The second Grail Quest installment does not disappoint.
581349
Cornwell's second installment in the Grail Quest trilogy does not disappoint. The fabric of the story telling is, if anything, richer and delves more deeply into some of the most stunning historical battles of Franco/English history. I encourage you to read the entire series if you have any interest in the power struggle for leadership of two of Europe's most powerful countries of the middle ages.
4398302
If you enjoyed the first 2 books of this series, this one will not disappoint. There is humor, adventure, romance and unexpected plot twists.
3418926
You like battle scenes, do you? VAGABOND is the second in the The Grail Quest series by Bernard Cornwell and while some reviewers might find this book less 'original' than the first that may have something to do with the fact that it is an on-going pulse-pounding saga. What is new is the continuation of a bold, original tale with, once again, typical Cornwell characters that are anything but typical. His bad guys are exceptionally bad, his good guys are usually bad at trying to be good, and an occasional good good guy and gal (lady, wench, whore,or hag) who bring the past into better historical view.
  Few of us actually read history for the joy of it but how many times has Cornwell drawn us into it with page turners that make it breathe? I'm smarter now in spite of myself.
  Yeah, his battles scenes are gory but you know what? So are real battles? How better to describe the horrors of warfare than to make it as real as it is! It's all adrenaline pumping fun and games until the first piece of metal slices into you then you go on survival, whatever it takes mode. He doesn't glossy it up or make it pretty and there's value in that a well.
  VAGABOND is action-packed historical fiction. I'd give it five stars but hey, I don't want fame to go to his head. I just want him to keep writing his books.
3842134
Malcors Story is a satisfying, Rapid-fire adventure that takes no breaks. It pulls you inexorably through each section with a style that flows constantly, pausing for a breath only at the chapter breaks. This style helps to convey to the reader some of the stress and fatigue that Malcor must endure in his trials.  Malcor himself is refreshing, a fantasy hero without the usual doubts, resistance to proceed, and moral restraints that are usually unavoidable in the genre. The world reads like a skilled novelization of a good Tabletop RPG, with its steady advancement of power, and familiar divisions of classes and architypes, with some interesting details and inversions all its own. Malcor is definitely not your stereotypical Paladin. The Forsaken Islands looks to be a captivating series, and I eagerly await to see where it goes from here.
1226929
High fantasy fans will get a thrill, especially the preteen girl. Here is a quest that is packed with action, adventure, social hierarchy, danger, injustice, and spirituality. It reminded me of Kit Grindstaffs The Flame in the Mist. Min is a fabulously realistic character, facing numerous challenges and growing stronger with each. Young girls will look up to her for her tremendous heart and courage. Zeiters creativity abounds, taking the reader to vast realms, from the dark, terrifying castle now ruled by the tyrant Malcus to an underwater kingdom of mermaids, just to name a few. A definite recommendation.
4750218
WOW, is a strong yet underwhelming word to describe the world you enter and the quest the reader continues to take in this third book. Our previous questions are still there, some answered while others hinted at or even made even more curious now. Who is who, what is real are just a few of the questions we have now; some answered while others asked. A quest that has been followed through history and relived again is just the tip of the excitement. Our beloved friends have grown and learned so much about themselves and have helped us to really see clearly in this fast paced and historical world. As we all know a quest isn't finished until all the answers and relics are found so this is another fast paced moment in the exciting quest we all vow to take.
2008373
It's no secret I love the world Jordan L. Hawk has built around her Whyborne & Griffin characters. Lovecraftian in inspiration and nature, but very much her own. If there's one complaint (and it's a good complaint to have, in my humble opinion), it's that I always want more of the ever-growing supporting cast than the author can reasonably fit in a single book of the series, especially when the series is narrated by the two main characters. So a spin-off novella featuring two of the most under-utilized supporting players in the series was an easy sell for me, especially when I saw the narrator was the delightful Miss Maggie Parkhurst, working alongside Persephone Whyborne, the series' main character's long-estranged sister.

Hawk didn't disappoint me: Maggie's voice is true and clear, and different enough from Percival Whyborne and Griffin Flaherty's voices to stand out while sharing many of the men's insecurities. (Seriously, it's not a Hawk book if someone isn't feeling unworthy of being loved or regretting not making the first move. It's part of what I love about her books.) The action sequences are as thrilling as ever, and we get more details on the nature of the Ketoi race that Persephone comes from. And seriously, again: who can resist a fight sequence featuring the Fighting Librarians of the Nathaniel R. Ladysmith Museum?

The novella is just the right length for the story at hand, taking place as it does concurrently with the series novel "Fallow." It also made me hope for further Maggie/Persephone novellas. It also made me hope Hawk will also give us a Chrstine/Kander novella (yes, I know, they're a straight couple ... they still deserve a turn in the spotlight!).
2885466
A wonderful continuation with plenty of twists and turns.
2828513
We once again meet Ethan Kaille, theiftaker, conjurer, and sometime detective, in this sequel to D.B. Jackson's "Theiftaker." Other reviewers have summarized the plot nicely, so I will just say that the human interactions in this book struck me as both truer and sadder than the interactions in the first Thieftaker book, which IMO focused more on plot and worldbuilding. It's not that there's a lack of action in Thieves' Quarry--far from it! But the action here is all in service to the tangled, fascinating internal growth of Ethan as a theiftaker, spellcaster, and man in general. A good sequel and would make great beach/commute reading for 2013 for fantasy fans. Wish I were reading this on the waterfront of Boston!
1316152
The second book in this series did not disappoint.  The main character remained true to his depiction in the first novel, as did his cohorts.  The plot was gripping and complex enough to sustain my interest.  This author does a wonderful job of writing dialog.  His characters voices are all distinct and consistent and it is easy to form a picture in my mind of each of them.  Le Fanu's assistants are well-written characters and offer a nice counter-point to his personality.  The account of the shoot-out was plausible and easy to follow.  I read the second and third books of this series in quick succession and it has only left me wanting more.
3184832
I loved the first Gravity Rush and though the story is a little fantastical that's what makes it so appealing! I couldn't wait for Gravity Rush 2 and I was not disappointed. This isn't a 4 or 5 hour long game it's much longer than that, there are plenty of side missions, challenges and exploring to keep this game going for quite awhile. With online play there are treasure hunts and challenges that can be sent to other players. The combat is essentially the same as the first, there are 3 Gravity Types you will get throughout the game and while there are a good amount of moves to remember the tutorials do a very good job of popping up just when you need them and can be accessed easily. I am almost done with the game and so far everything has been great, no glitches, no problems (although I do think they had s few probs with the servers the week it came out everything is fine now) and the story is still engaging and I can't wait to find out just who Kat and Raven are, and about the world(s) themselves! I would give it 5 stars!|
1797738
The great hunts takes up where the first book ended.  The intrigue deepens the cast and set are expanded. The story grows broader while the action intensifies.  Book 2 does not disappoint and is a sign of things to come.
1014161
Book two of the Brilliance Saga won't disappoint. The plot is well crafted, and the characters continue to evolve.
1110178
This is the exciting second book in the Wardstone Trilogy is more of the fantasy story you will not want to miss. We find Hyden Hawk and High King Mikhal on yet more adventures as they seek to rebuild the kingdom. Hyden Hawk, along with Talon his hawkling and Phen his young teacher and assistant, seek the Silver Skull of Zorellin. Will they find the treasure the blue dragon took from Barnacle Bones? High King Mikhal, with his sword Ironspike, and King Jarreck battle to set the enslaved people of Wildermont free. Mikhal also has his new bride, Queen Rosa, to think of. These adventures are on land and sea will keep you reading. This book full of magic and fantastical creatures is a page turner. It has adventure and humorous times that make this a fun read. There are previous characters plus new ones that will entertain us as we join them in their epic adventure.
1520323
The action is nearly constant, and the plot gets deeper. New skills are learned and revealed. Someone isn't who you think they are. Triumph and death are pretty much hand in hand through out this installment of the Sword of Light Trilogy.

I'm glad I picked up both of the remaining books after finishing the first book. For lovers of a good story, interesting characters who grow and evolve and surprises around every corner, you will enjoy this book.
4514916
Everything I wrote about the first Gangpire, I can say about this one. But, while I gave the first book 4 out of 5 starts, I'm giving this one 5 because I think it does what any good fantasy sequel should do, and that it expand the mythology of the universe. Part of the appeal of this genre is the intrigue behind learning about the world it takes place in. In order to keep that intrigue from one book to another, there needs to be even more to explore in the second book. Gangpire II delivers on that, and does so without making the story convoluted. My criticisms are pretty much the same, and lie in the formatting. But that is more the fault of the editor, and I won't give a lesser review for that. All in all, I'm glad I happened upon this series and I look forward to the third installment.
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.