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Gravity of Obedience
An island protected by blood magic…
A reclusive god demanding for more…
And a royal prince who begins to question everything…
Prince Thane never imagined his life would change so drastically after an unexpected encounter with his father atop an ancient mountain temple. Called upon for blood sacrifices and resisting the conspiracy of a powerful sorceress intent on invading his homeland, the young prince is caught between wavering doubts and his duty. A conflict between religious faith and common sense force him to question his god’s true intentions as threats loom everywhere on the horizon.
Thane’s life continues to spiral into chaos as he stumbles upon a mysterious invulnerable knight and follows him through a portal into another land far from home. Tensions mount as everyone braces for the inevitable Wedding of the Torn Rose. Gripped by a series of decisions they don’t want to make, Thane’s royal family becomes mired in unending controversy as they struggle to do what they’ve been told is right.
Father, mother, and son must at last come to understand one another if there is to be any hope of righting their wrongs. Pushed to the edges of his sanity, Prince Thane will need to overcome his doubts and do the unthinkable.
Nobody serves kings and gods without paying the price.
Gravity of Obedience is the thrilling sequel to Wedding of the Torn Rose.
A reclusive god demanding for more…
And a royal prince who begins to question everything…
Prince Thane never imagined his life would change so drastically after an unexpected encounter with his father atop an ancient mountain temple. Called upon for blood sacrifices and resisting the conspiracy of a powerful sorceress intent on invading his homeland, the young prince is caught between wavering doubts and his duty. A conflict between religious faith and common sense force him to question his god’s true intentions as threats loom everywhere on the horizon.
Thane’s life continues to spiral into chaos as he stumbles upon a mysterious invulnerable knight and follows him through a portal into another land far from home. Tensions mount as everyone braces for the inevitable Wedding of the Torn Rose. Gripped by a series of decisions they don’t want to make, Thane’s royal family becomes mired in unending controversy as they struggle to do what they’ve been told is right.
Father, mother, and son must at last come to understand one another if there is to be any hope of righting their wrongs. Pushed to the edges of his sanity, Prince Thane will need to overcome his doubts and do the unthinkable.
Nobody serves kings and gods without paying the price.
Gravity of Obedience is the thrilling sequel to Wedding of the Torn Rose.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2022
2 people are currently reading
3523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 22, 2022
Breeding farms. Loyalty circles. Blood Sacrifices. The Sorceress. The Red Knight.
The Throatians Mayan like in their religion, which I find fascinating. It rules their lives with an iron fist. Brutal. Savage.
I feel there is something going on behind the scene, something other than their blood thirsty god.
The Throatian king wants the Tears of Asura, magical stones.
Gravity of Obedience had so much intrigue. I love when an author surprises me, taking me to a place I didn’t see coming, leaving me wanting more…and there is more to come, because the story isn’t done. I can hardly wait. Please write faster Brian.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Gravity of Obedience by Brian A Mendonca.
The Throatians Mayan like in their religion, which I find fascinating. It rules their lives with an iron fist. Brutal. Savage.
I feel there is something going on behind the scene, something other than their blood thirsty god.
The Throatian king wants the Tears of Asura, magical stones.
Gravity of Obedience had so much intrigue. I love when an author surprises me, taking me to a place I didn’t see coming, leaving me wanting more…and there is more to come, because the story isn’t done. I can hardly wait. Please write faster Brian.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Gravity of Obedience by Brian A Mendonca.
May 10, 2022
I read this book because the description mentions the importance of religion in this fantasy world, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Thane is the Throatian prince. He spends his time mediating or killing people in the numerous blood sacrifices to his god. When more is asked of him, he begins to question.
I loved the world building in this book. The different cultures and belief systems were so interesting to read about. The motivations and manipulations were complex and surprised me in the directions they took, which is always a delight!
Thane is a good character, and I liked his journey.
This book is well written, the world building imaginative and original, the characters engaging and the plot unexpected. Because of all these great things, I greedily wish that the descriptions had been a little more lush and the developments had been revealed a little more slowly and with more detail. However, that’s a personal style preference rather than a criticism of the novel.
I read this book first, but I am now going to read book one while I wait for the third book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thane is the Throatian prince. He spends his time mediating or killing people in the numerous blood sacrifices to his god. When more is asked of him, he begins to question.
I loved the world building in this book. The different cultures and belief systems were so interesting to read about. The motivations and manipulations were complex and surprised me in the directions they took, which is always a delight!
Thane is a good character, and I liked his journey.
This book is well written, the world building imaginative and original, the characters engaging and the plot unexpected. Because of all these great things, I greedily wish that the descriptions had been a little more lush and the developments had been revealed a little more slowly and with more detail. However, that’s a personal style preference rather than a criticism of the novel.
I read this book first, but I am now going to read book one while I wait for the third book in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 6, 2024
I received a complimentary review copy of this from Brian.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more.
I had so many questions at the end of Wedding of the Torn Rose, it was such an epic story and I wanted more, more input, more answers, more throatian action.
Along comes Mendonça with this beaut, fulfilling my thirst for knowledge!
I feel like my view of the entire situation has just been torn to shreds, breathtaking.
This book takes the first story and spins it on its head, giving us a detailed back story/history of the throatian kingdom and culture, the events leading up to, including and after the wedding; all from throatian POV, and then onto what follows from their side of the tracks, revealing some shocking truths about our beloved villainous characters and some huge plot twists I will be reeling over all the way to book 3 release. I absolutely LOVED it.
I devoured this book, I think I enjoyed it more because I was hearing it from the opposing side, having the 'enemy' perspective was very interesting, the characters had time to develop further and I actually felt more akin to some of them this time round.
As last time, the world building just continues to develop and grow beautifully, new aspects being introduced have pulled me further into the story and I really hope that book 3 will have as much attention to detail as 1&2.
The new developments in this story, transpire late book, where we uncover some mystery regarding the Gods. Very exciting.
There isn't too much violence to speak of, although raw animal chomping still a thing. yeck. Weird humans. But everybody has their quirks right, personally I'd rather be struck by their Gods lightning than eat hoppy fresh bunny🐇
New character additions were great, I'd love to see an expansion on their stories further in the next few books.
Will absolutely recommend, because I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to read this.
Will definitely continue the rest of the series as soon as Brian releases them.
Did I mention I love this series already? READ IT.
5* super sacrifice-free stars for this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more.
I had so many questions at the end of Wedding of the Torn Rose, it was such an epic story and I wanted more, more input, more answers, more throatian action.
Along comes Mendonça with this beaut, fulfilling my thirst for knowledge!
I feel like my view of the entire situation has just been torn to shreds, breathtaking.
This book takes the first story and spins it on its head, giving us a detailed back story/history of the throatian kingdom and culture, the events leading up to, including and after the wedding; all from throatian POV, and then onto what follows from their side of the tracks, revealing some shocking truths about our beloved villainous characters and some huge plot twists I will be reeling over all the way to book 3 release. I absolutely LOVED it.
I devoured this book, I think I enjoyed it more because I was hearing it from the opposing side, having the 'enemy' perspective was very interesting, the characters had time to develop further and I actually felt more akin to some of them this time round.
As last time, the world building just continues to develop and grow beautifully, new aspects being introduced have pulled me further into the story and I really hope that book 3 will have as much attention to detail as 1&2.
The new developments in this story, transpire late book, where we uncover some mystery regarding the Gods. Very exciting.
There isn't too much violence to speak of, although raw animal chomping still a thing. yeck. Weird humans. But everybody has their quirks right, personally I'd rather be struck by their Gods lightning than eat hoppy fresh bunny🐇
New character additions were great, I'd love to see an expansion on their stories further in the next few books.
Will absolutely recommend, because I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to read this.
Will definitely continue the rest of the series as soon as Brian releases them.
Did I mention I love this series already? READ IT.
5* super sacrifice-free stars for this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2023
Holy moly! This book is written on the Throatian perspective and it was amazing! I loved it so much and am definitely itching for the next installment!! There are so many hints of things to come in both books! I cannot wait to see the world and characters grow more with the next book! Definitely a huge amount of world building and character development. Highly recommended!
September 28, 2023
‘Whoever wields magic rules the future’
In some books, I wonder how the title fits the tale. In this one, the author provides the answer right up front. Prince or not, ‘you’re not too old to be punished by your mother’.
While there are certainly circumstances under which privacy is of the utmost importance, there are times when secrecy is the worst tactic. Whether it be in the workplace, religious practices, with relationships, etc. And especially cultural items when visiting or hosting visitors – arts, food, gifts, speech, touching.
Another commentary on the religious aspects of this book is one about the term, “infidel” (non-believer). Just because I do not believe as you does not mean I do not believe (in something else).
I’m not speaking for the author, but some parts remind me of Orthodox Judaism (they could apply to other sects of other religions, as well). To keep this short, mainly that the times & methods of worship as well as our eating practices guide us the same at home as they do abroad.
Some sage advice from the author:
The most important lessons are best understood only in hindsight.
‘It’s never a good idea to accept a deal without knowing the terms.’
Don’t make deals with those whose values do not align with yours.
Fave lines:
‘White Armor Cannot Protect You From A Black Storm’
‘Nobody serves kings and gods without paying the price.’
Will the ‘Prophecy of Tears and Sacrifice’ come true? We’ll just have to wait until book three releases – because ‘even gods cannot foresee the future with certainty’.
In some books, I wonder how the title fits the tale. In this one, the author provides the answer right up front. Prince or not, ‘you’re not too old to be punished by your mother’.
While there are certainly circumstances under which privacy is of the utmost importance, there are times when secrecy is the worst tactic. Whether it be in the workplace, religious practices, with relationships, etc. And especially cultural items when visiting or hosting visitors – arts, food, gifts, speech, touching.
Another commentary on the religious aspects of this book is one about the term, “infidel” (non-believer). Just because I do not believe as you does not mean I do not believe (in something else).
I’m not speaking for the author, but some parts remind me of Orthodox Judaism (they could apply to other sects of other religions, as well). To keep this short, mainly that the times & methods of worship as well as our eating practices guide us the same at home as they do abroad.
Some sage advice from the author:
The most important lessons are best understood only in hindsight.
‘It’s never a good idea to accept a deal without knowing the terms.’
Don’t make deals with those whose values do not align with yours.
Fave lines:
‘White Armor Cannot Protect You From A Black Storm’
‘Nobody serves kings and gods without paying the price.’
Will the ‘Prophecy of Tears and Sacrifice’ come true? We’ll just have to wait until book three releases – because ‘even gods cannot foresee the future with certainty’.
September 4, 2023
The magical kingdom of Throatia has a "god" people can actually talk to. The source of their magic seems to come from a living thing with a physical body. And he's a vicious thing. Worshipping this "god" involves participation in Loyalty Circles, duels in which losers are fed to the "god," followed by service on Breeding Farms, where survivors of several duels spend their twenties producing as many babies as possible to ensure plenty of fresh young meat for the "god."
That's under normal circumstances. This story is about the abnormal circumstances in which Prince Thane, who is living happily ever after with the scholar he refused to kill in a past Loyalty Circle, receives word from his "god" that he has to marry the neighboring Princess Lydia. But only for long enough to get her into Throatia where she can be sacrificed. And then Thane will have to sacrifice himself.
How Thane gets out of this one is the plot. The book stands alone as a novel, but it is Book 2 of a series and its ending is designed to steer readers toward Book 3.
If you can suspend disbelief in a religion going on for years at the level of blood lust that even the worst blood-sacrifice cults on Earth reached only during crises, you may enjoy "The Gravity of Obedience." I've read fantasy novels I enjoyed more--many of them-but it's well written, with a fast-moving plot.
That's under normal circumstances. This story is about the abnormal circumstances in which Prince Thane, who is living happily ever after with the scholar he refused to kill in a past Loyalty Circle, receives word from his "god" that he has to marry the neighboring Princess Lydia. But only for long enough to get her into Throatia where she can be sacrificed. And then Thane will have to sacrifice himself.
How Thane gets out of this one is the plot. The book stands alone as a novel, but it is Book 2 of a series and its ending is designed to steer readers toward Book 3.
If you can suspend disbelief in a religion going on for years at the level of blood lust that even the worst blood-sacrifice cults on Earth reached only during crises, you may enjoy "The Gravity of Obedience." I've read fantasy novels I enjoyed more--many of them-but it's well written, with a fast-moving plot.
January 28, 2024
If you have read Wedding of the Torn Rose, you will find this book a parallel account so to speak from Prince Thane's point of view. I really appreciated this point of view as this insight adds so much to your understanding of the first book. The Throatian kingdom throughout its history had an unshakeable devotion to their god known as Zann-Zia-Czul. As Prince Thane wavers, his parents remain obstinate and truly treat him poorly. Once the storyline goes beyond that of the first book, Prince Thane evolves and it makes him a sympathetic character; all the darkness of the Throatians makes you begin to root for him. I really liked the direction the second book sets out for the next book of the series. If you had questions before, please read this second book!
July 29, 2022
The story was a bit gory at times, human sacrifices, bloodthirsty queen, killing in the name of a god, breeding farms for sacrifices. I read the book and told myself all of the above was fiction so I was able to enjoy the other facets of the book.
I was disappointed with the last 10% of the book though, when a new character was introduced and all of a sudden everything was discussed and answered by this new character. Like in a movie that needed an ending so let's just bring in this person to tell the history and motivation and bring it to a close to segue to the next volume.
