448p.
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Published: 5/13/14
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review
Six months have passed since the wizard Colby lost his best friend to an army of fairies from the Limestone Kingdom, a realm of mystery and darkness beyond our own. But in vanquishing these creatures and banning them from Austin, Colby sacrificed the anonymity that protected him. Now word of his deeds has spread, and powerful enemies from the past—including one Colby considered a friend—have resurfaced to exact their revenge.
As darkness gathers around the city and time runs out, Colby has to turn to forces even darker than those he once battled for aid.
Following such masters as Lev Grossman, Erin Morgenstern, and Kim Harrison, C. Robert Cargill takes us deeper into an extraordinary universe of darkness and wonder, despair and hope to reveal the magic and monsters around us . . . and inside us.My thoughts:
I did not read the first one, but sort of knew what to expect after reading a few reviews of the first book. It was twisty like the first one is described and I didn't get lost. Yes, I knew I was missing story, but it was only important to know that things happened in the first book, not exactly what.
The book switches timelines quite frequently and is also interspersed with excerpts from a "book" that explains the mythology of various dark things. While it was quite interesting and kept me reading, it also kept me at arms length from the characters. I was never fully immersed into the plot despite my continued interest. I also need to say that even though it also skips timelines without fanfare, you don't get lost. I questioned it when it first happened, but it was obvious that is what happened and it gave you information you needed for the quest Colby was to embark.
In the end I give this book 3 stars. I actually enjoyed it and loved how the author brought together all kinds of mythology and folk tales to life. I especially enjoyed seeing La Llorona and Coyote. Coyote has always been my fave and because I know the La Llorona legend so well, I enjoyed seeing his dealings with her.
I recommend this to people who want something really different and like retellings of different mythology.
I don't think I'd be brave enough to read this without having read the first book, but I am glad you enjoyed it. The mythological aspects definitely sound worthwhile, so I'll be looking out for this author's work in this series for sure. Lovely review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't lost at all, but I did feel like I missed how Colby became who he was.
DeleteI love Coyote stories too. Native American folklore and books featuring it are among my favorites. La Llorona on the other hand . . . CREEPTASTIC. Which isn't exactly a surprise based on my prior experience with this series, LOL. I do think that I'll continue reading it, but I'm probably going to wait until it concludes. I need some resolution with my creepy ;)
ReplyDeleteJessica @ Rabid Reads
Well La Llorona wasn't in the story too long, but yes... creeptastic! :) I'm glad you posted your review. I wasn't sure going in until I read your review on the first book.
DeleteEveryone check out her review for the first book!
Though like yourself I'm not adverse to reading a series out of sequence but because of its twisting I think this is probably best read from book one.
ReplyDeleteYou really don't get lost but I do want to go back to the first one to see what I missed.
DeleteI don't know the La Llorona story at all! I'll have to look that up. The only things I know about Coyote are what I've learned from the Mercy Thompson books, but I can't wait to learn more. The mythology angle of this one fascinates me:)
ReplyDeleteHeh... La Llorona scared the * out of me when I was a kid. LOL You also need to read about Coyote in the Iron Druid books too. He is a hoot there as well. :)
DeleteI've always loved Coyote and his role in Native American folklore. Gotta love a trickster! And I love mythology. Love it.
ReplyDeleteUsually the trickster can bring much needed lessons to the storyline. I hope they start using Loki in the marvel movies that way.
DeleteLove Coyote! My fave trickster god. :D You may not like the format, but then maybe you will!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I missed commenting on your blog. I'm back and blogging again. Woohoo! Happy dance! Lol. anyways, wanted to say hi and you'll see more of me here reading your awesome reviews. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW: This book sounds really nice. The cover is a bit creepy!
I knew I had not seen book 1 around here ;)
ReplyDeleteSwitching in timelines can confuse me if not done right. Will you be reading the first one? I can't read out of order.
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ReplyDeleteThis one sounds interesting. I hadn't heard of the series but it has a good cover!
Ooo, I just saw this one in my email for...a book store or was it NetGalley? I don't remember, but I remember seeing the book. Sounds good. :)
ReplyDeleteYou skipped the first book?! My OCD does not compute! lol. I actually like timelines like this, so that'll probably be a plus for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the La Llorona story. I'd like to learn about it, but I think I'll just Wiki it. There are just too many books to read right now!! I am so surprised you didn't read in order. That is so unlike you!!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see you weren't lost. I confess I don't know about this series but I can understand it's difficult when you can't really get into the story...
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the blending of mythologies in fiction, and Coyote is a personal favourite of mine, so I might check this one out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteWhile I love all the added deets, it is sad it kept you from fully engaging with the characters. Thanks for all the comments this week, I have pneumonia and as soon as I am able I will return the love..
ReplyDeleteOnce again I'm in awe of you ability to dive into a series without reading book one! :-) I'm way too OCD to do that. Glad to hear you enjoyed the legends (big Coyote fan here too), but it's a shame the characters kept you at arms length. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI usually try to read book one first, but I've read series skipping books... so I'm okay with that. Great review too. :)
ReplyDeleteThis one is on my wishlist, Melissa. did read and enjoyed book one, so I'm all set to go :) Great review!
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