the first book continues in full force!
589284
Because there is such a variety of characters in this book - and it was some time ago that I had read the first part - it was a small puzzle to remember "who" everybody was.

The story is interesting and colourful and in the end all ends are neatly tied together. Some characters are worth remembering!
3686264
Romulus Buckle is back, and I can say that I think this book is even better than the first one. In it, we find Romulus finding proof of who attacked the stronghold, gaining a Princess, and starting a war. Oh, and gaining what he hopes is some credible information regarding his sister. All in a days work for the high-and-mighty Romulus Buckle!

This book started moving in the beginning and never really let up. I had a hard time putting it down, and the revelations (no spoilers) have only increased my excitement for the third book in this fantastic series. My curiosity knows no bounds as I think of the possibilities.

I look forward to reading the next book, and will be keeping this book on my shelf. Highly recommended for a fast-paced, swashbuckling good time.
4255651
Second book in the series did not disappoint! Main character William Grace matured with a new cast along with one familiar friend. The new cast brings distinct personalities and depth as the story seamlessly unfolds. The main conflict continues with the Sa'Ami and we are shown divisions within the UC. The battle action is descriptive and intense. Usually I am more interested in hand to hand combat but in this book I found the ship battles just as exciting. The technology in the story is very imaginative and seems it could realistically be achieved.
3614658
Picked this up for my daughters, but I read the first one while they weren't looking and had to go straight on to book two. While set in the same world, book two introduces a whole new group of characters, delving you further into the political and social strife that Amaya found herself fighting against. Corbin's style of writing is engaging, and like the first book in the series it is a fast and fun read. It certainly seems like it is set up for a third book - can't wait to see how it turns out!
3497331
The second book in this series is just as good if not better than the first. After reading "Irin" I was curious as to what was going to happen next. Such is the nature of reading a new series. However, after reading "Scepter" I was on the edge of my seat! As a prequel, it blends perfectly into the events of its predecessor, finally answering some of the questions about the characters and events that were burning in the back of my mind. Fortunately, "Scepter" gives small clues as to the characters futures without revealing too much, leaving the reader wanting more and more. If these stories are any clue as to to the calibre of R. Lee Walsh's writing, we can only expect great things from her in the future.
3118581
This is even more action-packed and intense than the first book in the series. Can't wait for the third book to see how this ends!
1419224
While I enjoyed the first novel i found its pacing a bit slow,  but this sequel grabbed me from the start and forced me to read it in a single sitting.  The setting continues to expand well beyond where book one started and i cannot wait to finish typing this to grab book 3!
1785624
The Solar Union has expanded, and are preparing for war against the Tokomak. A great followup to the first book, looking forward to another in the series!!
4889218
Empire of the Crescent Moon resumes Vlads saga with the author once again excellently capturing and pulling the reader back in time as Vlad faces yet more intensive struggles and maturation difficulties.  Volume one barely holds a candle to this second volume when it comes to vivid rawness.  Graphic text may give some readers pause; however, the excitement carries the reader forward at an admirable clip as the plot develops, and this volume very well set up by volume one plays out a remarkable continuity that leaves the reader looking for volume three to remain on the journey!
4362308
I can't wait to read more!  The Worlds of Paladium has unbelievable promise of becoming something amazing.  If book 2 was out I would have immediately bought it to find out what happens.  There isn't just one storyline going on here, the author has created several unique characters that grow throughout the first book and leave you wanting more about each one.  Don't take that statement like nothing is concluded in this first book, however.  There is an entire subplot that comes to a vivid and sprawling end which just furthers the main plot's mystery.  I'm not going to give any spoilers here but the main antagonist of this story is one of the best I've read.  I'm seriously hoping book 2 is on its way!
4378921
this book continues the amazingness of book 1, while it goes through its own story.
loving the character growth
4867059
A exciting continuation to the series, incredible new characters and immense growth with the ones we came to love in the first book.  Once more the story really makes you think and examin your own life.
4143437
After reading this book, I was compelled to continue with the second two books!  I'm now reading the third book and they all have been hard to put down and exciting well-written books!
1201027
After reading the first novel in this burgeoning series from cover to cover, I was itchy for more. Dixon sculpts believable characters from lives of slow-burning nightmares. The various sides of humanity are on full display here, as well. After the exciting and emotional ride in the first book, I was left wanting more. As impressive as the teenager Carl Freeman is in the first book, he still struggles to succeed and Dixon is adept at throwing Freeman into situations his unique capabilities can't easily extricate him from. This book takes the concept of the enhancement "chip" as well as the situations Freeman finds himself in. Hidden fight club in the base of a volcano? Check. Impossible odds and villains? Check. Surprise allies and higher stakes? Check. The core concept of the tech featured in the book is sci-fi gone maddeningly wrong. What's been done to Freeman is expanded and used in ways and places exciting and challenging for the protagonists. All the while, the book never strays from it's heart. The ending satisfies and promises more. Now I can't wait, again.
1767215
Another great read, one that continues the first books propensity for avoiding the traditional pitfalls and clichs of the genre. Though the overall narrative advances greatly in this sequel  and leaves open the literary door to the follow-up through a blindsiding cliffhanger  the characters remain the bellwether of this book and series

In this second installment, the complex characters continue to develop as their relationships and milieu evolve, especially in light of the introduction of new characters and plot twists. Even the ancillary characters are often realized enough to avoid merely swelling a progress, rather they help to illuminate the interconnections among the leads and their motivations for attending to their collective mission. Meanwhile, the truth of the heroes quest unfolds as the web of lies that ignited the journey entangles them more deeply.

As is to be expected in the genre, there are battle scenes, exotic beasts, unwieldy landscapes, and epic travels the protagonists must endure, but these specific heroes and their particular proclivities distinguish this title from its fantasy novel rivals. Overall, an excellent sophomore (and in no way sophomoric) effort, and an engaging second installment in what is turning out to be a solid series.
3868507
Picks up precisely where the first book ended, and takes the story to the next level. Will keep you, almost mercilessly till the end. Really great read!
4955871
Great book, and the story gets more intense as this series continues!