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Infernal War Saga #2
The Emperor's Bone Palace
Every heart is meant to break.
THE NAMELESS. As a warden, Soren’s duty is to guard against the dead, but he was never trained to guard against his heart. Drawn into a web of Solarian politics, Soren finds himself at the center of a storm of his own making, unwilling to break free if it means losing the man he loves. But even the darkest secrets cannot remain hidden forever, and when lies come to light, the price he pays for his silence may very well be his undoing.
THE EMPEROR. When his claim to the Imperial throne is challenged by a traitorous House, Vanya Sa’Liandel must adhere to the ancient tradition of the Conclave to stay in power. Refusing to face his peers alone, Vanya will stand before the Houses of Solaria with Soren by his side, a decision that risks his heart when an unspeakable betrayal threatens everything he’s fought for.
THE REBEL. With her entire world upended, Caris Dhemlan is on the run, struggling to come to terms with the truth of her heritage. As the Clockwork Brigade is targeted by Daijal, she must fight to save the people she cares about. Every rebellion needs a figurehead, but Caris is determined not to become a martyr.
THE QUEEN. With a crown claimed, Eimarille Rourke sets her sights on Ashion and the continent beyond her country’s borders. Promised a world by a star god, Eimarille sets into motion the gears of war and launches the opening salvo of a battle whose repercussions will ripple across the whole of Maricol.
THE NAMELESS. As a warden, Soren’s duty is to guard against the dead, but he was never trained to guard against his heart. Drawn into a web of Solarian politics, Soren finds himself at the center of a storm of his own making, unwilling to break free if it means losing the man he loves. But even the darkest secrets cannot remain hidden forever, and when lies come to light, the price he pays for his silence may very well be his undoing.
THE EMPEROR. When his claim to the Imperial throne is challenged by a traitorous House, Vanya Sa’Liandel must adhere to the ancient tradition of the Conclave to stay in power. Refusing to face his peers alone, Vanya will stand before the Houses of Solaria with Soren by his side, a decision that risks his heart when an unspeakable betrayal threatens everything he’s fought for.
THE REBEL. With her entire world upended, Caris Dhemlan is on the run, struggling to come to terms with the truth of her heritage. As the Clockwork Brigade is targeted by Daijal, she must fight to save the people she cares about. Every rebellion needs a figurehead, but Caris is determined not to become a martyr.
THE QUEEN. With a crown claimed, Eimarille Rourke sets her sights on Ashion and the continent beyond her country’s borders. Promised a world by a star god, Eimarille sets into motion the gears of war and launches the opening salvo of a battle whose repercussions will ripple across the whole of Maricol.
637 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2023
73 people are currently reading
1990 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Turner
49 books1,968 followersHailey Turner is a big city girl who likes to spoil her cats rotten. She writes science fiction and fantasy with lots of action, epic plots, and romantic relationships that satisfy the heart. Hailey lives in sunny California when she isn’t adding stamps to her passport.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
April 10, 2023
NO MIDDLE BOOK SYNDROME HERE THIS IS MASTERCLASS IN FANTASY WRITING
I have absolutely no idea how to review this beyond epically good book.
So there!
I will ponder and come back to it but I’ll state for the record The Emperor’s Bone Palace does NOT suffer from middle book syndrome!
***
So, I’ve sat and thought about it some and all I can say is that this book will shock, it will make your heart pound, it will have you raging, it will cause conflicts, it will establish firmly your beliefs on which characters are acting with the best interests of all in mind, and which side needs stabbing in the back by someone they trusted the most (yes Eimarille I’m lookin at you!).
Whether those beliefs turn out to be true remains to be seen in the final instalment of this exceptionally good piece of fantasy steampunk.
The action picks up almost from the moment book one ended and readers hoping for some news of Nathaniel will get their wish, though there will be no spoilers here.
With consummate skill, Hailey takes the reader through multiple viewpoints as we catch up with what is happening in each of the major arenas of action.
Vanya and Soren are still dealing with duplicitous Houses in Solaria, Caris is on the run, with Blaine and Honovi separated as a result of what goes down in the opening chapters here.
As the book progresses not only do tensions arise between some of the romantic pairings at the heart of this story, but also between Caris and those seeking to influence her future.
This leads the reader to have both empathy and also frustration with where this part of the narrative is driving things but also to recognise that the Star Gods set each of these characters on their paths and woe betide anyone who tries to change that.
We also get further insight into the devious plans of the now Queen of Daijal and her sights are firmly set on the Ashion throne with manipulations going all both secretively and out in the open.
In Book One I wasn’t sure whether I admired Eimarille’s determination to get what she considers her birthright. In Book Two I’m no longer on the fence, I want this woman to suffer the greatest of epic downfalls ever written! I want her to lose everything she’s ever valued, I want her to feel the most pain imaginable and I want her to crash and burn – hopefully literally – in the ruined embers of her ambition.
So, there’s that!
As for the rest, again no spoilers, let’s just say I have my eyes on you Hailey 😁and the final book in this exceptional trilogy – The Queen’s Starfire Throne – has got a lot of putting right to get through!
Did this book deliver on its promise as the middle one in a trilogy? Oh yes and then some. It takes you right into the action, it brings you close to those who are most in danger, it makes you want to scream and it makes you want to cry.
The emotional rollercoaster Hailey put me on with this book is the very reason why fantasy will always be my number one genre to read.
Now bring on the final battle!
I have absolutely no idea how to review this beyond epically good book.
So there!
I will ponder and come back to it but I’ll state for the record The Emperor’s Bone Palace does NOT suffer from middle book syndrome!
***
So, I’ve sat and thought about it some and all I can say is that this book will shock, it will make your heart pound, it will have you raging, it will cause conflicts, it will establish firmly your beliefs on which characters are acting with the best interests of all in mind, and which side needs stabbing in the back by someone they trusted the most (yes Eimarille I’m lookin at you!).
Whether those beliefs turn out to be true remains to be seen in the final instalment of this exceptionally good piece of fantasy steampunk.
The action picks up almost from the moment book one ended and readers hoping for some news of Nathaniel will get their wish, though there will be no spoilers here.
With consummate skill, Hailey takes the reader through multiple viewpoints as we catch up with what is happening in each of the major arenas of action.
Vanya and Soren are still dealing with duplicitous Houses in Solaria, Caris is on the run, with Blaine and Honovi separated as a result of what goes down in the opening chapters here.
As the book progresses not only do tensions arise between some of the romantic pairings at the heart of this story, but also between Caris and those seeking to influence her future.
This leads the reader to have both empathy and also frustration with where this part of the narrative is driving things but also to recognise that the Star Gods set each of these characters on their paths and woe betide anyone who tries to change that.
We also get further insight into the devious plans of the now Queen of Daijal and her sights are firmly set on the Ashion throne with manipulations going all both secretively and out in the open.
In Book One I wasn’t sure whether I admired Eimarille’s determination to get what she considers her birthright. In Book Two I’m no longer on the fence, I want this woman to suffer the greatest of epic downfalls ever written! I want her to lose everything she’s ever valued, I want her to feel the most pain imaginable and I want her to crash and burn – hopefully literally – in the ruined embers of her ambition.
So, there’s that!
As for the rest, again no spoilers, let’s just say I have my eyes on you Hailey 😁and the final book in this exceptional trilogy – The Queen’s Starfire Throne – has got a lot of putting right to get through!
Did this book deliver on its promise as the middle one in a trilogy? Oh yes and then some. It takes you right into the action, it brings you close to those who are most in danger, it makes you want to scream and it makes you want to cry.
The emotional rollercoaster Hailey put me on with this book is the very reason why fantasy will always be my number one genre to read.
Now bring on the final battle!
February 13, 2024
Did it slap me in the face with twists?
It did.
Did it punch me in the heart with emotions?
It sure did.
Did I fall in love?
With every single page.
I will have a coherent review when I stop screaming.
It was beyond amazing! I'm emotionally drained and exhausted.
***
More or less coherent review with obvious spoilers from book 1:
At the end of The Prince's Poisoned Vow we left Soren and the princess running away after an attempted murder and kidnapping and we saw how they already encountered danger along the way. And we also had Honovi hurt, Nathaniel's heart being swapped for a clockwork one, and the others running from a horde of revenants let loose in the city.
This book brings the tension and action up a few notches. It makes your heart beat faster and makes you gasp more times than you'd think. Events are unfolding faster than one can keep up and every single character and their POV are faced with challenges. And one particular secret will come up to the light that I knew was going to break me, even if I hoped it wouldn't because in my heart I understood why it was kept secret and saw nothing too bad about it.
In this book the events are more closely interconnected compared to the first book because things are already very much in motion. We know how it started, how we got to this point, we know why everything is happening even if don't like the road they're taking. My poor heart. I may be too fragile for all these emotions and twists. But I endured and came out, not whole, let's just say I came out from the other side.
I still am emotionally drained by this book. I don't know what I'm going to do until the next and last will be released. I just know that I'm having feelings and these feelings are of all kinds.
This is the kind if book that makes you go: this book broke me, I loved it, you should read it. Let's scream together into the void.
I need the next book!!
It did.
Did it punch me in the heart with emotions?
It sure did.
Did I fall in love?
With every single page.
I will have a coherent review when I stop screaming.
It was beyond amazing! I'm emotionally drained and exhausted.
***
More or less coherent review with obvious spoilers from book 1:
At the end of The Prince's Poisoned Vow we left Soren and the princess running away after an attempted murder and kidnapping and we saw how they already encountered danger along the way. And we also had Honovi hurt, Nathaniel's heart being swapped for a clockwork one, and the others running from a horde of revenants let loose in the city.
This book brings the tension and action up a few notches. It makes your heart beat faster and makes you gasp more times than you'd think. Events are unfolding faster than one can keep up and every single character and their POV are faced with challenges. And one particular secret will come up to the light that I knew was going to break me, even if I hoped it wouldn't because in my heart I understood why it was kept secret and saw nothing too bad about it.
In this book the events are more closely interconnected compared to the first book because things are already very much in motion. We know how it started, how we got to this point, we know why everything is happening even if don't like the road they're taking. My poor heart. I may be too fragile for all these emotions and twists. But I endured and came out, not whole, let's just say I came out from the other side.
I still am emotionally drained by this book. I don't know what I'm going to do until the next and last will be released. I just know that I'm having feelings and these feelings are of all kinds.
This is the kind if book that makes you go: this book broke me, I loved it, you should read it. Let's scream together into the void.
I need the next book!!
May 14, 2024
Audio: 5 stars!!! Audio can be found on Everand
Book: 4.5-5 stars
HOLY. SHIT! What just happened?! Wow! No words!
If you didn’t love book one, or were overwhelmed by everything that happened, (like me) I would say give book two a chance because what. the. fuck! I am still in shock from all that happened in this book! That was a ride and I couldn’t put it down for the last 300 pages, not even if you paid me!
I am so glad I waited until this series was finished because that cliffhanger, my god! This book almost made me cry and that is no easy feat!
Now I am immediately picking up book three! Soren you got some explaining to do! Ps the audio for book three is being sold off of Hailey Turner’s website if you didn’t want to wait for Audible!
Book: 4.5-5 stars
HOLY. SHIT! What just happened?! Wow! No words!
If you didn’t love book one, or were overwhelmed by everything that happened, (like me) I would say give book two a chance because what. the. fuck! I am still in shock from all that happened in this book! That was a ride and I couldn’t put it down for the last 300 pages, not even if you paid me!
I am so glad I waited until this series was finished because that cliffhanger, my god! This book almost made me cry and that is no easy feat!
Now I am immediately picking up book three! Soren you got some explaining to do! Ps the audio for book three is being sold off of Hailey Turner’s website if you didn’t want to wait for Audible!
Read
March 21, 2023Less than a month to go until THE EMPEROR'S BONE PALACE (Infernal War Saga II) releases on April 10! Which means now it's time for some teaser graphics!
Are you looking forward to seeing what's in store for Blaine and Honovi?
Preorder: https://readerlinks.com/l/2405379
Are you looking forward to seeing what's in store for Blaine and Honovi?
Preorder: https://readerlinks.com/l/2405379
May 5, 2024
Just as heartbreaking and hopeful as my first read through last year. There were parts of the story I only kind of remembered, though, so I'm glad I decided to reread books 1 & 2 before book 3 is out in less than a week! Gimme gimme gimme.
The ending of The Emperor's Bone Palace leaves the fate of pretty much everything and everyone in an uncertain place. War is upon us, through betrayal and manipulation. I'm not even sure what to expect with book 3, but I do have my hopes. Just a few more days...
--------Original Review April 2023-------------
I need book 3 yesterday. Because I finished reading this one yesterday. It was amazing! Loved it. So much heartbreak by the end of this one. Hurt. So. Good. Gimme gimme gimme....more.
The ending of The Emperor's Bone Palace leaves the fate of pretty much everything and everyone in an uncertain place. War is upon us, through betrayal and manipulation. I'm not even sure what to expect with book 3, but I do have my hopes. Just a few more days...
--------Original Review April 2023-------------
I need book 3 yesterday. Because I finished reading this one yesterday. It was amazing! Loved it. So much heartbreak by the end of this one. Hurt. So. Good. Gimme gimme gimme....more.
July 17, 2024
This series of books is making me feel a bit feral and I think will easily take the place of my favourite large scale epic fantasy. The way that it is written and narrated was able to evoke such clear mental cinema for me and I am so invested.
Book 2 picks up immediately after book 1 and takes all of that world building and back ground story and basically goes fucking ballistic with it. I don’t want to say too much cause I feel like everything is a spoiler for book one at the moment however:
- Caris is so often annoying, but it’s easy to forget she’s only 20 years old, so like I guess I’ll let it slide this time.
- Honovi deserves a husband of the year trophy for real.
- The Wardens are so incredibly cool.
- I can’t wait for the villains to get a satisfying smacking. Like I haven’t felt the need for karmic retribution this strong since watching GoT the first time.
- Soren and Vanyas whole storyline is beyond perfect and I love them and their chapters were my highlights. I am FERAL for their relationship.
This is the first time in a while I was audibly gasping as I was listening to it. The stress I was feeling was unreal. I can’t wait to see how they finish this story.
Book 2 picks up immediately after book 1 and takes all of that world building and back ground story and basically goes fucking ballistic with it. I don’t want to say too much cause I feel like everything is a spoiler for book one at the moment however:
- Caris is so often annoying, but it’s easy to forget she’s only 20 years old, so like I guess I’ll let it slide this time.
- Honovi deserves a husband of the year trophy for real.
- The Wardens are so incredibly cool.
- I can’t wait for the villains to get a satisfying smacking. Like I haven’t felt the need for karmic retribution this strong since watching GoT the first time.
- Soren and Vanyas whole storyline is beyond perfect and I love them and their chapters were my highlights. I am FERAL for their relationship.
This is the first time in a while I was audibly gasping as I was listening to it. The stress I was feeling was unreal. I can’t wait to see how they finish this story.
April 23, 2023
After reading (and loving) this sequel, I stand firm in my belief that The Infernal War Saga is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read in recent years. The fact that it is set in a steampunk-inspired world, is queer centered, and has multiple (spicy) romances to flail over … well all of that is the icing on the cake. Not to mention the literal poisoned and inhospitable land, clockwork enemies, AND zombie-like revenants prowling for cities to overwhelm??? This just so much about this series to love.
The Emperor’s Bone Palace continues to stun, just as this epic world did in the first book. Hailey Turner can truly write it all, from the action and battles, to the spicy, intimate scenes, to the twisty, backstabbing, and political maneuvering—this book has everything and does it well. Really well.
The story picks up right where the previous book left off, and kicks off running. We continue to follow a full cast of characters, from various locations on the map, and stations in life. Soren and Vanya, Blaine and Honovi, Caris and Nathaniel, and yes even you, Eimarille—I love them all and the romance between characters is *chef’s kiss* top notch.
I was NOT ready to finish, and the plot twists just kept coming, and coming. We’re left on a precarious precipice and I’m so excited to see what the latest revelations mean for the world!
The Emperor’s Bone Palace continues to stun, just as this epic world did in the first book. Hailey Turner can truly write it all, from the action and battles, to the spicy, intimate scenes, to the twisty, backstabbing, and political maneuvering—this book has everything and does it well. Really well.
The story picks up right where the previous book left off, and kicks off running. We continue to follow a full cast of characters, from various locations on the map, and stations in life. Soren and Vanya, Blaine and Honovi, Caris and Nathaniel, and yes even you, Eimarille—I love them all and the romance between characters is *chef’s kiss* top notch.
I was NOT ready to finish, and the plot twists just kept coming, and coming. We’re left on a precarious precipice and I’m so excited to see what the latest revelations mean for the world!
June 5, 2025
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
What am I supposed to say about a book that is perfect?
Do you want to hear that I’ve read the series twice in a row?
Do you want to know that I’m crying and screaming and happy and so emotional that I want to bang my head against the wall because book three still feels so far away?
Do you want to hear that I want to punch the star gods left and right (with a frying pan)?
Do you want to hear that I’m obsessed with Soren and Vanya?
Do you want to know how scared I am of the next instalment?!
AAAAAAH.
*cries in despair*
(DEUTSCH)
Was soll ich bitte zu einem Buch sagen, das perfekt ist?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich die Reihe zweimal hintereinander gelesen hab?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich heule und schreie und mich freue und so emotional bin, dass ich am liebsten meinen Kopf gegen die Wand schlagen will, weil Band drei sich noch so weit entfernt anfühlt?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich den Sternengöttern links und rechte (mit ner Bratpfanne) eine knallen will?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich von Soren und Vanya besessen bin?
Wollt ihr wissen, wie viel ANGST ich vor dem nächsten Band habe?!
AAAAAAH.
*weint vor Verzweiflung*
What am I supposed to say about a book that is perfect?
Do you want to hear that I’ve read the series twice in a row?
Do you want to know that I’m crying and screaming and happy and so emotional that I want to bang my head against the wall because book three still feels so far away?
Do you want to hear that I want to punch the star gods left and right (with a frying pan)?
Do you want to hear that I’m obsessed with Soren and Vanya?
Do you want to know how scared I am of the next instalment?!
AAAAAAH.
*cries in despair*
(DEUTSCH)
Was soll ich bitte zu einem Buch sagen, das perfekt ist?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich die Reihe zweimal hintereinander gelesen hab?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich heule und schreie und mich freue und so emotional bin, dass ich am liebsten meinen Kopf gegen die Wand schlagen will, weil Band drei sich noch so weit entfernt anfühlt?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich den Sternengöttern links und rechte (mit ner Bratpfanne) eine knallen will?
Wollt ihr hören, dass ich von Soren und Vanya besessen bin?
Wollt ihr wissen, wie viel ANGST ich vor dem nächsten Band habe?!
AAAAAAH.
*weint vor Verzweiflung*
May 13, 2023
4.5
Well, shit.
Those were my exact words when I finished this book. Hailey Turner, you evil mastermind, how dare you! *sobs uncontrollably*
Anyway, this second installment was absolutely gorgeous: politically complex, tough and painful and violent, but also stunningly plotted, emotionally charged and packed with heaps and heaps of heart-stopping action, mysteries and betrayals.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, especially during the last half of the book: that last half was a punch to the gut and my heart literally broke time and time again. It's still breaking, because again: HAILEY TURNER, YOU EVIL GENIUS.
This book could have easily been a full five star rating, if not for the fact that I absolutely loathed every single one of Eimarille, Terylin and Joelle's POVs: I skimmed them all, because while I recognised they were needed, I just despised the fact that I had to spend time with them.
How I wish Eimarille and Terylin were redeemable, but no: I can't wait for the rest of Maricol to absolutely crush them *angry growling*
I adored the rest of the characters though.
Caris grated on my nerves a bit, but she's young and stubborn and in love, so I couldn't fault her too much; I can't wait to see her grow into the Queen she truly is. Her and Nathaniel's relationship broke my heart this time around and I really just want them both to be happy.
Honovi and Blaine, my precious aeronaut husbands, completely annihilated my heart: I love them so, so, so much and I really just want them to be happy. I was also so glad Honovi got more page time this around: that hunk of a man stole my heart and he made me swoon so damn much.
And what about my other precious babies, Soren and Vanya? WELL *sobbing noises*
“I want you to be my road,” Vanya said low and ragged, the words a prayer there at the altar of the star gods.
😭😭
Soren and Vanya's story is by far my favourite one, although the whole backstabbing, violent setting of their love story gave me severe anxiety: it's bittersweet and emotional and subtly sexy, and I love them so, so much.
Soren, in particular, is my favourite character and I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen with, and to, him after that explosive ending.
Because whew: WHAT AN ENDING.
The whole lead-up to the ending was heart-stopping: thrilling and riveting, moving and emotionally-charged and electrifying. That last half was a fraught rollercoaster ride, and my head is still reeling from everything that has happened.
And the world-building, the writing? If possible, it's even more magical and gripping.
Hailey Turner's become one of my favourite authors in just a short few years, and I seriously cannot wait to devour every single one of her future masterpieces.
"The Emperor's Bone Palace" is even better than its predecessor: the stakes are higher and every single character, every single subplot, every single piece of the puzzle is slowly, but surely, falling into place and I cannot wait to see what will happen. The wait for the final book will be long, but it will also be SO worth it.
Well, shit.
Those were my exact words when I finished this book. Hailey Turner, you evil mastermind, how dare you! *sobs uncontrollably*
Anyway, this second installment was absolutely gorgeous: politically complex, tough and painful and violent, but also stunningly plotted, emotionally charged and packed with heaps and heaps of heart-stopping action, mysteries and betrayals.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, especially during the last half of the book: that last half was a punch to the gut and my heart literally broke time and time again. It's still breaking, because again: HAILEY TURNER, YOU EVIL GENIUS.
This book could have easily been a full five star rating, if not for the fact that I absolutely loathed every single one of Eimarille, Terylin and Joelle's POVs: I skimmed them all, because while I recognised they were needed, I just despised the fact that I had to spend time with them.
How I wish Eimarille and Terylin were redeemable, but no: I can't wait for the rest of Maricol to absolutely crush them *angry growling*
I adored the rest of the characters though.
Caris grated on my nerves a bit, but she's young and stubborn and in love, so I couldn't fault her too much; I can't wait to see her grow into the Queen she truly is. Her and Nathaniel's relationship broke my heart this time around and I really just want them both to be happy.
Honovi and Blaine, my precious aeronaut husbands, completely annihilated my heart: I love them so, so, so much and I really just want them to be happy. I was also so glad Honovi got more page time this around: that hunk of a man stole my heart and he made me swoon so damn much.
And what about my other precious babies, Soren and Vanya? WELL *sobbing noises*
“I want you to be my road,” Vanya said low and ragged, the words a prayer there at the altar of the star gods.
😭😭
Soren and Vanya's story is by far my favourite one, although the whole backstabbing, violent setting of their love story gave me severe anxiety: it's bittersweet and emotional and subtly sexy, and I love them so, so much.
Soren, in particular, is my favourite character and I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen with, and to, him after that explosive ending.
Because whew: WHAT AN ENDING.
The whole lead-up to the ending was heart-stopping: thrilling and riveting, moving and emotionally-charged and electrifying. That last half was a fraught rollercoaster ride, and my head is still reeling from everything that has happened.
And the world-building, the writing? If possible, it's even more magical and gripping.
Hailey Turner's become one of my favourite authors in just a short few years, and I seriously cannot wait to devour every single one of her future masterpieces.
"The Emperor's Bone Palace" is even better than its predecessor: the stakes are higher and every single character, every single subplot, every single piece of the puzzle is slowly, but surely, falling into place and I cannot wait to see what will happen. The wait for the final book will be long, but it will also be SO worth it.
June 25, 2025
06/25/2025 reread
04/28/2024 reread
Wow, this book was absolutely amazing! The story continued where the first book left off and it hit the ground running. The intrigue, the betrayal, the mystery and the love - it had it all. Throughout the book I felt elated, angry, joyous, heartbroken then happy again. The events were slowly converging from all the sides showing just how deep the long game really was on both sides. Multiple POVs allowed for different angles and a full picture of what was happening. Some questions were answered but even more popped up. All the couples were put through some trying times but you will have to read and find out how they came out on the other side. Lets just say, I want the next book ASAP and will pine for my book friends till next spring. *sigh* I loved it and can't wait to see what kind of HEA each one will get because after all they've been through they surely deserve one.
04/28/2024 reread
Wow, this book was absolutely amazing! The story continued where the first book left off and it hit the ground running. The intrigue, the betrayal, the mystery and the love - it had it all. Throughout the book I felt elated, angry, joyous, heartbroken then happy again. The events were slowly converging from all the sides showing just how deep the long game really was on both sides. Multiple POVs allowed for different angles and a full picture of what was happening. Some questions were answered but even more popped up. All the couples were put through some trying times but you will have to read and find out how they came out on the other side. Lets just say, I want the next book ASAP and will pine for my book friends till next spring. *sigh* I loved it and can't wait to see what kind of HEA each one will get because after all they've been through they surely deserve one.
April 15, 2023
4.5
Wow, so many balls in the air and no moment even one is at risk to be tumbling out of line. What's even better Hailey Turner cares about her readers, so we also always remember where we left the main characters. Unfortunately for those characters the means she's using to achieve it is barely ever a well deserved break but quite often deadly peril or an emotional challenge. She puts her guys through the wringer and every step forward is a hard win which in turn leaves the reader with a lot of adrenaline and a pounding heart. Don't know how often I had to put my Kindle on wait because I didn't want to see my foreboding to become true only to open it again moments later just to get it confirmed.
It's not one of those only action packed stories, mind you. That action would be nothing without the love they found in the first book. Caris would never find the strength to follow her road if it wouldn't be for Nathaniel and her believe that it's still him somewhere in that puppet her enemies made him. Blaine would be lost and everything in vain if Honovi wouldn't follow his husband to hell and back. Vanya would succumb to the political games of his empire, loosing his humanity or his life if it were not for Soren. And Eimarille? The queen of Daijal is a lost case and her love for Terilyn makes the situation only worse. After surviving the Daijal court they never had a chance to become something other than what they are now: the cold-hearted villain and her blade. It certainly didn't help to have the support of Innes, the persuasive star-god. It's her tragedy to not realize she's still only a tool even if she gains the rule over the continent of Maricol but maybe she just doesn't care anymore as long as there is no one human to be able to stand against her.
There are also a lot of support characters who would be worth the be mentioned like Taisiya, Ksenia or others but that would make this review too long and I might be in danger of accidentally spoiling something. Instead I like to add what I missed: while it's an incredibly detailed and thought-through story spanning over a continent there are still 2 countries neglected. I suppose that won't change as there is no character representing them except maybe their star-god. Pity, seeing how much work and ideas the author invested in creating their political system, believe and overall nationality. Then there are the star-gods themselves. I completely agree to leave them to their myth and being mysterious. So I won't ever complain that they are not playing a bigger part although it's actually their game but we got more information about them in the first book but here only Innes seems to be invested, can even declared a driving force while Callisto, although blocking threat against Solaria at the last minute, and Nilsine seem to be content with with their work after the Ashionen inferno. I just can't believe the other 3, especially Aaralyn, are only watching. But that all is only niggling and doesn't count much in face of the great read this book was.
Maybe a last comment: Ms. Turner, you are surely aware the revelation at the end of the book (not for the readers but for Maricol) won't hold proof but probably needs it like Caris needs her witness or is that only because her name is not in the genealogies?
Wow, so many balls in the air and no moment even one is at risk to be tumbling out of line. What's even better Hailey Turner cares about her readers, so we also always remember where we left the main characters. Unfortunately for those characters the means she's using to achieve it is barely ever a well deserved break but quite often deadly peril or an emotional challenge. She puts her guys through the wringer and every step forward is a hard win which in turn leaves the reader with a lot of adrenaline and a pounding heart. Don't know how often I had to put my Kindle on wait because I didn't want to see my foreboding to become true only to open it again moments later just to get it confirmed.
It's not one of those only action packed stories, mind you. That action would be nothing without the love they found in the first book. Caris would never find the strength to follow her road if it wouldn't be for Nathaniel and her believe that it's still him somewhere in that puppet her enemies made him. Blaine would be lost and everything in vain if Honovi wouldn't follow his husband to hell and back. Vanya would succumb to the political games of his empire, loosing his humanity or his life if it were not for Soren. And Eimarille? The queen of Daijal is a lost case and her love for Terilyn makes the situation only worse. After surviving the Daijal court they never had a chance to become something other than what they are now: the cold-hearted villain and her blade. It certainly didn't help to have the support of Innes, the persuasive star-god. It's her tragedy to not realize she's still only a tool even if she gains the rule over the continent of Maricol but maybe she just doesn't care anymore as long as there is no one human to be able to stand against her.
There are also a lot of support characters who would be worth the be mentioned like Taisiya, Ksenia or others but that would make this review too long and I might be in danger of accidentally spoiling something. Instead I like to add what I missed: while it's an incredibly detailed and thought-through story spanning over a continent there are still 2 countries neglected. I suppose that won't change as there is no character representing them except maybe their star-god. Pity, seeing how much work and ideas the author invested in creating their political system, believe and overall nationality. Then there are the star-gods themselves. I completely agree to leave them to their myth and being mysterious. So I won't ever complain that they are not playing a bigger part although it's actually their game but we got more information about them in the first book but here only Innes seems to be invested, can even declared a driving force while Callisto, although blocking threat against Solaria at the last minute, and Nilsine seem to be content with with their work after the Ashionen inferno. I just can't believe the other 3, especially Aaralyn, are only watching. But that all is only niggling and doesn't count much in face of the great read this book was.
Maybe a last comment: Ms. Turner, you are surely aware the revelation at the end of the book (not for the readers but for Maricol) won't hold proof but probably needs it like Caris needs her witness or is that only because her name is not in the genealogies?
April 12, 2023
Hailey Turner continues to deliver on an epic scale.
Love and heartbreak, action and plot twists, comprehensive world building, character growth, evil queen to defeat, losses to accept, and hope to continue - everything that makes an outstanding fantasy book is there.
I stayed till 4 am to finish, and I'm still in a book slump 3 weeks after reading this book.
Hailey Turner is one of the best fantasy authors out there, and I firmly believe that she would be on the very top with major networks fighting for the series rights if she wrote traditional M/F pairings. It makes me sad to realize how unfair this world still is. And I'm extremely grateful to Hailey Turner for choosing to continue writing MM books. Vanya and Soren are still my favorites, though it hurt to read some parts of their continued story. Those two are the end game, and I can't wait to see how impossible becomes a reality. Because nothing else is acceptable.
I totally fall for Blaine and Honovi in this book. Despite being separated by duty once again, they find a way back to each other, and the love between those two is palable and true.
Caris's story arc and her character growth were impressive. The same goes for the way Nathaniel story unfolded, but I still don't care much about Caris/Nathaniel love story. I guess young M/F love just doesn't do it for me anymore.
As to Eimarille, I hate her and her blade and can't wait for all their plans to crumble.
So, MM and epic fantasy is a way to go 😀
Can't recommend this series enough - a must for any fantasy lover out there
Love and heartbreak, action and plot twists, comprehensive world building, character growth, evil queen to defeat, losses to accept, and hope to continue - everything that makes an outstanding fantasy book is there.
I stayed till 4 am to finish, and I'm still in a book slump 3 weeks after reading this book.
Hailey Turner is one of the best fantasy authors out there, and I firmly believe that she would be on the very top with major networks fighting for the series rights if she wrote traditional M/F pairings. It makes me sad to realize how unfair this world still is. And I'm extremely grateful to Hailey Turner for choosing to continue writing MM books. Vanya and Soren are still my favorites, though it hurt to read some parts of their continued story. Those two are the end game, and I can't wait to see how impossible becomes a reality. Because nothing else is acceptable.
I totally fall for Blaine and Honovi in this book. Despite being separated by duty once again, they find a way back to each other, and the love between those two is palable and true.
Caris's story arc and her character growth were impressive. The same goes for the way Nathaniel story unfolded, but I still don't care much about Caris/Nathaniel love story. I guess young M/F love just doesn't do it for me anymore.
As to Eimarille, I hate her and her blade and can't wait for all their plans to crumble.
So, MM and epic fantasy is a way to go 😀
Can't recommend this series enough - a must for any fantasy lover out there
October 26, 2025
I need people to pick this series up right now! I haven't even read book three yet and I already know this series is going to be one of my favourites of this year, if not of all time.
May 30, 2023
YALL THIS SERIES
September 15, 2023
Everything happens.
Not always for a reason.
More love stories, please!
Not always for a reason.
More love stories, please!
April 9, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I knew this book would make me feel a lot of things because it's what Hailey always does with me. But oh boy, I went on a road of adventure, politics, love and betrayal with this one. It was hard to stop reading once I was inside the twists and plots, finally stopping to breathe once the POV changed, but then going back to the drama again.
I won't be saying a lot because of spoilers but boy, Honovi deserves the award of best husband ever! I love him so much and he loves Blaine so much, I want what they have!!!Don't even let me start with Vanya and Soren, they are my everything and will always be.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LAST BOOK! I need soemthing to go right for my babies <3
I knew this book would make me feel a lot of things because it's what Hailey always does with me. But oh boy, I went on a road of adventure, politics, love and betrayal with this one. It was hard to stop reading once I was inside the twists and plots, finally stopping to breathe once the POV changed, but then going back to the drama again.
I won't be saying a lot because of spoilers but boy, Honovi deserves the award of best husband ever! I love him so much and he loves Blaine so much, I want what they have!!!Don't even let me start with Vanya and Soren, they are my everything and will always be.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LAST BOOK! I need soemthing to go right for my babies <3
May 6, 2024
This was just as amazing as I hoped!
It does not suffer the slogging pace that a lot of second books in a trilogy normally do, and is just as much of a rollercoaster as books one.
I am still in love with all the characters and MUST know what happens next.
It does not suffer the slogging pace that a lot of second books in a trilogy normally do, and is just as much of a rollercoaster as books one.
I am still in love with all the characters and MUST know what happens next.
April 21, 2023
I’m not even sure how to write a review about a book this good. The pacing and plot development are exceptional. The action and intrigue kept me spellbound. Hailey is in a league of her own. Just phenomenal.
April 30, 2023
Audiobook review
So, when this came out, I immediately started it as I love Love LOVE this series. That was 3 weeks ago.
Now I got the opportunity to review the Audiobook and had to grap it ... you see Hailey Turner and Gary Furlong together, may be my kryptonite
Although I just read it, I dived into it and was immediately completely immersed again. I love Baine and Honovi. These two broke my heart in the first book and are perfect together. You just have to love them.
And Soren and Vanya are ... undescribable. Definitely also one of my all-time favourites
Gary took me along their story and does, as always, a fantastic job, giving each of them their own voice.
Listening to him narrating this book is a phenomenal experience.
First review
I stayed up till 2 o'clock to finish this one, knowing my toddler would wake me up between 5 and 6 .... nevertheless, it was worth it.
This is one of the best books I I ever read and one of those books you are always looking for.
Because it lets you fall in love with the characters, lets you hate some, it hurts and gives you hope; punches you in the gut with it twists,
it let you see things in a different light, holds you on the edge of your seat without giving you an out; it grips you and puts you through the grinder and spits you out on the other side and you know, this was an experience you will remember and won't miss.
After the first book, I was blown away and slightly afraid of what would come next. And I was right in some ways.
This book steps up the action, and our characters have to step up as well.
We still follow the same main character, and I loved that. It gives us a good view of the connections between events andletss us experience the development of relationships.
This book, and series because you can't read this one without the first, gave me the worst book hangover I ever had. And I love it even for that.
So, if you haven't started this series, please do. Don't be afraid of the length or of the fact that it follows more than one couple. It will deliver on everything you hope for in a good book (except if you want simply).
One of the best books ever!!!!
So, when this came out, I immediately started it as I love Love LOVE this series. That was 3 weeks ago.
Now I got the opportunity to review the Audiobook and had to grap it ... you see Hailey Turner and Gary Furlong together, may be my kryptonite
Although I just read it, I dived into it and was immediately completely immersed again. I love Baine and Honovi. These two broke my heart in the first book and are perfect together. You just have to love them.
And Soren and Vanya are ... undescribable. Definitely also one of my all-time favourites
Gary took me along their story and does, as always, a fantastic job, giving each of them their own voice.
Listening to him narrating this book is a phenomenal experience.
First review
I stayed up till 2 o'clock to finish this one, knowing my toddler would wake me up between 5 and 6 .... nevertheless, it was worth it.
This is one of the best books I I ever read and one of those books you are always looking for.
Because it lets you fall in love with the characters, lets you hate some, it hurts and gives you hope; punches you in the gut with it twists,
it let you see things in a different light, holds you on the edge of your seat without giving you an out; it grips you and puts you through the grinder and spits you out on the other side and you know, this was an experience you will remember and won't miss.
After the first book, I was blown away and slightly afraid of what would come next. And I was right in some ways.
This book steps up the action, and our characters have to step up as well.
We still follow the same main character, and I loved that. It gives us a good view of the connections between events andletss us experience the development of relationships.
This book, and series because you can't read this one without the first, gave me the worst book hangover I ever had. And I love it even for that.
So, if you haven't started this series, please do. Don't be afraid of the length or of the fact that it follows more than one couple. It will deliver on everything you hope for in a good book (except if you want simply).
One of the best books ever!!!!
April 12, 2023
Holy sh*t
April 1, 2023
This book had my heart beating out of my chest. Ever since I finished the first in this series, I've been waiting with bated breath to get this book in my hands. And now my only complaint is that I have to wait for the finale to see these characters again. The political machinations continue to be enthralling. The relationships are the true heart of these novels, and I care so deeply for all of them. Hailey Turner really put me through it, and she has a knack for a delicious cliffhanger. But, as always, I keep coming back for more.
An ARC was provided by the author for review.
An ARC was provided by the author for review.
March 23, 2025
4.5 rounded down
Really enjoyable continuation of the series! As with the previous book, lots of POVs, and inevitably there are some I love and some I'm not so keen on, which can make the narrative drag. Overall, I thought the pacing was great and the storylines were engaging -- I read it in one sitting and immediately started the next book despite having other plans!
A few issues
Really enjoyable continuation of the series! As with the previous book, lots of POVs, and inevitably there are some I love and some I'm not so keen on, which can make the narrative drag. Overall, I thought the pacing was great and the storylines were engaging -- I read it in one sitting and immediately started the next book despite having other plans!
A few issues
June 14, 2023
I finished this book on a long trip out of state and let me start by saying that there were times when I had to stop listening and calm myself down since it was too stressful or emotional to read. It's one thing to have an emotional reaction to a book, but it's another to have such a visceral one. I haven't had such a rush of emotions in response to a book in a very long time. The story craft in this series really is top notch and when I reached the end of the book I found myself frustrated that I couldn't have more. I honestly can't think of anything notably wrong with this book to give it anything less than 5 stars, though I will warn that it's not something you can pick up from book 2 and expect to love so thoroughly. Read the series from book 1 and savor it - the third isn't out yet.
April 9, 2023
”She was little more than a rionetka, just lacking the scars, but the strings? Oh, Caris felt those wrapped like a noose around her neck, her road no longer her own.”
4.5/5 stars. The Emperor's Bone Palace starts right where the first book left off. My only gripe was having to wait 100 long tortuous pages until I was granted Soren's POV, I was DYING to know what happened after the last book. Once again we got multiple POVs and executed graciously by the author. If I'm being honest I didn't much care about Honovi's POV in the beginning of the book, but I grew to love it by the end. We all need a Honovi in our lives, someone who will do anything and everything for the one they love. TEBP was heavily influenced by political intrigue and action-packed from start to finish. The magic system is so interesting and I love the use of wands, but I do wish there was more of it throughout. Hailey Turner knows how to write a cliffhanger! I will be waiting impatiently to get my hands on the next book.
Thank you to Valentine PR for an ARC!
4.5/5 stars. The Emperor's Bone Palace starts right where the first book left off. My only gripe was having to wait 100 long tortuous pages until I was granted Soren's POV, I was DYING to know what happened after the last book. Once again we got multiple POVs and executed graciously by the author. If I'm being honest I didn't much care about Honovi's POV in the beginning of the book, but I grew to love it by the end. We all need a Honovi in our lives, someone who will do anything and everything for the one they love. TEBP was heavily influenced by political intrigue and action-packed from start to finish. The magic system is so interesting and I love the use of wands, but I do wish there was more of it throughout. Hailey Turner knows how to write a cliffhanger! I will be waiting impatiently to get my hands on the next book.
Thank you to Valentine PR for an ARC!
April 14, 2023
The first book in this series was one of my favorite books of last year and this book has solidified it as one of my favorite series of all time and the third book isn’t even out yet. I am absolutely in love with everything about this world and these characters. The politics, magic, romance, is all perfection and this book was a complete whirlwind of emotions. I also need to take a second to recognize the throne scene, the altar scene, and the last scene with Vanya and Soren because omg!! Hailey I need the third book right away please and thank you.
August 25, 2025
4,8⭐️ rounded up
Friends I needed to pause this book. Because maaaaan. There’s so much of EVERYTHING. I just needed a gentle break.
But then I returned to it ready to take on the rest of the book and it was awesome. The plot, the intrigues, gods and zombies and assassinations.
A very well done steampunk zombie fantasy epic tale. On to the next one I go.
Friends I needed to pause this book. Because maaaaan. There’s so much of EVERYTHING. I just needed a gentle break.
But then I returned to it ready to take on the rest of the book and it was awesome. The plot, the intrigues, gods and zombies and assassinations.
A very well done steampunk zombie fantasy epic tale. On to the next one I go.
November 17, 2024
Wow.
All the world building that made the first book a slog to get though paid off in spades for the second book. I have never read anything like it - the steampunk / celestial world, the living dead and zombie puppets, the agonizing M/M romance, and the betrayal after betrayal had me in a chokehold by the second half.
I listened to 70% of this and then had to switch to the eBook because I had to glue my face to the words.
I do think this is a bit long in parts, a bit over explained in some, and a bit under explained in others but I’m dying to start the next one so I’m rounding up.
(Also that one 🌶️ scene with Soren and Vanya almost shattered my heart 😭)
All the world building that made the first book a slog to get though paid off in spades for the second book. I have never read anything like it - the steampunk / celestial world, the living dead and zombie puppets, the agonizing M/M romance, and the betrayal after betrayal had me in a chokehold by the second half.
I listened to 70% of this and then had to switch to the eBook because I had to glue my face to the words.
I do think this is a bit long in parts, a bit over explained in some, and a bit under explained in others but I’m dying to start the next one so I’m rounding up.
(Also that one 🌶️ scene with Soren and Vanya almost shattered my heart 😭)
April 25, 2023
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews
In this series, there are important beings called star gods, and I find myself having to mention them first. We don’t get to know most of them personally, but like the Greek gods that moved humans around like pawns on a Mount Olympus chessboard, the star gods have done the same in the world of Maricol. When the Ashionen rulers were removed from their thrones at the beginning of the series, three star gods secretly took the children of the former king and queen and placed them in three different countries of Maricol. It isn’t clear why they did this, but for a line that was meant to be destroyed, there are three possible heirs, though two of them were so hidden that they were presumed dead.
With this story, I spent some time looking through the definitions at the end of the book, and the map at the front of the book. I found it helped me with the politics of this continent/world. Maricol is an all around harsh place to live, with poison in the air and water that can kill, and spores that can turn those dead into revenants; creatures similar to zombies. In Maricol there are five distinct countries with different and dangerous politics, Urova, Daijal, Solaria, Ashion, and E’ridia.
Soren is a warden who guards Solaria’s borders from revenants. He’s humble and capable, and one of my favorite characters. We learned in the first book that he can wield star-fire, something only those of royal blood can do. But he hides it, and his birth identity, from the rest of the world. After saving the leader of Solaria, Vanya, the two men find themselves having a long distance relationship until someone tries to kill Vanya through a servant, whose heart was replaced with magic and a clockwork device, and Soren has to take care of Vanya’s child. Soren’s warden duties seem less important in this book, to be honest. When revenants are released into the palace, Soren’s abilities are discovered, Vanya feels betrayed, and things between them are dicey.
Caris was born to the former queen of Ashion, right before her death, and her birth was never recorded. After being placed with a normal family inside Ashion, she is raised to work with her father in his mechanics company, and secretly trained to work with the Clockwork Brigade, a group who frees debt slaves. She is unaware of her own powers and history until someone higher up in the brigade wants to use her and train her to hopefully take the throne of Ashion instead of her sister, a cruel leader from Daijal. I really feel for her in this book. She does seem to be manipulated more than the others, and when her ability to use starfire is discovered, the lives of the family who raised her, and those in the clockwork brigade are in danger. Not to mention, her lovelife is complicated by the fact that her potential beau was taken by the debt collectors and turned into a clockwork heart puppet.
Meanwhile, Eimarille has taken over the country of Daijal and is preparing to take the Ashion throne, and eventually all of Maricol. Perhaps it was the politics of the prince and King she was taken in by after the Inferno, or the Star God who took an interest in her, but her path is not a good one, and I find myself wishing for her demise. Her real relationship with her companion/blade Terilyn could be sweet, but as they try to turn debt slaves into revenants, and plot against all the rulers in the neighboring countries, I would be happy to see them taken off the board.
Two characters not mentioned in the blurb that are among my favorites are Honovi, the son of an E’ridian clan leader and his husband Blaine. Blaine was part of a family that guarded the dethroned Rourke family and he ran Caris out of Ashion when it fell. When he is asked to return to guarding Caris, he is pulled from the life and husband he loves. In such a brutal world that the author created, where anyone could die, be taken over by spores, or a clockwork heart, my one hope is that these two get through everything intact.
Though my review is already lengthy, this is just a brief look into some of the prevalent characters. I got into some of the plot, but it is such an epic story, and there is so much more that happens in this book. I can’t tell if this will be a trilogy or more, but it feels like The Emperor’s Bone Palace was pretty climactic in nature. It should be noted that this isn’t a standalone. With several characters’ fates hanging in limbo, I really can’t wait for the next book. Last, but not least: Gary Furlong is amazing at his craft. He does a great job of assigning accents to the different regions and the characters from those areas.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
In this series, there are important beings called star gods, and I find myself having to mention them first. We don’t get to know most of them personally, but like the Greek gods that moved humans around like pawns on a Mount Olympus chessboard, the star gods have done the same in the world of Maricol. When the Ashionen rulers were removed from their thrones at the beginning of the series, three star gods secretly took the children of the former king and queen and placed them in three different countries of Maricol. It isn’t clear why they did this, but for a line that was meant to be destroyed, there are three possible heirs, though two of them were so hidden that they were presumed dead.
With this story, I spent some time looking through the definitions at the end of the book, and the map at the front of the book. I found it helped me with the politics of this continent/world. Maricol is an all around harsh place to live, with poison in the air and water that can kill, and spores that can turn those dead into revenants; creatures similar to zombies. In Maricol there are five distinct countries with different and dangerous politics, Urova, Daijal, Solaria, Ashion, and E’ridia.
Soren is a warden who guards Solaria’s borders from revenants. He’s humble and capable, and one of my favorite characters. We learned in the first book that he can wield star-fire, something only those of royal blood can do. But he hides it, and his birth identity, from the rest of the world. After saving the leader of Solaria, Vanya, the two men find themselves having a long distance relationship until someone tries to kill Vanya through a servant, whose heart was replaced with magic and a clockwork device, and Soren has to take care of Vanya’s child. Soren’s warden duties seem less important in this book, to be honest. When revenants are released into the palace, Soren’s abilities are discovered, Vanya feels betrayed, and things between them are dicey.
Caris was born to the former queen of Ashion, right before her death, and her birth was never recorded. After being placed with a normal family inside Ashion, she is raised to work with her father in his mechanics company, and secretly trained to work with the Clockwork Brigade, a group who frees debt slaves. She is unaware of her own powers and history until someone higher up in the brigade wants to use her and train her to hopefully take the throne of Ashion instead of her sister, a cruel leader from Daijal. I really feel for her in this book. She does seem to be manipulated more than the others, and when her ability to use starfire is discovered, the lives of the family who raised her, and those in the clockwork brigade are in danger. Not to mention, her lovelife is complicated by the fact that her potential beau was taken by the debt collectors and turned into a clockwork heart puppet.
Meanwhile, Eimarille has taken over the country of Daijal and is preparing to take the Ashion throne, and eventually all of Maricol. Perhaps it was the politics of the prince and King she was taken in by after the Inferno, or the Star God who took an interest in her, but her path is not a good one, and I find myself wishing for her demise. Her real relationship with her companion/blade Terilyn could be sweet, but as they try to turn debt slaves into revenants, and plot against all the rulers in the neighboring countries, I would be happy to see them taken off the board.
Two characters not mentioned in the blurb that are among my favorites are Honovi, the son of an E’ridian clan leader and his husband Blaine. Blaine was part of a family that guarded the dethroned Rourke family and he ran Caris out of Ashion when it fell. When he is asked to return to guarding Caris, he is pulled from the life and husband he loves. In such a brutal world that the author created, where anyone could die, be taken over by spores, or a clockwork heart, my one hope is that these two get through everything intact.
Though my review is already lengthy, this is just a brief look into some of the prevalent characters. I got into some of the plot, but it is such an epic story, and there is so much more that happens in this book. I can’t tell if this will be a trilogy or more, but it feels like The Emperor’s Bone Palace was pretty climactic in nature. It should be noted that this isn’t a standalone. With several characters’ fates hanging in limbo, I really can’t wait for the next book. Last, but not least: Gary Furlong is amazing at his craft. He does a great job of assigning accents to the different regions and the characters from those areas.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
Read
April 10, 2023I went into this reading with the understanding of... not really reading it. I skipped the Birch's chapters, Joelle's, I glided over some from Honovi and really, to be quite blunt, even my favourite ship, Soren and Vanya, were not immune. I skipped almost as much if not more than I have read and should consider this a firm DNF. But I did read till the end, just like I did with the last book. I have the broad strokes of what I wanted to know and I will continue to the last book.
If you are still interested in hearing my opinion...
This was an epic high fantasy. And I mean in a bad way. I do and I am sorry. I respect the author's work, I enjoyed here previous books, Soulbound more than Metahuman so this sounded like a natural progression, like what I could expect was something even better. Well, better is a more subjective term than I like. This world is rich, its characters are varied and many, the magic, the alchemy, the technology is complex... and it's too much.
Once upon a time, I dreamed about writing a book of this magnitude. The page count and the world building here was something I could only dream of. But I had to come to some uncomfortable realization as a reader and one of them is that I want to enjoy works like this. And I don't. I don't to have a vivid description of every room or every new country these characters encounter and there were so many of them. I don't care to hear the political machinations (or sex) of the "bad guys" even if I still consider this to be a mark of a good writer. I don't care about sacrifices and I don't enjoy watching my favourite characters be dealt a blow after blow... even if, yes, part of my still thinks that's the sign of a good author.
So you see, I admire this book, I just really, really disliked reading it. Like the first book, there was so little to enjoy and too much that just made me plain anxious. That made me frustrated.
What kept me going? Well, I started the story. I need to see it done. But I have enough self-preservation to do it efficiently. hence the skipping. Because underneath the layers, all these layers of all the world building and plot twisting and character torture is an idea even I can't resist. The romance, the circumstances surrounding Vanya and Soren? Still kind of give me goosebumps.
Also, the ending. Oh the ending. It's a superpower (almost of the villainous kind) to have me this hooked with the way this book finished. The first book did it as well (I was intent on ignoring the rest of the series until that darn end) and I am once again left with that terrible itch and need to know what happens next. Mission accomplished.
So it's not that I don't recommend this book. It's not that I have doubts about the author's skills. In fact, I know many people will enjoy this "realistic" mess of characters and politics and relationships and people getting captured or converted and... yeah, this one is just not for me. And I will read it. And skip a lot. Make of that what you will.
P.S: I am definitely picking up other books from the author, she never really captured me with her work, but it is definitely above average and I am already looking forward to the Soulbound spin-off.
P.P.S: At the very start, I hoped the three main story lines will be of the three children that should have died, overcoming obstacles to save their country and... rule together or something. You know, reuniting the family. So failed expectations also played a role in my feelings.
If you are still interested in hearing my opinion...
This was an epic high fantasy. And I mean in a bad way. I do and I am sorry. I respect the author's work, I enjoyed here previous books, Soulbound more than Metahuman so this sounded like a natural progression, like what I could expect was something even better. Well, better is a more subjective term than I like. This world is rich, its characters are varied and many, the magic, the alchemy, the technology is complex... and it's too much.
Once upon a time, I dreamed about writing a book of this magnitude. The page count and the world building here was something I could only dream of. But I had to come to some uncomfortable realization as a reader and one of them is that I want to enjoy works like this. And I don't. I don't to have a vivid description of every room or every new country these characters encounter and there were so many of them. I don't care to hear the political machinations (or sex) of the "bad guys" even if I still consider this to be a mark of a good writer. I don't care about sacrifices and I don't enjoy watching my favourite characters be dealt a blow after blow... even if, yes, part of my still thinks that's the sign of a good author.
So you see, I admire this book, I just really, really disliked reading it. Like the first book, there was so little to enjoy and too much that just made me plain anxious. That made me frustrated.
What kept me going? Well, I started the story. I need to see it done. But I have enough self-preservation to do it efficiently. hence the skipping. Because underneath the layers, all these layers of all the world building and plot twisting and character torture is an idea even I can't resist. The romance, the circumstances surrounding Vanya and Soren? Still kind of give me goosebumps.
Also, the ending. Oh the ending. It's a superpower (almost of the villainous kind) to have me this hooked with the way this book finished. The first book did it as well (I was intent on ignoring the rest of the series until that darn end) and I am once again left with that terrible itch and need to know what happens next. Mission accomplished.
So it's not that I don't recommend this book. It's not that I have doubts about the author's skills. In fact, I know many people will enjoy this "realistic" mess of characters and politics and relationships and people getting captured or converted and... yeah, this one is just not for me. And I will read it. And skip a lot. Make of that what you will.
P.S: I am definitely picking up other books from the author, she never really captured me with her work, but it is definitely above average and I am already looking forward to the Soulbound spin-off.
P.P.S: At the very start, I hoped the three main story lines will be of the three children that should have died, overcoming obstacles to save their country and... rule together or something. You know, reuniting the family. So failed expectations also played a role in my feelings.
July 25, 2024
Masterful
“A heart was a dangerous weapon, after all.”
First, phenomenal. Truly this is epic world-building to the next level. My heart has been on an emotional rollercoaster since I started, and frankly I’m not sure when it’s going to stop. Probably not until I can devour the third book, and I need that chonky beauty—cause we know it’s going to be weighty like the final resolutions—in my hands now.
Second, I would give my all for Soren and Vanya. I am invested in all the characters, Caris especially tugs at my heart, which has cried, screamed, yelled, cheered, laughed, and swooned too many times to count; it still is, and will be for days. Have I shared how I need the next book? But there’s something…more about Vanya and Soren. They have a magic of their own and it thrills, comforts, and compels, all at the same. And the more we see of them, the more I want to never let them go.
Third, I despise, and I mean with every vein in my body, despise Eimarille and her Blade. I used to think I admired her, but now, oh now, I just want her gone. And that means everyone who sides with her. And I’m not talking about a peaceful, gentle slide into nothingness. No, the rage that burns in me for this villainy is hotter than starfire, but there’s no putting it out.
All I can say is that if the first book left you gasping and demanding for more, then, you need to read this now. And if The Emperor’s Bone Palace leaves you breathless with your heart pounding uncontrollably, your mind reeling from all the twists and turns, and your emotions twisted and pieced together like a clockwork heart, then know you’re not alone and we can band together until our hearts are whole with the final book.
“A heart was a dangerous weapon, after all.”
First, phenomenal. Truly this is epic world-building to the next level. My heart has been on an emotional rollercoaster since I started, and frankly I’m not sure when it’s going to stop. Probably not until I can devour the third book, and I need that chonky beauty—cause we know it’s going to be weighty like the final resolutions—in my hands now.
Second, I would give my all for Soren and Vanya. I am invested in all the characters, Caris especially tugs at my heart, which has cried, screamed, yelled, cheered, laughed, and swooned too many times to count; it still is, and will be for days. Have I shared how I need the next book? But there’s something…more about Vanya and Soren. They have a magic of their own and it thrills, comforts, and compels, all at the same. And the more we see of them, the more I want to never let them go.
Third, I despise, and I mean with every vein in my body, despise Eimarille and her Blade. I used to think I admired her, but now, oh now, I just want her gone. And that means everyone who sides with her. And I’m not talking about a peaceful, gentle slide into nothingness. No, the rage that burns in me for this villainy is hotter than starfire, but there’s no putting it out.
All I can say is that if the first book left you gasping and demanding for more, then, you need to read this now. And if The Emperor’s Bone Palace leaves you breathless with your heart pounding uncontrollably, your mind reeling from all the twists and turns, and your emotions twisted and pieced together like a clockwork heart, then know you’re not alone and we can band together until our hearts are whole with the final book.
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