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No Man's Lander #2
Stronger Still
Rubem has become the voice of the auroras—or their rage, at least. Between his threats and Tavish’s diplomacy, they’ve convinced most of the world that the auroras can be saved through the return of their ignits. But pockets of denial and refusal linger, including in the Findlay’s old trading partner, a city who has completely ignored Tavish’s attempts at contact. With a cat on their back and apprehension in their step, Rubem and Tavish set out to confront them directly.
They arrive to a metropolis of watery channels and balconies on the verge of collapse, the once glorious city now overwhelmed the sea monsters that snap at their front doors. Only their dying aurora’s song keeps the dangerous creatures at bay, but with apocalyptic prophecies running wild and the government split into stubborn factions, Rubem quickly realizes that someone wants the city destroyed. Whoever they are, they’re willing to destroy its aurora protector to do it. And Rubem is the only person standing in their way.
But amidst the chaos, the Findlay’s past involvement with the city comes to light in ways Rubem never expected—and Tavish wants nothing to do with—adding grudges, broken hearts, and freckle-faced pre-teens on Rubem’s list of problems. As those intent on destroying the city and its aurora grow more threatening, Rubem seems always one step behind and never quite strong enough.
And he’s growing weaker by the day…
They arrive to a metropolis of watery channels and balconies on the verge of collapse, the once glorious city now overwhelmed the sea monsters that snap at their front doors. Only their dying aurora’s song keeps the dangerous creatures at bay, but with apocalyptic prophecies running wild and the government split into stubborn factions, Rubem quickly realizes that someone wants the city destroyed. Whoever they are, they’re willing to destroy its aurora protector to do it. And Rubem is the only person standing in their way.
But amidst the chaos, the Findlay’s past involvement with the city comes to light in ways Rubem never expected—and Tavish wants nothing to do with—adding grudges, broken hearts, and freckle-faced pre-teens on Rubem’s list of problems. As those intent on destroying the city and its aurora grow more threatening, Rubem seems always one step behind and never quite strong enough.
And he’s growing weaker by the day…
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
D.N. Bryn
17 books790 followersD.N. Bryn is a queer, disabled author of speculative fiction and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2023
RTC
So what you're saying is, I need it to be 2025
So what you're saying is, I need it to be 2025
May 29, 2023
4.5/5
Stronger Still jumps in a few months after the explosive events of Odder Still. Now that Rubem and Tavish have discovered the mystery behind the auroras, they are on a crusade to either save or rescue them. This brings them to the city of Venalt where they discover a fellow sentient aurora called Luca. If they had to confront corporate creed and corruption in book 1, this time around they face a divided government whose blissful ignorance and quiet complicity will lead to Luca’s and their own city’s doom.
Like the first book, Stronger Still took a while to get into and was just as odd. I had forgotten how intimate and self-reflective the storytelling was, with the whole story told entirely from Rubem’s perspective. Rubem struggles with sobriety, his relationship with Tavish, and his own limited mortality now that he has bonded his aurora. The seeds planted of a vast social divide between Rubem and Tavish comes into full bloom here as their love may not be enough to overcome their differences in upbringing and worldviews. The book paints a picture of a loving relationship under siege from both internal and external forces that can either bring them together or break them apart. The depth and realism in their relationship’s struggle really shined.
If the beginning was a bit rough around the edges, the story reaches a crescendo in the final 40% and thereafter just does NOT. LET. UP. That entire sequence was as devastating as it was awe-inspiring to read. From a spectacular action-packed centerpiece (that would have been a worthy finale on its own), it unfolds into a breakneck unfolding of the central mystery, leading to an ultimate demonstration and act of love and sacrifice that very nearly brought me to tears. Then that cliffhanger twist ending left me with a lot more questions, and I cannot believe I have to wait til 2025 to get my answers.
Stronger Still is an exceptionally strong sequel that may have been just as odd as Odder Still but is also a step up in every other way.
