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The Rune of Unmaking #2
A Dark Sacrifice
More than a century has passed since the mighty struggle between the wizards and the mages ended in their mutual destruction, and more than forty years since the Empress Ouriána became the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon. Appointing twelve deadly sorcerers as her priests, she rules the land in darkness unending.
Yet, there is a small chance for hope, if one foreordained princess can survive. But she has vanished behind enemy lines, and even a brave band of heroes may not be able to reach her in time. For Ouriána's dark reign has woken the ancient terrors of legend, and their vengeance will be swift and all-consuming . . .
Yet, there is a small chance for hope, if one foreordained princess can survive. But she has vanished behind enemy lines, and even a brave band of heroes may not be able to reach her in time. For Ouriána's dark reign has woken the ancient terrors of legend, and their vengeance will be swift and all-consuming . . .
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Madeline Howard
4 books20 followersMadeline Howard is the pseudonym of Teresa Edgerton, the author of many fantasy novels including the new series, The Rune of Unmaking.
Teresa's site is full of information, so if you're looking for Absolutely Everything, please visit TeresaEdgerton.com.
Teresa's site is full of information, so if you're looking for Absolutely Everything, please visit TeresaEdgerton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 28, 2023
One of the best middle books of any trilogy I have ever read, it just kept getting better and better, but…it has been fifteen years since it was published in 2007 and there is clearly no sign of the third volume.
Still it is very good with a fantastic and extremely vivid world, so still worth reading.
Still it is very good with a fantastic and extremely vivid world, so still worth reading.
August 17, 2023
I thought it was really good. Stands alone fine, I didn't have the first one. Main complaint is it leaves you hanging and I don't have the 3rd book. Is there a 3rd book?
February 26, 2016
Some middle books of trilogies suffer from little movement of the story forward. These books sometimes put readers off from boredom. A Dark Sacrifice by Madeline Howard is the second book of the 1CRune on Unmaking 1D trilogy. This book does not suffer from middle book stagnation. The story moves forward through setting, characters and plot.
First, the well developed setting moves the story forward. The world of the novel contains large islands with different cultures. These different islands are connected by ships sailing the vast oceans full of dangerous creatures. Different cultures developed on the islands due to the distances between islands. The setting of this world has a rich past of fallen empires and insidious magics. There are frightening creatures and strange magical systems. Ms. Howard weaves all these elements into a powerful setting that remains vivid throughout the book.
Next, the characters with their problems move the story forward as they try to solve problems. Sinderian is a powerful healing mage with doubts about her strength. She constantly struggles with herself to not be helpless or arrogant. Ruan, who travels with Sinderian, must deal with his heritage from two disparate cultures. He dislikes his mother 19s people, distrusting them because they do not accept him with his half blood heritage. Winloki is a young princess destined to fulfill a prophecy. She is torn by her ignorance of the past and the kindness of her captors. Even the empress, Ouriana, has problems with an old enemy who opposes her and she is an unwitting dupe of the forces using her. Ms. Howard develops interesting, three-dimensional characters that keep the story moving forward.
Lastly, a focused plot moves the second book forward to an exciting climax. The book begins with Sinderian and Ruan trying to find Winloki. They travel to a fortress under siege by dark forces. Finding out that Camhoinhann, Ouriana 19s high priest, has taken Winloki captive, they pursue the captors joined by Prince Kivik and Skerry. Meanwhile, Winloki travels with her captors and discovers herself sympathizing with them. Sinderian travels with her companions carrying a dark secret plan to save Winloki. These plot threads weave together for a good story. Ms. Howard writes with vivid images and a tight plot that leads to an thrilling climax and cliffhanger.
A Dark Sacrifice by Madeline Howard is an stimulating middle book in the trilogy. Setting, characters and plot blend together smoothly to advance the story of the 1CRune of Unmaking 1D trilogy. The book does not suffer from middle book stagnation. A nice cliffhanger leaves readers eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.
First, the well developed setting moves the story forward. The world of the novel contains large islands with different cultures. These different islands are connected by ships sailing the vast oceans full of dangerous creatures. Different cultures developed on the islands due to the distances between islands. The setting of this world has a rich past of fallen empires and insidious magics. There are frightening creatures and strange magical systems. Ms. Howard weaves all these elements into a powerful setting that remains vivid throughout the book.
Next, the characters with their problems move the story forward as they try to solve problems. Sinderian is a powerful healing mage with doubts about her strength. She constantly struggles with herself to not be helpless or arrogant. Ruan, who travels with Sinderian, must deal with his heritage from two disparate cultures. He dislikes his mother 19s people, distrusting them because they do not accept him with his half blood heritage. Winloki is a young princess destined to fulfill a prophecy. She is torn by her ignorance of the past and the kindness of her captors. Even the empress, Ouriana, has problems with an old enemy who opposes her and she is an unwitting dupe of the forces using her. Ms. Howard develops interesting, three-dimensional characters that keep the story moving forward.
Lastly, a focused plot moves the second book forward to an exciting climax. The book begins with Sinderian and Ruan trying to find Winloki. They travel to a fortress under siege by dark forces. Finding out that Camhoinhann, Ouriana 19s high priest, has taken Winloki captive, they pursue the captors joined by Prince Kivik and Skerry. Meanwhile, Winloki travels with her captors and discovers herself sympathizing with them. Sinderian travels with her companions carrying a dark secret plan to save Winloki. These plot threads weave together for a good story. Ms. Howard writes with vivid images and a tight plot that leads to an thrilling climax and cliffhanger.
A Dark Sacrifice by Madeline Howard is an stimulating middle book in the trilogy. Setting, characters and plot blend together smoothly to advance the story of the 1CRune of Unmaking 1D trilogy. The book does not suffer from middle book stagnation. A nice cliffhanger leaves readers eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.
April 5, 2009
There are obvious similarities between the Rune of the Unmaking and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy (even though the Rune of the Unmaking is not complete as of yet), but after a while, as a reader you do not care about the similarities because Madeline Howard (Teresa Edgerton) is such a beautifully poetic author. Unlike some other authors who barely left the realm of Middle Earth to pen their own novels, it seems Howard took inspiration there and then ran wild into her own territory. It works because she has the writing skills to do it well.
I first read the Hidden Stars (pre-curser to this novel) when it was released in 2004, loved it, and cursed up a storm when I reached the end and realized there would at the very least be a sequel I would have to wait an indefinite amount of time for.
(As a sidenote, I will say that prior to reading the Hidden Stars, I had all but given up on the genre. I had read one too many mediocre fantasy novels and had all but sworn off fantasy with the exception of Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, and J.K. Rowling...this book made me think twice about giving up on the whole she-bang, for which I profusely thank Howard/Edgerton because I have found some real gems since then.)
I came across A Dark Sacrifice in the library, nearly performed a dance in the aisle when I realized what it was, and proceeded to re-read the Hidden Stars so it would be fresh in my mind before starting the new installment.
There is not too much I can give away about the plot line without ruining it for everyone, but I will say this - exceedingly well-written characters, a plot that is neither rushed nor plodding, and description that easily carries the reader into the corners of their imagination. I have to say that I read a review on this book which stated there were too many princes, and I can see how that is arguably true. This novel in particular appeared to be dripping with royalty. Between that and the dwarves, who were far to stereotypical for my tastes, I gave this four stars rather than five. But don't let that deter you - these books are really, really, really good. With any luck, the next installment will come out soon.
I first read the Hidden Stars (pre-curser to this novel) when it was released in 2004, loved it, and cursed up a storm when I reached the end and realized there would at the very least be a sequel I would have to wait an indefinite amount of time for.
(As a sidenote, I will say that prior to reading the Hidden Stars, I had all but given up on the genre. I had read one too many mediocre fantasy novels and had all but sworn off fantasy with the exception of Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, and J.K. Rowling...this book made me think twice about giving up on the whole she-bang, for which I profusely thank Howard/Edgerton because I have found some real gems since then.)
I came across A Dark Sacrifice in the library, nearly performed a dance in the aisle when I realized what it was, and proceeded to re-read the Hidden Stars so it would be fresh in my mind before starting the new installment.
There is not too much I can give away about the plot line without ruining it for everyone, but I will say this - exceedingly well-written characters, a plot that is neither rushed nor plodding, and description that easily carries the reader into the corners of their imagination. I have to say that I read a review on this book which stated there were too many princes, and I can see how that is arguably true. This novel in particular appeared to be dripping with royalty. Between that and the dwarves, who were far to stereotypical for my tastes, I gave this four stars rather than five. But don't let that deter you - these books are really, really, really good. With any luck, the next installment will come out soon.
June 12, 2015
Compelling and entertaining if a little less effective than the first book in the series. It is an enjoyable read but not spectacular. The story relies on many traditional fantasy tropes, but does provide interesting twists some traditional character roles.
July 9, 2015
The princess who everyone is depended on to save the world is now in enemies hands and those who need her are hot on the trail to rescue her. There is high adventure and loads of magic and monsters are waking in this one entertaining book.
August 2, 2008
Even more hopeless scenarios and lucky heroes. Only a third of the way through...
May 15, 2015
An excellent sequel and I can't wait for the third book in the series.
December 14, 2010
I think this series will be judged on the last book. This wasn't as interesting as the first but still entertaining.
September 22, 2014
yeah but what happens next?
January 16, 2015
awesome!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews