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Savage Rebellion #2
Savage Bounty
The sequel to the acclaimed, spellbinding epic fantasy Savage Legion by Hugo Award–winning author Matt Wallace about a utopian city with a dark secret…and the underdogs who will expose it—or die trying.
The call them Savages. Brutal. Efficient. Expendable.
The empire relies on them. The greatest weapon they ever developed. Culled from the streets of their cities, they take the ones no one will miss and throw them, by the thousands, at the empire’s enemies. If they live, they fight again. If they die, well, there are always more.
From Hugo Award–winning author Matt Wallace comes the much-anticipated second installment to the “epic fantasy the genre has been waiting for” (Sarah Gailey, Hugo Award–winning author of Magic for Liars ).
The call them Savages. Brutal. Efficient. Expendable.
The empire relies on them. The greatest weapon they ever developed. Culled from the streets of their cities, they take the ones no one will miss and throw them, by the thousands, at the empire’s enemies. If they live, they fight again. If they die, well, there are always more.
From Hugo Award–winning author Matt Wallace comes the much-anticipated second installment to the “epic fantasy the genre has been waiting for” (Sarah Gailey, Hugo Award–winning author of Magic for Liars ).
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2021
23 people are currently reading
2608 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 4, 2021
Savage Bounty
by Matt Wallace
Gallery Books
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. I really enjoyed the first book with the epic battle, strong female roles, and plenty of action. This book may have had action and females but it didn't seem like the book was advancing the story. All the gals seemed stuck! It was interesting with the bizarre plants and the dreadful ending. I just didn't like it near as well as book one. Maybe there will be a reason in book 3.
by Matt Wallace
Gallery Books
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. I really enjoyed the first book with the epic battle, strong female roles, and plenty of action. This book may have had action and females but it didn't seem like the book was advancing the story. All the gals seemed stuck! It was interesting with the bizarre plants and the dreadful ending. I just didn't like it near as well as book one. Maybe there will be a reason in book 3.
July 17, 2021
I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this book to read and review. I loved the first book in this series and was thrilled to re-enter this world. It took me a little bit to step back into where it had left off (I might recommend a re-read of the first before this one), but once I got going it was great. The story alternates between four diverse perspectives that all contain different pieces of a siege on an abusive empire. Evie is leading her army to fight impossible battles against an impressive enemy. Lexi is a prisoner with a crazy power wanting to use her for their own ends. Dyeawan is figuring out what leading the planners will entail. Taru is a prisoner being forced to fight for the savage legion. This book felt slower somehow than the first but still excellent. I definitely can’t wait for the next book!
August 4, 2024
Great worldbuilding, appealing characters. Exactly as expected, but that ending was BIG.
Read
April 17, 2023Well THAT was a series of endings…..where is book 3????
May 9, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
Savage Bounty is the second installment within the Savage Rebellion series. Just like the previous book, I really enjoyed jumping back into this world. We are still following multiple point of views as well. It was definitely interesting to see where everyone was at and what they had to face throughout their journey. Whether it was fighting enemies or being a prisoner, I was completely hooked and couldn't wait for all the action coming my way.
Unfortunately, it did take me a while to get invested. Mostly because we don't really get anything new from this one. It also took me a while to figure out which point of view I was reading from. I was also a little shocked with how things ended too. Definitely didn't see the cliffhangers coming and I'm just in shock that we will get another book. A good kind of shock though.
In the end, I definitely liked the sequel and can't wait for the next book to be revealed. I'm hoping we get a bit more in the next one - whether it's character development, action, or anything else.
Savage Bounty is the second installment within the Savage Rebellion series. Just like the previous book, I really enjoyed jumping back into this world. We are still following multiple point of views as well. It was definitely interesting to see where everyone was at and what they had to face throughout their journey. Whether it was fighting enemies or being a prisoner, I was completely hooked and couldn't wait for all the action coming my way.
Unfortunately, it did take me a while to get invested. Mostly because we don't really get anything new from this one. It also took me a while to figure out which point of view I was reading from. I was also a little shocked with how things ended too. Definitely didn't see the cliffhangers coming and I'm just in shock that we will get another book. A good kind of shock though.
In the end, I definitely liked the sequel and can't wait for the next book to be revealed. I'm hoping we get a bit more in the next one - whether it's character development, action, or anything else.
July 28, 2021
Really loving this series. Review to come!
July 19, 2021
Savage Bounty is the second book in the Savage Rebellion series. It's a phenomenal follow-up to the first book, Savage Legion. It continuously explores social classes, colonization, capitalism, and corruption.
The world-building was complex and interesting. It has little to no magic. And this book is a bit slower compared to its predecessor. Matt Wallace's writing style is more compelling. The scenes that he weaved are easily visualized, and the fight scenes are incredible! Bloodier and grittier.
From three POVs, it's now four: Evie is still a badass; Lexi is a prisoner of Burr, a woman trying to bring back the nobility's rule; Dyeawan, the new leader of the Planning Cadre after the death of Edger; and the newest addition, Taru, Lexie's former bodyguard who was captured and forced to fight as a Savage.
The characters are the strongest suit of Savage Bounty. They are well fleshed out, compelling, and realistic. Each character has a well-drawn storyline. Readers get to know them on a personal basis. Their flaws, motivations, goals, and what they have to lose are out in the open.
The pacing was slower compared to the first book but I don't mind. The slow build-up of tension kept me hooked from the first page until the last and left me wanting more, especially with that ending!
Overall, Savage Bounty is a well-written and unputdownable read. It's a character-driven story full of political intrigue and amazing fight scenes. I'm eagerly anticipating the third book! Hopefully, these four will finally meet.
Big thanks to Gallery / Saga Press and Netgalley for the DRC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
The world-building was complex and interesting. It has little to no magic. And this book is a bit slower compared to its predecessor. Matt Wallace's writing style is more compelling. The scenes that he weaved are easily visualized, and the fight scenes are incredible! Bloodier and grittier.
From three POVs, it's now four: Evie is still a badass; Lexi is a prisoner of Burr, a woman trying to bring back the nobility's rule; Dyeawan, the new leader of the Planning Cadre after the death of Edger; and the newest addition, Taru, Lexie's former bodyguard who was captured and forced to fight as a Savage.
The characters are the strongest suit of Savage Bounty. They are well fleshed out, compelling, and realistic. Each character has a well-drawn storyline. Readers get to know them on a personal basis. Their flaws, motivations, goals, and what they have to lose are out in the open.
The pacing was slower compared to the first book but I don't mind. The slow build-up of tension kept me hooked from the first page until the last and left me wanting more, especially with that ending!
Overall, Savage Bounty is a well-written and unputdownable read. It's a character-driven story full of political intrigue and amazing fight scenes. I'm eagerly anticipating the third book! Hopefully, these four will finally meet.
Big thanks to Gallery / Saga Press and Netgalley for the DRC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
August 4, 2021
I’m not sure whether it was because it was the second book in the series, but I didn’t find myself enjoying this one as much as I enjoyed the first one. The writing was fantastic and draws you into the book and keeps the pace going, but although there was forward momentum, it didn’t feel as though it was matched by the plot which created a rather odd feeling. The characters were absolutely the stars of the show, and while there were quite a few POV, Wallace does a fantastic job of creating strong, unique characters with memorable voices and their own compelling and complicated storylines, that bring something more to the book as a whole. On the whole, an enjoyable read that just fell a little short of the first book, and needed a bit more to the plot.
April 11, 2021
I loved the first book, with its amazing world-building and themes of power, corruption, and human nature. Savage Legion left me with high expectations for this sequel, and I was not disappointed. This was just as good as the first book, if not better. Dyeawan continued to impress, and Lexi's actions in the ending were... explosive. Overall, this book was the epic fantasy of my dreams. I'd recommend this series to anyone who enjoyed Brandon Sanderson's novels like I did.
September 4, 2023
I’m quite disappointed because this book was not as epic as its predecessor. There are some interesting things going on, but it felt more like a transition rather than a continuation.
June 22, 2021
Matt Wallace does it again! As always the world building is phenomenal. In Savage Bounty the reader gets an even deeper look into the inner workings of Crache: from the power struggles in the planning cadre, to the unease in the bottoms, to the ex-savage's rebellion - everything is beautifully explained. Wallace provides plenty of details to bring the reader farther into the world of Crache while still maintaining a comfortable pace.
Normally when a book has multiple POVs it is difficult to be invested in all of them; however, that is not the case with Savage Bounty. Evie, Dyeawan, and Lexi all had compelling storylines that make you not want to put the book down so you can find out what happens next. Throughout the book there is this slow build of tension that leaves the reader yearning for the point when all three storylines intersect. Fingers crossed it happens in the final installment!
Savage Bounty ended with some mighty cliffhangers. While I don't love cliffhangers, I'm glad that Matt Wallace decided to leave the fates of our beloved characters hanging in the balance because it means that these particular storylines will get the attention that they deserve in the next book. I'd much rather have to wait for the third book than have these plots rushed through in the second.
Overall, I enjoyed Savage Bounty so, so much. I'm honestly a bit sad that the next book will will be that last because I'm not ready to leave this world or these characters. If political fantasy, I highly suggest you check out Savage Legion & Savage Bounty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Normally when a book has multiple POVs it is difficult to be invested in all of them; however, that is not the case with Savage Bounty. Evie, Dyeawan, and Lexi all had compelling storylines that make you not want to put the book down so you can find out what happens next. Throughout the book there is this slow build of tension that leaves the reader yearning for the point when all three storylines intersect. Fingers crossed it happens in the final installment!
Savage Bounty ended with some mighty cliffhangers. While I don't love cliffhangers, I'm glad that Matt Wallace decided to leave the fates of our beloved characters hanging in the balance because it means that these particular storylines will get the attention that they deserve in the next book. I'd much rather have to wait for the third book than have these plots rushed through in the second.
Overall, I enjoyed Savage Bounty so, so much. I'm honestly a bit sad that the next book will will be that last because I'm not ready to leave this world or these characters. If political fantasy, I highly suggest you check out Savage Legion & Savage Bounty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2021
Matt Wallace’s SAVAGE LEGION blew a fucking hole in my heart when it came out. Calling it one of my favorite reads of 2020 is really underselling the point, because I was OBSESSED, and the story and characters have lived rent free in my mind ever since.
I fucking loved SAVAGE LEGION, is what I’m saying. And SAVAGE BOUNTY is every bit as spectacular, thrilling, and original as the first book.
This is a book that checked literally every box for me:
•A wonderfully diverse cast of characters, including a nonbinary main character, a disabled main character, a bisexual main character.
•Teeth-rattling action sequences that somehow feel really different from anything I’ve read.
•A pitch-perfect blend of light & dark…moments of pure despair followed by intense feelings of hope.
In this second volume of the SAVAGE REBELLION trilogy, we see some of our main characters settling into their new roles, with varying degrees of enthusiasm & opposition.
Evie is now fully in charge of the rebellion against Crache, however much she wishes it were otherwise. Known now as the Sparrow General, Evie has become something of a folk hero. Evie’s inner circle seems to get smaller all the time, but it feels like it’s these close relationships that really drive her forward.
As with SAVAGE LEGION, Dyeawan continues to be the most fascinating character to me. I love a character who has every right to feel bitter & angry, but chooses thoughtfulness & compassion instead. And that’s how I see Dyeawan. She now finds herself as the leader of the Planning Cadre, with the future of Crache ostensibly in her hands to shape. Challenges within the organization test her resolve, and we really get to see what this character is made of.
Taru was set up to have their own POV at the end of SAVAGE LEGION, which fucking delighted me. Their story certainly connects to the larger story as a whole, but this felt like a side quest/mini-adventure story for Taru, and I loved it. Taru is outrageously badass, but we also get to see a lot of their wry sense of humor in SAVAGE BOUNTY. Just an amazing character & their storyline takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster.
The SAVAGE REBELLION trilogy is destined to become an all-time favorite of mine. These books have that rare effect on me where I’ll find myself randomly wondering about these characters, and hoping they’re ok. And while maybe someday we can just expect most (or all) epic fantasy books to have the kind of representation that these books have, right now they stand out to me.
Having a queer main character (Evie), a disabled main character (Dyeawan), a nonbinary main character (Taru)…this is just not the kind of representation you’re going to find in very many epic/dark/grimdark fantasy books. So I’m cheering so fucking hard for this series, not only because the books absolutely slay, but because I think these books could find their way into the hands of readers who’d cherish them.
I’m not sure what else to say…SAVAGE BOUNTY was fucking incredible & will 100% be in my Top Ten for 2021. I honestly cannot wait to see how Matt Wallace wraps this trilogy up…both books have blown me away, completely. This is everything I could hope for in a fantasy novel.
I fucking loved SAVAGE LEGION, is what I’m saying. And SAVAGE BOUNTY is every bit as spectacular, thrilling, and original as the first book.
This is a book that checked literally every box for me:
•A wonderfully diverse cast of characters, including a nonbinary main character, a disabled main character, a bisexual main character.
•Teeth-rattling action sequences that somehow feel really different from anything I’ve read.
•A pitch-perfect blend of light & dark…moments of pure despair followed by intense feelings of hope.
In this second volume of the SAVAGE REBELLION trilogy, we see some of our main characters settling into their new roles, with varying degrees of enthusiasm & opposition.
Evie is now fully in charge of the rebellion against Crache, however much she wishes it were otherwise. Known now as the Sparrow General, Evie has become something of a folk hero. Evie’s inner circle seems to get smaller all the time, but it feels like it’s these close relationships that really drive her forward.
As with SAVAGE LEGION, Dyeawan continues to be the most fascinating character to me. I love a character who has every right to feel bitter & angry, but chooses thoughtfulness & compassion instead. And that’s how I see Dyeawan. She now finds herself as the leader of the Planning Cadre, with the future of Crache ostensibly in her hands to shape. Challenges within the organization test her resolve, and we really get to see what this character is made of.
Taru was set up to have their own POV at the end of SAVAGE LEGION, which fucking delighted me. Their story certainly connects to the larger story as a whole, but this felt like a side quest/mini-adventure story for Taru, and I loved it. Taru is outrageously badass, but we also get to see a lot of their wry sense of humor in SAVAGE BOUNTY. Just an amazing character & their storyline takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster.
The SAVAGE REBELLION trilogy is destined to become an all-time favorite of mine. These books have that rare effect on me where I’ll find myself randomly wondering about these characters, and hoping they’re ok. And while maybe someday we can just expect most (or all) epic fantasy books to have the kind of representation that these books have, right now they stand out to me.
Having a queer main character (Evie), a disabled main character (Dyeawan), a nonbinary main character (Taru)…this is just not the kind of representation you’re going to find in very many epic/dark/grimdark fantasy books. So I’m cheering so fucking hard for this series, not only because the books absolutely slay, but because I think these books could find their way into the hands of readers who’d cherish them.
I’m not sure what else to say…SAVAGE BOUNTY was fucking incredible & will 100% be in my Top Ten for 2021. I honestly cannot wait to see how Matt Wallace wraps this trilogy up…both books have blown me away, completely. This is everything I could hope for in a fantasy novel.
May 29, 2023
This sequel to Savage Legion continues the story of those who struggle against the iron will of Crache. I do think that this book does suffer from classic middle book syndrome, in that we are basically in a holding pattern for this book. There really isn’t much new information or developments taking place. But it’s a testament to the author’s writing skills that I didn’t mind it; I was still entertained the whole time. Evie is still kicking ass and taking names on the war front, and Lexi is trying to escape from governmental control (both literally and figuratively). I will admit that I was disappointed in Dyeawan’s storyline as she accomplished basically nothing for the whole book (although we did learn very important info on her early life). The book ends on a couple big cliffhangers, and I am so excited to read the finale (whenever we get it).
Thank you to NetGalley & Gallery/Saga Press for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley & Gallery/Saga Press for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 22, 2021
Crache (city). Brio (advocate) had disappeared because he asked to many questions about the Savage Legion.
Lexi & Brio were pleaders for Gen Stalbrad.
Empire city seat. Dyeawan (strategist) lost her legs in an accident but has survived the streets.
Smart, Dyeawan was admitted to the Planning Cadre.
Taru (Lexi’s retainer, Savage Legion) was once a trusted retainer of Gen Stalbrad (Bio’s father).
Sparrow General Evie has a mission in mind, infiltrate the Savage Legion & find out what happened to Brio.
Mother Manai is her confidant/advisor.
Lexi Xia (Brio’s wife) battles Crache’s bureaucracy & will be a leader of the Skrain (Crachian Army).
Dyeawan is in the rowboat with Mister Quan.
Planning committee consists of: Builder’s; architect’s; elder planners;
Edgar had made Dyeawan a planner.
Others are: Matei (Builder planner); Nia (pet planner, protectorate ministry)
Alma (elder, state sponsored butcher) & Kellen (blacksmith) marched the prisoners through the city gates to meet Evie.
Kamen Lim was assigned to patrol the Bottoms.
Sirach & her night brigade were sent out to scout.
Rok Island. Taru ask for Captain Staz (f, Black Turtle vessel) opinion on Crache & the rebellion.
He offers her a bowl of his famous fish stew.
Wow!
Brio asked Evie how outnumbered their Sicclunan’s troops in comparison to the enemy.
Someone attempted to kill Daian (Ignoble).
In the Bottoms merchant’s, shopper’s, beggar’s, & drover’s occupy space in the streets.
The funeral was held for Edgar.
Evie leads the Savage Legionnaires against the Skrain.
Chimot leads the Sicclunan soldiers in battle.
Sparrow General Evie is amongst them also.
The Aegin’s are in the shadows ready to battle.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written dystopian book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great dystopian movie, an animated cartoon (pulp fiction), or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Saga Press (Simon & Schuster); Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARC; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Lexi & Brio were pleaders for Gen Stalbrad.
Empire city seat. Dyeawan (strategist) lost her legs in an accident but has survived the streets.
Smart, Dyeawan was admitted to the Planning Cadre.
Taru (Lexi’s retainer, Savage Legion) was once a trusted retainer of Gen Stalbrad (Bio’s father).
Sparrow General Evie has a mission in mind, infiltrate the Savage Legion & find out what happened to Brio.
Mother Manai is her confidant/advisor.
Lexi Xia (Brio’s wife) battles Crache’s bureaucracy & will be a leader of the Skrain (Crachian Army).
Dyeawan is in the rowboat with Mister Quan.
Planning committee consists of: Builder’s; architect’s; elder planners;
Edgar had made Dyeawan a planner.
Others are: Matei (Builder planner); Nia (pet planner, protectorate ministry)
Alma (elder, state sponsored butcher) & Kellen (blacksmith) marched the prisoners through the city gates to meet Evie.
Kamen Lim was assigned to patrol the Bottoms.
Sirach & her night brigade were sent out to scout.
Rok Island. Taru ask for Captain Staz (f, Black Turtle vessel) opinion on Crache & the rebellion.
He offers her a bowl of his famous fish stew.
Wow!
Brio asked Evie how outnumbered their Sicclunan’s troops in comparison to the enemy.
Someone attempted to kill Daian (Ignoble).
In the Bottoms merchant’s, shopper’s, beggar’s, & drover’s occupy space in the streets.
The funeral was held for Edgar.
Evie leads the Savage Legionnaires against the Skrain.
Chimot leads the Sicclunan soldiers in battle.
Sparrow General Evie is amongst them also.
The Aegin’s are in the shadows ready to battle.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written dystopian book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great dystopian movie, an animated cartoon (pulp fiction), or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Saga Press (Simon & Schuster); Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARC; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 14, 2021
A powerhouse of a follow-up to last year's Savage Legion, Savage Bounty more than delivers on the promise of its predecessor, offering plenty of twists and turns while adding depth and growth to characters the reader has come to know and love. Matt Wallace continues to explore repressed and marginalized characters, exploring the personal and societal ramifications of a ruling and middle class that have fooled themselves into believing that they are egalitarian and just. The characters feel real, the world lived-in, and the representation thoughtful and intentional, rather than tokenized.
Dyeawan is now leading the Planning Cadre following the death of Edger. But while she wants to use her position to change things, she faces challenges from enemies new and old. Lexi is being held prisoner by Burr, the woman who wants to overthrow the bureaucracy of the Crache and bring back rule by noble blood, who has a plan to use the Gen leader to win the loyalty of the lower citizens. Evie finds herself (somewhat unwillingly) becoming a folk hero of sorts as The Sparrow General, leading a rebellion of escaped Savages and assorted others that could bring the entire Crache empire tumbling down. Meanwhile, Taru has been captured and forced to serve in the Savage Legion.
Wallace does a great job balancing these separate threads, as each story gets deepened and explored with ever growing complications, dangers, and personal losses. Sadly, as they were one of my favorites in the first book, we spend the least time with Taru. But while their story is less explored than the other characters in this one, the developments they do make are important ones, with major repercussions for the next book.
It's a deftly woven story that explodes many epic fantasy tropes, without ever being insulting of the genre, or turning into fantasy. These are well-drawn, complicated characters with goals and hopes and flaws, which makes them impossible not to care about. There are losses along the way that make the stakes feel real, but without relying on the relentless cruelty that bogs down grim dark novels. Wallace is as at home writing battle sequence as he is writing political intrigue, which keeps everything moving at a breakneck speed.
This is a solid second book in a trilogy, moving every storyline forward, while adding new complications and intrigues. The ending a satisfying blend of conclusions and cliffhangers that leaves me eager for the final book.
Dyeawan is now leading the Planning Cadre following the death of Edger. But while she wants to use her position to change things, she faces challenges from enemies new and old. Lexi is being held prisoner by Burr, the woman who wants to overthrow the bureaucracy of the Crache and bring back rule by noble blood, who has a plan to use the Gen leader to win the loyalty of the lower citizens. Evie finds herself (somewhat unwillingly) becoming a folk hero of sorts as The Sparrow General, leading a rebellion of escaped Savages and assorted others that could bring the entire Crache empire tumbling down. Meanwhile, Taru has been captured and forced to serve in the Savage Legion.
Wallace does a great job balancing these separate threads, as each story gets deepened and explored with ever growing complications, dangers, and personal losses. Sadly, as they were one of my favorites in the first book, we spend the least time with Taru. But while their story is less explored than the other characters in this one, the developments they do make are important ones, with major repercussions for the next book.
It's a deftly woven story that explodes many epic fantasy tropes, without ever being insulting of the genre, or turning into fantasy. These are well-drawn, complicated characters with goals and hopes and flaws, which makes them impossible not to care about. There are losses along the way that make the stakes feel real, but without relying on the relentless cruelty that bogs down grim dark novels. Wallace is as at home writing battle sequence as he is writing political intrigue, which keeps everything moving at a breakneck speed.
This is a solid second book in a trilogy, moving every storyline forward, while adding new complications and intrigues. The ending a satisfying blend of conclusions and cliffhangers that leaves me eager for the final book.
July 8, 2021
I was given a free copy of Savage Bounty by Matt Wallace (author), Gallery/Saga Press (publisher), and Net Galley to provide an honest review. Savage Bounty is the second in the Savage Rebellions series with Savage Legion as the first book which was published in July 2020. I did not read Savage Legion.
This review will not contain any spoilers.
I would characterize Savage Bounty as epic fantasy with multiple point-of-views, and I want to believe low to no magic.
The world building is interesting, specifically the large city where one of the pov characters is featured. When I read the part of the story that takes place in the city, Mr. Wallace described in a such a way that I felt I was there. I got the sense the city could have been a city in Europe, possibly from the Renaissance or a little bit later. The city was divided into separate and distinct parts. The settings for the story featuring other characters with povs were serviceable and neither detracts nor adds to the story.
The characters are the strongest part of the story. One of the pov characters is a woman who is being held hostage and is manipulated to be a propaganda tool for a group of wealthy people who want poor people to come to rely on the largesse of this group of wealthy people. Another pov character is a leader of a mercenary company who wants to invade the same city where the woman who is being held hostage is operating. The third pov character is the head of the governmental organization that appears to be managing the city. Each of these characters is interesting, compelling, and engaging. The minor characters featured in this story are unique.
The plot of the story is the weakest aspect of the story. As engaging as the characters are in this story, the plot does not move that much forward from the beginning to the end. Mr. Wallace’s writing kept me reading and there are no dead spots in the story, but after I finished, I felt something akin to eating a bag of chips instead of a hearty meal for dinner.
I would recommend Savage Bounty to readers who appreciate strong, well-developed, complex, and engaging characters in a fantasy novel with a secondary world setting.
I rate Savage Bounty 3 stars.
I would like to thank Matt Wallace, Gallery/Saga Press, and Netgalley for the free arc.
This review will not contain any spoilers.
I would characterize Savage Bounty as epic fantasy with multiple point-of-views, and I want to believe low to no magic.
The world building is interesting, specifically the large city where one of the pov characters is featured. When I read the part of the story that takes place in the city, Mr. Wallace described in a such a way that I felt I was there. I got the sense the city could have been a city in Europe, possibly from the Renaissance or a little bit later. The city was divided into separate and distinct parts. The settings for the story featuring other characters with povs were serviceable and neither detracts nor adds to the story.
The characters are the strongest part of the story. One of the pov characters is a woman who is being held hostage and is manipulated to be a propaganda tool for a group of wealthy people who want poor people to come to rely on the largesse of this group of wealthy people. Another pov character is a leader of a mercenary company who wants to invade the same city where the woman who is being held hostage is operating. The third pov character is the head of the governmental organization that appears to be managing the city. Each of these characters is interesting, compelling, and engaging. The minor characters featured in this story are unique.
The plot of the story is the weakest aspect of the story. As engaging as the characters are in this story, the plot does not move that much forward from the beginning to the end. Mr. Wallace’s writing kept me reading and there are no dead spots in the story, but after I finished, I felt something akin to eating a bag of chips instead of a hearty meal for dinner.
I would recommend Savage Bounty to readers who appreciate strong, well-developed, complex, and engaging characters in a fantasy novel with a secondary world setting.
I rate Savage Bounty 3 stars.
I would like to thank Matt Wallace, Gallery/Saga Press, and Netgalley for the free arc.
Want to read
July 16, 2021I received an ARC or this book from Gallery/Saga Press.
I was looking forward to reading this continuation of the Savage Rebellion series. I really liked the characters in the first novel and the first-person perspectives of the main characters. Those characters are back and continuing their journeys they began almost right from the moment we left them. They all face new trials and tests of their abilities to survive and move forward in their endeavors to try and influence the fate of the Crache nation. One leading an active rebellion on the battlefields; one trying to operate within the ruling class (while being controlled themselves by the long deposed nobility); one trying to find their footing as the newly appointed head of the secret planning cabal; and one, a loyal retainer of the second who has been removed and sent to die in the battlefields as a member of the Savage Legion.. The characters have some unexpected twists in their journeys and new obstacle to overcome.
I really enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to the concluding novel. It read rather quickly for me and the timeline covered in this book is much shorter than the first. This all adds to a sense of urgency for the fate of these characters and their struggles to change a society where everything is controlled by the state.
If you haven't read the first book, this would be an awkward place to start. I guess you could do it, but the buy-in on these characters would be low. Why should you care for them or what happens to them? But! This isn't a knock on the book...just go read the first one. :)
I was looking forward to reading this continuation of the Savage Rebellion series. I really liked the characters in the first novel and the first-person perspectives of the main characters. Those characters are back and continuing their journeys they began almost right from the moment we left them. They all face new trials and tests of their abilities to survive and move forward in their endeavors to try and influence the fate of the Crache nation. One leading an active rebellion on the battlefields; one trying to operate within the ruling class (while being controlled themselves by the long deposed nobility); one trying to find their footing as the newly appointed head of the secret planning cabal; and one, a loyal retainer of the second who has been removed and sent to die in the battlefields as a member of the Savage Legion.. The characters have some unexpected twists in their journeys and new obstacle to overcome.
I really enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to the concluding novel. It read rather quickly for me and the timeline covered in this book is much shorter than the first. This all adds to a sense of urgency for the fate of these characters and their struggles to change a society where everything is controlled by the state.
If you haven't read the first book, this would be an awkward place to start. I guess you could do it, but the buy-in on these characters would be low. Why should you care for them or what happens to them? But! This isn't a knock on the book...just go read the first one. :)
September 8, 2021
This is really cool! Everyone's personalities are unique and easy to understand and the landscapes are described in a lovely way. I like the way characters work together, and especially Evie's challenges as she tries to be a leader are really realistic and make it easy to see the complex choice that go into being a leader during wartime.
I think what would make this more emotionally-engaging as a whole is: the different timelines/POVs aren't too confusing, but it'd help to have a better picture of HOW the big/overall picture affects each timeline. The bigger-picture threat/stakes aren't always clear as it affects each set of characters, and while I really do want characters like, as an example, Lexi, to escape their current/unique torturous situations, I also don't always really know how the bigger-picture war affects her. So I'm not sure for most of the book where her role fits in to all the other characters' goals, and it's sort of hard to stay engaged in that way sometimes. Clarifying the stakes throughout the book would make things easier to follow.
But otherwise this is a lot of fun! Definitely a good fantasy novel that...doesn't NEED a ton of magic/fantasy elements for its worldbuilding, so if you're in the mood for some low-level fantasy stuff that focuses more on action, this is cool.
I think what would make this more emotionally-engaging as a whole is: the different timelines/POVs aren't too confusing, but it'd help to have a better picture of HOW the big/overall picture affects each timeline. The bigger-picture threat/stakes aren't always clear as it affects each set of characters, and while I really do want characters like, as an example, Lexi, to escape their current/unique torturous situations, I also don't always really know how the bigger-picture war affects her. So I'm not sure for most of the book where her role fits in to all the other characters' goals, and it's sort of hard to stay engaged in that way sometimes. Clarifying the stakes throughout the book would make things easier to follow.
But otherwise this is a lot of fun! Definitely a good fantasy novel that...doesn't NEED a ton of magic/fantasy elements for its worldbuilding, so if you're in the mood for some low-level fantasy stuff that focuses more on action, this is cool.
December 19, 2021
"Savage Bounty" picks up from where "Savage Legion" ended. However, there are some exciting changes. Evie has survived a significant battle with the Sicclunians and realizes Crache's true intent: conquest and domination. She convinces her surviving Legion members to join forces with their former enemies and confront the Skrain, Crache's main military force. Evie's efforts result in her earning the title of "Sparrow General."
Evie has also found her old childhood friend Brio. He, too, survived the battle, but at the cost of having a mangled leg amputated.
Brio's wife Lexi remains in Capitol City, surviving as best she can. However, she has fallen afoul of a shadowy group that seeks to remake Crache into a nation ruled by the long-abandoned nobility.
Two additional characters have crucial roles in "Savage Bounty": Dyeawan, a disabled young woman who is a strategist of the Planning Cadre, a mysterious organization that exerts subtle control over Crache, and Taru, a loyal retainer of Lexi who has been impressed into the Savage Legion.
Matt Wallace has again produced a vibrant, fascinating, and enthralling fantasy novel. Worth checking out.
Evie has also found her old childhood friend Brio. He, too, survived the battle, but at the cost of having a mangled leg amputated.
Brio's wife Lexi remains in Capitol City, surviving as best she can. However, she has fallen afoul of a shadowy group that seeks to remake Crache into a nation ruled by the long-abandoned nobility.
Two additional characters have crucial roles in "Savage Bounty": Dyeawan, a disabled young woman who is a strategist of the Planning Cadre, a mysterious organization that exerts subtle control over Crache, and Taru, a loyal retainer of Lexi who has been impressed into the Savage Legion.
Matt Wallace has again produced a vibrant, fascinating, and enthralling fantasy novel. Worth checking out.
May 11, 2025
Our intrepid MC's may be disparate right now and feeling that they are waging a war on their own but they are coming closer to their goal of overthrowing an all-powerful, corrupt and unsympathetic empire.
Our MC's are all in far flung parts of the empire and are attempting to make it back to Tenth City or Crache in order to solidify their forces and make the last desperate push for revolution. The story is chockful of action and is paced well but it does slow a little bit 0 the only way to cope with all these storylines trying to mesh together.
Lexi, Dyeawan, Taru and Evie are the still the bad*ss heroes they were in the first book and their confidence is growing, even poor Lexi who seems to think she is still ineffective as a pleader. Evie is proving herself as the Sparrow, but she may be facing the biggest loss of them all. The enigmatic Taru is stoic, unflappable and unstoppable as usual and Dyeawan is learning that not everything is as it would appear. Their allies/enemies are constantly changing and the smell of death is never far from them.
A brilliantly complex but endearing story of women and non-binary characters leading the campaign for change. The men are very much aware of just who is in charge, thank you very much. I really enjoy the subtle nods to real world politics wrapped in this fantasy setting. My heart broke in those final few chapters and I'm hoping against hope that there are going to be some resurrections somehow. Roll on book 3!
Our MC's are all in far flung parts of the empire and are attempting to make it back to Tenth City or Crache in order to solidify their forces and make the last desperate push for revolution. The story is chockful of action and is paced well but it does slow a little bit 0 the only way to cope with all these storylines trying to mesh together.
Lexi, Dyeawan, Taru and Evie are the still the bad*ss heroes they were in the first book and their confidence is growing, even poor Lexi who seems to think she is still ineffective as a pleader. Evie is proving herself as the Sparrow, but she may be facing the biggest loss of them all. The enigmatic Taru is stoic, unflappable and unstoppable as usual and Dyeawan is learning that not everything is as it would appear. Their allies/enemies are constantly changing and the smell of death is never far from them.
A brilliantly complex but endearing story of women and non-binary characters leading the campaign for change. The men are very much aware of just who is in charge, thank you very much. I really enjoy the subtle nods to real world politics wrapped in this fantasy setting. My heart broke in those final few chapters and I'm hoping against hope that there are going to be some resurrections somehow. Roll on book 3!
July 29, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Gallery/Saga Press for provided me this copy. I am grateful and my thoughts are my own.
Actually this is my first read from the author and I kinda struggled in the begining because i dont read yet the first installment. But I will try to make my objective opinion about this one.
I enjoyed the writing style and I think it is suitable with the story atmosphere. Divided by multiple POV, the author still capable to give each characters different voices to explore about the world. I personally love how well written the characters and enjoyed their personal heroes journey. The pace kinda slower than my normal preference but still okay
Overall I am enjoyed my time spent to read this book. I will trying to find first installment from this series and enrich my experience in this fantasy world.
Actually this is my first read from the author and I kinda struggled in the begining because i dont read yet the first installment. But I will try to make my objective opinion about this one.
I enjoyed the writing style and I think it is suitable with the story atmosphere. Divided by multiple POV, the author still capable to give each characters different voices to explore about the world. I personally love how well written the characters and enjoyed their personal heroes journey. The pace kinda slower than my normal preference but still okay
Overall I am enjoyed my time spent to read this book. I will trying to find first installment from this series and enrich my experience in this fantasy world.
August 2, 2021
Matt Wallace's Savage Bounty is a great example of throwing out the assumptions about a second novel in a story - he refuses to follow the traditional route of a sequel, but instead allows his characters to dictate the story and the world to expand around them. Wallace showed his action chops in Savage Legion, and his visceral, authentic violence continues to be a hallmark of the Savage series. In Savage Bounty, he dives deeper into his character's motivations and histories, with their growth flowing organically from their situations. I definitely recommend reading Savage Legion before jumping into book two - while the story can be followed without reading the first entrant, you'll gain much more appreciation for the development and maturity of the characters starting from scratch.
August 6, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book from GoodReads in return for this review.
Savage Bounty is the second book in a trilogy. I haven't read the first book, and I most likely won't. The story is pretty much boilerplate action adventure fantasy. A rebellion underdog fighting an oppressive empire. One thing that distinguishes it from many of the others in the genre is that all of the main characters are women. It seems the key demographic the author is aiming for is young adult women, and I don't fit into that demographic in any way. If you decide to read this book, you should read it as part of the trilogy, since it's not a stand-alone story, but leaves you hanging at the end.
Savage Bounty is the second book in a trilogy. I haven't read the first book, and I most likely won't. The story is pretty much boilerplate action adventure fantasy. A rebellion underdog fighting an oppressive empire. One thing that distinguishes it from many of the others in the genre is that all of the main characters are women. It seems the key demographic the author is aiming for is young adult women, and I don't fit into that demographic in any way. If you decide to read this book, you should read it as part of the trilogy, since it's not a stand-alone story, but leaves you hanging at the end.
August 20, 2021
ugggggh, what a bleak place to leave everyone!!!!! i could've used a lot more taru, but i feel like that will always be true of them though, but holy shit did lexi really get to shine this book!! evie continues to seem like a very real character to me, thrust into this leadership position with no idea how she got there and doing her best to own it. i'm super happy dyeawan and nia are on the same side now - even if their truce is resting on a wobbly foundation - and i'm hoping they'll bring the planning cadre around into...... less evil. can't wait to see what will happen in book two! this did a great job of moving everybody forward!
September 6, 2021
At least the first book had more interest/mystery in it. Because author was story building and giving you small details at a time about what & who is behind Crache rule it made the first book in the series interesting. This book had less mystery unfold in it. Really it’s just what you would expect from a rebellion plot line-people fighting for change/a better tomorrow and very little else. Way this story is written you don’t really get too emotionally tied to the characters-dry/matter of fact delivery. Ends in cliffhanger so I do think I will read next book in series just so I can find out ending but if you haven’t already read the first book I wouldn’t recommend starting this series.
September 6, 2021
Fantasy, but light on the fantastical, this series is a real breath of fresh air. Fantasy for adults, one might say. It has a narrative that evokes Asimov to me for some reason. I really enjoy this series and hope that book 3 is not too far behind. Recommend.
Criticism of the publisher: really wish the publisher would produce hardcovers for books 2 and 3 and not just for book 1. It's just unprofessional. Commit or don't commit, not something in between. Or hell, give the author self-publishing rights to the hardcovers if you won't follow through.
Oh! Not that it matters all that much to the story, but the covers are just bitchin'!
Criticism of the publisher: really wish the publisher would produce hardcovers for books 2 and 3 and not just for book 1. It's just unprofessional. Commit or don't commit, not something in between. Or hell, give the author self-publishing rights to the hardcovers if you won't follow through.
Oh! Not that it matters all that much to the story, but the covers are just bitchin'!
August 11, 2025
This series continues to be unexpectedly excellent.
I am feeling more connected to all of the characters by now (Lexi is starting to really grow on me), but everyone in this book felt a little stagnant — for the most part, it didn’t feel like anyone was really progressing the story. Despite this, I still had a really great time with all of the character POVs and there were a lot of really great moments.
The ending was a WILD time!. I actually stopped mid-run to download book 3 on my audible account once this one finished because I could not leave things as is. My sympathies to everyone who read this before book 3 was out 😂
Looking forward to completing this series!
I am feeling more connected to all of the characters by now (Lexi is starting to really grow on me), but everyone in this book felt a little stagnant — for the most part, it didn’t feel like anyone was really progressing the story. Despite this, I still had a really great time with all of the character POVs and there were a lot of really great moments.
The ending was a WILD time!. I actually stopped mid-run to download book 3 on my audible account once this one finished because I could not leave things as is. My sympathies to everyone who read this before book 3 was out 😂
Looking forward to completing this series!
April 26, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC copy of this book available to me.
This, the second book in a trilogy, keeps up the fine pace set in the latter half of the previous book. The story is told from the points of view of four different characters, and each engaging in their own way. We have one dealing directly with political challenges, two dealing with primarily physical challenges, and one with mental challenges. I'm just hoping that the author can find some way to bring these four together in the final book in this series.
This, the second book in a trilogy, keeps up the fine pace set in the latter half of the previous book. The story is told from the points of view of four different characters, and each engaging in their own way. We have one dealing directly with political challenges, two dealing with primarily physical challenges, and one with mental challenges. I'm just hoping that the author can find some way to bring these four together in the final book in this series.
November 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery/Saga Press, and Matt Wallace for the e-arc of Savage Bounty in exchange for an honest opinion.
The second installment of Matt Wallace’s Savage Rebellion series picks up right where the first left off. We continue to follow Lexi, Evie, Dyeawan, and Taru as they work to overthrow the empire that has controlled their lives for too long. There are new battles to be fought and new plots to uncover.
Savage Bounty is full of exciting battles and political intrigue. The characters are the epitome of underdogs. You feel their plight and can’t help but to root for them. The pacing is a little slower in this one compared to Savage Legion, but there is enough tension that it keeps the pages turning quickly. I’m definitely hooked and eagerly awaiting the next book.
The second installment of Matt Wallace’s Savage Rebellion series picks up right where the first left off. We continue to follow Lexi, Evie, Dyeawan, and Taru as they work to overthrow the empire that has controlled their lives for too long. There are new battles to be fought and new plots to uncover.
Savage Bounty is full of exciting battles and political intrigue. The characters are the epitome of underdogs. You feel their plight and can’t help but to root for them. The pacing is a little slower in this one compared to Savage Legion, but there is enough tension that it keeps the pages turning quickly. I’m definitely hooked and eagerly awaiting the next book.
June 8, 2021
So, I started reading this series because I really loved his Sin du Jour Affair series. I should have really guessed from that series that this one might be a touch bloody and grim too…. I would warn the faint of heart and stomach away from his books but if that won’t bother you he’s a fine author who writes interesting characters stuck in crappy situations. I will definitely read the next book I. This series. I want to see who’s still standing at the end!
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