Blood and Memory (The Quickening, #2) in Aussie Readers

Sep 18, 2011 Swiftsea rated it really liked it

If you've read the first book of the Quickening, Myrren's Gift, you would indefinitely proceed with reading Blood and Memory. The 2nd book of the Quickening definitely tests the capability of readers with withstanding the cruel tortures of innocents and near impression of the insignificance of human lives. Myrren's Gift was a chariot ride in comparison, with far less innocent deaths than in Blood and Memory; although most would already presume this was the case from the title of the novel. Fynch If you've read the first book of the Quickening, Myrren's Gift, you would indefinitely proceed with reading Blood and Memory. The 2nd book of the Quickening definitely tests the capability of readers with withstanding the cruel tortures of innocents and near impression of the insignificance of human lives. Myrren's Gift was a chariot ride in comparison, with far less innocent deaths than in Blood and Memory; although most would already presume this was the case from the title of the novel. Fynch and Knave (the awesome Scooby Doo pup)'s journey to find the manwitch holds itself independently throughout the whole novel, though they still remain intricately linked with this well-told tale. All I'm thankful for is that they remain the safest out of all the characters. Valentya is still in a much, I see no progress in her position against Celimus.

This novel felt like a polar circle.
When it feels as though things are about to turn up bright for a character, the path laid before it is pulled to misery and inevitably, death. If I've ever thought a character would survive through character development and build up of emotional experiences; oh boy, did Fiona Mcintosh prove me wrong. Efforts become equivalent to nothing. Even the poor child, Jhorn couldn't escape Celimus' wrath. Damn him.
To be honest, it felt like nothing really happens in this novel other than Wyl attaining a new admiring ally. This novel lifts your spirits and extinguishes it in the same manner. Just when you think new characters can finally get involved and cause an uprising against Celimus, they're eliminated. Easy enough.
The basic concept is: We'll try doing something --this leads to--> we die so nothing happens.

On the up side, I still enjoyed the novel.
The one star reduction is because none of the mercernaries have done a bloody thing or have even whipped out a blade to knock the brains out of Celimus! His character, as obvious as it can get, has shown no development. This is the same case for Cailech and Rashlyn. Gosh, if you all know your kingdoms are doomed, why not get rid of the problem already? I know he's royalty and you have to be wary but if the rumors have already been floating about, that king of yours is clearly the problem. Save us the torment of having Will, somehow adapting relatively well to his female bodies, run about searching for answers and tragically even killing one of the only people left of his bloodline. Why hasn't anyone been running about screaming, "Foul Play!" when it's clear you King has been conspiring amongst his own. In addition, when did mercenaries become so bloody loyal? I'm certain it's not just the pay. Another question, where are the royal guards? ...more

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Jul 10, 2008 Lindsay rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, z2006

An excellent follow up to Myrren's gift it introduces some wonderful new characters, while retaining the old ones and has some unexpected twists. ...more

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