410 p.
Publisher: Aardwolf Press
Published: 9/23/14
Source: From Kismet BT and author for review
Politics and magic make dangerous bedfellows.
Deep within the Order, the seeds of corruption have taken root. While younger generations of the Gifted have embraced modern democratic values, a secret society of old-guard zealots seek a return to the past, when only European men of distinguished bloodlines held power.
Now, three venerable European families and a maverick American each plot to seize control of the Order and shape it to their will. A cutthroat game of political intrigue will decide the winner; and the stakes couldn't be higher, for ruling the Order carries with it the power to grant—or deny—an afterlife.My thoughts:
What begins as a battle of wills could turn into an all-out war. And magic could prove deadlier than any missile.
I admit that one of the reasons I wanted to read this book is the cover. Jenny of Seedlings (and Supernatural Snark) first brought this to my attention because she designed the cover. I was intrigued by the cover and the blurb. The cover really is connected well to the story and you will see why once you read it. The second reason is the author Jenna Black. I have enjoyed her past books and so I was looking forward to this book.
I admit that sometimes fantasy is quite slow to me. These books often deal with political strife which takes me a bit longer to really get enveloped into the story. However once the players are finally set and we know who is ambitious, ruthless, kind and sincere the story usually takes off for me. It was the same in this book as well. It took me a while to become totally invested, but once I was I didn't want the story to end.
My biggest complaint for the book was the multi-POVs within the storyline. It took me a minute to figure out who was who and keep it straight in my head. However, all the information is necessary and I found later that I enjoyed having more than one POV. All the players are important and I liked getting inside each head. I also had a time figuring out the world in this one.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend this book to those that like political fantasy set in an interesting world of magic.
I always have a problem with multiple POVs as well so it made me anxious but I'm quite curious because of Jenny and the cover and I liked the book by the author I tried. So maybe one day too.
ReplyDeleteIt can be confusing at first but really takes off in the end.
DeleteWhenever I start a book wht multiple POV's J always feel a tad disconnected from the story so I'm sort of worried about going into this one and having that experience. Yet again, I love Jenny's cover and so I'm curouis enough to read t because of that! Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I did feel a bit disconnected to some characters but I did connect to others. Once everything is straight in my head, I didn't mind it at all.
DeleteOh my gosh thanks so much for the shout out Melissa! *tackle hugs you* I tend to struggle a touch with multiple POVs initially as well, but like you, often end up liking all of them in the end. Glad you felt they were all necessary, and that each added something to the overall story!
ReplyDeleteJenny you are so talented! It fits so perfect with the book!
DeleteNow this sounds like something that little bit different, it is often that you see politics and magic combined. Not that I'm sure it would work for me but I'm certainly intrigued by the idea.
ReplyDeleteIf you like political fantasy this one is perfect! Most fantasies have some sort of politics running through it.
DeleteMultiple POVs are definitely difficult to like. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. I"m glad that all the character's voices made an impact on the story. The blurb got me hooked so I'll definitely will be checking this one out.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :)
DeleteI just loooooooooove this cover so I was hoping the book might be slightly stronger but I'm glad to hear you adjusted well to the multiple PoVs after awhile. I definitely need to see where these books head before diving into them but they seem incredibly promising. Wonderful review, Melissa! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is because so much needs to be established. Now that it is, I think the subsequent books will take off faster.
DeleteI think you'll like the political intrigue in the story.
ReplyDeleteI love political fantasy and I absolutely adore this cover! I've been curious to see what reactions are before reading it. I think I would like it, even if I do sometimes struggle with multiple POV's. I'll definitely give it a try! Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI highly enjoyed this one, especially with all the twisty-turny politics but, yeah, the multiple POV got confusing sometimes.
ReplyDeleteLove that the cover has some connection to the book. That always makes me happy. The multiple POVs can be so hard. I've read some where they just nail it and it's so so good and others where it really makes me struggle with the read. Glad it was an overall good one for ya :)
ReplyDeleteThe cover is very lovely! And great review.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting so used to multiple pov's now that I kind of miss them when they aren't there. I need to know what everyone is thinking. lol
ReplyDeleteFantasy is always rough for me. I don't usually enjoy political intrigue - which these are most of the time but if I make it past a certain point and get invested in the characters i love it.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
Multiple POVs aren't my favorite thing either, I tend to struggle with them a lot, especially in an already complex genre, but I AM looking forward to this for many reason. I'm a huge fan of Jenna's work.
ReplyDeletePolitical fantasy, ok yes I can read that :)
ReplyDeleteThe issue with multiple POV sounds discouraging
ReplyDeleteLike George R.R. Martin convoluted POV's and political fantasy? :) I can watch it on TV but reading it gets to confusing!
ReplyDeleteI do love Jenna Black, though! Loved your review, too!
How cool that Jenny did that cover? It's amazeballs gorgeous!
I definitely agree about the cover, it's amazing! I'm not always a fan of multiple POV's, but I guess it depends on the story.
ReplyDelete