This is the second book in a series of three. The story of King Jorg continues as he struggles to hold the land that he gained in Prince of Thorns. I will read the third book in the series, but I definitely need a break from Jorg’s world. I am going to give this book 3 stars.
Here’s a breakdown…
**SPOILER ALERT**
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
What is this book about?
Jorg has taken over his uncle, Count Renar’s lands. However, the new hero of the land The Prince of Arrows, is at his gates with an army that seems insurmountable. This book is (generally) structured so that it presents a problem in the present, and then flashes back to Jorg’s past where he has worked out a potential solution.
He is basically able to section off the Prince of Arrow’s army and whittle away at his numbers. He does this a rock slide, an avalanche, trolls and an alliance with his new bride’s family. Jorg also conquers Sageous (who has been using dreams to direct Jorg’s path):
- Sageous made Katherine think she was pregnant by Jorg, then she aborted a baby (she wasn’t even pregnant with) which made her infertile, and unable to have a child with Orrin (The Prince of Arrows, whom she marries).
- Sageous influences Egan to kill his brother Orrin
- Sageous influences Jorg to kill his baby brother, (due to a prophecy about “two Ancraths joined together will end all their power”)
As in the first book, Jorg wins with ruthless strategy, sacrifice and Builders Technology (in this case he shoots Egan with a gun- which reminded me of the scene in Indiana Jones).
The good news is that Makin makes it through the second book (although several other brothers do not…).
What did I think about this book?
As in the first book, it seems this is our world after a nuclear war, but with the addition of magic. I continue to enjoy the setting and the flashes of “our” technology.
The style of this book was a little different from the first, I feel this one was more visual than the first, and would make a good TV show/movie, but at times tedious to read. You have to go with the flow while reading, because you get statements without explanation until much later. For example, there is a dead child’s ghost following him around during the book, but you don’t know the story behind that until much later.
I also did not care for Katherine or her journal. But his new wife (at the age of 12) seems to be a good match.
Favorite Lines?
“There is something brittle in me that will break before it bends.”
“I hated him for being so openly the better man.”
“Some pain you can distance yourself from, but a headache sits right where you live.”
“A dark time comes. My time. If it offends you. Stop me.”
Final Thoughts?
-I’m curious to know what type of leader Jorg be as the emperor (as I doubt anyone can stand against him)?
KayKays Novel Journeys 
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