Dagger and Scythe: The Ichorian Epics Book 2

by Emilie Knight

Dagger and Scythe spent good decade’s together, stalking human prey at night, and taking out the targets the god Maniodes deems worthy. With one hundred years under her belt, Scythe is comfortable in her ways, and takes incredible enjoyment of her skills. Dagger may be new to the undead order, but he’s relishing in the work. The two of them together set beautiful bonfires, with the occasional corpse inside that fire.

When they enjoy each other’s time a little too much, and an entire village burns down because of it, Maniodes becomes sick of their rogue behavior. Regular punishments haven’t worked on either of them, so he tries something marrying them to each other. To keep each other in line or they’ll both end up properly dead.

Both have grown tired of the god’s odd punishments and lazy control, taking over his throne and the land of the dead should fix things.    

 

Her scythe is perfectly curved for slicing.

His dagger, made of folded steel, is ready to strike.

But are they strong enough to take on gods?

Genres: Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

About the author

Emilie Knight is a writer, and author of her debut Era of Undying. After years of reading fantasy and horror she combines them together into her own dark fantasy writing. Using her BA in Classical Civilizations and fascination in Ancient Greek mythology she blends it well into her fiction. Other then reading in her spare time she plays video games quiet often.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

They aren’t your typical heroine and hero, not even sure you could find enough good in them to counteract the evil, but DAGGER AND SCYTHE became two of my favorite characters within only a chapter or two, thanks to the cleverly twisted imagination of Emilie Knight!

For decades, these two stalked humanity, bringing their kills to their master/god. It was not without attitude, defiance and a little rebellion, particularly on the part of Scythe, (love that woman), which is how they found themselves forced into a punishment that would last for eternity, marriage! Either they will toe the line or go down into the pits of true death.

Guess Maniodes never expected them to plan to take over his dead kingdom or to trick his mother into helping them…will they succeed? Do they have what it takes to outwit the gods? In a world where trust is practically non-existent, these two must learn to play nice together and trust in the unusual relationship and bond they have forged.

Paranormal romance, humor and suspense at its entertaining best! Dark, kind of creepy at times, but still, daring and different, DAGGER AND SCYTHE is a reader’s oasis in a world of cookie-cutter reads! Kind of quirky, kind of sassy, this one is a brilliant diamond in the treasure chest of books and Emilie Knight is a magician with her words. (And let’s not forget the “cutting edge” styles for the home!) Loved this one, the perfect escape!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Emilie Knight! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: The Ichorian Epics - Book 2
Publisher: Emilie Lassaline; 1 edition (October 1, 2019)
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews

Dagger and Scythe was dark fantasy that had a bit of romance, mythology and lots of gore. It revolved around Dagger and Scythe, main characters of the book married off with each other as punishment by God of Underworld and their uncomfortable married life filled with bloodlust and rebellion against God. It was about respecting humans, treating and leading those under your power with respect, loved, and friendship.

First the writing was good, fast paced, gripping and dark. Author didn’t hesitate in detailing the slaughter, butchery and human torture. I don’t usually wince on reading these much gore but I have to say Dagger and Scythe’s torture ideas sent chills through me, and they were not just ideas. I was horrid reading what they were doing to their subjects. I tell you, this is real disturbing, filled with blood and mutilation, and characters with questionable moral. If you can stomach that you would like it.

Though it is second in series, it can be read standalone. The writing was good, steady paced, gripping and dark. Author didn’t hesitate in detailing the slaughter, butchery and human torture. I don’t usually wince on reading these much gore but I have to say Dagger and Scythe’s torture ideas sent chills through me, and they were not just ideas. I was horrid reading what they were doing to their subjects. I tell you, this is real disturbing, filled with blood and mutilation, and characters with questionable moral. If you can stomach that you would like it.

World building was best. Whatever complain I had for the first book was settled in this. First books explored the land of livings while this explored land of dead in detail. Landscape of Skiachora, its inhabitants, palace of Maniodes, Nyx and her children, Incruetus Ferrum and their odd jobs and powers all were described flawlessly. I especially liked the legends around Nyx and her children, how she created them, their mistake and punishments that they still have to abide. Oh and Maniodes’ library was most marvelous. It would be among most fascinating libraries in fantasy world.

