What do you think?
Rate this book
Tranquility #2
Tranquility's Grief
As the bodies of her father and her sister burned, Bethany refused to say good-bye. She would say it only when she saw the release of their spirits and the burning of every person connected to their deaths.
Only then would they rest in peace.
***
Thousands are dead. Lady Champion Bethany's tainted sister is slain. Her home lost forever. And Magic yet survives. Bethany thought she'd given everything in the fight against Magic. She was wrong. When the deaths of those closest to her shake her already crumbled world, she doesn't wilt and die. She still has one thing left to gain even now: revenge.
Prophecy or no, half-goddess or not, Bethany vows to bring order back to the world with the edge of her blade. No matter who she must defy. No matter what stands in her way. No matter who must die.
For what they've done to her, all will pay.
Book 2 of the Tales of Tranquility Series.
465 KB
Only then would they rest in peace.
***
Thousands are dead. Lady Champion Bethany's tainted sister is slain. Her home lost forever. And Magic yet survives. Bethany thought she'd given everything in the fight against Magic. She was wrong. When the deaths of those closest to her shake her already crumbled world, she doesn't wilt and die. She still has one thing left to gain even now: revenge.
Prophecy or no, half-goddess or not, Bethany vows to bring order back to the world with the edge of her blade. No matter who she must defy. No matter what stands in her way. No matter who must die.
For what they've done to her, all will pay.
Book 2 of the Tales of Tranquility Series.
465 KB
- GenresFantasy
264 pages, ebook
First published December 11, 2012
30 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 28, 2017
Right then. Things pick up not long after the end of the first book. Bethany is sulking. Arrago is being an accountant (kind of). Sarissa is Sarissaing. I'm happy to say that the kinks with Sarissa were worked out more as she seems much more motivated this time around. Bethany and Arrago are giant idjits. There's a war on the horizon. Having really liked the first one, I can definitely say that I liked this one just that bit more. Debuts are strange beasts (I should know) so it's clear that Krista had grown stronger with her second book. The political parts work well, the war parts work well, Sarissa's subplot is intriguing, the two idjits are idjiting it up by the end and everything wraps up with a declaration for the next story. If you enjoyed Fury, you should definitely enjoy Grief.
February 23, 2013
Tremendously enjoyed this fantasy read. War, death, family, friends, weddings, smiles and grief. Everything a fantasy should be in one place ~ goddess, magic, and swords. I might have enjoyed the irony to much here in the dire times, ones that are fitting in fantasy and this time of age it's set in.
***FULL REVIEW***
Months later Bethany's hiding in a smelly outhouse for privacy with her bottle, with the destruction of her home and life, with her secret of who she is in the open, feeling the guilt of loss in lives, and hurting from losing her love, she wants nothing more than to be left alone. But things are about to become complicated in war time, as they always are. On her way to Allric's 'study' for a meeting she is met by her guests - her little and middle sisters, who she hasn't seen in nine years, show up. In the time of war, Bethany's helpless sisters come and the leader of the army Allric is called back home to Wyllow replaced with Jud, one no one likes. The Elven Council has changes in mind for this dangerous time, and they are not allowing the Elven Elite - Silver Knight - to march to the north to battle against Magic that's rising in power and attacking them weekly. Bethany comes to herself when more deaths tally and doesn't agree with the Elven Council. She has other plans. Bethany might come across a strong young man in the north her leading his own rebellion that her army can join with and make a stand against the king pushing the Magic in Taftlin.
Oh My Goodness! The word Grief in the title has it. It's war now. Against the magi and the sister she thought she killed. In war things get ugly, and they do for Bethany. Well written with constant happenings and action. Situations that put the characters to doing what they don't want to, but need to. The world is not safe.
Boom! We start right in with Bethany a bit of a mess after the battle at Tranquility Temple. Bethany feels responsible for all the deaths as she thinks she didn't act soon enough against her sister. Then theirs the guilt for killing her sister as well, along with knowing she'd willingly do it again. Then she has her soldiers and citizens looking at her different, feeling uncomfortable around her, knowing who she is - this she tried to hide from them for this reason. Bethany sees her life in tatters just like her home town and Temple. Then Bethany slowly sees the side she did help. There are people alive, who wouldn't be, if it wasn't for her. That there is more with her friendships here in these dark times that mean something. And things have to change from where they are sitting. Bethany goes through her down spell, but she sucks it up for the better good and pushes on.
I love that Bethany has a realistic view in her world, even though she's down. Some may say she's a touch pessimistic but I think not. She wants better but wonders if it's possible with the Magi threatening at anytime and the war they feel raging to come. She knows she needs to make some sort of action and being who she is, figures a way to use her parentage to make it happen. Bethany knows the way of the world, even if it hurts her she will stand as the Lady Champion she is.
What about Sarissa? Yes, what about her. *smiles* She is growing in strength through this book and the things she goes through and the chats she has with Bethany...well, we will see her again.
This story never stops! Krista is great with the fast action and drawing you in to the situation at hand. I have to say I LOVED the book and the beginning for it's dreariness. I might have enjoyed the situations more than I should have. In the characters dire moments, I smiled.
Bethany is hiding in a foul smelling rickety outhouse with NO roof and a bottle of brandy.
The leader of the elite Elven Guard giving orders from the stable with horse blankets as wells!
Where one soldier gets shoot!
So well described and fits the time and situation perfectly! Krista has done an amazing job of giving us a war time feel and yet keep us from being bored with the hard times. Over and over again Krista put a smile on my face as I worried about the war as well.
I was completely sated for my fantasy needs in this book. War, Goddess meddling, death, love, Magic, and so much more! Fantasy is about a hard life and tough decisions that aren't always for the characters. This is it. I know there's more to come, but felt this book had a whole story, not the middle child in any way to me. I scarfed up this book in no time flat! I couldn't put it down.
As much as I enjoyed Tranquility's Blaze, Tranquility's Grief blew me away!
***FULL REVIEW***
Months later Bethany's hiding in a smelly outhouse for privacy with her bottle, with the destruction of her home and life, with her secret of who she is in the open, feeling the guilt of loss in lives, and hurting from losing her love, she wants nothing more than to be left alone. But things are about to become complicated in war time, as they always are. On her way to Allric's 'study' for a meeting she is met by her guests - her little and middle sisters, who she hasn't seen in nine years, show up. In the time of war, Bethany's helpless sisters come and the leader of the army Allric is called back home to Wyllow replaced with Jud, one no one likes. The Elven Council has changes in mind for this dangerous time, and they are not allowing the Elven Elite - Silver Knight - to march to the north to battle against Magic that's rising in power and attacking them weekly. Bethany comes to herself when more deaths tally and doesn't agree with the Elven Council. She has other plans. Bethany might come across a strong young man in the north her leading his own rebellion that her army can join with and make a stand against the king pushing the Magic in Taftlin.
Oh My Goodness! The word Grief in the title has it. It's war now. Against the magi and the sister she thought she killed. In war things get ugly, and they do for Bethany. Well written with constant happenings and action. Situations that put the characters to doing what they don't want to, but need to. The world is not safe.
Boom! We start right in with Bethany a bit of a mess after the battle at Tranquility Temple. Bethany feels responsible for all the deaths as she thinks she didn't act soon enough against her sister. Then theirs the guilt for killing her sister as well, along with knowing she'd willingly do it again. Then she has her soldiers and citizens looking at her different, feeling uncomfortable around her, knowing who she is - this she tried to hide from them for this reason. Bethany sees her life in tatters just like her home town and Temple. Then Bethany slowly sees the side she did help. There are people alive, who wouldn't be, if it wasn't for her. That there is more with her friendships here in these dark times that mean something. And things have to change from where they are sitting. Bethany goes through her down spell, but she sucks it up for the better good and pushes on.
I love that Bethany has a realistic view in her world, even though she's down. Some may say she's a touch pessimistic but I think not. She wants better but wonders if it's possible with the Magi threatening at anytime and the war they feel raging to come. She knows she needs to make some sort of action and being who she is, figures a way to use her parentage to make it happen. Bethany knows the way of the world, even if it hurts her she will stand as the Lady Champion she is.
What about Sarissa? Yes, what about her. *smiles* She is growing in strength through this book and the things she goes through and the chats she has with Bethany...well, we will see her again.
This story never stops! Krista is great with the fast action and drawing you in to the situation at hand. I have to say I LOVED the book and the beginning for it's dreariness. I might have enjoyed the situations more than I should have. In the characters dire moments, I smiled.
Bethany is hiding in a foul smelling rickety outhouse with NO roof and a bottle of brandy.
The leader of the elite Elven Guard giving orders from the stable with horse blankets as wells!
Where one soldier gets shoot!
So well described and fits the time and situation perfectly! Krista has done an amazing job of giving us a war time feel and yet keep us from being bored with the hard times. Over and over again Krista put a smile on my face as I worried about the war as well.
I was completely sated for my fantasy needs in this book. War, Goddess meddling, death, love, Magic, and so much more! Fantasy is about a hard life and tough decisions that aren't always for the characters. This is it. I know there's more to come, but felt this book had a whole story, not the middle child in any way to me. I scarfed up this book in no time flat! I couldn't put it down.
As much as I enjoyed Tranquility's Blaze, Tranquility's Grief blew me away!
December 20, 2014
Was this a two book series? Did it end like this? Wtf? That makes no sense and what about that whole prophecy, well a part of it? That spoke of something else? I am not happy.
Beth had a LOT of baggage, and goes through the book unhappy most of the time. Her lover is gone and gets his own fate..ok.
Her sister is crazy, and honestly there needs to be more. That was not dealt with either.
Tell me someone! Is there more? This was not an ending. I can't talk about the book when there are so many lose threads. At the moment it just feels like one big plothole..
Beth had a LOT of baggage, and goes through the book unhappy most of the time. Her lover is gone and gets his own fate..ok.
Her sister is crazy, and honestly there needs to be more. That was not dealt with either.
Tell me someone! Is there more? This was not an ending. I can't talk about the book when there are so many lose threads. At the moment it just feels like one big plothole..
January 8, 2015
Average series more of an entry to Fantasy for teens.
Main lead as Female has been done, but story works well.
Nice easy read no real surprises.
Size of books dont really give you a chance to get to know them that well but you get the slight understanding.
A series to fill the wait.
Main lead as Female has been done, but story works well.
Nice easy read no real surprises.
Size of books dont really give you a chance to get to know them that well but you get the slight understanding.
A series to fill the wait.
April 26, 2018
The writing in Grief was definitely a downturn from Blaze. It seemed more... juvenile, somehow. Plenty of repetition as characters repeated and rehashed their thoughts and motivations—it was like having Robert Lee continually interrupting to explain what has happened, and why. Also notable were a few editing oversights, with simple spelling and grammar mistakes (e.g. an intended "thought" incompletely represented as "though").
And what is it with this race of people and vomiting? Every time anything happens all of the characters vomit on themselves. Every. Single. Time. I can only conclude that the author simply couldn't think of any other emotional response, because there was no back story provided to explain their inability to keep down their lunch. I could only make it halfway through this book, as I grew tired of this constant vomitus assault.
DNF.
And what is it with this race of people and vomiting? Every time anything happens all of the characters vomit on themselves. Every. Single. Time. I can only conclude that the author simply couldn't think of any other emotional response, because there was no back story provided to explain their inability to keep down their lunch. I could only make it halfway through this book, as I grew tired of this constant vomitus assault.
DNF.
August 31, 2018
In the immortal words of Bill-D-Cat: "Ack!" This was nothing short of a chore to read. My own fault, I suppose, for following on from "Blaze." Somebody must have suggested that Krista Ball write some books so it's most likely that person who is to blame for this dross. To all you gals who've given these books high ratings.....how much were you paid? My own list of errors became so lengthy and involved that I simply gave up counting about halfway through. Do yourself a money-saving favour: don't waste your cash on this.
January 3, 2018
A wonderful continuation of the Tranquility series, Grief picked up shortly after book 1 with Lady Bethany trying to recover from the loss of Arrago, her sister, and the carnage of the battle in Blaze. This isn't a feel-good series, but it's very emotional and the worldbuilding and characters are filled with emotion and conflict to keep the reader's attention.
June 10, 2017
This series has a great story line which will grab you tile the end of each and every book. I just wish the 2 main characters would get together and stay. It just is one thing after another. Oh well you'll just have to read. You won't be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone.
June 12, 2015
Great book to follow-up the first in the series, Blaze. I can really tell that Ms. Ball's writing skills grew in the time between the two books; Grief isn't rushed, but neither is it long-winded.
I love how the development of the characters is never sacrificed for the inclusion of action sequences, of which there are several. New characters Amber--yes, while she was introduced in Blaze, she was much more of a cipher in that novel, barely more than a set-piece--and Landra are fun introductions, with their own clear personalities, motivations, and scenes. I also liked Celeste Clover. In fact, I LOVE that there are several female leading & supporting characters, all distinct from each other. In terms of character development, my one quibble is Kiner, who is much less fully realized than Bethany's other friends.
Action scenes are great.
The story is also quite good, a natural extension of the first story. The only small plot problem I spotted was late in the book ()
Overall, very good and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, which luckily I have queued up ready to go.
I love how the development of the characters is never sacrificed for the inclusion of action sequences, of which there are several. New characters Amber--yes, while she was introduced in Blaze, she was much more of a cipher in that novel, barely more than a set-piece--and Landra are fun introductions, with their own clear personalities, motivations, and scenes. I also liked Celeste Clover. In fact, I LOVE that there are several female leading & supporting characters, all distinct from each other. In terms of character development, my one quibble is Kiner, who is much less fully realized than Bethany's other friends.
Action scenes are great.
The story is also quite good, a natural extension of the first story. The only small plot problem I spotted was late in the book ()
Overall, very good and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, which luckily I have queued up ready to go.
September 23, 2015
I enjoyed the writing in this one much more than the first book, it's definitely worth continuing the series if you've already read book one. I already loved a lot of the characters, but this book made me love them even more. #TeamArrago
August 28, 2016
Second book in Tranquility series. Good read, recommended, but read the books in order (or buy the omnibus edition). I've become a fairly big fan of Ball: she delivers excellent world-building, good characters, and consistent action. Unpretentious fun reading. Recommended.
December 13, 2012
A gut wrenching follow up to Tranquility's Blaze. Old wounds reopened and new wounds endured.
September 2, 2015
3.5 stars; good writing, snappy dialogue but the lack of copy edits and proofreading brings down the overall rating.
Read
March 19, 2015Decent but surprisingly short and somewhat shallow.
This is a good, uncomplicated story that reads nicely. If you read the first book, read this one too.
This is a good, uncomplicated story that reads nicely. If you read the first book, read this one too.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews