An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Grimoire Saga Book 2)
ByS. M. Boyce★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cathy viado
If you enjoyed S.M. Boyce's first book 'Lichgate' you will love 'Treason'. It's even better than the first and fills in all the holes and questions I had from the first book. I can hardly wait for the final book!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
terry pearce
pooled ink Reviews:
4.5 Stars
This whole series has been an awesome surprise. I had the first book sitting on my Nook gathering i-Dust because the idea was something that could go either very wrong or very right and I really didn't want to read it and be disappointed. Well, I wasn't! And this sequel is just as great!
The plot is something so comfortable and familiar yet totally unique and brilliant.
I love this series!
I just HAD to get the sequel (yes I may have used some of my food funds for books #collegestudentlife) and it was worth it! I can't wait to save up and get the third book and blow right through that too!
These books are such a fast read because they're just so interesting and fast-paced. There are a few moments that are tranquil and calm and allow you to catch your breath and simply drink in the characters and the land of Ourea but other moments are full of plots, action, schemes, plans, romance, betrayal, and more. Yeah, I said AND MORE.
The beginning was perhaps a tad slow but once the action started you forgot about that and you were focused on nothing else but the journey.
I also really really enjoyed reading from both perspectives of Kara AND Braeden. It really allowed more flexibility in the plot and allowed its readers to travel all over Ourea and be in two places at once or have different thought processes of the same situation which is always interesting.
I highly recommend this book to everyone because it's funny, serious, sad, infuriating, clever, intriguing, different and full of action, romance, battles and schemes.
Read my FULL review here: [...]
4.5 Stars
This whole series has been an awesome surprise. I had the first book sitting on my Nook gathering i-Dust because the idea was something that could go either very wrong or very right and I really didn't want to read it and be disappointed. Well, I wasn't! And this sequel is just as great!
The plot is something so comfortable and familiar yet totally unique and brilliant.
I love this series!
I just HAD to get the sequel (yes I may have used some of my food funds for books #collegestudentlife) and it was worth it! I can't wait to save up and get the third book and blow right through that too!
These books are such a fast read because they're just so interesting and fast-paced. There are a few moments that are tranquil and calm and allow you to catch your breath and simply drink in the characters and the land of Ourea but other moments are full of plots, action, schemes, plans, romance, betrayal, and more. Yeah, I said AND MORE.
The beginning was perhaps a tad slow but once the action started you forgot about that and you were focused on nothing else but the journey.
I also really really enjoyed reading from both perspectives of Kara AND Braeden. It really allowed more flexibility in the plot and allowed its readers to travel all over Ourea and be in two places at once or have different thought processes of the same situation which is always interesting.
I highly recommend this book to everyone because it's funny, serious, sad, infuriating, clever, intriguing, different and full of action, romance, battles and schemes.
Read my FULL review here: [...]
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
pablo rodriguez
Book 2 is quite entertaining. It's full of action, and there's continually new things to learn about Ourea.
It was great to get to know Stone, Cedric, and Deidre better. They are really great, complex characters that helped me to stay engaged in the story.
In this installment, however, there were quite a few times where I felt the alternate world/fantasy elements were abused a little bit. Does this character need a mount? Oh! Lets add a new species we haven't talked about yet and have it appear magically at just the right moment!! I don't think I minded as much in book 1, because we were still getting to know the world... but every time something like this happened (which did feel pretty frequent) I cared just a little less about the book.
The other thing that irked me a bit was that there were some pretty simple could-be solutions to some of the problems presented and there wasn't any explanation given as to why it couldn't happen like that. It made some of the main characters feel dumb to me.
I really enjoyed the narration. Whenever I read a first book and then listen to a second, I'm either thrilled with how much the narration adds to the story or disappointed that it adds almost nothing. In this instance, it was quite the former. There were a variety of accents for the many characters and their personalities really were brought to life in this installment. She did a much better job than my imagination did the first time around!!!
I received this book free for review.
It was great to get to know Stone, Cedric, and Deidre better. They are really great, complex characters that helped me to stay engaged in the story.
In this installment, however, there were quite a few times where I felt the alternate world/fantasy elements were abused a little bit. Does this character need a mount? Oh! Lets add a new species we haven't talked about yet and have it appear magically at just the right moment!! I don't think I minded as much in book 1, because we were still getting to know the world... but every time something like this happened (which did feel pretty frequent) I cared just a little less about the book.
The other thing that irked me a bit was that there were some pretty simple could-be solutions to some of the problems presented and there wasn't any explanation given as to why it couldn't happen like that. It made some of the main characters feel dumb to me.
I really enjoyed the narration. Whenever I read a first book and then listen to a second, I'm either thrilled with how much the narration adds to the story or disappointed that it adds almost nothing. In this instance, it was quite the former. There were a variety of accents for the many characters and their personalities really were brought to life in this installment. She did a much better job than my imagination did the first time around!!!
I received this book free for review.
And Other Adventures (Hardcover); 2009 Edition - What the Dog Saw :: and other adventures by Malcolm Gladwell (6-May-2010) Paperback :: Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend :: Rust: The Longest War :: The Near Witch
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
loripdx
Kara and Braedan must face truths both won't like, the Vagabond and Grimoire will help with what they can but each must find their own way and the truth within themselves. They might find that to survive they must become the part of themselves they least want to be .
I wasn't sure how the last book could be topped , but this one picked up right where the last one left off and the action and suspense didn't waver. I went with the audiobook version narrated by Kara Kavocich Stewart who just brings Ourea and all of it's people to life. I am so thankful for awesome narrators like her for many different reasons but mostly for bringing great books to life for me on days I am not able to read. Her talent makes those days much more tolerable
I wasn't sure how the last book could be topped , but this one picked up right where the last one left off and the action and suspense didn't waver. I went with the audiobook version narrated by Kara Kavocich Stewart who just brings Ourea and all of it's people to life. I am so thankful for awesome narrators like her for many different reasons but mostly for bringing great books to life for me on days I am not able to read. Her talent makes those days much more tolerable
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
gary garot
Book exchanged for an honest review
Kara Magari is The Current Vagabond in Ourea. She's spent the past several months training and learning what it means to be Vagabond with the help of Braeden Drakonin. Braeden is The Blood Heir of Stele and remains hidden in Hillsdian form for his own protection. The First Vagabond wants Kara to create Vagabond army but Kara is reluctant to do so. The Blood want to control Kara for their own gains. All of Ourea is waiting for war which will happen sooner or later despite Kara's efforts of peace. Kara's fighting her attraction to Braeden for varying reasons. Will The Blood learn Braeden's secret? Can Kara prevent war? Will Kara create Vagabond army? Your answers await you in Treason.
I enjoyed the first book more than this one. The story is good and writing is excellent. I just feel I missed a connection somewhere in the reading of the book. Don't get me wrong the characters are interesting and unique. The concept for this series is unique and creative and worth reading. I would continue reading this author in the future.
Kara Magari is The Current Vagabond in Ourea. She's spent the past several months training and learning what it means to be Vagabond with the help of Braeden Drakonin. Braeden is The Blood Heir of Stele and remains hidden in Hillsdian form for his own protection. The First Vagabond wants Kara to create Vagabond army but Kara is reluctant to do so. The Blood want to control Kara for their own gains. All of Ourea is waiting for war which will happen sooner or later despite Kara's efforts of peace. Kara's fighting her attraction to Braeden for varying reasons. Will The Blood learn Braeden's secret? Can Kara prevent war? Will Kara create Vagabond army? Your answers await you in Treason.
I enjoyed the first book more than this one. The story is good and writing is excellent. I just feel I missed a connection somewhere in the reading of the book. Don't get me wrong the characters are interesting and unique. The concept for this series is unique and creative and worth reading. I would continue reading this author in the future.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
megan lehar
From my blog, Reading the Alphabet.
Treason picked up shortly after when Lichgates leaves off, and almost immediately the action begins. Major events are going to set Kara Magari, the Vagabond, and Braeden Drakonin, Stellian heir, off on separate but intertwined adventures. To use a line from the synopsis: "To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate."
What a great sentence, right? I knew what this likely meant for Braeden. This aspect of the plot reeled me in. It was wonderful to see him grow as a character and resist aspects of his character. I liked him before, but now? Let's just say that feeling is definitely elevated after reading this book.
As much as I was prepared for what Braeden had to become, I was floored by what this sentence meant for Kara. What a jaw dropping, and awesome twist! This is going to have major implications going forward, and I am excited for it all.
Treason is full of action, tested loyalties, conflict (both internal to some characters and external), and a moments of a potential blossoming romance, that really makes Treason one of my favorite reads. Once again, Boyce created a beautiful but dangerous world that I was thrilled to visit again. Much of the world in both Treason and Lichgates is as richly described as the setting and events of the peace treaty signing, so everything is easily pictured, even sometimes down to the smells. Boyce then filled this world of Ourea with strong characters and a captivating plot that kept me up after bedtime. I just had to know how it would all play out. Treason exceeded my expectations and left me eager to start Book 3, Heritage.
Treason picked up shortly after when Lichgates leaves off, and almost immediately the action begins. Major events are going to set Kara Magari, the Vagabond, and Braeden Drakonin, Stellian heir, off on separate but intertwined adventures. To use a line from the synopsis: "To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate."
What a great sentence, right? I knew what this likely meant for Braeden. This aspect of the plot reeled me in. It was wonderful to see him grow as a character and resist aspects of his character. I liked him before, but now? Let's just say that feeling is definitely elevated after reading this book.
As much as I was prepared for what Braeden had to become, I was floored by what this sentence meant for Kara. What a jaw dropping, and awesome twist! This is going to have major implications going forward, and I am excited for it all.
Treason is full of action, tested loyalties, conflict (both internal to some characters and external), and a moments of a potential blossoming romance, that really makes Treason one of my favorite reads. Once again, Boyce created a beautiful but dangerous world that I was thrilled to visit again. Much of the world in both Treason and Lichgates is as richly described as the setting and events of the peace treaty signing, so everything is easily pictured, even sometimes down to the smells. Boyce then filled this world of Ourea with strong characters and a captivating plot that kept me up after bedtime. I just had to know how it would all play out. Treason exceeded my expectations and left me eager to start Book 3, Heritage.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
april hochstrasser
Another incredible adventure by the amazingly talented S.M. Boyce. The story made me crave the need to read book 3 even more. I am now an even bigger Grimoire junkie. Book 1 was stunning, but book 2 was even better. I loved the continued relationship between Kara and Braeden, the new relationships formed with other characters such as the vagabond and Flick, the enchanting world that is Ourea...the entire novel is simply perfect. This series will be the new Bridge to Terabithia.
I was completely consumed by this novel - thinking about it while I wasn't reading it, loving every second while I was reading, and craving more all the time. Confession - I even had dreams where I was a character in Ourea. S.M. Boyce created a world that is so breath-taking and beautiful that you want to live there, becoming part of this epic fantasy story. I couldn't get enough! I stayed up way past my bedtime several nights to keep reading.
This novel is absolutely as addicting as the first one, and picked up perfectly from where the first left off. There wasn't an awkward pause or "oh yeah...THAT'S what happened in the first book" try-to-remember time - you just remembered. I read book one months ago, but it felt like I read the series one right after another. When an author executes their novels that flawlessly, it's incredible - and I know extremely difficult. Round of applause for S.M. Boyce for perfecting such a difficult concept and creating a new world that is so incredible.
I recommend this novel to anyone over the age of 14 (some sexual tension and intense fight scenes) who loves/d Bridge to Terabithia, The Chronicles of Narnia, or any other epic fantasy novels. Read book 1 first of course. :)
~HilyBee from Novel d'Tales
I was completely consumed by this novel - thinking about it while I wasn't reading it, loving every second while I was reading, and craving more all the time. Confession - I even had dreams where I was a character in Ourea. S.M. Boyce created a world that is so breath-taking and beautiful that you want to live there, becoming part of this epic fantasy story. I couldn't get enough! I stayed up way past my bedtime several nights to keep reading.
