Three cultures clash in all out war–against each other and against the gods–in the second book of this fantasy duology that’s sure to capture fans of The Hunger Games and An Ember in the Ashes.
The Races are over. War has begun.
Ashlord and Longhand armies battle for control of the Empire as Dividian rebels do their best to survive the crossfire. This is no longer a game. It’s life or death.
Adrian, Pippa, and Imelda each came out of the Races with questions about their role in the ongoing feud. The deeper they dig, the clearer it is that the hatred between their peoples has an origin point: the gods.
Their secrets are long-buried, but one disgruntled deity is ready to unveil the truth. Every whisper leads back to the underworld. What are the gods hiding there? As the sands of the Empire shift, these heroes will do everything they can to aim their people at the true enemy. But is it already too late?
The first book in this series bowled me over with its inventive world-building, Hunger Games-ish race, and three characters that were so easy to root for, so requesting an ARC of the second book in this duology was a no-brainer.
In Ashlords, war, rebellion, and unrest were stirring, and this sequel is set several months later after the war has started. Where Ashlords primarily focused on the race, Bloodsworn is all about the battle and delves deeply into the seven gods and how they’ve affected society. The three main characters are now back with their own people and on opposite sides of the feud. Pacing is a bit slow at the beginning, but it gave me time to regain my footing in this world and catch up with Adrian, Pippa, and Imelda and learn the new roles they now played in the war. As with the first book, it’s impossible for me to choose a favorite among them. Adrian and Pippa were both used as pawns in different ways, but are now strong enough to forge their own path. Imelda, once considered an underdog, proves it’s a mistake to underestimate her. They all show tremendous growth over the span of the series, and their arcs do justice to these engaging characters.
With the three MCs having separate storylines, I wondered how and when they’d intertwine. A couple of game-changing plot twists soon answered my question, but the author also holds back some suprises until nearly the end. Tense, fast-paced battle scenes kept me glued to the pages, and the slivers of romance among all the fighting are actually kind of sweet and don’t overshadow the main plot.
This is an exciting, complex, original series sure to engage both YA and adult readers. Although the story was complete and the ending satisfying, I’d have loved another book. Just a hint to the author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
That’s quite a compliment, asking for another book when the story is complete. I hope the author sees your comment.
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So do I, Staci! He gave a peek at what might happen to these characters, but I still want more.
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Wow! I love that cover! Duologies are fun, but it sounds like in this case, the author could keep things going and fans would be happy. Great review, Teri!
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Both covers are gorgeous – amazing designs. I know I’d be happy if he kept going. I guess I can just hope he revisits this world sometime. Thanks, Mae!
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Wow the second seems as amazing asthe first one! Great review Teri!
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Thanks, Sophie! Both are very different books – which is kind of odd for a series, I guess – but perfect for the story and just as engrossing.
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I love that, even though we often get the same books from NetGalley, that you also find ones that I had no idea about but would definitely love. This duology sounds like one of those. Wonderful review!
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Yes! I’ve seen some on your blog that I’ll request and somehow missed on NG. This has some really unique world-building – maybe you should look into it, Tessa.
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Teri, hope you are well.
I wanted to reach out to you to ask you if you would be interested in disucssing your blog, writing, and books on my new Youtube channel. I have a small following since I just started this journey, but i do expect it to grow.
If you would be interested, just reach out to me. You would send me small video recordings that you can make on yoour cell phone and I can edit everything into a little program. Feel free to let me know. If you prefer to wait until I have a big folllowing, I understand.
Have a great day.
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Thanks so much for the offer, Drew! I’ve never done anything on YouTube and haven’t even made an Instagram story, but I know it’s something I need to branch into. It’s a fantastic idea!
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Let me get this thing going and I will get back to you. You woould just do voice recordings and sbmit pics of you and your novels. And we go from there.
Thanks so much. I apppreciate it.
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Good review! I think a really good battle scene would be hard to write, so kudos to Reintgen. It does sound like a complex plot, but apparently it’s easy to follow, sounds good!
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Right? There’s so much going on in battle scenes – you really need to act out as much as you can at home to see if the logistics work out. Use hubby as a victim, lol!
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This sounds amazing and looks like it has everything one wants in sci-fi. Great review!
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It’s one of my favorite fantasy series, Yesha. Such original world-building and charismatic characters, each facing their own challenges.
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Great review, Teri! It sounds like one of those books that keeps you up late into the night reading. Thanks for sharing.
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It sure did, Jill. So many exciting – and nerve-wracking – things going on!
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This sounds exciting, Teri. Religion has been the root of most wars historical. That and greed.
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The second book really focused more on religion – but greed was in there as well. With seven different gods, it got interesting.
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This is one of those books I would by the print copy of just for that beautiful cover! Wonderful review, Teri, I’m checking this out!
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Thanks, Jacquie! Both covers in the series are worthy of hanging, Jacquie – so stunning.
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