The Blood King

Chronicles of the Necromancer #2

by Gail Z. Martin

The second installment of the Chronicles of the Necromancer.

In The Blood King, sequel to The Summoner, Tris Drayke races against time to gain the skills he needs to challenge his half-brother Jared for the throne of Margolan and defeat the dark mage Arontala before the Obsidian King can be loosed from the abyss. Pursued by assassins and caught in a dangerous web of intrigue, Tris’ greatest danger is his own magic. The fate of his kingdom, his lady and his soul hang in the balance.

As Margolan plunges into darkness under the yoke of a tyrant, Tris leads an unlikely insurrection, knowing that if he fails, death will be the least of his worries. Betrayed by the living, Tris finds staunch allies among the dead and undead. As the truce unravels between mortals and vampires, angry ghosts demand their revenge, and the Sisterhood of mages lacks the power to intervene.

The battle for the throne of Margolan and the freedom of the Winter Kingdoms rests on Tris Drayke’s magic—and his ability to control the powerful forces aligning against Jared and Arontala. Like a storm on the horizon, war is coming—but can Tris control what has been put into motion, or will his battle for the crown bring a greater darkness?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

615 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.

She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.

Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.

In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of intense passion, nail-biting drama and deeply, profoundly affecting narrative; the second installment within ‘The Chronicles of the Necromancer’ is spectacular!

‘Book 2 in the chronicles of the necromancer’ continues with Prince Martris Drayke’s personal journey with his discovery and practicing of potent magic. Having narrowly escaped being murdered by his brother Jared, the Prince is under pressure to learn to use his magic to summon an army of the dead- for time is running out. The only way he is able to reclaim his father’s throne is confrontational combat, against not only Tris but also Foor Arontala who is a dark mage of great and terrible power. Foor Arontala plans to raise the Obsidian King and in doing so would cause a significant imbalance within the currents of magic, thus causing such a change in the world as to cast a dark shadow over The Winter Kingdoms…

This exciting book is a real page-turner, as the story continues with even more electrifying suspense and heart pounding moments that will leave you breathless. The believable, distinctive characters pull you into the most extraordinary world and intense saga of raging enmity, tyranny and powerful magic that is wielded for both good and evil. The rich, detailed descriptions add to the atmospheric quality of the setting that is so exquisite, hence one is able to clearly envisage this fantasy world before your very eyes. Fast-paced with many unexpected twists and turns, this terrific read is so absorbing and tantalizingly tempting that you will be hard pressed to equal it within this genre. To include other creatures such as Ghosts and Vampires is totally inspired alongside great warriors and evil enemies (that you cannot help but loathe), including other remarkable characters that are so ‘real’ through their emotions (such as the feisty warrior-princess Kiara Isencroft for example). The healer Carina, the bard Carroway, the soldier Ban Soterius and the mercenary Jonmarc Vahanain are just a few other characters whom I liked and who added to the depth and realism of the complex story.

This epic fantasy tale is a labyrinth of interconnecting threads that are delicately interwoven and layered on top of one another, making this something so interesting and detailed as to astonish and amaze! I was really able to ‘stick my teeth’ into this series and loose myself within a fantastic world where you constantly are learning more about the different creatures and characters, the magic that holds such sway over the direction of each individuals’ future and Prince Martris’ quest of a lifetime. As an avid reader of this genre I was so impressed by Gail Z Martin’s writing, which epitomizes everything you desire within great, masterful fantasy – such as bloodthirsty brilliant battles, raging rifts between mighty realms and a concoction of cleverly crafted characters and creatures that bring this tale to life!

This book is just fantastic and not only do I highly recommend it, but I also urge you to add it to your bookshelf if you have not done so already.

[Arithonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself is incredibly slow paced. While a large chunk of the book is supposed to involve Tris training through magically simulated battles, very few pages are actually spent describing those battles. Only two are described in any detail, with the rest getting glossed over by mentions of how Tris is healing from injuries and has acquired new scars. The story also suffers from what I think of as Eddings Syndrome, in which by the end of the book/series, the all the female members of the main quest party will be paired off with male members of the main quest party.

