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The Forgemaster Cycle #2
The Anvil of Souls
Amder lives
The long-lost God of Craft, Amder, has been resurrected, and in his wake, he appoints William Reis as his supreme Forgemaster. Yet, the resurrection of a god comes at a devastating cost – the lives of many devoted Reachers, including Duncan, Will's cherished best friend and last remaining kin. Unbeknownst to Will, Duncan's fate is an unfathomable burden to bear. As the gods forge onward, Amder entrusts Will with a divine alongside Regin and Myriam, he must reestablish the legendary Smithing Guild. However, upon learning that Duncan may yet live, Will faces an agonizing dare he sacrifice his closest companion once more? Dark forces stir in the shadows, threatening to rise and consume all. As Will and his allies traverse treacherous landscapes, from the abyssal depths to the sun-scorched dunes and the gods' mythical birthplace, their decisions will shape the fate of their world. Prepare to be captivated by the second gripping installment of the monumental Forgemaster The Anvil of Souls. Immerse yourself in a world where magic, mystery, and the art of creation collide, and where every choice could unravel the very fabric of existence.
The long-lost God of Craft, Amder, has been resurrected, and in his wake, he appoints William Reis as his supreme Forgemaster. Yet, the resurrection of a god comes at a devastating cost – the lives of many devoted Reachers, including Duncan, Will's cherished best friend and last remaining kin. Unbeknownst to Will, Duncan's fate is an unfathomable burden to bear. As the gods forge onward, Amder entrusts Will with a divine alongside Regin and Myriam, he must reestablish the legendary Smithing Guild. However, upon learning that Duncan may yet live, Will faces an agonizing dare he sacrifice his closest companion once more? Dark forces stir in the shadows, threatening to rise and consume all. As Will and his allies traverse treacherous landscapes, from the abyssal depths to the sun-scorched dunes and the gods' mythical birthplace, their decisions will shape the fate of their world. Prepare to be captivated by the second gripping installment of the monumental Forgemaster The Anvil of Souls. Immerse yourself in a world where magic, mystery, and the art of creation collide, and where every choice could unravel the very fabric of existence.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
418 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2020
About the author
Joshua C. Cook
40 books48 followersBorn and Raised in Sunny (sometimes) Florida, I grew up in a house of readers. I've always been into good Sci-Fi, fantasy, and technology. In fact I ended up somehow working in the IT field for the last 13 years.
One of the things that surprised me about my career was the interaction of people with technology. How blindly trusting people are of whatever the computer says on it, regardless if what it's saying is even possible.
When I decided to write, I chose to play in the space of the interaction between people and technology, and reality vs. perception.
One of the things that surprised me about my career was the interaction of people with technology. How blindly trusting people are of whatever the computer says on it, regardless if what it's saying is even possible.
When I decided to write, I chose to play in the space of the interaction between people and technology, and reality vs. perception.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 2, 2021
The way Myriam discarded William for being honest, only to go for a man that was directly responsible for the death of a teacher, as well as other betrayels and hurt, really let this book down for me and couldn't really enjoy it after that.
August 30, 2020
With all the trials Will, Regin, and Myriam persevere through in this story, I’m left speechless. I was not expecting this turn of events, and there are many. I can’t even note anything as it would spoil so many things that happen throughout this story, and they must all be experienced from a blind eye.
There is a lot of pain and hope throughout this story. Tragedy, bonds formed, new characters, and so much unknown. Wow, I was not expecting that ending! What will happen next? And who is still standing?
There is a lot of pain and hope throughout this story. Tragedy, bonds formed, new characters, and so much unknown. Wow, I was not expecting that ending! What will happen next? And who is still standing?
June 13, 2021
I made the mistake of starting this brilliant book this morning before doing anything on my to do list - I have just put it down now having been unable to stop before I had read the whole story, from cover to cover 🤦🏻♀ !!
I cant recommend this series highly enough - please Mr J Cook don't make the wait for book 3 too long & thank you for a wonderful adventure!!
I cant recommend this series highly enough - please Mr J Cook don't make the wait for book 3 too long & thank you for a wonderful adventure!!
