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Brightmoon #7
The Second God
In The Fire Mages, Kyra discovered her unusual ability, but it led to confrontation with the rulers of Bennamore. In The Fire Mages’ Daughter, Drina learnt about her own unique power over magic, and devised a novel way to subdue the neighbouring Blood Clans’ living god. The story continues in The Second God…
It’s been five years since war with the fearsome Blood Clans, whose giant bonded beasts almost destroyed Bennamore. Now the tenuous peace is being put to the test. Drina’s prisoner-husband and Blood Clan god, Ly-haam, attends a magical challenge to assert his authority over his people, who think him weak. But then the unthinkable happens - a second living god emerges. Is it a sign that the gods are displeased with Ly-haam, and have sent another leader to supplant him?
Left behind in Bennamore, Drina’s lover, Arran, is vulnerable to flattery from the ambitious fringes of the ruler’s court, but his weakness could endanger many lives. Meanwhile, on the southern Plains of Kallanash, a new force is arising from the chaos of the Karningplain — a vast golden army, raised in ferocious discipline, and fanatical followers of another kind of god, who is determined to spread his power into an empire, and will let nothing stand in his way.
To combat the threat to Bennamore and its allies, Drina, Arran and Ly-haam must set aside their personal differences and combine their talents in a uniquely dangerous way, which will test their heroism to its limits. How much will they have to sacrifice to save their country?
It’s been five years since war with the fearsome Blood Clans, whose giant bonded beasts almost destroyed Bennamore. Now the tenuous peace is being put to the test. Drina’s prisoner-husband and Blood Clan god, Ly-haam, attends a magical challenge to assert his authority over his people, who think him weak. But then the unthinkable happens - a second living god emerges. Is it a sign that the gods are displeased with Ly-haam, and have sent another leader to supplant him?
Left behind in Bennamore, Drina’s lover, Arran, is vulnerable to flattery from the ambitious fringes of the ruler’s court, but his weakness could endanger many lives. Meanwhile, on the southern Plains of Kallanash, a new force is arising from the chaos of the Karningplain — a vast golden army, raised in ferocious discipline, and fanatical followers of another kind of god, who is determined to spread his power into an empire, and will let nothing stand in his way.
To combat the threat to Bennamore and its allies, Drina, Arran and Ly-haam must set aside their personal differences and combine their talents in a uniquely dangerous way, which will test their heroism to its limits. How much will they have to sacrifice to save their country?
390 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2016
About the author
Pauline M. Ross
11 books373 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 28, 2016
In the other books women use herbs when they don’t want to conceive and except for Ly this would have probably been best for Drina, she had so little concern for her children and if it had not been for Ly they would not have known what love was from a parent, even if he wasn’t their biological father; he was the father of their heart.
Aaran is such a doofus, he may have been handsome but he had no substance and Drina couldn’t look beyond his face and body to see that there wasn’t much there. When she pays off his first wife, I wanted to yank her out of the pages and slap her silly! Here is a man who has lied to her repeatedly, betrayed her and she is going to forgive him again because he is good in bed and good looking. While he does grow at the end, it is too little too late.
Even Ly, arguably the best character of the book ends up being lame because he is such a pacifist. Sure he made mistakes, but he has paid for them and proven that he can be trusted. More importantly, he has proven he loves Drina and her children, but he continually lets himself be shoved into the background because he has to pay for his mistakes. He’s forgiven Drina for literally stealing his magic, he’s allowed himself to remain a docile prisoner because of his love for her and the children and he lets her treat him like shi* because he thinks he deserves it and this, like Aaron’s growth doesn’t change until almost the end of the novel and by this time I am sick of everyone except the Drashona who has become a more likeable character over the last few books than all the other main characters combined.
I’m glad the next books will have different characters, or I’d be tempted to stop reading this series that until the last two books I found to be very entertaining. The only reason that this isn’t one star is because the author can write; she has created and unique and interesting world with different magic systems and until now her characters, for the most part have been entertaining and multi-dimensional.
2.25/5 STARS: **I read this novel using a selection from my Amazon Unlimited subscription; the review reflects my honest opinions.**
Aaran is such a doofus, he may have been handsome but he had no substance and Drina couldn’t look beyond his face and body to see that there wasn’t much there. When she pays off his first wife, I wanted to yank her out of the pages and slap her silly! Here is a man who has lied to her repeatedly, betrayed her and she is going to forgive him again because he is good in bed and good looking. While he does grow at the end, it is too little too late.
Even Ly, arguably the best character of the book ends up being lame because he is such a pacifist. Sure he made mistakes, but he has paid for them and proven that he can be trusted. More importantly, he has proven he loves Drina and her children, but he continually lets himself be shoved into the background because he has to pay for his mistakes. He’s forgiven Drina for literally stealing his magic, he’s allowed himself to remain a docile prisoner because of his love for her and the children and he lets her treat him like shi* because he thinks he deserves it and this, like Aaron’s growth doesn’t change until almost the end of the novel and by this time I am sick of everyone except the Drashona who has become a more likeable character over the last few books than all the other main characters combined.
I’m glad the next books will have different characters, or I’d be tempted to stop reading this series that until the last two books I found to be very entertaining. The only reason that this isn’t one star is because the author can write; she has created and unique and interesting world with different magic systems and until now her characters, for the most part have been entertaining and multi-dimensional.
2.25/5 STARS: **I read this novel using a selection from my Amazon Unlimited subscription; the review reflects my honest opinions.**
February 24, 2017
The Second God is the seventh book in Pauline M Ross's richly fantastical Brightmoon world. Five years after a devastating war with the Blood Clans, Drina, her lover Arran and her husband, Ly-haam the living god of the Blood Clans, have settled into a routine, but when a second living god appears in the Clanlands and a mysterious golden army attacks Bennamore's neighbours in the east, Drina, Arran and Ly must bring all their powers to bear, united as one, to protect Bennamore and aid its allies.
One characteristic held by many good books, I think, is to want to keep reading it after you've already finished it. That is how I felt last night as I climbed into bed - "just one chapter, maybe two, then I'll go to sleep," I thought, before remembering I'd already finished reading it. That's not to say the book felt incomplete - far from it, it ended brilliantly - but that I could easily continue reading more in that world, and in Ross's style, if there were more to read.
Whenever I read books by Pauline M Ross I am delighted to explore more of her world. It is an abundantly complex world about which there is always more to discover. Its magic is enchanting and it is filled with cultures whose development and society are influenced in different ways by that magic.
As with all of Ross's works, The Second God explores romantic relationships within different social frameworks to those found in Western Earth cultures, and this time takes it a step further than The Fire Mages' Daughter by adding a new magical component. But as always, the romance is perfectly integrated into the plot.
The Second God is an exciting, captivating read showcasing Ross's signature positivity, unconventional romance and inspired worldbuilding, with a strong plot and enjoyable characters.
I received a free ARC in exchange for a review.
A longer version of this review is available on my blog at aliceleiper.com.
One characteristic held by many good books, I think, is to want to keep reading it after you've already finished it. That is how I felt last night as I climbed into bed - "just one chapter, maybe two, then I'll go to sleep," I thought, before remembering I'd already finished reading it. That's not to say the book felt incomplete - far from it, it ended brilliantly - but that I could easily continue reading more in that world, and in Ross's style, if there were more to read.
Whenever I read books by Pauline M Ross I am delighted to explore more of her world. It is an abundantly complex world about which there is always more to discover. Its magic is enchanting and it is filled with cultures whose development and society are influenced in different ways by that magic.
As with all of Ross's works, The Second God explores romantic relationships within different social frameworks to those found in Western Earth cultures, and this time takes it a step further than The Fire Mages' Daughter by adding a new magical component. But as always, the romance is perfectly integrated into the plot.
The Second God is an exciting, captivating read showcasing Ross's signature positivity, unconventional romance and inspired worldbuilding, with a strong plot and enjoyable characters.
I received a free ARC in exchange for a review.
A longer version of this review is available on my blog at aliceleiper.com.
March 26, 2017
This book builds on the last book in interweaving characters from previous books together and adding new ones (though different characters to the last book).
It's another compelling book and I think I prefer the switch back to the single point of view.
I can't wait for the next books, which are really building up and showing how clever the previous books have planned the story. I have to say that there was one character who surprised me in his overall actions, but otherwise a great read!
The only other thing I have to say is that I'm amused at the amount of women who end up with two men in the books!
It's another compelling book and I think I prefer the switch back to the single point of view.
I can't wait for the next books, which are really building up and showing how clever the previous books have planned the story. I have to say that there was one character who surprised me in his overall actions, but otherwise a great read!
The only other thing I have to say is that I'm amused at the amount of women who end up with two men in the books!
September 7, 2016
I was given an advanced readers copy for an honest review. This is easy to do!
My praises of Ms. Ross's books may seem repetitive, but the stories are not. Each story is a standalone, although many of the characters are from other stories too. I find myself, once again, feeling replete at the end of the story.
They provided all of the things you could possibly want from a book; deep communication, love, action, adventure and fantasy. Sometimes it is from a female's perspective, sometimes from a male's perspective. Yet it is a flowing cohesive unit.
The main character is a woman who is high within the ruling class. Her husband, whom she cares for deeply, is also her prisoner. She is able to control him by pulling magic from him when he gets too full of himself. Her drusse, is her one true love. He does not have the status of her husband, but is not look down upon either.
These are just the characters. Their relationship to one another, is an integral, but not the most important part of the story.
The story is one of power. Magical power and the power of one nation against another. Eagles, lions, and other forms, are partnered with human beings. Battles are fought, alliances are formed.
I particularly love the relationships in the stories most of all. But, some will find the action and adventure to be more important. In these books, you have it all.
My praises of Ms. Ross's books may seem repetitive, but the stories are not. Each story is a standalone, although many of the characters are from other stories too. I find myself, once again, feeling replete at the end of the story.
They provided all of the things you could possibly want from a book; deep communication, love, action, adventure and fantasy. Sometimes it is from a female's perspective, sometimes from a male's perspective. Yet it is a flowing cohesive unit.
The main character is a woman who is high within the ruling class. Her husband, whom she cares for deeply, is also her prisoner. She is able to control him by pulling magic from him when he gets too full of himself. Her drusse, is her one true love. He does not have the status of her husband, but is not look down upon either.
These are just the characters. Their relationship to one another, is an integral, but not the most important part of the story.
The story is one of power. Magical power and the power of one nation against another. Eagles, lions, and other forms, are partnered with human beings. Battles are fought, alliances are formed.
I particularly love the relationships in the stories most of all. But, some will find the action and adventure to be more important. In these books, you have it all.
October 23, 2016
review to follow.
March 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this and how so many different aspects overlapped, but I did feel the end was a little rushed in parts. Overall, it was a happy ending :)
April 3, 2017
3.5*
This is the 7th book in the Brightmoon Annals and the 3rd in the Fire Mages subset. For the most part the locations are Bennamore and the Clan lands. And finally we have a map. Sadly it is not for all of the Brightmoon world as we know it so far. There is a large version on the author's website.
This is set 5 years after the ending of The Fire Mages’ Daughter. An attempt is made to make it a stand alone book but really I think you need to have read at least the Fire Mage's daughter and The Plains of Kallanash would not hurt either. After 5 years together Drina, Ly-haam, and Arran have worked out a system that works for them. Drina is hopeful that she will be demoted from being Drashanor in the near future. Unfortunately there is unrest in the Clan lands as well as a new power emerging as the Golden Army occupies an unaligned city. The Port Holdings, Icthari, and Vahsi also make appearances.
The good: I liked Arran much better in this book. I bought into him caring for both Drina and Ly-haam and considering them family. I understood his jealousies. I could completely relate to him being petulant about the eagles. I would be cranky too if my lover and their spouse could do something that cool and I could not. I had a good giggle when he declared he would very much like a statue built in his honour. It seemed very much in character. I liked the growth in the three way relationship and of course the more confident and capable Ly-haam was good. I also liked the Blood Clan story line more than I did in the prior book. I was happy that bits and pieces of the whole saga were finally being connected. I also enjoyed Kalmander. I'm curious how he will fit into the final books.
the not so good There is an inordinate amount of exposition especially in recounting stuff that has occurred in prior books. I know this is to make it a stand alone book but it was quite poorly done. It might be time to have the remaining stories not be stand alone.
And then there is Drina. How can she be both politically capable and a total door mat at home? This does not seem internally consistent to me. Her deferral to the men in regards who she sleeps with was maddening. She really is a weak and poorly formed character.
This is the 7th book in the Brightmoon Annals and the 3rd in the Fire Mages subset. For the most part the locations are Bennamore and the Clan lands. And finally we have a map. Sadly it is not for all of the Brightmoon world as we know it so far. There is a large version on the author's website.
This is set 5 years after the ending of The Fire Mages’ Daughter. An attempt is made to make it a stand alone book but really I think you need to have read at least the Fire Mage's daughter and The Plains of Kallanash would not hurt either. After 5 years together Drina, Ly-haam, and Arran have worked out a system that works for them. Drina is hopeful that she will be demoted from being Drashanor in the near future. Unfortunately there is unrest in the Clan lands as well as a new power emerging as the Golden Army occupies an unaligned city. The Port Holdings, Icthari, and Vahsi also make appearances.
The good: I liked Arran much better in this book. I bought into him caring for both Drina and Ly-haam and considering them family. I understood his jealousies. I could completely relate to him being petulant about the eagles. I would be cranky too if my lover and their spouse could do something that cool and I could not. I had a good giggle when he declared he would very much like a statue built in his honour. It seemed very much in character. I liked the growth in the three way relationship and of course the more confident and capable Ly-haam was good. I also liked the Blood Clan story line more than I did in the prior book. I was happy that bits and pieces of the whole saga were finally being connected. I also enjoyed Kalmander. I'm curious how he will fit into the final books.
the not so good There is an inordinate amount of exposition especially in recounting stuff that has occurred in prior books. I know this is to make it a stand alone book but it was quite poorly done. It might be time to have the remaining stories not be stand alone.
And then there is Drina. How can she be both politically capable and a total door mat at home? This does not seem internally consistent to me. Her deferral to the men in regards who she sleeps with was maddening. She really is a weak and poorly formed character.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews