Reviews

The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon

jenna_bookworm_5822's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Truly in love with Amy Harmon’s Chronicles of Saylok. Captivating characters, slow burn romance, a different perspective on Norse mythology....so much more than a story. You get an engrossing, descriptive emersion in to the lives of Hod and Ghisla, the keepers and daughters of Saylok.

So hoping AH continues on to another in the world of Saylok.

syphilis's review against another edition

Go to review page

  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved the first book in the Chronicles of Saylok series and was very excited about this one. It is just as well written as its predecessor, has another sweeping romance, and two characters who find themselves by helping each other. There is more action, more intensity, and it hit almost every note I wanted it to.

The characters of Ghisla and Hod were enjoyable. Ghisla begins her journey in a dark place and it takes her some time to emerge from it. Hod is sweet and empathetic, and he was my favourite of the new characters we are introduced to.

I say introduced to, because this plot takes place simultaneously with the events of THE FIRST GIRL CHILD. While I've read books that have done this before and know it can be done well, I wasn't totally convinced by the execution of it here. Maybe it was because I read one book right after the other, but I felt that relying on the previous plotline so much didn't elevate Ghisla and Hod's story the way it could have. It seemed like retreading old ground and the main characters weren't as focused on their own goals. The romance also felt like it moved a little too quickly, since Ghisla and Hod spend a long time apart.

Yes, there were new elements and new perspectives, but I would have preferred a fresh new adventure because I truly loved the first book, and the writing to THE SECOND BLIND SON is excellent. This book could be read as a standalone and that probably makes for a better reading experience. Still, I did enjoy the story and recommend it to anyone who has a love for Norse mythology and romance.

melanie_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Hod of Saylok lives a very routine existence; as a blind boy, his life depends on it. Raised in isolation, he is trained to hone his other senses and the runes that enhance them. But his isolation and routine are shattered when a nearly-drowned girl washes up on the shore. As he works to restore her health, Hod's fascination becomes enthrallment even as the girl, who he learns is named Ghisla, warms up to him. The two form a bond, which also is shattered when Hod's teacher insists that Ghisla hide her identity and become Liis of Leok, the clan's tribute to the Temple Hill. You see, Saylok is dying, a scourge somehow preventing the birth of girl children on the island; the hope is that by protecting symbols of each clan, the curse may be lifted. Ghisla and Hod separate, but their bond - and their rune blood - allow them to stay connected, even through forbidden means. But will their connection last? And will they - and Saylok - ever be united again?

I read The First Girl Child a couple of years ago and LOVED it, so I was thrilled to learn that there would be a sequel. It was a unique sequel in that it covered the same basic timeline, though because it was from different perspectives, the pacing was different. I found myself reaching for the first book several times to compare & contract what was going on, which made the book fun to read. And, of course, I'm always a fan of a story about forbidden love and Amy Harmon writes the best ones. There is all the right amount of angst and passion** to make this book perfect. [**There was a smidge more spiciness than some of her other books, but nothing explicit.] I obviously knew how the story was going to end, but I enjoyed seeing how the same events affected multiple people. You probably could even read these out of order and have a similar experience. But now I want a book from
SpoilerElayne & Aidan's
point of view! Here's hoping!!

jcaesara's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book was absolutely perfect!
I loved The First Girl Child but after finishing The Second Blind Son, I have to confess that I love it even more ❤️

Since the story happens in the same world as TFGC and almost at the same time we get to meet again with the characters from the first book. And unfortunately had to relieve those heartbreaking moments with two of my favorite characters High Keeper Ivo and Dagmar

princessleopard's review

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

whatsupcupcake's review

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.0

cjones4209's review

Go to review page

5.0

Amy does it once again

Was so looking forward to this book and I loved it so much it went beyond my expectations! So freaking good. There's a reason Amy Harmon is my absolute favorite author. Been in a book funk until I read the First Girl Child again and now this. Off to read all her books all over again!!!! Hurry up and release another Amy I can't get enough of your work!!!!

ariannalawyer's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kimsackleh's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0