April 20, 2022
The Cycle Continues
The Anvil of Souls is the second book in The Forgemaster Cycle and follows Blood of a Fallen God. As a sequel review, there could be spoilers from the first book. If you haven't read the first book, stop reading this and go get it – it's excellent, and I highly recommend it.
Given that I loved the first book, I'm sorry to say that the second book of the cycle is as good as the first book. It's not bad, but overall it falls short of the first. Is it worth reading? Sure, it is. Despite its flaws, it is a continuation of the first book and does a great job of exploring the world of the Forgemaster and detailing the unique history and lore. I haven't read the third book yet, but this one seems like it's a segue into a final volume. And I do plan on continuing to the third book.
At the start of the story, there was a setup for what I thought was a great plot: William was set to return to Ture, clean the corruption from the church of Amder, and take his position as Forgemaster. I was excited to return to the mix of city-based intrigue and action of the first book, so I was pretty disappointed when William suddenly changed his mind and traveled in the opposite direction. Once it gets going, the plot doesn't have a good focus from chapter to chapter, and most of the book is just a chronicle of the journey. There were a few trials, tribulations, and mysteries that are expected of such a narrative, but no real substance for a big chunk of the book. It does have a significant, exciting build-up at the very end, but I wish the trip there had a bit more to keep me interested in where the plot was going. This may be no issue if you are a fan of the style, but for me, it was only just enough to keep my attention.
But the central protagonists were the real disappointment in the book. The story focuses on the travels of William, Myriam, and Regin. I liked all three characters in the first book, but after the events in the first book, they seemed to have become dense, obtuse, and oblivious. Are you familiar with the cliche horror scene where you want to scream something like "DON'T GO DOWN INTO THE DARK, SCARY BASEMENT!"? I wanted to do the same thing to those three because they were constantly acting irrational or overreacting. And William, who is the mortal representative of a god that he resurrected, is an impotent hero, continually questioning and doubting himself to the point you want to slap him, hoping that he'll snap out of his funk.
Despite any misgivings I have about the plot or characters, the narration is excellent. Moore's performance was one of the reasons my interest stayed high enough to enjoy the book. The voices were distinct, the dialog was interesting, and the tone was well matched to the scenes' pacing and writing style.
Special thanks to Eric Bryan Moore, who provided me with a copy of this book at my request.
The Anvil of Souls is the second book in The Forgemaster Cycle and follows Blood of a Fallen God. As a sequel review, there could be spoilers from the first book. If you haven't read the first book, stop reading this and go get it – it's excellent, and I highly recommend it.
Given that I loved the first book, I'm sorry to say that the second book of the cycle is as good as the first book. It's not bad, but overall it falls short of the first. Is it worth reading? Sure, it is. Despite its flaws, it is a continuation of the first book and does a great job of exploring the world of the Forgemaster and detailing the unique history and lore. I haven't read the third book yet, but this one seems like it's a segue into a final volume. And I do plan on continuing to the third book.
At the start of the story, there was a setup for what I thought was a great plot: William was set to return to Ture, clean the corruption from the church of Amder, and take his position as Forgemaster. I was excited to return to the mix of city-based intrigue and action of the first book, so I was pretty disappointed when William suddenly changed his mind and traveled in the opposite direction. Once it gets going, the plot doesn't have a good focus from chapter to chapter, and most of the book is just a chronicle of the journey. There were a few trials, tribulations, and mysteries that are expected of such a narrative, but no real substance for a big chunk of the book. It does have a significant, exciting build-up at the very end, but I wish the trip there had a bit more to keep me interested in where the plot was going. This may be no issue if you are a fan of the style, but for me, it was only just enough to keep my attention.
But the central protagonists were the real disappointment in the book. The story focuses on the travels of William, Myriam, and Regin. I liked all three characters in the first book, but after the events in the first book, they seemed to have become dense, obtuse, and oblivious. Are you familiar with the cliche horror scene where you want to scream something like "DON'T GO DOWN INTO THE DARK, SCARY BASEMENT!"? I wanted to do the same thing to those three because they were constantly acting irrational or overreacting. And William, who is the mortal representative of a god that he resurrected, is an impotent hero, continually questioning and doubting himself to the point you want to slap him, hoping that he'll snap out of his funk.
Despite any misgivings I have about the plot or characters, the narration is excellent. Moore's performance was one of the reasons my interest stayed high enough to enjoy the book. The voices were distinct, the dialog was interesting, and the tone was well matched to the scenes' pacing and writing style.
Special thanks to Eric Bryan Moore, who provided me with a copy of this book at my request.
August 31, 2020
*** NO SPOILERS ***
This book is even better than its predecessor "Blood of a Fallen God." I strongly recommend, as good as this book is, you'll be depriving yourself of an excellent read if you jump in to the story already in progress. In addition, the first book provides context, character development and interrelationships, a unique setting for the story, plot lines and development and a lot more that is the foundation for "The Anvil of Souls."
This book picks up where the last one left off. William Reis who began in the first book as an exceptionally gifted Smith finds himself in a situation he never dreamed of nor aspired to. At very great cost, he has become the Forgemaster and enabled the god Amder to come back into the world while also preventing the blood god from doing the same. Like in Greek and Roman mythology, involvement of the gods in human affairs is needed from the god's point of view but those who they select are still just human. Though the gods may speak to them, though the information they provide may be partial, cryptic, or otherwise less than helpful as it pulls those chosen into new places and dangerous situations where the human, not the god has to figure out how to solve problems at hand. The bulk of the story is a long and difficult journey. The Forgemaster was being sent by Amder to do things in a far away city, while William felt duty bound to do more in his home town following the events at the end of the last book. William is accompanied by three characters from the first book, each of which will play a key part in the journey. The dynamics of that group is interesting, and I thought the author did a great job of weaving together the different personalities, their likes and differences in a way that made me care more about them. On the journey, we are introduced to new places, new gods and their difficulties with each other. Again, acting only on partial information, the players need to make decision - some major, some snap, but all having great impact on their story.
This book is listed as 2 of 2, but there will need to be at least one more to take the story past the ending we are left with and many loose threads left to tie together. How they are tied, and they could be in many different ways will eventually lead to the final resolution. I can't wait to read it!
This book is even better than its predecessor "Blood of a Fallen God." I strongly recommend, as good as this book is, you'll be depriving yourself of an excellent read if you jump in to the story already in progress. In addition, the first book provides context, character development and interrelationships, a unique setting for the story, plot lines and development and a lot more that is the foundation for "The Anvil of Souls."
This book picks up where the last one left off. William Reis who began in the first book as an exceptionally gifted Smith finds himself in a situation he never dreamed of nor aspired to. At very great cost, he has become the Forgemaster and enabled the god Amder to come back into the world while also preventing the blood god from doing the same. Like in Greek and Roman mythology, involvement of the gods in human affairs is needed from the god's point of view but those who they select are still just human. Though the gods may speak to them, though the information they provide may be partial, cryptic, or otherwise less than helpful as it pulls those chosen into new places and dangerous situations where the human, not the god has to figure out how to solve problems at hand. The bulk of the story is a long and difficult journey. The Forgemaster was being sent by Amder to do things in a far away city, while William felt duty bound to do more in his home town following the events at the end of the last book. William is accompanied by three characters from the first book, each of which will play a key part in the journey. The dynamics of that group is interesting, and I thought the author did a great job of weaving together the different personalities, their likes and differences in a way that made me care more about them. On the journey, we are introduced to new places, new gods and their difficulties with each other. Again, acting only on partial information, the players need to make decision - some major, some snap, but all having great impact on their story.
This book is listed as 2 of 2, but there will need to be at least one more to take the story past the ending we are left with and many loose threads left to tie together. How they are tied, and they could be in many different ways will eventually lead to the final resolution. I can't wait to read it!
January 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book but really recommend that you listen or read book one before starting this one, mainly so that you know what has happened before and be prepared to get the next book because the adventure continues.So much happens in this book that the time just flies by. This book is just as good as the first and contains lots of deaths, strange creatures, romance and action as two God's try to assert there power over the world. The author has a good imagination and this comes across in his work as he introduces you to new characters and a different world. I like the main characters but miss Duncan and his interaction or relationship with Will.
Will , Myriam and Regin might have stopped the blood god from returning and helped the god of craft to return but they paid a high cost. With so many dead, it is the death of his last remaining family member that hits Will the new forgemaster the hardest.
How can he possibly go on, let alone rebuild and lead the guild? Then Amder informs him, Duncan might not be dead but also not quite alive. With hope that he can save him Will sets out to try, joined by his faithful companions Myriam and Regin they set out to face new dangers and the impossible quest to save Duncan. Amder might be a good but not even he knows what will happen when they travel back to where it all began or how to free Duncan from his torments. The only obvious thing is with everybody having there own plan or hidden agenda then this might be a one way trip.
I liked the narrator. He did some very good accents and scary monster voices that certainly added to the tension of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Will , Myriam and Regin might have stopped the blood god from returning and helped the god of craft to return but they paid a high cost. With so many dead, it is the death of his last remaining family member that hits Will the new forgemaster the hardest.
How can he possibly go on, let alone rebuild and lead the guild? Then Amder informs him, Duncan might not be dead but also not quite alive. With hope that he can save him Will sets out to try, joined by his faithful companions Myriam and Regin they set out to face new dangers and the impossible quest to save Duncan. Amder might be a good but not even he knows what will happen when they travel back to where it all began or how to free Duncan from his torments. The only obvious thing is with everybody having there own plan or hidden agenda then this might be a one way trip.
I liked the narrator. He did some very good accents and scary monster voices that certainly added to the tension of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 30, 2021
The Anvil of Souls by Joshua C. Cook is a continuation of the amazing story of Will and Duncan. We learn more about the gods of this world in The Anvil of Souls. The gods are keeping secrets from each other! Big secrets! I can’t wait for the third book!
Synopsis:
Will has just resurrected the god Amder. His cousin and best friend, Duncan, had to sacrifice his own life to prevent the rise of the blood god Valnijz. Will is utterly devastated at the loss of Duncan. He pulls himself together just enough to set out on a new quest for Amder.
When Will finds out that Duncan may still be alive, he abandons the quest to mount a rescue. Both gods, Amder and Valnijz, have plans to get their way at the end, but no one is counting on Myriam’s surprise!
Story Review:
Blood of the Fallen God is the first book in this series and the first book ever written by Joshua C. Cook. He hit a grand-slam home run with that book. I loved it in every way! As a follow-up to such a remarkable first book, The Anvil of Souls is good but doesn’t quite live up to the complexity and intrigue of the first book.
I would like to have seen more subplots, decision-making, consequences, and action outside the main plot lines. Imagine if The Anvil of Souls’ ending marked the end of the second act and then continued with twists and turns in the third act. Oh, the possibilities!
I will definitely read book three in the series. I cannot wait to see how the story continues!
Narration Review:
The narration is incredible. Eric Bryan Moore does an amazing job with the voices and action in the book. His supernatural voices will make your spine tingle!
Source:
I received a free copy of The Anvil of Souls at my request in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Will has just resurrected the god Amder. His cousin and best friend, Duncan, had to sacrifice his own life to prevent the rise of the blood god Valnijz. Will is utterly devastated at the loss of Duncan. He pulls himself together just enough to set out on a new quest for Amder.
When Will finds out that Duncan may still be alive, he abandons the quest to mount a rescue. Both gods, Amder and Valnijz, have plans to get their way at the end, but no one is counting on Myriam’s surprise!
Story Review:
Blood of the Fallen God is the first book in this series and the first book ever written by Joshua C. Cook. He hit a grand-slam home run with that book. I loved it in every way! As a follow-up to such a remarkable first book, The Anvil of Souls is good but doesn’t quite live up to the complexity and intrigue of the first book.
I would like to have seen more subplots, decision-making, consequences, and action outside the main plot lines. Imagine if The Anvil of Souls’ ending marked the end of the second act and then continued with twists and turns in the third act. Oh, the possibilities!
I will definitely read book three in the series. I cannot wait to see how the story continues!
Narration Review:
The narration is incredible. Eric Bryan Moore does an amazing job with the voices and action in the book. His supernatural voices will make your spine tingle!
Source:
I received a free copy of The Anvil of Souls at my request in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2022
I’ve previously reviewed the first book in this series and enjoyed it quite a lot. I knew it was part of a series, but I didn’t know where it was going to go from there. For the most part, everything wrapped up nicely with a few hints at the sequel(s).
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 finishes and wastes no time at all getting straight to business. It’s one of those sequels that feels like more of part 2 than a separate book. It introduces new characters, races, locations, lore, etc. Everything you’d want with as fantasy, including a little romance.
I bring up the romance because of how well done it was. It didn’t feel cringey or forced. Most of the romance I read in stories is either smut where the people are only together for the genre. Other times it seems there are characters who are into each other just to have a romance in the novel. This is one of those rare stories where the characters have genuine chemistry.
One final thing I want to talk about is the ending. This review will be spoiler-free, I just want to say that it really left an impact. This book has one of those endings that had me picking my jaw up off the floor and has me extremely excited for book 3. The whole story is a really solid, well-written adventure that leads up to an incredibly satisfying ending.
I have nothing but good things to say about the narrator as well. He did a fantastic job with this story.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 finishes and wastes no time at all getting straight to business. It’s one of those sequels that feels like more of part 2 than a separate book. It introduces new characters, races, locations, lore, etc. Everything you’d want with as fantasy, including a little romance.
I bring up the romance because of how well done it was. It didn’t feel cringey or forced. Most of the romance I read in stories is either smut where the people are only together for the genre. Other times it seems there are characters who are into each other just to have a romance in the novel. This is one of those rare stories where the characters have genuine chemistry.
One final thing I want to talk about is the ending. This review will be spoiler-free, I just want to say that it really left an impact. This book has one of those endings that had me picking my jaw up off the floor and has me extremely excited for book 3. The whole story is a really solid, well-written adventure that leads up to an incredibly satisfying ending.
I have nothing but good things to say about the narrator as well. He did a fantastic job with this story.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
April 22, 2021
Although I hadn’t read or listened to book 1 of The Forgemaster Cycle, Blood of a Fallen God, I thoroughly enjoyed the story in book 2. The main characters, Will, Meryem, and Reagan, along with several other main characters, are searching for Will’s cousin/best friend, Duncan, so they can save him from the half-god who captured him in book 1.
There were many interesting characters, creatures, and challenges facing them along the way.
As the tale progresses, it reveals pieces of what happened in the first book. Hearing that little bit makes me want to read or listen to book 1. There is some interesting interplay between Will, Meryem, and Reagan, seeing as they are caught up in a love triangle. I also enjoyed the way the gods spoke to Will and Meryem, influencing their choices throughout their journey. Also, Joshua C. Cook is not afraid to lose some favored characters along the way.
Eric Bryan Moore does an excellent job bringing the story to life. His voices and accents make it easy to differentiate the characters. He also has great pacing and a very pleasant manner of speech. I look forward to part 3 of the story, but until then, I will definitely read or listen to book 1.
There were many interesting characters, creatures, and challenges facing them along the way.
As the tale progresses, it reveals pieces of what happened in the first book. Hearing that little bit makes me want to read or listen to book 1. There is some interesting interplay between Will, Meryem, and Reagan, seeing as they are caught up in a love triangle. I also enjoyed the way the gods spoke to Will and Meryem, influencing their choices throughout their journey. Also, Joshua C. Cook is not afraid to lose some favored characters along the way.
Eric Bryan Moore does an excellent job bringing the story to life. His voices and accents make it easy to differentiate the characters. He also has great pacing and a very pleasant manner of speech. I look forward to part 3 of the story, but until then, I will definitely read or listen to book 1.
February 9, 2021
The Anvil of Souls. Dark Epic Fantasy - highly recommended
I couldn't put aside this second book of the Forgemaster Cycle. I am so invested in this world and the characters. William and Myriam both grow in strength and mature. The story picks up from the conclusion of Blood of a Fallen God. The path taken by the newly anointed Forgemaster, William Reis, and his friends is fraught with danger. So many revelations and betrayals. Followers of the Blood God, Valnijz, persist in their faith and the gruesome blood sacrifices continue. Amder, God of Craft and Creation, is unable to give William specific advice as he quests to save Duncan's soul. The body count reminds me of Game of Thrones.
Totally immersive experience as an audio book. The narrator, Eric Bryan Moore is a great voice actor and adds that extra special level of enjoyment. One thing about audio, you cannot skim past the gruesome bits, so you are totally immersed in the fear and gore. Really dark and not for the faint hearted. The writing is clean and atmospheric. Small details add to the sense of immediacy.
I couldn't put aside this second book of the Forgemaster Cycle. I am so invested in this world and the characters. William and Myriam both grow in strength and mature. The story picks up from the conclusion of Blood of a Fallen God. The path taken by the newly anointed Forgemaster, William Reis, and his friends is fraught with danger. So many revelations and betrayals. Followers of the Blood God, Valnijz, persist in their faith and the gruesome blood sacrifices continue. Amder, God of Craft and Creation, is unable to give William specific advice as he quests to save Duncan's soul. The body count reminds me of Game of Thrones.
Totally immersive experience as an audio book. The narrator, Eric Bryan Moore is a great voice actor and adds that extra special level of enjoyment. One thing about audio, you cannot skim past the gruesome bits, so you are totally immersed in the fear and gore. Really dark and not for the faint hearted. The writing is clean and atmospheric. Small details add to the sense of immediacy.
September 1, 2023
I thought I knew how this book was going to go and how it was going to end, but I was very wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it is not the typical style of fantasy that I go for. I usually go for the more epic, fight filled fantasy stories if I am honest. I really, really enjoyed this one though.
Will is the same man, full of doubt, scared to make the wrong choice, but finally learns that HE has to choose, HE has to be the leader that as Forgemaster he is being called to be. The transformation Will goes through is one that you root for the entire story, you hope is coming, and finally when it gets there: the story gets turned completely upside down.
With this book not being my typical style, I did enjoy it. I'd put it at a 3.75 - 4 stars, and that may just be because of the style of books that I usually read.
The end of the book drew me in, and made me even more excited for the 3rd which I am starting immediately.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it is not the typical style of fantasy that I go for. I usually go for the more epic, fight filled fantasy stories if I am honest. I really, really enjoyed this one though.
Will is the same man, full of doubt, scared to make the wrong choice, but finally learns that HE has to choose, HE has to be the leader that as Forgemaster he is being called to be. The transformation Will goes through is one that you root for the entire story, you hope is coming, and finally when it gets there: the story gets turned completely upside down.
With this book not being my typical style, I did enjoy it. I'd put it at a 3.75 - 4 stars, and that may just be because of the style of books that I usually read.
The end of the book drew me in, and made me even more excited for the 3rd which I am starting immediately.
January 26, 2021
I've got to say, this book left me kind of disappointed.
Will, the main character, spent far too much time being your stereotypical "nice guy" and it really through the story off. And it continued through most of the book.
There's little to no action through most of the book. What little there is is one and done type scenes. On top of that it seems like the author kills off characters just for the sake of killing them off.
The saving grace of the book was the author did an excellent job at world building. We get to learn the truth behind the fabled Drendel. We get to meet several new & interesting races, and we learn more about the gods.
Hopefully the 3rd book will be an improvement over this one.
Will, the main character, spent far too much time being your stereotypical "nice guy" and it really through the story off. And it continued through most of the book.
There's little to no action through most of the book. What little there is is one and done type scenes. On top of that it seems like the author kills off characters just for the sake of killing them off.
The saving grace of the book was the author did an excellent job at world building. We get to learn the truth behind the fabled Drendel. We get to meet several new & interesting races, and we learn more about the gods.
Hopefully the 3rd book will be an improvement over this one.
July 5, 2023
Once again Joshua C Cook has written a creative and clever epic fantasy that has taken his characters down dark and dangerous paths. Joshua's world building skills and introduction of new and varied creatures are by themselves worth reading his tale. His likeable and relatable characters are icing on the cake. I recommend this book for those who like this genre. Eric Bryan Moore's narration skills are accomplished and add another layer of enjoyment to the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily left this review.
December 23, 2020
I received this book for free with an ARC, Advanced Review Copy, with a promise to review.
I was not too sure if I would like this book from the cover or description but I was very happy once I started reading this book and fell in love with the whole storyline and the character built up was outstanding.
I was not too sure if I would like this book from the cover or description but I was very happy once I started reading this book and fell in love with the whole storyline and the character built up was outstanding.
August 30, 2021
As with the previous book, it is well written. But it suffers from the same problems as its predecessor. The story is structurally the same. You have two different groups journeying to the same location, and at the end there is the final conflict. This payoff however is way too short in comparison to the buildup we had over the course of the many chapters before it, and feels rushed.
February 5, 2022
A good second book of the series. Again a good pace of storytelling, with a believable breadth of character development in that time span. This story also seemed more focus on the characters than the events compared to book one. This worked well in setting up for book 3. Sad to see another close character death but expected the loss. Definitely recomend this book.
September 11, 2020
What a ride!
This book was a perfect continuation of the series & I can't wait to see where the next book goes. It has new characters, new places, & a last couple of chapters that side-swiped me & turned everything upside down!
This book was a perfect continuation of the series & I can't wait to see where the next book goes. It has new characters, new places, & a last couple of chapters that side-swiped me & turned everything upside down!
March 29, 2021
Though this book continues the story started in book #1, I personally did not think it was as good. The various Gods are mostly mean, arrogant beings and as the book goes on I find I dislike where this Story is heading. Narrator did a good job with this story and characters.
June 10, 2021
Captivating read
I really enjoyed books 1&2 and looking forward to the next. Gripping story line which keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat are they going to make it, cliff hanger ending book 2.
I really enjoyed books 1&2 and looking forward to the next. Gripping story line which keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat are they going to make it, cliff hanger ending book 2.
September 28, 2020
The Forgemaster Cycle Continues
The story of the Reis cousins continues and grows wilder. A good story that at times becomes confusing due to the many sitting points of view.
The story of the Reis cousins continues and grows wilder. A good story that at times becomes confusing due to the many sitting points of view.
March 20, 2022
Brilliant second book in the series, can't wait for book 3!
November 13, 2021
The momentum, excitement and danger just doesn’t stop.
I thought book one, Blood of a fallen God was fast, dangerous and exciting, but none of that prepared me for the rollercoaster of book two, it’s relentless. There’s more explanations of the various gods, which helps flesh out the backstory and make more sense of it all, but the twists and turns will make your head spin. You can try to work out what might happen, you think you have it, then no, the action goes charging off in a completely different direction. The end, in particular, is spectacularly unpredictable, what just happened? Definitely going to need book three to find out!
I thought book one, Blood of a fallen God was fast, dangerous and exciting, but none of that prepared me for the rollercoaster of book two, it’s relentless. There’s more explanations of the various gods, which helps flesh out the backstory and make more sense of it all, but the twists and turns will make your head spin. You can try to work out what might happen, you think you have it, then no, the action goes charging off in a completely different direction. The end, in particular, is spectacularly unpredictable, what just happened? Definitely going to need book three to find out!
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August 30, 2020The Anvil of Souls (The Forgemaster Cycle Book 2), my second oh-so-enjoyable read from author Joshua C. Cook. Well-written epic fantasy with captivating & intriguing characters picking up seamlessly from where the first book left off. 323-pages. Sometimes a book is just enjoyable, wait no spoilers here, buy the book, read & review the book. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. I'll be reading more from this author and look forward to the third book in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 15, 2021
Yup no question now. I am definitely hooked on this series and can't wait for book #3, 4, 5 ,6 .........
The story had it all, multiple gods, a love story, death, sacrifice and plenty of weird creatures which is right up my ally.
The narration seemed much better then the first book and I am really starting to like Eric Bryan Moore's narration style so will need to look for more of his work.
Sooooo Joshua is book 3 ready yet???? ;)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The story had it all, multiple gods, a love story, death, sacrifice and plenty of weird creatures which is right up my ally.
The narration seemed much better then the first book and I am really starting to like Eric Bryan Moore's narration style so will need to look for more of his work.
Sooooo Joshua is book 3 ready yet???? ;)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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