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amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Oh these books!! They're so good! I completely adored THE GRIM COMPANY, and the sequel amplifies everything I loved about it: the action, the characters, the mythology, the drama and surprises, and... Oh, I could go on and on but I'd be here forever! The story was far darker and brought us more insight into Kayne's past, which I loved, and made him a much more complex character. It definitely wasn't all sunshine and roses, I'll say that much. Cole and Sasha's stories definitely carried them to dark places and challenged them to become stronger people ( I hope!). I honestly can't get enough of these characters and the intense battle scenes. The story is so fantastically woven and expertly constructed that I can't help but crave more. I was actually a little sad when it all ended, even though I know there is another book that will *hopefully* wrap everything up and not leave me biting my nails. Actually, considering all the little cliffhangers and possibilities, I'm sure my nails will vanish as soon as I start the third book. Seriously, fantasy fans NEED this book!
joeri81's review
4.0
After a decent start in the first book I surely wanted to continue this series. And good that I did as the second book surpases the first one. It goes further on the strong points of the first and improves on others.
One of these strong points in the previous book were the characters. In the sequel we have again multiple POV's alternating between chapters. As the title of this book is 'Sword of the North' it's only normal that a lot of the story is focused on Brodar Kayne, he being the Sword of the North. On the one hand we follow his path from the south to the north with his companion the Wolf. Their goal is to find Brodar Kayne’s wife, who they learned is still alive. On the other hand there's also after each 4-5 chapters a full chapter focusing on the history of Bordar Kayne; his growth as a warrior, how he became the Sword of the North and what finally became his downfall in the eyes of the Shaman. I thought this was a nice addition to the way Luke Scull has written this second book and another proof of his improvement in his writing.
The story in the North itself, more specifically of the northmen, will be followed from the viewpoint of Yllandris. She already had some screentime in the first book, and her role gets even more important in this book.
Another returning POV is Davarus Cole, the little brat who thought too much about himself in the first novel. As we could have expected he survived the back stabbing attack on his life. New events in this second book will teach him some valuable lessons, lessons that will humble him. He’ll have to deal with a lot of drawbacks and some special new abilities. All in all a great and believable character development.
Other returning characters are the Halfmage and Sasha. While they start in the same city, their paths will quickly diverge. The Halfmage will remain in Dorminia while Sasha will travel to Thelassa to warn the White Lady of a great threat on behalf of the Halfmage, a threat so great all of humankind is in danger.
Besides these recurring characters we also have a new POV character in the north: Sir Meredith. A knight from Tarbonne, a cruel man with a twisted view on knighthood.
All of these characters are fun and interesting to read about and their development remains believable as well. But the book has a lot more going for it besides this. It has a lot of action, battles and magic, Blood and gore, ... and as the writing has improved I can only say that this second books is even better than the first.
Conclusion:
A really good read, I loved it from start to finish. It also ends on a high note and with the open theads remaining, the final book still promises some good stuff.
Rating: 8,3/10
One of these strong points in the previous book were the characters. In the sequel we have again multiple POV's alternating between chapters. As the title of this book is 'Sword of the North' it's only normal that a lot of the story is focused on Brodar Kayne, he being the Sword of the North. On the one hand we follow his path from the south to the north with his companion the Wolf. Their goal is to find Brodar Kayne’s wife, who they learned is still alive. On the other hand there's also after each 4-5 chapters a full chapter focusing on the history of Bordar Kayne; his growth as a warrior, how he became the Sword of the North and what finally became his downfall in the eyes of the Shaman. I thought this was a nice addition to the way Luke Scull has written this second book and another proof of his improvement in his writing.
The story in the North itself, more specifically of the northmen, will be followed from the viewpoint of Yllandris. She already had some screentime in the first book, and her role gets even more important in this book.
Another returning POV is Davarus Cole, the little brat who thought too much about himself in the first novel. As we could have expected he survived the back stabbing attack on his life. New events in this second book will teach him some valuable lessons, lessons that will humble him. He’ll have to deal with a lot of drawbacks and some special new abilities. All in all a great and believable character development.
Other returning characters are the Halfmage and Sasha. While they start in the same city, their paths will quickly diverge. The Halfmage will remain in Dorminia while Sasha will travel to Thelassa to warn the White Lady of a great threat on behalf of the Halfmage, a threat so great all of humankind is in danger.
Besides these recurring characters we also have a new POV character in the north: Sir Meredith. A knight from Tarbonne, a cruel man with a twisted view on knighthood.
All of these characters are fun and interesting to read about and their development remains believable as well. But the book has a lot more going for it besides this. It has a lot of action, battles and magic, Blood and gore, ... and as the writing has improved I can only say that this second books is even better than the first.
Conclusion:
A really good read, I loved it from start to finish. It also ends on a high note and with the open theads remaining, the final book still promises some good stuff.
Rating: 8,3/10
shane_tiernan's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Didn't like this one as much as the first one, but it was still fun.
That was test. Grimdark it's not supposed to be fun, so if you thought it was "cool" that it was fun, YOU FAILED! It was dark and bloody and... dark ... and stuff. Really though, I dig the horrific aspects and there are some memorable original characters. Last time it was Cole who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a hero, this time it was Sir Meredith who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a villain. The good guys suffer a LOT in this one and it doesn't get a little depressing because they win so rarely.
This book ends with the Four Kingdoms in trouble from multiple angles, so I'm definitely curious about what happens next and will be checking out the 3rd book.
That was test. Grimdark it's not supposed to be fun, so if you thought it was "cool" that it was fun, YOU FAILED! It was dark and bloody and... dark ... and stuff. Really though, I dig the horrific aspects and there are some memorable original characters. Last time it was Cole who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a hero, this time it was Sir Meredith who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a villain. The good guys suffer a LOT in this one and it doesn't get a little depressing because they win so rarely.
This book ends with the Four Kingdoms in trouble from multiple angles, so I'm definitely curious about what happens next and will be checking out the 3rd book.
ghostmuppet's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good sequel, but not great. Now, this may be due to some of the plot lines going into the third book, but i was disappointed with some of the smaller plot lines.
For instance, Grunt. From what i can tell, there was NO point to that at all. The ninja woman as well (can not remember the name) - comes to the story, does some kung fu stuff, then has to leave. These come across as just padding.
Kane is great. Shame the whole book could not be about him only (and Wolf - fantastic).
Cole is becoming an interesting character, and i am eager to see where he ends up.
Sasha, not too interesting this book - maybe next.
Highlight, the Ironman. Loved the inner turmoil this character had, with the sudden outbursts of his contempt for people. Yes, he was a grade a cock, but i loved listening to what this character was up to. A little disappointing at the end of the book - wanted a little more, but there you have it.
A good series, but nothing outstanding for me. Maybe the next book will up this series to a 4* (as it is currently at a 3.5*).
For instance, Grunt. From what i can tell, there was NO point to that at all. The ninja woman as well (can not remember the name) - comes to the story, does some kung fu stuff, then has to leave. These come across as just padding.
Kane is great. Shame the whole book could not be about him only (and Wolf - fantastic).
Cole is becoming an interesting character, and i am eager to see where he ends up.
Sasha, not too interesting this book - maybe next.
Highlight, the Ironman. Loved the inner turmoil this character had, with the sudden outbursts of his contempt for people. Yes, he was a grade a cock, but i loved listening to what this character was up to. A little disappointing at the end of the book - wanted a little more, but there you have it.
A good series, but nothing outstanding for me. Maybe the next book will up this series to a 4* (as it is currently at a 3.5*).
sscoltock's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic book, great continuation of the series ....looking forward to the next
Loved everything apart from the Ghostbusters joke...that was terrible :P
Loved everything apart from the Ghostbusters joke...that was terrible :P
beau_kemp's review against another edition
4.0
A fine middle book. The story continues nicely and there's plenty of action. I loved the flashback chapters to Kayne's earlier days. I felt like some characters and/or scenes were put in a little bit clumsily as if at the last minute, but overall the good far outweighs the bad. Seriously, I'm nit-picking over things. If you're on the fence about this one after reading The Grim Company, don't hesitate. This one is well worth the read. On to Dead Man's Steel!
vaderbird's review against another edition
4.0
When is book 3. It is that simple I could not put the book down.
grmatthews's review
4.0
A good follow up, but so, so depressing... everything is dark, so very dark. No main character or subsidiary character is safe and that gets a little wearing at time - oh look another characters is dead. BUT, it reads well, it has some really exciting scenes and the action is well done.
I am left though thoroughly wishing the mysterious invaders utterly wipe out every trace of humanity - if the people in this book are true representations of humanity, we're doomed and rightly so.
I am left though thoroughly wishing the mysterious invaders utterly wipe out every trace of humanity - if the people in this book are true representations of humanity, we're doomed and rightly so.
murcatto's review
4.0
Man, this really is pure grimdark. For someone who tends to care more about the secondary characters than the main characters this book was heart-wrenching at times.
It does suffer from the middle book syndrome, not having a real ending and things trudging along at times, but the addition of some new highly interesting characters really made up for that.
The one character who I just don't enjoy at all is Sasha and I don't really see why she is a viewpoint character in the book at all, as she has no real relevance or impact on what happens in the story.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.
It does suffer from the middle book syndrome, not having a real ending and things trudging along at times, but the addition of some new highly interesting characters really made up for that.
The one character who I just don't enjoy at all is Sasha and I don't really see why she is a viewpoint character in the book at all, as she has no real relevance or impact on what happens in the story.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.