The ePub version, at least, also suffers from what appears to be a lack of proof reading and/or editing. POVs change with no means to differentiate it stylistically from any other paragraph break. Different characters lines of speech are sometime all mashed up into a single paragraph. There are both missing and extraneous punctuation. (If I see ".Blah blah blah." one more time I am likely to scream.) Some of the descriptions are very repetitive. (He screamed in rage and pain. He bellowed in pain and madness. He roared in anger and agony. All over the course of one fight scene that lasts several pages.) I'm not sure how much, if any, of that would be different in the physical copy, but if those are the kind of things that bug you and you're set on reading this, don't buy the ePub.

[LockeJaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm conflicted in this review. A decently good, if well worn story that we've most likely read before. Hero's journey, etc. On one hand I wanted to see how Ms. Martin chose to end the story, since the ending itself was never in doubt. Unfortunately, the main character was so nauseatingly "good" it made for a hard read. Flaws add depth, and Tris merely went from "being good if it kills me" to "being good if it kills me and my friends."

[Edit]A day later, with the intention of expanding on this review, I find that the salient points of the novel have already fled. It is, unfortunately, that average. All I can remember at this point are the tropes. Everyone is good looking. Everyone either has a heart of gold, or is so diabolically evil, its a wonder that they managed to run the kingdom as long as they did. (Almost) everyone gets captured, then rescued. The main character routinely, and I mean that literally, finds reserves of energy, just when all hope is lost.

Lastly, b/c this deserves special mention, the main character finds out that he already knew (almost) everything he needed to know. It was all inside him the whole time.

So, yeah. I'm currently spoiled for choice on my kindle, and I don't think I'll be reading the next two books for quite a while, if ever.

3/5

[Ann Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

When I first began this series, reality seemed more sane. Returning to this book now (during this crazy reality the whole world is going through), it seemed more scary. Darker. The threats that should be long, long past seem far too real.

I loved the finish of this book. Perfect.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Chronicles of the Necromancer by Gail Z. Martin. I love this series.

08/20/24: Reread again for a challenge. I changed the star rating from 4 to 3. I was a little bored, and tired of the graphic violence, it was getting repetitive.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flew through this in a day and half. Already working on book 3. Fast read, enjoyable story, wonderful characters, I am actually kind of sad I am coming to an end of the story

[Alex Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are minor spoilers in this review, but they are discovered in the first book either early on, or are predictable in the course of things for any seasoned reader (particularly fantasy).

This is fantasy novel set in the fictional land of the Winter Kingdoms where there are Mages, Empowered Kings, and spirits more than able to affect there environment. Tris (Martris) is trying to recapture his old Kingdom from his murderous, treacherous brother Jared and his Evil Blood Mage advisor (when are they ever good?) Foor Arontala. Also, Tris is the Mage heir to his Grandmother Bava K'aa, one of the strongest spirit mages in memory.

As with most Fantasy, the plot is like a labyrinth, and you find yourself thrown into so many different plots, subplots, relationships and characters that it can be hard to keep it all straight. Thankfully, none of them have overly similar names and I didn't find myself too confused. Yet since I started this months after the first one (I got it at Christmas last year), I didn't remember the details which did have a negative effect at the start. I was interested enough not to just give up, but I was a bit confused at the start.

Another thing with the plot is that, despite only being the second book in this series, it was the conclusion from the last book. "Er- what? This is book two right?" were the words in my head since I'm not used to this kind of thing. Again, it didn't draw away from the book, only left me mildly confused.

I'm of two minds of the romance in this book. Part of me says that it is quite a realistic love, since it is neither too obvious nor the only thing in the minds. The characters kind of feel that romance is a dangerous thing to pursue with the current predicaments and their quest. I like that reluctance and the threat to the romance. Yet I dislike the tendency in high fantasy for characters to pair off with one another in much to obvious combinations. It doesn't make them bad match-ups, but it questions whether or not it was meant to happen, or is just sticking to norms.

The world of this book, and the different states and factions in the story make for interesting reading. We're always told a faction's history and it (thankfully) doesn't feel like a lecture from the author. The knowledge is given in a way the character would need to give it to react and work with the people present. Of course, the downside is that sometimes we can forget who works for who and who used to work for who. Fantasy characters (particularly the 'guide' character) always seems to have many fingers in many pies and there is always someone to recognise the new character introduced.

Magic is fine, but hardly special- besides the spirit mages. There are different types of mages- the Elements and then Spirit as well, I think (I'm not sure if healer is a sub-division or a separate branch)- and the elementals (Fire, Land, Air, Water) are mostly unexplained and just go about their business. It makes sense, since even though it matters a little, we don't need to know every mechanic of magic. The only real thing we know is that all magic is powered by the Flow, and magical ability depends on closeness to it. Also, the flow is usually in balance (giving light mages power) but dark magic upsets it. The Light/Dark element is another thing: basically summed up in saying that Dark mages do what they want, while the Light ones ask for permission or avoid death. Nicely black and white, not grey.

As I said, Spirit is the most interesting. Tris is a spirit mage, meaning he can bind, harness and release spirits. He has the basic magic abilities as well (like energy strikes, telekinesis) but his unique ability is converse with spirits and give them the power to be free to go to the afterlife, or finish their business. It sounds dull, but reading it and seeing its effect is quite powerful. I'm quite fascinated by death (as Humans are wont to be considering its the final major event of life) so I guess an idea that one can make oneself remain for any reasons or that one person could access the dead for power if amazing. Since everyone dies, the power is limitless and is a true force to be reckoned with. But of course a light mage only accesses this power should the spirits allow it.

A final thing is the religion in fantasy. I adore how, in fantasy, the gods are present and can be seen and interacted with in some ways. Here, there is one god who takes 9 forms, each with a dark and light side, giving a total of 18. There is also a relinquished 19th form: the formless one. Tris interacts with the Lady more than others since he is so close the world of spirits, and I like seeing that these powerful elements are present but never intervening. It just adds a certain something.

So this was a perfectly fine book. If you're not a fantasy reader, it probably isn't worth getting because it's not the jaw-dropping fantasy that will leave a good impression, it's just a satisfying read. If you are a fantasy reader though, there's no harm in picking up book one and just enjoying an entertaining but unremarkable fantasy.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book with interesting characters, action packed quest, and a different type of magic. Definitely worth reading

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utmärkt värld och ett kärt återseende- det blir roande att se vilka äventyr som är möjliga när genrekonventioner behålls men huvudpersonen tillhör en traditionell skurkgrupp.

[Joby Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is so much wrong with this story that I should give it one star, but for all of its failings the book is still readable.

The Good
-------------------------------
There isn't much to recommend this book. But it might be good for a young reader who finished David Eddings' series - though there is some depictions of torture.


The Bad
-------------------------------
The Map: Per an unwritten requirement for epic fantasy, there is a map for this series -- but the map and text do not agree on the world. Downstream on the river is the wrong way. How does Eastmark help with Nargi if Dhasson is in between them and neutralized? And more.

Villains: The villains are too psycho-evil. Jared and Arontala continue their reign of evil through murder and desecration. By the end of the book Jared's reign has been less than a year but they have utterly destroyed the nation, apart from the power of the Obsidian King, how are you going to conquer when your nation is depopulated and starving?

Very slow: the first 2/3 of the book is preparations for retaking Margolan. Unfortunately, most of those preparations seem to be parties with the king and Tris holding court with ghosts. Sure Tris trains, mercenaries and refugees are recruited, and plans are made -- but those are short interludes.

No challenge: Pretty much everything is stacked in the Heroes favor (except that there are bad guys). They have unlimited funds for equipment and mercenaries, plenty of refugee and deserter volunteers, special magical resources, and plenty of powerful allies. The few hurdles they encounter are resolved in a chapter or two, and there seems to be plenty of time for them to heal up whenever there is an issue. This makes a very boring story.

(Almost) No traitors: Even though they are trying to be stealthy, Tris and Co tell just about everyone who they are and what their plan is and no one betrays that trust. With how horrible Jared/Arontala are only and idiot would help them, but when the heroes find nothing but friends it is a pretty boring story.

5th last reserve: In the final battle, I lost count of the number of times Tris seems to use his last reserves of magic in a desperate attack or shield.


Unless I am desperate for reading material (which doesn't seem too likely), I won't be continuing the series.

[Chrissy Wissler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a good sequel to “The Summoner” and I found it held my interest for most of the story. I found myself wandering and not carrying as much for the characters simply because the situation itself: most of the story is about preparing to stop Arontala and dethrone Jared. It's not easy to plan a war and time-consuming. Martin takes this into account and I believe does the best with what she has to work with. Some of my favorite scenes are at the beginning admist all the action and intrigue, especially when Tris trains at the Sisterhood.
When you have a period of 6-8 months with a lot of work to do, it’s hard to have deep, focused scenes with your main characters. The truth is there’s so much to cover, so much to lay out for the actual plot to work. With that in mind, I believe Martin did a good job of conveying the importance of this epic fantasy plot quest, with short scenes focusing on the characters.
There were a lot of transitions throughout this book, giving the reader information that although important, wasn’t necessary to actually experience; it simply wouldn’t have added to the main story but would have slowed it down even more.
The book actually picks 3/4 of the way through as Tris's goal is finally in sight: the Hawthorn Moon. This is when we zero in on the characters, where we finally connect with them and experience their struggles. Martin does a brilliant job of this, especially when Tris faces Jared. The battle against his brother isn’t easy and it takes its toll on Tris, but I found myself reading faster, wanting to know how Tris gets out of it.
Martin did an excellent job of making me question whether or not Tris was going to live. Every time he faced a battle alone there was never a guarantee in my mind he’d live, which does heightens the dramatic tension.
A great read nonetheless, and I imagine Martin’s writing style will only improve and tighten as her career continues. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, “Dark Haven.”

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Prince Martis Drayke narrowly escaped his older brother's coup and being murdered, Tris went on the run with some friends to find shelter and help. In the journey he found he was the Mage-Heir to his grandmother as a summoner, try to train so his abilities to summon the dead won't overwhelm him or worse kill him, he must raise an army and go stop Jared before the entire Winter Kingdoms erupt into war.

The Blood King continues Tris's journey as he and his friends plot to overthrow Jared the Usurper king and stop his blood mage from raising the Obsidian King, from their prison. The Mage's schemes has imbalanced the magic of the Winter Kingdoms and Tris is trying to combat not just one enemy but multiple as the price on his and his friends heads cause more than just Jared and Foor Arontala to go after them. Gail Z. Martin delivers another wild and crazy ride for Tris and the gang and I couldn't put this one down. It has everything I enjoy in a fantasy story: Action and adventure, magic, intriguing and complex characters, mystery, a fleshed out world that is so real in the pages, it makes me want to go and visit.

I do recommend reading The Summoner before The Blood King as it continues the story of Tris and his friends from that book. The writing is fast paced and gives a lot of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. If you enjoy fantasy epic stories this series is the one to check out as it gives the reader so much and captures your imagination. I can't wait to continue the series into book three, Dark Haven.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say that I got confused at the end, not a bad confusion, just surprised because the story ended. Yes the quest was over, the good guys won. But this is a 4 book series? So I quickly did some research and it seems that book 3 is about one of the side characters. Go figure. Though I do not complain, a fantasy "series" that deals with the main issue in 2 books is something I like.

Tris needs to learn about his powers in this book, so that he can fight his evil brother Jared and his mage. And Jared, oh he is bad! He is a psychopath and that poor country under his rule! And of course the evil mage is insane too. So the baddies are really good at being bad, and that is the way is should be. To hate them with a passion. While the good guys are really good. Young Tris trying to cope with being a summoner, Kiera a warrior princess, the healer Carina, the bard Carroway, and Vahanian the mercenery. There are even vampires in this world. But they are good, sure they are undead but the stay close to their families afterwards. Just like the ghosts in this world. Some just linger on.

As the quest ends in this book there are lots of action to be had. A kingdom needs to be saved after all and a throne conquered. All while a few side characters fall in love.

I enjoyed the story (even if I felt that confusion cos I thought it continued ;) But I was happy to see it wrapped up and I will read the next book as it is about Vahanian who is a merc, smuggler, you name it.

[Jessica Strider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: quick read, variety of action, good pay off, complex plans

Cons: some unnecessary repetition

Tris and his friends have made it to Principality City and gained several powerful allies, but if Tris wants to claim the Margolan throne and right his half-brother’s wrongs, he’ll have to assemble an army and master his summoner abilities.

As with the first book, there’s a good variety to the action: fight scenes, mage training, diplomacy, and a touch of romance. It keeps things feeling fresh and helps with the quick turning of pages.

The plan for taking back Margolan has an appropriate complexity that relies on more than just Tris and his training. I appreciated that the efforts of displaced farmers and deserting soldiers helped with the overthrow.

You learn more about the vayash moru (vampires), and how they operate and survive. I also liked the introduction of new blood magic formed ‘creatures’, though wished they had been given more page time as they’re quite terrifying.

There were some times when the author repeated herself in giving information but it wasn’t as distracting as in the first book.

It’s a great conclusion to Martin’s duology, with a pay off that feels hard earned for the characters.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually concludes a story arc started in the previous book. Prince Martris "Tris" Drayke has to learn how to control his abilities with the dead, raise an army and try to wrest control from his brother, Jared, and his co-conspirator Foor Arontala, a dark mage.

I found myself drawn in by the story and eagerly awaiting time I could read more of it, there were times when it lagged a bit and sometimes it was a bit predictable but I cared about the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Knowing that there were more books in the sequence I was surprised that this arc concluded fairly quickly, now I'm curious as to what is going to happen next with the characters and their lives.

Tris is a good character, but I really loved Kiara, who kicked ass and took names very successfully throughout, and has a miniature dragon, how cool is that?

I'm looking forward to more in this series, it isn't earth-shatteringly good but it's very readable.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Blood King is the second book in The Chronicles of the Necromancer.

Gail Z. Martin has a decent writing voice, but the book as a whole really left me wanting. Perhaps it was the combination of good characters who were too good and bad characters who were too bad that I just didn’t quite feel comfortable with.

The first book, The Summoner, took us through the overthrow of the Kingdom of Margolan by the eldest son who is evil and selfish and cruel and lecherous and impatient… see where I am going with this? No redeeming qualities whatsoever, and his magical ally makes him seem nice by comparison. So, the bad guys are really out and out bad. The hero and his friends are willing to die for their friends and sacrifice themselves for the kingdom and to risk everything to stop ... Read More:
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[Dan Rheingans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second intallment of Martin's first series was in a word: average. The characters were terribly cliche and their "development" was haphazard and random at times. Much of Martin's writing seemed to spin it's wheels, and the climax was terribly predictable. I don't mind reading "light" fantasy but this work really didn't impress me. I do plan on reading the other two works in the series, but if the writing and predictability don't improve I'm sure I'll regret picking up all 4 at once. Overall I didn't feel like the book was "bad" and therefore didn't deserve 2 stars, it was a wholly ordinary read. This is not a series I would quickly recommend someone...much better stuff out there.

[Wendy Bowers · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me a couple of months to finish the Summoner, yet not even one chapter in and I could not force myself to suffer through Blood King. The writing is poor and drenched with info-dumping. I had hoped that with a chunk of the backstory already told, this one would read better than the first.

I was wrong.

I will not be attempting to finish this book, or the series. I doubt I will read any more by this author and will be trading off these books. Hopefully others will enjoy them more than I did.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good book, the story continues where the first book ended. I felt that the characters were interesting and engaging though the first part of the book seemed to be kind of bogged down in descriptions of things instead of actually telling the story. Once the real part of the story began I was happy to read the rest of it.

[Purlewe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this for the magic and the kingdom and the whole trek to overthrow the usurper. I have always enjoyed books set in a certain age where both magic and minstrals fight side by side with the renaissance.

[Zabe Bent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Martin actually wraps up the story quite neatly while still leaving enough for possible continuation of the series. just as good as the first, if not better. will be reading the next one as soon as it's delivered.

[Trent Mikesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you decide to read these books, this is a great stopping point. Everything gets more or less wrapped up, and there are really no unanswered questions. I know I'm going to stop here.

[Lauren Auty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much stronger than the first book with character dev much stronger and the story better paced and easier on the flow. Enjoyed the character interaction a good read

[Cameo · Rating 3 out of 5]

*sigh*

This had the potential to be epic - but alas; Martin made the classic mistake of making her side characters way more interesting than her main ones. Tris is kind of blank and boring - despite being the only living necromancer, heir to a throne, on the run and training in magic and combat. How she managed this I'm not quite sure, it could be the total lack of personality... despite all of the above, the only thing we know about Tris is that he is selfless, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good and he's tall. Oh and I must not forget his betrothed, Kiara, who is equally boring. Match made in heaven - their children are destined to be frightfully dull but with a good complexion.

Now for the side characters - there's something to write about! Jonmarc Vahanian is by far the most interesting omit a bit predictable of the bunch, and I totally ship him and Carina who have great banter. Setorious and Carroway are entertaining enough and Harrtruck is the obligatory old guy.

Oh and I must mention the villains I suppose... we have a powersick usurper with daddyissues and a powersick vampire mage with a hard-on for an evil ancient entity we never really get to see. Sure their all evil and cruel, but they never get under your skin and the epic last battle to save the kingdom is over and done with in like 10 pages with the predictable near-death of both Tris and Kiara - neither of which you give a single fuck about, so all in all a very unsatisfactory read.
The only time I actually felt I had a heartbeat during the read of these 600 or so pages, was when Vahanian went on a rogue suicidemission.

With that little rant out of the way, I'm actually looking forward to see what Martin has in store for the next couple of books - now that the big battle for the crown and kingdom is over. Most epic fantasy series have before-mentioned battle as the big finale of the series, so I hope it's an interesting take on the genre - but by god she needs to give Tris a personality for that to happen. I'll probably read on because I was entertained and it was fairly quick to get through (thanks to all the other characters), but it's not at the top of my list.

[Matt Leather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm afraid that the towel is being thrown in on this one. I wanted to work through the four books but I can't

The last straw was me having no motivation to pick this book up. If I did it was 1 or 2 pages before the bookmark went back in. I thought to myself maybe I've just reached the end of the road for Fantasy. But my wife bought me Nevernight by Jay Kristoff for my birthday. I read 2 chapters and i was blown away on the quality difference. It then dawned on me, it isn't fantasy, it's chronicles of the necromancer..

It's a mixture of dull characters. Tris, oh lord is he dull in his perfection. Vahanian, who is the insufferable strong swiss army knife. The two knights that I can't remember their names as they're essentially the same character. Carroway is slightly intriguing but he gets next to no book time.

And then there's the reuse of the word Salle at every opportunity. Tris resumes his training in the salle. Vahanian storms off to the salle. Tris defecates in the doorway of the salle. It's like it is the authors favourite word.

A Candlemark passes. Is this an hour, or a minute? it appears to describe both.

And the insane skill that Tris has that he can measure unrealistic emotions from people based on their eye movements. Ironic enough, it makes my eyes roll as I'm reading it.

I'm sorry, I've been trying to finish this series for over a decade, but in the end i'm going to drop them all off at a charity shop

[☆Ruth☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel completes the story of Tris and his companions, started in Book 1. That took me by surprise as I was expecting the tale to spin out into the ongoing series, however I was happy to arrive at the ending - I don't think it would have benefited from being strung out any further.
The books are well written and interesting but perhaps not quite 'punchy' enough... There's a touch too much padding in the form of sentimental romance in this particular part of the chronicle for my liking - I like my 'sword & sorcery' epics to be reasonably hard & gritty. I also found it rather too contrived in places, everything just fell into place for the travellers, a bit too conveniently. The ending itself was a bit rushed - all over in a couple of chapters after a build up through two full volumes.
However, I did still enjoy the characters and their interactions and I do intend to read the next book in the series - which apparently focuses on Jonmarc and Carina - but I will take a break before going back to these Chronicles



.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review.
In a storyscape littered with more and more anti-heroes, Tris is a hero that shines through. I liked the previous book and characters and enjoyed this one. The interplay between the characters was entertaining. I enjoyed that the characters advanced the plot by being smart and competent, instead of getting in trouble every five minutes by doing incomprehensible things that miraculously work out. There is a bit more world building and more character development. And while all the major plot threads are tied up, so there is no cliff hanger. There are minor threads which leads to major stories for the characters in their future. My only problem was the villains. I understand that the big bad had only one objective, but Jared, as king, acted as though his rule had no consequences.

[Roger Dybdal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book ended up taking me forever. I gave it a 2 star rating because of this, but thankfully it got better after half the book. According to my kindle the first 56% of the book was mostly what I percived as rubish. It was just filler, like the Author didn't really know what to write.

Generally, book one started with an escape from a tricky situation and ended up in a somewhat safe place, planning their return and revenge for those who ran. I expected this book to follow up on that, and it did.... about 55% into the book. The first part was just sitting still in a castle holding court, training, talking, falling in love Zzzzzz.....

Thankfully this book ended in such a way I don't really need to read the next one. Read it if you want to know how the story continues, but you might not want to go on after it.

[Geoff Battle · Rating 3 out of 5]

All fantasy stories come in three books right? The Blood King sure felt like middle chapter material with the extended character development that results of army building, journey making and companion saving antics. The group splits in to two, offering parallel plots which are expected to merge at the final fight. However, as the final third of the book opened it was clear that the second book in the series was to include the conclusion to the Necromancer Chronicles. Ultimately the finale almost seemed rushed, quite odd since the rest of the book is so slow. It's not tedious at any point, just not offering any sustained excitement until the final chapters. The Blood King is an unremarkable, easy going and light fantasy read. Rainy day material.

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Blood King had the same steady pace as The Summoner, and it continued to be an engaging and interesting story. It builds on the first book’s quest, following different character’s stories as they split up at points, and comes to an end with the battle we’ve been expecting since the beginning of the first book. There is an extreme darkness to the story, where dark topics are either explicitly approached or heavily hinted at. It made me feel genuine anger and discomfort at times, helping to empathise with and understand the characters and their journey. I like the characters, I like the story and overall I enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of fantasy, it fulfilled what I would expect from a fantastical quest.

However, I do have a few points that meant I couldn’t give this book the 4 stars I gave The Summoner . There were many conversations had between characters that felt forced into the story purely for the benefit of letting the reader know certain backstories, rather than being a natural and realistic conversation. There’s also no huge character arcs - even our MC, Tris, feels very much the same at the end of the quest as he does at the start. I was aware of these things as I read, and at times they frustrated me, but I still genuinely enjoyed the story.