*I was provided an eARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Stronger Still jumps in a few months after the explosive events of Odder Still. Now that Rubem and Tavish have discovered the mystery behind the auroras, they are on a crusade to either save or rescue them. This brings them to the city of Venalt where they discover a fellow sentient aurora called Luca. If they had to confront corporate creed and corruption in book 1, this time around they face a divided government whose blissful ignorance and quiet complicity will lead to Luca’s and their own city’s doom.
Like the first book, Stronger Still took a while to get into and was just as odd. I had forgotten how intimate and self-reflective the storytelling was, with the whole story told entirely from Rubem’s perspective. Rubem struggles with sobriety, his relationship with Tavish, and his own limited mortality now that he has bonded his aurora. The seeds planted of a vast social divide between Rubem and Tavish comes into full bloom here as their love may not be enough to overcome their differences in upbringing and worldviews. The book paints a picture of a loving relationship under siege from both internal and external forces that can either bring them together or break them apart. The depth and realism in their relationship’s struggle really shined.
If the beginning was a bit rough around the edges, the story reaches a crescendo in the final 40% and thereafter just does NOT. LET. UP. That entire sequence was as devastating as it was awe-inspiring to read. From a spectacular action-packed centerpiece (that would have been a worthy finale on its own), it unfolds into a breakneck unfolding of the central mystery, leading to an ultimate demonstration and act of love and sacrifice that very nearly brought me to tears. Then that cliffhanger twist ending left me with a lot more questions, and I cannot believe I have to wait til 2025 to get my answers.
Stronger Still is an exceptionally strong sequel that may have been just as odd as Odder Still but is also a step up in every other way.
*I was provided an eARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2023
Ooooooh where do I begin? I loved so much about this book.
Venalt is a fantastic setting. A gorgeously described Venisian gaslamp fantasy of a city with a wildly diverse population. Merfolk, satyr, nereids, and more all came together to make this wonderful floating city. We even get a fantastic look at the religious system of Venalt and how it influenced not just the people, but the aurora that protects them. The ongoing tension of the failing strength of the city's aurora just adds to the slightly decayed feeling of things, like a wonder that used to be much more wonderous but is still impressive in what it's become.
The steampunkesque and science-based magic system that is the ignit and aurora system continued to be fascinating, but this time we get an up close and personal look at them since Rubem is so much more involved with them than he could've imagined back when he was chasing mersnakes through his native swamps.
But that's not all. Rubem and Tavish's relationship has its own problems as they struggle to find their footing in their new dynamic. Despite being in an established relationship at the start of the story, it never felt like they were static. Their relationship, like their characters, grew and changed as the story progressed in a way that felt realistic and wonderful.
The mystery was wonderfully handled. It kept me guessing all the way through, but I'm proud to say I was right almost as much as I was wrong. (Which, tbf, was mostly because I kept throwing wild guesses out. Eventually, I had to be right!) Between family secrets, political drama, prophecy, and conspiracies, there's not much in Venalt that doesn't feel like it's hiding something. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic mystery in a gorgeous Venetian-inspired setting!
Venalt is a fantastic setting. A gorgeously described Venisian gaslamp fantasy of a city with a wildly diverse population. Merfolk, satyr, nereids, and more all came together to make this wonderful floating city. We even get a fantastic look at the religious system of Venalt and how it influenced not just the people, but the aurora that protects them. The ongoing tension of the failing strength of the city's aurora just adds to the slightly decayed feeling of things, like a wonder that used to be much more wonderous but is still impressive in what it's become.
The steampunkesque and science-based magic system that is the ignit and aurora system continued to be fascinating, but this time we get an up close and personal look at them since Rubem is so much more involved with them than he could've imagined back when he was chasing mersnakes through his native swamps.
But that's not all. Rubem and Tavish's relationship has its own problems as they struggle to find their footing in their new dynamic. Despite being in an established relationship at the start of the story, it never felt like they were static. Their relationship, like their characters, grew and changed as the story progressed in a way that felt realistic and wonderful.
The mystery was wonderfully handled. It kept me guessing all the way through, but I'm proud to say I was right almost as much as I was wrong. (Which, tbf, was mostly because I kept throwing wild guesses out. Eventually, I had to be right!) Between family secrets, political drama, prophecy, and conspiracies, there's not much in Venalt that doesn't feel like it's hiding something. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic mystery in a gorgeous Venetian-inspired setting!
May 22, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Stronger Still is the second book in the No Man's Lander series by D.N. Bryn. This book picks right up after the events of book 1, Odder Still, and continues the story of Rubem and Tavish.
Since this is a continuation and I'm team #NoSpoilers I'm not going to going into many details. However, I was not ready for all the FEELS in this book. Rubem and Tavish's relationship is not all hearts roses while they travel to save auroras. They both struggle with their own fears, guilt, and emotions. Outside of their relationship, the city that they find themselves at has an aurora that wiggles its way into your heart. Along with them and a few other side characters that you'll become attached to, and not all of them have happy endings .
In the end, Stronger Still captivated me just as the first book did. I was fully invested from beginning to end, as he story is packed with danger, violence, a mystery and sweet moments between our MCs.
p.s. god-damn that ending how am I supposed to wait till 2024 for more Rubem !!!
Stronger Still is the second book in the No Man's Lander series by D.N. Bryn. This book picks right up after the events of book 1, Odder Still, and continues the story of Rubem and Tavish.
Since this is a continuation and I'm team #NoSpoilers I'm not going to going into many details. However, I was not ready for all the FEELS in this book. Rubem and Tavish's relationship is not all hearts roses while they travel to save auroras. They both struggle with their own fears, guilt, and emotions. Outside of their relationship, the city that they find themselves at has an aurora that wiggles its way into your heart. Along with them and a few other side characters that you'll become attached to, and not all of them have happy endings .
In the end, Stronger Still captivated me just as the first book did. I was fully invested from beginning to end, as he story is packed with danger, violence, a mystery and sweet moments between our MCs.
p.s. god-damn that ending how am I supposed to wait till 2024 for more Rubem !!!
June 2, 2023
First, I’d like to thank the author for sending me an eARC of this book. I’ve been a massive fan of their writing ever since Our Bloody Pearl and I’m always so excited to get to read another one of their books. And boy did this one live up to my expectations again!
You know I’m a HUGE character reader if you've read my other reviews. If the characters captivate me, I love the story as well. And I seriously love Rubem and Tavish so much! I love how complex they are. They’re not perfect, nor is their relationship, and you actually get to see them grow throughout their stories. And gosh, Luca and Teodor have my whole heart too. Getting to spend this book with those two as well was a real treat.
I did, of course, also really enjoy the plotline of this story and how it carried on from Odder Still. I’m not a spoiler sort of reviewer though, so I won’t risk spoiling anything for prospective readers, but I really think you’ll love it if you’ve read Odder Still as well!
You know I’m a HUGE character reader if you've read my other reviews. If the characters captivate me, I love the story as well. And I seriously love Rubem and Tavish so much! I love how complex they are. They’re not perfect, nor is their relationship, and you actually get to see them grow throughout their stories. And gosh, Luca and Teodor have my whole heart too. Getting to spend this book with those two as well was a real treat.
I did, of course, also really enjoy the plotline of this story and how it carried on from Odder Still. I’m not a spoiler sort of reviewer though, so I won’t risk spoiling anything for prospective readers, but I really think you’ll love it if you’ve read Odder Still as well!
July 11, 2023
And how exactly am I supposed to survive THAT ENDING?
A brilliant sequel to Odder Still, this novel will stab you in the feels and make you love it. Powerful, emotional characters, fantastic worldbuilding, wry humour and breathtaking action, beautiful found family trope execution = just how I love my books. Looking forward to more of this verse.
A brilliant sequel to Odder Still, this novel will stab you in the feels and make you love it. Powerful, emotional characters, fantastic worldbuilding, wry humour and breathtaking action, beautiful found family trope execution = just how I love my books. Looking forward to more of this verse.
May 2, 2023
Stronger Still by @dn_bryn is the sequel to Odder Still and takes place in the These Treacherous Tides world. This book continues Rubem and Tavish’s journey as they try to save the world’s auroras (the creatures that create the power sources that power the machines in this steam-punk world). Rubem and Tavish are sucked into a political power struggle filled with murder and secrets when they enter the city of Venalt. Together they will have to work together to either save or destroy the city.
This is another amazing installment in this complicated and unique series of books. I’m absolutely in love with this universe and would happily read a billion books set in this world. I love Tavish and Rubem and watching their relationship evolve and grow throughout this book. I still can’t believe how much Danny made me love Rubem when he was kind of a villain in Once Stolen. But he has grown so much as a person (and as a not-person) that I can’t help but love him now, which is some INCREDIBLE WRITING!! The politics of the city of Venalt were interesting and well thought out. I enjoyed the new characters and I can’t wait for the next book!!
This is another amazing installment in this complicated and unique series of books. I’m absolutely in love with this universe and would happily read a billion books set in this world. I love Tavish and Rubem and watching their relationship evolve and grow throughout this book. I still can’t believe how much Danny made me love Rubem when he was kind of a villain in Once Stolen. But he has grown so much as a person (and as a not-person) that I can’t help but love him now, which is some INCREDIBLE WRITING!! The politics of the city of Venalt were interesting and well thought out. I enjoyed the new characters and I can’t wait for the next book!!
June 12, 2023
Stronger Still is a complex, heartfelt, and worthy sequel to Odder Still. It takes all the themes and threads from the first book and cinches them even tighter - bodily autonomy; the love and pain and messiness of family; honest and raw portrayals of addiction, mental health, and romantic relationships; loneliness and the need to belong; and a city in the midst of turmoil and political tension.
Found family has an even bigger presence in this book, and though you can certainly find that in non-queer books, it hits different in ones that are. That mindset of acceptance and community shines through the characters, and Stronger Still is no exception. Seeing something kindred in one another, loving them like you've known them all your life, and giving them everything you have because that's what (chosen) family does ties together characters whose personalities don't always mesh, whose motives don't align, and who often aren't the same species. And even with all of the strain and tension and chaos happening around Rubem, that backbone of family is there to support him when he can't support himself. <3
Found family has an even bigger presence in this book, and though you can certainly find that in non-queer books, it hits different in ones that are. That mindset of acceptance and community shines through the characters, and Stronger Still is no exception. Seeing something kindred in one another, loving them like you've known them all your life, and giving them everything you have because that's what (chosen) family does ties together characters whose personalities don't always mesh, whose motives don't align, and who often aren't the same species. And even with all of the strain and tension and chaos happening around Rubem, that backbone of family is there to support him when he can't support himself. <3
March 8, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to this incredible read. I’ve been waiting for this sequel since I read the first book and it DELIVERED.
Rubem and Tavish travel to the city of Venalt to negotiate for the auroras. While Venalt was once a thriving metropolis of watery channels and garden balconies, now its dying aurora is the only thing holding back the sea monsters that threaten to sink the city.
As Rubem navigates Venalt’s stubborn government factions and apocalyptic prophecies, he discovers that someone in power wants the city destroyed—and they’re willing to kill its aurora protector to see their plans through. Rubem is quickly becoming all that stands in their way, but he always seems one step behind and never quite strong enough.
Rubem and Tavish must work together and find a way to protect the city’s aurora. Rubem and Tavish were so adorable together, I loved watching them be so cute!!!! I loved learning about the city with them. The politics and the new characters added to the mystery of the book.
The author has done a terrific job at world building and has given us new characters to protect. All the twists and turns throughout the book kept me on my toes and had me turning the pages. I could not put the book down!
Rubem and Tavish travel to the city of Venalt to negotiate for the auroras. While Venalt was once a thriving metropolis of watery channels and garden balconies, now its dying aurora is the only thing holding back the sea monsters that threaten to sink the city.
As Rubem navigates Venalt’s stubborn government factions and apocalyptic prophecies, he discovers that someone in power wants the city destroyed—and they’re willing to kill its aurora protector to see their plans through. Rubem is quickly becoming all that stands in their way, but he always seems one step behind and never quite strong enough.
Rubem and Tavish must work together and find a way to protect the city’s aurora. Rubem and Tavish were so adorable together, I loved watching them be so cute!!!! I loved learning about the city with them. The politics and the new characters added to the mystery of the book.
The author has done a terrific job at world building and has given us new characters to protect. All the twists and turns throughout the book kept me on my toes and had me turning the pages. I could not put the book down!
July 28, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC which I forgot to read in time and then I read the KU version anyway. This review reflects my honest opinions!
This book introduced me to my new gender identity: the fuck if I know
Rep: Black gay cis male MC with depression and alcoholism, white blind bisexual trans male side character with anxiety, various queer side characters, one side character uses a wheelchair.
This book introduced me to my new gender identity: the fuck if I know
Rep: Black gay cis male MC with depression and alcoholism, white blind bisexual trans male side character with anxiety, various queer side characters, one side character uses a wheelchair.
June 1, 2023
Having previously read many of D.N. Bryn’s books, including book 1 of the No Man’s Lander series, Odder Still, I had such high expectations for Stronger Still, and it certainly lived up to those expectations.
The story begins with Rubem and Tavish travelling to Venalt in their quest to save auroras, and right from the beginning their task isn’t easy, and they’re facing challenges immediately in the shape of a vicious attack from the Hippocamps. Things don’t get much easier when they arrive in Venalt, where danger and trouble seems to have followed them, and before long they have witnessed the particularly gorey death of Chancellor Fiordelise. The action continues throughout the entire story without a moments rest.
There’s also an array of fantastic characters, with really interesting backstories. Of course we’ve already met Rubem and Tavish previously, and they’re characters that I love to follow and who’s relationship I adore, but Stronger Still includes so many new characters. One of my personal favourites is Matthia, she’s been through so much, but she’s so strong and resilient, and unbelievably smart! I also loved that there were more aurora characters involved in this one. I was so happy to dive back in to Rubem and Tavish’s world, and the author is an absolute master when it comes to world building. You find yourself completely immersed into the worlds that they have created, and it’s one of my favourite things about their books.
So much happened so quickly at the end of the book, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I was not expecting this story to end the way that it did, and I am still in shock, and still processing everything that happened. I can not wait for the next book in this series and to continue Rubem and Tavish’s story, especially after that ending.
This series is completely unique, and I love every second of it. One element of Danny’s books that always impresses me and is always a big feature is the amount of disability and LGBTQ+ rep that they have. The writing style is fantastic too. At this point, I will read absolutely anything that they write, and they’re easily one of my favourite authors.
The story begins with Rubem and Tavish travelling to Venalt in their quest to save auroras, and right from the beginning their task isn’t easy, and they’re facing challenges immediately in the shape of a vicious attack from the Hippocamps. Things don’t get much easier when they arrive in Venalt, where danger and trouble seems to have followed them, and before long they have witnessed the particularly gorey death of Chancellor Fiordelise. The action continues throughout the entire story without a moments rest.
There’s also an array of fantastic characters, with really interesting backstories. Of course we’ve already met Rubem and Tavish previously, and they’re characters that I love to follow and who’s relationship I adore, but Stronger Still includes so many new characters. One of my personal favourites is Matthia, she’s been through so much, but she’s so strong and resilient, and unbelievably smart! I also loved that there were more aurora characters involved in this one. I was so happy to dive back in to Rubem and Tavish’s world, and the author is an absolute master when it comes to world building. You find yourself completely immersed into the worlds that they have created, and it’s one of my favourite things about their books.
So much happened so quickly at the end of the book, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I was not expecting this story to end the way that it did, and I am still in shock, and still processing everything that happened. I can not wait for the next book in this series and to continue Rubem and Tavish’s story, especially after that ending.
This series is completely unique, and I love every second of it. One element of Danny’s books that always impresses me and is always a big feature is the amount of disability and LGBTQ+ rep that they have. The writing style is fantastic too. At this point, I will read absolutely anything that they write, and they’re easily one of my favourite authors.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews