Spectyr (Book of the Order #2) by Philippa Ballantine

Description:

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….

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.
I received this book by the publisher ACE books for review and no compensation was given.