E.L. TettensorCritiques
Auteur de Murder on Millionaires' Row
Critiques
I didn't really take to the characters and when it turned into more of a paranormal story than a straightforward murder mystery I did lose interest. It just is not my sort of story though I suspect other readers will enjoy the book.
A NetGalley Book
I really enjoyed this, though I found the romance a little lacking, the elements of occult was quite a good twist to this mystery.
Set in 1886, in Gilded Age Manhattan, the novel tells the story of Rose Gallagher, an Irish girl from Five Points who works as a housemaid in the Fifth Avenue home of the wealthy, single, British Thomas Wiltshire. Rose wants more from her life but is happy enough, a conscientious hard worker who has a fierce crush on her handsome, somewhat mysterious employer. When he goes missing and the police seems unlikely to take his disappearance seriously, Rose decides to search for him herself, inadvertently getting herself mixed up in something far bigger than she could ever have imagined.
There is murder, kidnapping, theft, Irish gangs, Pinkerton agents, Freemasons, magic, ghosts, witches and more here. The novel is told in the first person from Rose's perspective so the reader gets to know her very well indeed. She is smart, perceptive, intuitive, and observant. She is also delightfully spunky and stubborn, determined to find Mr. Wiltshire and to solve the larger case he's wrapped up in too. Her sheer joy and excitement at investigating is charming although there has to be more to her wanting to find her employer than simply her longstanding crush. The interactions between upper and servant class are perhaps too modern for the time the novel is set in and the interactions between different races also reads a bit unbelievably. Lindsey has drawn a wonderful, atmospheric, historic New York though, capturing the grimy underbelly of places like Five Points and an abandoned gas works. The characters were appealing to spend time with and although this is not a mystery the reader could solve, it did feel as if we were learning information right along with Rose so were close to the action in an interesting way. This novel does stand alone fine but it also makes for an intriguing introduction to a new series too. A good read for historical mystery fans who want a pretty big dollop of paranormal in their mysteries.
And there was one thing I did not like: the love triangle. Yes there is a love triangle which only gets more complicated as the book progresses and tangles up as characters fulfill the cliche of not communicating enough. I don't like the concept of love triangles in general. They irritate me and I usually try to avoid them.
But to give the author her due, she did resolve the mess in this book, though I have a nasty feeling there are going to be spillover effects in the sequels.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed book two, I really came for TR this time and certainly wasn't disappointed.
Rose Gallagher (former Irish maid to) and Thomas Wilshire (wealthy Knickerbocker) are Pinkerton agents in its special branch which only deals with the paranormal. Think of it as an excellent noirish detective yarn starring Steed and Mrs Peel but from New York and in the company of necromancers and witches (among others). TR gives them an assignment out in the Badlands where a horrible winter has been followed by a possibly supernatural creature which is devouring livestock and hunting animals alike and the situation has become dire. Solving the problem is further complicated by the rowdies of the area, the discord between ranchers and the Lakota, a ghost, and a madman. Lots of action (guns) and suspense along with some impossible romantic issues.
I was thoroughly impressed with the extensive research of the area, the times, TR and other notables as detailed in the author's notes at the end. I absolutely loved it and was compelled to read it in one day.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
PS: I went back and ordered book one.
I am not drawn to reading paranormal novels. A friend shared this novel, and I'm glad I didn't miss it. At the novel's opening, Acknowledgments by the author appreciate all who have "meticulously documented the history of New York over the years," which automatically intrigued me. I love New York, and as for many, the city holds a special place in my heart, so I looked forward to how the author would utilize her New York research and was captivated beyond anticipation. Magic, ghosts, shades, luck, a medium, ash, and special teas add exciting twists and turns.
The Author's Note details some of the specific research undertaken, and as fascinating as the history, it brings to light the extraordinary creativity of the author in composing this fictional tale. Also, as a rare treat, 2 articles from The New York Times referenced in the author's note appear in abbreviated form immediately following the note – one from June 18, 1881, and the second from October 11, 1885.
For all of us that prefer reading fiction to non-fiction, this novel is an exemplary example of the creativity of authors taking historical research and blended with imagination and ingenuity, producing a fantastic story with characters that we can't wait to spend time with again and again.
Rose Gallagher, a new agent of the secret, supernatural branch of the Pinkerton Agency, investigates the mysterious and politically-motivated murders taking place in the dead-(no pun intended) center of Gilded Age Manhattan’s high society.
Erin Lindsey rewrites a glittering and enigmatic history, attributing Teddy Roosevelt’s magnetism and Nikola Tesla’s astounding inventions to their supernatural “luck”. Even Mark Twain and Lady Liberty 🗽(pre-oxidation) make cameos that readers can geek out over.
I’d say this series has the supernatural romance of Meg Cabot’s Mediator series shaken, not stirred, up with the suave secrecy of James Bond. Topped off with social commentary about class and representation that is still relevant today.
I can’t wait to add this to my classroom!
The supernatural branch of the Pinkerton Agency refers to the paranormal abilities of some people as *luck*. Rose developed a version of it in a previous episode when she was still "just an ordinary Irish housemaid" but now she is a fledgling Pinkerton agent whose mother still lives in the Five Points in NYC. First came the mysterious deaths, then the investigation despite cover up by NYPD, and then the extremely hazardous business of protecting mayoral candidate Theodore Roosevelt with the fantastical help of Nikola Tessla and the financial support of Samuel Clemens. Well, it had me hooked at Theodore Roosevelt, but the whole book is a fascinating interweave of historical truth and a form of Urban Fantasy. I loved all of it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Full review at SPACE and SORCERY Blog
Continue reading over at SPACE and SORCERY BLOG
FULL REVIEW: https://spaceandsorcery.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/darkwalker-e-l-tettensor/
Thomas, Rose, and a motley group of friends and colleagues take on Irish gangs, shades, and an unknown mastermind in this fast paced paranormal adventure with a very light dusting of potential romance. This genre is certainly crowded, but I enjoyed the characters enough to see what they get up to in the next installment.
3.5 stars
Reviewed for Miss Ivy's Book Nook Take II
Murder on Millionaires’ Row is a complex novel. Ms. Lindsey captured the Gilded Age with her vivid descriptions of the clothing, the architecture, the literature, music, the language and attitudes of the people especially towards the Irish. New York City is brought alive in Murder on Millionaires’ Row. I can envision Fifth Avenue with its cobbled streets, the carriages, ladies decked out in beautiful gowns with their hats and parasols, and the men in their bespoke suits, hats and carrying their walking sticks. Of course, we can also imagine Five Points with children running around, litter in the streets, and thugs on the street corners as well as the Tenderloin with its dangerous bars, illegal businesses and men who will knife you for your money. The author did her research for this story, and I appreciated the author’s note at the end. Rose is a feisty Irish lass who has a crush on her employer. Nothing is going to stand in her way of tracking Mr. Wiltshire down when he goes missing. She is tenacious and intelligent. Thomas Wiltshire is a complex man with a unique position. He introduces Rose to another side of life that she had no idea existed. Another great character is Clara Freeman who is the cook for Mr. Wiltshire. I did feel the Rose’s infatuation with Mr. Wiltshire was mentioned too often. It seems to be the only reason she is searching for her employer. I felt Rose was also curious and needed the challenge (a much better rationale). I cannot believe she managed to keep from being fired by the tartar of a housekeeper. Rose disappeared frequently while looking for Mr. Wiltshire. Clara has hidden layers. We just dig at the surface in Murder on Millionaires’ Row. I found Murder on Millionaires’ Row to be a slow starter. The pace picked up the further I got into the story as well as my interest. I was unprepared for the paranormal aspects, but I was delighted by it. It added another layer to the story along with Pinkerton agents, ciphers and magic. Included in the story are witches, mediums, ghosts, shades and so much more. The mystery is multifaceted. It plays out over the course of the book with new aspects being regularly introduced. At times it does feel overwhelming (there is a lot going on). I would have liked the mystery to have been one that readers could solve along with Rose and Thomas (I love unraveling a puzzle). Murder on Millionaires’ Row is a unique cozy mystery that will take you for a walk on the dark side of New York City.
I loved this book!
Rose Gallagher is a force to be reckoned with, a housemaid who is determined to find her missing employer. Yes, she is in love with him (and that is a romance I am definitely rooting for-their chemistry just oozes off the pages!), but she also is a strong and brave woman in a time when women, especially women in her station, were supposed to stay in their small set roles. The supporting cast is wonderful as well, but Rose is the star of the show.
And there are ghosts! I love the paranormal, and it is woven in so well and so almost matter-of-factly. It adds a real urgency and eeriness to the story and mystery.
I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I can't recommend this one, though I might be willing to give this author a second chance someday.
The final book in the “Bloodbound” trilogy starts out with our heroes in what appears to be an unwinnable situation. King Erik is being controlled by a bloodbinder making him erratic and prone to paranoia (the extreme kind that leads to executions of close friends and family for “treason”). Rig’s battle at the front line has pretty much reached its limit with invasion imminent. Alix must venture deep into enemy territory to attempt to kill the bloodbinder who is controlling the King. And Liam is left to manage a country that is on the brink of destruction, all while hiding the fact that he has the King locked up in a room in the castle. A fact that would surely lead to his immediate death if it were to be discovered. The stakes are high.
At this point, it’s almost hard to remember that this series started out more as a romantic romp with some military/fantasy aspects thrown in than anything else. Sure, there was a large battle at the end and some political maneuvering here and there. But there were a lot of quieter moments where Alix’s personal life was the primary focus. Then the second book came along and everything changed. That entire book was just one massive failure after another for our heroes. And here, in the third, everything just seems kind of hopeless. All of the odds are stacked against them, and even their best case scenarios look grim. I mean, sure, if Alix saves the King, great! But they still have to deal with the fact that they have no allies (having blown their ambassadorial trips in the second book) and an enemy with an army that doubles their own.
I was happy to see that Alix once again played a major part in this story. While I still very much enjoyed the second book, her reduced presence was my biggest complaint. Instead, understandably, given his brain-washed state, Erik takes a back seat to the other characters here. I also liked the fact that Alix’s story line once again took us into the neighboring realms, this time their occupied neighbor whose resistance fighters had helped Rig win significant battles in the second book. Vel, also, played a more important role in this book, joining up with Alix on her quest to find the bloodbinder. I still struggled to like Vel as a character, though she had some good moments in this book. While it made sense to pair up these two women both for the plot and due to the dynamics that come from their relationships with Rig, I think that it also had the unintended result of negatively contrasting Vel to Alix. But this is a pretty subjective viewpoint of my own, more than anything.
Due to the high stakes nature of most of the action in this book, the story definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. There were parts of it where I seriously struggled with the fact that because I was listening to an audiobook and wasn’t able to skim forward and relieve any of the tension. The author did a great job balancing her parallel viewpoints and story lines in a way that just ratcheted up the stress levels on all fronts. And, while the series as a whole is obviously set up to be a generally “feel good” read, the grim realities of war are never glossed over and there were a few tough moments. Alix, in particularly, had a rough road to travel.
And, importantly, the personal relationships between our main characters were not shunted to the side even in the midst of all of this narrative upheaval. Alix and Liam’s marriage is still new and being tested by their own insecurities. Liam and Erik are still learning what it means to be brothers, especially given the effects of Erik’s brainwashing and his lingering pain due to the death of his other brother in the first book. Rig and Vel…yeah, I cared less about this. But it was fine, too.
Ultimately, this series was a very satisfying and consistent read. All three books were strong and the characters and plotlines built steadily over the course of the series with very few stumbling blocks. I would recommend this series for fans of political/military fiction with a strong female lead more than for fantasy lovers. While the fantasy element is important to the story, it is definitely less of a focal point than the rest. This is a lesser known series, but one that I hope begins to get the recognition it deserves!
This book needs one subtitle, and one subtitle only: “The Bloodforged: A Lesson in Going from Bad to Worse.” Not in quality, mind you. But the plot…phew! War and politics aren’t fun for anyone it seems!
The story picks up six months after the great battle that ended the previous book, and Alix’s kingdom is still very much at war. And not just any war, a war they are well on their way to losing. As Rig reports back from the front line (being now the General of the King’s armies), they only have a few months left unless they can secure aid from their neighboring countries. And thus Lindsey neatly separates all of our favorite main character off onto dangerous diplomatic missions where we spend a good amount of time wondering who has it worse.
First off, there is a major change in style for this book from the first. While it starts off from Alix’s perspective, it is quickly established that we will be following three other characters, primarily. Liam, who is sent to discover what is delaying the launch of a promised fleet of ships from the neighboring republic. Erik, who along with Alix, begins a treacherous trek through the mountains, home of the fierce mountain tribes, to reach their other neighbors who are also dilly dallying about committing to help. And Rig, back off to the front lines and tasked with holding the enemies at bay while reinforcements are begged for by the others. Alex, really, gets much less page time than the three others, and while at first I was frustrated by this change, I soon found myself equally invested in the tales of these three men.
Even more so than the first book, this second story in the series pushes even further away from any “fantasy” trappings. This book is largely about war tactics and political tactics. Again, it is hard to figure out which would be more painful to have to deal with. Poor Liam, new to his role as crown prince, is completely out of his league trying to navigate the political maneuvering of a republic whose players are all focused more on re-election than in helping him uncover the mystery of the sabotaged fleet, all while fighting off attempts on his life. And poor Rig. Fighting a losing battle on the kingom’s borders, not knowing when or if help will arrive. Even worse, he discovers that there is at traitor in his midst. And then Erik and Alix, their perils are perhaps the most straightforward, but just as dangerous. Cold, hunger, snow, and wild tribesman who don’t turn a friendly eye on trespassers all present hindrances on their attempts to reach their allies across the mountains. All of these three stories were intriguing and I would have a hard time picking one as a favorite. This is a huge win for a second book in a series where our main character is pushed to the side in favor of splitting the narrative between three other characters who had largely been only secondary in the first book.
Another change is the shift in romance. Obviously, our newlyweds, Alix and Liam, are almost immediately separated which marks a rather distinct end to any expectations that this book was going to have much happy romantic fluff in it. Instead, the book shifts to focusing on those left on the outside of this relationship, most notably Erik who had given up his attachment to Alix in favor of supporting her and maintaining a relationship with his newly discovered brother. Turns out feelings don’t just disappear. Further, Liam is blissfully unaware of the admiration (crush) that one of his fellow soldiers has for him. I appreciated that both of these mini arcs were handled respectfully and honestly. Liam’s naivety was endearing and hilarious at times. And I just felt sorry for Erik much of the time as it was always clear that Alix’s heart was forever Liam’s.
One flaw of the book was the lack of resolution to a few key points. Liam’s admirer is never really confronted, and the story line just fades away completely in the end without it ever being addressed. More frustrating, the spy in Rig’s camp is not outed in this book as well. More so with this second point than the first, some of these dropped plotlines may be simply being left for the final book in the trilogy.
As I said, the magical aspects of this book were largely pushed to the background. However, it does come roaring back in the end of the book, though this does result in a big of a cliffhanger. So , be warned of that. This book does need to be read after the first one, and does end in such a way that would be unsatisfying if you’re not on board for a third book. And, like I said at the beginning, things go from bad to worse in many ways, so readers are left on tenterhooks for the fate of the realm and our favorite characters by the end. I have no idea how Lindsey is going to resolve all of these factors, but I’m excited to find out!
Another book that landed on my to-read pile quite a while ago that now I have no memory of selecting. But, luckily for me, my past self must have been on top of things, because this lesser known fantasy novel hit just the spot!
I’m going to whip through the basic review portions to devote the rest of this post to two things that I feel make this book noteworthy in the long list of fantasy fiction being published currently.
General worldbuilding: pretty typical European-centric, medieval fantasy world. The bloodbinding magic used to create super weapons is interesting, but isn’t breaking any hugely new ground. I was fairly well into the book when I started questioning whether this even was a fantasy novel given how little these magical elements were mentioned. Later, however, it did play a bigger role, but if you’re interested in complex magical systems, this is not that book.
Characters: Alix is great. She’s a competent, funny, independent character whose abilities and intelligence are never questioned. She makes mistakes and is flawed, but her character arc takes her through these struggles smoothly, never undermining the stronger aspects of her character. The dialogue, both her own and those around her, was witty and I caught myself laughing out loud several times.
So, all of that aside there were two things that I found notable about this story. First, I was dismayed to find a love triangle smack dab in the middle of my adult fantasy novel.
As we all know, I do not appreciate most love triangles. I find them unrealistic, and they often seem to bring out the worst in all characters involved (selfish heroines, ridiculous-verging-on-abusive love interests). Now, I won’t say that I loved the inclusion of a love triangle even here. I’ve just never really been too entertained by the drama of multiple love interests. Seems like it would be stressful and, for me, it is the exact opposite of wish fulfillment. That said, this one righted many of the wrongs I’m used to seeing with love triangles. Perhaps the simple fact that the author is writing about adults and for adults makes the difference here. There are real consequences to the choices that are made. Hearts are broken. Confusion is unpleasant, not thrilling. And the relationships between all characters involved are real and priorities are rightly placed beyond the romance of it all. I still struggled with some of Alix’s internal musings about the situation, as it still seems unrealistic to me to be equally drawn to two different people. However, the author provided a decent explanation for this, if one that I still somewhat questioned in reality. Further, the reaction of the two men involved was a highlight. No silly posturing. No abusive possessiveness. Actual hurt and confusion. They are people who have real feelings involved. Further, they have lives, relationships, friendships, duties, and families outside of Alix that they rightly keep in perspective throughout all of this. I was particularly pleased with the way this love triangle resolved itself. So, all of that said, while I still don’t find love triangles particularly entertaining, this book proves that they can be told from a more realistic and appealing angle.
My second notable aspect of the story was its treatment of women. I am continually frustrated by stories that justify the maltreatment of its women characters (or, frankly, the glorification of very objectionable material) and the creation of generally very traditionally sexist societies by hand-waving it all under the claim that this is somehow “more realistic.” You’re writing a damn fantasy novel with magic, unicorns, and zombies for heaven’s sake. You’ve left “realistic” far behind, so why is this one aspect somehow imperative to the “reality” of your story? This book highlights how to create a fairly typical medieval fantasy world while leaving that all behind. It’s not preaching “woman power.” It’s not bashing anyone over the head with A MESSAGE. It’s just telling a story in a world where women simply are there in the army, are there in politics, are there representing the head of their family. No big deal. Sure, it’s mentioned that as women are not as physically strong, they’re often found as archers in the military. But this is by no means a rule, with the doors to others roles left wide open. And no one blinks an eye at any of this. This book is a perfect example and response to the aforementioned narrative that it is somehow impossible to balance this type of typical fantasy world with a more inclusive approach to women’s roles.
All said, I very much enjoyed this book. It’s not breaking any walls as far as plot, following a pretty simple plot structure. But the strong characters, entertaining dialogue, and well-represented world recommend it to anyone who enjoys traditional fantasy fare with a dash of romance.
Ah, the final chapter in a trilogy. It is always bittersweet when pick up that last book in series, excited to find out what comes next, yet wondering how the final chapters will go for characters you have grown to love during the series, sad to think that your journey with them is almost at a close. I have really enjoyed the books in the Bloodbound series, so I definitely felt this going in. There’s almost a sense of nervousness if I will be satisfied the end of series. No one wants to depart on a bad note, and it is hard know that even if you love it, there’s no guarantee you will get to read more about the characters. But, excitement to read overshadows all of that, and so I dove into The Bloodsworn without hesitation.
The Bloodsworn takes off immediately, with our beloved characters facing situations more dire than ever before as they face the prospect of the complete loss of their land and people. The threat is very real and quite dire. With King Erik, well, let’s just call him “indisposed“, due to the bloodbinder from the last book, Alix and Liam face new challenges of running the land, while trying to not advertise the threat they faced from the blood binder. The plot moves at a great pace, and the tension and excitement last through out the book. This series is written in such a way that is is just fun to read and hard to put down. In other words? I race through these books, fully immersed and excited to find out what is on the next page.
The book also examines cost versus reward as opportunity for advantage present itself, but the characters have to ask themselves if the opportunity is moral, and how far are they willing to bend their beliefs to save Alden. What means more them? Standing the moral high ground or the fate of their land and people? It is an interesting dilemma to face because while it might be easy to say they would “do anything” to save Alden, is that actually true? How much is too much to ask to save the lives and future of not just those you know and love, but also all the people depending on you?
As for the characters, I continue to love them for all the same reasons as the previous books. Alix is still fierce and independent, the type of female lead character I love. She does face some challenges still identifying herself as Liam’s wife and adjusting to how that impacts her status. She is used to having status on her own, and acquiring it through her relationship with Liam is something she has to face. Liam is learning to have a bit more confidence in himself, but he always seems to shine. He has a natural way with people, and it is hard to not love him. Rig also faces the challenge of routing out a traitor in their midst. Once again, I found myself equally engaged with all of the POVs in this series, and I find that quite impressive.
This was a fantastic and exciting conclusion to The Bloodbound trilogy and so I highly recommend the series. It has excitement, intrigue and fantastic characters.
a bit dark, but a skilled author - did not engage with any of the characters - probably wont read more by author
Like the first book, this second volume focuses on our three protagonists. If you haven’t read The Bloodbound yet, I recommend starting from there to get acquainted with the characters, and you should also be aware that this review will contain spoilers for what has happened for them since the events of book one. Noblewoman and warrior Alix Black, formerly a scout in the Aldenian army, is now the king’s personal bodyguard and wife to the prince. Erik White is the desperate king of Alden, trying to find ways to repel the invading Oridian forces closing in on his kingdom on all sides. While all this is going on, Liam White, newly married and newly recognized as the king’s brother, is also still struggling to adjust to royal life.
What surprised and delighted me though, was this book’s addition of a new point-of-view character in the form of Riggard Black! We first met Rig back in The Bloodbound, where he was introduced as Alix’s older brother, bannerman of his house, and Commander General of the king’s army. His greater role and presence in this book was a real treat, providing an up-close and harrowing view of the war right on the frontlines.
Meanwhile, Erik and Alix attempt a near-impossible journey through the mountains to reach the capital of Harram, Alden’s neighbor to the west. Brutal weather, illness, avalanches, hostile tribesmen, and a host of other dangers plague their mission, but all would be lost if they cannot negotiate an alliance with the Harrami and convince them to aid Alden in the war. And then there’s Liam, way on the other side of the country, tasked to lead a diplomatic convoy east to the Republic of Onnan where he is to investigate the delay on the construction of a great fleet of Aldenian warships. Instead, he finds himself woefully unprepared for the cutthroat nature of the Republic’s politics, a deadly web of complexity and intrigue which quickly swallows him up.
A lot clearly happens in this book, and I also feel that it takes a somewhat different approach than The Bloodbound, which was a fantasy story with adventurous and romantic elements in equal parts. In contrast, the romance gets dialed down a little in The Bloodforged while the adventure gets dialed up, up, up, WAY UP! If that sounds more to your liking, you will not be disappointed.
All the characters resonated with me in a big way in this one, and I particularly enjoyed how the dynamics between them have evolved in the months since the events at the end of the first book. What Alix, Erik, and Liam went through together has made their friendship stronger, but nevertheless there is some of that residual tension left over from Alix’s choice. Those emotions play a big and powerful part in her chapters with Erik, adding layers of meaning to the things they say and do. It also adds a whole new dimension to their already precarious situation, the fact that they can persevere through all their troubles in the mountains and still not know what kind of reception they’ll receive in Harram.
But as much as I enjoyed reading about Alix and Erik’s perilous trek through the snowy wilderness, Liam and Rig’s chapters were even more exciting. Liam was always a favorite of mine. For a new POV character like Rig though, it surprised me how quickly he won me over. Rig is a risk-taker, living up to the saying about his family “As bold as a Black.” His chapters show us just how dire things are for Alden in this war, and there’s never a dull moment. Still, Rig’s fighting and leadership skills aside, what I loved most about his storyline was his relationship with the priestess Vel, reminding us of this series’ romantic roots. With their personalities, it’s no surprise there was so much delicious chemistry!
Then there’s Liam. Unlike the other threads, his story had little outright action and lacked any romance, but nevertheless I could not get enough. I always looked forward to Liam’s chapters and cheered a little bit when his POV came back into play. There’s so much to like about him: he’s down-to-earth, funny, and charming even when he’s being self-deprecating. I love stories involving political intrigue, and the Republic of Onnan was the perfect setting for this. But even with the power struggles and deadly machinations, Liam’s chapters were humorous, simply because he is his lovable self, trying to solve the mystery of the Aldenian fleet while navigating his way around “political speak” hoping not to bumble it up too badly.
I can already tell there is so much more coming. For a sequel, The Bloodforged accomplished a lot, revving up the threat of an Oridian invasion while also opening up the world to show just how much is at stake for the entire continent, and you just know no one will be getting off easy. A solid blend of action, mystery and romance makes The Bloodforged a serious page-turner. World-building and characters in this series are amazing, and Erin Lindsey’s writing has that fun and addictive quality that sucks you right in and won’t let go. I really hope more readers will discover her talent for entertaining and immersive storytelling and see why I enjoy her books so much! Highly recommended, and I can hardly wait for book three, The Bloodsworn!
Auteur LibraryThing
E.L. Tettensor est un auteur LibraryThing, c'est-à-dire un auteur qui catalogue sa bibliothèque personnelle sur LibraryThing.
Liens
Site officiel (English)
Ce site utilise des cookies pour fournir nos services, optimiser les performances, pour les analyses, et (si vous n'êtes pas connecté) pour les publicités. En utilisant Librarything, vous reconnaissez avoir lu et compris nos conditions générales d'utilisation et de services. Votre utilisation du site et de ses services vaut acceptation de ces conditions et termes.
I see what you did there with my name. I like it. :)
Little known fact about me readers, back in HS I tried to get folk to call me "Alix" instead of "Alex". Let me tell how well that didn't go over. Sure football quarterback Jonathan wants to go from "Johnny" to "Jon" and everyone is "Sure thing! Right away!" but shy, quiet bookish Alex wants to go to "Alix" and suddenly its like she tried to take over the world...bet'cha if I was like Alix Black they wouldn't be laughing...
Megalomaniac tendencies of my own aside, this was a solid sword and sorcery tale with a heroine who backs up the size of her sword with skills and a fantasy setting that while familiar is none the less intriguingly set up. I'm always down for some internal family squabbles leading to backstabbing treachery on the battlefield.
I found myself not enjoying the world as much as I wanted though. There's large glitches in the world building, or in Lindsey's explanation of it. I'm still kind of confused by some of the politics and I've only got a basic understanding of the magic system. Lindsey spent more time on the character entanglements then the world, with mixed results.
And since the above summary decided to make it a thing let's address the love triangle really quick. I don't hate them as much as anyone else. Maybe because I adore asian dramas, manga and animes where its usually more of a love polygon then a love triangle, but to me its not a dealbreaker (most of the time). So the above didn't scare me. What did scare me was that this would become sort of like the Alanna books (by Tamora Pierce). You have a royal guy, a kickass girl and then her friend/comrade.
Thing is I don't feel Lindsey does a good enough job justifying Alix's interest in either guy. I understand why Erik suddenly has a thing for Alix - she saved him, when it was probably he worst decision to make if she valued her life at all and she continues to loyally serve him. He just got a kick to his teeth by the one person he should have been able to (but really shouldn't have) trusted and dealt a heavy blow to his trust. Alix is like a beacon of hope that not everyone is a jackoff like his brother.
I have no earthly clue why Liam is interested in Alix. Their interactions are cute, but I don't sense chemistry between them. At least not on the level to overcome his "bastard" status. Since we're thrown into the middle of a battle from the first page, plus well into Alix/Liam's friendship, we see very little of the "buildup" to why Alix would defy convention to be with Liam instead of her King (even an exiled King is more on her social level then Liam).
Actually there's the nail for me - I didn't "sense" a bond between any of the characters. We're told of this bond, this bond is referenced by the characters and by outside characters, but we're not exactly SHOWN this bond. So when all is said and done this is really less of a love triangle and more of a Love Lorn entanglement with me wondering why she would have chosen either guy.
I'm interested to see where Lindsey goes with the world now that she's opened it up to the possibilities of other countries. I'm also hoping there's more development to the characters as I'm kind of sure Erik isn't as pragmatic as he should be for a King and given the conversation at the end of the book he probably needs to up his political clout quickly and efficiently.