Spectyr

Book of the Order #2

by Philippa Ballantine

The second novel in Ballantine's series. In a realm of mystics and magic, the Order of Deacons stands between the here and now and the Otherside. Its mission is to protect the citizens of the Empire from malevolent geists--no matter where or when...

Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome, which is why she jumps at the chance to investigate a string of murders in the exotic city of Orithal. But it is there that her lover, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, is targeted by a cruel and vengeful goddess, unwittingly unleashed by the Emperor's sister.

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Romance, Magic, Fiction, Paranormal, High Fantasy

310 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 21, 2011

About the author

Born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, Philippa is a writer and podcaster of fantasy fiction.
Immersed in books from an early age, she moved onto to become a librarian. She'd been dreaming of being a writer since a teenager, but in the last ten years she's devoted herself to it.
She's the author of the Books of the Order series from Ace Books. Geist, Spectyr, Wrayth (2012) and Harbinger (2013).
Also, with Pyr books the Shifted World series, Hunter and Fox (2012) and Born and Made (2013)
Philippa is also the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. Phoenix Rising and the Janus Affair (2012)
Philippa currently resides in Manassas, Virginia with her husband and co-writer Tee Morris, their daughter and a clowder of five cats who keep them all in line.

Awards

2011 Goodreads Short Listed for Best Science Fiction
2011 Airship Award winner for best written work (with Tee Morris)
2011 Sir Julius Vogel Award nominee for Best Novel- Adult
2010 Parsec Award finalist for Best Speculative Fiction Magazine or Anthology Podcast
2010 Sir Julius Vogel Award finalist for Best fan production
2009 Parsec Award finalist for Best Speculative Fiction Magazine or Anthology Podcast
2009 Sir Julius Vogel Award winner for Best fan production
2009 Sir Julius Vogel Award nominee for Best Novel- Adult
2007 Parsec Award finalist for Best Writing Podcast
2006 Sir Julius Vogel Award nominee for Best Novel

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.6598 stars. And a third.

Uh-oh, the MacHalos seem to be suffering from a collective bout of acute amnesia. It turns out that none of us female Einsteins can remember why we thought book 1 in this series was lacking and badly written and a waste of wondrous potential. Wanna know what I think? You're going to hear my opinion whether you want to or not, so might as well pretend you're interested in it. But hey, this is your life, fell free to squander it as you see fit and stuff Of course you do. I think that either 1/we're all showing early signs of Alzheimer's or 2/we were way too drunk/high/delirious/all the aforementioned when we read Geist. Well, given that the MacHalos are a holy bunch of nun wannabes who never misbehave or do reprehensible stuff, #1 it must be. Anyway, despite being slightly (if erroneously) disappointed in book 1, we decided to do the Bold and Audacious Thing (BaAT™) and continue with this series. And here we are.



That's the MacHalos alright, hot and so sexy and as trigger-happy as homicidal runaway nuns.

Okay, I'm really behind on my Subaquatic Wars to Wage Continents to Conquer and Puny Humans to Annihilate Schedule (SWtWCtCaPHtAS™), so I'll give you the short of it for once.

➘ This book is kinda sorta cool because :

① I said so. QED and stuff.

② Philippa Ballantines has no mercy on bloody shrimping tropes. Suicide Inducing Bonding à la Paranormal Romance (SIBalPNR™)? Killed dead. The I'm A Super Uber Cool Arrogant Sexy Shifter and I Know It Thing (IaSUCASSaIKI™)? Slaughtered stiff. The A Woman and A Man Having a Relationship that Does Not Involve Sex or Romance Oh Please Don't Be Ridiculous Now Hahaha Business (AWaAMHaRtDNISoROPDBRNHB™)? Butchered lifeless. And that, my Little Barnacles, is slightly glorious indeed.

③ A somewhat wondrous cast of characters this is and most delicious their dynamics are. We've got endearing types, stupendous gauntlet-wearing types, engaging types, High Security Harem Material Types (HSHMT™) *waves at her Piratey Prince/Princely Pirate Raed*, violent death-worthy types, sneaky types, Oooh You Age So Well What Face Cream Do You Use Types (OYASWWFCDYUT™) and lots of other scrumptious, complex, you know, types and stuff. Let's dance.



I know you're all jealous of my smooth moves, but you really shouldn't be. I was born super hot and suave while you, well, you know, weren't and stuff. The truth hurts and life sucks, I know.

④ Women rule. Women lead. Women pilot dirigibles and ships and all that crap. Women make things go boom. Women do awesome spoiler spoiler spoiler stuff. Women kick ass. Women get their lovely asses kicked. Women are treacherous bitches. Women are homicidal maniacs. Women are religious freaks. YUM.

⑤ Blood, gore, severed limbs and detached internal organs abound. And lovely kitties viciously gleefully chomp on puny humans stuff. YAY.

⑥ Entertaining stuff and intriguing stuff and backstabbing stuff and fast-paced action stuff and magic stuff and mysterious stuff and surprising stuff and steampunk stuff and heart-wrenching stuff that didn't wrench my black, withered heart because it is black and it is withered and spoiler spoiler spoiler stuff. The later I've always been a fan of. So that's, you know, pretty cool and stuff.

⑦ This:



This little beast doesn't look deadly to you? It is. Trust me on that one, I used to breed murderous decapods for a living and know a murderous freak when I see one.

⑧ And this:



Lots of awesome kitties in this book. Watch out, Your Furriness, The Rossin is coming for you!

➘ I didn't give this book a full 4-star rating because :

① I didn't.

② I can't remember.

③ I need a drink.

» And the moral of this Uncharacteristically Insightful the MacHalos Proved to Be for Once Forbidden to Faint Because of this Unheard of Occurrence It Is Crappy Non Review (UItMPtBfOFtFBotUoOITCNR™) is: soldier on we shall and read the next instalment in this series post haste and most enthusiastically we will. Because tame this kitty we must. Ha.

· Book 1: Geist ★★★
· Book 3: Wrayth ★★
· Book 4: Harbinger - NOT to be read. I'm not that suicidal, thank you very much.



[Pre-review nonsense]

Glad that the MacHalos kindly, um, encouraged my shrimpy self to read this book I am.

Patting my little self on the exoskeleton for making the decision to continue with this series I am.

Much much MUCH better than book one this instalment is.

Continue the series with or without the MacHalos I shall. Because I am selfish and ungrateful and a horrible daddy like that.



➽ Full There's a Slight Chance I Might be Falling in Slight Lurve with a Sexey Beastly Pirate Prince or is it Sexey Princely Pirate Beast or Maybe Sexey Piraty Beast Prince Who the Fish Knows Crappy Non Review (TaSCIMbFiSLwaSBPPoiiSPPBoMSPBPWtFKCNR™) to come.

[Mayim de Vries · Rating 1 out of 5]

“By the Bones, she needed to smile.”

So, I’ll smile and try to be civil.

There is nothing better than some steampunk in the summer, even if it is a sort of zombie steampunk (especially that the weather turns me into an undead thing anyway). And anyway, I am reading steampunk because regardless whether Jim Butcher got kidnapped by the aliens or is going through a midlife crisis, he has still not delivered The Olympian Affair and I have my cravings or the withdrawal syndrome will be unpleasant.

So here we are, I have dug out this series, I have abandoned long ago for no apparent reason whatsoever, as I pretty much liked the opening instalment. (Bear with me, I too hate those reviews that start with boring personal stories, there is a rationale behind. I promise.)

Anyway, here I am thinking: spectacular! steampunk, some difficult romance, vague memories of wearing gloves gauntlets, and shapeshifting. I liked the lead female. Grumpy and fiery. But these foggy details are not enough to bring me up to sped and plunge into the second book, and so I am congratulating myself that I can go and read my own review of book one, because whose would be better, no? (No.)

As I am reading my own review, I keep thinking that it is not very helpful (and I do empathise with you as you suffer here) because I still do not have even a hazy idea of the main protagonists (except for one) and plot. But a veteran of many series, I am gearing myself (no gauntlets though) and plunging in.

Here we are. A standard fantasy world albeit plagued by geists and spectyrs and other otherworldly beings full of nasty intentions kept in check by an order which is far less like a religious organisation and much more like a rat-catcher guild. The story evolves around the evil antagonist who wants to destroy the world (how very imaginative, I know) and those who oppose it, albeit not always consciously, Deacon Sorcha Faris (that is the fiery, grumpy one), Raed Syndar Rosson, a shapeshifting son of a disposed emperor, her lover, and Merrick Chambers, her partner. There is a thing for threesomes because in this setup there is also Sorcha’s soon-to-be-former husband and so effectively Sorcha is entangled in two triangles, one purely personal and one somewhat professional (both dysfunctional, if you ask me).

I said before that I liked the magic system based on an idea of a “passive” and an “active” agent working in unison, and being successful only through cooperation. That is Sorcha and Merric. But then, Read dances in and by virtue of a convoluted plot, gets interconnected and hence a duo changes into a trio. the nature of this connection also somewhat changes.

Here is how it works: Sorcha is walking through a crowded palace, and unknowingly, she is approaching her lover with whom she… ekhm, bonded in the previous book. Things start happening to a poor girl.

“a strange sensation began to build inside the Deacon. It was so warm and deep down that for a second she was almost embarrassed at its primitive nature.”

For a second, she is almost embarrassed at getting her panties wet for no apparent reason in public, but who cares about propriety when on a diplomatic mission in a foreign country, right? She goes on and then, she sees HIM:

“Sorcha forgot to breathe - of course she would! - The world narrowed until there was only three of them: her, Merrick and Read, the Young Pretender, the third in their Bond.”

It seems that normally, when only when in the vicinity of her partner, Sorcha is under control, it is only when the trio gets closer to each other, things heat up. And well, you get the rest.

“The Bond flared, releasing a rush of sensation that almost toppled her. Every memory, every sensation - get a thesaurus, dear - of their time together came racing forward. Sorcha had been trying not to think of them, tried to deny their power—under this new assault she had no defences.”

Aaand, just like that—she melted. Then, understandably, things got merry.

It would be fine if I were consensually reading new adult erotica. Alas, I was not. Therefore, from this moment of how surprising and accidental meet up, that was entirely silly in terms of how it was designed, my irritation only grew as to the atrocious writing, atrocious plotting added its own heavy burden with ridiculous religious zealotry, freaky demigods, shapeshifting and time travel (time travel! who told her it would be a great idea?!). All this for some murky story of power grab that is neither scintillating nor refreshing, and this is really something when sinister machinations evoke either bored yawning or offended eye-rolling from me.

It was so bad, I am considering ditching the series halfway through.

Haven’t decided yet, but it will probably be a while before I get back here.

Also in the series:

1. Geist ★★★☆☆
3. Wrayth ★☆☆☆☆
4. Harbringer no review, series abandoned, I strongly suspect it would be zero stars, though

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author's work! She's pretty much on my must-buy list for well-done, light fantasy with a bit of romance that's not too smutty (like Ilona Andrews) I think this series took a step up in world-building with this second episode, I was definitely interested in all the new stuff we learned through Merrick in particular. I loved seeing Sorcha and Raed's conflict, I just love them together! Only criticism is that it felt short, I feel like I wanted more plot to happen with the Grand Duchess, and the end twist? But really, it was fun and I can't wait for the next one!

[Elena]

I have a "two-books rule" I adhere to when it comes to book series (unless something atrocious happens in book #1 that makes me swear off a certain author's work for good). If the first book was on the meh! side of things, I'll usually give #2 a try - which results in one of the following outcomes:
① everything that was good and interesting in the series deflates as a two-days old balloon (basically anything by Anne Bishop);
② the meh! feeling persists and it's made worse by the fact that I've ended up spending twice as much time, energy and money into something that, not-so-deep-down, I knew I couldn't possibly come to like and I have only myself and my stupid "two-books rule" to blame (see The Chronicles of St Mary's by Jodi Taylor);
③ the author makes some adjustment in the writing / plotline / character development in exactly the direction I hoped for (like Karen Marie Moning did in her Fever series).

N. ③ obviously almost never happens but it's also the reason why I stick by an approach that, generally speaking, brings me nothing but eye-rolling-induced headaches.
N. ③ is Spectyr.

I liked this second entry in the Book of the Order series so much that I quite literally couldn't remember what my problems with Geist were: a dry, detached writing? An overly-complex worldbulding that really went nowhere? Hurried fights and forced character interactions?

Well, there's no trace of any of that here: the writing flows smoothly, the worldbuilding feels organically connected to the plot, character interactions and motivations are coherent and layered enough to be both realistic and unpredictable, the fights are fast-paced and exciting. In Spectyr Ballantine kept everything that worked in Geist - which admittedly was a lot: the abundance of female characters with prominent roles in the story, the imaginative worldbuilding and magic system, the subversion of some overused fantasy tropes, the teamwork needed for the good guys to save the day, the original mishmash of fantasy elements and steampunk ones - ditched or improved what didn't and added some much needed edge to the story (more blood! more gore! more treachery and backstabbings!) and a few intriguing new characters.

Everything I wished for while reading Geist has come to fruition in Spectyr and I can't wait to know what happens next for our improbable quartet. Keep this series in mind if you're in for a character-driven, action-packed fantasy with a vicious purrmaid bent on bloody mayhem and destruction.


#teampurrmaid

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 62%

Don't get me wrong, the book isn't bad. It's just that after months of trying to finish it I'm finally giving up. I like the story and I love the characters but there's something about the writing I just can't explain. It's like this, I want to know what happens and while I'm reading it I'm super involved but once I put the book down for some reason a part of me is reluctant to pick it up again and I always find excuses not to. Maybe one day I'll finish it but I doubt it.

[Bastard · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://bastardbooks.blogspot.com/2011...

Last year I was seeing a lot of positive reaction to the book Geist first of Books of Order series by Philippa Ballantine. I usually do a lot of research before deciding to buy a book, but I saw the cover and said "Oh, lions!" and thought it looked like it could be a very cool Urban Fantasy. I'm sure I'm not the only one that made that assumption (I hope I'm not).

When the book arrived I realized that I was not reading an Urban Fantasy, but a secondary world fantasy, which is all right with me as I enjoy those too. Keeping the story short, I enjoyed the book but was left with some reservations. I felt the world building wasn't all there, the magic though interesting needed a bit of work, and the romance subplot got a bit of too much focus for my tastes during some portions of the book. As I'm usually surrounded by people who like read Martin, Rothfuss, Lynch, Weeks, Abercrombie and those types of books (they're a picky bunch) I hesitated to recommend it even though there was plenty to like. It had compelling characters, some good twists, plenty of action, and an overall interesting plot and setting. Sorcha is one kickass/badass character. What I thought was going to be the endgame plot, was actually the "climax" of the first half of the novel which I found quite appealing, since more goodness was to be had. With that said, the book has resonated well with Urban Fantasy readers for some reason, so I made recommendations to UF readers to check this book out.

Moving forward, the sequel Spectyr came out a couple of months ago, and I just managed to read it last week. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Highlighting the improvements: the romance was more interesting, subtle, and subdued, the creepiness factor was increased exponentially (seriously, some very messed up scenes in here), the world building is much better as the world details are shaping up, and the twists keep coming with some cruel/cold execution. The action I thought was about the same as the first; quick paced plot. We even get a dosage of sci-fi which adds to the interest factor of world building. I still would like a better picture of the magic system, but I'm sure it'll come in time.

If I have one grivance with the Spectyr is that I wanted to see more Sorcha throwing her weight around and being more confrontational. Part of it is her partner, Merrick, reigning her in a bit, but I thought we didn't get that many scenes in which she had the option and opportunity to do so. I thought we could have used a bit less travel time and a bit more scenes of the investigation. But one thing's for sure, once the real action begins it's non-stop until the end and very violent. We're left with a bit of a cliffhanger and a great setup for the next book which I'm taking it to mean that Miss Ballantine wants Mr. Bastard to buy her next book. Well, I'm sure I'll fall into the trap as I'll be getting it and reading it for sure.

Spectyr has convinced me of Philippa Ballantine's skill as a writer and will surely recommend people to read her books. I have not read any of her other books, but I'm hearing good things about them. From what I can tell she has some sci-fi and steampunk books out there which have been well received. So if Books of the Order doesn't seem appealing to you, make sure to check her other material as I'm sure she has something for everyone.

Also, for those interested, congratulations to Jason Chan, who did the cover art for Geist and Spectyr,since he just won the 2011 Chesley Award for Best Cover Paperback Art for his Geist cover which I think is well deserved considering that it did its job in making me buy the book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Argh! Where’s the next book? I need to read it now! So many things changed in this installment. The book isn’t left on a cliffhanger, but, oh, I am dying to find out where the author is going with this. I am still gaping after turning the last page. Where do we go from here??

As with the first book, Geist, we are treated to dense story development and layered character building. This time around Ballantine’s not bogged down by introducing the reader to various characters and the world as a whole, so the first third of the book is much smoother than it was in Geist. I can’t speak to how well this book stands on its own, though. When I finished the first book I knew it would be one I’d have to reread to be spun up for Spectyr. I hate feeling lost because I forgot an element of the first book, so I reread it right before starting this one. I have to admit, I had forgotten a lot of the little details since the first time I read it. So keep that in mind if you’re feeling hazy about the particulars of the first book.

Spectyr starts just a few months after the end of Geist, so we’re away from the characters long enough to give them time to work out the kinks left over from the tangle at the end of book one, but not long enough to miss anything significant to the development of their bond. Raed is still away and Merrick and Sorcha both miss him, although obviously Sorcha misses him a tad bit more. ;) Sorcha has finally moved to resolve the mess with her husband, and I, for one, am ecstatic. I don’t have the same rules for Fantasy that I do for Romance, but I still couldn’t help but grimace over Sorcha’s dallying in the last book, so I’m hopeful that it’ll finally be resolved soon.

Sorcha is just as badass as she was in the first book, but the bond has smoothed out her harder edges, so she’s more approachable and less apt to “Hulk Smash” first and ask questions later. She has grown to respect and trust Merrick more and more and has grown dependent upon the unique nature of their bond. We get to see a slight, but definite, realignment of roles in the bond. Surprising developments in matters of dominance and power come into play. I am intrigued, to say the least, about what the author has planned for these three.

I loved that we finally got more background information on Merrick, Sorcha, and Raed. Sorcha’s past was the least developed, but what we learned about Raed and Merrick was great. I was totally surprised away by the details I learned about Merrick and was heartbroken to hear about Raed’s past struggles (and failures) with the Rossin. I’m starting to notice a definite trend of his to blame himself for everything, even if he’s only indirectly involved, and I’m not sure I like it. I can understand it, but his relentless guilt is going to cause him to be more lenient toward certain people than I want him to be.

I’m impressed with how well Ballantine layer the action and intrigue into such a short book—in terms of fantasy books, that is. She did a great job developing twists and turns and packing an emotional wallop into only 310 pages. The emotional development between the main characters is so much deeper than it was in the first book, and we even get to branch off into some other characters to watch their story arc play out.