This novel is absolutely as addicting as the first one, and picked up perfectly from where the first left off. There wasn't an awkward pause or "oh yeah...THAT'S what happened in the first book" try-to-remember time - you just remembered. I read book one months ago, but it felt like I read the series one right after another. When an author executes their novels that flawlessly, it's incredible - and I know extremely difficult. Round of applause for S.M. Boyce for perfecting such a difficult concept and creating a new world that is so incredible.
I recommend this novel to anyone over the age of 14 (some sexual tension and intense fight scenes) who loves/d Bridge to Terabithia, The Chronicles of Narnia, or any other epic fantasy novels. Read book 1 first of course. :)
~HilyBee from Novel d'Tales
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
della collins
One word. Wow.
I truly enjoyed the first book. I was really looking forward to reading the second. Don't think of this as a continuation or a sequel. This book stands on its own merit. I can't count the amount of times I laughed or smiled, gritted my teeth or ground my knuckles, put off eating or using the bathroom because I needed to get to the next scene, needed to find out what would happen next, needed to know if everything was going to be alright. I found myself stressed over Kara's conflicts with the first vagabond, hating him, even wanting to punch him at times. I found myself missing the lightheartedness of the beginning of the book at times while simultaneously wanting to know that everything would work out, wanting to know what was going to happen, wanting Kara and Braeden to make it... together. I read this book in about sixteen hours straight. Not a record, but pretty impressive considering the length.
I loved Flick. I want one. He (or is it a she?) was so cute and, honestly, I could care less about the teleporting. I want a pet that giggles at me! Some characters, I came to really enjoy, like Twin, who blossoms in the book; while others drove me absolutely batty like the Bloods and the first vagabond, who simply seemed incapable of learning or changing.
Treason is a great book for many reasons. It is dark, different, but makes you smile and laugh at regular intervals, breaking up the tension when it's most needed. It is filled with twists and turns that I almost guarantee you will not see coming. The characters are deep and come to life before your eyes and, no matter what your interest, I think you can probably find something to enjoy in this book.
Source: Book & Blog Services
eReader: Kindle for iPad
File type: MOBI
I truly enjoyed the first book. I was really looking forward to reading the second. Don't think of this as a continuation or a sequel. This book stands on its own merit. I can't count the amount of times I laughed or smiled, gritted my teeth or ground my knuckles, put off eating or using the bathroom because I needed to get to the next scene, needed to find out what would happen next, needed to know if everything was going to be alright. I found myself stressed over Kara's conflicts with the first vagabond, hating him, even wanting to punch him at times. I found myself missing the lightheartedness of the beginning of the book at times while simultaneously wanting to know that everything would work out, wanting to know what was going to happen, wanting Kara and Braeden to make it... together. I read this book in about sixteen hours straight. Not a record, but pretty impressive considering the length.
I loved Flick. I want one. He (or is it a she?) was so cute and, honestly, I could care less about the teleporting. I want a pet that giggles at me! Some characters, I came to really enjoy, like Twin, who blossoms in the book; while others drove me absolutely batty like the Bloods and the first vagabond, who simply seemed incapable of learning or changing.
Treason is a great book for many reasons. It is dark, different, but makes you smile and laugh at regular intervals, breaking up the tension when it's most needed. It is filled with twists and turns that I almost guarantee you will not see coming. The characters are deep and come to life before your eyes and, no matter what your interest, I think you can probably find something to enjoy in this book.
Source: Book & Blog Services
eReader: Kindle for iPad
File type: MOBI
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
baiba
Read more: [...]
In case you don't know, Lichgates is amazing and basically embodies everything I love about high fantasy. So if you haven't, you should read the review. If you have, then you already know how original and clever it is. Guess what? Treason may even be better. Everything I loved about the first book is here: the strong characters, the super original creatures, the uber-cute and slow-building romance, the adventure, the magic, the pacing. But Treason ups the ante. The action starts instantly and the stakes are ever higher. The twist...well, all I'll say is that it blew my mind. In a good way. Mostly. I thought it needed a wee bit more foreshadowing, but I also thought it was a brilliant wrench to throw into the works. Did I mention that I love Braeden? We also get to know the side characters a lot more in this one, which makes the whole world feel way more fleshed out. I'm dying for book three.
plot . 5/5
Holy chipotle (yes, people say that...), I cannot believe how much happens in this book. Most authors would risk clunking you over the head with too much information, but Boyce pulls it off. The pacing is slow enough to let you catch your breath but fast enough that the book doesn't end up at 800 pages. Everything builds logically on everything else. There's a bit of confusion around the Grimoire and just when it can save her and when not, but I think in general, Boyce does a good job of avoiding deus ex machina. And like I said...the twists leaves you reeling. It ends on kind of a soft, flimsy note, but that's pretty much my only complaint.
concept . 5/5
It's hard to make a new high fantasy world. People also just don't care to do it. Which is fine, sometimes. If you have great characters and write like a pro, I'll gobble up your standard Euro-medieval look-a-like in a heartbeat and love it. However. Give me something new and exciting and you'll really stand out. Boyce keeps some of the medieval tropes, but that's where the stereotypes end. The bloodline system is insanely clever. The creatures are all new and sparkly and shiny. The linguistic aspects could be a little tighter but I tend to be way pickier about that then...well, pretty much everyone else. In a nutshell? Boyce took the time to create something new and deep and it shows.
characters . 5/5
Braedenbraedenbraeden. Okay I'm done. Braeden and Kara, the POV characters, are extremely well done. They have some cliche elements (can you say Spiderman complex?) but they feel like real people, which is not always the case in fantasy novels. They have real, logical motivations and relatable personalities. I'm not a huge fan of Twin because she's a bit overly bubbly and flat. She's the exception. Most of the secondary characters really come to life in this novel. I thought Aislynn needed some more foreshadowing, but Gavin was fantastically multifaceted and the first Vagabond is delightfully willful. For the most part, everyone feels vibrant and real.
style . 5/5
I'll admit that Boyce occasionally has some superfluous phrases or some messy language. Now that I've gotten my nitpickiness out of the way...I really love Boyce's writing. It's clean, polished, and hits the perfect balance between pretty description and succinct action phrasing. It doesn't get in the way of the plot but it doesn't fall flat and dull either. She has a knack for painting a picture.
mechanics . 5/5
Boyce puts in the extra editing work, and you can tell. It's cleanly formatted and very pretty.
take home message
A tour-de-force (I've always wanted to use that word) that brings YA fantasy back into the light.
In case you don't know, Lichgates is amazing and basically embodies everything I love about high fantasy. So if you haven't, you should read the review. If you have, then you already know how original and clever it is. Guess what? Treason may even be better. Everything I loved about the first book is here: the strong characters, the super original creatures, the uber-cute and slow-building romance, the adventure, the magic, the pacing. But Treason ups the ante. The action starts instantly and the stakes are ever higher. The twist...well, all I'll say is that it blew my mind. In a good way. Mostly. I thought it needed a wee bit more foreshadowing, but I also thought it was a brilliant wrench to throw into the works. Did I mention that I love Braeden? We also get to know the side characters a lot more in this one, which makes the whole world feel way more fleshed out. I'm dying for book three.
plot . 5/5
Holy chipotle (yes, people say that...), I cannot believe how much happens in this book. Most authors would risk clunking you over the head with too much information, but Boyce pulls it off. The pacing is slow enough to let you catch your breath but fast enough that the book doesn't end up at 800 pages. Everything builds logically on everything else. There's a bit of confusion around the Grimoire and just when it can save her and when not, but I think in general, Boyce does a good job of avoiding deus ex machina. And like I said...the twists leaves you reeling. It ends on kind of a soft, flimsy note, but that's pretty much my only complaint.
concept . 5/5
It's hard to make a new high fantasy world. People also just don't care to do it. Which is fine, sometimes. If you have great characters and write like a pro, I'll gobble up your standard Euro-medieval look-a-like in a heartbeat and love it. However. Give me something new and exciting and you'll really stand out. Boyce keeps some of the medieval tropes, but that's where the stereotypes end. The bloodline system is insanely clever. The creatures are all new and sparkly and shiny. The linguistic aspects could be a little tighter but I tend to be way pickier about that then...well, pretty much everyone else. In a nutshell? Boyce took the time to create something new and deep and it shows.
characters . 5/5
Braedenbraedenbraeden. Okay I'm done. Braeden and Kara, the POV characters, are extremely well done. They have some cliche elements (can you say Spiderman complex?) but they feel like real people, which is not always the case in fantasy novels. They have real, logical motivations and relatable personalities. I'm not a huge fan of Twin because she's a bit overly bubbly and flat. She's the exception. Most of the secondary characters really come to life in this novel. I thought Aislynn needed some more foreshadowing, but Gavin was fantastically multifaceted and the first Vagabond is delightfully willful. For the most part, everyone feels vibrant and real.
style . 5/5
I'll admit that Boyce occasionally has some superfluous phrases or some messy language. Now that I've gotten my nitpickiness out of the way...I really love Boyce's writing. It's clean, polished, and hits the perfect balance between pretty description and succinct action phrasing. It doesn't get in the way of the plot but it doesn't fall flat and dull either. She has a knack for painting a picture.
mechanics . 5/5
Boyce puts in the extra editing work, and you can tell. It's cleanly formatted and very pretty.
take home message
A tour-de-force (I've always wanted to use that word) that brings YA fantasy back into the light.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
rose horath
I had high expectations for this book, and it met all of them. All of the action and romance and awesomeness that was in the first book of this series was present here as well, and I was really gripped.
Kara matures in this novel quite a bit. Her love interest, Braeden, also have to come to terms with what he is. It seems that as their characters progress, all the other Bloods are deteriorating into madness or some other such idiocracy.
I didn't see Kara's family history coming at all. The bit of foreshadowing that was included in 'Lichgates' for this I'd almost forgotten about, but then rediscovered that nibbly bit in my mind. Poor Kara, it seems like she'll never have peace.
The title of 'Treason' is very fitting. There are so many kinds of treason and betrayal going on, it's hard to pick which is my favourite. Am I allowed to have favourite betrayals? I'm sure that a rereading of this novel wouldn't do any hard, as I'm sure I could pick more up from it.
I would have liked to see a bit more of the muses, and I felt that part was left pretty open. I can't say too much, or I'll give away all the surprises, but Adele wasn't exactly thinking rationally about that I can tell.
There are definitely some deeper themes in this novel. The original Vagabond suffered and died, and he couldn't keep his love safe, so he wants Kara to do the same. It's entirely unreasonable of him. Kara gets the chance to choose life again, and of course, she needs something big to come back for. But for her, it's not uniting the yakona who she never had a blood link to, it's about peace.
The same thing that bugged me about the first one that I forgot to mention was Kara's relationship with Twin. I didn't really see very much development, except the tiara episode, because Kara is away so much. Maybe I missed something? You should get your hands on a copy of this trilogy and tell me if I did!
I actually have applied to get the ARC of this trilogy, which doesn't come out until Fall next year. I think that means October for me, since that will be our spring. It's far too long to wait in my opinion! If you don't have copies of these books, get your hands on them immediately and read them. Or, if you can't stand the suspense of reading them but not having the third book, buy them anyway and keep them for then.
Adults and teenagers alike would enjoy this novel. There are no sex scenes, basically no bad language, and only positive depictions of making hard life decisions the right way. Five stars from me.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
Kara matures in this novel quite a bit. Her love interest, Braeden, also have to come to terms with what he is. It seems that as their characters progress, all the other Bloods are deteriorating into madness or some other such idiocracy.
I didn't see Kara's family history coming at all. The bit of foreshadowing that was included in 'Lichgates' for this I'd almost forgotten about, but then rediscovered that nibbly bit in my mind. Poor Kara, it seems like she'll never have peace.
The title of 'Treason' is very fitting. There are so many kinds of treason and betrayal going on, it's hard to pick which is my favourite. Am I allowed to have favourite betrayals? I'm sure that a rereading of this novel wouldn't do any hard, as I'm sure I could pick more up from it.
I would have liked to see a bit more of the muses, and I felt that part was left pretty open. I can't say too much, or I'll give away all the surprises, but Adele wasn't exactly thinking rationally about that I can tell.
There are definitely some deeper themes in this novel. The original Vagabond suffered and died, and he couldn't keep his love safe, so he wants Kara to do the same. It's entirely unreasonable of him. Kara gets the chance to choose life again, and of course, she needs something big to come back for. But for her, it's not uniting the yakona who she never had a blood link to, it's about peace.
The same thing that bugged me about the first one that I forgot to mention was Kara's relationship with Twin. I didn't really see very much development, except the tiara episode, because Kara is away so much. Maybe I missed something? You should get your hands on a copy of this trilogy and tell me if I did!
I actually have applied to get the ARC of this trilogy, which doesn't come out until Fall next year. I think that means October for me, since that will be our spring. It's far too long to wait in my opinion! If you don't have copies of these books, get your hands on them immediately and read them. Or, if you can't stand the suspense of reading them but not having the third book, buy them anyway and keep them for then.
Adults and teenagers alike would enjoy this novel. There are no sex scenes, basically no bad language, and only positive depictions of making hard life decisions the right way. Five stars from me.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
natalie moon
Treason: Book Two of the Grimoire Trilogy by S.M. Boyce
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book. I was encouraged to write a review. Since I always write reviews this was a win-win for me! Yay!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series. Lichgates: Book One of the Grimoire Trilogy (a young adult paranormal fantasy series) The world building is amazing. I'm sure there are others, but the only books that come to mind with better world building in this genre are The Lord of the Rings books. This book picks up with Braedon and Kara back in The Vagabond's village. They are training and waiting until they need to go to the Gala. The Gala is where all the Yakona kingdoms (except the Stele, of course) will meet together to sign a treaty and celebrate. This is where things got boring to me. From 20-40% it was predictable and I dreaded opening it up! Of course the Gala goes all wrong and Kara and Braedon are in trouble again and this felt boring to me too. How? I don't know, but something didn't work for me. Maybe it was just Kara pushing Braedon away over and over again saying the same stupid stuff. So you are wondering why it gets 5 Stars? Keep reading!
I convinced myself to keep reading and (this is a long book) from between 40-95% I was absolutely entranced again! There were so many twists and turns. I mean, an Isen? Ahhh! It cannot be! And Braedon must go back to the Stele and I really didn't want him to go! But he had to. And the cat is out of the bag! Everyone knows everything. Except Kara. Kara only knows what people feel like telling her. How can Kara possibly know who to trust? They are all conniving behind her back and trying to get her power! Niccoli plays a bigger role and Dierdre is back. I can't tell what her end game is even after the epilogue!
I am going to say right now, that what I wrote above is quite possibly the worst synopsis ever, but there is so much that I can't tell you.
Favorite Quotes:
From Richard to Braedon: "You are and always will be my son. That you ever doubted me is my failure and mine alone."
Richard talking about Blood Gavin: "He led a campaign against the squirrels once for moving into an abandoned attic when he was six. In his mind, they invaded his home."
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book. I was encouraged to write a review. Since I always write reviews this was a win-win for me! Yay!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series. Lichgates: Book One of the Grimoire Trilogy (a young adult paranormal fantasy series) The world building is amazing. I'm sure there are others, but the only books that come to mind with better world building in this genre are The Lord of the Rings books. This book picks up with Braedon and Kara back in The Vagabond's village. They are training and waiting until they need to go to the Gala. The Gala is where all the Yakona kingdoms (except the Stele, of course) will meet together to sign a treaty and celebrate. This is where things got boring to me. From 20-40% it was predictable and I dreaded opening it up! Of course the Gala goes all wrong and Kara and Braedon are in trouble again and this felt boring to me too. How? I don't know, but something didn't work for me. Maybe it was just Kara pushing Braedon away over and over again saying the same stupid stuff. So you are wondering why it gets 5 Stars? Keep reading!
I convinced myself to keep reading and (this is a long book) from between 40-95% I was absolutely entranced again! There were so many twists and turns. I mean, an Isen? Ahhh! It cannot be! And Braedon must go back to the Stele and I really didn't want him to go! But he had to. And the cat is out of the bag! Everyone knows everything. Except Kara. Kara only knows what people feel like telling her. How can Kara possibly know who to trust? They are all conniving behind her back and trying to get her power! Niccoli plays a bigger role and Dierdre is back. I can't tell what her end game is even after the epilogue!
I am going to say right now, that what I wrote above is quite possibly the worst synopsis ever, but there is so much that I can't tell you.
Favorite Quotes:
From Richard to Braedon: "You are and always will be my son. That you ever doubted me is my failure and mine alone."
Richard talking about Blood Gavin: "He led a campaign against the squirrels once for moving into an abandoned attic when he was six. In his mind, they invaded his home."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
nate d
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for an honest review.)
When we pick up with Kara and Braeden after the events of Lichgates, they are still in the Vagabond's home, and each is personally reeling after sharing their first kiss. Unfortunately that is the last thing they have time to deal with since they still need to fulfill Kara's purpose as a vagabond and find a way to unite all of Ourea.
Kara has found Ourea to be a dangerous place with very few people worthy of her trust, yet she has to go back and face the people of Ourea, those who have continually betrayed her and endangered everything she cares about.
Treason had me at every turn. I stayed up until 4am because I just couldn't step away. The push and pull between Braeden and Kara was heartbreaking at times, and as a result of the tension they spent most of the book separated. I missed the dynamic they had in the first novel, but their relationship is growing and evolving, and in light of everything going on neither knows how to deal with it. And then, there's the first vagabond further complicating things at every turn.
I love Braeden. He is quickly moving to the top of my book crush list. Far from perfect, but in this book, he's finally forced to deal with who he really is and the Blood he is fated to become. There were lots of surprises in store for him through this journey, opportunities to fall, to lose everything that keeps him going and opportunities to grow into a stronger, more capable individual.
All of the characters created by S.M. are complex, unpredictable, and always evolving to create a dynamic community that fits perfectly within the detailed world of Ourea. Every time you think you know someone and what they're capable of, you get a slug to the gut. I imagine that reading this book would have to feel much like traveling through a lichgate.
Moving through a lichgate had two signs: a flare of blue light and a jolt that passed through the body.
Treason (Kindle Location 419).
S.M. knows these people, this world, and its creatures inside and out and I'd love to get a glimpse into the side journeys that must occur in her head at night. There were a few times I thought that's just too easy--when a new creature appeared to help, or the characters lucked out in some way--but overall I have no major complaints.
My verdict--The only thing I would change is the long wait to read Heritage. I highly recommend this fantasy.
When we pick up with Kara and Braeden after the events of Lichgates, they are still in the Vagabond's home, and each is personally reeling after sharing their first kiss. Unfortunately that is the last thing they have time to deal with since they still need to fulfill Kara's purpose as a vagabond and find a way to unite all of Ourea.
Kara has found Ourea to be a dangerous place with very few people worthy of her trust, yet she has to go back and face the people of Ourea, those who have continually betrayed her and endangered everything she cares about.
Treason had me at every turn. I stayed up until 4am because I just couldn't step away. The push and pull between Braeden and Kara was heartbreaking at times, and as a result of the tension they spent most of the book separated. I missed the dynamic they had in the first novel, but their relationship is growing and evolving, and in light of everything going on neither knows how to deal with it. And then, there's the first vagabond further complicating things at every turn.
I love Braeden. He is quickly moving to the top of my book crush list. Far from perfect, but in this book, he's finally forced to deal with who he really is and the Blood he is fated to become. There were lots of surprises in store for him through this journey, opportunities to fall, to lose everything that keeps him going and opportunities to grow into a stronger, more capable individual.
All of the characters created by S.M. are complex, unpredictable, and always evolving to create a dynamic community that fits perfectly within the detailed world of Ourea. Every time you think you know someone and what they're capable of, you get a slug to the gut. I imagine that reading this book would have to feel much like traveling through a lichgate.
Moving through a lichgate had two signs: a flare of blue light and a jolt that passed through the body.
Treason (Kindle Location 419).
S.M. knows these people, this world, and its creatures inside and out and I'd love to get a glimpse into the side journeys that must occur in her head at night. There were a few times I thought that's just too easy--when a new creature appeared to help, or the characters lucked out in some way--but overall I have no major complaints.
My verdict--The only thing I would change is the long wait to read Heritage. I highly recommend this fantasy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
val sprague
***Just ahead, slight spoilers if you haven't read Book One! But no spoilers for Book 2.***
Treason picks up where Lichgates leaves off. It still follows Braeden and Kara on their journey for peace in Ourea. But peace is hard to find when all of the Bloods (kings and queens) are fighting, lying, and trying to use the Vagabond, the greatest resource of power available in Ourea, for domination. They don't want peace.
They want power. But, Kara, she will not let anyone use her, so she fights back.
Meanwhile, Braeden is in trouble. He has to come to terms with who he truly is, and when that secret is revealed, he loses everything he's worked so hard to gain. He's tossed aside like trash and is threatened on a daily basis. But he has one thing - one person to live for. And whether she wants him back or not, he will fight for her; he will die for her.
Kara comes to terms with her past, but when she finally learns to accept it, something comes along, leaving her more confused and concerned than ever. And trust me - you WILL NOT SEE THAT SURPRISE COMING!
And finally, Kara and Braeden have to face their feelings for one another! YAY!
Ms. Boyce fortunately gives us the answers we're left asking ourselves from book one, but she gives us more questions to keep us coming back for more in the next book! There aren't many books that keep my attention on them throughout the day, but this is one of those series. The characters and story linger in my mind until I want to know more and can't stop reading. I'm sad to have to wait for Book 3 now. I'm hoping it won't be too long of a wait though!
Treason picks up where Lichgates leaves off. It still follows Braeden and Kara on their journey for peace in Ourea. But peace is hard to find when all of the Bloods (kings and queens) are fighting, lying, and trying to use the Vagabond, the greatest resource of power available in Ourea, for domination. They don't want peace.
They want power. But, Kara, she will not let anyone use her, so she fights back.
Meanwhile, Braeden is in trouble. He has to come to terms with who he truly is, and when that secret is revealed, he loses everything he's worked so hard to gain. He's tossed aside like trash and is threatened on a daily basis. But he has one thing - one person to live for. And whether she wants him back or not, he will fight for her; he will die for her.
Kara comes to terms with her past, but when she finally learns to accept it, something comes along, leaving her more confused and concerned than ever. And trust me - you WILL NOT SEE THAT SURPRISE COMING!
And finally, Kara and Braeden have to face their feelings for one another! YAY!
Ms. Boyce fortunately gives us the answers we're left asking ourselves from book one, but she gives us more questions to keep us coming back for more in the next book! There aren't many books that keep my attention on them throughout the day, but this is one of those series. The characters and story linger in my mind until I want to know more and can't stop reading. I'm sad to have to wait for Book 3 now. I'm hoping it won't be too long of a wait though!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
aja darak
Considering that I'd discovered Lichgates by accident my love for this series has been even more special. I had high expectations of Treason and I couldn't wait to read it. Well you can only imagine how happy I was with this book.
Being back in Ourea was special. Seeing the world and its magic again made me so happy. It was painful to wait all this time to see what would happen with Kara and Braeden, especially when I've started to really like them both. Kara is really strong and I must say powerful girl. Even though she still haven't found herself and even though she still felt pain for leaving her world she must be strong. The only person who was there for her all the time was the one she cannot have cause she cannot bear to lose him as well. Braeden wasn't happy for that be he must understand how it was for her. He did but her wouldn't give up, and for that boy you have got me!
It's hard to tell you more about the story cause I don't want to spoil anything for you. When you read Lichgates and discover this whole new world you'll be amused with its magic and power. Treason is different. I mean magic is still there don't worry, but here main characters grow and you meet them better. Trying to save Ourea is not so easy when you have such kings. The complicated relations between them and a lot of aspects will make you confused. You don't know who to trust. Mostly when you also have your family that don't care for you but only for power. They're your blood and in a world where bloodline means so much it's not easy to go against them.
Basically Treason picks up where Lichgates ends. Be ready for new adventures and also for new fights, not only those physical but also emotional. I loved every single page of this book. Boyce once again did amazing job. *standing ovations*
**NOTE: I received copy of this book from author for honest review.
Being back in Ourea was special. Seeing the world and its magic again made me so happy. It was painful to wait all this time to see what would happen with Kara and Braeden, especially when I've started to really like them both. Kara is really strong and I must say powerful girl. Even though she still haven't found herself and even though she still felt pain for leaving her world she must be strong. The only person who was there for her all the time was the one she cannot have cause she cannot bear to lose him as well. Braeden wasn't happy for that be he must understand how it was for her. He did but her wouldn't give up, and for that boy you have got me!
It's hard to tell you more about the story cause I don't want to spoil anything for you. When you read Lichgates and discover this whole new world you'll be amused with its magic and power. Treason is different. I mean magic is still there don't worry, but here main characters grow and you meet them better. Trying to save Ourea is not so easy when you have such kings. The complicated relations between them and a lot of aspects will make you confused. You don't know who to trust. Mostly when you also have your family that don't care for you but only for power. They're your blood and in a world where bloodline means so much it's not easy to go against them.
Basically Treason picks up where Lichgates ends. Be ready for new adventures and also for new fights, not only those physical but also emotional. I loved every single page of this book. Boyce once again did amazing job. *standing ovations*
**NOTE: I received copy of this book from author for honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
k rlis s manis
Once again I found myself plummeting into the world of Ourea. Although I really enjoyed reading Lichgates, I loved Treason. In this installment we are past the set-up stage and right in the thick of the action and romance (hehe).
Kara and Braeden are back and stronger than ever. I loved the twists in the story and Boyce has an easy style that immerses the reader in the book. Ourea is a magical place, and this time around we get to see a bit more of it, especially the political underpinnings.
Kara finds herself in some pretty sticky situations in this book, and she is a great heroine. I loved her banter with Braeden and the subtle inner battle each of them played. Should they or shouldn't they be together?
The politics plays a big role in Treason as the title implies. Some of the twists are just amazing, and I can't wait to read Heritage. Boyce, you need to write faster :)
Kara and Braeden are back and stronger than ever. I loved the twists in the story and Boyce has an easy style that immerses the reader in the book. Ourea is a magical place, and this time around we get to see a bit more of it, especially the political underpinnings.
Kara finds herself in some pretty sticky situations in this book, and she is a great heroine. I loved her banter with Braeden and the subtle inner battle each of them played. Should they or shouldn't they be together?
The politics plays a big role in Treason as the title implies. Some of the twists are just amazing, and I can't wait to read Heritage. Boyce, you need to write faster :)
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
brian
Created by SA Printer – Last synced August 9, 2016
Enjoyed this continuation of Kara's story in which we find out a bit about her past and family. Ms. Boyce also deals with issues of guilt, forgiveness, overcoming bigotry, and why some are ready to move on from it and some are not. I like that in the name of peace for their world, she has Kara use compassion, which sometimes even works.
*My review copy received in exchange for honest feedback. Although there are some grammatical mistakes in the name of author style, they are not so horrible as to take a listener out of the story. Read using Google Play TTS feature for the impaired reader.
Enjoyed this continuation of Kara's story in which we find out a bit about her past and family. Ms. Boyce also deals with issues of guilt, forgiveness, overcoming bigotry, and why some are ready to move on from it and some are not. I like that in the name of peace for their world, she has Kara use compassion, which sometimes even works.
*My review copy received in exchange for honest feedback. Although there are some grammatical mistakes in the name of author style, they are not so horrible as to take a listener out of the story. Read using Google Play TTS feature for the impaired reader.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
nick nicholas
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy from the author, but this does not bias my review. I would have bought it.
From chapter one, I was sucked back into the world of Ourea, fondly remembering it from Lichgates, as if I had never left. Straight away, we encounter our favourite main characters, Kara and Braeden, and the pace continues masterfully from there - no heavy-handed recap.
Treason has a huge cast of characters but each was superbly rendered and differentiated, such that I never got confused, but instead enthralled by the tangled web of relationships, friendships and betrayals. Boyce must have kept an amazing spreadsheet to track them all, because it all flowed smoothly and believably.
The intrigue is what I enjoyed most about this book, and why I rank it above the already great Lichgates. We are treated to royal politics without the usual fantasy stereotypes. It was enormous fun to predict who was gaming whom. What conniving folks, the lot of them! Despite scenes full of characters, Boyce wove their interaction with grace and clean, powerful, and often witty, dialog, showing us the rich, emotional depth of each person. The plot never felt contrived.
Behind the fragile alliances and fight for domination of Ourea, lies the ever-complex romance between Kara and Braeden. These two just aren't destined to be together. Not only are events trying to pull them apart, but each must withhold their love to save the other's life.
The world is richly described without slowing the pace, and, like in Lichgates, there is plenty of traveling, which I love. Boyce's world building makes me savour the details, especially when we visit new places. Ironically, one of the sections I just couldn't put down, reading long into the night, took place in our world. There are a couple of scenes in there where I nearly dropped my iPad in shock. Gripping stuff.
Definitely in the top 5 reads of 2012 for me.
From chapter one, I was sucked back into the world of Ourea, fondly remembering it from Lichgates, as if I had never left. Straight away, we encounter our favourite main characters, Kara and Braeden, and the pace continues masterfully from there - no heavy-handed recap.
Treason has a huge cast of characters but each was superbly rendered and differentiated, such that I never got confused, but instead enthralled by the tangled web of relationships, friendships and betrayals. Boyce must have kept an amazing spreadsheet to track them all, because it all flowed smoothly and believably.
The intrigue is what I enjoyed most about this book, and why I rank it above the already great Lichgates. We are treated to royal politics without the usual fantasy stereotypes. It was enormous fun to predict who was gaming whom. What conniving folks, the lot of them! Despite scenes full of characters, Boyce wove their interaction with grace and clean, powerful, and often witty, dialog, showing us the rich, emotional depth of each person. The plot never felt contrived.
Behind the fragile alliances and fight for domination of Ourea, lies the ever-complex romance between Kara and Braeden. These two just aren't destined to be together. Not only are events trying to pull them apart, but each must withhold their love to save the other's life.
The world is richly described without slowing the pace, and, like in Lichgates, there is plenty of traveling, which I love. Boyce's world building makes me savour the details, especially when we visit new places. Ironically, one of the sections I just couldn't put down, reading long into the night, took place in our world. There are a couple of scenes in there where I nearly dropped my iPad in shock. Gripping stuff.
Definitely in the top 5 reads of 2012 for me.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
pongson
Overview: Reading Lichgates is a requirement before picking up this sequel. The author wastes no time or space reviewing what happens in book one. The writing was less flowery and descriptive than the first book, which is good for speeding up the pace, but bad because I truly love the way S.M. Boyce describes the world she created in her trilogy. Still, this is an excellent continuation to the series and I recommend it to everyone that has read Lichgates. Like the first book, this one is definitely appropriate for MG and YA readers.
Characters: Kara has always questioned authority but now she must learn to lead to save Braedon and Ourea. She pushes Braedon away to try to protect him and he does the same to her - which only makes their situations more dire. Braedon is a tortured soul who must question the limits of his Blood bound or risk losing everything that's dear to him. I think their characters definitely evolved from the first book. They have become not only more mature but also have a harder time resisting very adult urges. The other characters from the first book share limited page time and the only one that definitely feels more developed is Gavin. Of course, Carden is my favorite character. He plays such an excellent villain.
Plot: I thought that this book had less of an epic feel than the first. The primary plot seems to be Kara and Braedon trying to figure out a way to be together, despite all odds against them. There are a few great action/torture scenes but it's feels tamer than the first book. Still, the storyline is compelling to read and I found myself finishing Treason much faster than Lichgates.
Ending: Like the first book, it is obvious that the story isn't over. I'm anxious to figure out what the next stage is for the characters, but this definitely didn't end as a cliffhanger.
(I received a copy in exchange for my honest review as part of the blog tour.)
Characters: Kara has always questioned authority but now she must learn to lead to save Braedon and Ourea. She pushes Braedon away to try to protect him and he does the same to her - which only makes their situations more dire. Braedon is a tortured soul who must question the limits of his Blood bound or risk losing everything that's dear to him. I think their characters definitely evolved from the first book. They have become not only more mature but also have a harder time resisting very adult urges. The other characters from the first book share limited page time and the only one that definitely feels more developed is Gavin. Of course, Carden is my favorite character. He plays such an excellent villain.
Plot: I thought that this book had less of an epic feel than the first. The primary plot seems to be Kara and Braedon trying to figure out a way to be together, despite all odds against them. There are a few great action/torture scenes but it's feels tamer than the first book. Still, the storyline is compelling to read and I found myself finishing Treason much faster than Lichgates.
Ending: Like the first book, it is obvious that the story isn't over. I'm anxious to figure out what the next stage is for the characters, but this definitely didn't end as a cliffhanger.
(I received a copy in exchange for my honest review as part of the blog tour.)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
brynne b
I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of Treason. It made me very happy, because I'd been waiting for it ever since stumbling across Lichgates one day and devouring it quite quickly. So to not have to wait for the release date was awesome!
But since you are probably more interested in the book itself, here are my impressions.
I was very impressed with Lichgates as a modern, epic fantasy with great characters, an imaginative new world, an ancient form of magic, and some nice, tight story telling that made me want to keep turning the pages to see what was next.
Treason was even better than Lichgates, perhaps because I had already come to care about the characters and I wanted to see what happened next. In Treason, the rich and complex world that Boyce built in Lichgates is alive with hope, darkness and more than a slice of betrayal on multiple fronts.
As Kara tried to bring peace to the warring peoples of Ourea, forces are at work both from the common enemy of those assembled for peace talks, and from infighting. Both Kara and Braeden are forced to risk losing it all or face the choice to become what they hate. And of course, they must face losing each other as well, even though Kara has vowed that they aren't good for each other and can never be together, Braeden hasn't given up. But when they see what the other has become, will their budding love carry them through?
Treason is a non-stop story. Besides the main plot lines mentioned above, there are a number of others woven skillfully in place that make the reader take a second look at even some of the darkest characters that Boyce has animated here within the pages of her book.
Bottom line: excellent young adult fantasy, great reading for any fantasy lover.
But since you are probably more interested in the book itself, here are my impressions.
I was very impressed with Lichgates as a modern, epic fantasy with great characters, an imaginative new world, an ancient form of magic, and some nice, tight story telling that made me want to keep turning the pages to see what was next.
Treason was even better than Lichgates, perhaps because I had already come to care about the characters and I wanted to see what happened next. In Treason, the rich and complex world that Boyce built in Lichgates is alive with hope, darkness and more than a slice of betrayal on multiple fronts.
As Kara tried to bring peace to the warring peoples of Ourea, forces are at work both from the common enemy of those assembled for peace talks, and from infighting. Both Kara and Braeden are forced to risk losing it all or face the choice to become what they hate. And of course, they must face losing each other as well, even though Kara has vowed that they aren't good for each other and can never be together, Braeden hasn't given up. But when they see what the other has become, will their budding love carry them through?
Treason is a non-stop story. Besides the main plot lines mentioned above, there are a number of others woven skillfully in place that make the reader take a second look at even some of the darkest characters that Boyce has animated here within the pages of her book.
Bottom line: excellent young adult fantasy, great reading for any fantasy lover.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
jim essian
This book was a great continuation of Kara' story as she comes into her role as Vagabond. There were a lot of surprises in this book, lots of action, and lots of plotting amongst the Yakona. I listened to the Audible version of the book and Kara's narration really added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. The chapters were very long and I don't think I would have enjoyed the book nearly as much if I had read it instead of listening to Kara's narration.
The world building was great & the writing was wonderful. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
The world building was great & the writing was wonderful. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Please RateAn Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Grimoire Saga Book 2)