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Blood and Tears #2
Steel and Sorrow
A Warleader proves his worth, a High Mage seeks revenge, a Commander overcomes his past, and a Queen solidifies her rule.
On the continent of Hesh, Tobin has finally gained the two things that have always been out of his reach—the respect of his clan and a woman’s love. He now seeks to finish what his father began. When Tobin faces an enemy he never knew to suspect, he is left questioning not only his ability to rule, but also his sanity.
A High Mage has been humbled, but he has not been defeated. After spending his time devouring the history of Hesh, he’s discovered a way to return home and reclaim what was once his. But before he exacts revenge on his enemies, he fulfills an obligation to his one remaining friend.
In the aftermath of great tragedy, Kaz has taken the role of commander, and with it, a mountain of headaches. He expected threats from his enemies. He did not expect the largest headaches to come from within his own ranks. To make matters worse, the faded memories of Kaz’s previous life are returning and what he sees haunts him.
Queen Elyse’s kingdom faces collapse at the hands of a civil war. While her army has been organizing to secure the crown against traitorous lords, she has worked at her role as queen. Suspicion of traitors among the ranks of her council threatens to undermine Elyse's authority when a chance for peace presents itself.
A year after the events of Rise and Fall, Steel and Sorrow is the second book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy. A free three chapter excerpt of Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella is included.
On the continent of Hesh, Tobin has finally gained the two things that have always been out of his reach—the respect of his clan and a woman’s love. He now seeks to finish what his father began. When Tobin faces an enemy he never knew to suspect, he is left questioning not only his ability to rule, but also his sanity.
A High Mage has been humbled, but he has not been defeated. After spending his time devouring the history of Hesh, he’s discovered a way to return home and reclaim what was once his. But before he exacts revenge on his enemies, he fulfills an obligation to his one remaining friend.
In the aftermath of great tragedy, Kaz has taken the role of commander, and with it, a mountain of headaches. He expected threats from his enemies. He did not expect the largest headaches to come from within his own ranks. To make matters worse, the faded memories of Kaz’s previous life are returning and what he sees haunts him.
Queen Elyse’s kingdom faces collapse at the hands of a civil war. While her army has been organizing to secure the crown against traitorous lords, she has worked at her role as queen. Suspicion of traitors among the ranks of her council threatens to undermine Elyse's authority when a chance for peace presents itself.
A year after the events of Rise and Fall, Steel and Sorrow is the second book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy. A free three chapter excerpt of Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella is included.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published August 28, 2012
73 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Joshua P. Simon
13 books65 followersJoshua P. Simon is a Christian, husband, father, CPA, fantasy author, and heavy metal junkie. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and hopes that one day he can leave the life of a CPA behind and devote that time to writing more of the ideas bouncing around his ADD-addled brain.
He has completed and published one epic fantasy series (The Blood and Tears Trilogy) and is now working on several new projects.
You can find out more about him at www.joshuapsimon.blogspot.com.
He has completed and published one epic fantasy series (The Blood and Tears Trilogy) and is now working on several new projects.
You can find out more about him at www.joshuapsimon.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 7, 2018
I have been so suprised by this series that it has surpassed any expectation I could have had for it. I always take it as a good sign when you want to continue a series as soon as you finish a book and I have done that with this series. There are some aspects that some people may not like, like a somewhat lesser defined magic system, but to me it has not affected the series. The magic follows the class sword and sorcery pattern. What shines in this series are the characters. Another good sign to me is when I want to recreate characters in videos games, and in this you could have a great D and D party.
Not much else to say other than I am already a good ways into book three.
Not much else to say other than I am already a good ways into book three.
December 29, 2013
NOTE: This book was reviewed on my blog by my husband, Seth, as he is helping me with my gigantic review pile.
First off, let me apologize to the author Joshua for how long it has taken me to getting around to typing this review. I finished it shortly after receiving it a year ago. I just get really long periods of not wanting to write anything. I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back and read it in I want to say less than ten hours time. For me that’s speed reading. The details are a bit fuzzy about the story as I’m writing it but they are coming back to me. I’m looking through the book so I don’t get the names wrong or potentially spoil some important plot point inadvertently.
After a bit of conniving and two timing in the prologue, we pick up with Kaz once again in his band of men he now leads. I don’t know what it is but I love watching his continued transformation from brutal killer to running his mercenary group turned Queen’s guard. It’s one of the reasons that I love reading this trilogy. On the flip side, it’s also interesting reading about his brother Tobin going from the underdog to being the ruthless leader of his nation. It’s like watching white turning to black and black turning to white. Yin and Yang as it were. Watching the steady transformation of the evil man to good and the once good man to evil fascinates me.
The story doesn’t plod along in the least. There’s one confrontation after another as the story swaps back and forth between the two brothers. Sometimes, one brother deals with politics while the other deals with war and vice versa. Never a dull moment for long. As the story progresses, the two are inexorably drawn closer and closer together via forces beyond one another’s control. I can’t wait to read the third book if Joshua is willing to be patient in me writing another review. If not I do understand. I urge anyone reading this who loves medieval action and magic to pick this book up, if not the whole trilogy, as a gift to themselves. If you own a Kindle I doubly urge you to pick it up as you’ll receive an amazing deal for this great trilogy. You can get the whole trilogy for less than the cost of a few Machiottos at Starbucks.
First off, let me apologize to the author Joshua for how long it has taken me to getting around to typing this review. I finished it shortly after receiving it a year ago. I just get really long periods of not wanting to write anything. I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back and read it in I want to say less than ten hours time. For me that’s speed reading. The details are a bit fuzzy about the story as I’m writing it but they are coming back to me. I’m looking through the book so I don’t get the names wrong or potentially spoil some important plot point inadvertently.
After a bit of conniving and two timing in the prologue, we pick up with Kaz once again in his band of men he now leads. I don’t know what it is but I love watching his continued transformation from brutal killer to running his mercenary group turned Queen’s guard. It’s one of the reasons that I love reading this trilogy. On the flip side, it’s also interesting reading about his brother Tobin going from the underdog to being the ruthless leader of his nation. It’s like watching white turning to black and black turning to white. Yin and Yang as it were. Watching the steady transformation of the evil man to good and the once good man to evil fascinates me.
The story doesn’t plod along in the least. There’s one confrontation after another as the story swaps back and forth between the two brothers. Sometimes, one brother deals with politics while the other deals with war and vice versa. Never a dull moment for long. As the story progresses, the two are inexorably drawn closer and closer together via forces beyond one another’s control. I can’t wait to read the third book if Joshua is willing to be patient in me writing another review. If not I do understand. I urge anyone reading this who loves medieval action and magic to pick this book up, if not the whole trilogy, as a gift to themselves. If you own a Kindle I doubly urge you to pick it up as you’ll receive an amazing deal for this great trilogy. You can get the whole trilogy for less than the cost of a few Machiottos at Starbucks.
August 19, 2021
Great book!
This trilogy really sucked me in. During the first book I was unsure but then it ended in a way that I needed more. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers but since this series is already published I can forgive the author 😂
The turmoil and stress of war continues in the battles of the brothers. It’s an intriguing story because they don’t even know they are on opposite sides. All the characters are so much fun and clever I’m find myself drawn to each one. I’m not even sure who’s side of the war I’m on. The narration is absolutely amazing. Jon E Waters performs this story and each character with such skill that you truly feel like you’re living it. There’s sorrow & despair because let’s face it, it’s war so be prepared. This is book 2 and is not a standalone and must be read/listened in order. I recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
This trilogy really sucked me in. During the first book I was unsure but then it ended in a way that I needed more. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers but since this series is already published I can forgive the author 😂
The turmoil and stress of war continues in the battles of the brothers. It’s an intriguing story because they don’t even know they are on opposite sides. All the characters are so much fun and clever I’m find myself drawn to each one. I’m not even sure who’s side of the war I’m on. The narration is absolutely amazing. Jon E Waters performs this story and each character with such skill that you truly feel like you’re living it. There’s sorrow & despair because let’s face it, it’s war so be prepared. This is book 2 and is not a standalone and must be read/listened in order. I recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
August 8, 2021
I was disappointed that the characters were so transparent in their agendas. It was Soo easy to see where story was going and where the evil characters were plotting. I do Not like a Story that is this transparent, because there is no erge to finish the book when it is obvious what is happening even though the Characters are blind to it all. I read/listen to a Story for entertainment not to get upset that the Characters can not see what is happening right in front of them.
March 14, 2017
A fine read without the normal weakness of middle books
An excellent second volume in the series. Too often the middle book of a trilogy feels like filler, this book more than holds its own. Tons of action but with well developed characters that you can care about. The characters are real, and not black or white charactitures.
An excellent second volume in the series. Too often the middle book of a trilogy feels like filler, this book more than holds its own. Tons of action but with well developed characters that you can care about. The characters are real, and not black or white charactitures.
October 16, 2015
Book Two was even better than Book One
The war tale continues on, with the beloved characters fighting on. One aspect of Simon's work that impresses is the humor. In both books, I laughed from things the characters say especially Hag. Her character is one I'll remember but I digress...
The war rages on with Elyse having Kaz as war leader fighting the traitors to the crown still struggling to learn his past, Nachin continues his plot to reclaim the scepter with Tobin facing serious life changes some of which are shocking. There are sad points (I'm a sensitive reader despite being a true to form realist, go figure how fictional stories manage to make me tear up) where losses are concerned.
The idea behind the Hell Patrol adds value to this novel and sets it apart from others in the genre. The characters are interesting and their descriptions feed the imagination in ways that the usual crown owned battle armies don't. It wasn't until reading this story I realized what a different direction Simon brings the reader with this bunch. They're honorable, loyal, caring and warm despite how brutal they fight. Also worth noting are the mages and their powers. So there is true battles with the help of magic.
The story flows well, is exciting and worth reading. Keeps a readers on their "toes". It isn't a predictable story which rocks. Grade A
The war tale continues on, with the beloved characters fighting on. One aspect of Simon's work that impresses is the humor. In both books, I laughed from things the characters say especially Hag. Her character is one I'll remember but I digress...
The war rages on with Elyse having Kaz as war leader fighting the traitors to the crown still struggling to learn his past, Nachin continues his plot to reclaim the scepter with Tobin facing serious life changes some of which are shocking. There are sad points (I'm a sensitive reader despite being a true to form realist, go figure how fictional stories manage to make me tear up) where losses are concerned.
The idea behind the Hell Patrol adds value to this novel and sets it apart from others in the genre. The characters are interesting and their descriptions feed the imagination in ways that the usual crown owned battle armies don't. It wasn't until reading this story I realized what a different direction Simon brings the reader with this bunch. They're honorable, loyal, caring and warm despite how brutal they fight. Also worth noting are the mages and their powers. So there is true battles with the help of magic.
The story flows well, is exciting and worth reading. Keeps a readers on their "toes". It isn't a predictable story which rocks. Grade A
February 24, 2014
Love this series, only gets better with each book..The brothers each go through ups and downs in this one.
My fav of course is Kaz, I love his storyline with Elyse. The politics of this land and the civil war are really well written. If you read the first book I don't know how you haven't read the second one yet.
Can't wait to read what happens in book 3, that ending...wow. Nver a rest for the General of Elyses army.
My fav of course is Kaz, I love his storyline with Elyse. The politics of this land and the civil war are really well written. If you read the first book I don't know how you haven't read the second one yet.
Can't wait to read what happens in book 3, that ending...wow. Nver a rest for the General of Elyses army.
January 25, 2015
So good.. I'm addicted
January 14, 2016
Good Read
It wasn't a great book but it was pretty good. Easy to read although a little lacking in depth but overall , better than most.
It wasn't a great book but it was pretty good. Easy to read although a little lacking in depth but overall , better than most.
August 7, 2023
4 stars. Good continuation
April 25, 2017
This book gets even more exciting than the first and I spent a few late nights trying to see what happened next and so on. Joshua has polished the characters and it shows.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews