didn’t feel that plotline at all. No matter what she did or didn’t do, she came across as single-minded and selfish. The people she wanted to save didn’t seem worth saving.
Seth’s path was more interesting, even if he kept making same stupid mistakes again and again, unleashing something he shouldn’t have. In the end, it was his book too, setting the stage for the next one. But my favourite was once again Fings. He’s resourceful, clever and loyal. Things didn’t go quite as he hoped, but he kept going, no matter what it took.
I liked this book maybe better than the first one. The plot was good, and it wasn’t filled with unnecessary stories of the empire’s past. The ending was open enough to make me want to read the next book too.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2022
It's everything that a good sequel should be - expanding on the central characters and their world but throwing a few new elements and surprises into the mix.
And it's everything that a good fantasy novel should be. It creates an entire universe, complete with its own coherent geography, belief systems, "politics, philosophy and economics" and a supernatural dimension that doesn't merely feel tacked on to provide "monster" moments. But it also provides believably flawed "human" characters with a set of problems and moral challenges that, despite their occasionally other-worldly nature, are ones we can all relate to.
Myla the exiled sword-monk returns to her home town (and the HQ of her sect) to confront the enemy who prompted her extreme act of vengeance (detailed in Stephen Deas' equally accomplished curtain-raiser "The Moonsteel Crown") and finds that her actions have had serious, and possibly estranging, repercussions for her family. Seth the failed priest confronts a very literal inner demon. And Fings the eternally optimistic (but superstitious) grifter sets out to find his long-lost brother.
Their intertwined stories take them to new lands, with new friends and enemies. And the House of the title turns out to harbour a secret which draws them deeper into the web of political manouevring and religious schism at the heart of their world. And unleashes a climax of epic sturm und drang which provides all the terrifying monsters and widescreen battle scenes any devotee could wish for.
And it all set things up nicely for the third part of the trilogy. Can't wait!
And it's everything that a good fantasy novel should be. It creates an entire universe, complete with its own coherent geography, belief systems, "politics, philosophy and economics" and a supernatural dimension that doesn't merely feel tacked on to provide "monster" moments. But it also provides believably flawed "human" characters with a set of problems and moral challenges that, despite their occasionally other-worldly nature, are ones we can all relate to.
Myla the exiled sword-monk returns to her home town (and the HQ of her sect) to confront the enemy who prompted her extreme act of vengeance (detailed in Stephen Deas' equally accomplished curtain-raiser "The Moonsteel Crown") and finds that her actions have had serious, and possibly estranging, repercussions for her family. Seth the failed priest confronts a very literal inner demon. And Fings the eternally optimistic (but superstitious) grifter sets out to find his long-lost brother.
Their intertwined stories take them to new lands, with new friends and enemies. And the House of the title turns out to harbour a secret which draws them deeper into the web of political manouevring and religious schism at the heart of their world. And unleashes a climax of epic sturm und drang which provides all the terrifying monsters and widescreen battle scenes any devotee could wish for.
And it all set things up nicely for the third part of the trilogy. Can't wait!
February 14, 2022
I had so much fun reading more of Myla, Seth and Fings. They are my favorite rag-tag group of bad decision makers. I'll never get over how Myla is fighting her Batman morality clause when she can end people and things with just a candlestick. Seth who says "ah yes this is a bad decision" and just keeps on trucking. And Fings, the only one who has any sense, yet seems like the last person who would have any. I just loved how we explored more of each character and settled in with them like a nice warm hug (while they do the fighting and freaking out).
As for the world - I'm still relatively confused as to whats going on, but I like the characters so much, I don't really care. I think, had I read Stephen Deas's backlist I'd have a better idea, but I kinda like how you're just plopped in and you just get the nuggets from Seth freaking out, and Myla knowing things, and Fings unending list of superstitions.
I do have to say that Stephen Deas;s writing style speaks to me, and I can't wait for the next release and please Angry Robot, give it to us!!!!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
As for the world - I'm still relatively confused as to whats going on, but I like the characters so much, I don't really care. I think, had I read Stephen Deas's backlist I'd have a better idea, but I kinda like how you're just plopped in and you just get the nuggets from Seth freaking out, and Myla knowing things, and Fings unending list of superstitions.
I do have to say that Stephen Deas;s writing style speaks to me, and I can't wait for the next release and please Angry Robot, give it to us!!!!!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
To be honest, I was quite afraid that this book might fall into the second book syndrome. Thankfully, after finishing this novel, I was proved wrong. Stephen Deas did an outstanding job. The House of Cats and Gulls by Stephen Deas is a riveting fast-paced story filled with well-developed characters, fight scenes, and humor.
The plot was definitely in high gear. There were no dull moments at all for characters faced enemies who were more dangerous and cunning as before. I also liked how the trio's friendship developed deeper. Each character's motivations and agendas were also unravelled giving us readers different plot lines leading to a frenzied ending.
The characters were relatable and stood out on their own. I really couldn't help but root for them. Myla was becoming a little bit mature and wiser for she was learning from the consequences of her actions; Fings was the calm and reasonable one; and lastly, Seth seemed to be facing a dark and tragic future.
Overall, The House of Cats and Gulls by Stephen Deas is taking it to the next level. I cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended!
The plot was definitely in high gear. There were no dull moments at all for characters faced enemies who were more dangerous and cunning as before. I also liked how the trio's friendship developed deeper. Each character's motivations and agendas were also unravelled giving us readers different plot lines leading to a frenzied ending.
The characters were relatable and stood out on their own. I really couldn't help but root for them. Myla was becoming a little bit mature and wiser for she was learning from the consequences of her actions; Fings was the calm and reasonable one; and lastly, Seth seemed to be facing a dark and tragic future.
Overall, The House of Cats and Gulls by Stephen Deas is taking it to the next level. I cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended!
September 9, 2023
I chose this book because I'd enjoyed his Dragon Queen. However, this is nowhere near as good.
The world-building is excellent and the actual story concept is a good one. I feel it's hampered by the author trying too hard to write like Joe Abercrombie and missing the mark. All that snarky character introspection, analysing past actions and agonising over which poor choice to take next kills a lot of the potential excitement of the story. Wading through paragraphs of characters dithering about whether to do this or that wastes time when we could be reading about them doing it. There is an imbalance here.
The characters are well written, despite their tendency to spend too much time with their own thoughts. I've started this on what is obviously the second book in the series, but with all the character introspection, it's almost not necessary to read the first book.
I did enjoy the build-up of the various story threads and the mystery which the main core characters stumbled into.
It's a fun quick read. I haven't decided yet whether or not to read the other books in this series.
The world-building is excellent and the actual story concept is a good one. I feel it's hampered by the author trying too hard to write like Joe Abercrombie and missing the mark. All that snarky character introspection, analysing past actions and agonising over which poor choice to take next kills a lot of the potential excitement of the story. Wading through paragraphs of characters dithering about whether to do this or that wastes time when we could be reading about them doing it. There is an imbalance here.
The characters are well written, despite their tendency to spend too much time with their own thoughts. I've started this on what is obviously the second book in the series, but with all the character introspection, it's almost not necessary to read the first book.
I did enjoy the build-up of the various story threads and the mystery which the main core characters stumbled into.
It's a fun quick read. I haven't decided yet whether or not to read the other books in this series.
March 10, 2024
7/10
420 Pages
I didn't realize this is a book in the middle of a series so it was super hard to jump into. In fact, I kept putting it down as it was a busy time in my world. The characters are finishing up one quest, and the house mentioned felt like it was another story that would be developed in another book. A lot of Myla's past gets a bit clearer later in the book. The other characters also felt like a piece was missing because it is part of a series.
That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and this little part of their journey. There was this massive epic battle at the end that was a bit confusing, but I found myself enjoying it more. I also enjoyed ingenuity of some of the characters and how the fantasy was intertwined. If I come across another in this series, I would pick it up.
Giving away
420 Pages
I didn't realize this is a book in the middle of a series so it was super hard to jump into. In fact, I kept putting it down as it was a busy time in my world. The characters are finishing up one quest, and the house mentioned felt like it was another story that would be developed in another book. A lot of Myla's past gets a bit clearer later in the book. The other characters also felt like a piece was missing because it is part of a series.
That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and this little part of their journey. There was this massive epic battle at the end that was a bit confusing, but I found myself enjoying it more. I also enjoyed ingenuity of some of the characters and how the fantasy was intertwined. If I come across another in this series, I would pick it up.
Giving away
March 6, 2022
I loved The Moonsteel Crown and was happy to read this second instalment and catch up with the great cast of characters.
It was a gripping and highly entertaining read, there's humour and there's a lot of world building and character development.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and had a lot of fun.
I can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was a gripping and highly entertaining read, there's humour and there's a lot of world building and character development.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and had a lot of fun.
I can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 18, 2022
The prior book, The Moonsteel Crown, could be read as a stand-alone. This cannot. This frequently references the first book so you can't start here and I feel like this one leads to a sequel to an extent that I wouldn't want to stop here, either. Not complaints, just noteworthy. I've been enjoying this series and plan to continue.
March 19, 2022
The House of Cats and Gull is the sequel to the Moonsteel Crown by Stephen Deas, the book consists of likeable characters, found family vibes, adventures, intense plot and fun writing style. I really enjoyed this read and hopefully there'll be another sequel following The House of Cats and Gull!
July 4, 2022
Another just really fine installment in what is one of the more interesting and unique fantasy series out there right now. The world Stephen has built across multiple series now is deep and varied, and highly recommended.
July 29, 2022
This is not my usual genre. And I also didn't realise it was part 2 of a trilogy. But I really enjoyed this book - there were enough recaps of the events in book 1 for me to immerse myself in the plot. And Myla is a brilliant strong women for the 21st Centaury.
November 20, 2023
I was pretty iffy on whether or not I was going to read book 2, it I’m really glad that I did. This book didn’t have a slow start like book 1 did, I felt like it jumped right into the story and the action, and it left off making me want to read the 3rd book.
December 7, 2022
More cohesive than the first one.
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