From description: The young warrior and bard Liobhan has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training. But Liobhan is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in their final display bout. Blamed by Dau's family for the accident, she agrees to go to Dau's home as a bond servant for the span of one year.
There, she soon learns that Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The vicious Crow Folk still threaten both worlds. And Dau, battling the demon of despair, is not an easy man to help.
Darker than the first novel as Liobhan is treated ill as a bond servant and Dau is denied adequate care. Dau's older brother Seanan is a nasty piece of work.
Now waiting for the third book!
Read in June; blog review scheduled for Aug. 16.
NetGalley/Berkley Publishing
Fantasy. Sept. 1, 2020.
An odd couple, a body interred in a wall, a precious relic, a murder and further threats all woven in together as Crispin attempts to discover the guilty party. His own life has both satisfactions and potential problems.
I've enjoyed this series since the first book, and I'm sorry that the author is planning to end it. I do understand her reasons, but I will miss the intriguing mysteries and the well-developed and evolving characters. Westerson plans to end the series with the next book.
Read in June; blog review scheduled for Aug. 16.
NetGalley/Severn House
Medieval Mystery. Sept. 1, 2020.
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I'm not sure what his deal is, but Edgrr is becoming a computer problem. OK...he takes up half or more of the chair--I can deal with that. But his desk browsing truly annoys me, and he's fast and persistent.
Two more series I've added to my list! And I'm always sad when an author decides to end a favorite series. I hate having to say good-bye to favorite characters.
ReplyDeleteWesterson has let Crispin Guest age--not that he is an old man by contemporary standards, but in 1398, forty-four is getting on for the kind of life Crispin has lived. Maybe he deserves a chance to retire. :)
DeleteI’ve heard a lot of great things about Juliet Marillier and her books.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see the end of a loved series. But sometimes authors (and publishers) milk these things too long and I think it is worse to see the quality drop off or the characters go in crazy directions all to drum up sales or whatever.
Cats and computers. I have to remember to close the lid of my laptop if I am going to be away from it for any length of time because my one cat Wally really dislikes that it takes my attention away from him and he likes to walk and sit on the key board…which sometimes leads to PROBLEMS! :D
Westerson has allowed Crispin Guest to mature, not simply age. She's maneuvered him in to a good place emotionally. I wonder how long she has been preparing to "close the book" on this series.
DeleteCats and computers. Cats and anything that takes away attention. When they want attention, and Edgrr always wants attention. Seems to have that in common with Wally!
I've had two of my very favorite detective series be ended by their authors, and another two that were ended by the death of the authors. And you know, I think I grieved most about the two that ended because their authors more or less tired of the characters and setting. Just knowing that they didn't HAVE to end made me sadder.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to let go of a favorite series. It is better when an author can do it skillfully, but when I get involved with characters I've been reading about for years, it makes me sad. At least, Westerson has given a forewarning.
DeleteThe Medieval mystery book is definitely up my alley. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteAnother great medieval mystery series is Candace Robb's Owen Archer series. I'm up to date with this series and love it!
DeleteI'm intrigued by this latest series by Juliet Marillier. Will check it out since I've enjoyed her previous series so much.
ReplyDeleteI've liked everything I've read by Juliet Marillier! This one doesn't disappoint. :)
DeleteWhen a good series ends, it sucks big time, but then I think of all the series that should have ended and just go on and on and quality goes out the window... and I'm glad the author I love made the hard decision to end on a high note.
ReplyDeleteIt does suck, but you and Ruthiella are right that some authors don't know when to quit and let the quality deteriorate. I don't like it when they suddenly just abandon a series, but I guess I can understand that, too. A graceful departure is often the best path, and Westerson is doing that.
DeleteSuch a bummer when a series you love is coming to an end. I know a lot of times it's not necessarily what the author wants either but oh well. Edgrr is wonderful!
ReplyDelete