Floodpath Lib/E

Outlaw Road #2

by Emily B. Martin

The epic fantasy adventure begun in  Sunshield  races to its thrilling conclusion in this imaginative finale in which the fate of four extraordinary young people—and their nations—will be decided. When their hopes for ending Moquoia’s brutal system of bondage are crushed, unlikely allies Lark and Veran are forced to flee into the harsh desert. With no weapons or horses, they must make their way to safety across the 50-mile expanse of waterless plains known as the water scrape. It is an odyssey filled with unexpected dangers that challenge even a skilled outlaw like Lark—though the farther they travel, the more she wonders if she even fits the fearsome title of the Sunshield Bandit anymore. Injured in the coup to overthrow the Moquoian monarchy, Tamsin, accompanied by Iano, retreat to a safe house, where they await the return of Lark and Veran. Determined to uncover the traitor in the court, they devise a plan to confront the new palace ashoki, Kimela. Imperiled by wilderness and their own tenuous alliances, Lark, Tamsin, and Veran each face massive risks to uncover the truth. But even if they find it, will their combined forces be strong enough to stop the evil infecting their beautiful land . . . and transform it into a fairer society for all? 

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Audiobook, Fiction, Adventure

Audio CD

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Park ranger by summer, stay-at-home mom the rest of the year, I am also a freelance artist and illustrator. An avid hiker and explorer, my experiences as ranger helped inform the character of Mae and the world of WOODWALKER.

When not patrolling places like Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Philmont Scout Ranch, I live in South Carolina with my husband, Will, and two daughters, Lucy and Amelia.

Reviews

[Intisar Khanani · Rating 5 out of 5]

FLOODPATH is gritty and fast paced and emotionally fraught. We’ve got three POVs, all of which twine together at different moments, and I LOVED it. I loved getting to see all my characters from SUNSHIELD getting to know each other better, figuring out where they stand, what they can do, and WHO DID IT. Cuz yeah, for the longest time, I was as stumped as them as to who was pulling all the strings in the Moquoian court. I possibly called it twenty minutes before them.

There’s desert survival, trauma recovery, bad decisions made for good reasons, government corruption and human trafficking, and first love (also enemies to lovers, which is one of my favorite tropes, so I was HAPPY). There’s excellent disability rep, and multiple fantasy cultures that are not all white, and DID I MENTION I LOVED THIS BOOK?!

I may have stayed up till 3 am reading last night (don’t tell the husband), and am now sad it’s over because I want MOAR. Don’t get me wrong, this book wrapped up beautifully. It takes the time for a proper denouement, so all the threads can be tied up comfortably. It’s … lovely. Like getting to sit around the campfire with your friends after a long hard day doing whatever folks who go camping do. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I just wanted more story because I loved what I got so much.

If you haven't read SUNSHIELD yet, this is your friendly PSA to get on that now, and pick this up next! ;)

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can read through the end of this book without tearing up, you're made of stronger stuff than I. Floodpath wraps up a fantastic story about characters you can't help but love. This is the second book in a stand-alone duology, but I HIGHLY recommend that people start with the Woodwalker trilogy because it's fantastic and sets up the world and describes what happened to the parents of the main characters in the Outlaw Road books.

For me, that background knowledge is what made the end of this book so emotional. I loved those initial characters, and as the Outlaw Road duology begins, they have suffered mightily: a daughter--a princess--was kidnapped as a young child, and was sold into slavery in another country. Now that girl is grown up, remembers nothing of that past, but is embodied by the grit and determination that carried her parents through their own adventures: she escaped bondage and is now an outlaw, committed to freeing others. She's the Sunshield Bandit, hated by nobles who profit by the illicit trade, and loved by commoners. She's not the only awesome character here, either--I love Veran, who endures terrible hardship that is complicated by his seizure disorder, and Tamsin, who barely survived the first book and is trying to find her voice again, literally and figuratively. The three of them have come together because of the twisted machinations of court, and now need to survive the harsh wilderness and the people who seek to kill them.

The author is a park ranger, and her worldbuilding is extraordinary. She makes the natural world real because she gets the environment on a deep level and knows the genuine survive skills that her characters must also tap.

I could go on and on, but read these books. All five of them, ideally. Then try to get through the end of this one without happy tears.

[Libby V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series! I was a little worried about Lark and Veran but I loved their enemies-to-lovers story. Tamsin, Lark, and Veran all grow and become stronger, more understanding, and compassionate people as they make the world a more just and fair place. It's a lovely story about not letting the things that happen to you or your past mistakes hold you back, self-acceptance and over-coming obstacles, and beautiful family, found and otherwise. I definitely recommend this series.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Marzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we left off in Sunshield, Veran Greenbrier had realized that Lark, the Sunshield Bandit, was actually Princess Moira, who had kidnapped from her family in Lumen Lake as a child, and Iano and Veran had successfully rescued a grievously injured Tamsin from her captors. But they are left with even more questions after these events. Who had Tamsin and Lark (for she refuses to be called Moira) kidnapped and why? Who is behind the undermining of Iano and Tamsin's efforts to stem the trafficking of children and young adults in Moquoia? Can Tamsin ever recover her voice sufficiently to be Ashoki again? Will Lark return to her family in Lumen Lake and will they be able to accept the life she was forced to live to survive?

In a gratifying conclusion to her Outlaw Road series, Emily B. Martin follows her four principal characters Veran, Lark, Tamsin, and Iano as they try to unravel the mystery that links these four people and the events, that span fifteen years in their lives, that brought them together. Told from the perspectives of Veran, Lark, and Tamsin in alternating chapters, Martin has done such deft work, from her handling of Veran's epilepsy to Tamsin's learning sign language and learning to use a printing press to overcome injuries that make writing painfully, to the complex and often dangerous politics of ending the exploitation of human lives. This duology is one that I can unhesitatingly recommend as one of my favorites in recent years.

The audiobook, narrated by Lauren Ezzo, Chelsea Stephens, and Matthew Frow was just as outstanding as the first novel, Sunshield.

I received a digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent the first 30 pages thinking, "Oh dear, I didn't read the first one and there is way too much backstory here". But I got past that and into the characters, and enjoyed it very much. I like the idea of all the scouting knowledge, and how useful it can be in many situations. Very appreciative of the characters trying to free people who have been exploited as slaves, and of the recognition that people in power do not always understand what or why the "little people" are living a particular way.

[Karen Parisot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in an epic fantasy duology that began with Sunshield. Floodpath picks up where the first book left off with the main characters Lark, Iano, Veran and Tamsin on the run from the authorities. It’s a high-stakes thriller as the characters race to save themselves and to end systemic slavery and bondage. I was surprised by the identity of the saboteur, and was rooting for the heroes right up to the satisfying conclusion. A tale about dealing with adversity, perseverance and believing in yourself.

[shadesofwords · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well drawn out characters and moral dilemmas. A quick enjoyable , self-contained read. Loses a star because the plot is fairly straightforward and very black and white.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in 2020 I read the Woodwalker trilogy and Sunshield by Emily B. Martin. I had wanted to finish the Outlaw Road duology but I didn't want to buy the hardcover and it wasn't available at my library.

Fast forward to 2024 and I saw it available on a 2 for 1 Audible sale. I jumped at the chance to finish this series. I had to read some of my notes to refresh my memory. Also, as I listened the events, plot points, political stances, and character relationships came back to me. Floodpath does a good job recapping the events of Sunshield and does not weigh down the story.

Non-spoiler review: I really loved how the characters developed on their own and in relation to each other. There was some suspense and action. Mistakes were made and lessons learned. The blackmail mystery was solved and everything was wrapped up well. Overall it was a satisfactory conclusion.

I also enjoyed the narrators' performances. Each one fit the personality of their character and I found it easy to follow the dialogue.

Spoiler review:
Tamsin - I loved her journey to find her voice after her tongue was cut. From her frustrations to having limited means to communicate to finding new ways expresses her ideas.

I empathized with her when she was arguing with Prince Iano and became frustrated with her inability to write down everything she wanted to say. The state of their relationship was a bit heartbreaking. After Tamsin was kidnapped in the previous book he chose her over policy and she wanted him to sacrifice her.

Also, their love affair was a secret so was it really love or just the thrill of it? They have issues to work through.

It was exciting and uplifting when she befriended Lark and they invented the printing press and Lark taught her some words in sign language. Their friendship was one of my favorite parts.

I loved when she went to the town to spread the pamphlets about emancipation. I bookmarked these quotes about that:

"I've given them my words. Now let's see what they do with them."

"You didn't take my voice." I confirm. "You just spread it around."

Lark - Her transformation was an emotional one: From the Sunshield Bandit to wanting to leave that behind and find a new purpose.

Throughout both books she's been a fighter. She kicked butt in the palace when she escaped her jail cell. It was satisfying and a bit comical when she tied up that slave trader, Minister Kobok.

Lark's reunion with her parents, Queen Mona and Rou, and sister, Eloise, was so beautiful and emotional. I cried and I loved how their new dynamics were left off. I want to say more but I don't know how to put the feelings into words. Their reunion was one of my favorite parts.

It was obvious that Lark and Veran were meant to end up together. I don't know if I ship them, but I didn't hate them together either.

Veran - Lark was right that he does have a hero complex, and it's because he's trying so hard to fill his mom's shoes. He's also more book smart than street smart. A few times I found myself facepalming at his mistakes. When he messed up the bird call at the ambush, that was not totally his fault. I mean, it was mostly his fault, but not 100%. I think the seizures messed up his brain and some of the roles should have been switched around.

Veran also made silly mistakes when talking too loud in the marketplace, and drinking the poisoned tea. There's a blackmailer in the palace. Trust no one! Don't drink or eat anything!

Going back to the seizures: I loved Lark's dog/coyote, Rat, when he warned them all that a seizure was coming. It's amazing that dogs can sense that.

The scene when Veran and his mom Queen Mae talk at the end was one of my favorites. I loved her wise words that he couldn't train to be a woodwalker when he was ten because he was having too many seizures, but now he's the one holding himself back.

I also loved when Mae said this to him: "Don't conflate mistakes with failure. Folk don't tell legends about people who made no mistakes. Folk tell legends about the people who overcame them."

Returning to this realm was just as enjoyable, emotional, and adventurous as I remembered it. It's an underrated series and I wish it got more attention from fantasy readers. I'm going to keep it in mind when anyone asks me for a recommendations.

4 out of 5 Printing Presses.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love a dullard. Lark and me are like that morosexual meme. Veran is out here being so stupid and I don't just adore him in spite of it, I adore him because of it.

Anyway, like the first one there's probably things I could nitpick about this (I still don't really like Iano) but this is just??? so much fun????? This book reminds me why I love reading. Not because it makes me want to ramble about plot or character or setting construction, but because it was all I could think about for the 3 days it took me to read it. It's been a while since something compelled me to stay up way too late reading and then wake up early the next morning to keep going. It's been a really long while since a book made me cry, but Lark thinking she's going to die and mentally going through her goodbyes to everyone got me.

I just love them!! I liked Lark and Tamsin in book 1, but I really grew to love them in this book. Even Veran, who's been my favourite all along, grew on me. Like I said, he makes some pretty stupid mistakes, but they feel very real and human and as much as I'm sitting here cringing at him, part of me is also like, 'well, I would probably do that too'. This book gave a lot more insight into Tamsin and her personality, and I loved her friendship with Lark, and it was good to see Lark have deeper and more nuanced personal insight. It very much feels like Sunshield was the beginning of her looking into herself and in this one she gets more specific and deliberate about it.

Again, there's things I could critique about it and it's not perfect but they're all irrelevant because I love it.

[Vernon Luckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is of a free copy. I had not read the first novel of this duology; and felt at the start of this novel that too much of the background (backstory) was missing for me to pick up the thread of the story. But after the first few chapters I felt like I had picked up enough of the story to carry on. This novel is an involved and interesting story that is well written and reflects the talent of this author. Well worth the readers time. I like to mention one or two "life lessons", if you will, that I find in the novels I read.

A couple of quotes. First; "Yes, just like that-like a parent holds a child. 'Oh my precious girl,' he whispers. 'Oh, my precious, precious baby."

And; "You are worth so much more than you think. To me, to your pa, to your brother and sisters, to the people around you, and to the good of this beautiful, hurting world we live in. But your worth isn't dictated by how much you accomplish, and nobody loves you because they feel sorry for you. We love you because you're exactly who you are."

Many 'children' do not realize just how much their parents love them; until they become 'parents' themselves. I believe in the vast majority of families, that the greatest earthly love is the love of a parent for their child. Exceeded only by the love of our Heavenly Father for each of us.

Also; "Don't conflate mistakes with failure." We all make mistakes. Making mistakes does not mean we are failures.

I also like, "Always start with what you have." Or as stated in 'Acknowledgments'; "Always start with what you're given!"

Good Book!

[Lucy Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was honestly quite a bit better than I was expecting it to be but was a little bit harder to get into at first.



Like I said in my review of the first book I am not typically a fan of Westerns and although this book was still a bit of a Western and I was kind of bored during those parts I was very interested in the other parts of the story and so it kept me reading. I was seriously interested in seeing Veran as a character because I wanted to see how his seizures would be used in this book compared to the first one. I also liked the fact that we could really see the characters changing and developing throughout the story to become better.



It was slow in the middle again and almost made me lose interest halfway through because of this. However, I kept reading and, in the end, I was disappointed with how it ended. The ending itself almost made me want to read more of it. As a piece of historical fantasy, I was seriously interested in how they created the printing press – or the invention of the printing press in this case. I thought it was interesting that we got to see how that would have worked in a more fantasy setting. The spicy level was also a level 1.



Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. I would definitely recommend it to people who are fans of Westerns or Historical Fantasy. Super interesting and a good follow up to the first book.

[Geoffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I slowly grew to like the first book enough to want to read the second, and I liked this one as well!

Liked: The characters are all likeable and having three perspectives is a nice way to add variety to the story. I think they're all well-written, where their reactions and feelings are genuine and realistic. I enjoyed the journey thru the desert, the forest adventures, and the chaos at the capital. Also- did not expect to see how the printing press could have been invented! Fun and random idea to add to a story.

Liked...less: The story at times felt very Young Adult due to emotions and decisions, even though it's literally young adults so I can't be too upset. The relationships were predictable, not unwelcome, but felt like distractions from the main story at times. I struggle with teens holding the fate of nations in their hands and saving them, as it just feels less believable. However, they were the victims and the decisions of old/evil people brought them to this point, so I can let it slide. I also don't love main characters also getting to be royalty, as the stakes aren't as high and some things are just given rather than earned. Another however! The majority of the story is them fighting and surviving based on their own merit, which is a credit to the characters and so I'd give them another pass.

Overall I thought it was a good read, and it's such a nice happy ending that you can't help but feel good about it.

[Danielle T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops, accidentally stayed up too late to inhale the rest of this, which is always a sign of a good book!

My darlings found themselves imperiled at the end of Sunshield, having a lot of complicated Feelings with the party split and pursued by various authorities. They have adventures, experience dehydration, and tackle reforming a country's labor system (or at least, starting the process) and it ties up quite satisfyingly.

The one thing the Outlaw Road duology handles well is characters' (yes, multiple) disabilities and the frustrations and triumphs that come with figuring out how to navigate the world with them. Also, the complicated feelings when meeting long-lost or distant family as an adult and whether or not they'll accept you as family (I'm guessing it wasn't intentional, but I can see this having resonance for adoptees).

Plenty of red herrings for the Big Bad; I had maybe half a guess after team did their plan at Giantess but maybe people more perceptive than I can figure it out earlier.

Also, was quite pleased to see our old friends from the Woodwalker trilogy at the end, still recognizable with the maturity of age on them.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great conclusion to the series! I really love all of the characters and settings (as usual) and was really captivated by the story and the realness of it. I really related to Veran and his feelings of uselessness, and Tamsin's feelings of genuine sorrow and loss and grief over her lost voice were really compelling. I enjoyed the romance a LOT as well as the growing-apart relationship too. The story reminded me a lot of Woodwalker at many points, which was really fun to read. Although I thought the book ended really, really ultra positively and slightly cheesily, I honestly didn't care because I was just really glad that the characters were happy. Mae and Mona as mothers were so cool to read as well! I highly recommend this book!.

[Jane Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing! Although ‘Floodpath’ is the second book in a series and I had not read the first book, I was still able to understand what was going on. The Storyline was engaging with 3 different POV all intertwining with each other at different times. This book was fast paced, well written, the characters were well developed and a superb plot line. At several occasions I held on to the edge biting my nails anticipating how a situation played out. My emotions were all over the place.

I plan to read book one and then I will probably re read the second book again as I loved it so much. I was fortunate that I won a print copy of this book from a ‘Goodreads Giveaway’.

Reviews posted on Goodreads, Amazon, B&N & Kindle.

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book didn't quite hold up to the promise of the first novel. The writing was still well done, and Lark continued to be my favorite character in the series.

Unfortunately, it just didn't feel like much happened in this one. It's the final book of the two book series as well, so I guess I just expected more. There was basically one action scene in the whole novel and the rest of it was more focused on character development/motivation.

The book wrapped up the story so that's a positive as well. I'd still recommend this duology, just not an overwhelming recommendation.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun duology. I liked all the characters and the world and societies were well detailed. This series does seem to be set in the same world as her other series but you don’t need any familiarity with that series to enjoy this one. I also liked the overall positive arc of the story. They are both medium long books but so fast pasted and zippy going between the different perspectives that it seems much shorter it goes so quickly.

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun sequel featuring Lark, the long-lost child from a small kingdom who became a notorious outlaw. Her mis-adventures with Veran, the young woodsland-man challenged by mysterious fits, continue alongside the young hier-apparent and his own love interest Tamsin. They face all sorts of political and physical challenges and there's a nice coda about their lives after the big events are resolved. I can see why the score is so high even from readers already fans.

[Awayreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing finale, I do have to say I will miss every single one of these characters. I felt like I could read about them forever, and I definitely wasn't ready for the story to be over. I was so engrossed in the world, and just trying to figure out what exactly was going on. 5 star read all around. Excited to read more from this author!

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was powerful and incredible and I just loved it.
Usually I feel like the second book in a duology can lose some spark, but this one is even better than Sunshield (which I still loved).

Speaking truth to power.
Embracing what others may have seen as disabilities.
Strong women being loving, strong women.

I highly recommend this book.

[Christy MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt long in a few spots, but that is partially because I just wanted it to resolve. I really appreciated the way the book allowed space at the end for characters to tie up all their loose ends. It was a very satisfactory ending.

The commentary on ecology, economy, and slavery was well done and felt meaningful instead of Pat cut-and-dry answers.

[Moonlight Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I could like this book for than Sunshield, but I think I like it more if it isn't a tie!!! I fought sleep to read it. I'll be picking up more of the author's book after this duology. Such a great read! I borrowed it from the library, but I'll be ordering my own copy online because it's not available at bookstores near me.

[Marcus Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Consistent with Martin’s “Creatures of Light.” Lots of plot twists, very likable characters and character development. I love how the author deftly weaves in important real world issues into the fabric of the storyline. Couldn’t put the books down. I truly hope Martin will write more books in the same setting, with known and new characters.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floodpath is such a wonderful sequel to Sunshield. The character and world development make a place where the reader wants to dwell. It has adventure, suspense, sorrows, and joys. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lindsay C Skene · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite author

Very well done. Well paced action, consistent characters, realistic motivations. Characters I ended up caring a lot about, well written dialogue, and loose ends tied. Very enjoyable read.

[Anthony Philosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Floodpath. I did not read the first book in the series but still felt I had no issues following the plot. The story was a good fantasy and the characters were well developed. I will read Emily martin again.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Light. My heart. My. *Heart.*

Such a satisfying wrap up to SUNSHIELD. I love how Martin weaves in found family, and love of the environment, and -

I really hope we get more of these characters in the future.

[Tyrean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheers for this satisfying finish to The Outlaw Road Duology. The character development, political intrigue, action, and world-building is subtly nuanced and full. With gorgeous prose and perfect pitch, Floodpath is an excellent read for anyone YA and up!
Recommended!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graciously received a free copy through good reads.

I didn't read the first book in this duo, but it didn't really matter. I was able to easily catch up on who the characters were and what was going on. This book kept my interest and had a decent plot.