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5 stars - I loved it!
“A heart is a dangerous weapon after all.”
At the end of the previous book we were left with Soren protecting the princess, Hanovi injured, Nathaniel being turned into rionetka, and the others running from a horde of revenants that had been set loose on the city and avoiding capture. This book picks up right where the previous one ended and continues this nonstop action and tension filled story.
I couldn’t put this book down. Just like the first book, this story just keeps ramping up the danger and intrigue that is happening between these different kingdoms. Now that we have the basis of the story, it is much easier to follow the constant changes in POVs with each chapter and understand who and what they are.
A lot happens in this book that changes everything for our main characters. It was emotional from the very beginning and I never knew what was going to happen next. Caris is stepping up to be the missing heir and is struggling to come to terms with her heritage. We also see her struggle with Nathaniel's capture. Soren and Vanya continue to be so sweet together but in the end their feelings might not be enough to save their relationship. Hanovi and Blaine continue to be my favorite couple and I hated all worry and fear they experienced. These characters continue to endure, but they are battered and damaged from the traumas they experienced.
This world is one that I didn’t expect to love this much but I am so invested in these characters and what they will do next, even Eimarille’s story. I can’t wait to see what will happen next with everyone, especially after the ending.
TW: death; magic used to control others; injuries leading to amputation; imprisonment; PTSD
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Medical content
'What was burned was ash'
Gary Furlong is one of my favorite narrators and here proves why he is one of the best as well. He drove me to tears with Delani's pain and grief. Honovi's fury was palpable in his narration! He deserves all the stars!
The story continues with Eimarille crowning herself queen and moving her pieces along the chessboard. But she's not the only player on it, and she isn't even the master of this chessboard. In her quest to be the queen of all Maricol she doesn't hesitate to eliminate everyone in her way, and she doesn't even acknowledge that she had a brother once, a brother that might oppose to her ways. He's just a supposed prince and nothing more. I do wish she and her side kick will find their end in the machines they helped be built.
Caris finds herself pushed towards a role she's not prepared for or even wants. What she wants is to save her parents and Nathaniel. Unfortunately for her it seems the way to do so, is through a road she doesn't know how to walk and to a role that seems foreign to her.
Soren's divided between the Wardens and his wishes and wants, and when his secret comes to light, Vanya doesn't handle it well.
Honovi and Blaine are back together here, mostly, but devastation finds them as well and their road changed shape.
I can't wait for the third and last book, that looks like it will be a BIG one!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Gary Furlong is one of my favorite narrators and here proves why he is one of the best as well. He drove me to tears with Delani's pain and grief. Honovi's fury was palpable in his narration! He deserves all the stars!
The story continues with Eimarille crowning herself queen and moving her pieces along the chessboard. But she's not the only player on it, and she isn't even the master of this chessboard. In her quest to be the queen of all Maricol she doesn't hesitate to eliminate everyone in her way, and she doesn't even acknowledge that she had a brother once, a brother that might oppose to her ways. He's just a supposed prince and nothing more. I do wish she and her side kick will find their end in the machines they helped be built.
Caris finds herself pushed towards a role she's not prepared for or even wants. What she wants is to save her parents and Nathaniel. Unfortunately for her it seems the way to do so, is through a road she doesn't know how to walk and to a role that seems foreign to her.
Soren's divided between the Wardens and his wishes and wants, and when his secret comes to light, Vanya doesn't handle it well.
Honovi and Blaine are back together here, mostly, but devastation finds them as well and their road changed shape.
I can't wait for the third and last book, that looks like it will be a BIG one!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Pray for a star to burn as guide
Never to live, always to die
A road is a future and it carries a past
For what is burned is only ever ash
This second book was a bit slow to start, what with pieces and pawns needing to be put in strategic places and that took a bit of time but after the 27% things picked up and never slowed down. And oh how everything moved on a chessboard that has many masters.
If you discount today (Monday) that I had to work, I was reading this almost non-stop. I say almost because I just had to stop at places to breathe and assimilate everything that was going, put pieces of the puzzle in place, broaden the map of what I knew.
Wardens are nameless and starless. There is no guiding star for us.
And if that isn't the biggest tragedy and injustice I don't know what is.... maybe it's what Eimarille did to the Warden's Island filled with young and teen tithes, recovering Wardens and Wardens that could no longer be on the field.
"After you finish walking this road the Dusk Star sent you down, when you come home, I'll marry you all over again."
"It's never a goodbye between us."
"My road will always lead me back to you."
Unlike the first book Honovi and Blaine had a lot of time together here and it was lovely seeing them just be with each other, reminiscing times their lives were their own and hoping against hope for a peaceful future that they could travel the skies together. Hailey of course had to pull her signature move, separate them and let's just say our poor boys went through hell and they haven't reached the other side yet!
[...]her road no longer her own.
Ah Caris! Poor Caris, losing her beloved, losing her parents, losing the future she had planned for herself and getting one she feels like a puppet being lead on, by star gods, by Meleri, by a people loyal to a bloodline she didn't know was hers and doesn't know she wants with how suddenly it was thrust upon her.
She stands up though, proud and fierce and blazes a unique roads of hers. It may be leading to the crown of Ashion at first glance, but Hailey spins quite intricate stories so who knows how the Ashion throne will be in the end.
She was a Rourke, after all, and the Rourke bloodline was meant to rule. Whether by decree or by force, one way or another, Eimarille would take a throne and wear a crown.
Eimarille is the perfect villain, and I mean that as a compliment. A perfect villain that I will never, ever come to like! She's conceited, arrogant and power hungry and more of a pawn of a star god than anyone else in this amazing second book of an incredible steampunk fantasy weaved by Hailey Turner.
Nathaniel Clementine's body was a battlefield, and his mind was a graveyard of who he used to be.
There's a lot happening here with Nathaniel, the Klovod, veils and rionetkas. A lot of questions were answered of how rionetkas might go unnoticed. But I'm now wondering about the Klovod. In the first book it seemed like he was doing what he was doing willingly, but now I'm questioning this... it seems like the puppet master might be a puppet himself. I'll be waiting to see how this will evolve.
"I never wanted your vow, but you gave it to me anyway. I can do what I want with it."
"You've asked for nothing over the years."
"Because if I ever did, I'd have to leave.
The one thing you couldn't trade for your heart's desire was your heart.
"You had me[...] No one else ever did but you had me."
Oh how good things were going between Vanya and Soren. Oh how it wasn't meant to last. In the face of a deep betrayal in Vanya's household, Soren's truth coming to light isn't something that Vanya can think on clearly and things fracture between them. Will they be able to mend them? Who knows... but I'm on Soren's side here. I understand Vanya's first reactions but then he had time to cool down and think. But he was too butt hurt to see things from Soren's side. To talk with him. See him truly!
All this unrest in Solaria and Eimarille has manufactured advanced style of Sentinels that I don't know if the forces that oppose Daijal's and Eimarille's oppressive rules will be able to fight against. I'm really hoping Hailey will surprise us here and not let them be decimated.
Can't wait for the next book for which we have no title or tentative release date (°0°)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Never to live, always to die
A road is a future and it carries a past
For what is burned is only ever ash
This second book was a bit slow to start, what with pieces and pawns needing to be put in strategic places and that took a bit of time but after the 27% things picked up and never slowed down. And oh how everything moved on a chessboard that has many masters.
If you discount today (Monday) that I had to work, I was reading this almost non-stop. I say almost because I just had to stop at places to breathe and assimilate everything that was going, put pieces of the puzzle in place, broaden the map of what I knew.
Wardens are nameless and starless. There is no guiding star for us.
And if that isn't the biggest tragedy and injustice I don't know what is.... maybe it's what Eimarille did to the Warden's Island filled with young and teen tithes, recovering Wardens and Wardens that could no longer be on the field.
"After you finish walking this road the Dusk Star sent you down, when you come home, I'll marry you all over again."
"It's never a goodbye between us."
"My road will always lead me back to you."
Unlike the first book Honovi and Blaine had a lot of time together here and it was lovely seeing them just be with each other, reminiscing times their lives were their own and hoping against hope for a peaceful future that they could travel the skies together. Hailey of course had to pull her signature move, separate them and let's just say our poor boys went through hell and they haven't reached the other side yet!
[...]her road no longer her own.
Ah Caris! Poor Caris, losing her beloved, losing her parents, losing the future she had planned for herself and getting one she feels like a puppet being lead on, by star gods, by Meleri, by a people loyal to a bloodline she didn't know was hers and doesn't know she wants with how suddenly it was thrust upon her.
She stands up though, proud and fierce and blazes a unique roads of hers. It may be leading to the crown of Ashion at first glance, but Hailey spins quite intricate stories so who knows how the Ashion throne will be in the end.
She was a Rourke, after all, and the Rourke bloodline was meant to rule. Whether by decree or by force, one way or another, Eimarille would take a throne and wear a crown.
Eimarille is the perfect villain, and I mean that as a compliment. A perfect villain that I will never, ever come to like! She's conceited, arrogant and power hungry and more of a pawn of a star god than anyone else in this amazing second book of an incredible steampunk fantasy weaved by Hailey Turner.
Nathaniel Clementine's body was a battlefield, and his mind was a graveyard of who he used to be.
There's a lot happening here with Nathaniel, the Klovod, veils and rionetkas. A lot of questions were answered of how rionetkas might go unnoticed. But I'm now wondering about the Klovod. In the first book it seemed like he was doing what he was doing willingly, but now I'm questioning this... it seems like the puppet master might be a puppet himself. I'll be waiting to see how this will evolve.
"I never wanted your vow, but you gave it to me anyway. I can do what I want with it."
"You've asked for nothing over the years."
"Because if I ever did, I'd have to leave.
The one thing you couldn't trade for your heart's desire was your heart.
"You had me[...] No one else ever did but you had me."
Oh how good things were going between Vanya and Soren. Oh how it wasn't meant to last. In the face of a deep betrayal in Vanya's household, Soren's truth coming to light isn't something that Vanya can think on clearly and things fracture between them. Will they be able to mend them? Who knows... but I'm on Soren's side here. I understand Vanya's first reactions but then he had time to cool down and think. But he was too butt hurt to see things from Soren's side. To talk with him. See him truly!
All this unrest in Solaria and Eimarille has manufactured advanced style of Sentinels that I don't know if the forces that oppose Daijal's and Eimarille's oppressive rules will be able to fight against. I'm really hoping Hailey will surprise us here and not let them be decimated.
Can't wait for the next book for which we have no title or tentative release date (°0°)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Audio: 5 stars!!! Audio can be found on Everand
Book: 4.5-5 stars
HOLY. SHIT! What just happened?! Wow! No words!
If you didn’t love book one, or were overwhelmed by everything that happened, (like me) I would say give book two a chance because what. the. fuck! I am still in shock from all that happened in this book! That was a ride and I couldn’t put it down for the last 300 pages, not even if you paid me!
I am so glad I waited until this series was finished because that cliffhanger, my god! This book almost made me cry and that is no easy feat!
Now I am immediately picking up book three! Soren you got some explaining to do! Ps the audio for book three is being sold off of Hailey Turner’s website if you didn’t want to wait for Audible!
Book: 4.5-5 stars
HOLY. SHIT! What just happened?! Wow! No words!
If you didn’t love book one, or were overwhelmed by everything that happened, (like me) I would say give book two a chance because what. the. fuck! I am still in shock from all that happened in this book! That was a ride and I couldn’t put it down for the last 300 pages, not even if you paid me!
I am so glad I waited until this series was finished because that cliffhanger, my god! This book almost made me cry and that is no easy feat!
Now I am immediately picking up book three! Soren you got some explaining to do! Ps the audio for book three is being sold off of Hailey Turner’s website if you didn’t want to wait for Audible!
4.5 Stars
This was a great sequel, and I wish I'd reviewed it earlier. Right now, all I can think to say is that I really enjoyed it, even more than the first book. The relationships were developed really well, though the way Caris treats Blaine pisses me off. The book also had a great pace, not just in terms of things happening, but also because many smaller conflicts got resolved in a timely manner. I really appreciate it when books don't stretch every plotline out.
I'm still not fully sold on the way the gods are developed. I need then to either be way less involved or more fleshed out. I don't see either of those things happening in the last book, though. Not that big of a deal. Mostly I just need the final book to be out already. Can't fucking wait.
This was a great sequel, and I wish I'd reviewed it earlier. Right now, all I can think to say is that I really enjoyed it, even more than the first book. The relationships were developed really well, though the way Caris treats Blaine pisses me off. The book also had a great pace, not just in terms of things happening, but also because many smaller conflicts got resolved in a timely manner. I really appreciate it when books don't stretch every plotline out.
I'm still not fully sold on the way the gods are developed. I need then to either be way less involved or more fleshed out. I don't see either of those things happening in the last book, though. Not that big of a deal. Mostly I just need the final book to be out already. Can't fucking wait.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
An amazing second installment!
As this is the second book in the infernal wars saga it’s super difficult to write a full review while keeping it spoiler free, so I’ll just say that this book was amazing! One of my most anticipated new releases of 2023, I have been waiting on pins and needles to see where all our faves would end up after all the cliffhangers of book 1.
All I can say is in this book expect tensions to rise, romances to be strengthened, alliances to be challenged, and to be left questioning everything as a reader!
I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!
*I received an arc copy of this book, all opinions are my own*
As this is the second book in the infernal wars saga it’s super difficult to write a full review while keeping it spoiler free, so I’ll just say that this book was amazing! One of my most anticipated new releases of 2023, I have been waiting on pins and needles to see where all our faves would end up after all the cliffhangers of book 1.
All I can say is in this book expect tensions to rise, romances to be strengthened, alliances to be challenged, and to be left questioning everything as a reader!
I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!
*I received an arc copy of this book, all opinions are my own*
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Emperor’s Bone Palace by Hailey Turner is the second book in the Infernal War Saga. Maricol’s political landscape is shaky as now Queen Eimarille has taken control of Daijal and is coming for Ashion. Caris Dhemlan is still recovering from her harrowing escape with Blaine and Honovi and the revelation that her future may not just be her own. Vanya finds himself embroiled in the caustic house games of Solaria while trying to keep his daughter safe as well as Soren. Soren has continued to struggle with his expectations as a warren and his ongoing affection for Vanya with his secrets coming even closer to be exposed with each dangerous encounter. With the war heating up on multiple fronts everyone is learning that danger can come from anywhere and trust is never guaranteed.
For my typical reviews I would go into a breakdown of characters and how they developed and changed with the events of the story. I will not be doing that for this book because there are just too many important characters and it would spoil watching everything unveil itself. Let’s just say that this story continued my ongoing love for Blaine and Honovi. They are just the sweetest while trying to honor the duty they owe their countries. The balance of duty and love was tested again as the Star Gods played with the fate of their followers.
A heart was a dangerous weapon, after all.
This steampunk fantasy adventure is a continuation of the story from the first book and you cannot enjoy it without reading that book and the novella which introduces the world. It is a complicated mix of romance, action and political intrigue which keeps you up reading. This book followed the format of the first by giving the reader the perspective of a lot of characters which can be overwhelming at first. But once I was back in the swing of things I just needed certain characters chapters more than anything. I REALLY REALLY HATE EIMARILLE and nothing will change that for me.
5 stars for the gears of war churning towards disaster for Maricol.
The Emperor’s Bone Palace by Hailey Turner is the second book in the Infernal War Saga. Maricol’s political landscape is shaky as now Queen Eimarille has taken control of Daijal and is coming for Ashion. Caris Dhemlan is still recovering from her harrowing escape with Blaine and Honovi and the revelation that her future may not just be her own. Vanya finds himself embroiled in the caustic house games of Solaria while trying to keep his daughter safe as well as Soren. Soren has continued to struggle with his expectations as a warren and his ongoing affection for Vanya with his secrets coming even closer to be exposed with each dangerous encounter. With the war heating up on multiple fronts everyone is learning that danger can come from anywhere and trust is never guaranteed.
For my typical reviews I would go into a breakdown of characters and how they developed and changed with the events of the story. I will not be doing that for this book because there are just too many important characters and it would spoil watching everything unveil itself. Let’s just say that this story continued my ongoing love for Blaine and Honovi. They are just the sweetest while trying to honor the duty they owe their countries. The balance of duty and love was tested again as the Star Gods played with the fate of their followers.
A heart was a dangerous weapon, after all.
This steampunk fantasy adventure is a continuation of the story from the first book and you cannot enjoy it without reading that book and the novella which introduces the world. It is a complicated mix of romance, action and political intrigue which keeps you up reading. This book followed the format of the first by giving the reader the perspective of a lot of characters which can be overwhelming at first. But once I was back in the swing of things I just needed certain characters chapters more than anything. I REALLY REALLY HATE EIMARILLE and nothing will change that for me.
5 stars for the gears of war churning towards disaster for Maricol.