By: Melissa Caruso
Publish Date: April 19, 2018, Audiobook Release April 26, 2018
Format: Audiobook - 16 hrs 16 mins
Narrated By: Saskia Maarleveld
Genre: Fantasy
Series: 2nd in Swords and Fire series; 1st Book ~ The Tethered Mage
Impression: The political games are deeper than Amalia could have imagined.
Synopsis:
Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, they must call a rare gathering of all seventeen lords to decide a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this Conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war, and she is ready to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction.
Amalia and Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war. Or else it will all come down to swords and fire.
First Sentence:
It seemed a shame to burn a place so green.
Purchase At:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository
Audible
My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
As things are hinted at in the first book, we see in this book that there is unease with the Witch Lords of Vaskandar and the Empire. There are attacks on high level Falcons and their Falconer, killing them. Lady Amalia Cornaro is willing to do anything to help keep her people safe, even court a Witch Lord to make an alliance known and learn more about Vaskandar, and even travel to the Witch Lords Conclave.
I enjoyed getting back into the world of Lady Amalia. I love Zaira and her sass. She's a great character that says it like it is, even if it's harsh. Amalia doesn't think of herself as crafty at diplomatic games as her mother, but from what I see, she's very versed in them. Amalia is more direct but still proper and professional with what she says. They are growing as a team and as friends. They balance each other where the other lacks - Amalia in politics and proper languages, Zaira bold and knows how to survive in dreary moments.
We slowly start to see there is more going on with the troubles in the Empire, all pointing to Vaskandar.
This brings us to a very interesting new character. I absolutely loved the Lord of Crows. Kathe is a character that I liked when we meet, and he grew on me more and more as the book went. He's always playing games with Amalia, a give and take sort of base to learn about each other. It's a child like feel to the games, or maybe more crow like. But they are endearing. Kathe also has his own political games in play here. They can be dangerous, but they are intriguing.
Through Kathe, we get to see deeper into Vaskandar and the Witch Lords. I love getting these small pieces of information. This keeps me hungry to learn more. We get to see details about the way Vaskandar is run, how each Witch Lord rules on their own.
I love how Amalia is growing! She's brilliant and more than ready for the position she will one day take. She learns and responds with her best thoughts forward as a spokes person for her Empire. She has to make some tough decisions in this book, ones that weigh heavy and will continue to weigh heavy on her heart. But, she has a heart. These are things that are forming her to be a great leader and ruler.
Melissa moves the story quickly without us knowing it. Events happen and Amalia, thinking as she always does to help, ends up right where we need her. The best part, it all feels organic! Amalia feels true to her nature and is in the places she needs to be, doing as she must. This keeps me wanting to hear more as I want to know what is happening and why.
As Amalia steps into the political light, we start to see the political games more visible in this book. In both Vaskandar and the Empire. These plots and plans and twists keep me listening. I want to know what will happen or how things will change when someone does something unexpected.
The characters feel to be alive, keeping me cheering and hoping for them. I'm loving all the aspects I'm getting here! All are weaved together, creating the people by their plans and choices in life and politics.
Melissa has moved up to one of my favorite writers with this book.
****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!
As things are hinted at in the first book, we see in this book that there is unease with the Witch Lords of Vaskandar and the Empire. There are attacks on high level Falcons and their Falconer, killing them. Lady Amalia Cornaro is willing to do anything to help keep her people safe, even court a Witch Lord to make an alliance known and learn more about Vaskandar, and even travel to the Witch Lords Conclave.
I enjoyed getting back into the world of Lady Amalia. I love Zaira and her sass. She's a great character that says it like it is, even if it's harsh. Amalia doesn't think of herself as crafty at diplomatic games as her mother, but from what I see, she's very versed in them. Amalia is more direct but still proper and professional with what she says. They are growing as a team and as friends. They balance each other where the other lacks - Amalia in politics and proper languages, Zaira bold and knows how to survive in dreary moments.
We slowly start to see there is more going on with the troubles in the Empire, all pointing to Vaskandar.
This brings us to a very interesting new character. I absolutely loved the Lord of Crows. Kathe is a character that I liked when we meet, and he grew on me more and more as the book went. He's always playing games with Amalia, a give and take sort of base to learn about each other. It's a child like feel to the games, or maybe more crow like. But they are endearing. Kathe also has his own political games in play here. They can be dangerous, but they are intriguing.
Through Kathe, we get to see deeper into Vaskandar and the Witch Lords. I love getting these small pieces of information. This keeps me hungry to learn more. We get to see details about the way Vaskandar is run, how each Witch Lord rules on their own.
I love how Amalia is growing! She's brilliant and more than ready for the position she will one day take. She learns and responds with her best thoughts forward as a spokes person for her Empire. She has to make some tough decisions in this book, ones that weigh heavy and will continue to weigh heavy on her heart. But, she has a heart. These are things that are forming her to be a great leader and ruler.
Melissa moves the story quickly without us knowing it. Events happen and Amalia, thinking as she always does to help, ends up right where we need her. The best part, it all feels organic! Amalia feels true to her nature and is in the places she needs to be, doing as she must. This keeps me wanting to hear more as I want to know what is happening and why.
As Amalia steps into the political light, we start to see the political games more visible in this book. In both Vaskandar and the Empire. These plots and plans and twists keep me listening. I want to know what will happen or how things will change when someone does something unexpected.
The characters feel to be alive, keeping me cheering and hoping for them. I'm loving all the aspects I'm getting here! All are weaved together, creating the people by their plans and choices in life and politics.
Melissa has moved up to one of my favorite writers with this book.
****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!