Dagger and Scythe were not really likable, not at least in the first half of the book. Both were dangerous, rebellious, violent and disrespectful of both their Gods and humans. Dagger was calm, little restrained, sensible and diplomatic while Scythe was reckless, extremely volatile and chaotic. Together they made deadly combination, so deadly that they burned whole village just for fun. That was what started the series of punishments, jobs testing their restrains and what they were learning from it.

It started with their first punishment by Maniodes– God of Underworld and Son of Nyx, Goddess of Death- who forced them to marry each other. That made them even more spiteful and rebellious against Maniodes. Maniodes was not that bad but treated all Incruentus Ferrum (other dead minions of Maniodes, like Scythe and Dagger, who did his bidding by killing people to restore order) lowly, never considered their wishes and feelings and disbanded some for their smallest mistake. Scythe and Dagger couldn’t take it anymore and decide to go against him, main plan was to overthrow him but this was God they were talking about. How would they go against Maniodes whose touch can kill their very essence and soul, they could lose their second lives and put all other ferrum in danger? And then Nyx had some plans for them too, were they in their favor or against them? Would she let them take over her son’s throne?

It was interesting to read their story. I had no idea how they were going to do it, what clue they will find or how they will execute the plan. Most fascinating was characters’ stories and their development, their growing relation with sentries and other Ferrums. No matter how unlikable and scary Dagger and Scythe were, once they started feeling the change in them, I ended up liking them both.

I was wondering why they were so cruel, violent and heartless, because they were all nice in the previous life and after what they have gone through they should have compassion, maybe not for all, but for someone who had similar life as theirs. I’m glad author covered that part in the book as well which was important, was in the center of character development.

Romance was also great. Both characters knew each other for long time, flirted even but marriage came with complex and confusing emotions in their friendship. They both felt emotions that they never experienced in ages- jealousy, lust, worry, love, protectiveness, fear of losing other. The relation that was forced on to them actually brought out best in them. They made perfect pair like yin and yang.

I liked how all events took place. Snooping and sneaking was exciting, it brought surprising twist. Climax was action packed, bitter, edgy, and uncertain. It was most interesting to read the next events. Lot of things happened and end was fair and as I expected. I knew in whose favor it would be as I have read first book. I wouldn’t want it in other way.

Overall, it was gripping, creepy, twisted and dark fantasy with elements of mythology, paranormal romance, and a good character development.

*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author for the copy. ***

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Review

A truly one of a kind, original and gritty dark fantasy novel. That’s the best way I can describe this novel, which took me as a reader on a roller coaster of emotions and thrills as the story followed two monstrous killers and made them into protagonists. The author did a marvelous job of playing with the reader’s feelings towards the characters. A balancing act between being disgusted by the character’s bloodlust and compassion for the circumstances that brought them there, the book takes a deep dive into exploring the minds and souls of Dagger and Scythe.

What was most interesting was seeing Dagger grasping onto the remains of his humanity, while Scythe fought the memories of her human life that clashed with her growing feelings for Scythe and her growing bloodlust. Combined with the amazing world building that went into the creation of this fantasy driven narrative, and readers are given a rare treat of a story that begins as a mission to take the power of a god and turns into a fight for the souls they once had.

The Verdict

One of the top Dark Fantasy novels of 2019, this is a book fans will not want to miss. Releasing on October 1st, 2019, this book is filled with action, dark fantasy characters with a tie into Ancient Greek mythology and a pair of protagonists that keep the readers in a balancing act of empathy and fear, challenging the reader to determine for themselves who the true monster of this story really is. With a splash of dark fantasy romance tying these protagonists together, this is a must read fantasy novel like no other, so be sure to pick up your copy of Dagger and Scythe, the second in the Ichorian Epics Series by Emilie Knight, today!

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark fantasy with humorous, romantic overtones. Dagger and Scythe face the ultimate punishment, marriage. Will they survive to take over their world or be sent on to a permanent death?

The author has built a credible world for her characters to play in.

If you have triggers for torture, death, or blood, this obviously is not the genre or book for you.

[Mina Vucicevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original rating: 3.5

Dagger and Scythe is not a regular good vs. evil fantasy story. Actually, most characters are kind of evil. On the one hand, we have Dagger and Scythe, ruthless killers who share the love of the macabre. One the other hand, there are the gods — powerful, fear-instilling creatures. Still, most of them are very likable and have well-developed backstories and traits. The only exception here is Maniodes, who’s a typical tyrant antagonist.

Personally, I liked that all the characters are morally grey. Still, I have to say that, for this very reason, this book is not for everyone. At times, both Dagger and Scythe are incredibly aggressive. So, if you don’t like reading bloody, violent scenes, you should pass on this novel.

The story is fast-paced, so it’s very easy to read. Still, at times, I fell that the plot is too rushed. Also, the style is pretty simple. However, it is still a gripping page-turner.

As for the world where the story is set, it is incredibly original. Well, at least as far as I can say. I don’t read fantasy that much, so maybe I’m wrong here. Still, I found it very interesting and it’s a shame that there isn’t more world-building.

As I’ve said, this novel is not for everyone. Still, if you like dark stories with violent characters and interesting new worlds, this novel might be a great pick for you.

* I want to thank Emilie Knight for contacting me and sending me a free copy of Dagger and Scythe in exchange for an honest review.

[Gordon Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this has to be the most unlikely love story in the history of the novel. The setup of the plot is that a certain god has a way to keep his humans in line; he has a coterie of undead assassins that go around committing random atrocities, thus frightening the faithful into submission.

Dagger and Scythe are two of the more fractious of these nightmares, and to force them into line the god decides to marry them to each other. In the iconoclastic style of this book, the marriage comes first and the love story happens after.

There is a great deal of creative description in this story, of settings, clothing, action, and gore. Although to be fair, the violence is hardly glorified, as the main characters begin to lose the thrill of their deeds.

To give an idea of the general tone, as a final good deed in the happily-ever-after, the two return a couple they had kidnapped, maimed, and tortured (in gory detail) to their home. With a sack of gold to make it all better. Gee, thanks.

The other fascinating thing about this novel is the style of the two main characters. In a stylized world of black-on-grey stereotypes, they are fully rounded, realistic characters, blazing out with colourful personalities. Like a couple of rather immature twenty-somethings, they act like teenagers and don’t understand why it isn’t working. It makes great romance.

This book could have been a total paean to pointless violence, except for the theme, which indicates that violence is wrong. Or maybe gratuitous violence is wrong. Or maybe only a little violence is okay, as long as you don’t enjoy it too much. Unfortunately, the weight of the scales tilts the characters far into the darker side of humanity.

Recommended for adults who understand the point of the story. To be kept away from younger minds who might enjoy the violence too much.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a very original dark romance fantasy story, I was truly surprised that it wasn't the typical good vs evil, this was definitely an evil dark side one and that made me love it. Dagger and Scythe are killers that after rebelling they find themselves in a punishment called marriage. The story is full of suspense, humor, action and romance. I found that the world building is great, I wish more into this world, the way Emilie Knight writes has fascinated me as she gets this story set out of the regular PNR fantasy box, there are things described that might be disturbing for some readers, like torture and mutilation, but overall please read this amazing story, I am so looking forward for more.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

Knight pens an interesting story in Dagger and Scythe. This is one of those dark fantasies that bring the reader in and let them try to figure out who is good and who may not be. The characters are also the title of the story, Dagger and Scythe, and unique characters they are indeed, havoc isn't even a strong enough word to describe what they do. It's a great story that is unpredictable in many ways. The reader goes on their journey, for good , for bad, while it looming in the background of what their punishment may be. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is definitely recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

[Lynelle Clark]

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I tried, got to 35% and stopped. This book is not for me.

[Aaron Morrsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the other books in the series that focus around Pen as the main character as I was really looking forward to getting into the prequel and finding out more about Dagger and Scythe and the mystery that surrounds them.
What I have come to love from Emilie Knights's book is that she focuses more on the storytelling and character growth than on a romance which for me just makes for a much better read.
Dagger and Scythe as a pair are fantastic, they complement each other very well and make for a great read reading about their journey.
I simply loved this and can't wait for more from the author.

[C.T. Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darker then her first book (Era of Undying). Funnier than her first, and I liked the first a lot.

Ms. Knight hit it with this one. Is follows two protagonists?...or are they antagonists? ...characters through their journey of marriage. This book is dark in all the right ways, funny at all the right palces. I liked the world building, but for me, it was more so the characters. She literally bounces us in the minds of both characters back and forth and it feels fluid. It was interested to read how she managed this both as a reader and author.