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Immortal's Ascent #2
Sand and Steel
Gavin must find his honor. Sadira needs to watch her back. Apart they are vulnerable.
Together, they are unstoppable.
Gavin, sundered from his band, seeks to survive the trials and tribulations of a decidedly minor Gladiator. He is forgotten by most, but still draws the hate of Valaran diVolcanus, the most vicious fighter among his peers. As Gavin wades into the Free Leagues, Sadira reaches the zenith of her career, assuring her place in the Grand Championships. But jealousy and betrayal mar her ascent, and while she might be a diva on the fighting grounds, she soon discovers that she is only a pawn in the Great Games.
The people call for their Champions. The powerful place their final wagers. Who will win the ultimate prize?
Together, they are unstoppable.
Gavin, sundered from his band, seeks to survive the trials and tribulations of a decidedly minor Gladiator. He is forgotten by most, but still draws the hate of Valaran diVolcanus, the most vicious fighter among his peers. As Gavin wades into the Free Leagues, Sadira reaches the zenith of her career, assuring her place in the Grand Championships. But jealousy and betrayal mar her ascent, and while she might be a diva on the fighting grounds, she soon discovers that she is only a pawn in the Great Games.
The people call for their Champions. The powerful place their final wagers. Who will win the ultimate prize?
- GenresFantasy
650 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
60 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Luke Chmilenko
42 books1,571 followersWriting far faster than his hands can withstand, Luke Chmilenko hails from the Great White North where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Toiling endlessly Luke juggles his time between a rapidly growing catalogue of series while playing far more video games than he would ever openly admit.
If you're interested in getting all the news about Luke's upcoming work, check out his website at: http://lukechmilenko.com/
If you're interested in getting all the news about Luke's upcoming work, check out his website at: http://lukechmilenko.com/
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2022
This isn't going to be as detailed as my review of the first book in the series, so I'll just said that this one was better. Sand and Steel is just as action packed as Death and Glory, but improved on some of the things I complained about. The writing is a bit better, with less repeated expressions. The most annoying character (Karmal) was gone for the majority of the book. Also, once you know what to expect of it (dumb action for the most part), you can appreciate it more. My biggest complaint would be the rather anticlimactic ending.
One thing that I realized is that I don't like Gavin and Sadira's relationship. There's no tension whatsoever, internal or external, and it doesn't go any deeper than lust and blind trust. That's literally it. Half the times their relationship is mentioned is some sexual innuendo and the other half is simply "I love you so much and trust you completely". Due to how the events happened in the previous book, they were separated for most of this one, and I definitely enjoyed not being constantly bombarded with that (and also having less descriptions of how amazing and perfect Sadira is).
Again, I'm not sure I'll keep reading the series, but this time the cliffhanger is bigger, as the story progressed a lot. If you liked the first one, I think you'll like this one, as it is straight up better.
One thing that I realized is that I don't like Gavin and Sadira's relationship. There's no tension whatsoever, internal or external, and it doesn't go any deeper than lust and blind trust. That's literally it. Half the times their relationship is mentioned is some sexual innuendo and the other half is simply "I love you so much and trust you completely". Due to how the events happened in the previous book, they were separated for most of this one, and I definitely enjoyed not being constantly bombarded with that (and also having less descriptions of how amazing and perfect Sadira is).
Again, I'm not sure I'll keep reading the series, but this time the cliffhanger is bigger, as the story progressed a lot. If you liked the first one, I think you'll like this one, as it is straight up better.
June 8, 2022
A satisfying wrap up on this arc!
Going into this one; I wondered if we’d get to see the grand tournament to elect a new chosen. I am pleased to report that yes, we do! And the ending, despite not being what I expected, is still very satisfying.
So. Good points: Fights are amazingly written as you’d expect. A satisfying ending to this arc of the tale, with an interesting set up for book 3 and beyond. It’s nice to see Gavin finally grow beyond the self doubt and such.
Not so good points: Just like book 1, this one needed another pass or two by an editor. There are quite a few misspelled words, wrong words used, or lack of spaces. It’s not enough to make it unreadable or anything, but they are definitely there. There are a lot of time skips during chapters that aren’t necessarily clearly marked so that occasionally threw me. They did one of my favorite characters dirty.
On a more fair rating system than Amazon, I would rate this an 8/10 or a B. Will definitely pick up book 3.
Going into this one; I wondered if we’d get to see the grand tournament to elect a new chosen. I am pleased to report that yes, we do! And the ending, despite not being what I expected, is still very satisfying.
So. Good points: Fights are amazingly written as you’d expect. A satisfying ending to this arc of the tale, with an interesting set up for book 3 and beyond. It’s nice to see Gavin finally grow beyond the self doubt and such.
Not so good points: Just like book 1, this one needed another pass or two by an editor. There are quite a few misspelled words, wrong words used, or lack of spaces. It’s not enough to make it unreadable or anything, but they are definitely there. There are a lot of time skips during chapters that aren’t necessarily clearly marked so that occasionally threw me. They did one of my favorite characters dirty.
On a more fair rating system than Amazon, I would rate this an 8/10 or a B. Will definitely pick up book 3.
November 28, 2024
Sand and Steel (Immortal’s Ascent Book 2) by Luke Chmilenko and Chris Harris The stakes are much higher now as the Gladiator games are nearing the finals. The games that will pick the next Chosen One are fast approaching. These games only happen every 50-odd years or so. Each Chosen wants their champion to win and will do anything to give their pick the edge. Politics is a nasty influence and even assassinations are in play. These last matchups to pick the new Chosen will be final for more than one gladiator. Do you want to become a mighty Chosen? I received a free copy of this ebook somewhere and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
June 23, 2022
Fantastic follow up
Heart pounding. Great characters and action. Even better than the first. Would highly recommend this series. Transcends the genre and is great as a character study.
Heart pounding. Great characters and action. Even better than the first. Would highly recommend this series. Transcends the genre and is great as a character study.
July 25, 2022
Quite the emotional rollercoaster, and a great sequel to boot! The ending felt a bit rushed for how important it is, but I much prefer a rushed ending that ties up plot lines for the next installment than a cliffhanger.
June 8, 2022
excellent book!
I sure enjoyed the book. I like that Gavin grew up but remained a good person. Can’t wait to get the next book.
I sure enjoyed the book. I like that Gavin grew up but remained a good person. Can’t wait to get the next book.
October 16, 2022
Better than the first
The first book was a fast and fun gladiator story, but this book added a surprising amount of depth. I will be getting the third for sure!
The first book was a fast and fun gladiator story, but this book added a surprising amount of depth. I will be getting the third for sure!
July 24, 2025
Enjoyable second book in series. The link between Sadie’s and Gavin a really nice touch. Focus is on a battle a chapter as both heroes progress very much in keeping with the style of this genre
December 27, 2024
What can I say? I thought that book 1 was powerful, but book 2 left me astounded. Gavin and Sadira face so many brutal battles I lost count, but worse of all is that they face so much loss and betrayal in this book, by those they called their friends. Sadira is aiming to become the next chosen, but she needs to sacrifice all she holds dear in order to see her dream come true. Many are jealous of the bond this couple have, they malign them and try to split them up, however it is only when they are together watching each others' back that they become insurmountable. Gavin knows he needs to face his biggest foe, the one who hates his guts, and the only one who could cost him his life, but he just won't back out even when facing a deathmatch. Can our couple survive the brutality on the sands of the gladiator arenas? This series is awesome, battles are brutal to the extreme, monsters are those from nightmare, and life is not easy at all however love and loyalty can conquer all. Dying to go on reading book 3 as I just cannot have enough of our couple who are changing in their attitudes and growing with every battle they fight!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews