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Bloodline #2
Bloodline Rising
A story of loyalties tested, secrets exposed, and one boy’s search for identity amid the tangled political intrigue and deception of the Dark Ages.
A young thief known as "the Ghost" roams seventh-century Constantinople, tangling in political feuds and petty theft, using his eerie gifts of persuasion and stealth. With his father away at war and his mother devastated by his little sister’s death, Cai would rather be anywhere than at home. But when a rival ambushes and sells Cai as a slave, he begins to regret his choices. Aboard the slavers’ ship, Cai travels far from the warmth of Constantinople into his parents’ homeland — the forbidding land of Britain, where war is brewing between tribes. Bought by a clan head, Cai finds a new life as a tribal member, and using his uncanny talents, is put to work as a spy. The secrets he discovers, however, kindle doubt and disloyalty in his heart. Adrift in a society he still feels apart from, Cai seeks truth and revenge, throwing his life to the wind with startling results.
A young thief known as "the Ghost" roams seventh-century Constantinople, tangling in political feuds and petty theft, using his eerie gifts of persuasion and stealth. With his father away at war and his mother devastated by his little sister’s death, Cai would rather be anywhere than at home. But when a rival ambushes and sells Cai as a slave, he begins to regret his choices. Aboard the slavers’ ship, Cai travels far from the warmth of Constantinople into his parents’ homeland — the forbidding land of Britain, where war is brewing between tribes. Bought by a clan head, Cai finds a new life as a tribal member, and using his uncanny talents, is put to work as a spy. The secrets he discovers, however, kindle doubt and disloyalty in his heart. Adrift in a society he still feels apart from, Cai seeks truth and revenge, throwing his life to the wind with startling results.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
About the author
Katy Moran
18 books64 followersKaty Moran began writing BLOODLINE while she was still in college. A former children’s book editor, she now spends her days writing in her garden shed in London.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 25, 2011
Opening: "They are not quick enough to catch me. Jesu, but it's hot up here. A dusty heat haze hovers above the city, blurring the great dome of Santa Sofia. The sea beyond glitters like cloth-of-gold."
Though the setting (Constantinople) and a young thief and a familiar declaration (I can do anything) make a comparison to The Thief seem natural, I actually felt that Rosemary Sutcliff was a better way of thinking about this story. In fact, it reminded me quite a bit of Blood Feud, one of my favorites, except that the journey was reversed. Here Cai, a brilliant thief known as the Ghost, travels unwillingly from Constantinople to Britain. He finds himself caught in the middle of political tensions and rivalries which he doesn't quite understand. And he is forced to decide how he will use his enormous talents.
I really loved this book. As I said, the Rosemary Sutcliff comparison worked quite well for me, although it's certainly true that the more I think about it, the more little bits line up with Megan Whalen Turner. Cai is wild and hot-tempered and he has higher connections that it first appears. Nonetheless, I think MWT fans are likely to be disappointed if they go in thinking that this is going to be The Thief, because it's not.
That doesn't really matter, because this is an excellent book in its own right. The descriptions of Constantinople are beautiful, and I enjoyed the slow reveal of just how much Cai knows and who he is. Though he thinks of himself as lawless and hardened, the choices he make show again and again that he loves very deeply--his family, his friends, and his city.
For a time it looks like he's lost them all. It's at that point that he is taken to Britain, where he surrenders himself as a hostage to Wulfhere of Mercia. He has to invent himself all over again, after joining Wulfhere's household. There he has to once again choose who he will offer his loyalty to.
I loved the relationship between Cai and his father, which seemed like it was emotionally true. I was a little less convinced by his relationship with his sisters, who were never quite fleshed out for me. The friendships he makes in Wulfhere's court were also nicely depicted.
Cai is definitely in one of my favorite categories--the character who has great skills but who's just a little wounded. I found his journey touching and his choices, both good and bad, convincing. Though I'm a bit fonder of England than he is (heh), I also thought that his homesickness and struggle to survive in a strange society were well shown.
This is apparently a companion book to Bloodline, which I haven't read.
Book source: public library
Book information: Candlewick, 2011; upper mg/YA
Recommended by: Charlotte
Though the setting (Constantinople) and a young thief and a familiar declaration (I can do anything) make a comparison to The Thief seem natural, I actually felt that Rosemary Sutcliff was a better way of thinking about this story. In fact, it reminded me quite a bit of Blood Feud, one of my favorites, except that the journey was reversed. Here Cai, a brilliant thief known as the Ghost, travels unwillingly from Constantinople to Britain. He finds himself caught in the middle of political tensions and rivalries which he doesn't quite understand. And he is forced to decide how he will use his enormous talents.
I really loved this book. As I said, the Rosemary Sutcliff comparison worked quite well for me, although it's certainly true that the more I think about it, the more little bits line up with Megan Whalen Turner. Cai is wild and hot-tempered and he has higher connections that it first appears. Nonetheless, I think MWT fans are likely to be disappointed if they go in thinking that this is going to be The Thief, because it's not.
That doesn't really matter, because this is an excellent book in its own right. The descriptions of Constantinople are beautiful, and I enjoyed the slow reveal of just how much Cai knows and who he is. Though he thinks of himself as lawless and hardened, the choices he make show again and again that he loves very deeply--his family, his friends, and his city.
For a time it looks like he's lost them all. It's at that point that he is taken to Britain, where he surrenders himself as a hostage to Wulfhere of Mercia. He has to invent himself all over again, after joining Wulfhere's household. There he has to once again choose who he will offer his loyalty to.
I loved the relationship between Cai and his father, which seemed like it was emotionally true. I was a little less convinced by his relationship with his sisters, who were never quite fleshed out for me. The friendships he makes in Wulfhere's court were also nicely depicted.
Cai is definitely in one of my favorite categories--the character who has great skills but who's just a little wounded. I found his journey touching and his choices, both good and bad, convincing. Though I'm a bit fonder of England than he is (heh), I also thought that his homesickness and struggle to survive in a strange society were well shown.
This is apparently a companion book to Bloodline, which I haven't read.
Book source: public library
Book information: Candlewick, 2011; upper mg/YA
Recommended by: Charlotte
May 30, 2011
In this sequel, Bloodline's hero Essa has left Britain with Lark to settle in Constantinople and is now the father of 12-year-old Cai, named for Essa's father. Cai eschews the company of his family in favor of that of thieves and criminals; his penchant for thrills and his strange gift for moving about unseen and for influencing minds make him a master of the art. After he runs afoul of the wrong person, he is captured by slavers and ends up in Britain, land of his parents - who have never told him anything about their lives there.
Those who have read Bloodline will know about the complex and constantly shifting alliances, feuds, and battles among the many small kingdoms in 7th century Britain, and Cai becomes embroiled in them from the moment he is claimed by his father's old friend Wulf.
Much of the plot revolves around the enmity between various lords and kings, and I found it hard to keep track of it or even to care very much. Much more interesting are Cai's thoughts and feelings, such as his discombobulation at finding himself, after a hideous and harrowing journey on a slave ship, in a primitive land, where no one takes baths or knows how to read or write, where the streets are lined with mud instead of stone, and where everyone sleeps in one big room together like a bunch of puppies. Constantinople is a paradise of civilization in comparison.
Cai misses his intense but loving father intensely, who he believes is dead and through Cai's fault to boot, and he just can't trust the affable, larger-than-life Wulf, whose motives don't always seem clear-cut. Distrustful and fierce, Cai can't let his defenses down and so ends up being his own worst enemy.
I must say that I miss Essa myself, and would have been more than content to read about his (not exactly uneventful) life in Constantinople, with his naughty son Cai being only a peripheral character. It's not that Cai is uninteresting, but I didn't ever completely cotton to him. The potential was there, but his friendships with Edge and Cerny are not quite developed enough, and he just lacks a certain depth of character. The short segment involving his journey aboard the slaver and the cook who befriends him stands out as the most vibrant part of the book.
Not that this isn't worth reading - it is. It just didn't captivate me to the same extent that Bloodline (and young Essa) did. If you loved Bloodline, give this one a try. And if you didn't haven't read Bloodline, get thee to a library!
Those who have read Bloodline will know about the complex and constantly shifting alliances, feuds, and battles among the many small kingdoms in 7th century Britain, and Cai becomes embroiled in them from the moment he is claimed by his father's old friend Wulf.
Much of the plot revolves around the enmity between various lords and kings, and I found it hard to keep track of it or even to care very much. Much more interesting are Cai's thoughts and feelings, such as his discombobulation at finding himself, after a hideous and harrowing journey on a slave ship, in a primitive land, where no one takes baths or knows how to read or write, where the streets are lined with mud instead of stone, and where everyone sleeps in one big room together like a bunch of puppies. Constantinople is a paradise of civilization in comparison.
Cai misses his intense but loving father intensely, who he believes is dead and through Cai's fault to boot, and he just can't trust the affable, larger-than-life Wulf, whose motives don't always seem clear-cut. Distrustful and fierce, Cai can't let his defenses down and so ends up being his own worst enemy.
I must say that I miss Essa myself, and would have been more than content to read about his (not exactly uneventful) life in Constantinople, with his naughty son Cai being only a peripheral character. It's not that Cai is uninteresting, but I didn't ever completely cotton to him. The potential was there, but his friendships with Edge and Cerny are not quite developed enough, and he just lacks a certain depth of character. The short segment involving his journey aboard the slaver and the cook who befriends him stands out as the most vibrant part of the book.
Not that this isn't worth reading - it is. It just didn't captivate me to the same extent that Bloodline (and young Essa) did. If you loved Bloodline, give this one a try. And if you didn't haven't read Bloodline, get thee to a library!
November 19, 2012
Thoughts on the Overall Book: I loved "Bloodline" which I actually ended up doing a faith buy on (which I ended up being glad I did) but "Bloodline Rising" I think was even better. I mean, seriously, it has every theme I absolutely love in it! Celtic Britain, thieves, the Middle East, plus a lovely father-son relationship and lots of brotherly relationships too. Just simply a wonderful book!
Cover--Yae or Nay: I really like the covers for these books because I love silhouettes and you can tell it's going to be set in Constantinople or someplace like that. Even if I had no prior knowledge of these books, this would have caught my eye.
Characters: I love Cai because, number one, he's a flawed character, thus making him realistic, but yet, he really does want to do the right thing. Of course, he's Essa's son (Essa being the character in "Bloodline") and I actually love how Essa never told him about his past. Their father-son relationship was so good because it was dynamic, and, again, realistic. I also loved seeing other characters from the previous book like Wulf (who was a favorite of mine) and also how his son became good friends with Cai; Cenry and Edge were great characters as well. I also loved the Emperor of Thieves. There were also a lot of good secondary characters.
Writing Style: While "Bloodline" was written in third person one perspective, "Bloodline Rising" was first person from Cai's point of view. I normally don't like books written in the present tense, but seriously, in this one, it took me several pages to realize that and it was not distracting at all. Sometimes present tense can be a little vague, but this book I hardly noticed it, and I think it actually added to the story.
Problems/What bothered me: Truthfully, I had no problems with this book.
Conclusion: 5 stars! I loved this book. It was just really, really good!
Recommended Audience: People who enjoyed "Bloodline" should definitely read this one. I really don't even think it's necessary to read them in that order; you could actually read "Bloodline" as a prequel later, if you wished. Rosemary Sutcliff fans would also like these books. A guy and girl read, probably thirteen and up.
Cover--Yae or Nay: I really like the covers for these books because I love silhouettes and you can tell it's going to be set in Constantinople or someplace like that. Even if I had no prior knowledge of these books, this would have caught my eye.
Characters: I love Cai because, number one, he's a flawed character, thus making him realistic, but yet, he really does want to do the right thing. Of course, he's Essa's son (Essa being the character in "Bloodline") and I actually love how Essa never told him about his past. Their father-son relationship was so good because it was dynamic, and, again, realistic. I also loved seeing other characters from the previous book like Wulf (who was a favorite of mine) and also how his son became good friends with Cai; Cenry and Edge were great characters as well. I also loved the Emperor of Thieves. There were also a lot of good secondary characters.
Writing Style: While "Bloodline" was written in third person one perspective, "Bloodline Rising" was first person from Cai's point of view. I normally don't like books written in the present tense, but seriously, in this one, it took me several pages to realize that and it was not distracting at all. Sometimes present tense can be a little vague, but this book I hardly noticed it, and I think it actually added to the story.
Problems/What bothered me: Truthfully, I had no problems with this book.
Conclusion: 5 stars! I loved this book. It was just really, really good!
Recommended Audience: People who enjoyed "Bloodline" should definitely read this one. I really don't even think it's necessary to read them in that order; you could actually read "Bloodline" as a prequel later, if you wished. Rosemary Sutcliff fans would also like these books. A guy and girl read, probably thirteen and up.
November 8, 2011
In this companion novel to "Bloodline," readers are introduced to Cai (the son of Essa, also known as Tasik) who is the trickiest street thief in 17th century Constantinople. Cai’s magical ability to make himself invisible is partly why he is so successful as a thief, but he has enemies everywhere, and one day he is ambushed and sold into slavery. Cai travels for months in horrible conditions onboard a trading ship and ends up in his parents’ homeland of Britain. Held hostage by one of his father’s political rivals, Wulfhere of Mercia, Cai is haunted by the knowledge that his entire family was probably killed because of him, and frustrated by his lack of knowledge of why his family fled Britain many years ago. When a battle erupts between Mercia and the High King, Cai realizes that appearances—and people—are not always what they seem to be.
I had not read "Bloodline" before reading this companion novel, and while it was not necessary to follow the plot, it would probably have helped to understand who many of the characters were. It seems as though there will probably be another book after this one, based on the exciting ending, so it is possible that all of the loose ends will be tied up and all questions answered. This novel is action-packed, and Cai is a sympathetic character—in spite of his many bad decisions. Recommended for grades 8-12.
I had not read "Bloodline" before reading this companion novel, and while it was not necessary to follow the plot, it would probably have helped to understand who many of the characters were. It seems as though there will probably be another book after this one, based on the exciting ending, so it is possible that all of the loose ends will be tied up and all questions answered. This novel is action-packed, and Cai is a sympathetic character—in spite of his many bad decisions. Recommended for grades 8-12.
October 20, 2012
This is a slightly odd, but very enjoyable book. The plot is wide ranging and episodic. It was so well written that didn't bother me at all, but I can imagine it being hard to sell!
I enjoyed Bloodline (the first book in the sequence) very much. It's some years since I read it, but I don't remember there being such an overt supernatural element (probably just my shoddy memory!) So I was kind of surprised by all the magical doings in this.
The prose is lovely, and the historical detail grubby and convincing.
My main quibble is with the blurb on the back of the book - which gives away things which don't happen til 100 and even 200 pages through the story! Seems a bit careless - but then, the plot is so meandery and episodic that I don't know what else you could put on the back to give a true impression of the story.
(I also have a slight problem with the title. 'Rising' seems to be one of those words that doesn't really mean anything, but people stick it on the end of a title to make it sound more portentous... Maybe I'm just prejudiced cuz I had the misfortune a couple of years ago to watch Valhalla Rising, quite possibly the worst, most pretentious and boring film every made!)
In any case, I will look out for other books by the author, as I think her style and ideas are excellent.
I enjoyed Bloodline (the first book in the sequence) very much. It's some years since I read it, but I don't remember there being such an overt supernatural element (probably just my shoddy memory!) So I was kind of surprised by all the magical doings in this.
The prose is lovely, and the historical detail grubby and convincing.
My main quibble is with the blurb on the back of the book - which gives away things which don't happen til 100 and even 200 pages through the story! Seems a bit careless - but then, the plot is so meandery and episodic that I don't know what else you could put on the back to give a true impression of the story.
(I also have a slight problem with the title. 'Rising' seems to be one of those words that doesn't really mean anything, but people stick it on the end of a title to make it sound more portentous... Maybe I'm just prejudiced cuz I had the misfortune a couple of years ago to watch Valhalla Rising, quite possibly the worst, most pretentious and boring film every made!)
In any case, I will look out for other books by the author, as I think her style and ideas are excellent.
November 18, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Cai can blend in anywhere - making him the perfect thief. He's known as the Ghost. He moves through the shadows and has amazing balance. He gives his loyalty to the King of Thieves, hoping one day to rule his world.
Now, his King gives him an impossible task. Cai does his best to retrieve the information requested. However, he hears more than he's supposed to. This information concerns his family, and he races back towards them.
In Cai's line of work, there's always a rival wanting to take you down. It happens at the worst possible time for Cai, and before he can figure out what's happening, his world goes black. When he awakes, he finds himself on a ship. He's headed to the very place from which his parents fled. Cai knows that he can't go back home, but he has to create the best future for himself.
Could the people his parents fled from be part of his future?
This companion novel to BLOODLINE takes place twelve years after that first title. Cai's strong, bold, determined, stubborn, and impulsive. He has a unique sense of honor and loyalty. I loved the time period and the historical aspects of BLOODLINE RISING, but I couldn't quite connect with Cai in this story, which slightly lowered my enjoyment.
Cai can blend in anywhere - making him the perfect thief. He's known as the Ghost. He moves through the shadows and has amazing balance. He gives his loyalty to the King of Thieves, hoping one day to rule his world.
Now, his King gives him an impossible task. Cai does his best to retrieve the information requested. However, he hears more than he's supposed to. This information concerns his family, and he races back towards them.
In Cai's line of work, there's always a rival wanting to take you down. It happens at the worst possible time for Cai, and before he can figure out what's happening, his world goes black. When he awakes, he finds himself on a ship. He's headed to the very place from which his parents fled. Cai knows that he can't go back home, but he has to create the best future for himself.
Could the people his parents fled from be part of his future?
This companion novel to BLOODLINE takes place twelve years after that first title. Cai's strong, bold, determined, stubborn, and impulsive. He has a unique sense of honor and loyalty. I loved the time period and the historical aspects of BLOODLINE RISING, but I couldn't quite connect with Cai in this story, which slightly lowered my enjoyment.
January 30, 2016
back with the second book and the son of Essa, named after his father Cai,
but this one was way better, I enjoyed it more,and didn't bore me the least.
this time the book focus mainly on Cai, and how is was back to the lands of his father because fate decided him to, part one was fresh new and very entertaining and you cant but keep reading, you will like Cai's wit and cleverness, and how he became the "Ghost" and the thief of Constantinople .
a little after the second half you will be back to the lands and the atmosphere of book 1, yet it is more steadier in events, and as if not 13 years passed since Essa left the land of his ancestors.
Cai's adventure is cruel and harsh but it will put a smile on your face by its end, I truly enjoyed this one.
but this one was way better, I enjoyed it more,and didn't bore me the least.
this time the book focus mainly on Cai, and how is was back to the lands of his father because fate decided him to, part one was fresh new and very entertaining and you cant but keep reading, you will like Cai's wit and cleverness, and how he became the "Ghost" and the thief of Constantinople .
a little after the second half you will be back to the lands and the atmosphere of book 1, yet it is more steadier in events, and as if not 13 years passed since Essa left the land of his ancestors.
Cai's adventure is cruel and harsh but it will put a smile on your face by its end, I truly enjoyed this one.
June 26, 2012
As this book opens, Essa and Lark are about to have their first child and arrive in Constantinople, unable to go back to their old lives in England. Moran fast forwards a dozen years or so, and we meet the Ghost, a young thief with an amazing ability to persuade, to go unnoticed, and therefore to steal and spy for the lord of the Underworld, the crime network in the city. Slowly his connection to Essa is revealed, and the reason for his choice of activity. And he has no idea how far he will travel, or where fate will lead him, in the coming times. Another beautifully written novel in the continuation of this compelling story.
July 17, 2012
I love this book. It starts out in Constantinople in the time before Rome fell, and wastes no time in shipping you all the way across the Mediterranean Sea and up the Western edge of Europe to the ancient land that is now known as Great Britain. Its about a young boy--a thief--known as the Ghost who goes all the way back to the land of his ancestors (though not by choice) and discovers where he really came from, and his place in the world. Its about growing up, about a cunning young boy becoming a man in a rough and mysterious place full of adventure and secrets. He discovers his roots and therefore himself.
November 10, 2011
This second novel attempts to bring about the back story of the ghost, the best thief in constantinople The first half is fantastic with roof top chases and then the ghost is sent to England where he is accidentally reunited with his family. This half was really slow and for me confusing as I couldn't really see the point. Part of this was my fault as I was using this as a in the car book meaning I would some here and there whenever I had time. I think I did it a deservice
July 23, 2012
Yeah... this book had the same faults as the first.
I suppose the main thing was the random main character magic. WHY does Cai have the ability to become invisible?? It never gives any explanation, reasonable or otherwise. It's just... there. And again, he thinks his father (Essa) is dead FOR NO REASON EXCEPT THAT HE HASN'T SEEN HIM ALIVE. I also think the author wanted me to believe that Essa was dead, but... I was never convinced. At all. Maybe I'm just a skeptic.
I suppose the main thing was the random main character magic. WHY does Cai have the ability to become invisible?? It never gives any explanation, reasonable or otherwise. It's just... there. And again, he thinks his father (Essa) is dead FOR NO REASON EXCEPT THAT HE HASN'T SEEN HIM ALIVE. I also think the author wanted me to believe that Essa was dead, but... I was never convinced. At all. Maybe I'm just a skeptic.
July 18, 2011
Though not as its companion novel Bloodline, this book does a good job at carrying a story and its characters forward, closer to an ending. This is about Essa's son Cai and the journey he makes from the only home he has known to the home of his ancestors. I love the history of these books and I look forward to another title - there has to be one!
September 16, 2015
The story starts out in the ancient city of Constantinople, and is narrated by a skilled young thief named Ghost.
Ghost is similar to Charles Dickens's: Artful Dodger. Ghost is crafty and selfish. He also has a great distain for authority.
Ghost is similar to Charles Dickens's: Artful Dodger. Ghost is crafty and selfish. He also has a great distain for authority.
April 19, 2011
It was amazing. The ending was perfect, the whole book builds up, and the finale just feels right. I love the main character and his father, and their relationship.
March 25, 2014
Borrowed second Blloodline book from teenage son. Another enjoyable read
June 14, 2014
A fascinating and wonderful discovery.
November 9, 2016
Plot is not as linear or distinct as I prefer, but still an interesting representation of a time-period not well represented in YA literature. At least, not to my limited knowledge.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews