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Stormbringers

(Order of Darkness #2)

Philippa Gregory (Goodreads Author)

3.49 · Rating details · 2,933 ratings · 288 reviews

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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· 2,933 ratings · 288 reviews

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Feb 07, 2013 Jessie (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it did not like it

Shelves: a-marysue-by-any-other-name, dramamongering, utterly-underwhelming, ya-fiction, arc, 2013-reads, blah-blah-blaaahhhh, edelweiss-arc, historical-fiction, reviews-2013

I'm working on a real review, but here are some feelings I had while reading this ~~awful~~ book.

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

photo when-someone-asks-how-long-its-been-since-you-last-dated-someone_zpsf2f9325a.gif

(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:

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

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

photo when-you-show-someone-a-picture-on-your-phone-and-they-start-swiping-through-your-photos_zpsf155c02c.gif

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

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Feb 27, 2015 Arlene rated it liked it

Shelves: overdrive-audio, read-2015, historical-fiction, young-adult

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, 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, Isolde and Ishraq are once again accused of being witches and Stormbringers.

Luca and Freize stand by their friends and see them through the accusations. Toward the end of the novel, Luca is ordered by his commander to investigate the mysterious gold coins that are beginning circulation, so he must travel to Venice, the great trading center of the medieval world, to trace the new currency. At the same time, Luca is battling with his personal quest of finding his father at a time when Christendom is facing danger from their enemies.

Overall, I enjoyed witnessing the character development taking place in this novel.

Luca is battling with wanting to find his parents and serving the Order, while at the same time developing feelings for Isolde. Freize is showing his strong and humorous side and ultimately demonstrating how tight his bond with to Luca really is. Isolde’s sense of privilege comes out in this installment, which I was wondering where it was all along. She showed it when she turned against Ishraq in a fit of jealousy, and I can attribute that to her never facing so much danger that lashing out was inevitable. Ishraq is coming into her own and wanting to be more than a servant/companion to Isolde. She’s willing to challenge the definition of who she should be, which caused a strain between her and Isolde in this book.

This book was rich with historical fiction and character development that I can’t wait to see what the next installment has in store. Very intriguing!
...more

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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

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May 14, 2018 Izabella (Pages Full of Stars) rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2018, series-of-books, european-setting, romance-bits, trigger-warning-death, young-adult-fiction, too-many-facepalms, z_cover-colour-black, reviewed, historical-fiction

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

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Aug 17, 2019 ~Sofia~ rated it liked it · review of another edition

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

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Apr 17, 2020 Grace rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, historical-fiction, 2020

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

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May 10, 2017 Ashley Marsh rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017, owned

3.5 stars. A very quick read, but so simple. More to come.

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Oct 23, 2014 Mary-Jean Harris rated it liked it

Shelves: historical, mystery, fantasy

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

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Feb 24, 2014 Dana rated it did not like it

Shelves: young-adult, dnf, historical-fiction, meh

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

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Jan 14, 2018 Gabriela Pop rated it it was ok

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

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Aug 20, 2017 Tracey Trigg rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this book as a holiday read. Easy to read and follow. Did not realise it was the second in a series, but I soon gathered the story. Deciding whether to read the next one.

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Aug 28, 2013 Diamond rated it liked it

Shelves: favs-4-blog, adventure, ya, hist-fic, ya-series-i-love, own-hardcover, dark, middle-ages, written-very-well, series-finish-challenge-14

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 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 mean, I love that combination of genres! The first book in the Order of Darkness series, Changeling, was one I read last year. I’ve had the sequel and the third book sitting on my TBR for many months, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up.

Stormbringers was definitely more interesting than its predecessor, Changeling. I think I gave Changeling 2-3 stars, not because it wasn’t good (it was) but because it had a bit of a “meh” factor going on. I knew the series had a lot of potential though, and sometimes first books have a hard time because they have so much to develop. I’m glad I went with my gut because it definitely paid off. Stormbringers was much better than Changeling, and had a lot more of everything I love. There was more action, more historical elements, more romantic tension, and definitely tons of character development.

Frieze was not really one of my favorite characters in the first book. In this book, we really learn more about him and I am surprised to say I completely changed my opinion on him. He’s hilarious and made me LOL several times. He’s also sweet and his way of animals is super endearing. There’s something about a man with a fondness for kittens that has me weak in the knees…*sigh*

Luca also developed a lot in this novel. We see more of his past, what happened to his parents, and ultimately what led him to live in a monastery and take up in the Order in the first place. Luca is definitely split between his duties. He really likes Isoldeand doesn’t really know why he’s pledged to become a monk. Like any young man, he’s got NEEDZ, YO. I found the sexual frustration hilarious and at the same time pretty realistic.

Ishraq was always more fascinating to me than Isolde. She’s well read, versed in many languages, she’s from the Middle East but is stuck around all these Christians who call her a Pagan or heretic and she still holds her head high. Not to mention, she’s got all the men respecting her including Father Peter which is no small feat. Her upbringing is unique, and I believe historically accurate which I found fascinating.

“My mother was a woman from Acre, where Jesus is honored as a prophet but they’re certain he is not a God. ..[They] called it Conviviencia—living alongside each other in harmony, whatever their beliefs. For the enemy is not another person who believes in a god. The enemy is ignorance, and people who believe in nothing and care for nothing. You should know that by now, Brother Peter.” Page 89

Gregory spun a wonderful tale full of mystery and suspense. I have to say, it’s not often I see historical fiction that takes place in 1453. It’s a fascinating time period. I feel like Gregory did an impeccable job making it feel like it was 1453 but that things were basically the same as far as young love, fear, and religions clashing while prejudices reign.

There were some things I didn’t really care for in the novel. The main thing was how long it took me to finish it. I’m not sure this is the novels fault, but it did seem to lag a bit in the beginning. Before the plot really started unfolding , it was hard for me to keep picking it up. Also I have to mention that I’m super busy working and studying nonstop and haven’t had much time for reading, this may be the reason it took me so long to finish. I’m not sure, but I do know that if it was a true five star read I would have foregone sleep, which I didn’t do here. Besides the pacing and the lagging in the beginning and the first part of the middle, I don’t’ have many other complaints. Isolde was annoying at times, in the way she prescribes to all the ideals that men have set upon women and how she let her jealousy goad her into a fight with Ishraq was disappointing. ...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Shaheen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-not-on-shelf

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 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 characters grow so much throughout this book - especially Ishraq and Frieze. The more these five spend time with one another, the more they learn about each other and the more their own personal views and prejudices are challenged. In Stormbringers, the foundation is laid for Ishraq's impending crisis of identity as a Muslim maid to a Christian Lady in the time of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the threat they pose to Christendom. I think the tension between them is cleverly woven, and would love to see how it pans out in later novels. Another interesting development is Luca's uncertainty about his future, and especially in relation to his love life. I think the revelations at the end f this book will play a large role in the dynamics of the little group as time goes on.

All this character development doesn't impact the exciting plot of Stormbringers. All the action is set in a tiny coastal town, and there are prophets, natural disasters, witch trials and a captain of a slaver-ship to keep readers entertained. The book feels a lot longer than its 300 pages, but I never found it lagging or boring.

However, this book isn't really about the prophets, natural disasters or witch trials, it's about the impact of these events on the devout Christian population of the time. It focuses on the way these people, lacking the scientific knowledge we have now, turn to portents and magic to explain the things around them. Stormbringers cleverly uses Ishraq to examine a woman's place in society, to challenge the prevailing idea (then and today) that a woman should behave like a man expects and wishes her to, that her honour is bound to what men think of her. The book also looks at the religious conviction of Brother Peter, pitted against Luca's uncertainty, and the way that horrible things can be done in the name of religion. Again, it is Ishraq, as the heretic in the party, who questions and challenges these things. In some ways, it feels like the plot hangs on her character - she's often the voice of reason, with modern ideas of religious freedom and gender equality.

There are a few things I didn't like about the novel. The first is that, although it is an exciting book, the overall plot progression is basically nonexistent. It's obvious that the Order of Darkness series is going to be long. The second is the author's ignorance on the Islamic religion and Middle Eastern culture. Although forgivable in her sheltered Christian protagonists who are prone to superstition and look for all their answers in the Bible - it's unacceptable in the few Muslim characters we meet. They use phrases like Insha Allah incorrectly, at completely the wrong time, and seem to be shallowly versed in their own religion.

Stormbringers continues the tradition of Philippa Gregory novels of being vividly crafted and well executed, and although it is written for a young adult audience, doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable sociopolitical climate of the time. All the best, trademark aspects of Gregory's writing have been translated into this YA novel, and I look forward to continuing Luca and Isolde's journey in the coming sequels.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic . ...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Chapter by Chapter rated it really liked it

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 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 Isolde wants so much to have Luca as her own, and where they can profess their love to each other, but Luca is on his way to taking his vows into priesthood…which is a huge obstacle. And Luca is having a difficult time controlling his thoughts and desires towards Isolde. But he knows what his path in life is leading, and yet, he can’t resist his attraction to Isolde.

After having received another quest from the lord of The Order of Darkness, their travels take them to a fishing town where an inquiry is in order. It seems that Luca and his fellow travelers are not the only ones who have stopped into town to rest. A crusade has come into town…a crusade of children who is being led by one they call Johann the Good, who is merely a child himself; 16 years old. Johann believes that God speaks to him and has sent him on a quest to Palestine where he and a crusade of children will face the enemy and change the war, and where miracles will be witnessed.

After hearing his very convincing sermon, Luca and the crew decide that they, too, will follow Johann to Jerusalem and bear witness to the miracles he tells. But what was supposed to be believed to be a miracle turns into a tragedy, and the lives of everyone involved takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Friendships are tested, and rumors of Stormbringers working their magic has made things rather difficult for our group of travelers.

If I were to compare book 1 with book 2, I would have to say that book 2 is the better of the 2 so far! I felt quite a bit of emotion in this book due to the events that transpire in the pages. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain that some of these characters go through because of something that I am so not going to tell you. There was a lot of action in this installment as well! There really isn’t a dull moment in Stormbringers. It was go…go…go! Once one event finishes, something else creeps its way into the story and I was hooked all over again!

We are left wondering what is exactly up with Luca and Brother Peter’s lord (who shall not be named…at this time I guess…), readers are left to start questioning Ishraq and what her intentions (or soon to be intentions) are, and we also are teased with an introduction to a new villain that I hope we see more of in the next books to follow! I was reeling wondering what was real, and what was set up to be portrayed as truth…

I also loved that a little bit more about The Order of Darkness is discussed in the book, and a little snippet to another order that I am sooooo hoping will be a huge part of the this series…the Order of Assassins… How awesome would that be? I can’t say how this order came up, but when the possibility of more is talked about? How could I not help but squee just a little bit!

Fans of Book One in the Order of Darkness series, Changling, will devour this next installment, Stormbringers. I totally recommend these reads to those who love reading about quests and epic journeys, are looking for characters that will not easily be forgotten, and want to be lost in a world of dark secrets and explainable occurrences. ...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Grace Fonseca rated it really liked it

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 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 that the first book portrayed that well, but this one does it to an even greater extent.

There was a pilgrimage and in Christianity this is one of the greatest themes in books that have to deal with Christianity during this century. Johann and the children pilgrimage was one that you would often hear about. You really come to believe in what Johann is doing. He believes he has been called by God. Our four main characters are skeptical at first about what he claims and rightfully so as during this time there were charlatan’s, and con artists. What Johann reveals during his sermon were things that our four main characters have never told anyone about themselves or their pasts. Yet he speaks to something in them that makes them want to join him.

The Order instructs Luca and Frieze, and Brother Peter to follow this pilgrimage. They want to make sure that what Johann is doing is God’s work, not Satan’s work. Yet things go terribly wrong in a major way. It was like all hell broke loose. What happens is one of the worst things imaginable. People die from a flood. At first it appears that something miraculous is happening and then tragedy strikes right at the core of our foursome. Tragedy is not something I was expecting. It was like a gut punch to me and both Isolde and her friend find themselves the victims of another witch hunt.

Because of this accusation, things get even worse for the two women who have to be careful as to what they say and defend their actions. Being accused of being storm bringers is one of the worst crimes possible. Storm Bringers are people who call forth or summon storms to cause pain and suffering, death. If convicted of it, the sentence is death. You really see what happens when the fear of the unknown sets in or even being different can happen.

Isolde and her friend find themselves in a perilous situation to say the least. They have to fight some very harmful accusations and people are very much out to get them. Yet these accusations prove to be false and then there are some major surprises that we find out about new characters and some new villains that you don’t expect. I want to see how the new villain is going to interact with the two women. We also get a surprise that is a welcome one.

The ending of this book was very dark and really wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought it was a delicious cliffhanger that was rich, intense, and something a little bit out of character, but it added a different direction I think for Luca’s character and his development.

I really want to read the next book in this series.

Rating: 4.5 Hearts ...more

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Jul 15, 2013 Michaela rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

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 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 some smaller ones.
Also, I love the character of Freize - he is, in my opinion, the standout best thing about this book. He is such a likable character, which makes me wish that he was the main character. In fact, I would love it if he and Ishraq teamed up and went off on their own to solve mysteries.

What I didn't like.
The characters of Luca and Isolde. I know they're meant to be the main ones, but I find them flat and boring. Also, in the first page (yes literally the first page) of this book, it is shoved down the readers' throats that these two characters are in love with each other. This book takes place a few days after the action of the previous one, and suddenly these characters are deeply in love. A romantic subplot is used through this book, which resulted in a love squiggle (I was going to use the term love triangle, but squiggle is a better word for this situation). This felt unresolved by the end of the book, so this may continue into the next one. Continuing on the romance side, I feel that the characters are likely to be paired up - which I hope doesn't happen because this would be too predictable. I would love a situation where the gang are all just friends and go about solving mysteries - which is far more appealing to me.
Talking about predictable, this book is very much so. The last quarter of the book is a big set up for the next book(s) in the series, and I think I'm already able to solve the mystery that has been set up, which I hoping is the literary device the audience knows a crucial piece of information that the character doesn't.
One thing that particularly annoyed me was the whole Stormbringers situation. It felt like a random diversion, albeit one that could happen in this historical period, and it was solved in a couple of chapters, with a predictable outcome. To me, this part felt pointless, and the story could have gone on without it.

This book was entertaining enough if you are looking for a quick, simple read, but I'm not yet as to whether I'll read the next book in the series or not. ...more

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Jul 08, 2013 Monica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: period-lit, young-adult, laugh-out-loud-lines, favorite-hero

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

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Aug 04, 2014 Sean Barrs rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical, 2-star-reads

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

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Jan 29, 2013 Louisa rated it it was amazing

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

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Dec 13, 2014 Tonia rated it it was ok

I had to keep checking this book was really by Philippa gregory normally I love her books, it was terrible

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Jul 09, 2015 Ilona rated it it was amazing

Love all of these books so far! Excited for book 4. I just love the historical and religious feel to it as well as the forbidden love/romance.

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Sep 23, 2015 Becky Nelson rated it it was ok

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

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Jan 08, 2013 Annabelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, i-love-a-guy-in-this-book, love-triangles, romance, books-that-made-me-cry, fantasy, favorites, paranormal, reviewless, historical-fiction

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

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Jan 03, 2018 Joanne rated it liked it

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 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 of a children's crusade, what happens to them, and then the resulting 'inquiry' Luca opens up into the incident. Perhaps the only thing which actually saved this novel with regards to the plot was what happened to the children's crusade. After Luca has asked some searching questions of the caricatures of the local peasants, and decides they're all stupid and thick and uneducated, there was still 90 pages or so of book left.

The same thing happened in Changeling, the plot was resolved and then a bit extra was tacked on to the end of it. 90 pages worth of just tacking something on to the end of it, being made to look like a plot twist. Well, I'm not one of her peasants and I saw the 'twist' coming a mile off (actually, by about 80 pages from the end). So I skim read the rest and was completely unsurprised that I was right. Come on Philippa, you can do better than this!

