Monday, September 14, 2015

The Undying Legion by Clay and Susan Griffith

Hm... seems like I forgot something when I posted the 3rd book but not the 2nd's book review... Yea, I'm organized like that. So here is the review of the second book. The first book is The Shadow Revolution and the third book in the trilogy is The Conquering Dark (both reviews linked in the title).

Series: Crown & Key #2
384 p.
Published: June 30, 15
Publisher: Del Rey
Source: Library
With a flood of dark magic about to engulf Victorian London, can a handful of heroes vanquish a legion of the undead? 
When monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane comes across the gruesome aftermath of a ritual murder in a London church, he enlists the help of magician-scribe Simon Archer and alchemist extraordinaire Kate Anstruther. Studying the macabre scene, they struggle to understand obscure clues in the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the victim’s heart—as well as bizarre mystical allusions to the romantic poetry of William Blake. One thing is clear: Some very potent black magic is at work. 
But this human sacrifice is only the first in a series of ritualized slayings. Desperate to save lives while there is still time, Simon, Kate, and Malcolm—along with gadget geek Penny Carter and Charlotte, an adolescent werewolf—track down a necromancer who is reanimating the deceased. As the team battles an unrelenting army of undead, a powerful Egyptian mummy, and serpentine demons, the necromancer proves an elusive quarry. And when the true purpose of the ritual is revealed, the gifted allies must confront a destructive force that is positively apocalyptic.
My thoughts:
This is a trilogy so I recommend reading these books in order. This book builds on the last and I think you won't be as involved with the characters if you didn't read the first book. Plus, I do think that although I really enjoyed the adventure and mystery, I enjoyed the characters even more.

This one is just your typical day for the group when they have to save the world AGAIN. However, the mystery of the first book bleeds into this one hen we are up against an impossible enemy. As in the first book, twists abound and we are left with something I didn't expect. There is a small cliffie for the ending, but nothing one can't handle especially knowing the next book is the last. I so can't wait to see how they fix something they didn't know could be broken.

I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to those that enjoy mystery, intrigue and a bit of steampunk.

31 comments:

  1. I'm catching up on my BEA books and this series is on my list once I do.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  2. Heh. Who needs to post reviews in order? I like that you keep us on our toes, and just when we think we're going to get a review for book two you're all NOPE! Here's book 3. Two will come later ;-)

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  3. The characters were definitely the best part of this series!

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  4. I have the first on my wish list, I am excited to read this series!

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  5. I kept eyeing this one at the library, but my arms were already full so I will have to wait and get this one later. Glad to know that the cliffie isn't bad.

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    1. Um... isn't that what overstuffed book bags are for? LOL I know what you mean and I know you have a full schedule. :)

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  6. LOL totally having a giggle over missing the post. So sounds like something I would manage. I'm pretty excited about getting to try them. It's our next book club read (finally)

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    1. Who me??? 0;-) <- innocent, I tell ya!

      I think you'll have fun with this one.

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  7. Everyone is loving this series, I bought the first book awhile back, and I really need to read it.

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  8. I just started book one on audio and I'm really enjoying it so far! The narration is really good and I already love the characters. I can't wait to learn more about this world!

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  9. I wish there's another book or even a spin off with Penni, Charlotte and Malcolm! You will love the third book and will clamor for more!

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  10. Hehhe..saving the world again..just another day at the office. I enjoyed this one and book three is good..so enjoy!

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  11. Everyone is loving this series, I'll really have to try it! It sounds so good!

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  12. You must've been too excited to post in order. lol. Glad they all rocked, because I plan to read these soon.

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  13. Sounds like a good follow up read in the series. Thanks for the heads up about starting at the beginning.

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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  14. I tried to read the first book in this series and didn't make it very far. I'm not opposed to picking it up again at some point, b/c it was really fun . . . I just wasn't in the mood for it, I guess. BUT. I'm glad you liked it ;)

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  15. Though I've promised myself not to begin any more books that form a series as this is only a trilogy and has so many elements that intrigue me I'll be certain to add the books to my wish list.

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  16. Reading series in order is a MUST. I hate when I accidentally stumble on a book that's part of a series but I didn't realize it. It makes me feel all out of sorts.

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  17. Ooh, I love this combo of steampunk, mystery, and adventure! I haven't heard of this series before so I'm definitely going to be adding it to my TBR. Thanks for putting this on my radar, Melissa! :)

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  18. I really love the sounds of this series and wish I had more time to read it. :)

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