libbica's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
soulkissed2003's review against another edition
5.0
In this, the second book in The Dream Stewards series, Glain and the other stewards at Fane Gramarye must hold strong against dark forces. The evil traitor Machreth betrayed the stewards, and he and his minions use their dark magic in an attempt to thwart an ancient prophecy that will ensure peace in the land. Hywel, heir to the throne, must take control of his kingdom to fulfill that prophecy.
Glain is a complex young woman who is struggling to grieve for her teacher, Madoc, who was trapped in the Well of Tears in the first novel of the series. Meanwhile, she yearns for affection from Rhys, the Sovereign Alwen's son, yet both of them know that their vows to protect the prophecy prevent them from a deep relationship. Glain must look beyond her own emotions. There are still traitors within the stewardry, and it is up to her to find them as her mistress Alwen faces failing health. Her heart is broken as she tries to determine which of the folk she counted as friends have been undermining her all along.
This novel is an exciting story of ancient times, set in what eventually became Wales and Scotland. Based on the author's research, she has taken what sparse history there is available from centuries ago, and skillfully patched those bits together with a compelling fantasy story and interesting characters that will capture the imagination. The pace of the story moved along briskly; I didn't want to put this one down. New plot developments kept me riveted!
The book was released in April, 2014 through 47 North. ISBN 978-1-4778-4995-8.
Glain is a complex young woman who is struggling to grieve for her teacher, Madoc, who was trapped in the Well of Tears in the first novel of the series. Meanwhile, she yearns for affection from Rhys, the Sovereign Alwen's son, yet both of them know that their vows to protect the prophecy prevent them from a deep relationship. Glain must look beyond her own emotions. There are still traitors within the stewardry, and it is up to her to find them as her mistress Alwen faces failing health. Her heart is broken as she tries to determine which of the folk she counted as friends have been undermining her all along.
This novel is an exciting story of ancient times, set in what eventually became Wales and Scotland. Based on the author's research, she has taken what sparse history there is available from centuries ago, and skillfully patched those bits together with a compelling fantasy story and interesting characters that will capture the imagination. The pace of the story moved along briskly; I didn't want to put this one down. New plot developments kept me riveted!
The book was released in April, 2014 through 47 North. ISBN 978-1-4778-4995-8.
bookclaire4eva's review against another edition
4.0
In the second installment of the Dream Stewards series, the Stewardry has survived an attack by the bad guy and his minions, only to be threatened again from within. Lots of sordid doings and dark magic.
In my review of the first book in this series, The Well of Tears, I said that the story was galloping along and that I imagined it was racing forward in the second book. That was not the case with The Keys to the Realms, but the slower pace of this installment was necessary to move the story forward and further develop the key characters, so I forgive you, Roberta. I enjoyed watching everyone evolve and move toward their true potential (or doom in some cases).
The theme of The Keys to the Realms seemed to be "terrible things happen to awesome people." I mean, all of the great and likeable (some lovable) characters had some nasty things to deal with, the worst of which was the two-facedness (I made up that word. Cool, huh?) of their supposed friends and allies. The fabulous Alwen was possessed by a bitch spell which made her act uncharacteristically, well, bitchy. And poor Glain had her innocence and trust in the goodness of people thrown back in her face. It sucked big time for both of them. And their were some surprising deaths (I'm not giving names, so I'm not spoiling), which reminded me of Bruce Willis dying at the end of the movie Armageddon (which I'm watching for the bazillionth time).
Fortunately, near the end of the book, the good guys caught a break, and the way to the fulfillment of the prophesy seemed within reach once again. Of course, in this kind of story, it won't stay that way for long.
Now, Roberta, when's the next one coming out? I'm on tenterhooks!
Take It
In my review of the first book in this series, The Well of Tears, I said that the story was galloping along and that I imagined it was racing forward in the second book. That was not the case with The Keys to the Realms, but the slower pace of this installment was necessary to move the story forward and further develop the key characters, so I forgive you, Roberta. I enjoyed watching everyone evolve and move toward their true potential (or doom in some cases).
The theme of The Keys to the Realms seemed to be "terrible things happen to awesome people." I mean, all of the great and likeable (some lovable) characters had some nasty things to deal with, the worst of which was the two-facedness (I made up that word. Cool, huh?) of their supposed friends and allies. The fabulous Alwen was possessed by a bitch spell which made her act uncharacteristically, well, bitchy. And poor Glain had her innocence and trust in the goodness of people thrown back in her face. It sucked big time for both of them. And their were some surprising deaths (I'm not giving names, so I'm not spoiling), which reminded me of Bruce Willis dying at the end of the movie Armageddon (which I'm watching for the bazillionth time).
Fortunately, near the end of the book, the good guys caught a break, and the way to the fulfillment of the prophesy seemed within reach once again. Of course, in this kind of story, it won't stay that way for long.
Now, Roberta, when's the next one coming out? I'm on tenterhooks!
Take It
ravencrantz's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I was hesitant to read this because I really disliked the first book, but I was pre-approved on NetGalley and I happened to win a copy from Goodreads first reads giveaway, so I gave it a shot. And honestly? I can't say I'm disappointed. This was definitely better than the first one, but I was still finding excuses not to read. It didn't help that I forgot who the characters were and what, exactly, happened in the first book. After about a third of the way through, I figured things out and everything got going.
I still love the fact that our main heroes are all adult women who know their stuff, and not teenagers being thrown into the Chosen One trope. Don't get me wrong, I love that trope, but this was just a nice change.
My main problem with this book was it felt that there were a bunch of side plots going on, but no real main plot. I think the main plot was finding and defeating Machreth, but only because he was the antagonist in the first book. But even that was treated as a subplot and the ending to that was so anticlimactic. The subplots were intertwined, but they never really came together. I could have very happily read each one separately and lost nothing.
One thing I did enjoy was the lack of romance. There were sparks here and there, and we did start with the new king entertaining a young woman, but that's really it. No love at first sight, no unnecessary romantic subplots, it was a relief and a great change of pace to what I'm used to.
I also really love Thorne, a new character hired to hunt down Machreth. He's that mysterious, brooding, bad-ass type I always seem to migrate towards. He knows his strengths and his weaknesses, he's sharp, and has a quick wit. And he has an adorable dog that sounds very much like a hellhound. He's perfect.
Honestly, I'm kind of curious now where the story goes. If after I finished >The Well of Tears you asked me to read the third book, I would have laughed and said no. Now, I'm seriously considering it. I may not go out right away and buy it, but if I happen across it in a giveaway, or at the library, I think I'll give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and while it still had problems, it was enjoyable.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I was hesitant to read this because I really disliked the first book, but I was pre-approved on NetGalley and I happened to win a copy from Goodreads first reads giveaway, so I gave it a shot. And honestly? I can't say I'm disappointed. This was definitely better than the first one, but I was still finding excuses not to read. It didn't help that I forgot who the characters were and what, exactly, happened in the first book. After about a third of the way through, I figured things out and everything got going.
I still love the fact that our main heroes are all adult women who know their stuff, and not teenagers being thrown into the Chosen One trope. Don't get me wrong, I love that trope, but this was just a nice change.
My main problem with this book was it felt that there were a bunch of side plots going on, but no real main plot. I think the main plot was finding and defeating Machreth, but only because he was the antagonist in the first book. But even that was treated as a subplot and the ending to that was so anticlimactic. The subplots were intertwined, but they never really came together. I could have very happily read each one separately and lost nothing.
One thing I did enjoy was the lack of romance. There were sparks here and there, and we did start with the new king entertaining a young woman, but that's really it. No love at first sight, no unnecessary romantic subplots, it was a relief and a great change of pace to what I'm used to.
I also really love Thorne, a new character hired to hunt down Machreth. He's that mysterious, brooding, bad-ass type I always seem to migrate towards. He knows his strengths and his weaknesses, he's sharp, and has a quick wit. And he has an adorable dog that sounds very much like a hellhound. He's perfect.
Honestly, I'm kind of curious now where the story goes. If after I finished >The Well of Tears you asked me to read the third book, I would have laughed and said no. Now, I'm seriously considering it. I may not go out right away and buy it, but if I happen across it in a giveaway, or at the library, I think I'll give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and while it still had problems, it was enjoyable.
mwhitney's review against another edition
5.0
I won a copy through Good Reads Giveaways.
Having not read the first in the series, I found it very easy to fall into place.
I have to say the writing is fantastic! Everything is described in detail, concisely thought out, there's no confusion about what's happening anywhere, which I have to say is a really good sign when your being dropped straight into a story line you know nothing about.
There were some really great characters, and a number of strong female leads, who although had men in their lives didn't let romance overshadow what they needed to do, which for once, was really cool.
This was really a joy to read! I highly recommend it to everyone.
Having not read the first in the series, I found it very easy to fall into place.
I have to say the writing is fantastic! Everything is described in detail, concisely thought out, there's no confusion about what's happening anywhere, which I have to say is a really good sign when your being dropped straight into a story line you know nothing about.
There were some really great characters, and a number of strong female leads, who although had men in their lives didn't let romance overshadow what they needed to do, which for once, was really cool.
This was really a joy to read! I highly recommend it to everyone.
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