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sammybunny711's review
5.0
Tears. Omg. I loved this so so much. Having Nathaniel's POV gave me LIFE and watered my crops. I am so happy with every single thing about this book and I need the next one like RIGHT NOW. Thank you, HL Moore for such a triumph.
mariereads_books's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
aligroen's review
4.0
I love how in depth this world is that the author had created. I just wish I had had time to reread the first book because I think it would have helped me jump into this book better.
The romance between Doran and Nathaniel is still not a priority in this story, though by the end the events in this story bring them closer together. There were so many twists and turns you have no idea who is lying or telling the truth. It was nice to see that Doran is slowly rebuilding a relationship with his daughter. Both of these men really end up doing some self-exploration to see where they really want to end up. I really look forward to the next book to see how it continues to playout.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
The romance between Doran and Nathaniel is still not a priority in this story, though by the end the events in this story bring them closer together. There were so many twists and turns you have no idea who is lying or telling the truth. It was nice to see that Doran is slowly rebuilding a relationship with his daughter. Both of these men really end up doing some self-exploration to see where they really want to end up. I really look forward to the next book to see how it continues to playout.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
thetamehistorian's review
4.0
(extremely minor spoilers below, mentions of a character's development)
4.5 stars.
This is an excellent sequel to Heart of Dust. Although the plot is, shall we say, less immediate than in the previous book, it is no less appealing. H.L. Moore instead presents a masterclass in building tension with a building mystery, just the smallest hints that something is wrong, and the scattered clues throughout the novel are very rewarding to spot (and some I only spotted on second reading). There are more plot threads this time, which adds to the intrigue and complexity of the world, though all are rewarding in their own way, and come together neatly for the end.
At the heart of this book, as always, is the relationship between Nathaniel and Doran and it is beautifully and realistically written considering the events of the previous book and the attempts of both characters to accept and move on from what happened. Nathaniel's journey was especially compelling, a mixture of atonement, denial, and hope (at times, frustratingly so, I love him but he's an idiot sometimes). To my surprise though, the stand out for me was the interactions between Tsa Lien and Nathaniel, which were handled extremely well in relation to the character's respective histories.
Gerald remains a delight.
My only complaint, and it is a small one at best, was that it took some time to get my head around the place names and geography of the world this book is set in, as a lot more are dropped in and discussed in detail - though the notes at the end were appreciated. Perhaps, in the next book, a map could be included to help with this? (I do love a good map).
Otherwise, I'm looking forward to the next one!
As a side note: I once again read this book in one sitting, to the horror and awe of my SO who frequently checked in and couldn't believe I was STILL reading it. I couldn't put it down.
4.5 stars.
This is an excellent sequel to Heart of Dust. Although the plot is, shall we say, less immediate than in the previous book, it is no less appealing. H.L. Moore instead presents a masterclass in building tension with a building mystery, just the smallest hints that something is wrong, and the scattered clues throughout the novel are very rewarding to spot (and some I only spotted on second reading). There are more plot threads this time, which adds to the intrigue and complexity of the world, though all are rewarding in their own way, and come together neatly for the end.
At the heart of this book, as always, is the relationship between Nathaniel and Doran and it is beautifully and realistically written considering the events of the previous book and the attempts of both characters to accept and move on from what happened. Nathaniel's journey was especially compelling, a mixture of atonement, denial, and hope (at times, frustratingly so, I love him but he's an idiot sometimes). To my surprise though, the stand out for me was the interactions between Tsa Lien and Nathaniel, which were handled extremely well in relation to the character's respective histories.
Gerald remains a delight.
My only complaint, and it is a small one at best, was that it took some time to get my head around the place names and geography of the world this book is set in, as a lot more are dropped in and discussed in detail - though the notes at the end were appreciated. Perhaps, in the next book, a map could be included to help with this? (I do love a good map).
Otherwise, I'm looking forward to the next one!
As a side note: I once again read this book in one sitting, to the horror and awe of my SO who frequently checked in and couldn't believe I was STILL reading it. I couldn't put it down.
deehaichess's review
3.0
Like the first book, this was again a quick, easy and enjoyable read - both that and this one play out a bit like a great action thriller with danger, chase scenes, fights and mysteries, except the love interest is an ex-assassin now turned herbalist and an equally (or even perhaps a smidge more) magnetic hero (ah the scene in the alley! Is it just me or does Doran make a great damsel in distress?), so my hopes for the third book are probably that our two heroes-in-love get into more mysteries, danger and each other lol.
But seriously, Moore maintains very good pace and narrative tension, the action is great, the main characters are solid and the romantic tension between Doran and Nate is believable (and from time to time even almost palpable). I think I'm a little more comfortable with the strangely industrial/religious fantasy world the author has envisioned now than I was in the first book but I liked that there were no anachronisms in the dialogue in this one that pulled me out of the world at any point. All in all a fun time. Fully on board for the third installment, is what I am.
But seriously, Moore maintains very good pace and narrative tension, the action is great, the main characters are solid and the romantic tension between Doran and Nate is believable (and from time to time even almost palpable). I think I'm a little more comfortable with the strangely industrial/religious fantasy world the author has envisioned now than I was in the first book but I liked that there were no anachronisms in the dialogue in this one that pulled me out of the world at any point. All in all a fun time. Fully on board for the third installment, is what I am.
xiaxia's review
4.0
I've been marveling at the worldbuilding of Death's Embrace since I first read Heart of Dust. I love how complex everything is-from the mythology, history and races, to the monthly calendar or construction of family names .
This second book continues in the same vein as the first. There is a mystery that needs to be solved, and the culprits are those who seem innocent at first glance. The intrigue is manifested via political battles for the control of the mines, cutthroat moments, and unexpected support from the unlikeliest of characters.
This is not an MM romance per sē. It's an AU fantasy story, where the main male MCs have feelings for each other, but these feelings will develop via a slow burn built around the plot. The story is told from both Doran and Nathaniel's POVs. I liked how they had distinct voices, each with their own little quirks and quips.
There is a large cast of supporting characters, but don't get discouraged thinking you might get them mixed up. Although I found some of them a bit over the top, like Fiona, Allis or Grace, they kept the plot moving and none of them were redundant. It was nice to have Tiernan and his sarcasm back.
If you like AU stories, filled with suspense and intrigue, you will enjoy Heart of Ash.
I received this free copy from the author in return for an honest review via the M/M Romance Group DBML program
This second book continues in the same vein as the first. There is a mystery that needs to be solved, and the culprits are those who seem innocent at first glance. The intrigue is manifested via political battles for the control of the mines, cutthroat moments, and unexpected support from the unlikeliest of characters.
This is not an MM romance per sē. It's an AU fantasy story, where the main male MCs have feelings for each other, but these feelings will develop via a slow burn built around the plot. The story is told from both Doran and Nathaniel's POVs. I liked how they had distinct voices, each with their own little quirks and quips.
There is a large cast of supporting characters, but don't get discouraged thinking you might get them mixed up. Although I found some of them a bit over the top, like Fiona, Allis or Grace, they kept the plot moving and none of them were redundant. It was nice to have Tiernan and his sarcasm back.
If you like AU stories, filled with suspense and intrigue, you will enjoy Heart of Ash.
I received this free copy from the author in return for an honest review via the M/M Romance Group DBML program
inemuri's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
ally_lester's review
5.0
I have been waiting for this sequel to Heart of Dust for two years and I'm not disappointed.
Where Heart of Dust focused on Doran, Soul of Ash has the addition of Nathanial's point of view. It's a beautifully crafted continuation of the series, with rich world-building sitting behind the complex plot and the slow-burn love story between Doran and Nate.
I'm pleased to hear there's a third book in the wings--these are already on my reread list and knowing there's more to come will keep them there.
Where Heart of Dust focused on Doran, Soul of Ash has the addition of Nathanial's point of view. It's a beautifully crafted continuation of the series, with rich world-building sitting behind the complex plot and the slow-burn love story between Doran and Nate.
I'm pleased to hear there's a third book in the wings--these are already on my reread list and knowing there's more to come will keep them there.
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