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Return to the beautiful, deadly world of The Curse of the Bond Riders, where the stakes are ever higher as Tallow morphs from talented boy apprentice to unwilling female courtesan and assassin
The stakes are higher than ever when the Maleovellis inform Tallow they are now her patrons. Realizing she is a girl, they clean her, dress her in gorgeous robes, change her name to Tarlo, and tell her she is to practice her candle making for them alone. They teach her to read, write, and give her lessons in history, science, politics, etiquette, and the ways of the aristocracy. Using Tallow's talents, they intend to wipe out the royal bloodline and take the throne. Encouraged by the lovely and persuasive Giaconda, Tallow learns the arts of love, spying, and disguise. Throughout it all, she creates her candles, never really knowing the subtle purposes for which they are being used. Yet, as the Maleovellis' fortunes change, she finds that flickering inside her are vague memories, fleeting and unstable, that taunt and challenge her apparent acceptance of her new life. When an old love returns and an attempt is made on Tallow's life, she must enter The Limen to live. Unexpectedly, someone else also enters—a new Bond Rider whose pledge is set to change the face of the world forever.
The stakes are higher than ever when the Maleovellis inform Tallow they are now her patrons. Realizing she is a girl, they clean her, dress her in gorgeous robes, change her name to Tarlo, and tell her she is to practice her candle making for them alone. They teach her to read, write, and give her lessons in history, science, politics, etiquette, and the ways of the aristocracy. Using Tallow's talents, they intend to wipe out the royal bloodline and take the throne. Encouraged by the lovely and persuasive Giaconda, Tallow learns the arts of love, spying, and disguise. Throughout it all, she creates her candles, never really knowing the subtle purposes for which they are being used. Yet, as the Maleovellis' fortunes change, she finds that flickering inside her are vague memories, fleeting and unstable, that taunt and challenge her apparent acceptance of her new life. When an old love returns and an attempt is made on Tallow's life, she must enter The Limen to live. Unexpectedly, someone else also enters—a new Bond Rider whose pledge is set to change the face of the world forever.
628 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 28, 2017
I was reminded while I was reading this, the second in ‘The Curse of the Bond Riders’ series, that a trilogy needs to manage two, contradictory, demands – that each novel needs to be self contained but also needs to be part of a developing problem and narrative; my concern that the final chapter of Tallow (the first in the series) was more about setting up the sequel than resolving the narrative was borne out, but I am reminded was an insoluble problem. This kicks of right where Tallow off, and in doing so does two important things – it provides us with a useful reminder of exactly where we were in Tallow’s life, and allows this to work as a self contained beginning even though having read the first I suspect makes the story much more compelling, and it is compelling. I was hooked in ways I didn't quite expect as I was drawn into Tallow's new life as she struggled with the demands and costs of her unexpected move from candlemaking to nobility.
I need to confess, again, at this point – Karen Brooks is a dear friend of many years standing so venturing into print is, as is always the case with author-pals, risky. I feel less concern with Votive than I did with Tallow partly because I enjoyed the first book. In this, we are taken back to the rich and complex world of La Serenissima, the series’ version of Venice (a city that keeps peeking through the fictional space, only to be snatched away by the world-in-creation) with all its political demands, moral quandaries and the ethical demands placed on the characters as a consequence. Tallow is no longer the boy-making-candles of the first, but becomes Tarlo, the city’s most desired courtesan wrenched from her life in the Candlemakers Quartiere only to become tangled in the lust for power of the old-but-fallen-from-grace-and-power family Maleovelli as they set out to restore their place among the city’s nobility and power structure. Being in this position means that Tallow/Tarlo struggles with being alone, with having to make problematic alliances to survive in a hostile environment and with having to manage her position in society, the family, the household and to an extent the cosmos in ways that challenge her integrity, trust and well-being.
All the while there are global struggles going on as the Queen of Farrowfare (an unsettlingly Elizabethan – as in Tudor – Zaralina) uses her alliances with both supernatural forces and the material, temporal regimes of other states around the Marinquian Seas to unsettle La Serenissima from it dominant place of trade and commerce. As an aside, in doing so this geo-political narrative parallels the shifts in European economic and political power from the late 14th to late 15th centuries as Venetian and Genoan power abated as British and Dutch power grew, but that is my inner historian-geek appearing. These alliances rely cynically on a hunger of temporal power that is greater than religious differences, yet it is these religious differences that provide much of the underlying tension of the novel – between the monotheistic church of the Great Patriarch in Rome versus the old Serenissian polytheistic ways that Tallow/Tarlo represents, although Farrowfare seems polytheistic, not that that prevents an alliance the Ottomans, or the attempts of other forces whose role is supposed to be the protect the old ways to overcome them in the interests of their own material and temporal power.
It is a real strength of the series thus far (I am awaiting resolution in the recently published but not-yet-available-in-the-UK-as-far-as-I-can-see Illumination) is that these diverse plot forces and factors are woven together in a compelling manner where only we, the readers, seem to be aware of all but various of them intersect in ways that nudge the plot along while allowing it to seem to develop in its own way, just as the prophecy that all the big picture players seem concerned with should, according to some (who seem allied with Tallow’s best interests), be allowed to do. The really impressive thing though is that amid all the big picture politics of the story, the central characters keep our attention and it is their interests, desires, wishes and individual choices that provide the narrative drive. This is not my sub-genre of ‘alt-hist’ fiction (I’m much happier with the absurdities of steam-punk than the fantasy this is closer to) but this is really working for me and deserves a wide readership.
I need to confess, again, at this point – Karen Brooks is a dear friend of many years standing so venturing into print is, as is always the case with author-pals, risky. I feel less concern with Votive than I did with Tallow partly because I enjoyed the first book. In this, we are taken back to the rich and complex world of La Serenissima, the series’ version of Venice (a city that keeps peeking through the fictional space, only to be snatched away by the world-in-creation) with all its political demands, moral quandaries and the ethical demands placed on the characters as a consequence. Tallow is no longer the boy-making-candles of the first, but becomes Tarlo, the city’s most desired courtesan wrenched from her life in the Candlemakers Quartiere only to become tangled in the lust for power of the old-but-fallen-from-grace-and-power family Maleovelli as they set out to restore their place among the city’s nobility and power structure. Being in this position means that Tallow/Tarlo struggles with being alone, with having to make problematic alliances to survive in a hostile environment and with having to manage her position in society, the family, the household and to an extent the cosmos in ways that challenge her integrity, trust and well-being.
All the while there are global struggles going on as the Queen of Farrowfare (an unsettlingly Elizabethan – as in Tudor – Zaralina) uses her alliances with both supernatural forces and the material, temporal regimes of other states around the Marinquian Seas to unsettle La Serenissima from it dominant place of trade and commerce. As an aside, in doing so this geo-political narrative parallels the shifts in European economic and political power from the late 14th to late 15th centuries as Venetian and Genoan power abated as British and Dutch power grew, but that is my inner historian-geek appearing. These alliances rely cynically on a hunger of temporal power that is greater than religious differences, yet it is these religious differences that provide much of the underlying tension of the novel – between the monotheistic church of the Great Patriarch in Rome versus the old Serenissian polytheistic ways that Tallow/Tarlo represents, although Farrowfare seems polytheistic, not that that prevents an alliance the Ottomans, or the attempts of other forces whose role is supposed to be the protect the old ways to overcome them in the interests of their own material and temporal power.
It is a real strength of the series thus far (I am awaiting resolution in the recently published but not-yet-available-in-the-UK-as-far-as-I-can-see Illumination) is that these diverse plot forces and factors are woven together in a compelling manner where only we, the readers, seem to be aware of all but various of them intersect in ways that nudge the plot along while allowing it to seem to develop in its own way, just as the prophecy that all the big picture players seem concerned with should, according to some (who seem allied with Tallow’s best interests), be allowed to do. The really impressive thing though is that amid all the big picture politics of the story, the central characters keep our attention and it is their interests, desires, wishes and individual choices that provide the narrative drive. This is not my sub-genre of ‘alt-hist’ fiction (I’m much happier with the absurdities of steam-punk than the fantasy this is closer to) but this is really working for me and deserves a wide readership.
July 19, 2011
Compulsively readable second installment in Karen Brooks's Curse of the Bond Riders trilogy. The gentle candlemaker Tallow has been suborned by the corrupt Maleovellis and transformed into courtesan and assassin Tarlo. The machiavellian intrigues of this beautifully realised world have me on tenderhooks for the final installment. Bring on Illumination!
August 28, 2016
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind August 29, 2016:
This book was good when it focused on the characters I cared about. Unfortunately, it spent significant portions of time with characters I wasn’t interested in at all, which made for a very long book.
Adopted by the Maleovelis, Tallow is now in training to become the city’s most celebrated courtesan. Believing Dante to be dead and everyone else she loved lost, Tallow hardens her heart and does as they dictate. But various political factions are moving against one another, and all are on the hunt for an Estrattore, putting Tallow in more danger. Can she really continue to do what is asked of her?
A lot happens to Tallow in this book, and her character development followed a very good trajectory. There were a couple of events that took me by surprise at first, but actually made a lot of sense when I thought about it, and contributed to Tallow’s arc. I did feel that there wasn’t quite as much from Tallow’s first person POV as there might have been (Tallow often narrates the story, while the other POVs are in third person), and I was always glad when it finally did turn to this narration.
We also get to learn more about other characters such as Katina, and the politics of the Bond Riders’ community. Two other Bond Riders, Santo and Stephano, play a major role in this book, though unfortunately, they were two of the characters I really wasn’t interested in. Ditto Queen Zaralena and her emissary, Lord Waterford, who are plotting against Seranissima from afar. The Queen actually made me quite uncomfortable in a couple of scenes, which didn’t help.
The plot becomes a lot darker in this book, and there is also a lot more political intrigue. This may once again be a case of the print book being better to read than the audio book, as I would have been able to flip back and remind myself who was invading whom and how they were betraying each other if I was reading the book. I’m really not good at keeping track of these sorts of intrigues, and to be honest, at some point I started skipping through the scenes with Queen Zaralena or Lord Waterford, as I just wasn’t interested anymore. However, wanting to know what happened to Tallow, Katina and a few others is what kept me going, and why I didn’t give a lower rating.
This book was good when it focused on the characters I cared about. Unfortunately, it spent significant portions of time with characters I wasn’t interested in at all, which made for a very long book.
Adopted by the Maleovelis, Tallow is now in training to become the city’s most celebrated courtesan. Believing Dante to be dead and everyone else she loved lost, Tallow hardens her heart and does as they dictate. But various political factions are moving against one another, and all are on the hunt for an Estrattore, putting Tallow in more danger. Can she really continue to do what is asked of her?
A lot happens to Tallow in this book, and her character development followed a very good trajectory. There were a couple of events that took me by surprise at first, but actually made a lot of sense when I thought about it, and contributed to Tallow’s arc. I did feel that there wasn’t quite as much from Tallow’s first person POV as there might have been (Tallow often narrates the story, while the other POVs are in third person), and I was always glad when it finally did turn to this narration.
We also get to learn more about other characters such as Katina, and the politics of the Bond Riders’ community. Two other Bond Riders, Santo and Stephano, play a major role in this book, though unfortunately, they were two of the characters I really wasn’t interested in. Ditto Queen Zaralena and her emissary, Lord Waterford, who are plotting against Seranissima from afar. The Queen actually made me quite uncomfortable in a couple of scenes, which didn’t help.
The plot becomes a lot darker in this book, and there is also a lot more political intrigue. This may once again be a case of the print book being better to read than the audio book, as I would have been able to flip back and remind myself who was invading whom and how they were betraying each other if I was reading the book. I’m really not good at keeping track of these sorts of intrigues, and to be honest, at some point I started skipping through the scenes with Queen Zaralena or Lord Waterford, as I just wasn’t interested anymore. However, wanting to know what happened to Tallow, Katina and a few others is what kept me going, and why I didn’t give a lower rating.
October 13, 2011
A fantastic book! What I expected after I finished Tallow. Althought it makes me sad to see what Tallow has become, I'm also humbled when she finds Dante again. Thank god Dante survived!!! I'm soo happy and can't wait for the the third one. Bit of a dense read, but in a way thats good!
November 8, 2024
This is a complex story of love, felt deeply, and manipulation of Tallows talents.
Dante had been crushed under the Bond Riders Horses hooves. Tallow believed him dead when she fell into a gondola to make her escape.
The Maleovellis family take her in. They are devious and scheming. They needed her candle making skills infused with emotions to change their fortunes. The formerly elite family had lost their position in Serissema society. They wanted it back and would do whatever it took to achieve it.
Tallow had her name changed and was educated in the ways of a high class courtesan. Uncomfortable with the tasks given her, she felt there was no choice.
The Bond Riders had left her. Baroque was also under instructions to get her to make the candles that changed visitors from enemies to friends.
The dramatic final pages of this book were about the Bond Riders. The obligations they had how their allegiances could affect the future.
The language in this book is almost Italian. The glossary at the end of this episode, was welcome. I have read this series out of order and will need to read ‘Tallow’. Although much of her story is alluded to here.
Dante had been crushed under the Bond Riders Horses hooves. Tallow believed him dead when she fell into a gondola to make her escape.
The Maleovellis family take her in. They are devious and scheming. They needed her candle making skills infused with emotions to change their fortunes. The formerly elite family had lost their position in Serissema society. They wanted it back and would do whatever it took to achieve it.
Tallow had her name changed and was educated in the ways of a high class courtesan. Uncomfortable with the tasks given her, she felt there was no choice.
The Bond Riders had left her. Baroque was also under instructions to get her to make the candles that changed visitors from enemies to friends.
The dramatic final pages of this book were about the Bond Riders. The obligations they had how their allegiances could affect the future.
The language in this book is almost Italian. The glossary at the end of this episode, was welcome. I have read this series out of order and will need to read ‘Tallow’. Although much of her story is alluded to here.
August 31, 2017
Heartbroken, but hopeful... It was one of the most difficult books I ever had to read, but I am absolutely addicted. The narration is perfect, the overall story entrancing. No lower than a five stars book.
November 13, 2019
This bittersweet continuation of Tallow’s story is full of manipulation, blackmail, plotting and entrapment. Intriguingly sad reflection on the patterns of human nature. Hope, love and faith are strong undercurrents...all I need now is the next book!
July 23, 2020
4 stars
October 15, 2012
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Tarlo has given up candle-making in favour of being a courtesan. She's a courtesan with a difference though, and her candles still have a role to play. Masked, she is able to travel the high society of Serenissima without fear - but also without feeling. Why oh why had she ever gotten herself into this mess? Tarlo can trust even fewer people than before.
Most of this novel feels like the focus is actually away from Tarlo as she shuts herself off from the world after her brutal induction into the practices of a courtesan. Dante, Katina, Santo, the ambassator and others get a chance to speak up, and I think it adds depth to the novel that perhaps was more understated in the first book.
This novel could almost stand-alone from Tallow, although of course I would recommend reading both of them and in order. There is plenty of background information fed to the reader in a convincing way.
One of the few things that irked me about this novel was the front cover (see left). Tarlo's eyes are what distinguish her from ordinary people, and presumably that is her on the cover - but her eyes aren't silver pools! Also from the description after she alters her eyes, I still felt like they were a little more noticeable than they appear to be in this novel.
Compared to Tallow, this novel is filled with 'authentic' language. I didn't feel the need to consult the glossary at any point (although one is handily put in at the end of the novel) to decipher what the characters were saying, because the context almost always made it clear.
Having read a couple of shocking novels lately, and wondering why I didn't enjoy them, I tried to be really constructive and critical in the way I read this book. I think a distinguishing feature is that the descriptions of thigns don't seem forced - they are natural in the way that Tarlo and the other characters speek.
This novel is surprisingly depressing. I found myself very sad about what Tarlo found herself doing, and also the horrible things that happen to Dante and Katina. The injustices done to the housemaid also are quite horrifying. Don't let that put you off though, because there is always someone watching who might be able to make a difference in lives when you least expect it.
I sped my way through this novel, despite knowing that I couldn't read the last book until I went home for the weekend. The ending was really compelling, and I stayed up way past my bedtime to read it. It was utterly satisfying, and I even felt as if the ending was a good conclusion that wasn't too much of a cliffhanger (so waiting until the weekend to read Illumination wasn't complete torture!).
I'd recommend this novel for adults and teens. It's a fantastic, relatively easy read that any fantasy lover will enjoy. I think it is also a good novel for history lovers, and could appeal to a really wide range of readers (perhaps even romance readers??).
Tarlo has given up candle-making in favour of being a courtesan. She's a courtesan with a difference though, and her candles still have a role to play. Masked, she is able to travel the high society of Serenissima without fear - but also without feeling. Why oh why had she ever gotten herself into this mess? Tarlo can trust even fewer people than before.
Most of this novel feels like the focus is actually away from Tarlo as she shuts herself off from the world after her brutal induction into the practices of a courtesan. Dante, Katina, Santo, the ambassator and others get a chance to speak up, and I think it adds depth to the novel that perhaps was more understated in the first book.
This novel could almost stand-alone from Tallow, although of course I would recommend reading both of them and in order. There is plenty of background information fed to the reader in a convincing way.
One of the few things that irked me about this novel was the front cover (see left). Tarlo's eyes are what distinguish her from ordinary people, and presumably that is her on the cover - but her eyes aren't silver pools! Also from the description after she alters her eyes, I still felt like they were a little more noticeable than they appear to be in this novel.
Compared to Tallow, this novel is filled with 'authentic' language. I didn't feel the need to consult the glossary at any point (although one is handily put in at the end of the novel) to decipher what the characters were saying, because the context almost always made it clear.
Having read a couple of shocking novels lately, and wondering why I didn't enjoy them, I tried to be really constructive and critical in the way I read this book. I think a distinguishing feature is that the descriptions of thigns don't seem forced - they are natural in the way that Tarlo and the other characters speek.
This novel is surprisingly depressing. I found myself very sad about what Tarlo found herself doing, and also the horrible things that happen to Dante and Katina. The injustices done to the housemaid also are quite horrifying. Don't let that put you off though, because there is always someone watching who might be able to make a difference in lives when you least expect it.
I sped my way through this novel, despite knowing that I couldn't read the last book until I went home for the weekend. The ending was really compelling, and I stayed up way past my bedtime to read it. It was utterly satisfying, and I even felt as if the ending was a good conclusion that wasn't too much of a cliffhanger (so waiting until the weekend to read Illumination wasn't complete torture!).
I'd recommend this novel for adults and teens. It's a fantastic, relatively easy read that any fantasy lover will enjoy. I think it is also a good novel for history lovers, and could appeal to a really wide range of readers (perhaps even romance readers??).
November 11, 2012
This is the second book in the Curse of the Bond Riders series and it jumps straight in where Tallow left off. Once again, the setting for the most part is a fictional but very recognizable version of Venice, Serinissima. In the first book, Tallow was a young girl, who, disguised as a boy, is hidden by a family of candle makers. Tallow is an Estrattore, someone who can extract emotions from people, the reason why they are outlawed and despised. In the second installment, Tallow had been betrayed and lost her protectors. She is taken in by the ancient but impoverished Maleovelli family, who want to use Tallows talents to restore the family fortunes and have them rise all the way to the top of the political arena, whatever the cost. Coerced, Tallow becomes Tarlo, a courtesan with access to the highest levels of society and the toast of Serinissima. This time, we also see more of the mysterious bond riders, their purpose and way of life. Add to that murder, espionage, double dealing, divided loyalties, otherwordly creatures and a rather complex storyline, all of which makes for compulsive reading.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the last book, Illumination!
I'm very much looking forward to reading the last book, Illumination!
October 11, 2014
Review of Audible Audiobook.
Narrator Eloise Oxer does a fantastic job once again. She brought this long story to life with very good voices for the many different characters.
Continuing on from Tallow, this second part is quite a bit darker, more disturbing and adds far more politics into the storyline. Tallow learns a new way of life, believing Dante dead and she, left alone in the world joins with the Maleovellis. They promise to teach her many things and to bring back the Estrattore in exchange for her services imbuing candles with whatever they should need; calm, trust, loyalty, etc. and as a courtesan. A lot happens within, the story spins and twists and falls and rises with emotions. Intrigue, deceptions from all sides and in front and center is Tallow, now known as Tarlow. New characters are introduced and old ones reemerge, ones who are loveable and those I love to despise. I really liked the first part of this trilogy, this one... I liked, just not as much. I give this a good 3.5 stars.
Warning for those who are sensitive to the subject of rape.
Narrator Eloise Oxer does a fantastic job once again. She brought this long story to life with very good voices for the many different characters.
Continuing on from Tallow, this second part is quite a bit darker, more disturbing and adds far more politics into the storyline. Tallow learns a new way of life, believing Dante dead and she, left alone in the world joins with the Maleovellis. They promise to teach her many things and to bring back the Estrattore in exchange for her services imbuing candles with whatever they should need; calm, trust, loyalty, etc. and as a courtesan. A lot happens within, the story spins and twists and falls and rises with emotions. Intrigue, deceptions from all sides and in front and center is Tallow, now known as Tarlow. New characters are introduced and old ones reemerge, ones who are loveable and those I love to despise. I really liked the first part of this trilogy, this one... I liked, just not as much. I give this a good 3.5 stars.
Warning for those who are sensitive to the subject of rape.
November 26, 2013
I adored this story - it's part 2 of the series, 'The Curse of the Bond Riders', following the first book, TALLOW.
I was lucky to get hold of a copy before its release (thanks, Leonie Tyle!) and after having read 'Tallow' and enjoying every word of it, I had high hopes for 'Votive'.
The book lived up to my high hopes.
You do need to read Tallow before you read Votive though – well worth it as the world where Tallow lives is complicated and fascinating and her quest, intricate.
Karen Brooks is a brilliant writer - she excels at steering our emotions through this fascinating story as we cheer on Tallow and Dante, the love of her life, or wait with bated breath as evil looms. Her thorough research into the world Tallow inhabits brings alive Serenissima, the city of canals so like Renaissance Venice.
I can't wait for the third and final instalment, ILLUMINATION (altho I'll be very sad to finish the series.) sob sob
I was lucky to get hold of a copy before its release (thanks, Leonie Tyle!) and after having read 'Tallow' and enjoying every word of it, I had high hopes for 'Votive'.
The book lived up to my high hopes.
You do need to read Tallow before you read Votive though – well worth it as the world where Tallow lives is complicated and fascinating and her quest, intricate.
Karen Brooks is a brilliant writer - she excels at steering our emotions through this fascinating story as we cheer on Tallow and Dante, the love of her life, or wait with bated breath as evil looms. Her thorough research into the world Tallow inhabits brings alive Serenissima, the city of canals so like Renaissance Venice.
I can't wait for the third and final instalment, ILLUMINATION (altho I'll be very sad to finish the series.) sob sob
January 26, 2013
This was an excellent follow up to Tallow and you could see the talent this author has begin to really come to nfruition in this book. The world of the nobiles in a fantastical Venice, renamed to Serinissima is fascinating. The political maneuvers and scheming were all consuming. The complex plot and the originality of the Estrattore and the Limen were fabulous. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
As soon as I finished this book I downloaded Illumination. I have not been able to put that down either, until moments ago when it came to it's triumphant ending.
I recommend this book and the entire series. I cannot wait to see what Karen Brooks will bring us next!
As soon as I finished this book I downloaded Illumination. I have not been able to put that down either, until moments ago when it came to it's triumphant ending.
I recommend this book and the entire series. I cannot wait to see what Karen Brooks will bring us next!
January 22, 2013
I purchased this book because I won the third book in this trilogy from goodreads. If you want to enjoy a science fiction journey with both characters and a world which keeps you entranced, then you have found it here. The second book in the Trilogy introduces you to a formerly high class family which has fallen on very hard times and uses the main character to retrieve their former status and work toward even more. It continues to expose more of the outside forces in the world trying to get the main character for their own use. It keeps you anticipating even more. I was glad I won the third book because waiting to continue this story would have been painful.
October 10, 2014
I adored this book. It follows directly after where Tallow (Curse of the Bond Riders #1) left off. This story made me so sad at times reading what Tallow was going through and what she was forced to do and become.
The author is so descriptive with the setting which is one of the reasons this book is quite thick. I liked it as it helped set a picture for me, however, I can see it annoying others who may just want to get to the point of the story. I can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy.
If this site could give 1/2 stars I would rate it 4.5/5. As it can't I've given it 4/5.
The author is so descriptive with the setting which is one of the reasons this book is quite thick. I liked it as it helped set a picture for me, however, I can see it annoying others who may just want to get to the point of the story. I can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy.
If this site could give 1/2 stars I would rate it 4.5/5. As it can't I've given it 4/5.
August 10, 2018
This series is amazing, Karen is a gift, as is the woman who reads it, managing to have distinctly different voices for each character and narrative. It really is a wonder.
I was slightly upset to find (trigger warning) that there was a rape in this book, as I am trying so hard to not read such emotionally difficult books, and thought this would be simply a fun fantasy.
With this it starts delving further into the darkness the had been shown in parts. So it is relevant and well used.
The final chapter started to fall a little short of my expectations for Karen, I guess fight scenes are hard to narrate
I was slightly upset to find (trigger warning) that there was a rape in this book, as I am trying so hard to not read such emotionally difficult books, and thought this would be simply a fun fantasy.
With this it starts delving further into the darkness the had been shown in parts. So it is relevant and well used.
The final chapter started to fall a little short of my expectations for Karen, I guess fight scenes are hard to narrate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2011
This is an amazing read! Got hooked right from the start and picked up exactly the moment from where "Tallow" left us readers at.
The story arc continues and twists and turns dramatically! The same world with more added to it, the same writing style and the same, if not, better imagery which really inspires the senses. parts of the story not as predictable as parts of Tallow where you could see things happening later on and I liked that about this.
Can't wait for the third instalment!! It just seems to get better and better!!
The story arc continues and twists and turns dramatically! The same world with more added to it, the same writing style and the same, if not, better imagery which really inspires the senses. parts of the story not as predictable as parts of Tallow where you could see things happening later on and I liked that about this.
Can't wait for the third instalment!! It just seems to get better and better!!
February 28, 2012
Votive is a fine accomplishment by Karen Brooks. The protagonist (Tallow from the first book) was such a meek character I had difficulties in picturing how Brooks would convert her into a brazen courtesan. Brooks achieves this feat (and more!) with a deft and convincing touch, which left me eagerly anticipating the final instalment. The darker elements that are beginning to emerge in the story are well handed as well.
Recommended for those who like both 'high' fantasy and historically based novels.
Recommended for those who like both 'high' fantasy and historically based novels.
February 7, 2012
Took me a while to get into (long gap between reading Tallow and this one) but once in, I was hooked again. I'm looking forward to #3 already. Brooks has created a believable parallel world, with most of the action centred on her Venice-like Serenissima. Love and politics too - my favourite sort of fantasy.
July 12, 2014
Absolutely brilliant. 4.5 stars.
Votive's pace is a lot faster than Tallow and more gripping. In this novel it feels as though Brooks' writing has matured somewhat and she has found her rhythm. It is beautiful in its character development and plot weaving. There are many characters at work and plans in play. I can't wait to see what the last part of the story has in store.
Votive's pace is a lot faster than Tallow and more gripping. In this novel it feels as though Brooks' writing has matured somewhat and she has found her rhythm. It is beautiful in its character development and plot weaving. There are many characters at work and plans in play. I can't wait to see what the last part of the story has in store.
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December 20, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
May 26, 2012
Am really loving this series. I can almost smell the dirtier canals! Am finding the character's development across both books to be seamless and well written. Am holding off on starting the third book until I am on holidays and have nothing else to distract me!
June 6, 2014
Nooo! What about Tallow and Dante! Karen you better bring him back from the dead or else I will scream!
Eagerly awaiting for this second book!
Eagerly awaiting for this second book!
June 19, 2011
if you have not heard of or read these books you should!!! wonderful World she has created with Characters to fall in love with and share emotions with.... i totally loved it!!!
July 8, 2012
So much love for this series. Addicted from page 1!
September 12, 2011
on par with the first!
July 21, 2012
More wow. I am looking forward to continuing this series
August 12, 2012
Once I started it I could hardly put it down. Find it difficult to wait for the next book.
Want to read
September 13, 2012love the cover
January 9, 2013
omg. GREAT READ!! :D
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