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The Cursed Kingdoms #2
The Fire Prince
The Seven Kingdoms are in the grip of an ancient and terrible blood curse. Thousands have died. Thousands more will die. Only one man can end the curse.
The fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld, is that man—whether he likes it or not. But the bounty on Harkeld’s head is high. He has outrun his father’s soldiers, but he can’t outrun the assassins who seek him—Fithians, trained in the art of killing. Even the Sentinel mages who guide and guard him are no match for Fithian steel. Faced with the ever-present threat of death, Harkeld must learn to use his fire magic. Or die.
Meanwhile, dark plots are unfolding in Osgaard’s gold-tiled palace, snaring Princess Brigitta and those she loves. And in the eastern kingdoms, young orphan Jaumé journeys with a band of mysterious and dangerous fighters, heading north for a purpose he does not understand.
The fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld, is that man—whether he likes it or not. But the bounty on Harkeld’s head is high. He has outrun his father’s soldiers, but he can’t outrun the assassins who seek him—Fithians, trained in the art of killing. Even the Sentinel mages who guide and guard him are no match for Fithian steel. Faced with the ever-present threat of death, Harkeld must learn to use his fire magic. Or die.
Meanwhile, dark plots are unfolding in Osgaard’s gold-tiled palace, snaring Princess Brigitta and those she loves. And in the eastern kingdoms, young orphan Jaumé journeys with a band of mysterious and dangerous fighters, heading north for a purpose he does not understand.
559 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 24, 2014
98 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Emily Gee
5 books167 followersEmily also writes historical romance novels as Emily Larkin.
Emily grew up in a house full of words and books – her mother was a librarian and her father a novelist – so perhaps it’s not surprising she became a writer.
She loves to travel and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe, and journeyed overland in the Middle East, China, North Africa, and North America. She enjoys climbing hills, yoga workouts, and watching reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin.
Emily grew up in a house full of words and books – her mother was a librarian and her father a novelist – so perhaps it’s not surprising she became a writer.
She loves to travel and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe, and journeyed overland in the Middle East, China, North Africa, and North America. She enjoys climbing hills, yoga workouts, and watching reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 21, 2014
***Possible Minor Spoilers for The Sentinel Mage ***
I was on the fence after reading The Sentinel Mage, but I enjoyed The Fire Prince more and I’m hooked as to how the entire trilogy will play out. Again this is told surrounding three different story arcs of Princess Brigetta, Harkeld and Jaume.
The Fire Prince starts up directly after the events of The Sentinal Mage. One load stone has been broken and Harkeld has no more illusions, he doesn’t just have mage blood, he IS a Fire Mage. But he still has all of his prejudices and the transition does not go easily.
In the beginning of this book I was really glad for the shifting story arcs. Harkeld was still a little spoiled and seemed to only think of himself. He is a hard hero to like or relate to as all he wants to do is get rid of the power that has been bestowed on him. There are times that I really hated him, but by the end of the book I was starting to really warm up to him and I was always disappointed when the story shifted to someone else.
”I’m a bed-tempered whoreson. It’s past time that I mastered my temper.” And that was the second lesson in all this. To be more like King Magnus and less like his father.
Innis is an interesting character to me because she gets to see both the man Harkeld tries to show to the world around him and the man he truly is. When Innis sleeps next to Harkeld as Justen she ends up dreaming with him. They are powerful dreams with intense emotions but only she knows they are real. She is the strongest shapeshifter so she spends the most time with Harkeld as Justen. It might be getting a little confusing as she enjoys being Justen even more than being herself, I like some of the distinctions that are made about how people treat each other based on gender, they are subtle and not overt.
As Harkeld learns more about magic and starts some training he is beginning to notice things. Perhaps the mages can’t keep their secret forever and how will he react when he finds out. We have all seen that he has a bit of a temper. Plus a new land with a new curse to contend with, not everyone will make it out alive.
Brigitta’s story was my favorite very early on. Her situation in the last book made me a little uncomfortable but in this one she really gets to shine. Along with Karel, who seriously carried the heroism in this book for a long time on his own, they must save her younger brothers from a death sentence. Brigitta, Karel and Yasma are playing a dangerous game and if they are caught the all of them will lose family. I love the forbidden love that Karel feels for Brigetta and I can’t help but hope that they will get a HEA somehow in the next book.
”The day you were assigned my armsman was the most fortunate day of my life.” She took one of his hands in both of hers, raised it to her mouth, kissed it. “May the All-Mother bless you, Karel. Forever.”
Did I mention I adore forbidden romances and quixotic men? This story line was intense and just when I thought it was going to be okay we are left with a large cliffhanger.
Most of the time was spent on the arcs of Harkeld and Brigitta but Jaume’s arc gave me a lot of insight on the group chasing Harkeld and their reasons. Jaume, now traveling with the Fithians, is on his way to intercept Prince Harkeld. He is learning a lot with his new found friends and not all of it is pleasant, but I can see that he will most likely play a larger role in the next book and could be a pivotal character.
