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Black Powder Wars #2
Black Guild
With sufficient scheming & force of will, the unthinkable becomes the inevitable.
Marked for death by the Black Guild, King Barrison's lords scramble to see him protected. But what repercussions come from a master assassin acting behind another's back? What comes from said master involving another guild altogether?
War, plain and simple, although the resulting conflict is anything but.
From gargantuan scale-suspended land-masses to leagues of caravan paths across plateaus and passes, Brisance crumbles into disarray and a single name is whispered on the lips of many: Dignaaln, emissary.
Marked for death by the Black Guild, King Barrison's lords scramble to see him protected. But what repercussions come from a master assassin acting behind another's back? What comes from said master involving another guild altogether?
War, plain and simple, although the resulting conflict is anything but.
From gargantuan scale-suspended land-masses to leagues of caravan paths across plateaus and passes, Brisance crumbles into disarray and a single name is whispered on the lips of many: Dignaaln, emissary.
- GenresFantasy
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2018
6 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Ashman
9 books429 followersBorn Lancashire, England, J. P. Ashman is a Northern lad through and through. His parents love wildlife, history, fantasy and science fiction, and passed their passion on to him. They read to him from an early age and encouraged his imagination at every turn. His career may be in optics, as a manager/technician, but he loves to make time for writing and reading every day. Now living rurally in the Cotswolds with Wifey and their little Norse Goddess Freya, he's inspired daily by the views they have and the things they see, from the deer in the fields to the buzzards circling overhead.
Writing is a huge part of his life and the medieval re-enactment background and tabletop gaming lend to it; when he's not writing the genre, he's either reading or playing it. He plans to keep writing, both within his current series, and those to come, whether short stories or epic tomes.
Writing is a huge part of his life and the medieval re-enactment background and tabletop gaming lend to it; when he's not writing the genre, he's either reading or playing it. He plans to keep writing, both within his current series, and those to come, whether short stories or epic tomes.
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February 15, 2018Black Guild is now available on Kindle
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November 3, 2017
This book was provided to me by the author for free in return for a fair and honest review.
I might come back later and rewrite this review. Not because I have changed my mind about how I feel about this book. That will not change... it is more that having just finished reading it I am just so blown away by it that I am not at all sure I can be coherent. Gonna give it a try anyway, so here it goes. For starters, in order to accurately rate this book I need about 5 more stars. I really loved the first book of this trilogy, it was pretty awesome. But his 2nd book is just like so awesome that I am still trying to get over it. This book went like gangbusters from chapter one and never let up on and through the last chapter. While there are some familiar characters from the last book, the vast majority are new and they are amazing! As is required for a second book of a series the author has certainly moved us forward in the story, and done so splendidly. His description of scenes is so beautifully written and detailed that I feel as though I just watched a film rather than read a book. And the characters have been so well-crafted that there were many places I felt like I was living this book inside their heads. This book is a tour de force of epic fantasy, a voyage of the mind and emotion that I will be coming back to again and again to experience a work of true perfection! This is the best book I have read this year by far!
I might come back later and rewrite this review. Not because I have changed my mind about how I feel about this book. That will not change... it is more that having just finished reading it I am just so blown away by it that I am not at all sure I can be coherent. Gonna give it a try anyway, so here it goes. For starters, in order to accurately rate this book I need about 5 more stars. I really loved the first book of this trilogy, it was pretty awesome. But his 2nd book is just like so awesome that I am still trying to get over it. This book went like gangbusters from chapter one and never let up on and through the last chapter. While there are some familiar characters from the last book, the vast majority are new and they are amazing! As is required for a second book of a series the author has certainly moved us forward in the story, and done so splendidly. His description of scenes is so beautifully written and detailed that I feel as though I just watched a film rather than read a book. And the characters have been so well-crafted that there were many places I felt like I was living this book inside their heads. This book is a tour de force of epic fantasy, a voyage of the mind and emotion that I will be coming back to again and again to experience a work of true perfection! This is the best book I have read this year by far!
January 7, 2018
I received a free ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you J.P. Ashman!
I really enjoyed Black Cross quite some time ago and I was looking forward to reading Black Guild. Luckily I was aware of the fact that the second book had been split up into two books and that I was not going to read about all the characters in Black Cross. It didn't bother me since I got to meet loads of fun (and one particular nasty) and well written new characters.
I particularly loved the seafaring goblins! Especially Admiral Charlzberg who is basicly a nutcase who thinks he commands a fleet. Brilliant character who made me giggle several times.
As said I loved Black Cross but this book is a step up! I can't put my finger on it exactly but the storytelling and writing just felt more solid and defined. It has some good plot twists that I didn't see coming and it has a satisfying ending knowing there is more to come. I'm very pleased that Black Arrow is released later this year so I can continu reading this epic story.
A great series that you should really start reading!
They stared into the fire for a while, watching the wood darken and lighten in shimmering oranges and yellows. It was mesmerising, as always. Such a simple thing, fire, and yet to look at it was to be drawn in. To look at it was to feel its heat, its light; life and death, joy and pain.
I really enjoyed Black Cross quite some time ago and I was looking forward to reading Black Guild. Luckily I was aware of the fact that the second book had been split up into two books and that I was not going to read about all the characters in Black Cross. It didn't bother me since I got to meet loads of fun (and one particular nasty) and well written new characters.
I particularly loved the seafaring goblins! Especially Admiral Charlzberg who is basicly a nutcase who thinks he commands a fleet. Brilliant character who made me giggle several times.
As said I loved Black Cross but this book is a step up! I can't put my finger on it exactly but the storytelling and writing just felt more solid and defined. It has some good plot twists that I didn't see coming and it has a satisfying ending knowing there is more to come. I'm very pleased that Black Arrow is released later this year so I can continu reading this epic story.
A great series that you should really start reading!
They stared into the fire for a while, watching the wood darken and lighten in shimmering oranges and yellows. It was mesmerising, as always. Such a simple thing, fire, and yet to look at it was to be drawn in. To look at it was to feel its heat, its light; life and death, joy and pain.
November 14, 2017
Thank you to J.P. Ashman for sending me the Arc of Black Guild for an honest review.
I will try not to give too much away about the plot, as I know there are plenty of other people who are reading the Arc as I write.
This book follows, Cheung, the assassin sent on a mission to assassinate King Barrison at the end of the first book, Black Cross. The early exchanges between Cheung, (under the guise of a priest) and the caravaneer, Jevratt, are particularly amusing. Jevratt introducing himself and asking for the priest's name, Cheung writing down a jumbled collection of letters, (supposed to be his name) and Jevratt screwing his face up, replying, "Right ye are, priest it is."
As the title suggests, this book follows the Black Guild and the quest of their once member, Longoss, to bring them down. He is still accompanied by his friend, Coppin, (once a whore) and by a tavern owner, Keep, the man who is hiding them. These characters do not appear until a good third of the way through the book, as I said, it is centred more around Cheung.
There are plenty of other characters that readers of Black Cross will already be familiar with too, though the wizard, Severun is the most prominent in my mind. There are also a number of assassins that were mutilated by Longoss, (remembering that he gave his word not to kill). Then, of course, there is the debt to be paid to his, once employer, Poi Son, the master of the Black Guild.
There is also a wonderful sequence involving what I believe to be Mr Ashman's favourite little villains, Goblins. In this case, Charlzberg, or, Admiral Charlzberg as he prefers to be known. The great leader of a fleet of ships, (two, actually) that rule the seas. Very inventive and particularly amusing, some of the happenings in this part of the novel are hilarious. It's not just for fun though, the ship does hide one nasty truth. (No spoilers).
For me, Longoss still has some of the best one-liners. Some repeatable and some not so, but laugh out loud, funny springs to my mind. Will he be able to make good on his promises? Can Cheung really hope to assassinate King Barrison? Does Coppin have the strength to make some tough decisions? Will Charlzberg figure out he's been eating 'ginger Toms'?
Beautifully written, with plenty of the action and nastiness that most of you would be familiar with from Black Cross. In this second instalment though, Ashman excels himself. His narrative is more creative, his characters more abundant and his confidence in his ability as an author is crystal clear. The only thing I found tough was the width of the pages, though that was likely because it was in the form of an Arc, so no criticism there either.
This is an excellent follow-on from Black Cross. There is plenty of scope left for a whole plethora of side-plots to be explained in future novels. I look forward to the release of book 3, Black Arrow and the forthcoming Black Prince after that.
A really well thought out series so far, J.P. Ashman, long may it continue! I can't wait to see what the cover looks like for this!
I will try not to give too much away about the plot, as I know there are plenty of other people who are reading the Arc as I write.
This book follows, Cheung, the assassin sent on a mission to assassinate King Barrison at the end of the first book, Black Cross. The early exchanges between Cheung, (under the guise of a priest) and the caravaneer, Jevratt, are particularly amusing. Jevratt introducing himself and asking for the priest's name, Cheung writing down a jumbled collection of letters, (supposed to be his name) and Jevratt screwing his face up, replying, "Right ye are, priest it is."
As the title suggests, this book follows the Black Guild and the quest of their once member, Longoss, to bring them down. He is still accompanied by his friend, Coppin, (once a whore) and by a tavern owner, Keep, the man who is hiding them. These characters do not appear until a good third of the way through the book, as I said, it is centred more around Cheung.
There are plenty of other characters that readers of Black Cross will already be familiar with too, though the wizard, Severun is the most prominent in my mind. There are also a number of assassins that were mutilated by Longoss, (remembering that he gave his word not to kill). Then, of course, there is the debt to be paid to his, once employer, Poi Son, the master of the Black Guild.
There is also a wonderful sequence involving what I believe to be Mr Ashman's favourite little villains, Goblins. In this case, Charlzberg, or, Admiral Charlzberg as he prefers to be known. The great leader of a fleet of ships, (two, actually) that rule the seas. Very inventive and particularly amusing, some of the happenings in this part of the novel are hilarious. It's not just for fun though, the ship does hide one nasty truth. (No spoilers).
For me, Longoss still has some of the best one-liners. Some repeatable and some not so, but laugh out loud, funny springs to my mind. Will he be able to make good on his promises? Can Cheung really hope to assassinate King Barrison? Does Coppin have the strength to make some tough decisions? Will Charlzberg figure out he's been eating 'ginger Toms'?
Beautifully written, with plenty of the action and nastiness that most of you would be familiar with from Black Cross. In this second instalment though, Ashman excels himself. His narrative is more creative, his characters more abundant and his confidence in his ability as an author is crystal clear. The only thing I found tough was the width of the pages, though that was likely because it was in the form of an Arc, so no criticism there either.
This is an excellent follow-on from Black Cross. There is plenty of scope left for a whole plethora of side-plots to be explained in future novels. I look forward to the release of book 3, Black Arrow and the forthcoming Black Prince after that.
A really well thought out series so far, J.P. Ashman, long may it continue! I can't wait to see what the cover looks like for this!
February 11, 2018
Black Guild is an excellent follow-on to Black Cross.
The pacing is excellent. Unlike Black Cross, that I felt had slow spots in between, Black Guild is consistently fast. Even with multiple disjoint story threads, the pacing never goes off and kept me interested throughout.
The characters are, for want of a better word, vivid. I loved all the characters - both the new as well as the old. The returning characters have a good story arc which makes them feel realistic (at least in the Black Powder world). The new characters are equally well sketched out.
A couple of minor issues I have with this book are the absences of my favorite detectives as well as a few grammatical/spelling mistakes which the editor should have caught.
Overall, I loved the Black Guild. I actually finished it in one sitting which speaks volumes about its ability to engross the reader. I will be eagerly awaiting Black Arrow.
If you liked this review, you can find more on Digital Amrit
The pacing is excellent. Unlike Black Cross, that I felt had slow spots in between, Black Guild is consistently fast. Even with multiple disjoint story threads, the pacing never goes off and kept me interested throughout.
The characters are, for want of a better word, vivid. I loved all the characters - both the new as well as the old. The returning characters have a good story arc which makes them feel realistic (at least in the Black Powder world). The new characters are equally well sketched out.
A couple of minor issues I have with this book are the absences of my favorite detectives as well as a few grammatical/spelling mistakes which the editor should have caught.
Overall, I loved the Black Guild. I actually finished it in one sitting which speaks volumes about its ability to engross the reader. I will be eagerly awaiting Black Arrow.
If you liked this review, you can find more on Digital Amrit
Want to read
February 6, 2018Wow! I LOVE the cover. The series is firmly on my TBR
November 21, 2017
This book was given to me by the author as an ARC, in exchange for a honest review. Thank you J.P. Ashman, it was a great read!
I really liked the first book in the series, Black Cross, and had some rather high expectations for the second instalment. After learning how the original Black Guild was split by storylines into two books I was curious to what it would do to the reading experience, and hoped it would give the room to flesh out some of the characters from the first book.
One of the characters we met at the end of the Black Cross that I really wanted to learn more about was the rooftop meditating, succulent tending, ninja-samurai-badass, zen-assassin Cheung. Oh man, I was not let down. To me, Black Guild is The Book of Cheung! As one of the main storylines we follow Cheung as he travels from his native land towards Wesson and his final mark, the assassination of King Barrison. And what a ride it was... Yes, we also meet Longoss and Coppin, Severun, and Master Poi Son, and then some. And yes, you will miss some of your favourites from the first book...but hey, did I mention this is The Book of Cheung :) As for the others, well, I feel comfortable that's a story for Black Arrow to tell.
This book also brought into play some new acquaintances, amongst what is probably the most hilarious crew of sea-faring goblins I've ever met. Admiral Charlzberg navigates his crew, and somewhat modest fleet of ships, with an impressive lack of competence and a mighty whine. We also meet The Emisarry, whom is scary as shit, and we'll definitely see more of him as the story unfolds.
To me, this book felt tighter and more consistent than the first book, which I find quite interesting considering the authors decision to split up the storyline. All-in-all, it's a book confident and beautiful written, and I enjoyed it even more than I did the Black Cross.
Bring on the Black Arrow!
I really liked the first book in the series, Black Cross, and had some rather high expectations for the second instalment. After learning how the original Black Guild was split by storylines into two books I was curious to what it would do to the reading experience, and hoped it would give the room to flesh out some of the characters from the first book.
One of the characters we met at the end of the Black Cross that I really wanted to learn more about was the rooftop meditating, succulent tending, ninja-samurai-badass, zen-assassin Cheung. Oh man, I was not let down. To me, Black Guild is The Book of Cheung! As one of the main storylines we follow Cheung as he travels from his native land towards Wesson and his final mark, the assassination of King Barrison. And what a ride it was... Yes, we also meet Longoss and Coppin, Severun, and Master Poi Son, and then some. And yes, you will miss some of your favourites from the first book...but hey, did I mention this is The Book of Cheung :) As for the others, well, I feel comfortable that's a story for Black Arrow to tell.
This book also brought into play some new acquaintances, amongst what is probably the most hilarious crew of sea-faring goblins I've ever met. Admiral Charlzberg navigates his crew, and somewhat modest fleet of ships, with an impressive lack of competence and a mighty whine. We also meet The Emisarry, whom is scary as shit, and we'll definitely see more of him as the story unfolds.
To me, this book felt tighter and more consistent than the first book, which I find quite interesting considering the authors decision to split up the storyline. All-in-all, it's a book confident and beautiful written, and I enjoyed it even more than I did the Black Cross.
Bring on the Black Arrow!
April 24, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Good balance between the grimness, action and humour.
February 13, 2018
Where to begin... if you enjoyed Black
Cross then you're sure to love this. I was lucky enough to get a proof readers copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. It kicks off fast and stays that way for pretty much the entire book, which after the slow start in the first book, really gets you hooked right away. it introduces some new characters to the series, namely cheung (who appears at the end of black cross) who ends up travelling with a group of caravaneers (think bare knuckle boxing gypsies xD) which leads to some great, action packed
scenes.
Longoss and Coppin are still on their crusade to wipe out the black guild, they find aid in the form of some familiar faces.
We can't forget the crew of Sessio! their journey brings them to the tri isles, a place by the sounds of it, no one would like to go to. Ruled by God like beings known as The Three who, well.... let's just say it's better to read and find out =D
There's also some rat bastard goblins throughout, Fucking shit up!
All the while the mysterious Dignaaln seems to be pulling strings and moving pieces in the background...
What was initially intended to be Black guild was so large in scope that it had to be split up into 2 seperate books so theres some characters from Black Cross that won't appear in this book... BUT! seeing as the book was more or less complete when JP decided to split it, we only have to wait a handful of months until book 3 will be out!
Get reading!
Cross then you're sure to love this. I was lucky enough to get a proof readers copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. It kicks off fast and stays that way for pretty much the entire book, which after the slow start in the first book, really gets you hooked right away. it introduces some new characters to the series, namely cheung (who appears at the end of black cross) who ends up travelling with a group of caravaneers (think bare knuckle boxing gypsies xD) which leads to some great, action packed
scenes.
Longoss and Coppin are still on their crusade to wipe out the black guild, they find aid in the form of some familiar faces.
We can't forget the crew of Sessio! their journey brings them to the tri isles, a place by the sounds of it, no one would like to go to. Ruled by God like beings known as The Three who, well.... let's just say it's better to read and find out =D
There's also some rat bastard goblins throughout, Fucking shit up!
All the while the mysterious Dignaaln seems to be pulling strings and moving pieces in the background...
What was initially intended to be Black guild was so large in scope that it had to be split up into 2 seperate books so theres some characters from Black Cross that won't appear in this book... BUT! seeing as the book was more or less complete when JP decided to split it, we only have to wait a handful of months until book 3 will be out!
Get reading!
February 11, 2018
Behold JP Ashman first of his name....
Scholar of growing talent.....
Lord of the Black powder.....
I remember the review I posted on book one and how I said that book 2 will be the deal breaker on how JP can show his talent , unfortunately for me he makes me regret that comment by delivering a fantastic read and shows how he has matured in his writing showing both skill and confidence so much I can't wait for book three, my favourite novella ever is Dragonship by Up which again shows how far he has come over the years.
This book starts well and delivers chapter upon chapter of brilliance, any one who looks at any my reviews will know I don't delve into a long winded review or depth about the book but touch how I see the words on pages and my muddled thoughts . This book I could really say two words FIVE STAR and walk away happy so I can honestly say with hand on heart that you will not be disappointed with this book and will challenge any one who gives under 4* to a duel of pistols at dawn ...
there are some cracking new characters particularly a certain one who shall go unnamed ! and he's my second in duel. Now I am away to clean my pistol
Scholar of growing talent.....
Lord of the Black powder.....
I remember the review I posted on book one and how I said that book 2 will be the deal breaker on how JP can show his talent , unfortunately for me he makes me regret that comment by delivering a fantastic read and shows how he has matured in his writing showing both skill and confidence so much I can't wait for book three, my favourite novella ever is Dragonship by Up which again shows how far he has come over the years.
This book starts well and delivers chapter upon chapter of brilliance, any one who looks at any my reviews will know I don't delve into a long winded review or depth about the book but touch how I see the words on pages and my muddled thoughts . This book I could really say two words FIVE STAR and walk away happy so I can honestly say with hand on heart that you will not be disappointed with this book and will challenge any one who gives under 4* to a duel of pistols at dawn ...
there are some cracking new characters particularly a certain one who shall go unnamed ! and he's my second in duel. Now I am away to clean my pistol
November 3, 2017
Full review is here, on my blog. It's got pictures and quotes and stuff. :D
Well then. The first thing that happened here was a Dramatis Personae detailing who shows up here. Longoss, check; Coppin, check… aaand wait… where is Errolas? Where are Sears and Biviano? Where’s Falchion? Sav?
I had a vague sort of knowledge from a social media of some sort I think of the sequel being split into two separate volumes, but I didn’t realize that the narrative itself had been split into two separate storylines and then into two separate volumes, one of which had all my favorite characters from Black Cross, and the other, the one I’m actually reading… did not. Don’t get me wrong, I will entirely agree that the overall massive, massive monster that is this world absolutely benefits from being split into smaller, more manageable bits, but this volume more or less excludes at least half of the major characters from the first book without even mentioning them or indicating in any way (aside from a very short excerpt from book three involving two characters only) that their story is continued in a different volume. As much as I have and will joke about how this made me feel, it was actually kind of disappointing for realsies. I mean, I still think this was a good book…. but it wasn’t the book I’ve been excited to read for the last year. That one is after this one. My princes are all in another castle. *the smallest, saddest sounding violin plays*
But whatever, it’s not my book and not my place to tell it which volume of the series to be, let’s move on to the actual story of this particular volume.
In terms of writing, I liked it quite a bit. It’s engaging, and it’s well written. I found it seemed better written than Black Cross was. The author’s ideas came across a bit more clearly here, I think. The writing felt stronger. It just seemed to flow off the page better. It was edited a lot more thoroughly than the first. It’s also much shorter and follows fewer differing plot lines, which I know is entirely the reason that my dudes are all missing (no, you get over it already!). The plot had legit twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all. The ending was satisfying and (mostly) wrapped things up.
This one follows several characters, most of which are new or newish to the story. The first of them that we get to meet is Cheung, who is an assassin. He’s not from the titular Black Guild though. He’s from a different country altogether. He’s disguised himself as a priest in order to travel with a caravan of nomadic travelers to Altoln, as that is where the King is, who is his mark. Cheung finds himself becoming friendly with the caravaneers, and when things go awry, he feels sorry for them getting mixed up with him. I liked Cheung, and I thought that his journey with the caravaneers was an interesting one.
We also eventually catch up with Coppin and Longoss, who are busy making hardships for the Black Guild in their own way. When Severrun (my favorite plaguey mage) and his witchhunter companion Egan come looking for the Black Guild to stop the assassination attempt on the king, they find Longoss and Coppin, in an admittedly humorous and well thought out way. Shenanigans ensue.
There’s a ship full of goblins (mostly), being gobliney (…mostly). I wasn’t sure at first if I liked this particular group of characters, but Bosun kind of grew on me. This storyline also, as you’d imagine, has ties to the Black Guild. One of the Black Guild’s leaders, Alden-Fenn is out on the sea, doing… assassin things… at sea. Sea assassinating. You know.
We get a better look at the Black Guild in this one, obviously. It is ruled by 3 different people, and Master Son and Mistress Bronwen, the two of them actually at home in Wesson and not floating around the sea being a crazy assassin… aren’t really getting along. Not at all.
Then we have the mysterious character of Dignaaln, who shows up in the middle of things and… stirs things up. He is the emissary. The emissary of what though? DUN DUN… DUNNNNN!
The Caravaneers and Cheung take up most of the first half of the book, and that was good because it gave me time to get acquainted with everyone in that part. These guys all have names, relatives, occasional bare knuckles boxing opponents, mannerisms, likes and dislikes, etc, and there are a lot of them to remember. I think I did mostly okay at remembering who was who, but as soon as was pretty sure I had everyone’s name down, we switched POVs, lol. Oh well. At least the next POV had characters I remember from book one so I didn’t have to try as hard to memorize them all. Too bad it was Longoss, a character that I have never liked. Admittedly, I think he got a little better in this one, so I suppose I’m warming up to him a little. And we’ve got Coppin to balance it out, I guess. Severun and the effects of the scroll that started off most of the plot of Black Cross was more explained here too, and I liked that.
This is a book full of characters and it uses them and their experiences all as a group to bring the story to its end. It tends to leave some of the side characters hanging along the way though, and that’s my only real complaint about it. At least two of the storylines in this one are ended rather abruptly and their non-essential characters just sort of… never returned to the main plotline. So, I have questions. I have many questions, and I worry that the answers to those questions are going to be skipped in book three as it is about different characters. At the same time, I need book three to answer all the questions I still have about book one.
SO MANY GODDAMNED QUESTIONS. Not… like in a bad way though? :)
Well then. The first thing that happened here was a Dramatis Personae detailing who shows up here. Longoss, check; Coppin, check… aaand wait… where is Errolas? Where are Sears and Biviano? Where’s Falchion? Sav?
I had a vague sort of knowledge from a social media of some sort I think of the sequel being split into two separate volumes, but I didn’t realize that the narrative itself had been split into two separate storylines and then into two separate volumes, one of which had all my favorite characters from Black Cross, and the other, the one I’m actually reading… did not. Don’t get me wrong, I will entirely agree that the overall massive, massive monster that is this world absolutely benefits from being split into smaller, more manageable bits, but this volume more or less excludes at least half of the major characters from the first book without even mentioning them or indicating in any way (aside from a very short excerpt from book three involving two characters only) that their story is continued in a different volume. As much as I have and will joke about how this made me feel, it was actually kind of disappointing for realsies. I mean, I still think this was a good book…. but it wasn’t the book I’ve been excited to read for the last year. That one is after this one. My princes are all in another castle. *the smallest, saddest sounding violin plays*
But whatever, it’s not my book and not my place to tell it which volume of the series to be, let’s move on to the actual story of this particular volume.
In terms of writing, I liked it quite a bit. It’s engaging, and it’s well written. I found it seemed better written than Black Cross was. The author’s ideas came across a bit more clearly here, I think. The writing felt stronger. It just seemed to flow off the page better. It was edited a lot more thoroughly than the first. It’s also much shorter and follows fewer differing plot lines, which I know is entirely the reason that my dudes are all missing (no, you get over it already!). The plot had legit twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all. The ending was satisfying and (mostly) wrapped things up.
This one follows several characters, most of which are new or newish to the story. The first of them that we get to meet is Cheung, who is an assassin. He’s not from the titular Black Guild though. He’s from a different country altogether. He’s disguised himself as a priest in order to travel with a caravan of nomadic travelers to Altoln, as that is where the King is, who is his mark. Cheung finds himself becoming friendly with the caravaneers, and when things go awry, he feels sorry for them getting mixed up with him. I liked Cheung, and I thought that his journey with the caravaneers was an interesting one.
We also eventually catch up with Coppin and Longoss, who are busy making hardships for the Black Guild in their own way. When Severrun (my favorite plaguey mage) and his witchhunter companion Egan come looking for the Black Guild to stop the assassination attempt on the king, they find Longoss and Coppin, in an admittedly humorous and well thought out way. Shenanigans ensue.
There’s a ship full of goblins (mostly), being gobliney (…mostly). I wasn’t sure at first if I liked this particular group of characters, but Bosun kind of grew on me. This storyline also, as you’d imagine, has ties to the Black Guild. One of the Black Guild’s leaders, Alden-Fenn is out on the sea, doing… assassin things… at sea. Sea assassinating. You know.
We get a better look at the Black Guild in this one, obviously. It is ruled by 3 different people, and Master Son and Mistress Bronwen, the two of them actually at home in Wesson and not floating around the sea being a crazy assassin… aren’t really getting along. Not at all.
Then we have the mysterious character of Dignaaln, who shows up in the middle of things and… stirs things up. He is the emissary. The emissary of what though? DUN DUN… DUNNNNN!
The Caravaneers and Cheung take up most of the first half of the book, and that was good because it gave me time to get acquainted with everyone in that part. These guys all have names, relatives, occasional bare knuckles boxing opponents, mannerisms, likes and dislikes, etc, and there are a lot of them to remember. I think I did mostly okay at remembering who was who, but as soon as was pretty sure I had everyone’s name down, we switched POVs, lol. Oh well. At least the next POV had characters I remember from book one so I didn’t have to try as hard to memorize them all. Too bad it was Longoss, a character that I have never liked. Admittedly, I think he got a little better in this one, so I suppose I’m warming up to him a little. And we’ve got Coppin to balance it out, I guess. Severun and the effects of the scroll that started off most of the plot of Black Cross was more explained here too, and I liked that.
This is a book full of characters and it uses them and their experiences all as a group to bring the story to its end. It tends to leave some of the side characters hanging along the way though, and that’s my only real complaint about it. At least two of the storylines in this one are ended rather abruptly and their non-essential characters just sort of… never returned to the main plotline. So, I have questions. I have many questions, and I worry that the answers to those questions are going to be skipped in book three as it is about different characters. At the same time, I need book three to answer all the questions I still have about book one.
SO MANY GODDAMNED QUESTIONS. Not… like in a bad way though? :)
November 19, 2018
Sometimes what you need is an action-packed epic with a huge cast of hard bastards, worldbuilding like a classic D&D manual, and a multi-layered plot that resolves some arcs in each book while the real storm continues to build in the background. And when that's what you need, then the Black Powder Wars is the place to find it! Continuing on from the gritty opener, this (considerably slimmer) book picks up some of the characters and plot-lines, while introducing a new threat to Altoln, and new characters and factions along with it. Some folks survive, and a lot more don't. The central thread revolves around the journey of a conflicted assassin, and it leaves the reader conflicted, too, because you don't really want him to succeed...but you also kinda do, poor chap. We also go back to the gang-ruled dockside for some well-deserved revenge, and spend time with sea-going goblins. It all fits together, and here's hoping Altoln's defenders figure out exactly how before it's too late!
September 2, 2018
Outstanding second book!
This book took the first which was awesome and turned the action and suspense up by 10! Kept me up bleeding my eyes! Bravo!
This book took the first which was awesome and turned the action and suspense up by 10! Kept me up bleeding my eyes! Bravo!
January 29, 2018
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I was actually disappointed in the second book of this series. I felt like this book was all over the place, There are a few wholes I found. First let me start with the positives I enjoyed the sense of humor with some of the characters, and the action kept me on my toes, however I didn't find that this book flowed as well as the first one. The first book, set up the plot and characters in their perfect places. Sadly the second book felt like it was all over the place, and nothing was connecting to each other. My problem with this book is why would a powerful wizard who is supposed to be intelligent, decide to purchase a scroll and unknowingly cause a disease to break out in the city? Secondly if the king is supposed to be apart of the story, then why is he barely in it? How am I supposed to have any compassion for a character I barely know? Also, in the second book, some of the characters from the first book, like the nome, wasn't in the book at all, and that goes for the two characters who started investigating the murders. None of this made any sense, and I have no idea where this is going. I had high hopes for this series, however I won't be finishing this series. Everything seemed to be in place, however none of the dots were connecting.
February 10, 2018
As others have said: free ARC, honest review.
I don't want to write any spoilers because plenty of people are in the midst of reading this entertaining next installment of Mr. Ashman's fine series.
And others have already written exceptional reviews...
I'll simply add my impressions.
At first glance, I love the cover. Eye-catching with tons of details. It makes me want to know more about this book.
The writing is strong, with a clean and crisp style. I get a great sense of the world through the character dialogue and action rather than page-long info dumps.
Multiple story lines are braided through the book--and each had their own distinctive style depending on who the starring characters were in those varied plotlines. I want to know more about these characters--that is a good thing.
Dark and gritty at times and yet infused with humor and witty banter. A good blend.
I look forward someday to going back once this series is complete--whenever that may be--and re-reading these very enjoyable books. If you have not begun reading Mr. Ashman's books yet, you really ought to rectify that at once!
I don't want to write any spoilers because plenty of people are in the midst of reading this entertaining next installment of Mr. Ashman's fine series.
And others have already written exceptional reviews...
I'll simply add my impressions.
At first glance, I love the cover. Eye-catching with tons of details. It makes me want to know more about this book.
The writing is strong, with a clean and crisp style. I get a great sense of the world through the character dialogue and action rather than page-long info dumps.
Multiple story lines are braided through the book--and each had their own distinctive style depending on who the starring characters were in those varied plotlines. I want to know more about these characters--that is a good thing.
Dark and gritty at times and yet infused with humor and witty banter. A good blend.
I look forward someday to going back once this series is complete--whenever that may be--and re-reading these very enjoyable books. If you have not begun reading Mr. Ashman's books yet, you really ought to rectify that at once!
November 22, 2018
I tought this book was way better than the first one. All the small stuff that bothered me were gone. The story was smoother and held the tension throughout the book.
The only sad thing is that there are some characters missing in this book. But I've read they will be in the third book.
The only sad thing is that there are some characters missing in this book. But I've read they will be in the third book.
March 6, 2018
The beginning left me confused, but I read on, reoriented myself to the story and am really satisfied and pleased I did! I had to remind myself of the scope of the world building, the different story lines, plots and this authors ability to integrate all. Once again, a relentless, emotional, heart pounding journey that finishes strong, with just the right amount of pretense to follow, for which I promise, to never question JP Ashman's writing prowess again! I look forward to more from this series, asap! Great work, JP, well done, well done.
July 13, 2018
Highly recommended, could not put it down!
January 1, 2021
Excellent world building
Magic and knights are just my cup of tea plus I love a story with villains with character, heroic underdogs and strong women
Magic and knights are just my cup of tea plus I love a story with villains with character, heroic underdogs and strong women
November 24, 2017
Received in exchange for a promise of an honest review, duly delivered here...
Black Guild follows much of the major precepts of Black Cross... A new kind of threat, strong characters and a complex plot. The book is much more slow going, much more character based that the previous book in the series.
There are a number of complex subplots that make it up to the final fourth of the book, where it all begins to expand. In other words, the buildup is quite extensive. The main burst of action happens only in the last few pages. Luckily, the book is just the right shade of not-too-lengthy to be enjoyed.
For lovers of real Grimdark Fantasy, Black Powder Wars is a recommended staple.
Black Guild follows much of the major precepts of Black Cross... A new kind of threat, strong characters and a complex plot. The book is much more slow going, much more character based that the previous book in the series.
There are a number of complex subplots that make it up to the final fourth of the book, where it all begins to expand. In other words, the buildup is quite extensive. The main burst of action happens only in the last few pages. Luckily, the book is just the right shade of not-too-lengthy to be enjoyed.
For lovers of real Grimdark Fantasy, Black Powder Wars is a recommended staple.
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