Cas Peace

This was my first book by Cas, silly of me ,yes, as it is rather far down the line, in the series. However, I still completely and utterly enjoyed it. I have now gone back to read the previous books, as I loved it so much.

I found Peace's writing style very good. There was a tone of doom and gloom, throughout the book, and actually a good bit of the series, which I thought was true to the horror aspect. However, she also has a way of making even the darkest moments have their little bits of hope and light. The story is woven in a way that you feel completely hopeless, but are hopeful, for those we are focused upon.

The level of detail put in to the writing was superb. It meant that not only did the characters come to life, but the world was real and the very actions taken were real. This really brought out the dark aspect, as it was very easy to get caught in what was happening, and even almost forget that you aren't there with them.

The pace was good. Having gone back and read the previous, I will say it is a bit slower, but only so much in that it builds the tension even more. It was swift enough to keep me completely enthralled, but definitely leant enough time to allow for build up. It was very well written, with regards to this, and I honestly think it is one of the reasons I loved the book so much.

Overall, I was impressed and very entertained. I highly recommend this book for those who like to read a little on the darker side. It is well-written and keeps you hooked until the last page.

** This is my honest and unbiased opinion and was not affected in any way.… (meer)

That is a problem with writing a novel, is that you tell a tale and it has a beginning, a middle, and an end... This has a beginning, and it could have had a middle but as you keep reading you find that this is really only the beginning, and at th end of this part, the characters who you may like are not developed enough to like.

Are hero is Taran, no Sully, no Robin... No you don't know who the hero is and the structure is so poorly developed. There is an invasion of two platoons of thirty men, and then several companies of 400 men each are needed to stop it. One company led by a captain who never had to command before, but he is a Captain and has been one for many years.

They live in a manor that has hallways so long and intersecting that you can get lost and closed common rooms instead of ones that are open affairs that barracks would have instead of a building so massive that thousands of men, and a stable for as many horses can support.

World building is not strong here. Nor a reality that people could live in. Or why is our lead Taran really such a fool who says he has searched for other spell users but could not find them, when there are several not but a days ride away? There are places in the narrative that are clear info dumps, and what could have been a stronger tale are mired in that our heroes country has no one at all smart enough to understand what are villains are about. Yet those who live in the country of our villain all can see the plots.

So aside from the bad guys doing bad things, they seem to be the side with the brains. Why then should we like the heroes?… (meer)

My full review will be posted next week in conjunction with the blog tour. In the meantime, here is the general book information, my basic recommendations, and the synopsis for your perusal.

Please note: If you are reading this review on a site that does not allow formatting, please follow the link in my profile to my blog, Now is Gone, to view formatting and links.

Book Info: Genre:
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of the series, fans of epic fantasy
Book Available: Paperback was released August 15, 2013
Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, killing, treachery
Extra Stuff: Music to go with the book can be found at the author's website, linked here where permitted.

Series Information: Artesans of Albia trilogy
Book 1: King's Envoy review linked here
Book 2: King's Chamption review linked here
Book 3: King's Artesan full review to be posted August 22
Another series is planned, to be called Circle of Conspiracy. I have no additional information as to book titles or publication dates at this time.

Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review in conjunction with a blog tour. Follow the link to see tour dates and locations. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Unable to purge herself of the poison that is slowly killing her, Major Sullyan remains trapped in Andaryon. The only thing that can save her is the Staff, which still lies buried in Taran’s cellar.

Robin Tamsen sets out on a desperate quest to recover the artifact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. Sonten knows where the Staff is, and he will stop at nothing to get it back. If he does, Sullyan’s life will be forfeit and no Artesan will be safe.

The race for the Staff has begun.… (meer)

Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of the series, of great world-building and character development, good stories in general
Trigger Warnings: Torture, rape, violence, war, murder
Animal Abuse: Rykan abuses several horses in various ways

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Artesans of Albia series, following King’s Envoy, which I read and reviewed in July of 2011 (review here where formatting is allowed). I wanted to re-read that book before I started this one, since it had been so long, but I have fallen far enough behind on my reviewing, so I will press ahead and hope for the best instead.

This book was thoroughly as enjoyable as the first. Peace is a very talented storyteller, and able to create characters that resonate with the reader. Whether hero or villain or just a regular person, you feel connected, like you know them yourself. This is a rare talent, and I’m very honored to have had the opportunity to experience such wonderful storytelling.

This book ends on a cliffhanger, but the next book in the series is scheduled for release later this year, also by Rhemalda. Be sure to watch for it; I know I will! Highly recommended.

And now a private message to Cas Peace. This is a major spoiler, so you have been warned!
(view spoiler)

Disclosure: I received an ARC e-book copy of this novel from Rhemalda Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan s dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch s generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.… (meer)