I was disappointed with the last 10% of the book though, when a new character was introduced and all of a sudden everything was discussed and answered by this new character. Like in a movie that needed an ending so let's just bring in this person to tell the history and motivation and bring it to a close to segue to the next volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
This was the second book in this series and I loved it! More questions were answered. I really fell in love with Prince Thane because he questioned his parents, their customs and the evil, blood thirsty god that they were blindly worshipping. This book was kind of a prequel ,but not, leading up to the first book The Wedding of the Torn Rose, which was excellent. The next book will bring it all to a final climax, which I’m so ready for. At least we now no more than before and who our real enemies are and it is not the Throatians!
Until the next book!
Until the next book!
September 23, 2023
This second book in the series is a darker tale with murder, human sacrifice, and an evil god. This story tells the Wedding of the Torn Rose from the the viewpoint of the Throatians. At least one character comes out looking better, one considerably worse The principal character in this story is Shane, the Prince of the Throatians and follows his road to his realization that his society needs to change and that the god he has obeyed all his life is evil.
May 19, 2024
Totally unexpected!
Unbelievably, this story is even better than Wedding of the Torn Rose, the first in this series. Even though this covers most of the same time period, it goes more into depth from the perspective of the bridegroom this time—Prince Thane. There were even more surprises this time around. This action-filled, thought-provoking story is well written and flows beautifully. The ending is wow, just wow! Well done, Brian A. Mendonca, well done indeed!
Unbelievably, this story is even better than Wedding of the Torn Rose, the first in this series. Even though this covers most of the same time period, it goes more into depth from the perspective of the bridegroom this time—Prince Thane. There were even more surprises this time around. This action-filled, thought-provoking story is well written and flows beautifully. The ending is wow, just wow! Well done, Brian A. Mendonca, well done indeed!
July 9, 2023
great sequel in the Symphony of Crowns and Gods series, it had everything that I enjoyed from the first book. The characters felt like the same characters in this world. I enjoyed the historical elements to it and glad I got to continue this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2023
Loved it. The hero is a surprise twist that I wasn't expecting. I liked the world the author created and can't wait to find out what challenges are ahead to be faced. The characters are realistic and I like the maps. A very, good fantasy novel. Recommend.
The book was received from the author, but this review is my own.
The book was received from the author, but this review is my own.
April 22, 2024
An excellent next phase in this saga. Unbelievable amounts of twisted and warped minds seem to control the very ordinary aspects of life on the island. You can feel the animosity, loving and every emotion between. Hard choices are always there but lack sufficient knowledge to gleen the true likelihood of the outcome. Roll on the next in series.
May 6, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this second book in this series. I liked how it started out with world building the Kroation side of the story. The character build up and explaining their religious beliefs. I liked getting more information about the Crimson Knight and his involvement and the involvement of the "sorceress."I definitely recommend reading this book.
December 1, 2024
Excellent 2nd book of the series. Absolutely loved seeing the events through Thanes eyes. And I found the details of his culture, religion, and the daily life in his kingdom fascinating and incredibly well done. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a fantasy adventure with superb world building and character development!
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a fantasy adventure with superb world building and character development!
October 30, 2023
He is father has disappeared when they went on a pilgrimage and he wants to find out what happened. He may be a prince but he will do what ever he needs to find his father. What happened? Will he find his father? What will he face in his journey to find his father? See how he gets on
April 13, 2024
I loved that this book was the events that happened from Thane the Throatian Princes POV.. it tell a different story of the events that led up to what was witnessed in the first book and it has been a joy to read
July 3, 2024
This is a great continuation of the story, and more is revealed with the prince’s pov. (The breeding farms man…. That’s really sick.) I thoroughly enjoy this, and the preview to the next book looks promising!
4.5
4.5
July 2, 2022
Interesting and Fun
Great world-building, good plot, good writing. I enjoyed the way things moved. My only issue is the amount of exposition and expositional dialogue used to set the fantasy setting, but that’s a common problem w fantasy. Well done!
Great world-building, good plot, good writing. I enjoyed the way things moved. My only issue is the amount of exposition and expositional dialogue used to set the fantasy setting, but that’s a common problem w fantasy. Well done!
November 5, 2023
Prince Thane’s father is missing and he needs to go and find him. There’s danger, secrets and more before he can find him. Definitely didn’t disappoint.
May 1, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning and held my attention until the end. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel. This is mt true and honest review.
May 17, 2022
Not your usual story
I found it a very intriguing story, if a little gory. However, Too many people died that I liked. I know that’s just kind of silly but I don’t want to read books to depress me.
I found it a very intriguing story, if a little gory. However, Too many people died that I liked. I know that’s just kind of silly but I don’t want to read books to depress me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews