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The Chosen #2
The Last Hope
Against incredible odds, Malina has not only become a Chosen but has found friendship, love, and a home in the Mountain of Souls.
Yet, despite the rewards, this journey has taken a heavy toll. Plagued by remorse and with her conscience stained by the many lives she's taken, Malina's growing doubts give rise to difficult questions.
Only the Once and Future King has the answers, but seeking the truth can uncover lies capable of destroying the foundations of even the strongest belief.
And hell hath no fury like a Chosen deceived.
Yet, despite the rewards, this journey has taken a heavy toll. Plagued by remorse and with her conscience stained by the many lives she's taken, Malina's growing doubts give rise to difficult questions.
Only the Once and Future King has the answers, but seeking the truth can uncover lies capable of destroying the foundations of even the strongest belief.
And hell hath no fury like a Chosen deceived.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2023
773 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Lee
8 books91 followersMarcus Lee is a bestselling author of Fantasy novels full of magic, conquest, darkness vs light, and Machiavellian plot twists that you won't see coming.
Born and living in London, he has been a lover of fantasy since reading Homer the Odyssey and The Iliad as a seven year old. Now, as a father of one, he seeks to create worlds and stories that capture the imagination of a new generation of readers, to give back some of the magic he has so happily immersed himself in over the years.
Whenever Marcus' quill is at rest, he can be found wandering enchanted forests, or engaging in a variety of sports/playing computer games with his son.
Marcus can be contacted via his website: www.marcusleebooks.com
Born and living in London, he has been a lover of fantasy since reading Homer the Odyssey and The Iliad as a seven year old. Now, as a father of one, he seeks to create worlds and stories that capture the imagination of a new generation of readers, to give back some of the magic he has so happily immersed himself in over the years.
Whenever Marcus' quill is at rest, he can be found wandering enchanted forests, or engaging in a variety of sports/playing computer games with his son.
Marcus can be contacted via his website: www.marcusleebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 27, 2025
This was an audible listen for me and I want to start by giving props to the performer Sierra Kline 👏🏼
This second instalment in The Chosen series started a little slow compared to the seat- of -your -pants page turning anxiety of the first book.
Focusing mainly on Malina, who now has to face the consequences of her actions as she returns to the fold.
The choices she makes in informing her fellow chosen of her experiences away from them, have some devastating outcomes.
These actions provide the catalyst for the group finally leaving their fortress home and their Siflen overlords.
But!
Not without a few of their group falling.
Once free.
It’s a case of journeying to other lands and trying to unite against a common foe.
This is not helped by the fact that Malina is a Wanted Women in one of those provinces.
But the remaining Chosen continue with their task.
A task that, even those who were once enemies have to unite behind to condemn a common foe.
Thus, the ending of this book lead to an Epic, bloody battle the likes you have only seen on GOT
The ending of which has taken me straight on to book three 😁👍
This second instalment in The Chosen series started a little slow compared to the seat- of -your -pants page turning anxiety of the first book.
Focusing mainly on Malina, who now has to face the consequences of her actions as she returns to the fold.
The choices she makes in informing her fellow chosen of her experiences away from them, have some devastating outcomes.
These actions provide the catalyst for the group finally leaving their fortress home and their Siflen overlords.
But!
Not without a few of their group falling.
Once free.
It’s a case of journeying to other lands and trying to unite against a common foe.
This is not helped by the fact that Malina is a Wanted Women in one of those provinces.
But the remaining Chosen continue with their task.
A task that, even those who were once enemies have to unite behind to condemn a common foe.
Thus, the ending of this book lead to an Epic, bloody battle the likes you have only seen on GOT
The ending of which has taken me straight on to book three 😁👍
May 7, 2025
Well written follow-up to The Mountain of Souls (Book #1) with really good character growth, world-building, and edge. As in the first book there is some brutal imagery, but it's integral to the story - not everything goes well for the "heroes" and you really feel their angst and despair through it. There is some love intrigue, but it is not over-the-top nor is it gushy. It does, however, give Malina (FMC) the ability to deliver THE MOST PERFECT comeback line ever to an ex-lover... you'll know it when you read it.
May 16, 2025
I, in fact, did not finish this but need to share my review
What was an amazing start to the series, the second book basically f-d it all up!
From the first couple of chapters where Nogoth and Malina begin their sexual relationship it just felt like I was reading a different series!
When Malina returns, Lystra is apologetic about being in Loraine’s bed??? LYSTRA??? I get she softened over time but that’s not something she would do, nor would she believe what Malina showed her about Nogoth and sacrifice her only life 😳 she’s had a blood oath all these years it can’t just be broken like that, which leads me to the issues with the other main characters. Malina had her brother was was trying to snap her out of the bond but they had nothing..and they just completely turned with no issues - what about that blood magic bind where they legitimately COULDN’T?
Let’s not then discuss the fact that 3 of our main characters died within a couple of chapters, if not the same one.
So many issues with this book.
What was an amazing start to the series, the second book basically f-d it all up!
From the first couple of chapters where Nogoth and Malina begin their sexual relationship it just felt like I was reading a different series!
When Malina returns, Lystra is apologetic about being in Loraine’s bed??? LYSTRA??? I get she softened over time but that’s not something she would do, nor would she believe what Malina showed her about Nogoth and sacrifice her only life 😳 she’s had a blood oath all these years it can’t just be broken like that, which leads me to the issues with the other main characters. Malina had her brother was was trying to snap her out of the bond but they had nothing..and they just completely turned with no issues - what about that blood magic bind where they legitimately COULDN’T?
Let’s not then discuss the fact that 3 of our main characters died within a couple of chapters, if not the same one.
So many issues with this book.
February 20, 2023
Marcus successfully matched the energy of The Mountain of Souls with The Last Hope - it left me hanging on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next. The character growth, world-building, and suspense of this novel is superb. Marcus finds a great balance between gory battles and romance, and the mixture of these two elements combined with the threat of the end of the world as they know it, makes for an exciting plot that leaves the reader wanting more. The Last Hope delivers a sense of foreboding and the tension rises steadily throughout the course of the book, creating a literary jump-scare as the reader waits for the next death or deception to reveal itself. Amazing imagery, gut-wrenching plot twists - you won't be able to put this down.
September 23, 2025
I did NOT care for the beginning of this book, the set up of the fey world is great, but how her relationship with Nogoth has evolved at the very beginning was a big disappointment, especially considering her strong relationship with Lotane outside of the blood magic. The only reason I didn't rate it lower is because the rest of the story is very good especially her redemption arc with Dimitar and Farsil. She discovers the truth of Nogoth and the Fey but she could have easily have done it without the relationship that formed between her and Nogoth. Overall, the story progresses faster than the first book but is not nearly as good. Again, Marcus Lee's writing is fantastic and the flow of writing is just done so well you can tell he cares alot for the story and is experienced.
November 24, 2025
Deliciously Dark and Unexpected
When I first started this series I was instantly pulled in by dark intrigue. From chapter one of Book 1 you are drug along by your teeth by an almost macabre fascination as you soon realize that no characters are safe and you are left nervously wondering who is next. At the same time it is a welcome relief to finally read a series that breaks all the rules. I can honestly say that I had no idea what was going to happen next and was frequently surprised by the turn of events. I have just finished Book 2 and WOW, what an ending! Now I am off to greedily devour Book 3. If you are not afraid of the dark, then you need to start this series yesterday! Only the strong survive!
When I first started this series I was instantly pulled in by dark intrigue. From chapter one of Book 1 you are drug along by your teeth by an almost macabre fascination as you soon realize that no characters are safe and you are left nervously wondering who is next. At the same time it is a welcome relief to finally read a series that breaks all the rules. I can honestly say that I had no idea what was going to happen next and was frequently surprised by the turn of events. I have just finished Book 2 and WOW, what an ending! Now I am off to greedily devour Book 3. If you are not afraid of the dark, then you need to start this series yesterday! Only the strong survive!
March 27, 2023
Having loved book 1 it was such a treat to be able to go on to read the whole trilogy without having to wait for distant launches. This volume continues apace from book one, beginning with breath-taking revelations about Nogoth, the Once and Future King. Everything is here - love, lust, darkness in an apparent Utopia, danger, self-sacrifice, and regret. And it’s all so very well-written - continuously balancing and exposing the fine lines between good, bad, and an ocean of morally grey. Lee’s world-building is so good. I felt as if I could see everything as it happened, without ever feeling bogged down in detail. A great second book in an amazing trilogy!
February 11, 2025
Oh sweet mama
There have been a few book that have had me on edge while I made my way through them. This book, this one has had me almost off my chair. The tightening of my stomach, the jiggling knee, the clenched fist…all this and more. It’s just amazing that one person can think of all this, lay it out like bread crumbs for us to follow. I am truly in awe of this talent.
I will leave no spoilers, no clue what transpires in this. I simply will tell you that this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I know Malina will continue in this next book, she must continue.
There have been a few book that have had me on edge while I made my way through them. This book, this one has had me almost off my chair. The tightening of my stomach, the jiggling knee, the clenched fist…all this and more. It’s just amazing that one person can think of all this, lay it out like bread crumbs for us to follow. I am truly in awe of this talent.
I will leave no spoilers, no clue what transpires in this. I simply will tell you that this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I know Malina will continue in this next book, she must continue.
December 7, 2025
A Twist at Every Corner
(Note: some minor spoilers. Best to read Book One to understand).
The sequel to The Mountain of Lost Souls, The Last Hope follows Malina's journey after the end of Book One. The Once and Future King is not what Malina was raised and trained to believe. To assure her world does not fall in a coming battle, Malina and her group of Chosens must join forces with the very ones they infiltrated in Delnor. The question is: will they believe the King Slayer?
Great storytelling, captivating, and had me turning the pages one right after the other. Can't wait to begin Book Three.
(Note: some minor spoilers. Best to read Book One to understand).
The sequel to The Mountain of Lost Souls, The Last Hope follows Malina's journey after the end of Book One. The Once and Future King is not what Malina was raised and trained to believe. To assure her world does not fall in a coming battle, Malina and her group of Chosens must join forces with the very ones they infiltrated in Delnor. The question is: will they believe the King Slayer?
Great storytelling, captivating, and had me turning the pages one right after the other. Can't wait to begin Book Three.
September 25, 2025
My favourite fantasy series ever.
I can honestly say I am obsessed with these books.
I've read thousands of books, of multiple genres including fantasy/dark fantasy... As an artist, I draw alot of the character's that I love...I will be drawing alot from these books.
Everything about these books are perfect. Characters, storyline, drscriptions, created worlds....
I love them.
Respect and admiration to an exceptional author and storyteller.
I can honestly say I am obsessed with these books.
I've read thousands of books, of multiple genres including fantasy/dark fantasy... As an artist, I draw alot of the character's that I love...I will be drawing alot from these books.
Everything about these books are perfect. Characters, storyline, drscriptions, created worlds....
I love them.
Respect and admiration to an exceptional author and storyteller.
December 2, 2023
Thanks to my reading slump it took me A LOT longer to get through this book but it's by no means because of the story itself. Having established a lot of things in the first book, the second book seemed to be a lot more action right from the off! I experienced a lot of feelings reading this book and I'm interested to see how it concludes.
August 26, 2024
Great fantasy
The reason for the dystopia explained at the end of the last book, this one is mostly a swords and sorcerers fantasy. I can’t remember when the last book ended and this one started, hampering my book review. It’s so good that I’m going to read the next one immediately and probably end up not knowing again.
The reason for the dystopia explained at the end of the last book, this one is mostly a swords and sorcerers fantasy. I can’t remember when the last book ended and this one started, hampering my book review. It’s so good that I’m going to read the next one immediately and probably end up not knowing again.
July 5, 2025
Hell of a Battle Scene
Anyone who has seen LOTR will remember Gandolph the White coming over the hill and down into the fight with troops. Brilliantly directed and cut battle scene. Which is what this book has it. Lee has a masterful way of fictionalizing battle strategy. It is not dull or dry to read, but an essential part of the plot.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Anyone who has seen LOTR will remember Gandolph the White coming over the hill and down into the fight with troops. Brilliantly directed and cut battle scene. Which is what this book has it. Lee has a masterful way of fictionalizing battle strategy. It is not dull or dry to read, but an essential part of the plot.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 23, 2025
Not as good as the first book. Still an epic story although I guessed what was coming. It continues to be very dark and finished on quite the cliffhanger which makes me want to move straight on the book 3. Not really convinced by the love interest but I’ll have to wait and see!!!
I could have done without the lengthy battle scene, but still a very good read.
I could have done without the lengthy battle scene, but still a very good read.
May 31, 2023
The second book in Marcus' fantasy series outdoes its predecessor, expertly balancing high-octane action with impressive character development. With unexpected plot twists and profound character growth, it kept me captivated from start to finish. Already on book 3!
April 16, 2024
I read book one which I found very slow, gave up and read two books before going back to it. Book two was much better and I enjoyed reading it. Book three, was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. So glad I stuck with the first book.
May 14, 2024
Gripping 10 out of 10
Not my usual go to, but I have been captivated by this story. The characters are really well crafted and the story line kept me on edge. I can not wait to read the final installment.
Not my usual go to, but I have been captivated by this story. The characters are really well crafted and the story line kept me on edge. I can not wait to read the final installment.
July 7, 2024
Nice
A good story. I can't wait to see what happens in the final book. It has surely been an up and down ride. I am very interested in finding out what happened to Lotrane, and what's up with her having all these magical abilities but never using them?
A good story. I can't wait to see what happens in the final book. It has surely been an up and down ride. I am very interested in finding out what happened to Lotrane, and what's up with her having all these magical abilities but never using them?
July 10, 2024
Wow! Epic
This is a breath taking read with stunning characters and an intruiging story! The King slayer is put to the test to save humanity but is it beyond even her skills.
Warning: cliff hanger
This is a breath taking read with stunning characters and an intruiging story! The King slayer is put to the test to save humanity but is it beyond even her skills.
Warning: cliff hanger
March 9, 2025
Another great read from Marcus Lee. There was a lot of action in this book - some good and some bad. Still waiting on seeing Malina’s powers to come through as she sure could use them right now as she will be out looking for revenge and I hope she gets it all! Curious to know whatever happened to Lotrane. Hope to find out in the next book.
April 23, 2025
This was a fun fantasy read. I finished all 4 books of the series in a matter of days. I really enjoyed the anti-hero vibe from the FMC and her struggles to stay on the right path. I recommend this series.
May 21, 2025
Worth the lost sleep!
I couldn’t put the damn book down once I started. I have a 12 hour shift that starts in 2 hours. Irresponsible, I know I’ll be dying tonight but it was that great!
I couldn’t put the damn book down once I started. I have a 12 hour shift that starts in 2 hours. Irresponsible, I know I’ll be dying tonight but it was that great!
June 19, 2025
Great series so far!
Really enjoyed the first two books being a fantasy reader. Marcus does great work making you fall in love with the characters, and the story.
Recommended read for everyone!
Really enjoyed the first two books being a fantasy reader. Marcus does great work making you fall in love with the characters, and the story.
Recommended read for everyone!
August 20, 2025
Marcus Lee found his stride in while writing this. There's a lot more action, character development, and plot twists in the second book of this trilogy. I could not put it down and often found myself staying up well past midnight devouring every word. Can't wait to start book three!
October 19, 2025
I have now read all three books in the series. The River of Tears was the last one. I am 80 years old and have read more books than I can count. This Trilogy was one of the best. Nonstop action. Well worth reading!
November 29, 2025
This book was amazing. Lots of twists and turns and the characters brilliantly written. I think I enjoyed this one better than the 1st as Malina had developed and grown from book one to be really well rounded heroine. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book.
April 8, 2023
The second book in Marcus Lee's excellent 'The Chosen' series. If not as relentlessly compelling as the first book in places, it widens the scope and ambition of the story. Recommended.
January 11, 2024
Getting better
To compare book 2 to book 1 ,there is big difference. This book is more interesting, more action in it, hopefully next one will be better.
To compare book 2 to book 1 ,there is big difference. This book is more interesting, more action in it, hopefully next one will be better.
May 5, 2024
Such a great book
July 11, 2024
This is book 2 of 3. It starts off right where book 1 left off. Lots of twists and turns and some ahhhh moments. Book 3 will be glorious! Highly recommend - solid 5 stars again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews