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Stormbringers
(Order of Darkness #2)
by
Italy, 1453. Luca and Isolde grow more and more attracted to each other as they continue their journey to unravel the mysteries throughout Christendom. But their travels are delayed by the uprising of an intense religious crusade that threatens the balance of the civilized world. Death lingers in the air as war ravages on, but this religious conflict is nothing compared to
...more
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Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
June 4th 2013
by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
(first published January 1st 2013)
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Start your review of Stormbringers (Order of Darkness, #2)

I'm working on a real review, but here are some feelings I had while reading this awful book.
This book is so dry, and boring I felt like I was reading it forever - not just three days.
(I know that feeling, Rose...)
The characters are just as dull, bland, and flat as they were in Changeling.
To Luca, Isolde, Freize, and Ishraq:
I made it to 65 pages before the end before I had to say:
Will I ever, ever read another book in this series?
If I am ever tempted to read the forthcoming s ...more

This book is so dry, and boring I felt like I was reading it forever - not just three days.

(I know that feeling, Rose...)
The characters are just as dull, bland, and flat as they were in Changeling.
To Luca, Isolde, Freize, and Ishraq:

I made it to 65 pages before the end before I had to say:

Will I ever, ever read another book in this series?

If I am ever tempted to read the forthcoming s ...more

Rating Clarification: 3.5 stars
In the second installment of the Order of Darkness, Luca, Freize, Isolde and Ishraq continue on their journey through Christendom where Luca is chartered with investigating for the church the ‘end of days’. They come across a children’s crusade with leads to tragedy, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and ultimately the slave galley raids that drive Luca to wonder where his parents might be. Because of the destruction of the tsunami and earthquake, ...more
In the second installment of the Order of Darkness, Luca, Freize, Isolde and Ishraq continue on their journey through Christendom where Luca is chartered with investigating for the church the ‘end of days’. They come across a children’s crusade with leads to tragedy, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and ultimately the slave galley raids that drive Luca to wonder where his parents might be. Because of the destruction of the tsunami and earthquake, ...more

May 31, 2013
Stephanie
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
paranormal-read,
summer-books,
series,
romance,
arcs,
mystery-suspense-read,
my-library,
young-adult-read
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
My Summary: When Luca, Isolde, and their companions set out on their journey, they never expected to be swept up in the strange superstitious fears of a tiny town along the road. Approached by a self-proclaimed 'saint' and a group of wayward children, the five are baffled to discover the townspeople fear... well, almost everything.
Instructed by the Order to investigate this wild claim, Lu ...more
My Summary: When Luca, Isolde, and their companions set out on their journey, they never expected to be swept up in the strange superstitious fears of a tiny town along the road. Approached by a self-proclaimed 'saint' and a group of wayward children, the five are baffled to discover the townspeople fear... well, almost everything.
Instructed by the Order to investigate this wild claim, Lu ...more

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book at all. The story completely failed to engage me and I even started to dislike most of the characters, not to mention the weird love square (if there's even such an expression) which formed itself as I was reading. I'd give adult books by Philippa Gregory a try, but definitely won't finish this series.
...more

If you have not read the first book then I do recommend in doing so before reading this review.
I was a bit reserved to continue this series as I did not think highly of the first book Changeling. In fact I gave it two stars as I did find it rather boring. I am glad to say things have picked up quite a bit in this follow on. This novel starts off where we left the characters in Changeling. Four quite different characters on a mission for the church to seek out signs of the devil and the end of t ...more
I was a bit reserved to continue this series as I did not think highly of the first book Changeling. In fact I gave it two stars as I did find it rather boring. I am glad to say things have picked up quite a bit in this follow on. This novel starts off where we left the characters in Changeling. Four quite different characters on a mission for the church to seek out signs of the devil and the end of t ...more

Similar to the first book in the series, this was ok. The storyline was a bit all over the place, but at the same time it just felt like nothing happened. I do however love the historical aspect of the book, it is very well researched. I will probably read the next one but I'm not holding out much hope.
...more

I liked this book, but it wasn't as good as the first in the series (Changeling). The characters developed a lot more, and a lot of the fun of the book was them interacting with each other. The story focused on the event of the children's crusade and an enormous tidal wave, which had a profound impact on everyone, but I felt that there could have been more to the story plot-wise. There were many events related to the inquiries Luca goes on that were too drawn out, and in place of this, there cou
...more

I wanted to put this novel down quite a while ago, but my love of Philippa Gregory kept me reading. I rarely ditch a book, but there was just too much religious drudgery too proceed. The writing dragged on slower than molasses and the mystery fell flat. Philippa Gregory is a writer of great talent but this young adult series just missed the mark. 1.5/5

Y'all,this is over 500 pages spent with these characters with literally 0 development.None.Nada.Not a thing.
There remains simply one character that I actually like,my beloved Ishraq,whose writing is pretty inconsistent at times,but who remains my one light in the darkness of this book.I also found myself shockingly rooting for Freize (honestly more out of the need to find something to keep myself entertained and engaged more than anything else),but EH.I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to ...more
There remains simply one character that I actually like,my beloved Ishraq,whose writing is pretty inconsistent at times,but who remains my one light in the darkness of this book.I also found myself shockingly rooting for Freize (honestly more out of the need to find something to keep myself entertained and engaged more than anything else),but EH.I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to ...more

Full Review seen on my blog @ Dee's Reads
I am a fan of historical fiction, but it’s something that I feel I always forget about. I am also a big fan of paranormal and fantasy and they’re like the older and louder siblings in the genre family of my tastes.
So while in the past I have read a few of Philippa Gregory’s books, and really enjoyed them I might add, I don’t always get to delve deeper. When I saw she was writing a YA series of historical fiction with bits of magic in them, I leaped. I me ...more
I am a fan of historical fiction, but it’s something that I feel I always forget about. I am also a big fan of paranormal and fantasy and they’re like the older and louder siblings in the genre family of my tastes.
So while in the past I have read a few of Philippa Gregory’s books, and really enjoyed them I might add, I don’t always get to delve deeper. When I saw she was writing a YA series of historical fiction with bits of magic in them, I leaped. I me ...more

Stormbringers continues the journey of Brothers Luca and Peter as they investigate mysterious events occurring all around Europe for the Pope, in the hopes of discovering if the end of the world is nigh. Travelling with them are Lady Isolde and her companion Ishraq. I think Philippa Gregory has delivered an admirable sequel to Changeling, building upon the foundation she laid in the previous book and progressing the characters deeper into the mysteries of the time they live in.
I love that the ch ...more
I love that the ch ...more

I was so excited to be able to get back into this world created by author, Philippa Gregory. I didn’t realize how much I missed the characters in the book until I was thrown back into their adventure, especially Freize. This guy was constantly making me laugh out loud and giggle.
The five travelling companions are continuing their journey together, and the attraction between Isolde and Luca are becoming more and more obvious. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where ...more
The five travelling companions are continuing their journey together, and the attraction between Isolde and Luca are becoming more and more obvious. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where ...more

What an incredible book that never let up at all. After reading Changeling, I had high expectations that the sequel would be just as thrilling as Changeling and it was in some ways a lot better. The story and pacing seemed to be much more crisp and faster.
Being that this was the second book in a quartet, means that the characters have to be even stronger than they were in the first book. What I like about this book is that there are very strong Christian elements and themes to this book. I felt ...more
Being that this was the second book in a quartet, means that the characters have to be even stronger than they were in the first book. What I like about this book is that there are very strong Christian elements and themes to this book. I felt ...more

Disclaimer: I received a free edition of this book from the publishers as in conjunction with a Goodreads giveaway.
Ok, now I've got that out of the way, let's get on with the review.
As you can see from my rating, I thought that this book was ok. As with the previous book in the series, it is a quick and easy read.
So, what did I like about the book?
As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of som ...more
Ok, now I've got that out of the way, let's get on with the review.
As you can see from my rating, I thought that this book was ok. As with the previous book in the series, it is a quick and easy read.
So, what did I like about the book?
As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of som ...more

Five stars where Changeling got a 4- and a 4 only because Frieze was dryly hilarious, Luca young but self-possessed, and the setting was in the medieval period, one of my favorite time periods. Stormbringers gets five stars because 1) it has a MUCH better plot, one much more interesting and less microscopic than Changeling's small town feral child; 2) loved the author's clever use of a natural phenomenon- the tidal wave- to explain the miraculous "parting of the sea"; 3) Ishraq rocks! Somethi
...more

Frustrating, so frustrating, as with the first book the author has decided to end the main body of the plot around sixty pages before the book finishes. The problems are resolved, the mystery solved and inquiry dealt with. Then bang! Let’s introduce a new plot arc: a new problem with new characters.
Why?, To set up for the sequel of course. The only problem with this is the ending of the book falls flat. The sequel hints should be plastered in with the main plot because after the main plot is res ...more
Why?, To set up for the sequel of course. The only problem with this is the ending of the book falls flat. The sequel hints should be plastered in with the main plot because after the main plot is res ...more

What a great sequel, though things have changed, and how easily they changed their minds! And it was quite sad, what happened, though it could've been sadder, we got him back! Interesting, what the leader did, and I can't wait for the next book!!
...more

I found this book a little boring. It didn't have a strong story line and I am hoping the next book in the series is better. I really enjoyed the first book in the series. This felt like a filler.
...more

Not as good as the first book but still thoroughly enjoyable. Review to come.

A solid 3 star performance, which is what I think I gave the first one. I did think this one had a better plot than Changeling, but I think the problems I had with it are the same for this one too.
Firstly, the story continues pretty much where it was left off with Luca, Isolde, Peter, Ishraq and Frieze travelling together. They stop at a small seaside town with the intent of hiring a boat to take them somewhere in southern a bit quicker than they could ride. Then it opens up into the weirdness o ...more
Firstly, the story continues pretty much where it was left off with Luca, Isolde, Peter, Ishraq and Frieze travelling together. They stop at a small seaside town with the intent of hiring a boat to take them somewhere in southern a bit quicker than they could ride. Then it opens up into the weirdness o ...more

I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"Stormbringers" is book 2 in Philippa Gregory's "Order of Darkness" series. Luca and company learn of a young boy who claims to have divine orders to lead a large group of children on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Does this young boy really have the gift of prophecy or is he a fraud?
I'm really enjoying this series so far. Though I liked book 1, I did have a complaint that it had a rather episodic feel to it. B ...more
"Stormbringers" is book 2 in Philippa Gregory's "Order of Darkness" series. Luca and company learn of a young boy who claims to have divine orders to lead a large group of children on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Does this young boy really have the gift of prophecy or is he a fraud?
I'm really enjoying this series so far. Though I liked book 1, I did have a complaint that it had a rather episodic feel to it. B ...more

I like these characters, but somehow Stormbringers just didn't do much for me. Perhaps it's a "second book" issue? It has been a while since I read Changeling, the first book, but I remember there was a lot more excitement in that book.
Isolde and Ishraq are on the run after Isolde was accused of witchcraft. They are traveling with Luca and Freize while Luca continues his mission for the Order to find evidence of the End of Days.
And find evidence they do! We experience the Children's Crusade and ...more
Isolde and Ishraq are on the run after Isolde was accused of witchcraft. They are traveling with Luca and Freize while Luca continues his mission for the Order to find evidence of the End of Days.
And find evidence they do! We experience the Children's Crusade and ...more

The book opens with a lame conversation between Frieze and Ishrak, designed to dump information from the first book. I would have said Philippa Gregory was a way better writer than this, so I can only conclude that her respect for YA lit is low. The book also lacks her usual meticulous research—they are headed for Budapest, which did not exist in 1453. That said, I enjoyed the characters and their adventure involving a children’s crusade, a tsunami, the accusations of suffering villagers, and a
...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

In this second book in the series, Luca and his friends are still traveling throughout Europe trying to find proof of the end of days. Luca is a part of secret religious order and has been picked as an inquirer. His task is to seek out the supernatural and see if there are signs of the end of days. In this book, Luca and his friends happen upon a group of children, hundreds of them, heading to Jerusalem on foot. Luca decides to investigate to determine if this could be a sign and if it is a true
...more

I really liked this book until the end. It felt like an unfinished story. In 1453 in Italy, the four travelers are growing closer. They meet a holy boy who seems to know things about each of the group and the city. He is leading many children to Jerusalem. They are begging as they go. He says the sea will part and he will lead the children to Jerusalem. When the sea begins to go out, the children run after him to the sea and follow the water. Unfortunately, the water comes back in crashing into
...more
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Madison Mega-Mara...: Stormbringers by Phillipa Gregory | 1 | 3 | Sep 29, 2013 11:14AM |
Philippa Gregory is one of the world’s foremost historical novelists. She wrote her first ever novel, Wideacre, when she was completing her PhD in eighteenth-century literature and it sold worldwide, heralding a new era for historical fiction.
Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other Bo ...more
Her flair for blending history and imagination developed into a signature style and Philippa went on to write many bestselling novels, including The Other Bo ...more
Other books in the series
Order of Darkness
(4 books)
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