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Tidecaller Chronicles #2
Witch of Wealth and Ruin
The flood is coming, and sooner than anyone thought.
Burdened with visions of the end, mourning the loss of her allies, and desperate to save a lover trapped under her enemy’s control, Aletheia chases clues to the opulent city-state of Dahran. An ally there reveals the location of her father’s papers, key to stopping the flood and understanding her enemy’s power.
Seizing the chance, Aletheia breaks into the tower where they are held—only to be betrayed from inside, arrested and thrown into a gladiator prison.
Now she faces an impossible choice: buy her freedom at the cost of a dangerous alliance with her betrayer, or fight her way out over the bodies of the friends she is making inside.
Witch of Wealth and Ruin is the epic follow-up to the award-winning Daughter of Flood and Fury, book one of the Tidecaller Chronicles. If you like strong female leads, clever magic, and page-turning action, then you’ll love this epic fantasy adventure. Read it to find out if the girl branded a heresy will live to be a hero.
Burdened with visions of the end, mourning the loss of her allies, and desperate to save a lover trapped under her enemy’s control, Aletheia chases clues to the opulent city-state of Dahran. An ally there reveals the location of her father’s papers, key to stopping the flood and understanding her enemy’s power.
Seizing the chance, Aletheia breaks into the tower where they are held—only to be betrayed from inside, arrested and thrown into a gladiator prison.
Now she faces an impossible choice: buy her freedom at the cost of a dangerous alliance with her betrayer, or fight her way out over the bodies of the friends she is making inside.
Witch of Wealth and Ruin is the epic follow-up to the award-winning Daughter of Flood and Fury, book one of the Tidecaller Chronicles. If you like strong female leads, clever magic, and page-turning action, then you’ll love this epic fantasy adventure. Read it to find out if the girl branded a heresy will live to be a hero.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
38 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Levi Jacobs
19 books63 followersLevi Jacobs was born in North Dakota and grew up in Japan and Uganda, so he was bound to have a speculative take on modern life. Currently marketing his epic fantasy series The Resonant Saga and at work on three more, he runs a small fruit company to pay the bills.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 25, 2024
Witch of Wealth and Ruin is the second book in this series by Levi Jacobs.
I found it to be both better and worse than the first.
So the characters definitely are more fleshed out and the gained depth helped to make them feel a lot more realistic.
We also get to see a new part of the world, and yet another kind of magic, which I really enjoyed!
However this felt a lot like a side quest, and while we gain new allies (and new foes) who will be important later in, it feels like the main plot has basically stalled for most of the book.
There's plenty of action and fast paced fight scenes, as well as some deeper insights into being forced to fight in an arena, which made for quick reading!
So despite being a bit disappointed by the lack of overall progression, I was well entertained all the way through, and finished this in just a couple of sittings.
If you like a good coming of age fantasy, with a female main character who's flawed and yet willing to fight, no matter what? This is a great choice.
I found it to be both better and worse than the first.
So the characters definitely are more fleshed out and the gained depth helped to make them feel a lot more realistic.
We also get to see a new part of the world, and yet another kind of magic, which I really enjoyed!
However this felt a lot like a side quest, and while we gain new allies (and new foes) who will be important later in, it feels like the main plot has basically stalled for most of the book.
There's plenty of action and fast paced fight scenes, as well as some deeper insights into being forced to fight in an arena, which made for quick reading!
So despite being a bit disappointed by the lack of overall progression, I was well entertained all the way through, and finished this in just a couple of sittings.
If you like a good coming of age fantasy, with a female main character who's flawed and yet willing to fight, no matter what? This is a great choice.
July 24, 2023
3.75/5
interesting plot and world building. overall enjoyable
interesting plot and world building. overall enjoyable
April 21, 2023
This book was everything I didn't want it to be. I don't like when a sequel almost completely detaches itself from the plot of the previous book, it takes away from the story. The world was not really expanded on and neither was the magic. It was predictable in many ways and felt like a completely different series. Criticisms aside, the story on its own was not bad, the new type of magic here was interesting and the characters were a bit better done than in the first book. I don't have high hopes for book 3 but lets hope it takes a right turn...
May 26, 2024
Interesting Premise, poor execution.
1. Last 10% of the book is a preview? A preview for the 3rd book in the series? Way to pad your word count on the book. Gross.
2. Ugh. The relationship building in this series is lackluster at best, and nonexistent at best. The main character knew a girl for a week, slept with her once and was her One True Love. Seriously, I must have missed something because the two girls barely talked about anything other than thieving before winding up in whatever they are in.
3. The magic system is… what? The water thing was interesting. Being able to read minds with a touch or communicate via water was cool. The blood bending is the most morally reprehensible shit imaginable. How the author tried to convince the reader that the entirety of the populace wouldn’t rise up against BURN the entire lot of an entire group who could and did frequently completely remove the free will of a person is beyond anything else.
Then you get to book 2, and the magic is in the coins? Like, ok? I guess? No explanation really. Just magic coins that make you stronger if you wear them. Except for caveat and clause and clause and caveat. And a rigged game system, and bullshit gladiatorial contests. Meh. Just meh.
4. Long tedious fights.
5. Main Character basically repeating themselves over and over but not really furthering the plot or exposing more about the world to the reader.
I got to the point where she’s developing feelings for a dude despite having her one night One True Love, and I’ve officially lost interest.
There’s not enough good story to be worth reading further into this. It will be more indecipherable politics, unexplained magic systems (the next one is probably based off of beans shoved in noses) and weird fumbling relationships.
1. Last 10% of the book is a preview? A preview for the 3rd book in the series? Way to pad your word count on the book. Gross.
2. Ugh. The relationship building in this series is lackluster at best, and nonexistent at best. The main character knew a girl for a week, slept with her once and was her One True Love. Seriously, I must have missed something because the two girls barely talked about anything other than thieving before winding up in whatever they are in.
3. The magic system is… what? The water thing was interesting. Being able to read minds with a touch or communicate via water was cool. The blood bending is the most morally reprehensible shit imaginable. How the author tried to convince the reader that the entirety of the populace wouldn’t rise up against BURN the entire lot of an entire group who could and did frequently completely remove the free will of a person is beyond anything else.
Then you get to book 2, and the magic is in the coins? Like, ok? I guess? No explanation really. Just magic coins that make you stronger if you wear them. Except for caveat and clause and clause and caveat. And a rigged game system, and bullshit gladiatorial contests. Meh. Just meh.
4. Long tedious fights.
5. Main Character basically repeating themselves over and over but not really furthering the plot or exposing more about the world to the reader.
I got to the point where she’s developing feelings for a dude despite having her one night One True Love, and I’ve officially lost interest.
There’s not enough good story to be worth reading further into this. It will be more indecipherable politics, unexplained magic systems (the next one is probably based off of beans shoved in noses) and weird fumbling relationships.
February 12, 2026
This sequel really wasn’t what I was hoping for. One thing that always bothers me is when a second book feels almost disconnected from the first, and that’s exactly how this felt. It barely carried forward the original plot, and that made it hard for me to stay fully invested. It almost felt like I had picked up a completely different series by accident.
I was also expecting the world and the magic system to be explored more deeply this time around, but that didn’t really happen. There were chances to expand things and make the universe feel bigger, but it stayed pretty surface-level. On top of that, a lot of the twists were easy to see coming, which took away some of the excitement.
That said, it wasn’t all bad. If I look at this book on its own, separate from the first one, the story itself was decent. The new type of magic introduced here was actually interesting, and I did think the characters were handled better than before. They felt a bit more developed this time.
I’m not going into book three with huge expectations, but I’m still hoping the series finds its footing again. Maybe it just needs the next book to pull everything back together.
I was also expecting the world and the magic system to be explored more deeply this time around, but that didn’t really happen. There were chances to expand things and make the universe feel bigger, but it stayed pretty surface-level. On top of that, a lot of the twists were easy to see coming, which took away some of the excitement.
That said, it wasn’t all bad. If I look at this book on its own, separate from the first one, the story itself was decent. The new type of magic introduced here was actually interesting, and I did think the characters were handled better than before. They felt a bit more developed this time.
I’m not going into book three with huge expectations, but I’m still hoping the series finds its footing again. Maybe it just needs the next book to pull everything back together.
February 11, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by the second book of the "Tidecaller Chronicles" series even more than the first one. Once the audiobook started, I had a hard time dragging myself away as I was so caught up in all the power struggles taking place. Aletheia was thrown into a gladiator prison as she was caught trying to steal her father's papers. There she faced many obstacles. I enjoyed some of the new characters. I liked the mystical quality of the magical system. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Kelvin Myers' narration was great, and his performance added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 27, 2023
Wonderful Fast Paced Read!
The Witch of Wealth and Ruin by Levi Jacobs is the 2nd book in the Tidecaller Chronicles series. This storyline continued the excellent character and world building as the reader learns more about the perils of the main character, her new friends and her old/new enemies. The book has mystery, intrigue, adventure, danger, life/death situations/choices, gender/class discrimination, friendships, and love. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd book in these chronicles.
The Witch of Wealth and Ruin by Levi Jacobs is the 2nd book in the Tidecaller Chronicles series. This storyline continued the excellent character and world building as the reader learns more about the perils of the main character, her new friends and her old/new enemies. The book has mystery, intrigue, adventure, danger, life/death situations/choices, gender/class discrimination, friendships, and love. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd book in these chronicles.
December 15, 2023
Great read
This was even better than the first book. An excellent read, fast paced and full of action. The fight scenes came to life in my mind like watching a movie. Looking forward to next read.
This was even better than the first book. An excellent read, fast paced and full of action. The fight scenes came to life in my mind like watching a movie. Looking forward to next read.
January 22, 2024
2nd run through
This is a really good series, with characters that keep developing nicely. This author has just the right pacing throughout to keep the story moving well. Off to continue the series binge.
This is a really good series, with characters that keep developing nicely. This author has just the right pacing throughout to keep the story moving well. Off to continue the series binge.
February 1, 2024
kept me reading
A little slow in the beginning but, it picks up quickly and then it's hard to put down. Great ending!
A little slow in the beginning but, it picks up quickly and then it's hard to put down. Great ending!
March 11, 2024
It is strange to find a second book in a trilogy that is better than the first, but a Witch of Wealth and Ruin is just that. A heroine after my own heart, stubborn and quick tempered.
April 25, 2024
Brilliantly written! The description in the fights is gripping. Anyone who loves strong female leads will love this. I have binge read book 1 and 2 now I’m starting book 3
January 8, 2023
Figure out the rules before you get in the game
Better learn right quick that that those who run the game will take care of their pieces only as long as they play.
This book has a lot about the slave mentality of the gladiator culture. Everybody has a part whether it be the players, their owners, the spectators, or the “bookie” who runs the show. It’s a sad commentary when life gets to the point that ‘there is no joy in a game you cannot lose’.
Thieving tips, er, I mean, some sage advice from the author:
If you’re using the shadows to hide, then so is somebody else.
‘Strength is only a tool…not a win condition.’
‘Every advantage breeds weakness.’
I just requested an ARC of ‘Rebel of Riddle and Woe’ to keep me busy and out of trouble while the author finishes up ‘Queen of Blood and Blasphemy’.
Better learn right quick that that those who run the game will take care of their pieces only as long as they play.
This book has a lot about the slave mentality of the gladiator culture. Everybody has a part whether it be the players, their owners, the spectators, or the “bookie” who runs the show. It’s a sad commentary when life gets to the point that ‘there is no joy in a game you cannot lose’.
Thieving tips, er, I mean, some sage advice from the author:
If you’re using the shadows to hide, then so is somebody else.
‘Strength is only a tool…not a win condition.’
‘Every advantage breeds weakness.’
I just requested an ARC of ‘Rebel of Riddle and Woe’ to keep me busy and out of trouble while the author finishes up ‘Queen of Blood and Blasphemy’.
June 22, 2023
I was so excited to read this book. I loved the first one and went into book two with high expectations..and the book fell short. The pace was much slower than the first, but the biggest hurdle was that this book seems to be missing a chapter. Our heroine starts off book two with knowledge about her lover that the reader was not privy to, and with no explanation of where that knowledge came from. I think a chapter at the beginning to let the reader follow along in that thought process would have greatly improved the way the story hit. I stuck with this book, though it was a struggle, and I'm glad that I did. The story finally picks up the pace for the final quarter of the book. Here's hoping book 3 maintains that clip!
August 1, 2022
Solid follow up to the first book in the series. This is significantly longer than the first book and does a lot to expand on the world building without losing the focus on the main character and her journey.
If I have a criticism here it would be that I don't feel like this book advances the story enough so much as it functions as a side quest, at least in part. Not that there isn't some development of the main plot, just that it doesn't develop significantly.
That said, there is a lot to love here including a new magic system, action packed gladiatorial combat and some interesting new characters.
If I have a criticism here it would be that I don't feel like this book advances the story enough so much as it functions as a side quest, at least in part. Not that there isn't some development of the main plot, just that it doesn't develop significantly.
That said, there is a lot to love here including a new magic system, action packed gladiatorial combat and some interesting new characters.
November 28, 2022
Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. The second installment of the Tidecaller series as a epic and intense as Daughter of Flood and Fury as this time finds Aletheia fighting not only to rescue the woman she loves but her very own life as breaking into a very prominent tower gets her thrown into its warrior games, where coins not only can help you stay alive but earn tour freedom. Now she becomes dependant upon finding the allies she can trust and the right way to wield secrets to escape. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2022
Witch of Wealth and Ruin: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Tidecaller Chronicles Book 2), my second read from author Levi Jacobs The second book in what looks to be an excellent series with a kick-ass female lead. Enjoyable, well-written Coming of Age Fantasy. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Now I need to wait for Rebel of Riddle and Woe: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Tidecaller Chronicles Book 3) to be published in January of 2023. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 26, 2023
The second book in an excellent series. In fact, I'd advise the reader to purchase all three books so you don't have to wait between books for the rest of the story.
Alatheia knows what it means to be a piece in a game - to be owned and used. In this book she fights hard for her freedom and that of her friends. I think maybe this is why this book appeals to people - the struggle for freedom.
Again - this book is filled with great world building and characters you will become attached to.
Recieved as a review copy from StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review
Alatheia knows what it means to be a piece in a game - to be owned and used. In this book she fights hard for her freedom and that of her friends. I think maybe this is why this book appeals to people - the struggle for freedom.
Again - this book is filled with great world building and characters you will become attached to.
Recieved as a review copy from StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2024
Book 2, it helps to read the previous book to understand Aletheia's character. Nonetheless, the adventure itself is a standalone. Aletheia learns who her friends and enemies are. The story is descriptive with a slower pace than the previous book. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. A personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
January 10, 2023
Whew! Now my heart rate can settle back to a normal rhythm! This book was quite a rat race that will leave you breathless and stunned… I raced through this book in one afternoon. When I closed the final page, I sat there with my mouth wide open wondering what just happened!… I watched Aletheia a very strong woman who will not give up her quest. This is a must-read for those who like to live on the edge! I received this novel from StoryOrigin. This is my true and honest review.
March 17, 2022
3.5/5 stars. If you like the gladiator fighting arena trope then this is the book for you. I typically enjoy an action-packed fighting sequence or two but I do wish this book had a bit more outside the arena time. Though I did enjoy that there were still strands of the mystery to keep pulling at even from a limited setting perspective. I'm looking forward to book 3!
March 24, 2023
This book is well thought out. Characters - loveable (but flawed), creative plot twists - on every corner, fights - interestingly written. I enjoyed the first book of the series but this one is even better. I am giving 5 stars without any doubts. Cannot wait to see how the third book will surprise me!
January 8, 2023
I had a hard time getting into this book but it turned out much better than it started for me anyway. If you don't have hope and determination what 8s left? Alethea being of the water has a hard time being in the sand, but she makes due.
May 6, 2021
A grieving fugitive, mercilessly
hunted and yet still trying to
save her world, Aletheia will
not give up her quest.
Read on to follow her story.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
hunted and yet still trying to
save her world, Aletheia will
not give up her quest.
Read on to follow her story.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
December 30, 2021
Action packed and keeps you interested in what will happen next. Another great installment. Can't wait for the third book!
December 17, 2022
Jacobs has continued a great story in a fantastic world. Every chapter builds suspense. Every character becomes real. If you love a great story, call in love with the Tidecaller Chronicles!
May 1, 2023
This book was a bit slower than the first. Typical middle book syndrome. It really picked up toward the end and I enjoyed learning about the new fighting styles.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews