Second Book in the Man of His Word Series
357412
Faery Lands Forlorn picks up right where Magic Casement left off with Rap fecklessly and fearlessly plunging in through the magic casement to try and find Inos, only to find that Inos and he landed in different realms.  Inos was captured by the sorceress Rasha, a self-styled Sultana who has taken over the country of Zark, land of the Djinns.  Inos is unsure why she has been captured by Rasha, but she is determined to escape so she turns to Azak, the rightful Sultan, confident that if anyone hates Rasha more than her, it would be the man Rasha has humiliated and enslaved.  For Rasha has cast a spell over Azak that causes anyone who speaks his rightful title as Sultan to turn to stone and that any woman he touches (aside from Rasha) he will burn like a hot iron.
Meanwhile, Rap, Little Chicken and companion have found themselves wandering in the land of Faerie.  By now, Rap has discovered that he has a word of power and that that is why Andor was trying to befriend him.  Rap also discovered their secret - that Andor, Jalon, Sagorn and Darad all were cursed by a sorcerer so that only one of them can "live" at a time, the other personalities are all in a kind of limbo while one person gets through whatever adventure they are currently in the middle of.  Even though Rap has his doubts about his so-called allies, he is willing to use everyone for their skills to try and find Inos and rescue her.  Along the way, he expands his band by befriending Captain Gathmore, a Jotunn sailor who manages to get Rap hired on as part of his crew.  At least Rap is mobile now, but he isn't heading in the right direction and he still has old enemies to worry about, as well as the unwanted attention of the witches and warlocks of the regions...
Faery Lands Forlorn picks up the adventure from Magic Casement without missing a beat.  Since David Duncan is a superb author, I think that you could jump in on this one and understand what is going on without reading the first one, but why deprive yourself of the pleasure?  Rap is still a delightful hero in a very non-traditional sense and the reader gets the opportunity to learn about how magic works in the world of Pandemia as Rap discovers more powers and uses for his gifts of farsight and working with animals.  The way that magic works in this world is fascinating and it is interesting to note that the author does distinguish between a sorcerer and a magician in that the former's spells are permanent and the latter's spells only last as long as the magician is focusing on them.  Again, Rap was by far more interesting than Inos, but she did further along the plot and give Duncan to create another section of this world that reminded me of an Arabian Nights story.  Aunt Kade is really starting to come into her own in this book and she makes the parts with Inos sparkle a bit more than they did before.  The secondary characters are also delightful and fun to get to know.  If you are interested in reading a tale set in a world both familiar and strange where Duncan takes everything about a traditional fairy tale and just tweaks it a bit so it is fresh and unexpected, then this is a series for you!
4977304
A great 2nd book in the series. I love this series. Great characters and the author does a good job bringing them to life. I love the look back at history and tying it to current times. Looking forward to the next title in the series. Dan-- keep up the great writing!!
4899694
This was a very nice follow-up to the first book in the series. It's a complex work, but presented with fantastic pacing. As with Children of the Program, you hit a point and cannot stop reading. Looking forward to more from this author, Brad W. Cox!
3469656
Will Scarlet is in prison and dictating his story to a monk who seeks to discover information on Rhi Bran y Hud for his master Abbot Hugo. Through Will's memory we learn the latest news of Prince Bran's exploits. He and his men have become experts at stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor people of Elfael. Will Scarlet tells how he found Prince Bran and joined up with him. As always, Prince Bran's only goal is to take care of his people and get his land back.

As Will retells his story to the monk, he becomes aware of a conspiracy that threatens King William the Red's throne. If he can get word to Prince Bran, there might be a way to save King William's reign and get Elfael back. But Will is sentenced to be hung soon. How can a dead man get a message to anyone?

I enjoyed Scarlet very much. The second book was a much better read than the first. It did have a long take from the old woman, but it wasn't as frustrating as it was in the first book. I also liked the way this book was written from Will's perspective in prison. Will is a wonderful character with a unique voice. Lawhead switches point of view characters often, but to have the tale from Will was refreshingly consistent. I highly recommend this second book. It could be enjoyed without having read the first one.
3697641
This second book in a series is very entangled with the first book in the series. Otherwise, it's a good read ( except for a few intrusive adjectives).
2927108
The second book in the series follows int he footsteps of the first. More precarious incidents arise with humorous interactions.
3943381
The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins is a well-written sequel to The Brotherhood. In my opinion, this book was even more fast-paced than the first.

I'm pretty sure I heard that Jenkins is a "pantser" (as in writing by the seat of your pants) when it comes to plotting. As someone who utilizes outlines, I was impressed by how he tied the various subplots of the two stories together (things were set in motion in the first book that really fit and connected with the second). Jenkins also did a good job of interspersing narrative with dialogue.

Men and women of all ages who enjoy a quick read should like this novel (suspense action, romance--it's all in there). In this book, as well as in most of his other stories, Jenkins provides backstory, so conceivably, each story can stand alone. Still, I'd suggest reading the first book because it gives you greater insight into the main character, Boone Drake.

In this sequel, Boone faces a new set of challenges (as if he hadn't already been through the wringer in the first book). Haeley is in trouble, and there are hints of a dirty cop or two on the force. In a race against time, Boone must collect evidence to find out the truth, even if it hurts.
3815010
The second book is better than the first.  The new wizard Isn't afraid to ask for ideas and listen to them.  He learns more everyday.  He is also learning about his ancestors.  He and Penny are united in a simple ceremony.  War is coming and he must defeat the enemy.  The author draws from his own experience when he talks about the wizard's stepdad.  It really makes for great reading.
2253795
We get the chance to learn more about Cory Wilson's companions in this second book, even though it isn't #2 technically. Not much about his relationship with his new love interest. Now that Cory has burned his bridges on earth, we'll see what happens in the next one.
3412266
I enjoyed the 2nd book in the Window to the Heart Saga.  I thought #1 was better, but this was still good.  I am looking forward to the next book.
4196467
I again enjoyed the continued story of G.P. Ruso and his exploites as a medicus for the Roman Legion. Like the first in the series it was witty and interesting, though again a little confusing at times with so much going on in one story. I am hoping to see a little more development in the 2 main characters as the series proceeds, but perhaps the author prefers to focus more on the mysteries in each book rather than the building of relationships.
4322232
The second book is fun to read and moves at a fast pace. The book is fantasy and mystery. Combining human and otherworldly characters adds to the mystery, since the reader, not knowing the other worldly capabilities, cannot predict the outcome. A good storyline with many fantasy characters and locations . Looking forward to the next book!
4925301
I chose this book because I read his first in the series.  I read this book every chance i could. It is better than the first book in his series.

It did not get boring nor slow down.  I wanted to get to the end fast, but, only because I wanted to know who did it.  I am getting the next one in this series as soon as I finish this review.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great read, and can overlook am occasional four letter word.
3420156
Patrick W. Carr is back with the second book in the Staff and the Sword series, The Hero's Lot. The story of Errol Stone continues as Errol is wrongly accused of a crime and sent on a journey to an enemy kingdom to find Sarin Valon, the corrupt church leader. Errol gathers around him an unlikely crew of people to aid and guide him along the way.
In the meantime, Martin and Luis are sent back to Errol's home village to try to learn more about Errol. Once the truth is learned, Martin knows he must find Errol and share this knowledge with him.  Along their journey, Martin and Luis encounter the followers and the power of Aurae and learn to believe in things they did not count as truth before.
The Hero's Lot is a great follow up to The Cast of Stones. Of course, now I cannot wait for the third book to come out to see what sort of adventure Errol is sent on next. This book was full of action, adventure and secrets that kept me quickly turning the pages, eager to know what happens next. If you enjoy fantasy, you will enjoy this installment in The Staff and the Sword series.
I was given a copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to submit a positive review.
1451707
2nd book in a series subtitled Women of Justice -- absolutely loved it.  The story brought out more character information about all of the main players in the story and the previous book.  The example of applying God's word to your life was made very vivid and real in the plot.  I highly recommend this book.
2647804
I liked the charactors and the story line of this book.  I'm waiting for the next book in the series to see if he can build on the first book.
2464324
2nd book in the series was very good!  More focus on the two primary characters (where the 1st one had to spend time setting up the family dynamic).  In an effort to tell an elapsed time story, I think the author lost some good character development, conversations, etc. opportunities between the two primaries.  Overall though very good and I'm looking forward to number 3 :) .