Monday, June 8, 2015

The Desert Spear by Peter V. Brett

Series: Demon Cycle #2
579 p.
Published: 4/13/10
Publisher: Del Ray
Source: Library
The sun is setting on humanity. The night now belongs to voracious demons that arise as the sun sets, preying upon a dwindling population forced to cower behind ancient and half-forgotten symbols of power. These wards alone can keep the demons at bay, but legends tell of a Deliverer: a general-some would say prophet-who once bound all mankind into a single force that defeated the demons. Those times, if they ever existed, are long past. The demons are back, and the return of the Deliverer is just another myth . . . or is it?
My thoughts:

I was not sure if I would enjoy this book. I knew it was mostly about Jardir who in the first book was a total jerk. I wasn't sure if I wanted to soften to this character and that often happens when we get their story. Well, I need not worry. While I did soften a bit and found he wasn't just a jerk he still was responsible for the decisions he made. I did enjoy learning more about this character... I will admit that. :)

I was happy when we got more about the other characters of Leesha, Arlen and Rojer. I think Rojer shines more in this book than the last but I had a few problems with Leesha and Arlen. I didn't have those problems until the last of the book however. I did enjoy their journey which did seem to lead them into learning more about themselves and the world around them. I was happy we got more of that but then they started making romantic decisions that just didn't set right with me and ended with me just saying... "NO!"

However...

This also peaked my interest. If the author sets things back to right or at least convinces me that these decisions hold a greater value or at least make sense in a much less impulsive way than I will sing this author's praises. I do actually think there is a chance of that and I know that there is a purpose here that is leading to something else. You can see the intention so I must know where this leads. Yes, even though I was upset with the ending, I want to know more.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I might have given it just a 3 but the story kept me interested and I'm still curious about how the story will progress despite the problems I had with this book. I recommend it to those that enjoy adult fantasy.

25 comments:

  1. Well hell, now I'm really curious what the heck went on. I usually love getting an installment from the jerk of previous books. I think I already have the first book n my tbr.

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    1. I ended up enjoying his character even though he was still a jerk. :)

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  2. Intrigued by your review, this sounds like a book of the good and not so good.

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    1. Some problems with characterization but not so much to pull me out of it. :)

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  3. Oh Melissa i'm intriguied now....I need to start this series since i'm eager to find out what in the world went on!
    Lily @ Lilysbookblog

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  4. Glad that it kept your interest despite some issues

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    1. The world is building nicely and that keeps me into the series.

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  5. I honestly don't remember this series at all, but if the second book is so good, and the first is even better, I need to get my hands on it asap. I understand you had some problems with it, but overall it seems worth my time.

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    1. You might enjoy it more than I did and have less problems. The worldbuilding is shaping up the more the series goes.

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  6. This sounds like a character growth book, showing the jerk isn't the jerk you thought. I don't remember the first book, I need to go look.

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    1. Actually he is still a jerk. ;D I didn't change my mind on that. :)

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  7. I've never heard of this series until know, but it sounds pretty good. Probably not something I'd ever pick up though and I know exactly how you feel about those type of endings >.< Thanks or sharing though :D

    Asma @ IceyBooks

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  8. Glad you took a chance and read this and liked it but that it didn't soften you too much to the MC. I know what you mean about that happening. That happened with me with Warren from the Shatter Me series when I read his novella and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. :P

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  9. I read a 100 pages but nah, he was a jerk

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  10. I haven't heard of this one and I'm also not sure this is for me but I'm glad to see you went out of your comfort zone and this was quite good, despite some flaws. Thanks for such an honest review, Melissa! :)

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  11. I haven't heard of this one! Now I'm curious.

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  12. Does the world have an Arabian feel to it? The names sound middle eastern as well as the cover art. Color me curious.

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  13. sorry for the ending but it's great that you could learn more about the character like that.

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  14. " I was happy we got more of that but then they started making romantic decisions that just didn't set right with me and ended with me just saying... "NO!""

    Well, that doesn't sound awesome Melissa! I'm both curious and super nervous about how things play out in this one now. I'll be interested to see if the author remedies everything in the next book:)

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  15. Hmmm...I'm kind of curious about this series now! I kind of like when I don't like a character and then start to once I'm in their head. I guess it makes us see them a little different.

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  16. I love these books that frustrate the reader and yet we want more..ya know?

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  17. You are ahead of me in this series now. I do want to get back to it, but I so enjoyed the first book the way it was done. *sigh* I'll get there.

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  18. That's good it kept your interest enough to enjoy it. I have one of his other books on my shelf. One day hopefully I'll get there.

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