The Good: The pacing in this was so much better than in The Sentinal Mage and there didn’t seem to be as much infodumping. Shifting the perspectives kept the story moving on a lot better and I needed it since I struggled with tolerating Harkeld for a while. The plots for all the story lines were better than in the last book and it didn’t seem just cookie cuttered together.
The Bad - There is still a significant amount of just traveling. But at least Harkeld was learning magic along the way so it was broken up a bit. I struggled with Harkeld and his temper, attitude and general prejudice of all things magic. He could be such a jerk at times and Innis while not totally a doormat didn’t stand up to him as much as I would have liked.
Overall - I had a good time with the story and became much more attached to the characters. The build up to the ending was intense and there are a few small cliffies to contend with, so I hope we don’t have to wait 3.5 years for the final book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Solaris for the ARC. All quotes have been taken from an uncorrected proof and may not be in the final product.
I was on the fence after reading The Sentinel Mage, but I enjoyed The Fire Prince more and I’m hooked as to how the entire trilogy will play out. Again this is told surrounding three different story arcs of Princess Brigetta, Harkeld and Jaume.
The Fire Prince starts up directly after the events of The Sentinal Mage. One load stone has been broken and Harkeld has no more illusions, he doesn’t just have mage blood, he IS a Fire Mage. But he still has all of his prejudices and the transition does not go easily.
In the beginning of this book I was really glad for the shifting story arcs. Harkeld was still a little spoiled and seemed to only think of himself. He is a hard hero to like or relate to as all he wants to do is get rid of the power that has been bestowed on him. There are times that I really hated him, but by the end of the book I was starting to really warm up to him and I was always disappointed when the story shifted to someone else.
”I’m a bed-tempered whoreson. It’s past time that I mastered my temper.” And that was the second lesson in all this. To be more like King Magnus and less like his father.
Innis is an interesting character to me because she gets to see both the man Harkeld tries to show to the world around him and the man he truly is. When Innis sleeps next to Harkeld as Justen she ends up dreaming with him. They are powerful dreams with intense emotions but only she knows they are real. She is the strongest shapeshifter so she spends the most time with Harkeld as Justen. It might be getting a little confusing as she enjoys being Justen even more than being herself, I like some of the distinctions that are made about how people treat each other based on gender, they are subtle and not overt.
As Harkeld learns more about magic and starts some training he is beginning to notice things. Perhaps the mages can’t keep their secret forever and how will he react when he finds out. We have all seen that he has a bit of a temper. Plus a new land with a new curse to contend with, not everyone will make it out alive.
Brigitta’s story was my favorite very early on. Her situation in the last book made me a little uncomfortable but in this one she really gets to shine. Along with Karel, who seriously carried the heroism in this book for a long time on his own, they must save her younger brothers from a death sentence. Brigitta, Karel and Yasma are playing a dangerous game and if they are caught the all of them will lose family. I love the forbidden love that Karel feels for Brigetta and I can’t help but hope that they will get a HEA somehow in the next book.
”The day you were assigned my armsman was the most fortunate day of my life.” She took one of his hands in both of hers, raised it to her mouth, kissed it. “May the All-Mother bless you, Karel. Forever.”
Did I mention I adore forbidden romances and quixotic men? This story line was intense and just when I thought it was going to be okay we are left with a large cliffhanger.
Most of the time was spent on the arcs of Harkeld and Brigitta but Jaume’s arc gave me a lot of insight on the group chasing Harkeld and their reasons. Jaume, now traveling with the Fithians, is on his way to intercept Prince Harkeld. He is learning a lot with his new found friends and not all of it is pleasant, but I can see that he will most likely play a larger role in the next book and could be a pivotal character.
The Good: The pacing in this was so much better than in The Sentinal Mage and there didn’t seem to be as much infodumping. Shifting the perspectives kept the story moving on a lot better and I needed it since I struggled with tolerating Harkeld for a while. The plots for all the story lines were better than in the last book and it didn’t seem just cookie cuttered together.
The Bad - There is still a significant amount of just traveling. But at least Harkeld was learning magic along the way so it was broken up a bit. I struggled with Harkeld and his temper, attitude and general prejudice of all things magic. He could be such a jerk at times and Innis while not totally a doormat didn’t stand up to him as much as I would have liked.
Overall - I had a good time with the story and became much more attached to the characters. The build up to the ending was intense and there are a few small cliffies to contend with, so I hope we don’t have to wait 3.5 years for the final book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Solaris for the ARC. All quotes have been taken from an uncorrected proof and may not be in the final product.
July 31, 2014
I would like to thank NetGalley & Solaris for granting me a copy of this e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. Though I received this e-book for free that in no way impacts my review.
Warning: if you haven't read The Sentinel Mage yet stop here, as there are inherent spoilers for that book in this review.
Goodreads Blurb:
A stunning sequel to The Sentinel Mage, this book is everything one could hope for and more. After a three year wait this book smoothly picks up the thread of the story, answering many of the questions left hanging from the previous book. Once again the characters are complex and have rich inner lives, while the arc of the story smoothly carries you through the intricate landscape created by Gee.
The two main story lines continue to unfold smoothly, switching back and forth between the separate struggles of both Prince Harkeld and Princess Brigitta. While more time is spent following Prince Harkeld, Innis, and the other mages that doesn't mean that Princess Brigitta's travails are shortchanged in any way. All of the characters continue to develop and grow along with their stories.
With the romance between Harkeld and Innis slowly growing, Harkeld's blindness to the reality of their shared dreams is coming closer and closer to causing a serious rift between the two. Should that happen it will likely put both Innis and Harkeld at risk. Meanwhile Prince Harkeld is struggling to come to terms with the fact the he not only has witch blood, but he is in fact a witch. He is one of the strongest fire mages the older mages have seen. And if he doesn't learn to control his power he is putting not only himself but everyone around him at serious risk. With that knowledge in mind he agrees to undertake training with Cora, now the senior witch leading their group.
Innis is struggling as well, for not only is she finding that she is enjoying being Justen, but the dreams she's sharing with the Prince are becoming almost addictive for her. The risk of losing herself increases the longer she holds the shape of Justen, yet she is the strongest shifter in the past century, therefore forcing her to play that role more often than any of the other mages. And when she sleeps next to the Prince as Justen she's able to share dreams with him, which leads to her breaking even more Primary Laws than she'd been instructed to by Dareus.
Meanwhile Princess Brigitta is facing her own troubles. With her beloved younger brothers accused of treason and facing imminent execution she must find a way to rescue them without incriminating either her bond servant Yasma, or her devoted armsman, Karel. Just when it looks as though she may pull the whole caper off and survive, Fithian assassins get involved. Will she survive her plan to rescue to boys, and escape with not only her life, but those of her two accomplices? Or will her older brother get away with his plan to use her as the bait to capture Harkeld?
Everyone discovers new depths and dimensions of those around them and of themselves. The discoveries happen throughout the book, making everything very realistic and authentic, thus allowing continued suspension of disbelief for the reader. This book is even better than the first in the series, which makes me hope that the third book will improve yet again, if that's even possible. Hopefully the wait for the conclusion of this trilogy won't be nearly as long as it was between the first book and the sequel!
Warning: if you haven't read The Sentinel Mage yet stop here, as there are inherent spoilers for that book in this review.
Goodreads Blurb:
The long awaited and much anticipated sequel to 2011's The Sentinel Mage. The Fire Prince continues the saga of Prince Harkeld, Innis the shapeshifter and the imperiled Seven Kingdoms.
The Seven Kingdoms are in the grip of an ancient and terrible blood curse. Thousands have died. Thousands more will die. Only one man can end the curse.
The fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld, is that man—whether he likes it or not. But the bounty on Harkeld’s head is high. He has outrun his father’s soldiers, but he can’t outrun the assassins who seek him—Fithians, trained in the art of killing. Even the Sentinel mages who guide and guard him are no match for Fithian steel. Faced with the ever-present threat of death, Harkeld must learn to use his fire magic. Or die.
Meanwhile, dark plots are unfolding in Osgaard’s gold-tiled palace, snaring Princess Brigitta and those she loves. And in the eastern kingdoms, young orphan Jaumé journeys with a band of mysterious and dangerous fighters, heading north for a purpose he does not understand.
A stunning sequel to The Sentinel Mage, this book is everything one could hope for and more. After a three year wait this book smoothly picks up the thread of the story, answering many of the questions left hanging from the previous book. Once again the characters are complex and have rich inner lives, while the arc of the story smoothly carries you through the intricate landscape created by Gee.
The two main story lines continue to unfold smoothly, switching back and forth between the separate struggles of both Prince Harkeld and Princess Brigitta. While more time is spent following Prince Harkeld, Innis, and the other mages that doesn't mean that Princess Brigitta's travails are shortchanged in any way. All of the characters continue to develop and grow along with their stories.
With the romance between Harkeld and Innis slowly growing, Harkeld's blindness to the reality of their shared dreams is coming closer and closer to causing a serious rift between the two. Should that happen it will likely put both Innis and Harkeld at risk. Meanwhile Prince Harkeld is struggling to come to terms with the fact the he not only has witch blood, but he is in fact a witch. He is one of the strongest fire mages the older mages have seen. And if he doesn't learn to control his power he is putting not only himself but everyone around him at serious risk. With that knowledge in mind he agrees to undertake training with Cora, now the senior witch leading their group.
Innis is struggling as well, for not only is she finding that she is enjoying being Justen, but the dreams she's sharing with the Prince are becoming almost addictive for her. The risk of losing herself increases the longer she holds the shape of Justen, yet she is the strongest shifter in the past century, therefore forcing her to play that role more often than any of the other mages. And when she sleeps next to the Prince as Justen she's able to share dreams with him, which leads to her breaking even more Primary Laws than she'd been instructed to by Dareus.
Meanwhile Princess Brigitta is facing her own troubles. With her beloved younger brothers accused of treason and facing imminent execution she must find a way to rescue them without incriminating either her bond servant Yasma, or her devoted armsman, Karel. Just when it looks as though she may pull the whole caper off and survive, Fithian assassins get involved. Will she survive her plan to rescue to boys, and escape with not only her life, but those of her two accomplices? Or will her older brother get away with his plan to use her as the bait to capture Harkeld?
Everyone discovers new depths and dimensions of those around them and of themselves. The discoveries happen throughout the book, making everything very realistic and authentic, thus allowing continued suspension of disbelief for the reader. This book is even better than the first in the series, which makes me hope that the third book will improve yet again, if that's even possible. Hopefully the wait for the conclusion of this trilogy won't be nearly as long as it was between the first book and the sequel!
November 4, 2015
Skimmed from 70% to the end, just not as much fun as the first book. Not sure I'll finish the series.
March 12, 2021
The Fire Prince picks up where The Sentinel Mage leaves off (read my Sentinel Mage review here). Harkeld has successfully taken down the first curse stone, and he now heads to the second, this one in the marshy jungle. He's pursued by Fithian assassins, and joined by the mages who have vowed to try to keep him safe. After all, only he has the blood in his veins to stop this curse from spreading across the whole world. The mages have a vested interest in making sure he gets to his destination.
Innis has a strange connection to Harkeld. They dream together, and in these dreams, their relationship is much more intimate than in "real" life. As it turns out, only healers tend to have this connection, and Innis finds herself drawn ever more to Harkeld, even when she is shapeshifted into Justen. But the secret can't last forever. Will Harkeld eventually find out that Justen isn't real? An accident happens, and it is revealed that Justen is also a shapeshifter. It throws Harkeld into a trajectory of mistrust and feeling deceived. What else are the mages hiding?
Jaume continues on with the Fithian assassins, unsure of what the future holds. All he knows is that he has finally found a place of safety with them. He is unsure of their plans, and assumes it involves helping the prince to end the curse. Little does he know they plan to do the exact opposite. How will he respond when he knows the truth? My heart ached for him. He's only eight, after all. And he's finally found comfort with this band of assassins. His story line was the most compelling for me, and his character arc was well executed by the author.
Brigitta must escape. Her brother is a ruffian at best, a conniving murderer at worst. Her brothers are in danger, too, and so she enlists the help of the ever-present armsman, as well as her servant turned friend. But their plans don't go as, well, planned. I was thoroughly engaged in her escape attempt, as well as the following aftermath.
This series is shaping up to be well done, indeed. The character arcs were well done, and the writing crisp and clean, and the plot, although predictable, wasn't boring. MY complaint mainly lies with the worldbuilding and the magic system, which are both a bit simplistic. But otherwise, I will definitely be getting the last book in the series.
3.5/5 throwing stars, and fans of clever characters, romance, and complicated friendships/relationships are sure to like this series.
*This review originally published on Booknest.eu*
Innis has a strange connection to Harkeld. They dream together, and in these dreams, their relationship is much more intimate than in "real" life. As it turns out, only healers tend to have this connection, and Innis finds herself drawn ever more to Harkeld, even when she is shapeshifted into Justen. But the secret can't last forever. Will Harkeld eventually find out that Justen isn't real? An accident happens, and it is revealed that Justen is also a shapeshifter. It throws Harkeld into a trajectory of mistrust and feeling deceived. What else are the mages hiding?
Jaume continues on with the Fithian assassins, unsure of what the future holds. All he knows is that he has finally found a place of safety with them. He is unsure of their plans, and assumes it involves helping the prince to end the curse. Little does he know they plan to do the exact opposite. How will he respond when he knows the truth? My heart ached for him. He's only eight, after all. And he's finally found comfort with this band of assassins. His story line was the most compelling for me, and his character arc was well executed by the author.
Brigitta must escape. Her brother is a ruffian at best, a conniving murderer at worst. Her brothers are in danger, too, and so she enlists the help of the ever-present armsman, as well as her servant turned friend. But their plans don't go as, well, planned. I was thoroughly engaged in her escape attempt, as well as the following aftermath.
This series is shaping up to be well done, indeed. The character arcs were well done, and the writing crisp and clean, and the plot, although predictable, wasn't boring. MY complaint mainly lies with the worldbuilding and the magic system, which are both a bit simplistic. But otherwise, I will definitely be getting the last book in the series.
3.5/5 throwing stars, and fans of clever characters, romance, and complicated friendships/relationships are sure to like this series.
*This review originally published on Booknest.eu*
August 29, 2014
The Fire Prince is the second novel in the Cursed Kingdoms series. The book continues to follow Harkeld on his quest to destroy the remaining anchor stones, as well as Princess Britta and Jaumé. Gee remains to flesh out these stories, and makes these smaller side characters just as interesting and important as Harkeld. In The Sentinel Mage, I was disappointed with Jaume’s POV and Gee erased that instantly by having him join a group of Fithian assassins. Britta’s story is further explored as she fights to escape her brother so that he can’t use her against Harkeld. Britta becomes the strong woman I know she could be and starts to think and fight for herself. Another interesting point in Britta’s story is her arms man Karel, he is a strong, genuine, and protective character that I envision Harkeld becoming. Throughout the novel Gee further develops all of the characters and reminds you why you liked them in the first place, as well as making some of the characters more likable. The character development with Harkeld is particularly noteworthy because he has to deal with his witch blood and harness his new fire magic, buthe still cannot trust the mages and thinks they are trying to trick and deceive him. Although he is still not my favorite character I think he will continue to grow on me and I am excited to see how his attitude changes throughout the rest of the series. Innis’s mental state is finally explored a bit as we start to see the affects that she suffers from being in Justin’s body too often. Due to Innis being the strongest shapeshifter and the dwindling shapeshifter numbers in their group, Innis must take on more of the responsibility and often sleeps as Justin. When she sleeps in the same tent as Prince Harkeld she experiences vivid dreams and becomes a little addicted and wants to sleep next to Harkeld every night. She continues wanting to be Justin more and more and is slowly losing a bit of her own identity. The want to stay in Justin’s body is not only because she can share dreams with Harkeld but it also allows her to have a good excuse to be closer to Harkeld. When Innis is in Justin’s body she feels more comfortable than in her own body and likes the feel of Justin’s body. Justin’s body works better for her, she is stronger and bigger in Justin’s bodies and can protect Harkeld easier. I really enjoy the growing romance between Harkeld and Innis and the slow drawn out style with them actually getting more comfortable works well for me. The pacing of the book and shifting between character POVs is still well timed and got even better I think. Although I knew that the book would end in another cliffhanger like the pervious novel I wish I had some closure. There was a 3 and ½ year span between the first and second book is a long time to be left with a cliffhanger. I believe that Gee’s writing is good enough as well as the story in general to keep readers coming back than making them suffer through another cliffhanger and buying the book just because they want to know what happens and not necessarily because they like the story. Overall I still really like this story and all of the characters and I will most definitely be buying the next book in the series, I just hope it won’t be another three years.
July 11, 2014
This second book in The Cursed Kingdoms trilogy (after The Sentinel Mage) was filled with action and adventure, but also gave me a lot of information I wanted regarding the Sentinel mages and the Fithian assassins. Understanding the background of those two groups helps explain their reasons for being on opposite sides of the quest by Prince Harkeld to find the stones which must be destroyed in order to stop the blood curse which is marching across the Seven Kingdoms.
Author Emily Gee has continued in this second novel to keep the story well balanced among all the principal characters, certainly not an easy task when you consider how diverse they all are. Jaume is an eight year old orphan boy who had truly awful experiences in his flight to escape the curse which killed his family. I am sorry to see him befriended by the group of Frithian assassins but that plot development provides a perfect window for observing how the group works. Princess Brigitta has gone from one terrible circumstance to another and yet I’m glad to say this author has portrayed her as a person who discovers strengths she didn’t know she had and who makes rational decisions for the situations she finds herself in. Prince Harkeld has undergone so much character growth through these two novels that he is almost unrecognizable from the man we first met in the beginning novel. Almost everything he held to be true has been turned upside down and he has undergone substantial changes in his thinking. All of these things are accomplished while keeping me entertained with the actions of mages wielding fire or shifting into shapes large and small.
Unless the author includes some kind of brief summary at the beginning of this novel (I am reading an ARC and there is no such summary included but this is not the finished book) I wonder if readers new to the trilogy might not be slightly confused for a time. Back story is given in small amounts as this action unfolds but someone not familiar with the first novel might wonder what is happening. For that reason I would recommend you begin this trilogy with the first book and then move on to this one. I am now looking forward to the final book to see how the author winds it all up. I’m especially worried about Princess Brigitta this time.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Author Emily Gee has continued in this second novel to keep the story well balanced among all the principal characters, certainly not an easy task when you consider how diverse they all are. Jaume is an eight year old orphan boy who had truly awful experiences in his flight to escape the curse which killed his family. I am sorry to see him befriended by the group of Frithian assassins but that plot development provides a perfect window for observing how the group works. Princess Brigitta has gone from one terrible circumstance to another and yet I’m glad to say this author has portrayed her as a person who discovers strengths she didn’t know she had and who makes rational decisions for the situations she finds herself in. Prince Harkeld has undergone so much character growth through these two novels that he is almost unrecognizable from the man we first met in the beginning novel. Almost everything he held to be true has been turned upside down and he has undergone substantial changes in his thinking. All of these things are accomplished while keeping me entertained with the actions of mages wielding fire or shifting into shapes large and small.
Unless the author includes some kind of brief summary at the beginning of this novel (I am reading an ARC and there is no such summary included but this is not the finished book) I wonder if readers new to the trilogy might not be slightly confused for a time. Back story is given in small amounts as this action unfolds but someone not familiar with the first novel might wonder what is happening. For that reason I would recommend you begin this trilogy with the first book and then move on to this one. I am now looking forward to the final book to see how the author winds it all up. I’m especially worried about Princess Brigitta this time.
I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 2, 2014
I freaking can not wait to read this! So excited :)
2/8/14
I'm going to give this book five stars for several reasons-1. I waited forever to read this, and forever for it to come out and while I wasn't totally invested in the story, it more than exceeded my expectations. 2. Emily Gee juggles her characters really well-each person that I read I like or hate because they are well fleshed out and have a specific purpose. 3. I enjoy the romance-such as it is. I can see the shades of love and jealousy and the complicated web they weave. (Another nice aspect to the multiple point of views.) 4. I really enjoy that I've gotten all of these lovelies at Barnes and Noble when I wasn't even expecting them. She just pops up when I need a good book. 5. Multiple plot lines. She does a really good job keeping all things centered and in their own little world but the whole story runs really smooth.
Ok. Here are my complaints.
1. Took way to long for that to come the freak out. I jumped right into book two but remembered very little from book one. 2. Ummm. I'm not sure. I may think of something later?
Good job, Emily Gee.
Please don't make me wait a long long time for the next one OR AT LEAST get something else out during that time.
2/8/14
I'm going to give this book five stars for several reasons-1. I waited forever to read this, and forever for it to come out and while I wasn't totally invested in the story, it more than exceeded my expectations. 2. Emily Gee juggles her characters really well-each person that I read I like or hate because they are well fleshed out and have a specific purpose. 3. I enjoy the romance-such as it is. I can see the shades of love and jealousy and the complicated web they weave. (Another nice aspect to the multiple point of views.) 4. I really enjoy that I've gotten all of these lovelies at Barnes and Noble when I wasn't even expecting them. She just pops up when I need a good book. 5. Multiple plot lines. She does a really good job keeping all things centered and in their own little world but the whole story runs really smooth.
Ok. Here are my complaints.
1. Took way to long for that to come the freak out. I jumped right into book two but remembered very little from book one. 2. Ummm. I'm not sure. I may think of something later?
Good job, Emily Gee.
Please don't make me wait a long long time for the next one OR AT LEAST get something else out during that time.
March 6, 2016
This is a complicated book, not the book itself, oh no, that is simple, but how I like it. Why do I even like it? I think it's because I could read it fast, it was simple and just pure escapism. No need for my brain to get involved. Cos the history, meh, the characters, meh. See my dilemma?
Harkeld is quite the arrogant piece of shite isn't he? They are trying to help you! Gods, you really can be an asshole.
Right, he is with the witches trying to save the world. One of them Innis, has the hots for him. Innis, well I liked her, but she was a bit too interested in him
Then we have the Kid Jaume *yawns* boring
Then it jumps to Brigitte's chapters, which totally was the best ones. She has an evil brother, an evil kingdom and there is danger there.
All while people die like flies. I mean come on. You guys are supposed to be good! Not die and die and die and die.
And still I read on, and will read the last one. Go figure.
Harkeld is quite the arrogant piece of shite isn't he? They are trying to help you! Gods, you really can be an asshole.
Right, he is with the witches trying to save the world. One of them Innis, has the hots for him. Innis, well I liked her, but she was a bit too interested in him
Then we have the Kid Jaume *yawns* boring
Then it jumps to Brigitte's chapters, which totally was the best ones. She has an evil brother, an evil kingdom and there is danger there.
All while people die like flies. I mean come on. You guys are supposed to be good! Not die and die and die and die.
And still I read on, and will read the last one. Go figure.
August 9, 2015
I found this a good follow-up to the first book. The pace was kept up, and the character development was good, if following in a somewhat predictable course – particularly for Innis. The storyline is kept fresh by an unusual and suitably creepy supernatural baddie. I can’t tell you more without giving anything key away, but I can honestly say that it wasn’t a beastie I’d ever come across before and it was appropriately grotesque.
An evolving cast of characters enable a changing dynamic and some fresh perspectives, while the progress of the young orphan Jaume provides a provocative counterpoint to the main storyline. The one thing I struggled with was the slight predictability. Books within any genre have a certain amount of this – let’s face it, we’d be annoyed if they didn’t deliver what we expect of them – but it strayed just ever so slightly into the realms of eye-rollingly predictable.
I still think that it is a very fine example of an engaging and gripping fantasy series.
An evolving cast of characters enable a changing dynamic and some fresh perspectives, while the progress of the young orphan Jaume provides a provocative counterpoint to the main storyline. The one thing I struggled with was the slight predictability. Books within any genre have a certain amount of this – let’s face it, we’d be annoyed if they didn’t deliver what we expect of them – but it strayed just ever so slightly into the realms of eye-rollingly predictable.
I still think that it is a very fine example of an engaging and gripping fantasy series.
December 23, 2014
It's a long time since I read The Sentinel Mage but it came flooding back as I read book 2. The Fire Prince is exquisite. Emily Gee does a brilliant job at channelling Prince Harkheld and taking us on his journey to control his magic. I love the beautifully woven story of Innes and Harkheld. I adore young Jaume and I love him more in this story, he's so brave but true...even his confusion is so honest. And Britta, Yasma and Karel are incredible. Actually there's nothing I did like in here at all. A stunning, stunning book, worth waiting for.
September 29, 2015
Like the first book in the series, The Sentinel Mage, I loved this book! I really enjoyed getting to know Harkeld on a deeper level, to see him grow from a prejudiced backwater prince to a fire mage of extraordinary power; he also begins to understand the depth of urgency and quality of sacrifice the mages who protect him are willing to make, just to help people who revile them. A terrific read!
April 23, 2016
I fell in love with this book...and this time round with the prince :D
February 5, 2018
This was an interesting experience. Halfway through this book, I realized that this was book 2 of 3. And I did not read book one. So the fact that I was dropped in the middle of the action, finally made sense. But this turned out to not much of an issue, because they book did a good job going over what happened in the previous book, without it being too boring and bogged down. So I did not feel like I missed anything important. I was going to read book 1, but found it was not necessary.
As for this book...I found it very readable. The characters were interesting and at least not all perfect...especially the "hero" of the book who is basically a borderline, spoiled whiny baby. But you can see his growth in the book and you still like him regardless. The book is a bit free with death...and if I had on problem with it, it would be that we do not get much of a chance to get to know a lot of these characters well before they are killed off, and that kind of takes away from the impact. Overall...it is a interesting world and magic and fun read.
As for this book...I found it very readable. The characters were interesting and at least not all perfect...especially the "hero" of the book who is basically a borderline, spoiled whiny baby. But you can see his growth in the book and you still like him regardless. The book is a bit free with death...and if I had on problem with it, it would be that we do not get much of a chance to get to know a lot of these characters well before they are killed off, and that kind of takes away from the impact. Overall...it is a interesting world and magic and fun read.
January 26, 2021
Wow. This book has surprised me in so many ways. It definitely seems underrated and I have read a lot of contemporary fantasy. A straight continuation from The Sentinel Mage, we follow our gang into the next phase of finding and eliminating the 2nd anchor stone. There are definitely more battles and gruesome truths, but with the addition of more political intrigue and the painful development of an extremely important character to be.
The one thing I felt was missing though, was the lack of or even the mutedness of Innis and her inner turmoil/feelings. We hear Harkeld and Petrus and of course all the other characters but I feel that there was something lacking or falling short on Innis's part in terms of her deepening relationship with Harkeld. This could've definitely been explored more and I wish it was, but ultimately doesnt take away from the 5 stars it deserves...ok...maybe just a little.
The one thing I felt was missing though, was the lack of or even the mutedness of Innis and her inner turmoil/feelings. We hear Harkeld and Petrus and of course all the other characters but I feel that there was something lacking or falling short on Innis's part in terms of her deepening relationship with Harkeld. This could've definitely been explored more and I wish it was, but ultimately doesnt take away from the 5 stars it deserves...ok...maybe just a little.
June 21, 2018
The second book in The Cursed Lands Trilogy moves Prince Harkeld and the Sentinel mages to Ankeny where the second Curse stone is located. The destruction of the first stone in the first book, The Sentinel Mages, has cost them some members of their party but they have acquired some new Sentinel mages and found some new antagonisms between them. Meanwhile the King of Osgaard has been replaced by a more ruthless version and has hired a group of assassins to keep the mages from their goal of ending Ivek’s Curse until the new King can force the other countries to pay him allegiance. The mages find themselves not only fighting the forces keeping the Curse expanding but also a brotherhood of assassins who have been hired to stop them. I enjoyed this second installment in the series.
December 7, 2019
I finally got around to buying this sequel because I kept thinking about the 1st book in curiosity - I wanted to know what happened. And I definitely think this book was a lot better. And just as long haha. It's definitely an adult series, with some disturbing and mature plot progressions, but good all the same. The ending was a definite cliff-hanger leading me to order the next book to devour immediately. The Fire Prince was much better in pacing and more interesting in plot when compared to The Sentinel Mage. I'm fiercely hoping that the final installment will be powerful and satisfying!
June 10, 2022
Prince Harkeld is beginning to see the witches as more than monsters, might he actually come to like them? There are still plenty of secrets and we also join Jaume as he joins a group of assassins - but he doesn’t yet know their true purpose. A sub plot involving Harkeld’s sister develops too. Lots of magic, danger, ominous sulphurous jungle, and nasty creatures to contend with. Enjoyed this as much as book 1. Now for the finale..
August 30, 2017
Excellent Trilogy so far
This is the best series I have enjoyed in a while, well worth the price. The storylines are captivating and whichever characters I am reading about, in the back of my mind, I am worried the others. Can't wait to finish the last book and see if the rest of her novels are as entertaining.
This is the best series I have enjoyed in a while, well worth the price. The storylines are captivating and whichever characters I am reading about, in the back of my mind, I am worried the others. Can't wait to finish the last book and see if the rest of her novels are as entertaining.
February 24, 2019
It's all coming nicely together and I'm becoming very fond of these characters. Still grumpy at the lack of implication of a woman shapeshifting into a man guarding someone she's attracted to. Goddammit, Shakespeare would have made a lovely queer meal of this. Some more dodgy sexual assault though - the monsters in this one are horrendous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
What is next
This second book in the trilogy was a bit harder to read possibly because I read it after the first one. I think a break would have made me enjoy it more. The second story within this novel was not as good as it started out in the first book.
A very enjoyable read despite reading them together. I will wait a while before I read book 3.
This second book in the trilogy was a bit harder to read possibly because I read it after the first one. I think a break would have made me enjoy it more. The second story within this novel was not as good as it started out in the first book.
A very enjoyable read despite reading them together. I will wait a while before I read book 3.
December 30, 2021
Fantastic sequel!
Just as gripping, just as fast paced and exciting! Some sequels lose their momentum and depth, lose their direction; but this remained exciting.
I enjoyed all the different paths of the story - especially when one chapter ends on a cliff hanger, then the next chapter shifts to another character.
Engaging and exciting!!
Just as gripping, just as fast paced and exciting! Some sequels lose their momentum and depth, lose their direction; but this remained exciting.
I enjoyed all the different paths of the story - especially when one chapter ends on a cliff hanger, then the next chapter shifts to another character.
Engaging and exciting!!
May 1, 2022
Love this trilogy
This is the second book of three and it is just as thrilling as part one. I finished this book in 2 days and can’t wait to read part three. Prince Harkeld is in grave danger but he has completed two thirds of his journey to remove Ivek’s curse that turns water into a poison, turning all who drink even a drop into mad killers before they die.
This is the second book of three and it is just as thrilling as part one. I finished this book in 2 days and can’t wait to read part three. Prince Harkeld is in grave danger but he has completed two thirds of his journey to remove Ivek’s curse that turns water into a poison, turning all who drink even a drop into mad killers before they die.
June 30, 2019
The prince is a sniveling wet noodle who doesn't want to be a witch and slowly comes around after beating everyone trying to help him. I hope he becomes the man we hope him to be in the last volume...yea, I am going to finish the story.
March 29, 2021
Another great chapter in this trilogy
Love how the Prince is learning g and growing. A slow evolution of his prejudices, trying to learn magic while fearing it. Trying to survive ac and still enjoy life.
Love how the Prince is learning g and growing. A slow evolution of his prejudices, trying to learn magic while fearing it. Trying to survive ac and still enjoy life.
December 21, 2021
Revalations
An a acceptance of ones self.full of ad venture,action heart stopping moments .A flight to save their lives and fulfill a procehy to save their kingmonds.to fall in love and fight it because of mistrust and feeling betrayed.Reccom ed all 3 books.
An a acceptance of ones self.full of ad venture,action heart stopping moments .A flight to save their lives and fulfill a procehy to save their kingmonds.to fall in love and fight it because of mistrust and feeling betrayed.Reccom ed all 3 books.
June 2, 2017
I liked it. A lot. See my review of book three for more.
July 1, 2017
Good fantasy
Great story great characters. Can't wait for the next one. Love the complexity of the story, all the well developed characters
Great story great characters. Can't wait for the next one. Love the complexity of the story, all the well developed characters
August 2, 2017
I finished the forst book in one day, same thing with this one, too good to put down!
January 11, 2018
This series just keeps on giving for me. Five star rating despite the fact that at times I really want to kick Prince Harkeld's arse for him. Can't wait to read the final installment.
April 23, 2018
Love this trilogy. Can't wait to start book 3.
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