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Blade and Rose #2
By Dark Deeds
Her hands shackled. An assassin hunting the man she loves. Will she save him in time?
Elementalist Rielle needs to get to the man she loves before the assassin pursuing him finds her mark. There's only one problem: she's chained aboard a ship bound for a foreign land.
And her new life is harsh, with her movements watched, food scarce, and safety even scarcer. Immortals ravage Emaurria, and a distant relation sparks the fires of rebellion against the new king while shrewd royals angle for an advantageous marriage. Powerful foreign nobles whisper promises in Rielle's ear--and lies with fatal consequences--but with more than her life at stake, whom can she trust? And while Jon faces wars, widespread hunger, unrest, and politics, the assassin lurks in his periphery, a knife in the dark.
With her death looming at every turn and an unforgiving barren desert between her and Jon, can Rielle save him before it's too late, or will the brutal sands claim her life... and everything she loves?
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices....
Elementalist Rielle needs to get to the man she loves before the assassin pursuing him finds her mark. There's only one problem: she's chained aboard a ship bound for a foreign land.
And her new life is harsh, with her movements watched, food scarce, and safety even scarcer. Immortals ravage Emaurria, and a distant relation sparks the fires of rebellion against the new king while shrewd royals angle for an advantageous marriage. Powerful foreign nobles whisper promises in Rielle's ear--and lies with fatal consequences--but with more than her life at stake, whom can she trust? And while Jon faces wars, widespread hunger, unrest, and politics, the assassin lurks in his periphery, a knife in the dark.
With her death looming at every turn and an unforgiving barren desert between her and Jon, can Rielle save him before it's too late, or will the brutal sands claim her life... and everything she loves?
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices....
654 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2017
581 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Honfleur
22 books2,326 followersMiranda Honfleur is a born-and-raised Chicagoan living in Indianapolis. She grew up on fantasy and science fiction novels, spending nearly as much time in Valdemar, Pern, Tortall, Narnia, and Middle Earth as in reality.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
October 29, 2018
Have you ever read a book where the plot ideas were mostly interesting but you keep checking the page count to see how many pages you have left because everything is taking forever to actually get somewhere? That was me reading this book.
This book FELT like the long 700+ page novel that it was and really could have used an editor to skim it down some (basically the entire Liam/elves storyline and all the sections from the point of view of Shadow). Yet with all theses pages and pages of things that could have been reduced or removed entirely without impacting the plot, the author managed to almost completely omit one important scene (spoiler:).
I mentioned in the last book that I hoped that the romance triangle would shake up in this book, and it did, but not entirely in a way I enjoyed, this definitely feels like just a speed bump for the 'real' relationship which is just irritating. I think I will just stop at this book, these things are too long to not be loving them sadly.
This book FELT like the long 700+ page novel that it was and really could have used an editor to skim it down some (basically the entire Liam/elves storyline and all the sections from the point of view of Shadow). Yet with all theses pages and pages of things that could have been reduced or removed entirely without impacting the plot, the author managed to almost completely omit one important scene (spoiler:).
I mentioned in the last book that I hoped that the romance triangle would shake up in this book, and it did, but not entirely in a way I enjoyed, this definitely feels like just a speed bump for the 'real' relationship which is just irritating. I think I will just stop at this book, these things are too long to not be loving them sadly.
June 15, 2019
That hurt....
What the F, JON?!
Miranda did not pull any punches with this book. I have not been so enraptured and edgy in a long time with a new fantasy series (especially with this only being the second book). If I was a nail biter, I surely wouldn’t have any nails left. The plot still continues to be enticing and the characters complex (even though I wanted to punch he who shall not be named a few times...ok more than a few). Miranda will forever be an auto buy author for me.
What the F, JON?!
Miranda did not pull any punches with this book. I have not been so enraptured and edgy in a long time with a new fantasy series (especially with this only being the second book). If I was a nail biter, I surely wouldn’t have any nails left. The plot still continues to be enticing and the characters complex (even though I wanted to punch he who shall not be named a few times...ok more than a few). Miranda will forever be an auto buy author for me.
January 5, 2018
Oh wow. Oh wow wow wow WOW!
I really truly liked the first book in the series but I love this one! I want to have angsty gorgeous magic babies with it! Or maybe just scorching hot quasi-sex to fool my captors and keep my cover? (YES, this is a thing that happens in the book. YES, the thought of it will keep me happy for days.)
But fine - to be serious for a minute or two.
This is probably the most criminally underrated fantasy series out there (and I say that knowing that Phil Tucker's The Chronicles of the Black Gate exists.) It has excellent world-building that never overwhelms the twisty, complicated story that is given time to breathe but not dragged out, it has multiple interesting and complex characters that are allowed to have good and bad. The enmities/friendships/familial relationships/romance are so real I felt like an emotional vampire peeking in.
This book gets a lot darker than the first one. Jon, the literal knight in shining armor of book 1 is forced to do things for the greater good that he finds abhorrent and that almost destroy who he is. Me being me, him becoming a destroyed mess for quite a large chunk of the book actually made me like him instead of the benign indifference I felt towards him in book 1. What can I say, I have a type? Rielle undergoes some truly horrific stuff that she does not fully recover from by the end of the book (and possibly never.) She was never sunshine and roses, but new and horrific trauma makes it all worse.
And Brennan, ah...Brennan. It is no secret that Brennan is my favorite character times 10 and my love gets to new heights in this book. Ironically, while Rielle and Jon get massively darker, Brennan Karadis Marcel Redemption Tour 2017, tickets now at Ticketmaster, is in full swing. Brennan keeps (most of) his acquired maturity in this book and (in an ironic transformation of roles), it is his turn to be Rielle's shining knight to the rescue. He has plenty of flaws and always will (he will never leave his underhanded manipulative streak behind and his ease of killing is higher than Rielle or Jon's - unlike them he has little care for people in general, outside of those he loves.) But it is hard not to root for a man who will literally die to buy the woman he loves a few more minutes of life or who does his best to preserve as much of her dignity as he can in truly awful circumstances. I think the reason I love Brennan so much (in addition to the bond concept, or my love for screwed up guys who reform and repent) is that unlike Jon and Rielle, he's complicated even in love. His intensity and dedication are insane, but he took shelter in cruelty for earlier hurt in book 1 and even now, as he bares his heart and wills himself to step back, he still tries to meddle. In any reasonable estimation, Jon's love is "better value" - his is selfless - he is willing to have Rielle with Brennan if it makes her happy. Brennan's love is not selfless in the least. But he is also the one with shared history, who was there for Rielle when Jon was not, he is the one who didn't let greater good interfere with his hunt for Rielle.
It kills me to ship Rielle x Brennan so hard because I am 95% sure he is not the endgame - Miranda Honfleur clearly wants us to see Jon x Rielle as star-crossed But even though I like Jon in this book, like him a lot, he is just not as interesting to me, sorry. I've seen the Sarah J Maas comparisons for MH and they are pretty warranted so maybe I will get lucky and the bad boy/angstbucket will get the girl, but I am not holding out hope.
And you know what? I love the book and Rielle so much, I don't even mind! Too much.
All I need are the other four books in my hot little hands now.
And apologies for this turning into a Brennan worship fest, ladies and gents.
I really truly liked the first book in the series but I love this one! I want to have angsty gorgeous magic babies with it! Or maybe just scorching hot quasi-sex to fool my captors and keep my cover? (YES, this is a thing that happens in the book. YES, the thought of it will keep me happy for days.)
But fine - to be serious for a minute or two.
This is probably the most criminally underrated fantasy series out there (and I say that knowing that Phil Tucker's The Chronicles of the Black Gate exists.) It has excellent world-building that never overwhelms the twisty, complicated story that is given time to breathe but not dragged out, it has multiple interesting and complex characters that are allowed to have good and bad. The enmities/friendships/familial relationships/romance are so real I felt like an emotional vampire peeking in.
This book gets a lot darker than the first one. Jon, the literal knight in shining armor of book 1 is forced to do things for the greater good that he finds abhorrent and that almost destroy who he is. Me being me, him becoming a destroyed mess for quite a large chunk of the book actually made me like him instead of the benign indifference I felt towards him in book 1. What can I say, I have a type? Rielle undergoes some truly horrific stuff that she does not fully recover from by the end of the book (and possibly never.) She was never sunshine and roses, but new and horrific trauma makes it all worse.
And Brennan, ah...Brennan. It is no secret that Brennan is my favorite character times 10 and my love gets to new heights in this book. Ironically, while Rielle and Jon get massively darker, Brennan Karadis Marcel Redemption Tour 2017, tickets now at Ticketmaster, is in full swing. Brennan keeps (most of) his acquired maturity in this book and (in an ironic transformation of roles), it is his turn to be Rielle's shining knight to the rescue. He has plenty of flaws and always will (he will never leave his underhanded manipulative streak behind and his ease of killing is higher than Rielle or Jon's - unlike them he has little care for people in general, outside of those he loves.) But it is hard not to root for a man who will literally die to buy the woman he loves a few more minutes of life or who does his best to preserve as much of her dignity as he can in truly awful circumstances. I think the reason I love Brennan so much (in addition to the bond concept, or my love for screwed up guys who reform and repent) is that unlike Jon and Rielle, he's complicated even in love. His intensity and dedication are insane, but he took shelter in cruelty for earlier hurt in book 1 and even now, as he bares his heart and wills himself to step back, he still tries to meddle. In any reasonable estimation, Jon's love is "better value" - his is selfless - he is willing to have Rielle with Brennan if it makes her happy. Brennan's love is not selfless in the least. But he is also the one with shared history, who was there for Rielle when Jon was not, he is the one who didn't let greater good interfere with his hunt for Rielle.
It kills me to ship Rielle x Brennan so hard because I am 95% sure he is not the endgame - Miranda Honfleur clearly wants us to see Jon x Rielle as star-crossed But even though I like Jon in this book, like him a lot, he is just not as interesting to me, sorry. I've seen the Sarah J Maas comparisons for MH and they are pretty warranted so maybe I will get lucky and the bad boy/angstbucket will get the girl, but I am not holding out hope.
And you know what? I love the book and Rielle so much, I don't even mind! Too much.
All I need are the other four books in my hot little hands now.
And apologies for this turning into a Brennan worship fest, ladies and gents.
January 9, 2018
UGH. I feel like a need a blanket and some tea to soothe my assailed heart.
This books has many feels. Many more so than the previous book. I went to bed at night worried for fictional characters, that's how much this book snared me and dragged me in. The author puts you right in the trenches with the characters, experiencing every hardship and joy. And lordy were their hardships.
I have a soft spot for romantic fantasy and I have a bigger soft spot for redemption plots. In book one, I was definitely Team Jon. By the end of this book? Well, call me unwitting Benedict: I'm rooting for Team Brennan. He was a class A jerkface in book one and I didn't trust his change of heart at all at first. I spent most of his chapters hate reading and hoping he'd fall off a cliff.
I'll admit it: this book manipulated the hell out of me and I loved every moment of it. I loathe books with tissue paper thin plots. I want twists, I want turns. This book delivers.
I think the only thing that could be off-putting about this series is the length. The name of the game these days is instant gratification in books, it seems. I'm not a huge fan of that. I like series that take their time because often the more you rush a story, the more gaping plot holes you'll leave. When I downloaded this on kindle, the time to read made me do a double take, especially since I'm a fast reader. But folks, the investment is worth it.
Now I just have to make myself not go crazy waiting for the third book.
This books has many feels. Many more so than the previous book. I went to bed at night worried for fictional characters, that's how much this book snared me and dragged me in. The author puts you right in the trenches with the characters, experiencing every hardship and joy. And lordy were their hardships.
I have a soft spot for romantic fantasy and I have a bigger soft spot for redemption plots. In book one, I was definitely Team Jon. By the end of this book? Well, call me unwitting Benedict: I'm rooting for Team Brennan. He was a class A jerkface in book one and I didn't trust his change of heart at all at first. I spent most of his chapters hate reading and hoping he'd fall off a cliff.
