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The Endarian Prophecy #2
Prophecy's Daughter
The epic fantasy continues as Lorness Carol’s burgeoning magical powers are the only hope in a destined war between good and primordial evil…
“The silent one in the west has awakened.” A tantalizing message reignites Kragan’s centuries-old fury to find and exterminate the unwitting young adversary prophesied to destroy him.
One step ahead of her pursuer, Lorness Carol, a warlord’s daughter and magic wielder, has led her people to a new stronghold in a verdant valley. Here, she’s been reunited with Blade, the assassin she has loved since childhood. But her spell book holds the secrets to powers she never imagined—powers that are not only expanding her abilities but challenging her sanity.
As Carol grows more desperate to learn and control the powers of enchantment she was born to wield, Kragan and his minions wage a war to destroy Carol’s destiny before it’s realized. But if her people require the summoning of an ancient darkness to save them, then by all the gods, she will bring it.
“The silent one in the west has awakened.” A tantalizing message reignites Kragan’s centuries-old fury to find and exterminate the unwitting young adversary prophesied to destroy him.
One step ahead of her pursuer, Lorness Carol, a warlord’s daughter and magic wielder, has led her people to a new stronghold in a verdant valley. Here, she’s been reunited with Blade, the assassin she has loved since childhood. But her spell book holds the secrets to powers she never imagined—powers that are not only expanding her abilities but challenging her sanity.
As Carol grows more desperate to learn and control the powers of enchantment she was born to wield, Kragan and his minions wage a war to destroy Carol’s destiny before it’s realized. But if her people require the summoning of an ancient darkness to save them, then by all the gods, she will bring it.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2018
627 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Richard Phillips
15 books573 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Richard Phillips is the million copy bestselling author of the Rho Agenda scifi series, the Jack 'The Ripper' Gregory series, and the epic fantasy series, The Endarian Prophecy. He is a retired Army Officer, West Point graduate, and has a Master of Science degree in Physics from the Naval Post Graduate School. He was a researcher at Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories for the U.S. military, a software project leader at General Electric, Lockheed Martin Space Operations, and General Dynamics before becoming a full-time writer.
Richard Phillips is the million copy bestselling author of the Rho Agenda scifi series, the Jack 'The Ripper' Gregory series, and the epic fantasy series, The Endarian Prophecy. He is a retired Army Officer, West Point graduate, and has a Master of Science degree in Physics from the Naval Post Graduate School. He was a researcher at Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories for the U.S. military, a software project leader at General Electric, Lockheed Martin Space Operations, and General Dynamics before becoming a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 21, 2020
not bad, this book kept me interested but im not sure I liked it as much as the first one, excited to see whats going to happen in the next book tho.
February 24, 2018
2.25 stars.
I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to this author's writing style, but this was definitely more interesting than the first installment. I think this is due in large part to the fact that the author didn't draw out the MCs' reunion. He did wait until but there weren't any misunderstandings, OP drama, or anything remotely like that. So kudos to him from this jaded and easily annoyed romance reader.
The writing style still wasn't my favourite, but the plot progressed quite nicely, with multiple povs keeping the story from becoming stagnant. The romance isn't very convincing, especially since we never see why the MCs love each other in the first place, and after such a long separation one would think that they would take the time to reacquaint themselves but that isn't the case here. I probably prefer the way the author wrote it since, like I said, I was tired of waiting for their reunion, being that they had no interaction in the first book. I do like how the MCs are completely devoted to each other and it was sweet how the H was there for the h when she needed him. I will finish this series, but probably won't pick up another book by this author. Personal preference and all that.
I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to this author's writing style, but this was definitely more interesting than the first installment. I think this is due in large part to the fact that the author didn't draw out the MCs' reunion. He did wait until but there weren't any misunderstandings, OP drama, or anything remotely like that. So kudos to him from this jaded and easily annoyed romance reader.
The writing style still wasn't my favourite, but the plot progressed quite nicely, with multiple povs keeping the story from becoming stagnant. The romance isn't very convincing, especially since we never see why the MCs love each other in the first place, and after such a long separation one would think that they would take the time to reacquaint themselves but that isn't the case here. I probably prefer the way the author wrote it since, like I said, I was tired of waiting for their reunion, being that they had no interaction in the first book. I do like how the MCs are completely devoted to each other and it was sweet how the H was there for the h when she needed him. I will finish this series, but probably won't pick up another book by this author. Personal preference and all that.
March 7, 2022
Action and Adventure All the Way Through
The second installment in this series read much faster and more smoothly than the first. In addition, the plot expanded and the characters became more complex. There are several storyline, all of which are interesting. There is novelty to this story, along with action and competing goals among characters. Great read!
The second installment in this series read much faster and more smoothly than the first. In addition, the plot expanded and the characters became more complex. There are several storyline, all of which are interesting. There is novelty to this story, along with action and competing goals among characters. Great read!
February 9, 2018
I enjoyed this more than the first book in the series, Mark of Fire. The YA elements were somehow less intrusive.
As before, the plot was well-constructed and gripping. What prevented a fifth star from me was that the interaction with 'elementals' and others from the spirit world became more blatant, along with the fallacy that humans can control such forces. This I felt was deceptive in a potentially destructive way, especially considering the younger minds in which it was being planted. Not that I think Phillips was deliberately setting out to mislead his readers: this is all just part of the modern mindset as it drifts away from faith in a loving God towards dabbling with dark powers that it thinks are imaginary—but which are not.
I have judged this as a story, regardless of my personal distaste over some of the subject matter: and as such, it's worth a 4. But if the sequel(s) stray deeper into the realms of darkness I won't want to continue.
As before, the plot was well-constructed and gripping. What prevented a fifth star from me was that the interaction with 'elementals' and others from the spirit world became more blatant, along with the fallacy that humans can control such forces. This I felt was deceptive in a potentially destructive way, especially considering the younger minds in which it was being planted. Not that I think Phillips was deliberately setting out to mislead his readers: this is all just part of the modern mindset as it drifts away from faith in a loving God towards dabbling with dark powers that it thinks are imaginary—but which are not.
I have judged this as a story, regardless of my personal distaste over some of the subject matter: and as such, it's worth a 4. But if the sequel(s) stray deeper into the realms of darkness I won't want to continue.
January 16, 2018
I listened to Mark of Fire in audio after getting it as a Kindle First, and then I read the second entry in the trilogy, Prohpecy's Daughter, in print after getting an ARC from NetGalley (in exchange for this honest review). This after listening to Richard Phillips's entire Rho Agenda trilogy of trilogies over the past few years, which by definition indicates that I really liked them. His current Endarian Prophecy fantasy series, however, has misfired, landing far off the mark Phillips set in Rho.
Everything that appealed to me about Rho centers on Phillips, a former physicist, basing his science fiction firmly within the world of science fact. Even the supernatural elements of Rho end up (quite satisfyingly) rooted in science (speculative though it might be). Although one should not expect an epic fantasy to be based on science fact, I was nevertheless hoping that Phillips would fall back on his strongest suit as a writer as a way of setting his fantasy world apart from others.
No such luck. Indeed, this world doesn't seem to be based on any sort of logic, not even its own internal logic, never mind the science of our world. Indeed, after two of three volumes (the finale, as I write, due out next month), I remain seriously confused as to a) what this story is about, beyond a generic good vs. evil sword and sorcery showdown, b) what kind of world it is set in, beyond a generic medieval European fantasy setting, and c) what ultimate reveal can pull it all together, beyond a generic Planet of the Apes, multiverse, or time twist that would all be letdowns.
There is so much about these two books that just rubs me the wrong way, even beyond the fact that there are no interim climaxes or conclusions to set each volume apart, as there were in Rho. Some characters have made-up fantasy names, like Gaar, Blalock, Coldain, Kragan, etc., while others are named Carol, Alan, Derek, John, etc. Seriously, a non-Earth fantasy world with people named Carol, Alan, Derek, and John, etc. -- change spellings at least, as with Arn and Rafel (more inconsistency in the naming scheme). There is even a character with the last name Scot, in a world where Scots and Scotland never existed.
Similarly, Phillips misfires in trying to convey a sense through word choice that we are in a different world, a medieval world. For example, far-glass, a made up word -- despite the fact that in the real world, the word telescope was coined as far back as 1610. But when it comes to value, one character mentions pieces of eight, coins first minted in 1598 in Spain, a country that doesn't exist in this fantasy world (never mind that there is no evidence of any type of monetary system in use). And here, people domesticate guinea fowl, even though Guinea does not exist, nor would any sane farmer choose to raise ornery guinea fowl instead of docile chickens. I could go on at even greater length.
This may sound picky, but it indicates that no research was done to validate the use of these words, clearly chosen solely to make this world sound medieval, as if that quality alone defines a fantasy setting. The entirety of the plotting and world building, going back to the naming and the lack of logic (especially in the use of magic) -- and I haven't even mentioned how people enter the story and then disappear (there is hardly anything Endarian in the second book of the Endarian trilogy, for example) -- all indicate that this work was rushed (the hasty release schedule certainly validates that).
One saving grace are the set pieces, the action sequences (and I'm not even a fan of action scenes). There are several extended scenes in Mark of Fire, only two or three briefer scenes in Propechy's Daughter (one exceptionally good one that is unfortunately cut short). These are quite imaginative -- and have the virtue of being realistic and internally consistent. I also like that one of the major qualities of the male hero, Arn, is his immunity to magic, a nice twist -- although I'm confused by the need for magic in the story if it can simply be foiled by declaring a character immune to it, and why he is immune to one kind of magic but not another (immune to bad magic, OK with good magic, natch), and (avoiding spoilers) how the final scene of Prophecy can be at all possible.
As a fan of Rho, I'm going to give Phillips the benefit of the doubt and complete this series, hoping against hope for a finale that makes it all make sense. It will at least be a fast read/listen, as were the first two volumes. But then I hope he returns to his forte -- credible present-day real-world fact-based science fiction -- when he takes up his next project.
Everything that appealed to me about Rho centers on Phillips, a former physicist, basing his science fiction firmly within the world of science fact. Even the supernatural elements of Rho end up (quite satisfyingly) rooted in science (speculative though it might be). Although one should not expect an epic fantasy to be based on science fact, I was nevertheless hoping that Phillips would fall back on his strongest suit as a writer as a way of setting his fantasy world apart from others.
No such luck. Indeed, this world doesn't seem to be based on any sort of logic, not even its own internal logic, never mind the science of our world. Indeed, after two of three volumes (the finale, as I write, due out next month), I remain seriously confused as to a) what this story is about, beyond a generic good vs. evil sword and sorcery showdown, b) what kind of world it is set in, beyond a generic medieval European fantasy setting, and c) what ultimate reveal can pull it all together, beyond a generic Planet of the Apes, multiverse, or time twist that would all be letdowns.
There is so much about these two books that just rubs me the wrong way, even beyond the fact that there are no interim climaxes or conclusions to set each volume apart, as there were in Rho. Some characters have made-up fantasy names, like Gaar, Blalock, Coldain, Kragan, etc., while others are named Carol, Alan, Derek, John, etc. Seriously, a non-Earth fantasy world with people named Carol, Alan, Derek, and John, etc. -- change spellings at least, as with Arn and Rafel (more inconsistency in the naming scheme). There is even a character with the last name Scot, in a world where Scots and Scotland never existed.
Similarly, Phillips misfires in trying to convey a sense through word choice that we are in a different world, a medieval world. For example, far-glass, a made up word -- despite the fact that in the real world, the word telescope was coined as far back as 1610. But when it comes to value, one character mentions pieces of eight, coins first minted in 1598 in Spain, a country that doesn't exist in this fantasy world (never mind that there is no evidence of any type of monetary system in use). And here, people domesticate guinea fowl, even though Guinea does not exist, nor would any sane farmer choose to raise ornery guinea fowl instead of docile chickens. I could go on at even greater length.
This may sound picky, but it indicates that no research was done to validate the use of these words, clearly chosen solely to make this world sound medieval, as if that quality alone defines a fantasy setting. The entirety of the plotting and world building, going back to the naming and the lack of logic (especially in the use of magic) -- and I haven't even mentioned how people enter the story and then disappear (there is hardly anything Endarian in the second book of the Endarian trilogy, for example) -- all indicate that this work was rushed (the hasty release schedule certainly validates that).
One saving grace are the set pieces, the action sequences (and I'm not even a fan of action scenes). There are several extended scenes in Mark of Fire, only two or three briefer scenes in Propechy's Daughter (one exceptionally good one that is unfortunately cut short). These are quite imaginative -- and have the virtue of being realistic and internally consistent. I also like that one of the major qualities of the male hero, Arn, is his immunity to magic, a nice twist -- although I'm confused by the need for magic in the story if it can simply be foiled by declaring a character immune to it, and why he is immune to one kind of magic but not another (immune to bad magic, OK with good magic, natch), and (avoiding spoilers) how the final scene of Prophecy can be at all possible.
As a fan of Rho, I'm going to give Phillips the benefit of the doubt and complete this series, hoping against hope for a finale that makes it all make sense. It will at least be a fast read/listen, as were the first two volumes. But then I hope he returns to his forte -- credible present-day real-world fact-based science fiction -- when he takes up his next project.
August 7, 2019
In the first book, Carol and her people arrived at their destination and set in for the winter, while Arn and his companions stayed with the Endarians. Also, Kragan literally joined forces with the primordial lord, Kalael. The two now share one body.
Book two starts in the spring. Since the beginning of the first book, approximately 18 months have passed. High Lord Rafel is fortifying their new home, while Carol meets some of the natives. Meanwhile, Arn and his friends journey towards them, to tell them that Carol is the chield of prophecy and that Kragan is after her.
The author has two quirks. The first two chapters are packed with information. In the second book, these are focuses on recapping everything you need to know about the first book and also adding some information about how Arn's Blade was made and what influence it has on him. I still wouldn't recommend reading these out of order.
The second quirk is that he doesn't end the book where it would be opportune. I would have ended book 1 after Kragan and Kalael became one. Nice cliffhanger. Instead, there were some additional chapters that brought the tension down and that the characters were safe for the time being. A little like telling a story to little children in multiple sessions. If you don't bring down the action at the end of each session, they are never going to sleep. And it is the same for book 2.
As in the first book, the story is told mainly from the point of view of Arn and Carol. However, from time to time chapters are told from additional viewpoints. Kragan, of course, is one of them. There are also some chapters from the perspective of Coldain - the leader of the Talian army sent after Rafel by the king before he was murdered - his son and even Alan. These chapters help you understand how far-reaching Kragan's plotting is. However, their irregularity makes them kind of forgettable. Garret, Coldain's son, has three chapters at the beginning of the book and then is never mentioned again. At the end, there is another chapter about Coldain that tries to explain why he still hasn't caught up to Rafel, but you get the impression that the author forgot about him and had to explain himself.
The main reason, I gave this book an "I liked it" rating, instead of "I really liked it" like the last book is this. While I still enjoyed the story, there is a slump in the second half around the time that Arn is sent on a secret mission and Carol starts training with the vorg wielder's magic book. It gets better again, but the second half is definitely weaker than the first. This is partially due to where the book ends. I'll try to make this clear by explaining it in Lord of the Rings terms. After meeting the Riders of Rohan our heroes retreat to Helm's Deep and start fortifying it expecting to be attacked by Mordor's forces. While The Two Towers ended with the battle, this book instead ends with "Winter is here, we are safe for now" and pushes the battle into the next one. The second half focuses on Carol's training and Arn trying to delay the attack until after winter. And there isn't even a little green goblin with suspicious grammar making fun of her to make the training more interesting. Instead, we have a slow descent into madness.
Aside from that, I have a minor gripe. The relationship between the companions, for example, Ty and John is camaraderie with good-natured banter. This is often used to add an element of levity. And I really like the merry men trope. However, Ty isn't particularly funny. For the most part, he is more reminiscent of a playground bully. And I chose the word playground with care because that is the level we're talking about. There were times in the first book when I expected him to break out into singing "John and Kim are sitting in a tree...". I do hope the humor will improve in the next one because the story could use it.
Book two starts in the spring. Since the beginning of the first book, approximately 18 months have passed. High Lord Rafel is fortifying their new home, while Carol meets some of the natives. Meanwhile, Arn and his friends journey towards them, to tell them that Carol is the chield of prophecy and that Kragan is after her.
The author has two quirks. The first two chapters are packed with information. In the second book, these are focuses on recapping everything you need to know about the first book and also adding some information about how Arn's Blade was made and what influence it has on him. I still wouldn't recommend reading these out of order.
The second quirk is that he doesn't end the book where it would be opportune. I would have ended book 1 after Kragan and Kalael became one. Nice cliffhanger. Instead, there were some additional chapters that brought the tension down and that the characters were safe for the time being. A little like telling a story to little children in multiple sessions. If you don't bring down the action at the end of each session, they are never going to sleep. And it is the same for book 2.
As in the first book, the story is told mainly from the point of view of Arn and Carol. However, from time to time chapters are told from additional viewpoints. Kragan, of course, is one of them. There are also some chapters from the perspective of Coldain - the leader of the Talian army sent after Rafel by the king before he was murdered - his son and even Alan. These chapters help you understand how far-reaching Kragan's plotting is. However, their irregularity makes them kind of forgettable. Garret, Coldain's son, has three chapters at the beginning of the book and then is never mentioned again. At the end, there is another chapter about Coldain that tries to explain why he still hasn't caught up to Rafel, but you get the impression that the author forgot about him and had to explain himself.
The main reason, I gave this book an "I liked it" rating, instead of "I really liked it" like the last book is this. While I still enjoyed the story, there is a slump in the second half around the time that Arn is sent on a secret mission and Carol starts training with the vorg wielder's magic book. It gets better again, but the second half is definitely weaker than the first. This is partially due to where the book ends. I'll try to make this clear by explaining it in Lord of the Rings terms. After meeting the Riders of Rohan our heroes retreat to Helm's Deep and start fortifying it expecting to be attacked by Mordor's forces. While The Two Towers ended with the battle, this book instead ends with "Winter is here, we are safe for now" and pushes the battle into the next one. The second half focuses on Carol's training and Arn trying to delay the attack until after winter. And there isn't even a little green goblin with suspicious grammar making fun of her to make the training more interesting. Instead, we have a slow descent into madness.
Aside from that, I have a minor gripe. The relationship between the companions, for example, Ty and John is camaraderie with good-natured banter. This is often used to add an element of levity. And I really like the merry men trope. However, Ty isn't particularly funny. For the most part, he is more reminiscent of a playground bully. And I chose the word playground with care because that is the level we're talking about. There were times in the first book when I expected him to break out into singing "John and Kim are sitting in a tree...". I do hope the humor will improve in the next one because the story could use it.
January 3, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Prophecy's Daughter is the second book of the Endarian Prophecy trilogy by Richard Phillips. Released 9th January 2018 on Amazon's 47North imprint, it's 291 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
This 'bridge' book (filling the gap between the beginning and end of a trilogy), and indeed the series thus far, are well written grand quest fantasy. I read this second entry with an eye to how well it works as a standalone and the answer is, not very well. I recommend reading the series in order to get a feel for the characters and world building.
The protagonist is young and despite being powerful, she's still learning her capacities and adjusting to the idea of leadership. I felt that she was written sensitively and in character and even though I felt like poking her and saying 'grow up!' sometimes, it was in character and her motivations were well placed. The author gets a fair bit of allowance from me for the immaturity since this really struck me as mostly a YA/NA series.
The world building is solid with a myriad of characters but they're generally so well drawn and distinct that I've had no trouble keeping them apart in my head.
My only small quibble with the book is some of the names... they were distractingly modern American (Carol, Alan, etc). According to the dedication, the author's wife is called Carol... so that's sweet. I felt myself falling out of the story fairly regularly because of the names. All in all, not a very big issue.
Definitely worth a read for fans of quest/campaign fantasy.
Three and a half stars. Entertaining and readable.
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Prophecy's Daughter is the second book of the Endarian Prophecy trilogy by Richard Phillips. Released 9th January 2018 on Amazon's 47North imprint, it's 291 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
This 'bridge' book (filling the gap between the beginning and end of a trilogy), and indeed the series thus far, are well written grand quest fantasy. I read this second entry with an eye to how well it works as a standalone and the answer is, not very well. I recommend reading the series in order to get a feel for the characters and world building.
The protagonist is young and despite being powerful, she's still learning her capacities and adjusting to the idea of leadership. I felt that she was written sensitively and in character and even though I felt like poking her and saying 'grow up!' sometimes, it was in character and her motivations were well placed. The author gets a fair bit of allowance from me for the immaturity since this really struck me as mostly a YA/NA series.
The world building is solid with a myriad of characters but they're generally so well drawn and distinct that I've had no trouble keeping them apart in my head.
My only small quibble with the book is some of the names... they were distractingly modern American (Carol, Alan, etc). According to the dedication, the author's wife is called Carol... so that's sweet. I felt myself falling out of the story fairly regularly because of the names. All in all, not a very big issue.
Definitely worth a read for fans of quest/campaign fantasy.
Three and a half stars. Entertaining and readable.
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 3, 2017
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Prophecy's Daughter, the second book Richard Phillips's The Endarian Prophecy picks up right where Mark of Fire left off. We meet right back up with Carol dealing with the fallout of losing her magical abilities and finding her new home, as well as Arn, Ty, John, and Kim and their stay in the Kingdom of Endar. We continue to get more world building as we're introduced to the area in the west of the current world, and we learn a bit more about the magic system.
This was an incredibly quick and easy read, almost too quick. Maybe rushed? Had I had the time available, this could have been easily finished in a day. But that doesn't take away from the pacing and, more importantly, the quality of the story. There is actually quite a bit of story unfolding in these few short pages, although the primary focus this time around is purely on Arn and Carol, with minor focus on the secondary characters on the good side.
My only problem with this book was the lack of attention on the bad guys. In fact, the ending didn't really give me the "oh crap, our heroes are screwed!" mentality I was expecting from the second book. I'm not sure what the future holds for this series, whether we're only getting one more book to make a trilogy, or if we're getting a few more. If I were to guess, just based on how quickly events are unfolding, we're only getting one more. My only hope for the next book is that the stakes are raised for our heroes, for as much as I love the good guys winning, I don't want it to be easy for them!
If you've read and enjoyed the first book, definitely pick this one up.
Prophecy's Daughter, the second book Richard Phillips's The Endarian Prophecy picks up right where Mark of Fire left off. We meet right back up with Carol dealing with the fallout of losing her magical abilities and finding her new home, as well as Arn, Ty, John, and Kim and their stay in the Kingdom of Endar. We continue to get more world building as we're introduced to the area in the west of the current world, and we learn a bit more about the magic system.
This was an incredibly quick and easy read, almost too quick. Maybe rushed? Had I had the time available, this could have been easily finished in a day. But that doesn't take away from the pacing and, more importantly, the quality of the story. There is actually quite a bit of story unfolding in these few short pages, although the primary focus this time around is purely on Arn and Carol, with minor focus on the secondary characters on the good side.
My only problem with this book was the lack of attention on the bad guys. In fact, the ending didn't really give me the "oh crap, our heroes are screwed!" mentality I was expecting from the second book. I'm not sure what the future holds for this series, whether we're only getting one more book to make a trilogy, or if we're getting a few more. If I were to guess, just based on how quickly events are unfolding, we're only getting one more. My only hope for the next book is that the stakes are raised for our heroes, for as much as I love the good guys winning, I don't want it to be easy for them!
If you've read and enjoyed the first book, definitely pick this one up.
February 4, 2018
For those who enjoy a well written yarn by a top-notch storyteller, Richard Phillips definitely rates as one to consider. His stories don't sit around and ponder cracks on plaster. They don't dwell on a topic until it's beat to hell. They move along. Fast. This is the guy who brought Jack Gregory back from the dead so he could work his magic, save people and go on an adventure nobody could have predicted. The Endarian Prophecy is a completely different animal. It's sci-fi, a little fantasy and a whole lot of sword and sorcery. Arn and Carol meet back up. And death, destruction and holy terror await everybody not under the thumb of some ancient nasty wizard who's bonded with a demon. I had to read the first couple chapters twice because I'd forgotten a lot of the first novel. And Phillips introduces a hell of a world with conflicts, political tumult and characters. The story leaps from one group to the next seamlessly. Carol is intense and remains the center of the conflict. Not always in a good way. Phillips provides just enough details to make the reader's mind wander and color the rest of his landscapes and scenes straight out of the imagination of Steve Ditko, one of the greatest artists of the Silver Age of comics. (I'm talking about early Doctor Strange.) I didn't want this to end. I read it too fast. It felt like 95 pages, but it's actually 200 more than that. Maybe I'm imagining that impression. Probably. I remember thinking the Two Towers was freakishly short the first time I read that Tolkien masterpiece when I was about 14 and working on a remote Fairbanks construction site with a bunch of hippies who didn't mind if I read during their weed breaks. Anyway, "Prophecy's Daughter" rocks. It'll send the lucky readers who deign to open it into a whole new realm.
January 11, 2018
*I received this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I always love a book with a lot of details, as they allow me to better visualize what is happening in the story. Prophecy's Daughter was filled with so many details that I felt like I was actually a part of the story! I loved that aspect, and I knew from the first page that I was going to absolutely love this book.
In addition to the details, I loved how this fantasy book involved a little bit of romance. With everything going on throughout the story, I wouldn't have expected any sort of relationship to take place but when it did I was excited to keep reading and see what happened between the two individuals. It was introduced at a good part in the story also, and I was glad it wasn't just thrown in.
Another aspect I enjoyed about Prophecy's Daughter was that the characters ranged from powerful to overshadowed, and their personalities were all different. Each character was definitely individualistic and well-developed to where I knew the author put a lot of time into them. I value character development a lot in a story, so this made me happy to see.
When the emotional parts of the story came along, I felt sadness right along with the characters. I easily connected with what was happening, and I liked that I was able to understand what the characters were going through. Being able to connect with the story allowed me to love it even more.
Overall, this is a great fantasy book! I enjoyed reading it for sure, and Richard Phillips truly wrote a great story. For those who like fantasy, Prophecy's Daughter is for you!
I always love a book with a lot of details, as they allow me to better visualize what is happening in the story. Prophecy's Daughter was filled with so many details that I felt like I was actually a part of the story! I loved that aspect, and I knew from the first page that I was going to absolutely love this book.
In addition to the details, I loved how this fantasy book involved a little bit of romance. With everything going on throughout the story, I wouldn't have expected any sort of relationship to take place but when it did I was excited to keep reading and see what happened between the two individuals. It was introduced at a good part in the story also, and I was glad it wasn't just thrown in.
Another aspect I enjoyed about Prophecy's Daughter was that the characters ranged from powerful to overshadowed, and their personalities were all different. Each character was definitely individualistic and well-developed to where I knew the author put a lot of time into them. I value character development a lot in a story, so this made me happy to see.
When the emotional parts of the story came along, I felt sadness right along with the characters. I easily connected with what was happening, and I liked that I was able to understand what the characters were going through. Being able to connect with the story allowed me to love it even more.
Overall, this is a great fantasy book! I enjoyed reading it for sure, and Richard Phillips truly wrote a great story. For those who like fantasy, Prophecy's Daughter is for you!
April 22, 2018
A different Sort of Middle Book
If not for the last few chapters, I would have enjoyed this instalment even more than I loved Mark of Fire. As things stand, I was left with a sense that some of those chapters attempted to give readers too much information, too late in the story to capture the imagination. And while every learned was absolutely necessary to the plot, I was left frustrated by the way things were revealed.
And that's the only thing I didn't love about Prophecy's Daughter.
The rest built in the previous book, deepening the plot and filling out the characters readers already know, while deftly inserting newly introduced characters into the intricately plotted puzzle. The descriptions of the various kinds of magic in play were satisfyingly detailed. And I likes that mastering any of them took arduous work and that the process always exacted a price.
There were times when the dialogue seemed to me unnaturally flowery, just as at other times it held too strong a whiff of modern colloquialisms to make sense for a particular characters. On the whole, however, everyone sounded -- most of the time, anyway -- as I imagined they should.
If not for the last few chapters, I would have enjoyed this instalment even more than I loved Mark of Fire. As things stand, I was left with a sense that some of those chapters attempted to give readers too much information, too late in the story to capture the imagination. And while every learned was absolutely necessary to the plot, I was left frustrated by the way things were revealed.
And that's the only thing I didn't love about Prophecy's Daughter.
The rest built in the previous book, deepening the plot and filling out the characters readers already know, while deftly inserting newly introduced characters into the intricately plotted puzzle. The descriptions of the various kinds of magic in play were satisfyingly detailed. And I likes that mastering any of them took arduous work and that the process always exacted a price.
There were times when the dialogue seemed to me unnaturally flowery, just as at other times it held too strong a whiff of modern colloquialisms to make sense for a particular characters. On the whole, however, everyone sounded -- most of the time, anyway -- as I imagined they should.
June 27, 2021
A alluring message reignites Kragan’s centuries-old ferocity to find and destroy the unwitting young adversary prophesied to destroy him.
One step ahead of her pursuant, Lorness Carol, a warlord’s daughter and magic wielder, has led her people to a new fortress in a flourishing valley. Here, she’s been reunited with Blade, the soldier she has loved since childhood. But her spell book holds the secrets to powers she never imagined—powers that are not only developing her abilities but challenging her orientation to self.
As Carol grows more determined to learn and control the powers of enchantment she was born to wield, Kragan and his minions wage a war to destroy Carol’s future before it’s realized. But if her people require the conjuring of an ancient darkness to save them, then by all the gods, she will bring it.
One step ahead of her pursuant, Lorness Carol, a warlord’s daughter and magic wielder, has led her people to a new fortress in a flourishing valley. Here, she’s been reunited with Blade, the soldier she has loved since childhood. But her spell book holds the secrets to powers she never imagined—powers that are not only developing her abilities but challenging her orientation to self.
As Carol grows more determined to learn and control the powers of enchantment she was born to wield, Kragan and his minions wage a war to destroy Carol’s future before it’s realized. But if her people require the conjuring of an ancient darkness to save them, then by all the gods, she will bring it.
February 6, 2018
I am thoroughly enjoying reading this fantasy series. This book was just as good if not better than the first. In my mind, it is somewhat like "Game of Thrones" meets "Lord of the Rings." Not that I've read those various books, but I am a big fan of the TV series and films. Richard Phillips expands his world filled with credible geographic topography, rulers, armies, wielders and elemental planes. The cast of characters returns from the first book, with greater determination and passion as plot twists continue to ebb and flow. And Arn is of course my favorite character, what's not to love about him? I'm ready for the next book in this trilogy!
October 25, 2018
4.4
I liked this one - probably even more than book one. It seemed to fly by. I was sad to see it end.
Carol was a bit frustrating in a few moment's, but that just made her seem more real. Arn's mischief in the temple city were fun, even if my mind was screaming at him to get back to Carol before it was too late.
I can feel the large clash of men coming soon. I hope word reaches the Earl of Kragan's attack before he loses men in am assault against the vale. I will be eagerly churning right along to book three of the series.
I liked this one - probably even more than book one. It seemed to fly by. I was sad to see it end.
Carol was a bit frustrating in a few moment's, but that just made her seem more real. Arn's mischief in the temple city were fun, even if my mind was screaming at him to get back to Carol before it was too late.
I can feel the large clash of men coming soon. I hope word reaches the Earl of Kragan's attack before he loses men in am assault against the vale. I will be eagerly churning right along to book three of the series.
January 16, 2020
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
This is the second book in The Endarian Prophecy series by Richard Phillips and I have to say this book grabbed me more than the first one. Many new aspects of the world he has created are revealed and give the story more dimension. There is also the distinct building of pressure towards the rapidly approaching (maybe...there seems to be a few more books in the series) final conflict with the character that embodies all evil, Kragan.
This series is following a very common storyline in the fantasy genre that is in no way new: the strong female character with her dark and brooding love interest and the evil that seeks to destroy her because she’s destined to become incredibly powerful. I’ve read similarly themed series quite a few times and the writing here does nothing to distinguish itself from the others in any drastic way.
That being said, I am entertained and look forward to continuing the series. The writing is easy to read and it provides a nice escape from more difficult books. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little magic?
This is the second book in The Endarian Prophecy series by Richard Phillips and I have to say this book grabbed me more than the first one. Many new aspects of the world he has created are revealed and give the story more dimension. There is also the distinct building of pressure towards the rapidly approaching (maybe...there seems to be a few more books in the series) final conflict with the character that embodies all evil, Kragan.
This series is following a very common storyline in the fantasy genre that is in no way new: the strong female character with her dark and brooding love interest and the evil that seeks to destroy her because she’s destined to become incredibly powerful. I’ve read similarly themed series quite a few times and the writing here does nothing to distinguish itself from the others in any drastic way.
That being said, I am entertained and look forward to continuing the series. The writing is easy to read and it provides a nice escape from more difficult books. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a little magic?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
I havent read science fiction since Issac Asiamov. This is no where close to that but it definitely captured my interest. I really enjoyed the further character development continued from the first book and read this in about 2 days with close to zero sleep. So far this series would make a great movie. Very enjoyable read. Enjoy. Oh, and it drives me crazy that I have to wait for the third book, no binge reading.
March 14, 2018
I am glad there is another book in the series
Seriously, this volume has been even harder to put down than the first. He has done an excellent job developing his main characters, especially Carol. I think this second book was more fun for me than he first which says volumes since I highly enjoyed the first. I can't wait to start the third volume which will be soon I already downloaded it.
Seriously, this volume has been even harder to put down than the first. He has done an excellent job developing his main characters, especially Carol. I think this second book was more fun for me than he first which says volumes since I highly enjoyed the first. I can't wait to start the third volume which will be soon I already downloaded it.
March 16, 2018
Too slow
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe if I'd read the first book, I could've understood what was going on. Unfortunately, I only won a copy of this book. And I just couldn't get into it. I managed the first few chapters, but found the writing too difficult to follow. The story just seemed to develop a bit too slowly and just didn't pull me in. Hopefully, it made more sense to those who read the first book!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe if I'd read the first book, I could've understood what was going on. Unfortunately, I only won a copy of this book. And I just couldn't get into it. I managed the first few chapters, but found the writing too difficult to follow. The story just seemed to develop a bit too slowly and just didn't pull me in. Hopefully, it made more sense to those who read the first book!
September 4, 2018
Fantastic fantasy to become enthralled with
I chose to give this book a five star rating because unlike the first book in this series, this book kept me guessing, intrigued and wanting more.
The characters feel real and their plight draws you in.
The one con I had was the climatic fight felt glossed over a bit.
If you're interested in a high fantasy story, give this book a try.
I chose to give this book a five star rating because unlike the first book in this series, this book kept me guessing, intrigued and wanting more.
The characters feel real and their plight draws you in.
The one con I had was the climatic fight felt glossed over a bit.
If you're interested in a high fantasy story, give this book a try.
March 28, 2023
Better Than The First Book
The second book continues on and then takes the reader on a whole new series of twists and turns.
I get unhappy when I predict the story.
Did not happen here!
Good character development.
Not just with the main ones but also other ones.
Actually I think that this book is even a bit better than the first one.
And that is how you want it.
Can’t wait to see what unfolds in the next book.
Highly recommend.
Bruce
The second book continues on and then takes the reader on a whole new series of twists and turns.
I get unhappy when I predict the story.
Did not happen here!
Good character development.
Not just with the main ones but also other ones.
Actually I think that this book is even a bit better than the first one.
And that is how you want it.
Can’t wait to see what unfolds in the next book.
Highly recommend.
Bruce
November 6, 2024
A lot happens in book two, and I was introduced to a lot of new characters. I'm not sure how they all fit in yet. but the story is getting bigger and bigger. With so much going on and the characters spreading out, I lost track of people a few times. The big evil has more allies than we thought, and the good guys are hitting a few road blocks along the way. I'm excited to start book three and see how all these various threads come together again.
January 18, 2018
Spectacular story !
If you enjoy magical fantasies , this'll be a great choice . The Wordcraft and multiple plot development and character development is extremely well done . I don't do autopsies on books and reviews . But this is real feel-good series . I recommend this author and will be here to support his works
If you enjoy magical fantasies , this'll be a great choice . The Wordcraft and multiple plot development and character development is extremely well done . I don't do autopsies on books and reviews . But this is real feel-good series . I recommend this author and will be here to support his works
January 26, 2018
I won this in a goodreads giveaway. The world was beautiful, full of good and evil. I haven't read the first one, but would like to. I love the idea of villages of cave dwellers in the same valley as villages of a more medieval age. Well written and interesting. Magic, war, mystery and beautiful descriptions!
August 31, 2018
Excellent Story!!
I have enjoyed the first two books of the Endarian Prophecy. This book is a very good read as well as book one . The characters involved in the readings are very endearing and you almost feel an affinity to their situations . I specially enjoy the warrior Ty. If you are a lover of science-fiction fantasy you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I have enjoyed the first two books of the Endarian Prophecy. This book is a very good read as well as book one . The characters involved in the readings are very endearing and you almost feel an affinity to their situations . I specially enjoy the warrior Ty. If you are a lover of science-fiction fantasy you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
September 2, 2018
I have to admit that I found parts of this book didn’t keep my interest and I skimmed through quite a lot. I do like the description of how Carol gradually acquired her knowledge of magic, and I like the strength of character of both Arn and Kim. I am going to read the next book to find out how it concludes.
May 18, 2020
A good read with nice momentum. I enjoyed the basic plot and the characters are decent. It feels a bit bare, lacking in dialogue tags and descriptions. In addition, the main characters have too little personality and are dwarfed by secondary characters who are much more interesting. Moving on to book two.
January 13, 2018
Great Continuation
The next book in the series, Prophecy's Daughter is a great continuation and really furthers the main story of Carol and Blade along. More growth of the plot and supporting characters enhances the story and will leave you excited for the next book.
The next book in the series, Prophecy's Daughter is a great continuation and really furthers the main story of Carol and Blade along. More growth of the plot and supporting characters enhances the story and will leave you excited for the next book.
January 14, 2018
Great book
The continuation of the characters in this book are fantastic.
You make the world's and the people in them very believable.
I've read everything you've done so far and await the next chapter.
Continue the great work.
The continuation of the characters in this book are fantastic.
You make the world's and the people in them very believable.
I've read everything you've done so far and await the next chapter.
Continue the great work.
January 18, 2018
Excellent
I have enjoyed the story and writing from a number of Richards books. Well written, well editorialized, and a realjoy to read. Not manydo I purchase before they're released, his I do.
I have enjoyed the story and writing from a number of Richards books. Well written, well editorialized, and a realjoy to read. Not manydo I purchase before they're released, his I do.
January 18, 2018
Great read
The second book is a real page turner and sets up another great sequel. Richard Phillips is an amazing author and anyone who hasn't read the Rho series is in for a very pleasant surprise.
The second book is a real page turner and sets up another great sequel. Richard Phillips is an amazing author and anyone who hasn't read the Rho series is in for a very pleasant surprise.
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