If there was a single complaint I could make, it was that I occasionally found the pacing of the book a bit off. I enjoyed watching the author maneuver the characters into place and liked getting to watch the evolution of a side character’s descent into fanaticism, but I felt that they slowed the momentum at times. I also wanted to throat punch a couple characters toward the end, but I think that’s what the author was going for, so that’s not a complaint. :) Bottom line, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.

Favorite Quote:

"It had come to Sorcha's attention since getting her new Sensitive that she was perhaps lacking in the social graces. Without him, now was the perfect time to try to find some.

"Lovely weather," she barked at the nearest blonde beauty.

The girl spun around like she'd been shot and stared at the naked Deacon in open hostility."

Review posted on Fiction Vixen.

[Ashley Kvasnicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.75/5

According to the overall reviews, I should have enjoyed this book far more than the first one - but I didn’t. It was a great story all around but there were a few times I got a little bored and it almost felt as if someone else were writing the story then.

A little annoyed with Raed at the end too... like.. d00d....

[Teril · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPECTYR was amazing to read. It picked up right after GEIST had left off and Sorcha and Merrick soon find themselves coming into a horrible vision as well as an ancient battle. SPECTYR will test the limits of all of their bonds, and our three characters: Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed will struggle within theirs pasts and their futures.

Philippa Ballantine has created another masterpiece in this Second Book of the Order. We find out more about our characters while at the same time read of their inner battles of their relationships towards the future. Sorcha is haunted by a visions she cannot deny while trying to refrain from her passions for Raed. Raed struggles within himself, his feelings, his duty and his Rossin. Merrick soon finds himself open to the Otherside and transported far away, separated from Sorcha and sent into his own new quest.

SPECTYR is about choices and the future. It is of protection at what cost and suffering, inner and worldy. The world building in SPECTYR as well as the history lessons of it in the book were perfectly woven together. There was no feeling of too much backstory or lengthy explainations, only a sense of wonder as Ballantine created this fantastical world full of complications and many many oppositions.

I loved the book, and cannot wait to see what else is in store for these characters. The ending left me wanting oh so much more, with a promise of an amazing book to come.

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.

I will say, right off the bat, that I liked this book a lot better than the first volume in the series (Geist). I suspect this was because I knew the characters a bit better, or because I knew what to expect. There is romance in these books, but it's light and of the variety that makes me nervous about the likelihood of a happy ending.
My enjoyment of this book was also due to the fact that I enjoyed the conflict. I'm fascinated by stories where people's religious fanaticism ultimately works against them. This is probably because I was raised by parents who were only fanatic about their fear of organized religion. It's probably akin to watching a car wreck. You can't look away.
Spectyr picks up a few months after the end of Geist. Sorcha is trying to end her failed relationship with her former partner and husband Kolya. Unfortunately, Kolya doesn't want the relationship to end and he's hanging around. Therefore, it's almost a relief when a prophetic dream suggests that Raed, the Young Pretender's life could be in danger. Manufacturing an excuse, Sorcha and Merrick take off for the capital of Chioma, a land which appears to be modeled after the Turkish Empire. At least, its prince has a harem and the environment is a desert. Again, I'd've liked a map to help me sort out all these locations. Instead, I kind of just imagined Chioma being on the northern bit of Africa, facing the Mediterranean.
Sorcha and Merrick find Raed, who has come to Chioma to rescue his sister. It's this very action, of course, that has put him in danger. A goddess has reawakened and she is determined to destroy the Rossin, whom she holds responsible for her imprisonment. Unfortunately, Raed and the Rossin are indivisible. Killing one means killing the other.
Throughout the course of the book, we learn a little more about Merrick, which is nice. The first book focused on the bond that developed between Sorcha, Merrick and Raed. It also provided the conditions for Sorcha and Raed to become romantically involved. In Spectyr, we delve a little deeper into the lives and histories of these characters, but I still can't help wishing Ballantine had revealed more. Sorcha in particular remains a mystery. I'm unclear on how she became so cynical, which in turn makes it hard for me to believe that she was ever able to be married to Kolya at all. She reads as someone who would be as closed off from her husband as he supposedly was to her.
In all, though, this is probably a series that I'll stick with. I like the writing, the dirigible, and, in particular, I like Merrick. I'm hoping that Nynnia doesn't absorbed his every romantic thought, though. Especially since there's potential for him in a character I like much better. I'm probably out of luck there.

[Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectyr is the second Book of the Order (that's the name of the series for anyone who can't figure it out for themselves.) There are four planned so this means we're half way through. This is both exciting (I really want to know how things will pan out between Sorcha and Raed, and what will happen to Merrick - Nynnia, Captain Revele, someone else?) and saddening (I've found myself very attached to the characters in just two short books and it's the sort of storyline where you wish it could just go on and on forever.)

I discovered Geist (the first book) by accident last October. The cover was what drew me in. Who can resist a sexy but mysterious looking woman with blue flames coming from her hands and a huge lion by her side? I obviously couldn't. And I am very glad that I didn't. Geist became one of my favourite reads of 2010 and hit the top of my list of series to keep a very close eye on. I've been hounding Bol.com (Dutch version of Amazon) for the past month or so waiting for the book to become available to order... so imagine my surprise when I found the books on the shelves at my local bookstore a full 10 days before the release date. Happy happy me! I snapped it up, rushed back to the train station and immediately jumped into the book. The cover is just as pretty this time around, fitting with the theme of desert heat. I can't wait to see the artwork for book 3!

(I'm assuming people have read the first book and know the characters.)

The story starts with the Grand Duchess Zofiya releasing an angel of her goddess from its imprisonment. It soon becomes obvious, however, that this was no angel, but the goddess herself... and the goddess is no actual goddess, but a geist lord. And she's out for vengence. One of those at the top of her list is the Rossin, a fellow geist lord, currently residing in Raed. After the events in the first book, Sorcha and Merrick have been working to keep the city of Vermillion clean of geists but when Sorcha receives a vision of Raed, her lover, being murdered by a young woman, she knows she has to go to his rescue. Merrick is equally worried about Raed's safety and both want to get out from under the close watch of the Arch Abbot. They are sent to the city of Orinthal in the south, where Raed is also headed because of the news that his sister has been kidnapped and sold into that prince's harem. Little do they know that they are part of some bigger plan.

This second book was just as good as the first book, if not better because the scope became wider. There are six points of view used: Sorcha, Merrick, Raed, Zofiya, Hatipai (the goddess) and the Rossin. Most chapters are devoted to one PoV but some have two. What I really liked about this was that the author doesn't spend half the book harping on about events in the previous book. She gives gentle reminders of the most important events, which I needed because my strongest memory of Geist is Sorcha and Read in a cave waiting for their clothes to dry. That doesn't mean that she doesn't put too much emphasis on certain points. The "strong link" that Sorcha and Merrick share is mentioned at least four times in the first two chapters containing these two characters and then frequently mentioned again later on. I get that the link is going to have some deeper meaning in one of the future books, but there might be a tad too much emphasis put on it for now.

The one qualm I have with the style is the abuse of the adverb "suddenly". It's one that I don't like to see in writing anyway as it shows the author's opinion and not the narrator's. Philippa Ballantine uses it A LOT. At one point it appears three times in just one page and then again on the next page! There can't be that much suddenly happening all in a row. Sometimes I remove stars from my rating for suddenly abuse, but I just loved this story too much to do so here. Other than the jarring that comes with reading "suddenly", I really enjoy Ballantine's style, it's got a very nice flow to it and easily draws me in.

I adore the relationships between the characters and how they grow. In the first book Sorcha pretty much bullied Merrick, but it's got to the point now where Merrick has become quite dominant in their partnership. Raed and Sorcha are always great to read about, they have such chemistry that all their interactions are believable. In fact, all of the characters have good chemistry, and that might be why I like them so much. I was a little disappointed by final events concerning Onika, it didn't seem very in character for him, but that was the only one.

The story is chock-a-block with twists and turns. Some of them I expected but others caught my by complete surprise, leaving my heart pounding in my chest as I wondered just what consequences these events will have in the future for the characters.

And what an ending! It's not really a cliffhanger, but at the same time the reader is left hanging, not knowing the fate of one of the most beloved characters. I wish I had book 3 in front of me already, I'm already itching to get my fingers on it and the idea that I'll have to wait a full year to find out what happens next, with all these questions spinning in my mind, is painful!

This is definitely one of my favourite current series. Thank you miss Ballantine for the joys your characters, and your writing, bring!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

High fantasy without the completely unpronounceable names and with just enough technology, Spectyr continues the world Philippa Ballantine birthed in Geist and rachets up the complexity and suspense. You never know if, but hope for, the HEA. And, you aren't even sure which characters will survive or if they will survive intact. The characters always driven to survive, to rescue, to save don't and can't even trust the people they travel to rescue. It seems the trio can only trust themselves and a mysterious prince whose visage harbors either a terrible beauty or is of a frighteningly beastly nature -- I am never sure. In fact if there is one problem it is that although the world Philippa builds is described in detail a lot is left up to our imagination to fill in. For example, what does a god-like being look like as it attempts to gather enough atom to build a non-spectral body. Imagine that! Ballantine is asking us to use our own minds to fill in the blanks! In so doing, she will either totally capture your attention and taunt you into staying up late or you will be too tired to do all that heavy thinking and take longer to finish the story. I have a lot of distractions right now, company, injury, life so I found the complexity of the plot and the new area into which they traveled a bit hard to keep track of. But, I am finding pretty much everything hard to keep track of.

Then there are the love stories surprising, hopeless, hopeful and one dwelling in the interstices of time and the worlds. A polygamist culture where the prince isn't cruel and where people are not always people but may be inhabited by other beings. The hardest thing I find and this is nit picky, is Deacon Farris' use of cigars which while in a world somewhat different and yet not entirely different from our own I assume are still of tobacco. I hate cigars (long story) and so I dislike that a character with whom I would like to be comfortable would engage in something so heinous as puffing on something so unpleasantly odoriferous. But that may be Ballantine's point: that we shouldn't be comfortable with Sorcha. Sorcha is edgy, she is strong and she is the scariest thing an otherworldly creature will see. Certainly if small time gods prefer not to meet up with our erstwhile fighter of supernatural crimes, we mortals shouldn't either. Much more cozy is our relationship with her ally and partner, Merrick.

Ballantine brings us a complex world and story lines which all coalesce in the climactic ending, which must be the opening for the net entry in the series. Not much is resolved and unfortunately all my questions would be spoilers (very wily, Ms. Ballantine). But it is also a story filled with heart, with bravery and courageous actions, with plenty of actions. The cultures resemble those in our world so they aren't out of the realm of our ability to imagine them. For example when Philippa describes the head dress worn by the Prince of Chioma I saw something Asian: all white and pearlescent and blinding. The world is familiar enough not to put us off but unfamiliar to the extent we feel the edge. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you sidle up to this edgy world and read Spectyr; it does stand alone, but for the best effect read Geist first. Of course if you read Geist you MUST READ Spectyr. Some gore, tastefully written sex, make this a book for adults.

Please Note: Jason Chan who did the cover art for Geist and Spectyr won the The Chelsey Award (the big award for fantasy artists and are presented by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors.) in the category of Best Cover; Paperback for Geist.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review brought to you by OBS staff member Heidi

This is the second installment of the Book of the Order series by Philippa Ballantine. We are re-introduced to Deacons, Sorcha Faris and Merrick Chambers, who are sworn to protect everyone from the geists or spirits of the world.

Sorcha and Merrick have been pretty disappointed with the jobs they have been assigned as of late and they have given them no real challenge as their superior has made sure that these cases have no true geist activity. So when they arrive on the scene of a case that truly has a geist infestation (spectyrs in fact) they are overwhelmed with excitement, even if it is one of the most powerful geist nests they have ever faced.

They are able to clear all but one of the spectyrs. And that one has a message for Sorcha, “save him”. Both Merrick and Sorcha immediately know who the geist is referring to, as Sorcha has had a vision. Raed, The Pretender to the Throne, is going to be killed. It hasn’t happened yet and since he is part of their bond they feel it is their duty to save him.

They head out on a mission that leads them to the city of Orithal to try to save Raed from his impending doom.

Raed is also led to the city by his search for his kidnapped sister, Fraine, who is rumored to be in the Prince’s Harem.

The little Goddess, Hatipai, is disturbed with the lack of the faithful and is determined to change all of that. She has set all of this in motion as she is determined to get revenge on the Rossin that lives inside of Raed and take over as ruler of Orithal and to regain all of her followers.

I struggled with reading this book and it’s not because it wasn’t a good book, but more that I had not had the pleasure of reading the first installment of the book. I felt that I was at a great disadvantage as so much had apparently happened in Geist and I was just trying to catch up and make sense of everything. And the fact that I was so lost just goes to show how imaginative and detailed Ballantine has made this world and story she has created.

I think the whole premise to this series is enchanting and a great read for anybody that enjoys reading of magic and fighting evil, but I HIGHLY recommend reading this series in order! There is not much repeating of what happened in the previous books like other authors are known to do…so save your confusion and read the series in order as it was intended! As I personally know that I probably would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I had taken that advice.

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ph...

[Mattie Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow beginning, fantastic middle and rushed end.
Aspects of the narrative are really compelling - like the spectral domain (termed the otherside) and background lore setting.
The actual present day narrative at times is slow. Near the end it wasn't too clear what was happening.
But I enjoyed it nonetheless and will read the next book.

[Alicia Aringdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but I can't really say why it didn't grab me the way the first one did. I am hoping the next one will regain the groove.

[Shara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise: ganked from author's website: Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome. She and her partner, Deacon Merrick Chambers, find themselves chasing down rumors of geists, but long for a return to real action. So they jump at the chance to escort a delegation sent to negotiate the terms of the Emperor’s engagement. Their destination: the exotic city of Orinthal.

But a string of murders has Orinthal on edge, and Sorcha and Merrick are asked to investigate. Meanwhile the Emperor’s sister has unwittingly released a cruel and vengeful goddess, one who it bent on destroying her enemies, including the geistlord who resides inside the shapeshifting rival to the throne—Sorcha’s lover….

My Rating: It's a Gamble

This is my middle-of-the-road rating. If you liked the first book, you'll like this next one. If you didn't like the first book, well, I think this book shows a lot of improvements, and it's got me seriously considering the next in the series. It's definitely a series, though, that needs to be read in order. I read Geist two years ago, but I'd forgotten just enough key points from it that reading Spectyr was a wee bit difficult. But for those readers who want to read a secondary-world fantasy that's light in tone (not in content, but tone), I'd highly recommend this series to those readers. Sorcha Faris is definitely of the ass-kicking variety, and while her cigar habit reminds me a wee bit too much of Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica, her character reveals some interesting shades in this book. All the characters held my interest, and the world-building continues to fascinate. It's also an incredibly fast read, something easy to sit down and kick back with and enjoy.

Spoilers, yay or nay?: Nay. Although I do speculate about the fantasy world based on some things discussed in the book, so that in and of itself might be considered a spoiler. So if you're paranoid, don't read the full review at my blog. If you don't care, or if you've read the book, feel free to click the link below to go directly to the full review. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Philippa Ballantine's SPECTYR

Happy Reading!

[Pamela / SpazP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
I was fortunate enough to move from the First Book of the Order novel Geist right on to Spectyr so everything that had been created in the first book was fresh in my mind. Even so, I had to sit here and blink for a while to figure out how to even summarize my impressions. This book was so good that I really had no idea how to start a review for it. I hemmed and I hawed over it, but here I go.

Sorcha Farris and Merrick Chambers leave their Mother Abbey headquarters and travel south to the Hive city of Orinthal. Once again, Merrick takes the role as diplomat while the gruff and snarky Sorcha remains focused on finding the fugitive Prince Raed, whom she cannot stop thinking about. She has received a message from the Otherworld that his life is in danger, and he has been led to Orinthal to save his kidnapped sister. What the three of them find is a city full of fear due to unexplained murders connected to the Royal family. This is all I will tell you they find to prevent any kind of spoiler that would detract from the experience. What they really find is so much more than that. The events and settings are so richly described you will lose yourself in this book. You will also do a little happy dance once Sorch and Raed find one another.

We get to know more about all three of our favorite characters Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed. We learn a lot more about Merrick’s backstory and his family. The fascinating bonds between the three of these characters continue to grow and change. There is no guessing what happens next at every turn. Everything about Spectyr was new and refreshing, with amazingly vivid action and suspense. If you are looking for a new Fantasy series, please look no further. If you have never tried a Fantasy series and are curious, please look no further. Philippa Ballantine’s writing really and truly cannot be beat, and the third book in the series, Wrayth, is on my auto-buy list. Oh, and before I conclude with my gushing, how incredible are the covers for this series? I can tell you that this is definitely a case of the gorgeous covers matching the books perfectly.

Geist
Spectyr
Wrayth (2012)
Harbinger

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to do one thing that I love to do... read books in a series back to back. Oh and don't worry, I won't spoil anything, but you may have to endure an *evil laugh* or two in the process... ;)

This book made it so easy to slip back into this world. Not just because I read the first book, but the way it was written was just brilly. In this book, not only is the world expanded and more interesting to our imagination, but the characters were more rounded out as well. We see even more softness to Sorcha and even into some of her fears. We learn more about Merrick and are surprised at a few twists to his story. Even the Rossin, who is a Geistlord we learned to fear in the first book evolves his character. That was the most surprising and interesting bit of all! And some of the secondary characters who make a comeback have a bit more added to their personality. However, it is not only the characters we got to know in the first book that have a good story, it is also a new character of the Prince, Onika, whom I did not like at first, but rooted for in the end. So yes, if you are looking for characters to connect to with this series, do not neglect this book.

The mystery of the first book evolves and is connected to but different than in the first book. Will I say what that was? *evil laugh* I mean really... if I didn't reveal the first mystery, WHY would I do so here? *mumbles* some people *roll eyes* ;) However, I will say that it is an interesting and on the edge of your seat type of adventure. I will add this for those who love romance. There is much less of it in this one for some characters (but it leaves that door wide open for further romance) and more for others. *evil laugh* You'll just have to read the book to find out what I mean.

I give this book 5 stars. If you read and liked the first, you will love the second book. I can't wait for the third book, Wrayth which is currently being written. Oh and like the first book, it does contain a smidgen of steampunk to ease you into the genre.

[Yiota · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason i was pretty sure i had reviewed Spectyr and i still am but i can't find it anywhere so here i am (again or not again)...


I'm gonna skip how awesome the cover is, since you see by yourself its awesomeness!



I picked Spectyr immediatelly after Geist since as i have already told you it was one of the best fantasy books i've read. In Spectyr, the author gets the chance to open her world more to us. Geist was an introduction but Spectyr is the real deal. You get to learn more about the world, their gods, their history, explore new places and some back story of the characters as well.

So even though at points, i was a little tired of all the new info, still the adventure,action and twists kept me reading and i finished it even faster than Geist.


You might see Sorcha once again at the cover but Merrick is a far important character than her. Merrick is also my favorite character so i was really happy when i learned more about him, see him saving people's asses, have dealings with powerful creatures and becomes stronger as well. Sorcha still had the most action scenes but i believe Merrick steal the light in this one. But no matter who was more important story, it was nice to see that all characters changed through the story and what happened in the previous book too.


Favorite part of the book was when you get to know a lot more about the Deacons connection and how important it is to them. You get to see how vulnerable are alone but how the characters act in difficult situations like that and understand them better.


A great installment of a series that i recommend to any fantasy lover. Be fast and read the books since next one will be out later in 2012! I know i can't for it!

[Jacqie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got halfway through this one- about 150 pages. I was extremely disappointed in this sequel, because I really enjoyed Geist. I was hoping for more of the same. I wasn't feeling well when I read it- maybe it should have made more sense than it did? Because the plot was all over the place, the new culture introduced in this book made little sense, and the writing seemed far choppier than in the first book.

Sadly, I couldn't remember many of the details from the first book, and this one does you no favors if your memory is foggy. Lots of runes are reached for and grabbed during combat, but I was never sure what each rune was actually supposed to do. That fogginess continued as Raed begins moving into what is an obvious trap. His character seemed different in this book.

Finally, our younger Deacon is suddenly related very closely to the royal family in the culture to which we are shifted. None of the noble succession lines made the faintest bit of sense to me, and the culture seemed to just be made out of pieces to contrast with the pseudo-european culture of the first book, not because it made much sense in itself. This book badly needed a map in order to figure out where things were and why they were important to each other.

Finally, the writing felt like it badly needed an editor. The characterization of the Emperor's sister was ham-handed and overblown. It started the book off on a bad footing. All of the writing seemed to jump all over the place, and didn't flow smoothly.

I was a real fan of the first book, but I will be approaching future books in this series with more caution. That seems to be the stories for sequels this year. I'm looking at you, Patrick Rothfuss, George R. R. Martin, Jim Butcher!

[Wyrdness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, but I didn't like it as much as the first one.

I think this is probably because the story revolves around a very contrived seeming set of circumstances that were basically held together by the ignorance and stupidity of various characters, all things that I absolutely hate.

The plot also lost points with me because it was so absolutely focused on an entire country of religious fanatics with such an insular culture that they wouldn't hear any sense at all. Nearly every single person met was some crazily devout worshipper and it was completely unbelievable, especially in a city wide open to visiting traders who'd naturally bring their own culture and beliefs with them. Also, given the history of the world as stated in the first book, I can't understand why people would be so open to religion anyway since they believed the "little gods" refused (or were powerless) to help at the Breaking when the geists entered the world. Why would you willingly worship something that has already demonstrated that they can't or wont help you? What would be the point?

Still, despite some issues with the plot the action was quite entertaining, I continue to like the characters even if I think they work better together instead of separated, and the writing generally flowed well and did a decent job of setting the scene.

I will be reading the third book in the series but I am not so enthused that I really want to prioritise it over something else. Perhaps I'll benefit from taking a short break first so I can let everything sink in a bit.

[Cherry Mischievous · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book after I finished Geist, but this book is even a slower starter than Geist was! It took me longer to get into this book than it did with Geist. Somehow the story telling quality felt like it wasn't as good as it did with Geist... Anyhow, one thing remains certain, the story and world building is beautiful and vivid, if not even more intricate! I could easily imagine myself in that world... It's a frontier world of magic on the brink of discoveries... A lot of unknowns to explore... I think it's actually grown on me. And by the way, it's skimming very closely to steampunkery... it got dirigibles. I bet steampunk fans will love this! This book showed the same wonderful "story building skills" that I saw in Geist. The story has a cohesive and coherent structure with a central dilemma and an ending with good resolution! And that won lots of brownie points with me. The ending also pointed to a lot of things going on with the next book enough to keep a reader hooked to the series, so am looking forward to the next book...

Though, I think the best part about this book is it's cover art. It's even better than book 1! My fantasy buff eyes just fell in love with the cover!!

Overall, this book has a good story structure but the story telling quality has slightly fallen so I would give this book a 3 out of 5.

[Odin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deacons of the Order, Sorcha Farris and Merrick Chambers travel to a distant kingdom where Merrick comes face to face with his past and his future. Sorcha tries to save the world around her as she reconnects with Raed Rossin, the Young Pretender that has a geistlord living inside him. Together these heroes will not only take on the world, they take on a god.

Ms. Ballantine delivers. Again. Her writing grabs you in a way that is visceral. It hits early. It hits repetitively. It hits hard. No cheap shots are taken. None are needed. You see, Ms. Ballantine knows how to write characters that make you care. Regardless of whether Sorcha, Merrick or Raed turns out to be your favorite, you're going to find plenty to like and your favorite will live for you.

Spectyr is a thrill packed adventure full of everything that makes a good book great. As you realize you're heading in to the last fifty pages, you ask yourself how Ms. Ballantine can hope to pull this story together. Don't worry. She does.

And then leaves you wanting more. Wrayth (the next Book of the Order) can't be released soon enough.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many many twists and surprises. Then again you expect that with a political thriller which this undoubtedly is. I really like Sorcha and Raed. Though I wish they had gotten more time together. So far their relationship has been in fits and grabs which doesn't really allow for any escalation of the romance. Well of course they aren't suited so that's causing a real problem and conflict of interest.

I liked Merrick too and though he gets to see Nynnia again, it's rather sad. I hope he finds someone else - maybe Captain Revele?

My only complaint is that it's too similar to the Kate Daniels series. Instead of a Beastlord there is a geistlord. Of course the beastlord is good while the geistlord is evil. The main character also works for an Order protecting the citizens. The only thing it really lacked was sex. Well romance at all really. Maybe in the next installment we'll get some movement on some of these relationships.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, I did not really focus on what I was reading. Not the best of weeks. It was good, but my focus was so off. Seriously, I was about to pick it up yesterday....and realised I had finished it the day before. Yeah. Sorry book. I might have missed a thing or two.

So...evil goddess wants to kill that guy with a beast inside of him. Sorcha the one with magic and her partner wants to stop that, and get out of town. Since her husband is a dick. Yes yes I know, I really kept my attention on this. Sigh.

Evil goddess was evil, sprinkle in some surprises. One was sad. Oh oh, wtf with that freaking royal bitch. Grrrrrrrrr. I hope she gets what is coming to her.

I am so glad it worked even if my attention was nowhere to be found. I hope I am in a better mood when I read the next one

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, a good author builds a believable and interesting world and then populates the world with interesting characters. A very good author makes the reader care about not only the main characters, but also the supporting ones. Ballantine is a very good author. I enjoyed this book as much the second time as the first.

[Keith Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting book set in a rich vibrant world. While I'd like to smack Pip for a cliffhanger at the end I enjoyed it thoroughly and am looking forward to the next installment.

[Nat]

a solid sequel. I would still like to learn more about their magic system though.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the book started a little slow, and only picked up speed halfway through the story. However, once it did pick up speed, it went lightning fast.

An engaging read all round.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is never quite how you imagine it.

Warning: this post may contain spoilers or necessary information found in the first book, Geist.

You will definitely be thrown for a loop with this book. So many things are going on, and they all pull together. Geist seemed like such a huge feat, but Ballantine was definitely not prepared to go home. She went big! I give 5 stars for this detailed, well-written book.

This book once again delves into the powers of geists and the Otherside, with the introduction of spectyrs (like ghosts) who seek vengeance from those who wronged them. I didn't realize why Ballantine made the point of this in the beginning of the book...

This book continues in the principality of Vermillion, (part of the larger Arkaym nation) only one month after the attack of The Murashev, the most powerful geistlord, under the ossuary (from Book #1). It picks up with the despised Grand Duchess, and she is yet again getting in hot water and about to create more havoc and danger for the kingdom by calling on a goddess long without support, at least in Vermillion.

Sorcha is (rightfully so) very cynical and bitter about the Emperor and the Order, given what happened on her assignment in the previous book and the betrayal of the Arch Abbot. The people do not trust, let alone respect, any of the Order anymore...when in fact their mistrust and fear should reside with the Emperor - or moreover, his militant sister, who just so happens to be second to the throne. Merrick is certain that time will pass and the people's faith in the Order will return.

The geist attacks have continued - although some are truly real, and others are just calls of paranoid citizens who believe they have a geist in their midst. During Sorcha and Merrick's task, we find out they are assigned areas where there are no real geist attacks...except this is not the case this time. Precious Nynnia comes to them from the Otherside and gives a warning and glimpse of the future to Sorcha - a foreboding of what is to come.

Since they returned to Vermillion as hunted fugitives in Book #1, the new Arch Abbot is keeping an eagle eye on Sorcha and Merrick. They are assigned meaningless tasks - guarding empty halls, escorting wagons of porcelain. They are kept on a very tight leash...with Sorcha's husband and former partner, Kolya, following along. Although she has filed for the equivalent of a divorce in their world as well as dissolution of their Deacon's partnership, Kolya is dillusioned into thinking her leaving the Abbey to save their world was merely her living in her fairytale mindset and "sneaking out" to avoid him. Grow up, pal. Which brings up a reminder of a couple things: Sorcha still shares a Deacon's Bond with her husband, as well as one with her new partner, Merrick. And her bond with Merrick is so much stronger it is beyond what any Deacon's Bond should be. But then, Sorcha and Merrick also share a Triple Bond with Raed the Young Pretender that was forged in haste in Book #1, that neither of them can break...and that's not all she wrote! This Triple Bond will serve as the integral locking puzzle piece that draws this book together.

Meanwhile, the Young Pretender receives a summons from someone I thought dead from the way the first book went and must find his missing sister. He learns he cannot trust his entire crew, and singles some out for this excursion. Connection? Oh yes. But it's not what I thought at all - it's SO much bigger.

Now that Kolya is out of the infirmary, which his own rash actions caused, rumors abound within the Mother Abbey since Sorcha has moved out of their chamber into a small one next to Merrick - but they won't be there for long. Kolya is like that crazy ex-girlfriend (or boyfriend, in this case) who just doesn't get it. And wouldn't even if you remarried. That's how out of it he is. We didn't see much at all of his character, let alone characteristics, in Book #1. The only thing we really gleaned from his character in Book #1 was that he likes to defy the rules (walking among crowds during a geist attack) and that he didn't care one whit for his marriage. Not much has changed, except we find out he's crazy and oblivious and annoying. As hell. Oh, AND in cahoots with Sorcha's nemesis Rictun, who I think is just as tainted as former Abbot Hastler was.

Although Merrick has grown up some during his experience, and even with the betrayal of Arch Abbot Hastler, he is completely blinded to the animosity that the new Arch Abbot Rictun has for Sorcha. Indeed, as a reader we saw this in Book #1, but now that he is the head of the Order it really piques my curiosity. Yet Sorcha seems to have an ally on the Order Council - an enemy of Rictun's? (I hope so - I'm holding out for a revolution of sorts; each time I see Rictun's name I read it with a stink eye.)

The Emperor, Kal, is in the hot seat: he must choose a wife - a proffered princess from other kingdoms in the empire. He must choose wisely, and he ironically chooses Princess Ezefia, sister of Prince Onika of Chioma, who is fabulously wealthy. Chioma is a principality south of Vermillion, home to all strange spices but also the most powerful, hard-to-detect poisons...and it's the oldest kingdom, with the same ruling family since its beginning. And there are strange rumors about their ruler, quite strange rumors. Sorcha and Merrick accompany Princess Ezefia back to Chioma...but I think they are all getting more than they bargained for. Meanwhile, Raed's journey to find his sister leads him right to Chioma.

During their separate journeys to Chioma, it becomes apparent that Raed, Sorcha and Merrick are battling their own very personal issues on this journey. They arrive in Chioma and it seems like Ulrich all over again. The Prince of Chioma is not safe even inside the walls of his palace. There have been several murders already - of his unusual bloodline. The first murder was his Chancellor, second to Prince Onika, but all are told he died of old age...yet there's no body. The Deacons of Chioma are quite odd; they openly worship the "little gods", but particularly the goddess Hatipai. They wear robes of her colors - not colors of the Order they were sworn into. And then Sorcha and Merrick get separated...

Although Raed is on the hunt for his sister, and he has a handful of his most trusted working to find her...he is betrayed in the worst way possible. Reading this part, and his anguish of experiencing the terror and horror that the Rossin causes, and the fact that this beast killed his own mother, my heart hurt for him during this section. It was obvious his anguish and guilt and success at protecting from the Rossin was not considered. I felt those who betrayed him were very selfish, not seeing the big picture...but in a way, I agreed with one. Ten years of staying away, no real communication, is a long, trying, hard time.

I found it interesting that Ballantine references Raed's grandfather's reign - and the biggest problem he dealt with was slavery. He was the Abe Lincoln of the time, which is as yet unknown, but he also kept a diary as a young intended royal and mentions some interesting things about Chioma, including a brief and unexplained comment about it being an "ancient enemy." Hmmmmmm - the premise for Book #3?