I'll admit it: this book manipulated the hell out of me and I loved every moment of it. I loathe books with tissue paper thin plots. I want twists, I want turns. This book delivers.
I think the only thing that could be off-putting about this series is the length. The name of the game these days is instant gratification in books, it seems. I'm not a huge fan of that. I like series that take their time because often the more you rush a story, the more gaping plot holes you'll leave. When I downloaded this on kindle, the time to read made me do a double take, especially since I'm a fast reader. But folks, the investment is worth it.
Now I just have to make myself not go crazy waiting for the third book.
November 17, 2018
4.5 Stars
This one had a really slow start, I wasn’t invested for the first 200 or so pages... so I took a break, but I’m an soooo glad I picked it back up! The last two thirds were everything I love about good fantasy romance: high drama, plot twists, political manoeuvring, magic, swoony moments!
Brennan is my favourite character and I want him to get everything he wants, but I also don’t because I kind of like him a little bit vicious, brooding and mad at the world.
I really want to see more Leigh/Ambriel moments, they were an unexpected fav ship in this book.
As for the main ships, I genuinely have no idea. I have some hopes and dreams, but my book friends have told me in no uncertain terms that I am destined to be disappointed, coughjonandbrennancough! 😂
I’m excited to carry on with the series!
This one had a really slow start, I wasn’t invested for the first 200 or so pages... so I took a break, but I’m an soooo glad I picked it back up! The last two thirds were everything I love about good fantasy romance: high drama, plot twists, political manoeuvring, magic, swoony moments!
Brennan is my favourite character and I want him to get everything he wants, but I also don’t because I kind of like him a little bit vicious, brooding and mad at the world.
I really want to see more Leigh/Ambriel moments, they were an unexpected fav ship in this book.
As for the main ships, I genuinely have no idea. I have some hopes and dreams, but my book friends have told me in no uncertain terms that I am destined to be disappointed, coughjonandbrennancough! 😂
I’m excited to carry on with the series!
February 21, 2018
I thought the first quarter of the first book was great, but it just got worse and worse. Reading this book, I wish I had never read the first one, because this book was so, so frustrating. Because I'm a masochist, I read the next book, which was even MORE FRUSTRATING. Nothing gets concluded ever, and Rielle flip flops between two idiot jerks literally 20 or 30 times in the span of this book. It's like every time she sees one of them, she's declaring her undying love, until - SQUIRREL! It's the other dude, who she is so in love with and can't live without. Ugggghhhh.
September 30, 2018
3.5/5 stars, I read the first part of this story and loved it. A woman wa kidnapped, the king loves her and is looking for her, so is her best friend. I am sorry it has been too long between readings for it to be cohesive for me. There are a lot of characters, and side stories, so I would have had a much better read if I had read the parts together.
June 13, 2018
I'm of the opinion that the second book of a series should be the "darker and edgier" installment, and man oh man, does Honfleur also apparently think that.
This book was NUTS, and in all the best ways. Everything we thought knew about Rielle and company, their pasts, presents, and futures--all of it--was ripped away. She dangled hope and happiness, answers and understanding, and then snatched it from our fingers. Honfleur is GOOD. She's so, so friggin' good at this.
Her complex emotional tapestries remain my favorite aspect of her writing. All of the characters undergo intense emotional beatings and come out changed, and not always for the better. Jon is a different man. Rielle is at her lowest. Brennan...well, Brennan is still a dick, but a different kind a dick.
I'm utterly enthralled, and I can't wait to move on to Court of Shadows.
This book was NUTS, and in all the best ways. Everything we thought knew about Rielle and company, their pasts, presents, and futures--all of it--was ripped away. She dangled hope and happiness, answers and understanding, and then snatched it from our fingers. Honfleur is GOOD. She's so, so friggin' good at this.
Her complex emotional tapestries remain my favorite aspect of her writing. All of the characters undergo intense emotional beatings and come out changed, and not always for the better. Jon is a different man. Rielle is at her lowest. Brennan...well, Brennan is still a dick, but a different kind a dick.
I'm utterly enthralled, and I can't wait to move on to Court of Shadows.
August 2, 2019
I’m overall kind of disappointed with this one. Could have really used some trimming down for plot in the first place. I wasn’t getting the story I really wanted to read until about 30% in. It was slow and meandering until then, and there were some chapters I wanted to skip. I decided to buy the audiobook because I really wanted to know how this book would end, yet the projected 18+ hours of reading time was overwhelming for a story that didn’t hook me right away. It was easier to enjoy this book while relaxing and doing other things.
The writing was on the wall since the first book that the story was plummeting into love triangle territory, of which I am rarely a fan. However, I have to admit I would have traded Rielle simply falling in love with Brennan any day for what I actually got. The story took way too many operatic “twists” in trying to drive a wedge between Rielle and Jon and ended up putting a kind of bitter taste in my mouth by the end. Rielle is more petty than I imagined. Everything Jon does is somehow perceived as a betrayal, even under fairly forgiving circumstances or when done out of necessity. Very Ross and Rachel WE WERE ON A BREAK! levels of annoying. Plus I really don’t think Rielle had the right to judge him about some of the stuff he did based on her own past behaviors. I understand Jon was a virginal paladin only months ago so she holds him to higher standards, but she should cut the guy some slack. He’s kind of an amateur in a lot of ways. I found the whole back and forth very irritating. I know there is a way to do relationship conflict and love triangles to enhance drama, but this wasn’t doing it for me. Not even a triangle to be honest. Everyone is sleeping with everybody. Too many arbitrary relationships for the sake of drama, drama, drama.
My biggest disappointment, if you couldn’t already tell, was what the author tried to do with Jonathan throughout the book. At least he feels the same. “So what would he be called afterward? The stranger who inhabits my body.” “While Sir Jonathan Ver rolled in the grave, King Jonathan Dominic Armel Faralle was alive and well. Doing good had changed so drastically it was barely recognizable.” Agreed and agreed. All the ruination that went into building him a redemption arc was stressful to read. But I get it. I just didn’t enjoy the way the relationship of Jon and Rielle was so disrespected in the process, and Nora’s stupid entrapment scheme was sickening. I really hope nothing comes of that in the next book. Too much contrived drama, for the sake of creating conflict. Lazy, cliche, trope-y conflict, which unfortunately has less payoff.
Call me a hypocrite but I am continuing to read because I really enjoyed the first book and would really like to know how this series ends. Any series can have its rough patches and I know that. I am sad to be so critical of book 2 but feel done completely wrong by it after how much I enjoyed book 1. I read spoilers for book 4 that I am looking forward to, so I’m in it for the long haul. I just hope book 3 is more rewarding for me as this felt like a departure from the kind of story I enjoyed in book 1.
The writing was on the wall since the first book that the story was plummeting into love triangle territory, of which I am rarely a fan. However, I have to admit I would have traded Rielle simply falling in love with Brennan any day for what I actually got. The story took way too many operatic “twists” in trying to drive a wedge between Rielle and Jon and ended up putting a kind of bitter taste in my mouth by the end. Rielle is more petty than I imagined. Everything Jon does is somehow perceived as a betrayal, even under fairly forgiving circumstances or when done out of necessity. Very Ross and Rachel WE WERE ON A BREAK! levels of annoying. Plus I really don’t think Rielle had the right to judge him about some of the stuff he did based on her own past behaviors. I understand Jon was a virginal paladin only months ago so she holds him to higher standards, but she should cut the guy some slack. He’s kind of an amateur in a lot of ways. I found the whole back and forth very irritating. I know there is a way to do relationship conflict and love triangles to enhance drama, but this wasn’t doing it for me. Not even a triangle to be honest. Everyone is sleeping with everybody. Too many arbitrary relationships for the sake of drama, drama, drama.
My biggest disappointment, if you couldn’t already tell, was what the author tried to do with Jonathan throughout the book. At least he feels the same. “So what would he be called afterward? The stranger who inhabits my body.” “While Sir Jonathan Ver rolled in the grave, King Jonathan Dominic Armel Faralle was alive and well. Doing good had changed so drastically it was barely recognizable.” Agreed and agreed. All the ruination that went into building him a redemption arc was stressful to read. But I get it. I just didn’t enjoy the way the relationship of Jon and Rielle was so disrespected in the process, and Nora’s stupid entrapment scheme was sickening. I really hope nothing comes of that in the next book. Too much contrived drama, for the sake of creating conflict. Lazy, cliche, trope-y conflict, which unfortunately has less payoff.
Call me a hypocrite but I am continuing to read because I really enjoyed the first book and would really like to know how this series ends. Any series can have its rough patches and I know that. I am sad to be so critical of book 2 but feel done completely wrong by it after how much I enjoyed book 1. I read spoilers for book 4 that I am looking forward to, so I’m in it for the long haul. I just hope book 3 is more rewarding for me as this felt like a departure from the kind of story I enjoyed in book 1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2019
Let me see if I can find words to review this book without getting spoilery. I have a lot of feelings. By Dark Deeds has a lot going on, it's one of those rare books that gives you a glimpse at the "bad guy" and reminds you that lines are not always so black and white. It turns your feelings about characters right on it's head, you love who you may have hated, you're really angry at who you may have loved, but none of it is done just for the sake of story. The character development is really amazing, because no one is perfect - you're watching their flaws unfold, you're watching them make devastating mistakes and learn from it, you're watching forgiveness unfold and the realization that sometimes forgiveness isn't enough. This book is dark and hard, but there's also a lot that's beautiful. The side characters are as compelling as the main characters, the world is beautiful, and the morality questions are interesting.
November 21, 2018
700+ pages of PURE ANGST. Some people live for this kind of pain, but I am a weakling and by the end, I was utterly destroyed. You will need a vat of chocolate and a soothing bubble bath after reading this. That being said, it is still smartly written and an addictive read (don't let my weak heart dissuade you!). Olivia is the true MVP in this one. Also - Leigh and Ambriel, anyone? I'M HERE FOR IT.
December 2, 2019
I'll be honest I barely skimmed the Light Elves and Shadow parts.
Want to read
February 17, 2021🎁 Blade and Rose Boxed Set: Books 1-3 is FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2021)! 🎁
May 14, 2020
This book was even better than the first if that is possible. I loved it so much and I got so invested in the story I got so mad at the characters twice that I had to put the book down because I realized how upset I was getting. I just wanted everyone to come out with all the secrets and make everything right, but that would not be a very interesting story would it? I cannot wait to read more about Rielle, John and Brennan! Miranda Honfleur is great at cliff hangers making you need the next book now, which is something I love about her books.
I got to read this as an audio book and it has a great narrator!
I got to read this as an audio book and it has a great narrator!
January 21, 2018
Its been a while since I've been so mad at a book that I shouted at it and almost threw my kindle out of the window.
I'm so mad oh my god, I need the next book asap
I'm so mad oh my god, I need the next book asap
July 22, 2019
I'm sorry, I cannot continue with this series after reading the synopsis for the next book. I am maybe the only person who 'shipped Brennan and Rielle hard from the start but I am SO FREAKING TIRED of this love triangle. I am over of all of these alt POV chapters that could have been edited right on out. Do I love this universe, the writing, the characters in all of its romance-soaked high fantasy wonderfulness? Yes. Without spoiling, I knew my heart could get broken by this love triangle. I'm in a funk after being too tempted to read future book blurbs--I had to know if the 1400+ pages left in the series to go would be worth it. I am morose and trying not to emo-eat my leftover Halloween candy. I knew I would likely get burned with this triangle and I've got to ditch this series before it breaks my heart further.
October 9, 2018
I have ... such mixed feelings about this book. [Doesn't help that I've ~read book 3 already and ...]
So. So many spoilers.
So. So many spoilers.
November 30, 2020
All I feel is ~pain~.
Will return to write a full review later.
Will return to write a full review later.
April 26, 2018
By Dark Seeds (Blade and Rose Book 2)
The continuous story of Jon, Rielle and Brennan. Jon has sent Brennan to find Rielle. Rielle is now a slave in a pleasure house. Dark-elves and light-elves are going to war. Jon is king and want an alliance with the elves. Will Brennan find Rielle? Will all be lost? Great story.
The continuous story of Jon, Rielle and Brennan. Jon has sent Brennan to find Rielle. Rielle is now a slave in a pleasure house. Dark-elves and light-elves are going to war. Jon is king and want an alliance with the elves. Will Brennan find Rielle? Will all be lost? Great story.
April 4, 2019
So the book was good. Suspenseful. Gave us additional backstory into Brennan, his family, and his motivations. It introduced new characters and new subplots and tossed a new wrench into Jon's already increasingly complicated life. It was terrible to see Rielle and others suffering so much but it shed more light on who she is, what motivates her, and what she's capable of doing in the name of self-preservation. Likewise Jon suffers through much and his actions demonstrate just how far he will go in the name of duty and obligation.
All of that said...
All of that said...
February 14, 2018
Wicked!
Dark Deeds for sure! Ugh! Just...seriously hurt to read this one. First book I immediately loved Brennan when we first meet him. Then that changed quickly as various events came to light. I just wanted to be rid of him. Enter our unassuming hero Jon who steels every girls heart. A man of integrity, loyalty, faithfulness and honor. Love, love, love him. Fast forward to Dark Deeds...Jon became tainted, tainted, tainted!!! It was heart wrenching to read his demise! I was disgusted, angry and resentful of his behavior (and a few others) I hated all the pain and agony our Rielle suffered while Jon destroyed her heart (and mine). Part of this flaw is that I like happy endings. This book is so destructive, manipulative and deceitful...far from any hope of happy. Why does our heroine have to suffer more? Why does it seem so few writers let their noble hero stay just that, noble and just? To say I was really angry at this is an understatement. My choice of description would only get my review blocked. Sigh. So here I am. At the end of book 2 with my readers heart all twisted. Now I love Brennan more and despise Jon. What a wicked flip of character. Oh I hope Nora and her son burn! I don't see how this will get fixed. Not sure there is a happy ending. For all those frustrations I gave this a lower rating but because I felt so much I gave it a higher rating....averaging out my score.
Dark Deeds for sure! Ugh! Just...seriously hurt to read this one. First book I immediately loved Brennan when we first meet him. Then that changed quickly as various events came to light. I just wanted to be rid of him. Enter our unassuming hero Jon who steels every girls heart. A man of integrity, loyalty, faithfulness and honor. Love, love, love him. Fast forward to Dark Deeds...Jon became tainted, tainted, tainted!!! It was heart wrenching to read his demise! I was disgusted, angry and resentful of his behavior (and a few others) I hated all the pain and agony our Rielle suffered while Jon destroyed her heart (and mine). Part of this flaw is that I like happy endings. This book is so destructive, manipulative and deceitful...far from any hope of happy. Why does our heroine have to suffer more? Why does it seem so few writers let their noble hero stay just that, noble and just? To say I was really angry at this is an understatement. My choice of description would only get my review blocked. Sigh. So here I am. At the end of book 2 with my readers heart all twisted. Now I love Brennan more and despise Jon. What a wicked flip of character. Oh I hope Nora and her son burn! I don't see how this will get fixed. Not sure there is a happy ending. For all those frustrations I gave this a lower rating but because I felt so much I gave it a higher rating....averaging out my score.
November 10, 2017
The second in the electrifying "Blade and Rose" series by Miranda Honfleur, “By Dark Deeds” picks up immediately after the events of “Blade and Rose”, and finds Rielle in a dire situation, Jon in one he never asked for and Brennan on a journey. The story lines expertly twist in and out, merge and -- in juicy, spine-tingling ways -- implode.
While darker than “Blade and Rose”, “By Dark Deeds” raises the stakes for its characters, pulses with harrowing action and explores the battle between being who others tell you to be and who you are. Each character’s actions lead them to change and grow, making them even richer and deeper.
I couldn’t stop reading, carting it around with me in case I could find even five minutes in my day to keep going. With high-stakes drama, heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments, “By Dark Deeds” is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.
While darker than “Blade and Rose”, “By Dark Deeds” raises the stakes for its characters, pulses with harrowing action and explores the battle between being who others tell you to be and who you are. Each character’s actions lead them to change and grow, making them even richer and deeper.
I couldn’t stop reading, carting it around with me in case I could find even five minutes in my day to keep going. With high-stakes drama, heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments, “By Dark Deeds” is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.
May 2, 2020
It seriously made me depressed. Please don’t take this review as a bad review. Miranda you wrote a book that I couldn’t handle. The story is so well told. I loved the first book but I couldn’t handle the second book. It broke my heart. There were many parts I couldn’t read. Love the Author but the fact he didn’t wait long. And that she heard them having sex right when she returned was DEVASTATING. I hope I can go back and finish but I have no idea if it is going to happen. I went to the end but skipped a lot.
Ok
I have now gone back and finished. It took me sometime to come back but I’m glad I did.
Ok
I have now gone back and finished. It took me sometime to come back but I’m glad I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2017
Picking up where the last book left off, darkness surrounds our characters as they struggle with their journeys.
The book is named well and has our characters doing whatever it takes to survive another day. It was dark, it was emotional and it was deep.
More of the world and the characters are exposed in this world and I’m not quite sure how I feel about everything.
Overall I definitely would like to see where the story is going. I look forward to seeing the characters grow more on their journey.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
The book is named well and has our characters doing whatever it takes to survive another day. It was dark, it was emotional and it was deep.
More of the world and the characters are exposed in this world and I’m not quite sure how I feel about everything.
Overall I definitely would like to see where the story is going. I look forward to seeing the characters grow more on their journey.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
January 28, 2018
Guys... This book just stomped all over me mentally and emotionally. I can honestly say this book series is going to become one of my top favorites. All the characters grew a lot some for better and some for worse. I found myself really caring for the choices they made and the things they were going through. I felt stressed, angry, sad, hurt, and dissappointed. You know a book is good when you start worrying about fictional characters. The author did a great job with book 2 we learned more about the world and we got to know more about the characters. So overall it was a great book. If you haven't read none of the books go read the first book and if you've read the first book what are you waiting for?
Now for the SPOILERS and my extensive opinion on Le love triangle.
Rielle- You did what you had to do and came out stronger than ever. Brennan seriously? Terra help you woman! You haven't learned anything tsk tsk
Jon- Why?! How could you have forgotten yourself so completely? I can understand but not forget. But I still love you.
Brennan- I love you but... I hate you. Good? Bad? Trustworthy? Manipulative? But... bad boy charm is always a plus
Olivia- let's be friends? Seriously girl is smart and nice and the best friend we all wish we had. You need to help Riella get her love life straight. Knock some sense into her. Tell her about Jon's illness!! Forget Ton and look at Sir Reid? Was it? He like you!!
Leigh- I forgive you. Reminds me of Magnus Bane anyone? A and L heart Lol More love scenes!
Ton- you in trouble. Why? Jon trusted you! Olivia trusted you! Consequences to come for everyone.
Liam- Alive!!
Shadow- Death felt downplayed.
You know I loved this books I did but I found myself frustrated with the ways things happened and ended. Since book 1 I loved the relationship between Rielle and Jon it was natural and good for both especially Rielle. Jon was the opposite of Brennan but in this book Jon made decisions out of sadness and hurt. He cheated on Rielle after he thought she was dead because he wanted to loose himself and forget I can't blame him because I understand people do crazy things when in grief but at the same time I was disappointed and angry at him for being weak. But in the end he is a good man who knows what he did was wrong and he accepted the consequences. He told Rielle all the wrong things he did and why he did what he did and how he felt during those times. He was honest with himself and her and in the end he knew that he had to change. I know that Jon will be a better version of himself in the next book.
Now Brennan he was a bastard in the first book but in this book he was more honest with himself about he's feelings towards Rielle. He realized that all the awful things he did to Rielle were not right.
He changed and tried to make things right and redeem himself. He did everything he had to do to get Rielle back and he saved her and almost died for her. Which showed he really did love her and would do anything for her. But I Still think he's selfish and manipulative especially after the little stunt he pulled in the Kings chambers. He even brought up Jon's mistakes in front of Rielle just to create conflict even though he knew he's words were hurting Rielle. Honestly I think he's not good for Rielle because he's keeping many secrets from her secrets that she should know before marrying him. Unlike Jon who told Rielle everything and played fair so fair to the point he didn't tell her he had 2 or 3 years to live so that she wouldn't feel burdened. Brennan lied and schemed and showed he still needs to change more to be the man Rielle thinks he is becoming. I think Brennan dosen't deserve a second chance with Rielle but he does in happiness.
So I think Rielle choosing Brennan was a mistake because she isn't emotionally prepared to start a new relationship let alone marry Brennan. I think she's going too fast and I'm honestly annoyed that she forgave Brennan for all the things he did to her and not forgive Jon. Brennan did worse things than Jon did but somehow in her head it made sense to decide and marry Brennan. If she still loved Brennan even a little bit she shouldn't have started loving Jon. I know that Brennan and Rielle have history I know that Brennan left everything and saved her while Jon stayed behind to protect the kingdom. But I respect that Jon was strong enough to stay behind and let his love rival look for the love of his life. Rielle understood this decision but she didn't accept it and in that I think she was being unfair. She blamed him for things that were out of his control. When I know she would have done the same thing in his place.
I hope in the next book she decides to stay with Jon because he is willing to become the man she once loved and knew for her and for himself despite the obstacles ahead and the expectations of others. If that dosen't happen I hope Jon finds someone else to love and make him happy for the years he has left. Honestly in the next book if Rielle and Brennan get married it will ruin the book series for me just a little like 30% because Rielle's reseoning for choosing Brennan are beyond me. Yeah, I'm a die hard team Jon all the way despite everything. I see more good and change in Jon than in Brennan. But if Brennan is the one for Rielle I hope the next book can swing me over to team Brennan if not I will have to accept the outcome.
Rielle don't let me down!!!!!
Now for the SPOILERS and my extensive opinion on Le love triangle.
Rielle- You did what you had to do and came out stronger than ever. Brennan seriously? Terra help you woman! You haven't learned anything tsk tsk
Jon- Why?! How could you have forgotten yourself so completely? I can understand but not forget. But I still love you.
Brennan- I love you but... I hate you. Good? Bad? Trustworthy? Manipulative? But... bad boy charm is always a plus
Olivia- let's be friends? Seriously girl is smart and nice and the best friend we all wish we had. You need to help Riella get her love life straight. Knock some sense into her. Tell her about Jon's illness!! Forget Ton and look at Sir Reid? Was it? He like you!!
Leigh- I forgive you. Reminds me of Magnus Bane anyone? A and L heart Lol More love scenes!
Ton- you in trouble. Why? Jon trusted you! Olivia trusted you! Consequences to come for everyone.
Liam- Alive!!
Shadow- Death felt downplayed.
You know I loved this books I did but I found myself frustrated with the ways things happened and ended. Since book 1 I loved the relationship between Rielle and Jon it was natural and good for both especially Rielle. Jon was the opposite of Brennan but in this book Jon made decisions out of sadness and hurt. He cheated on Rielle after he thought she was dead because he wanted to loose himself and forget I can't blame him because I understand people do crazy things when in grief but at the same time I was disappointed and angry at him for being weak. But in the end he is a good man who knows what he did was wrong and he accepted the consequences. He told Rielle all the wrong things he did and why he did what he did and how he felt during those times. He was honest with himself and her and in the end he knew that he had to change. I know that Jon will be a better version of himself in the next book.
Now Brennan he was a bastard in the first book but in this book he was more honest with himself about he's feelings towards Rielle. He realized that all the awful things he did to Rielle were not right.
He changed and tried to make things right and redeem himself. He did everything he had to do to get Rielle back and he saved her and almost died for her. Which showed he really did love her and would do anything for her. But I Still think he's selfish and manipulative especially after the little stunt he pulled in the Kings chambers. He even brought up Jon's mistakes in front of Rielle just to create conflict even though he knew he's words were hurting Rielle. Honestly I think he's not good for Rielle because he's keeping many secrets from her secrets that she should know before marrying him. Unlike Jon who told Rielle everything and played fair so fair to the point he didn't tell her he had 2 or 3 years to live so that she wouldn't feel burdened. Brennan lied and schemed and showed he still needs to change more to be the man Rielle thinks he is becoming. I think Brennan dosen't deserve a second chance with Rielle but he does in happiness.
So I think Rielle choosing Brennan was a mistake because she isn't emotionally prepared to start a new relationship let alone marry Brennan. I think she's going too fast and I'm honestly annoyed that she forgave Brennan for all the things he did to her and not forgive Jon. Brennan did worse things than Jon did but somehow in her head it made sense to decide and marry Brennan. If she still loved Brennan even a little bit she shouldn't have started loving Jon. I know that Brennan and Rielle have history I know that Brennan left everything and saved her while Jon stayed behind to protect the kingdom. But I respect that Jon was strong enough to stay behind and let his love rival look for the love of his life. Rielle understood this decision but she didn't accept it and in that I think she was being unfair. She blamed him for things that were out of his control. When I know she would have done the same thing in his place.
I hope in the next book she decides to stay with Jon because he is willing to become the man she once loved and knew for her and for himself despite the obstacles ahead and the expectations of others. If that dosen't happen I hope Jon finds someone else to love and make him happy for the years he has left. Honestly in the next book if Rielle and Brennan get married it will ruin the book series for me just a little like 30% because Rielle's reseoning for choosing Brennan are beyond me. Yeah, I'm a die hard team Jon all the way despite everything. I see more good and change in Jon than in Brennan. But if Brennan is the one for Rielle I hope the next book can swing me over to team Brennan if not I will have to accept the outcome.
Rielle don't let me down!!!!!
March 5, 2020
I found it hard to read this book. The concept of the story is good, the execution was not. I simply found the book boring. A good editing job, would of helped this book immensely. It is never a good sign when you start checking pages. I won't be reading any more of the series.
Review by
Jennifer Bolla
Review by
Jennifer Bolla
December 15, 2018
I think this series needs to be more popular than it is right now. If you love epic fantasies with a main female lead who's equal parts kick butt and vulerable this is it. Oh, and there's dragons. Hopefully more of them in the next few books.
February 20, 2018
long, and i skipped all the elf stuff because i just couldnt
August 18, 2019
'Dark Deeds' by Miranda Honfleur is the story of Rielle. 'Blade & Rose' is the start of the series.
'Dark Deeds' is his follow up; second book in the series.
This series has 5 books, but later this year (2019) book 6 will be released. There are also 2 novella's. This audiobook is about 26 hours and 6 minutes long. .
The narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb has a nice and clear spoken voice and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow. She is easy to listen to.
I always need to get used to someone voice, but in her case it didn't take long.
I liked Amanda Leigh Cobb's voice straigh away. Her pronunciation is very good and she added the perfect amount of emotion when needed. The sound quality is also good. She is awesome and she totally uplifts the story with her talent as narrator.
This audio-book is very long. Same as the previous book.
This is book is awesome, intruiging and absolutely worth the read, just make sure that you have the next book available to read immediately because you will want it. This story is also very sad and making you happy the next part.
The author does a great job at drawing you into this magical world and teasing you with little bits of information along the way that creates mystery among their journey leading to a big plot twist near the end of the book. I can not wait to start the next book!
This books has many feels. Many more so than the previous book. I went to bed at night worried for fictional characters, that's how much this book snared me and dragged me in. The author puts you right in the trenches with the characters, experiencing every hardship and joy. And lordy were their hardships. To be honest I had a hard time listening to a certain part. It made me very sad and I felt in my deepest soul. I had a hard time to keep on reading this story. A specially because I could relate with my real life. But I am glad I did.
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices.
Elementalist Rielle needs to get to the man she loves before the assassin pursuing him finds her mark. There's only one problem: she's chained aboard a ship bound for a foreign land and her new life is harsh, with her movements watched, food scarce, and safety even scarcer.
Immortals ravage Emaurria, and a distant relation sparks the fires of rebellion against the new king while shrewd royals angle for an advantageous marriage. Powerful foreign nobles whisper promises in Rielle's ear—and lies with fatal consequences—but with more than her life at stake, whom can she trust? And while Jon faces wars, widespread hunger, unrest, and politics, the assassin lurks in his periphery, a knife in the dark.
With her death looming at every turn and an unforgiving barren desert between her and Jon, can Rielle save him before it's too late, or will the brutal sands claim her life... and everything she loves?
I would definitely recommend this book if you like romance, magic and an action packed adventure across the kingdom you will enjoy this book. It's a good continuation for 'Blade and Rose' series.
But beware, this book is a lot darker than the first book in the series. Really not that light-hearted.
If you don't like that, this isn't for you.
If you like the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the epic adventure of Game of Thrones, and a heroine who never gives up, you’ll love this romantic epic fantasy series.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.
'Dark Deeds' is his follow up; second book in the series.
This series has 5 books, but later this year (2019) book 6 will be released. There are also 2 novella's. This audiobook is about 26 hours and 6 minutes long. .
The narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb has a nice and clear spoken voice and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow. She is easy to listen to.
I always need to get used to someone voice, but in her case it didn't take long.
I liked Amanda Leigh Cobb's voice straigh away. Her pronunciation is very good and she added the perfect amount of emotion when needed. The sound quality is also good. She is awesome and she totally uplifts the story with her talent as narrator.
This audio-book is very long. Same as the previous book.
This is book is awesome, intruiging and absolutely worth the read, just make sure that you have the next book available to read immediately because you will want it. This story is also very sad and making you happy the next part.
The author does a great job at drawing you into this magical world and teasing you with little bits of information along the way that creates mystery among their journey leading to a big plot twist near the end of the book. I can not wait to start the next book!
This books has many feels. Many more so than the previous book. I went to bed at night worried for fictional characters, that's how much this book snared me and dragged me in. The author puts you right in the trenches with the characters, experiencing every hardship and joy. And lordy were their hardships. To be honest I had a hard time listening to a certain part. It made me very sad and I felt in my deepest soul. I had a hard time to keep on reading this story. A specially because I could relate with my real life. But I am glad I did.
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices.
Elementalist Rielle needs to get to the man she loves before the assassin pursuing him finds her mark. There's only one problem: she's chained aboard a ship bound for a foreign land and her new life is harsh, with her movements watched, food scarce, and safety even scarcer.
Immortals ravage Emaurria, and a distant relation sparks the fires of rebellion against the new king while shrewd royals angle for an advantageous marriage. Powerful foreign nobles whisper promises in Rielle's ear—and lies with fatal consequences—but with more than her life at stake, whom can she trust? And while Jon faces wars, widespread hunger, unrest, and politics, the assassin lurks in his periphery, a knife in the dark.
With her death looming at every turn and an unforgiving barren desert between her and Jon, can Rielle save him before it's too late, or will the brutal sands claim her life... and everything she loves?
I would definitely recommend this book if you like romance, magic and an action packed adventure across the kingdom you will enjoy this book. It's a good continuation for 'Blade and Rose' series.
But beware, this book is a lot darker than the first book in the series. Really not that light-hearted.
If you don't like that, this isn't for you.
If you like the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the epic adventure of Game of Thrones, and a heroine who never gives up, you’ll love this romantic epic fantasy series.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
Woof this book was a whopper. Now I know why the author named it By Dark Deeds.
I literally read about all these deeds in the Darkest hours of the night because I couldn't stop listening!!
I liked Rielle in the first book, but I LOVED her in book 2. After her kidnapping, she is sold into slavery and must learn to survive until she can figure out a way to escape. She was so strong on her own and this book honestly got real dark. She had to make decisions that were anything but easy, but very real for what I imagine slave trade looks like if you are "lucky" like Rielle. Between two bad situations, she chose the one that would protect herself and others who have become important to her.
Jon is truly losing himself to his duties. Torn between being the hopelessly in love and desperate boy who wants nothing but to find Rielle, and being a King who puts his people above his own wants and desires, he makes far too many disastrous mistakes that will have long lasting affects on the people he loves. If you loved Jon in book one, you may...struggle with book 2. Deep Deep down, he is that man, but his actions in By Dark Deeds definitely do not show it.
Shadow- the villain, ma she is one bitter hag. That's all I'll say about that.
Let's talk about Brennan. If you're team Brennan, this book will likely be a treat for you. He's a major character and his attitude changes almost as much as Jon's does. He's kind, caring, and dare I say or believe it, selfless? He's the person that Rielle fell in love with many years ago and the only one who casts aside his life and responsibilities to go after her. Though, fear not Jon fans, it's clear to me that this love triangle will continue on for a while yet, so hold onto your hats because I honestly can't tell who she'll end up with.
I'm so glad we also got more Olivia and Lee POVS in this book. Olivia finds the world a lonely place after the loss of her love, James. Now, she must try to lead his son Jon in the right direction as he mirrors the image of his father. She gets in cahoots with a lovely guard and he was the rare, yet desperately needed comedic relief. And I ship them so. hard.
Ok, let's talk about the ending. Man, when Jon and Rielle finally get to see each other again and she finds out all Jon has done in her absence, it was like watching a dumpster fire in the best of ways. Like oh man, you knew it was coming and he'd get his just desserts and it would be wicked and painful, but you couldn't take your eyes off it. Not for one second.
I can honestly say I had no idea where book 2 was going to lead me, but I sure as heck wasn't expecting what I read. I'm planning to go into book 3 with no expectations because it's clear that the author does not hesitate to turn everything upside down, and then some.
I literally read about all these deeds in the Darkest hours of the night because I couldn't stop listening!!
I liked Rielle in the first book, but I LOVED her in book 2. After her kidnapping, she is sold into slavery and must learn to survive until she can figure out a way to escape. She was so strong on her own and this book honestly got real dark. She had to make decisions that were anything but easy, but very real for what I imagine slave trade looks like if you are "lucky" like Rielle. Between two bad situations, she chose the one that would protect herself and others who have become important to her.
Jon is truly losing himself to his duties. Torn between being the hopelessly in love and desperate boy who wants nothing but to find Rielle, and being a King who puts his people above his own wants and desires, he makes far too many disastrous mistakes that will have long lasting affects on the people he loves. If you loved Jon in book one, you may...struggle with book 2. Deep Deep down, he is that man, but his actions in By Dark Deeds definitely do not show it.
Shadow- the villain, ma she is one bitter hag. That's all I'll say about that.
Let's talk about Brennan. If you're team Brennan, this book will likely be a treat for you. He's a major character and his attitude changes almost as much as Jon's does. He's kind, caring, and dare I say or believe it, selfless? He's the person that Rielle fell in love with many years ago and the only one who casts aside his life and responsibilities to go after her. Though, fear not Jon fans, it's clear to me that this love triangle will continue on for a while yet, so hold onto your hats because I honestly can't tell who she'll end up with.
I'm so glad we also got more Olivia and Lee POVS in this book. Olivia finds the world a lonely place after the loss of her love, James. Now, she must try to lead his son Jon in the right direction as he mirrors the image of his father. She gets in cahoots with a lovely guard and he was the rare, yet desperately needed comedic relief. And I ship them so. hard.
Ok, let's talk about the ending. Man, when Jon and Rielle finally get to see each other again and she finds out all Jon has done in her absence, it was like watching a dumpster fire in the best of ways. Like oh man, you knew it was coming and he'd get his just desserts and it would be wicked and painful, but you couldn't take your eyes off it. Not for one second.
I can honestly say I had no idea where book 2 was going to lead me, but I sure as heck wasn't expecting what I read. I'm planning to go into book 3 with no expectations because it's clear that the author does not hesitate to turn everything upside down, and then some.
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