Characters- there was absolutely no character arc or development at all. Luca and Isolde continued to make calf eyes at each other (oh no, we shall never be able to be together!), Peter was a card board cut out of a 15th Century priest who is disrespectful to women, the poor, and well, just about everyone other than his leader (who he's served for a few decades it seems, and has never seen the man's face, spoken to him in person or even knows his name. Maybe Peter used to be a peasant too??); Ishraq started spouting off some very 21st Century ideas about the education of women since she had the benefit of being educated at a university in Spain thanks to her benefactor (Isolde's late father), and could out quote Brother Peter in Plato. Now, this IS a work of fiction. Of course the author can write what the hell she likes, but if one is going to write a historical novel set in a real historical place and time, then please at least be true to the time and culture. Not only is Ishraq a young woman (seventeen at most), she is also described as a Moor. She wasn't a slave as such, but brought up alongside to Isolde to be her protector for life. So, a very rich lord would send his daughter's servant/ slave to study philosophy and other stuff of the time, and not his daughter or son? Riiiiggggghhhhhhtttt. Maybe not. She is also described as having an accent from her native lands meaning which ever Arab state her parents were from, but then later it's revealed that she was born in Spain and came to live with Isolde early on because her mothr died when she was a small child. That being the case, shouldn't IShraq have a Spanish accent at the very least, or most likely, an Italian one, since she's spent more of her life there than in Spain (and never in any Arab state)?

This is my last nit pick. Promise.

At some point it mentions some guys as having hand guns. Hand guns. In 1460. Admittedly my knowledge of such things is not brilliant, but I was sure that a hand gun which could be holstered (as described in the book) would not have been possible in 1460. it is true that by this point gun powder was in use in cannon on battle fields, and after a little digging, I did find that sometime during 15th century there was gun which was the transition between cannon and pistol. It was called a culverin and it had a long and wide barrel (think the cardboard inner tube of Christmas wrapping paper) on a long wooden stock. it was so heavy the user had to have a tripod of sorts to keep it lifted and steady to fire.

*sigh*

There are two things which are going to get me through the last of the series (Christmas present, so I have to finish) is that Philippa Gregory can write well, it's easy to read; and thankfully, fairly short. I finished this one in a few hours, hopefully I can race through the next one with equal speed so that they can get shelved for dust gathering purposes.
...more

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Apr 20, 2019 Stacie (MagicOfBooks) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2019, young-adult

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 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. Book 2 felt a bit more focused with it's narrative. The events of the story felt better tied together. Something else I'm liking about this series is that sometimes something might feel fantastical or supernatural in nature, but there is some rational explanation behind it, whether or not Luca and his friends understand it, but we the reader know better. For instance, a huge chunk of this novel focuses on the aftermath of a tsunami. The characters, living in the medieval world, don't understand it and wonder if this "wave" is the wrath of God. I also liked the story dealing with Johann, the young boy who claims to receive divine prophecy to lead a group of children to the Holy Land. I kept wondering what was up with Johann, but Philippa Gregory really never answers the question about whether or not he was genuine or a fraud. Once again, this being the medieval world and the uncertainty of someone being mentally unstable or genuinely being talked to by God. The event of the tsunami halts a lot of the plot dealing with Johann, so I am curious to see if Johann makes an appearance in future books, or if we are left to wonder his fate and will truly never find out his true intent and purpose.

I continue to love the characters. There's a dark bit where you are left hanging about the fate of one of the main five characters. The tsunami really tests everyone's faith in one another and making them all realize they need each other. Since this is a young adult novel, I had my concerns that Philippa Gregory might feel the need to through in a love triangle (it's probably a cube at this point). There are some moments of cattiness that occur between Isolde and Ishraq which got me a bit frustrated. Some innocent things involving Luca and Freize get misconstrued between the girls. But this tension between Isolde and Ishraq does set both women apart because Isolde is traditional in her beliefs (though she does crave freedom and independence) and Ishraq is far more free-thinking and radical than Isolde likes. It's still a time period where a woman's honor is everything and Isolde still believes in that whereas Ishraq does not. I continued to love the bromance between Luca and Freize. Luca finds out some new information about his parents that might come into play in later books. And Freize continues to be super lovable and full of comedic humor. And I also liked that Brother Peter got a bit more to do in this book, so I'm glad to see his character growing.

Overall, book 2 was great, can't wait to move to book 3. ...more

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Mar 04, 2020 Annette rated it really liked it

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

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Apr 03, 2019 LeAnne rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, 15th-c, italy

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

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May 12, 2020 Sydney rated it did not like it

Shelves: reviewed, dnf

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

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Dec 07, 2017 Judy Howell rated it really liked it

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

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May 09, 2017 Joan rated it liked it

Shelves: teen, historical-fiction, audio

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

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About Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory

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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