What do you think?
Rate this book
On the Bones of Gods #2
Outlaw
The battle against the gods continues in the heart-pounding sequel to Enemy.
Snow never planned on having a partner. Never planned on picking fights with a god. And certainly never expected to start a revolution.
But that was before the goddess Tal’Shik returned, looking for revenge on the republic that rejected her. Snow’s search for allies against Tal’Shik sends her from the Senate halls to the Academy’s archives and into the gang-controlled slums. But when those allies start disappearing—including her partner Veiko—Snow brokers a costly deal with a rival god to get the power she needs. Because Tal’Shik doesn’t want to destroy the Republic. She wants to take it back…
Snow never planned on having a partner. Never planned on picking fights with a god. And certainly never expected to start a revolution.
But that was before the goddess Tal’Shik returned, looking for revenge on the republic that rejected her. Snow’s search for allies against Tal’Shik sends her from the Senate halls to the Academy’s archives and into the gang-controlled slums. But when those allies start disappearing—including her partner Veiko—Snow brokers a costly deal with a rival god to get the power she needs. Because Tal’Shik doesn’t want to destroy the Republic. She wants to take it back…
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2016
61 people are currently reading
393 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 5, 2017
When I read the first book in this series, I had a hard time adapting to the unique narrative voice, but when I started reading this book, I fell right into it. Outlaw picks up pretty much where Enemy left off, and our heroes have to convince the powers that be of the threat to the realm... But all is not what it seems *cue dramatic music*
I'd say the strengths of this series are how each character's voice is distinct, the unusual flow of the narration, the fact that the characters are morally complex without quite falling into the "anti-hero" mold. As I read some of the more violent sections I wondered if this series counts as grim-dark... Maybe grim-dark lite? There's some dark elements, but there's also some humor and some strong hopeful threads of friendship and partnership.
And partnership is what I really love about this book. Snow and Vieko think of and refer to each other as partners. When Vieko wants to help Snow with something, it's not because she's a woman and he's a man, but because they are partners and he thinks that she needs his particular skillset, or just that it might be a job for two people instead of one. It's so refreshing to read a book where people RESPECT each other. Although Vieko and Snow each get annoyed at each other and sometimes hurt each other with ill-thought words or actions, their relationship is one built on respect for each other's abilities and a past history of saving each other's asses.
I go back and forth on whether or not their relationship is eventually going to turn romantic. I would be happy either way... If they did fall in love, it would feel natural, and not as rushed as some book romances. And if they didn't, it would be wonderful to see a man and a woman who were friends, without sexual tension.
I liked this one enough that I went to immediately check if the third book was out yet as soon as I finished it, because I really want to know what happens next. So I recommend this series.
I'd say the strengths of this series are how each character's voice is distinct, the unusual flow of the narration, the fact that the characters are morally complex without quite falling into the "anti-hero" mold. As I read some of the more violent sections I wondered if this series counts as grim-dark... Maybe grim-dark lite? There's some dark elements, but there's also some humor and some strong hopeful threads of friendship and partnership.
And partnership is what I really love about this book. Snow and Vieko think of and refer to each other as partners. When Vieko wants to help Snow with something, it's not because she's a woman and he's a man, but because they are partners and he thinks that she needs his particular skillset, or just that it might be a job for two people instead of one. It's so refreshing to read a book where people RESPECT each other. Although Vieko and Snow each get annoyed at each other and sometimes hurt each other with ill-thought words or actions, their relationship is one built on respect for each other's abilities and a past history of saving each other's asses.
I go back and forth on whether or not their relationship is eventually going to turn romantic. I would be happy either way... If they did fall in love, it would feel natural, and not as rushed as some book romances. And if they didn't, it would be wonderful to see a man and a woman who were friends, without sexual tension.
I liked this one enough that I went to immediately check if the third book was out yet as soon as I finished it, because I really want to know what happens next. So I recommend this series.
July 17, 2016
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
It's good to have Snow and Veiko back! Conjuring fire and killing people - this time in Snow's home town, Illharek. The godsworn of Tal’Shik are hot on their heels and The Laughing God appears to be MIA.
This story is a fun read, but the second book in a trilogy must be tough. It seems that its job is to provide a bit more background for elements from the first book and set up the main conflict that will be the climax of the third book. But unfortunately, this "in-between land" means less action and no closure.
Don't get me wrong - I liked the book. But it can't compare to the first book, in terms of excitement and plot development, nor the level of craziness that I bet the third book will bring. So it is a necessary read to continue with the series but nothing that would be great standing on its own. Make sense?
If you liked the first book, you have to read this one to get to the third book. If you didn't read the first book, turn around and start there. You'll love it!
It's good to have Snow and Veiko back! Conjuring fire and killing people - this time in Snow's home town, Illharek. The godsworn of Tal’Shik are hot on their heels and The Laughing God appears to be MIA.
This story is a fun read, but the second book in a trilogy must be tough. It seems that its job is to provide a bit more background for elements from the first book and set up the main conflict that will be the climax of the third book. But unfortunately, this "in-between land" means less action and no closure.
Don't get me wrong - I liked the book. But it can't compare to the first book, in terms of excitement and plot development, nor the level of craziness that I bet the third book will bring. So it is a necessary read to continue with the series but nothing that would be great standing on its own. Make sense?
If you liked the first book, you have to read this one to get to the third book. If you didn't read the first book, turn around and start there. You'll love it!
August 5, 2016
I loved this sequel to 'Enemy' as we get deeper under Snow, Veiko and their associates skins. With some additional characters to broaden the landscape, K.Eason has created a rich tapestry.
Outlaw is as fast paced as the first book and is just as full of action, twists and turns.
The two main characters still have each others backs, and their goals remain the same even when they appear to be at odds with each other.
Both are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the other and this dynamic is played out in various ways without getting cliche.
This is top notch writing, the way all great books should be written.
Roll on part three.
Outlaw is as fast paced as the first book and is just as full of action, twists and turns.
The two main characters still have each others backs, and their goals remain the same even when they appear to be at odds with each other.
Both are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the other and this dynamic is played out in various ways without getting cliche.
This is top notch writing, the way all great books should be written.
Roll on part three.
November 6, 2016
Again, very good. I've settled into Eason's writing style and really enjoy it. I wish there was a tad more talk of emotion - and can Snow and Veiko please just be in love already!? Some of the plot was lost on me. This book takes concentration. But still, I like it and hope soon for the third.
November 10, 2016
This carries right on from the first book in this series - Enemy - but at a breakneck pace. This was a lot more complicated of a plot, with much violence and chaos. The characters were developed a bit, but this was mostly action. I missed the quieter moments and winter setting in the first book. I'm not sure I like how this series is progressing and am not sure I will be continuing.
June 14, 2016
Full review to come!
July 29, 2016
Too Short
I didn't want this book to end. Even more than the first book, this book grabs you and doesn't let go.
I didn't want this book to end. Even more than the first book, this book grabs you and doesn't let go.
March 8, 2018
As good as the first
Rarely does the middle book of a trilogy equal the beginning. This one does. I hope the next one is as good because I’m certainly going to buy it.
Rarely does the middle book of a trilogy equal the beginning. This one does. I hope the next one is as good because I’m certainly going to buy it.
August 1, 2016
I got this through Netgalley from the publisher for an honest review and opinion.
The first book in the series got via Amazon Prime Kindle First. I was delighted that I could get the second book via NetGalley.
The book leaves off where the first one started - with a massive bang. We start to learn a lot more about the histories involved and the bloodshed and conflict of races. So much about how the gods were involved in lands and guided the subjects.
Now we're in a fight to stop the gods coming back, one in particular and Snow is doing her best with her unlikely compatriots to do this.
We have murder, riots, a god being usurped by another. Tense drama in the telling.
Love this book and await the next as we're getting close to the end.... aren't we? Or will mode gods poke themselves into the fray....
The first book in the series got via Amazon Prime Kindle First. I was delighted that I could get the second book via NetGalley.
The book leaves off where the first one started - with a massive bang. We start to learn a lot more about the histories involved and the bloodshed and conflict of races. So much about how the gods were involved in lands and guided the subjects.
Now we're in a fight to stop the gods coming back, one in particular and Snow is doing her best with her unlikely compatriots to do this.
We have murder, riots, a god being usurped by another. Tense drama in the telling.
Love this book and await the next as we're getting close to the end.... aren't we? Or will mode gods poke themselves into the fray....
November 7, 2016
Raw emotions, soaring adventures and fantastic travel,
A gripping, pulse pounding story weaved together by a master storyteller. An intriguing, well balanced, tale of loyalty, betrayal, friendship, and trust, male and female relationships, well done. A satisfying creative blend of men, women, animals, magical and fantastic creatures as well as gods, beings, who are created and existing in a multi layered world full of adventure, political intrigue and deception. An encompassing, fully engrossing story that has captured my imagination and sincere interest in following this group of misfits, and the human relationship dynamics between all of these characters, and the continued challenges. Great book, stellar cast of characters, I can't wait to read more in this series! Thank you K.Eason for a great ride, please continue!
A gripping, pulse pounding story weaved together by a master storyteller. An intriguing, well balanced, tale of loyalty, betrayal, friendship, and trust, male and female relationships, well done. A satisfying creative blend of men, women, animals, magical and fantastic creatures as well as gods, beings, who are created and existing in a multi layered world full of adventure, political intrigue and deception. An encompassing, fully engrossing story that has captured my imagination and sincere interest in following this group of misfits, and the human relationship dynamics between all of these characters, and the continued challenges. Great book, stellar cast of characters, I can't wait to read more in this series! Thank you K.Eason for a great ride, please continue!
August 20, 2016
I'm defiantly not giving 5 stars
I find it incredibly hard to find 5 star fantasy books. There are some thigh and they as better than this.
Please don't misunderstand though, this is a good book. It's fast paced with excellent characters and an original story line.
It also avoids the trap of thinking that game of thrones is good just because characters are harsh, even cruel. It doesn't mistake swearing and drugs for adult themes, it has a complex story line instead.
All books should be like this, it's a shame that many aren't. 5 stars should be truly exceptional, this one is really good.
I find it incredibly hard to find 5 star fantasy books. There are some thigh and they as better than this.
Please don't misunderstand though, this is a good book. It's fast paced with excellent characters and an original story line.
It also avoids the trap of thinking that game of thrones is good just because characters are harsh, even cruel. It doesn't mistake swearing and drugs for adult themes, it has a complex story line instead.
All books should be like this, it's a shame that many aren't. 5 stars should be truly exceptional, this one is really good.
July 30, 2017
I got this book free from Goodreads in return for an honest review.
When I started reading the first book it took a little to get used to the writing style, but once I did I loved it! I like the way the author writes and allows us to see what the characters are saying/feeling. I also truly enjoyed the story. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and really enjoyed the character development. I'm really terrible at summarizing things without giving spoilers, so I'll just say that the book was awesome and I can't wait for the third!
When I started reading the first book it took a little to get used to the writing style, but once I did I loved it! I like the way the author writes and allows us to see what the characters are saying/feeling. I also truly enjoyed the story. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and really enjoyed the character development. I'm really terrible at summarizing things without giving spoilers, so I'll just say that the book was awesome and I can't wait for the third!
August 12, 2016
Tsabs plan
This felt like a brief family and friends reunion. The back stories, were written well. I could feel the tensions between snow and sinnike,as well as Belaery. I gave the rating of 4 because of the Tsabarak, he out foxes the elder spirit, only to become him. If there were more thickness to snow's family dynamic and the academy,"I thought it over_symplified" then I'd probably given a five rating.
This felt like a brief family and friends reunion. The back stories, were written well. I could feel the tensions between snow and sinnike,as well as Belaery. I gave the rating of 4 because of the Tsabarak, he out foxes the elder spirit, only to become him. If there were more thickness to snow's family dynamic and the academy,"I thought it over_symplified" then I'd probably given a five rating.
August 20, 2016
Absolutely enthrallingly.
This series has me hooked. I love the way thoughts are written to give you the feeling of an internal conflict. Really unusual and almost poetic at times. The gore is fantastic. I love the interaction with Breil and Logo as I love animals. Its like a mix between vikings and merlin and lord of the rings! I can't wait for the next book!
This series has me hooked. I love the way thoughts are written to give you the feeling of an internal conflict. Really unusual and almost poetic at times. The gore is fantastic. I love the interaction with Breil and Logo as I love animals. Its like a mix between vikings and merlin and lord of the rings! I can't wait for the next book!
August 29, 2016
More sword and sorcery fantasy excellence.
This is book 2 in this series and it picks up where the other left off. I can see there is going to at least be a third book, I just hope it doesn't take too long to come out.
This is book 2 in this series and it picks up where the other left off. I can see there is going to at least be a third book, I just hope it doesn't take too long to come out.
August 17, 2016
The middle book is tough.. but the key for me was that I turned the last page (kindle version) and was REALLY hoping it just kept going... I was that in to the story... tough to really have higher praise than that. Looking forward to book 3!
September 18, 2016
Creative work
Eason has an interesting style that gets you inside the minds of many of the key characters. The world she created is a unique one and the overall story keeps you engaged.
Eason has an interesting style that gets you inside the minds of many of the key characters. The world she created is a unique one and the overall story keeps you engaged.
February 1, 2017
It moved at a much faster rate than the first book but the writing was not as magical. The world building was well done complete with various cultures, history and competing religions. The first book dealt more with the inner spirit this was more action.
August 4, 2016
Exciting book even though I have never read the previous book but I have enjoyed this!
March 29, 2017
A great continuation from the first book. It does get a little slow at times but, overall, a solid book 2. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
August 1, 2016
Gritty, sparse and compelling.
A terrific sequel to an equally terrific first book; with room to spare for part 3! K. Eason conjures up a world unlike any you have read before.
A terrific sequel to an equally terrific first book; with room to spare for part 3! K. Eason conjures up a world unlike any you have read before.
September 3, 2016
Didn't maintain the momentum of the first book as the plot got bogged down in the city environment. Also feel like the fight scenes are too rushed. I will finish the series though.
August 25, 2016
Unexpected
Excellent because the p!ot is unexpected and has great character development. The continuous plot twists and different magical world are delicious.
Excellent because the p!ot is unexpected and has great character development. The continuous plot twists and different magical world are delicious.
September 25, 2016
Loved it
September 30, 2016
Really good
Just a fun read. I find myself talking like snow after a half hour of reading. The story is pretty neat and the writing is fun. Different. Give it a shot.
Just a fun read. I find myself talking like snow after a half hour of reading. The story is pretty neat and the writing is fun. Different. Give it a shot.
October 1, 2016
Really well-written; good follow-up to the first story! Still love the writing style and the world she's created, and the characters with all their quirks and flaws and all.
October 20, 2016
Dang, another cliffhanger! Good book. Can't wait for the next one.
February 24, 2017
All I can say is, I hope there is a third book being written!
February 6, 2021
Outlaw: A Dark Fantasy Novel is the second in the "On the Bones of Gods," or as I call it Godswar, series. The majority of the story takes place in the capital city of Illharek, a sort of empire modeled on Rome in the 1st Millenium, C.E. Except, there is magic, ghosts, and gods with power. And Illharek is a subterranean city, lodged in the depths of an enormous cave.
There is considerable character development for Snowdenaelikk, the lead character, in this book. And we see development in the secondary characters of Istel and Dek. As "middle of a trilogy" books go, Outlaw moves along well and contributes to the major story arc. The editing is tight, and there are no gaping plot holes. Illhareki politics play out on the page and give the story some gritty traction.
It is definitely the "middle of the trilogy" book, though. For me, it didn't stand out or stand alone as a story. In my eyes, it lacked some of the sardonic humor of the first book and was a bit predictable in places. The shifting viewpoints felt somewhat imbalanced.
Still, it is not derivative. Its magic and mythology make sense and are original in their execution. While it isn't "fine literature," it is an excellent story and an outstanding sophomore effort by K. Eason.
Recommended for Mature teens and adults because of explicit violence and gore.
There is considerable character development for Snowdenaelikk, the lead character, in this book. And we see development in the secondary characters of Istel and Dek. As "middle of a trilogy" books go, Outlaw moves along well and contributes to the major story arc. The editing is tight, and there are no gaping plot holes. Illhareki politics play out on the page and give the story some gritty traction.
It is definitely the "middle of the trilogy" book, though. For me, it didn't stand out or stand alone as a story. In my eyes, it lacked some of the sardonic humor of the first book and was a bit predictable in places. The shifting viewpoints felt somewhat imbalanced.
Still, it is not derivative. Its magic and mythology make sense and are original in their execution. While it isn't "fine literature," it is an excellent story and an outstanding sophomore effort by K. Eason.
Recommended for Mature teens and adults because of explicit violence and gore.
June 27, 2018
Some books have wonderfully creative plots; some have well crafted sentences; some use a rich vocabulary.
This book exhibits the first two. I love the plot concept and how gods are developed and the ways they and people interact with each other. The sentences were pretty good too, no Pulitzer, but still a good showing.
But the vocab? the vocab? It was like K. Eason had a brain freeze when it came to choosing interesting words for the reader. There are over 200,000 beautifully rich words from which to choose in the English language, our good author choose to use the same set of four letter cuss words over and over again. I don't mind reading a little rough language that brings character to our... um, character. But f*ck, d*mn, sh*t, and two more four letter words dealing with bodily functions repeated over and over, to me, don't build character. They indicate lazy writing. I would like to introduce our author to a thesaurus. If you are going to assault me with swear words, at least be creative and assault me with more than the same five over and over.
This book exhibits the first two. I love the plot concept and how gods are developed and the ways they and people interact with each other. The sentences were pretty good too, no Pulitzer, but still a good showing.
But the vocab? the vocab? It was like K. Eason had a brain freeze when it came to choosing interesting words for the reader. There are over 200,000 beautifully rich words from which to choose in the English language, our good author choose to use the same set of four letter cuss words over and over again. I don't mind reading a little rough language that brings character to our... um, character. But f*ck, d*mn, sh*t, and two more four letter words dealing with bodily functions repeated over and over, to me, don't build character. They indicate lazy writing. I would like to introduce our author to a thesaurus. If you are going to assault me with swear words, at least be creative and assault me with more than the same five over and over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews