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Lion Mistress #2
The Lion Mistress: Book 2
One of them is going home.
One of them is leaving the only home he’s ever known.
One of them is returning to a place that wants him dead.
Kathrael, Favian, and Ithric are traveling back to Rhyth—a city in the grip of chaos and rioting, teetering on the verge of full-blown rebellion. There, they hope to make a difference by lending their unique talents to the mysterious leaders of the slave underground.
But with Favian having prophetic dreams, Ithric fighting his inner lion, and Kathrael questioning her sanity as the ghostly voices around her grow ever more consuming, can their fragile new relationship survive in a city that takes no prisoners?
* * *
Haunting and uplifting, The Lion Mistress: Book 2 explores themes of loyalty, and the ways in which love must co-exist with a broader destiny. Pick up your copy today, and get a front row seat to this sensual, inspiring adventure through exotic, magic-filled lands.
One of them is leaving the only home he’s ever known.
One of them is returning to a place that wants him dead.
Kathrael, Favian, and Ithric are traveling back to Rhyth—a city in the grip of chaos and rioting, teetering on the verge of full-blown rebellion. There, they hope to make a difference by lending their unique talents to the mysterious leaders of the slave underground.
But with Favian having prophetic dreams, Ithric fighting his inner lion, and Kathrael questioning her sanity as the ghostly voices around her grow ever more consuming, can their fragile new relationship survive in a city that takes no prisoners?
* * *
Haunting and uplifting, The Lion Mistress: Book 2 explores themes of loyalty, and the ways in which love must co-exist with a broader destiny. Pick up your copy today, and get a front row seat to this sensual, inspiring adventure through exotic, magic-filled lands.
429 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2017
21 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
85 books503 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 17, 2019
Once my thoughts started returning to the world of Eburos more often I knew it was time to pick up book 2 in the series. While book 1 was a good start I knew I would probably enjoy book 2 even more, which turned out to be the case. The second book in the Lion Mistress is such a good sequel, the romance gets deepened, the story progresses, there is character development, awesome side characters and the main characters who find themselves in the middle of a growing revolution.
The Lion Mistress Book 2 starts shortly after book 1 ended. Kathrael, Ithric and Favian are traveling back to Dreabard (Favian's home town) with a few other side characters. The first part of the book takes place mostly in Draebard and I loved being back in this town surrounded by familiar character from the Horse Mistress series. Favian struggles with what Kathrael and Ithric are planning and he doesn't want to leave his home. I like how the author made it clear how he struggled with this decision and how much his home town meant for him.
In the second part of the book they travel to the south and try to get in touch with the growing revolution of slaves as they want to support the slave rebellion. The focus and tone was different form the first half of the book, but no less interesting. The whole book was great. The pace was set well and it kept my attention throughout wanting to know what would happen next. I also liked reading how they made their way to Ruth and tried to get contact with the salve rebellion. And the description of their show was fun to read.
Amidst this all is the further developing romance of the three main characters, which was wonderful to see. They have their struggles and issues, things they have to figure out and deal with, but I loved the feeling of how much they cared for each other and were there for one another. They have such a loving relationship and I really enjoyed seeing the romance develop. There are a bunch of sex scenes, that are well written and as diverse as I've grown to expect from this author, with each scene being different and also feeling very intimate. These characters are so caring and considerate of each other, they have such a loving relationship. I really enjoyed the romance. And Ithric's gift for Kathrael was so perfect!
There is some great character development in this book too. Each character has their own struggles, Favian who has to leave his home and keep his footing in a strange place. Ithric wants to protect his lovers, but also has to put himself in danger if they want to reach their goal. And Kathrael probably has the most character development, it is awesome to see how much she grows in confidence. She's really growing into herself and it's wonderful to see her become more confident and find her way. She really deserves it after all she has been through. And she has more hardships to deal with in this book as well.
There is also a great cast of side characters. Not only are there returning characters from the horse mistress series, but also new side character we meet, like the friends Ithric made when he was help captive. I also liked the role Keenan and her husband played in this book. And then there are some new side characters in Ryth as well.
To summarize: I was so happy to return to the world of Eburos and follow the three main characters as they prepare to help the slave rebellion, but also have to deal with lots of other things along the way. It's full of character development and it's awesome to see how much Kathrael grows in confidence in this book. I also love the romance between these three characters and the depth of their feelings an how much they care is clear. The sex scenes are also handled well with not two scenes being the same and their depth of feelings showing through in how considerate and caring they are while having sex as well. It also was great to see some familiar character from the Horse Mistress series again in this book. I enjoyed following the story and wanted to keep reading. The pacing is very well done. And I love spending time in this fantasy world of Eburos that the author created. The world really comes to life and I am glad there will be another series after this one. I hope to read book 3 soon as I am eager to see how this series gets wrapped up.
The Lion Mistress Book 2 starts shortly after book 1 ended. Kathrael, Ithric and Favian are traveling back to Dreabard (Favian's home town) with a few other side characters. The first part of the book takes place mostly in Draebard and I loved being back in this town surrounded by familiar character from the Horse Mistress series. Favian struggles with what Kathrael and Ithric are planning and he doesn't want to leave his home. I like how the author made it clear how he struggled with this decision and how much his home town meant for him.
In the second part of the book they travel to the south and try to get in touch with the growing revolution of slaves as they want to support the slave rebellion. The focus and tone was different form the first half of the book, but no less interesting. The whole book was great. The pace was set well and it kept my attention throughout wanting to know what would happen next. I also liked reading how they made their way to Ruth and tried to get contact with the salve rebellion. And the description of their show was fun to read.
Amidst this all is the further developing romance of the three main characters, which was wonderful to see. They have their struggles and issues, things they have to figure out and deal with, but I loved the feeling of how much they cared for each other and were there for one another. They have such a loving relationship and I really enjoyed seeing the romance develop. There are a bunch of sex scenes, that are well written and as diverse as I've grown to expect from this author, with each scene being different and also feeling very intimate. These characters are so caring and considerate of each other, they have such a loving relationship. I really enjoyed the romance. And Ithric's gift for Kathrael was so perfect!
There is some great character development in this book too. Each character has their own struggles, Favian who has to leave his home and keep his footing in a strange place. Ithric wants to protect his lovers, but also has to put himself in danger if they want to reach their goal. And Kathrael probably has the most character development, it is awesome to see how much she grows in confidence. She's really growing into herself and it's wonderful to see her become more confident and find her way. She really deserves it after all she has been through. And she has more hardships to deal with in this book as well.
There is also a great cast of side characters. Not only are there returning characters from the horse mistress series, but also new side character we meet, like the friends Ithric made when he was help captive. I also liked the role Keenan and her husband played in this book. And then there are some new side characters in Ryth as well.
To summarize: I was so happy to return to the world of Eburos and follow the three main characters as they prepare to help the slave rebellion, but also have to deal with lots of other things along the way. It's full of character development and it's awesome to see how much Kathrael grows in confidence in this book. I also love the romance between these three characters and the depth of their feelings an how much they care is clear. The sex scenes are also handled well with not two scenes being the same and their depth of feelings showing through in how considerate and caring they are while having sex as well. It also was great to see some familiar character from the Horse Mistress series again in this book. I enjoyed following the story and wanted to keep reading. The pacing is very well done. And I love spending time in this fantasy world of Eburos that the author created. The world really comes to life and I am glad there will be another series after this one. I hope to read book 3 soon as I am eager to see how this series gets wrapped up.
October 28, 2020
Notes:
#20 on Read All the Books on Audible Escape Before It Poofs
#20 on Read All the Books on Audible Escape Before It Poofs
August 28, 2017
This is a great example of a 2nd book in a trilogy, and it does what it does very well. If you’re already a fan of the author or the series, don’t hesitate to pick this up. You’ll reconnect with lots of old friends and meet a few new ones.
To the new reader/listener, you might wonder what the fuss is. Here’s the deal. This is the 2nd volume of a story set in the same world as The Horse Mistress several years later, and many of the same characters appear. You do not have to read the full The Horse Mistress series to enjoy this new trilogy in the making, but you’d get a richer understanding of everything that’s going on.
This fantasy setting is similar to Britain in the time of the Druids if they would have been successful at keeping the Romans at bay. Kathriel, a former slave and prostitute, is determined to lead a slave revolt, and her lovers Ithric (a lion shape shifter) and Favian (an asexual eunuch priest) are there to help her every step of the way.
Does that love combination sound crazy? It shouldn’t. One of the things Steffan excels at writing is a polyamourous trio where the three members feel like equals who absolutely need each other. It’s not as shallow as a fleeting lusty attraction. That is not to say that there aren’t inventive sex scenes because there are (though less than in other volumes), but the sex scenes always serve to move the plot and the characters forward. I have never been able to make that comment about another author, and it still surprises me.
As a second book, the characters spend a lot of time working on their skills in self-defense and for their cover as traveling entertainers. Much time was spent on this, but it didn’t seem like wasted time in the story. Favian had his issued to work through while they were skill building, and later Kathriel went through a dark time of doubt over if she was truly doing the right thing.
At the end of the story, they have rescued one very important slave, and the last scene is fantastic as one to prepare the reader for the next book. It promises to contain the full on uprising that has been promised, with the trio being their best selves as they choose to lead the way.
For a favorite moment in the story, I would say that it was a small one when Favian gave a true priest’s blessing to two urchins in Ryth. On the other side of the story, there was a big lack of Carivel in this one. I don’t think it damaged the story any for not giving her much page time.
Because I listened to the story, I must comment that Gwendolyn Druyor is one of the best narrators I’ve encountered, and I am a voracious listener of audiobooks. She does amazing things with her instrument, from a child’s tone for Favian’s sister, and Favian’s own voice that is stuck at that precipice of thwarted puberty. She even gets to sing in this audiobook for a song that Kathriel performs when she and the boys are doing their traveling show.
I have and will listen to Druyor narrate other projects, but I especially love her work when she’s narrating RA Steffan. It is one of those author/narrator combinations that is a piece of perfection like Kevin Hearne/Luke Daniels or Molly Harper/Amanda Ronconi.
So in the words of an old commercial, “Try it. You’ll like it.” But if you’re new to the story, start with either The Horse Mistress 1 or The Lion Mistress 1 so you don’t get lost.
To the new reader/listener, you might wonder what the fuss is. Here’s the deal. This is the 2nd volume of a story set in the same world as The Horse Mistress several years later, and many of the same characters appear. You do not have to read the full The Horse Mistress series to enjoy this new trilogy in the making, but you’d get a richer understanding of everything that’s going on.
This fantasy setting is similar to Britain in the time of the Druids if they would have been successful at keeping the Romans at bay. Kathriel, a former slave and prostitute, is determined to lead a slave revolt, and her lovers Ithric (a lion shape shifter) and Favian (an asexual eunuch priest) are there to help her every step of the way.
Does that love combination sound crazy? It shouldn’t. One of the things Steffan excels at writing is a polyamourous trio where the three members feel like equals who absolutely need each other. It’s not as shallow as a fleeting lusty attraction. That is not to say that there aren’t inventive sex scenes because there are (though less than in other volumes), but the sex scenes always serve to move the plot and the characters forward. I have never been able to make that comment about another author, and it still surprises me.
As a second book, the characters spend a lot of time working on their skills in self-defense and for their cover as traveling entertainers. Much time was spent on this, but it didn’t seem like wasted time in the story. Favian had his issued to work through while they were skill building, and later Kathriel went through a dark time of doubt over if she was truly doing the right thing.
At the end of the story, they have rescued one very important slave, and the last scene is fantastic as one to prepare the reader for the next book. It promises to contain the full on uprising that has been promised, with the trio being their best selves as they choose to lead the way.
For a favorite moment in the story, I would say that it was a small one when Favian gave a true priest’s blessing to two urchins in Ryth. On the other side of the story, there was a big lack of Carivel in this one. I don’t think it damaged the story any for not giving her much page time.
Because I listened to the story, I must comment that Gwendolyn Druyor is one of the best narrators I’ve encountered, and I am a voracious listener of audiobooks. She does amazing things with her instrument, from a child’s tone for Favian’s sister, and Favian’s own voice that is stuck at that precipice of thwarted puberty. She even gets to sing in this audiobook for a song that Kathriel performs when she and the boys are doing their traveling show.
I have and will listen to Druyor narrate other projects, but I especially love her work when she’s narrating RA Steffan. It is one of those author/narrator combinations that is a piece of perfection like Kevin Hearne/Luke Daniels or Molly Harper/Amanda Ronconi.
So in the words of an old commercial, “Try it. You’ll like it.” But if you’re new to the story, start with either The Horse Mistress 1 or The Lion Mistress 1 so you don’t get lost.
September 15, 2017
Welcome back to Eburos, a bountiful island, rich in flora, fauna, and minerals. Most of the island is populated by many different Bronze Age tribes, living mostly peacefully together. But to the south, in the lands of the Rytheeri tribe, the foothold that the Iron Age Alyrion Empire gained is troubled. It has been six years since the Northern Tribes routed the Alyrion invasion and cut off trade with the south. Without the metal and supplies from the north, Ryth has descended into madness.
Reunited with Ithric now, Favian and Kathrael plan their return. But getting back to Draebard will not be the hardest journey this trio undergoes. As plans are plotted, and spy and master sit down to discuss. Information points to riots and death. What path do you take when your family is being torn apart?
Continue to travel with Favian as his life is uprooted, and he has to provide his right to make his own choices. Get ready for an emotional ride and keep those tissues handy. This book is heartbreaking in its depth. Watching Favian face choices involving family, home, love, identity, is beautifully written. He has to grow up and decide who and what he is and what he wants, in spite of what everyone else is telling him. While trying to hold true to his religion and his bondmates.
This is the second book in the Lion Mistress saga. While it can be read alone, it is better if you have read the Horse Mistress saga and Lion Mistress 1. Ms. Steffan’s books are wonderfully written and detailed. Her plots and character relations are original and rare. You are pulled in and never want to leave as you meet people, and see wondrous places. You cry for the characters when they are hurting, it is powerful storytelling.
I am voluntarily posting my review after receiving an ARC copy of this book so generously provided by the author.
Reunited with Ithric now, Favian and Kathrael plan their return. But getting back to Draebard will not be the hardest journey this trio undergoes. As plans are plotted, and spy and master sit down to discuss. Information points to riots and death. What path do you take when your family is being torn apart?
Continue to travel with Favian as his life is uprooted, and he has to provide his right to make his own choices. Get ready for an emotional ride and keep those tissues handy. This book is heartbreaking in its depth. Watching Favian face choices involving family, home, love, identity, is beautifully written. He has to grow up and decide who and what he is and what he wants, in spite of what everyone else is telling him. While trying to hold true to his religion and his bondmates.
This is the second book in the Lion Mistress saga. While it can be read alone, it is better if you have read the Horse Mistress saga and Lion Mistress 1. Ms. Steffan’s books are wonderfully written and detailed. Her plots and character relations are original and rare. You are pulled in and never want to leave as you meet people, and see wondrous places. You cry for the characters when they are hurting, it is powerful storytelling.
I am voluntarily posting my review after receiving an ARC copy of this book so generously provided by the author.
August 23, 2017
The story continues from where the 1st book ended. Kathreal, Favian and Ithric along with a small group they helped save are returning home or at least to the place that feels like a home to most of them. There we have a chance to re-visit all of our favorite characters from the "The Horse Mistress" series. They stay there long enough to figure out what they can do to start with their plan to save the slaves and secure the freedom of all Eburos in case of new invasion from the Alyrion army. As they start their journey their faced with their own problems, insecurities and ghosts but their bond is getting stronger by the minute. They meet allies and foes along the way and things by the end are set for the beginning of the revolution.
Favian is still one of my favorite character and his influence from Senovo is obvious especially in the last chapters, I hope we get to see him gain more confidence and show us his power in the next book. Kathreal is a sweet and strong character at the same time and is heartbreaking to see her fight with her ghosts and the choices she has to make in order to fulfill her oath. Ithric is, well, Ithric. He is the leader and the protector in this book and we get to see more of him this time but I need something more of him, I don't know what but hopefully I will find it in the next part of their story.
R.A.'s writing once again is amazing. She has a way to make you feel part of her world and feel for each and every one of her characters. I couldn't stop reading and see everything before my eyes. It's obvious how much love she puts in her work from the depth of each character to the reality and history of all the places she describes.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review
Favian is still one of my favorite character and his influence from Senovo is obvious especially in the last chapters, I hope we get to see him gain more confidence and show us his power in the next book. Kathreal is a sweet and strong character at the same time and is heartbreaking to see her fight with her ghosts and the choices she has to make in order to fulfill her oath. Ithric is, well, Ithric. He is the leader and the protector in this book and we get to see more of him this time but I need something more of him, I don't know what but hopefully I will find it in the next part of their story.
R.A.'s writing once again is amazing. She has a way to make you feel part of her world and feel for each and every one of her characters. I couldn't stop reading and see everything before my eyes. It's obvious how much love she puts in her work from the depth of each character to the reality and history of all the places she describes.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review
October 10, 2021
I'm sorry to say that I gave up. As good as the first book was in this series, as boring the second one is.
To say that the action slowed down would be an understatement when it actually came to a screeching halt. In the first book the main characters did things, even Favian. In this one first they had fights about going to Rhys, then they went to Rhys, and then they were in Rhys. Aaaand nothing happened.
If there were some actual character development on the 3-400 pages I've read I could work with it, but no, not that either. Ithric is still reckless, even when he has something to lose now. Kathrael has the same relationship with her ghosts as she had at the end of the first book. And Favian is just going with the flow (be it his prophetic dreams or the wishes of his companions).
The only thing this book actually adds is a glimpse at the biggest city on the island tearing itself apart. But again, it's nothing we haven't seen before.
So yeah, I'm giving up. The series and the world for sure. I'll see about the author, but for a while I'll avoid her as well.
To say that the action slowed down would be an understatement when it actually came to a screeching halt. In the first book the main characters did things, even Favian. In this one first they had fights about going to Rhys, then they went to Rhys, and then they were in Rhys. Aaaand nothing happened.
If there were some actual character development on the 3-400 pages I've read I could work with it, but no, not that either. Ithric is still reckless, even when he has something to lose now. Kathrael has the same relationship with her ghosts as she had at the end of the first book. And Favian is just going with the flow (be it his prophetic dreams or the wishes of his companions).
The only thing this book actually adds is a glimpse at the biggest city on the island tearing itself apart. But again, it's nothing we haven't seen before.
So yeah, I'm giving up. The series and the world for sure. I'll see about the author, but for a while I'll avoid her as well.
October 31, 2017
Love These Stories
Beautiful. I love these stories. If you haven't read The Lion Mistress yet, you have to give it a try.
Beautiful. I love these stories. If you haven't read The Lion Mistress yet, you have to give it a try.
January 19, 2018
Left me eager for the next book in the series! Hope it will be released soon.
February 20, 2018
Another thing I loved about this series, the perfect burn and the perfect pacing. Its buildup will make you want for more.
April 8, 2019
Find my review of the full Lion Mistress story under book 3.
August 28, 2022
The story dragged a bit before they started on their quest but I love this world and this romance. So much consent and caring.
May 25, 2017
I waited incredibly impatiently for this to come out after the original release was pushed back a few weeks. This author is everything I want in the usually disappointing polyamorous relationship genre. There is a solid and unique fantasy plot and universe that I find convincing, characters that grow and develop throughout the story, and of course your old favorites from the last series. Can't wait for the next installment!
December 4, 2022
Ratings - completed series:
#1 The Lion Mistress: Book 1: ★★★★☆
#2 The Lion Mistress: Book 2 (this book): ★★★★☆
#3 The Lion Mistress: Book 3: ★★★★☆
#1 The Lion Mistress: Book 1: ★★★★☆
#2 The Lion Mistress: Book 2 (this book): ★★★★☆
#3 The Lion Mistress: Book 3: ★★★★☆
December 16, 2019
Brilliant!
This sequel didn't fail to surprise me. The story is well-written with beautiful details and painfully raw emotions. The characters are so realistic and loveable, I just found my heart aching for them at times. I absolutely loved this!
This sequel didn't fail to surprise me. The story is well-written with beautiful details and painfully raw emotions. The characters are so realistic and loveable, I just found my heart aching for them at times. I absolutely loved this!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews