kitvaria_sarene's review
4.0
I already liked Dark Mage - and this one is a definite step up from there! The characters felt more three dimensional and deep right from the start and I was quickly sucked into the story.
I enjoyed the mix of new characters interwoven with the stories from the first series! You could read this without knowing the the Rhenwar books, but if you read them, you get a lot of flashbacks, in the good way!
The plot was nicely twisting and turning along, and surprised me more often than most books do.
The prose was fluent and solid.
Combined with characters who grew and who I cared for this was a joy to read!
I enjoyed the mix of new characters interwoven with the stories from the first series! You could read this without knowing the the Rhenwar books, but if you read them, you get a lot of flashbacks, in the good way!
The plot was nicely twisting and turning along, and surprised me more often than most books do.
The prose was fluent and solid.
Combined with characters who grew and who I cared for this was a joy to read!
jwortman93's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
secre's review
4.0
Not having previously read The Rhenwar Saga that precedes this novel, I was coming into the world entirely blind, but that didn’t impact on my enjoyment of this novel. I suspect I would have picked up a lot of nods to previous events if I had, but even with those references flying straight over my head, I still found this to be an immersive read.
Split between two apparently unrelated perspectives, the novel begins with an atrocity as Rylan comes home to find his son brutally murdered and his daughter kidnapped. But the strange magic forced upon him by one of the attackers brings the mages to Rylans’s door and he discovers that nothing is as he once thought. His views of right and wrong are challenged by the knowledge that his real father was a man he thought as evil. Gil, one of the mages sent to recover Rylan, is powerful in his own right but also has to live with the legacy his heroic father left behind. His upbringing and early experiences have shaped him into a man with harsh, unbending views about a culture he now lives hand in hand with, but when war threatens the foundations of his home, he is forced to forget his prejudices.
I admit, I have now bought the first Rhenwars trilogy and I plan to read that before continuing with this series. I suspect it will fill in a lot of the gaps and give context I thought was missing. Whilst it isn’t required to read and enjoy this novel, I suspect it would be more fulfilling with the full background. Aspects of this felt thinly developed or confusing and I suspect that’s because I hadn’t read the previous series. That said, I enjoyed this. I particularly liked how it played with the different narratives from various sides of the same conflict. One man’s hero is another’s fanatic, and a man reviled in one part of the world can be all but worshipped in another. I also really liked how complex the characters were. All of them are flawed or even broken in one way or another, haunted by their actions, inaction or simply by the legacy left to them by their parents.
All in all, this is a darkly gritty fantasy filled with action and warfare but also with a fully realised cast of deeply complex characters. I do think it would likely be better read after reading the Rhenwar Saga though, as there is an expectation of the reader being aware of some of the background.
Split between two apparently unrelated perspectives, the novel begins with an atrocity as Rylan comes home to find his son brutally murdered and his daughter kidnapped. But the strange magic forced upon him by one of the attackers brings the mages to Rylans’s door and he discovers that nothing is as he once thought. His views of right and wrong are challenged by the knowledge that his real father was a man he thought as evil. Gil, one of the mages sent to recover Rylan, is powerful in his own right but also has to live with the legacy his heroic father left behind. His upbringing and early experiences have shaped him into a man with harsh, unbending views about a culture he now lives hand in hand with, but when war threatens the foundations of his home, he is forced to forget his prejudices.
I admit, I have now bought the first Rhenwars trilogy and I plan to read that before continuing with this series. I suspect it will fill in a lot of the gaps and give context I thought was missing. Whilst it isn’t required to read and enjoy this novel, I suspect it would be more fulfilling with the full background. Aspects of this felt thinly developed or confusing and I suspect that’s because I hadn’t read the previous series. That said, I enjoyed this. I particularly liked how it played with the different narratives from various sides of the same conflict. One man’s hero is another’s fanatic, and a man reviled in one part of the world can be all but worshipped in another. I also really liked how complex the characters were. All of them are flawed or even broken in one way or another, haunted by their actions, inaction or simply by the legacy left to them by their parents.
All in all, this is a darkly gritty fantasy filled with action and warfare but also with a fully realised cast of deeply complex characters. I do think it would likely be better read after reading the Rhenwar Saga though, as there is an expectation of the reader being aware of some of the background.
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Chains of Blood: The Chaos Cycle is book one in M.L. Spencer’s fantasy series. This book starts off a bit slow for me, but once I got into it I found myself truly intrigued and eager to learn what was going to happen next. The author weaves a story of danger, magic, mystery, and a quest for power. A man suffers loss when he experiences the loss of not just one child, but two and then goes on to learn of the darkness that shadows his past and legacy. The question arises…will he allow the past of another to define him or will he find the strength to embrace what was and carve his own path in history?
Chains of Blood is the first book that I have read by M.L. Spencer and I ultimately found it to be an interesting story. The author weaves together the history and the present in this book. Piece by piece this story comes together telling how Rylan comes home from the war with the hopes of being reunited with his remaining family and to develop a proper relationship with his children. His world is rocked quickly and everything changes.
The author interchanges the story between Rylan, once a farmer, then a soldier, and now come home to be a father; and Gil, a battle mage tasked with finding Rylan and bringing him to the Citadel where his fate will be decided. Learning about Rylan’s past is what drew me the most into this story. I was eager to learn about who he was and why he was being so sought after by so many. It was strange, but piece by piece things come together.
I will warn that there are some questions that are raised in this book that go unanswered. I’ll admit that I found this a bit frustrating and there are some moments of where it feels like the storyline skips over details that would have helped lead up to certain scenes that happen.
All in all, I truly did enjoy this book. This isn’t a book of where you’ll find a last-minute rescue and lives spared. This is a story that you could see playing out in reality, and I like that aspect of it. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so it leaves me eager to learn what happens next in the next book to come. So I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy gritty dark fantasy novels then this is a good book to pick up.
Chains of Blood is the first book that I have read by M.L. Spencer and I ultimately found it to be an interesting story. The author weaves together the history and the present in this book. Piece by piece this story comes together telling how Rylan comes home from the war with the hopes of being reunited with his remaining family and to develop a proper relationship with his children. His world is rocked quickly and everything changes.
The author interchanges the story between Rylan, once a farmer, then a soldier, and now come home to be a father; and Gil, a battle mage tasked with finding Rylan and bringing him to the Citadel where his fate will be decided. Learning about Rylan’s past is what drew me the most into this story. I was eager to learn about who he was and why he was being so sought after by so many. It was strange, but piece by piece things come together.
I will warn that there are some questions that are raised in this book that go unanswered. I’ll admit that I found this a bit frustrating and there are some moments of where it feels like the storyline skips over details that would have helped lead up to certain scenes that happen.
All in all, I truly did enjoy this book. This isn’t a book of where you’ll find a last-minute rescue and lives spared. This is a story that you could see playing out in reality, and I like that aspect of it. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so it leaves me eager to learn what happens next in the next book to come. So I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy gritty dark fantasy novels then this is a good book to pick up.
alwroteabook's review
5.0
Another grimdark special from the author - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2019/11/10/chains-of-blood-by-ml-spencer/
its_justine's review
5.0
All he had left was a boundless guilt and a terrible power he didn’t understand. He was a prisoner of both, and there was no escaping either.
Chains of Blood is the first installment in ML Spencer’s newest dark epic The Chaos Cycle, and is a tale of cunning demons, broken heroes, and the brutal and catastrophic realities of war. This book also marks my first descent into the war-torn lands of the Rhen and beyond, a battered world that swiftly sunk its claws in and refuses to let go. This story is an account of love, loss, and sacrifice, and the lengths one is willing to go in order to protect what they truly cherish, while haunted by a regretful past, desperately hoping to salvage the future. Within its blood-soaked pages we witness a grisly enslavement of mind, body, and soul under the guise of unity as a foreign force threatens absolute domination. The fight for continued freedom is uncertain, but one that must prevail.
"Desperate men do desperate things."
This story is a beautifully harrowing and emotional journey that really boils down to the deepest of love and respect. It begins with tragedy as a father returns from the war front only to have his children violently torn from him by a mysterious and dangerous foe. The resulting dreadful anguish and ceaseless perseverance in the face of heartbreaking loss is palpable and utterly poignant. While his legacy cultivates both fear and reverence, the promise of aid from those around him continues to drive him forward. However, manipulation and betrayal continue to forge his path, leading to a pilgrimage wrought by nothing but lies and agony, and also the dawn of another war where the flame of hope seems all but extingushed.
As we venture for answers, there is such a profound sense of wonder in the environments Spencer constructs around us. Continents showing signs of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian-inspired cultures, each place we’re delivered to is incredibly unique and awe-inspiring. The sprawling farmlands of the Kingdoms, the soaring verdigris-domed towers of Karikesh, the deafeningly silent avenues of Suheylu Ra – the entirety of the world hides dangerous secrets just waiting to be discovered. The effects of potent and fascinating magic siphoned directly from the heart of the land are evident in settings marred by devastation, but most compelling is the unknown that unravels as you continue to read.
"We alone are in command of our own fate, and no other. Not any man. Not any god. We sit in the seat of our own judgment and mete out the consequences of our decisions upon ourselves."
Another aspect I thoroughly appreciated throughout was the introduction and development of a diverse cast that refuses to adhere to the many stereotypes of those typically portrayed in this genre. Willing and sympathetic mages, patient and remorseful rulers, reluctant and uncertain soldiers – there are plenty of instances that challenge beliefs and limitations, always pushing them to adapt to the dire situations at hand. Observing events unfold through the eyes of two seemingly different characters through alternating chapters, it’s apparent everyone has their own agendas. However, as the story advances, each greatly transforms, keeping readers fully invested as priorities shift and new information comes to light. This evolution is so wonderfully executed, and my personal favorite aspect of the entire story.
Chains of Blood is a perfectly paced, gorgeously conveyed, and unforgiving tale filled with relentless action, mystifying magic, and driven characters resistant to surrender their hold on the frayed strings of hope. While this is set in the same world as Spencer’s best-selling series The Rhenwars Saga, no prior knowledge is needed to fully enjoy this remarkable onset of her new narrative The Chaos Cycle. Completely surpassing my expectations, this book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t wait to see where we’re taken next. I highly recommend.
NOTE: A huge thank you to ML for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chains of Blood is the first installment in ML Spencer’s newest dark epic The Chaos Cycle, and is a tale of cunning demons, broken heroes, and the brutal and catastrophic realities of war. This book also marks my first descent into the war-torn lands of the Rhen and beyond, a battered world that swiftly sunk its claws in and refuses to let go. This story is an account of love, loss, and sacrifice, and the lengths one is willing to go in order to protect what they truly cherish, while haunted by a regretful past, desperately hoping to salvage the future. Within its blood-soaked pages we witness a grisly enslavement of mind, body, and soul under the guise of unity as a foreign force threatens absolute domination. The fight for continued freedom is uncertain, but one that must prevail.
"Desperate men do desperate things."
This story is a beautifully harrowing and emotional journey that really boils down to the deepest of love and respect. It begins with tragedy as a father returns from the war front only to have his children violently torn from him by a mysterious and dangerous foe. The resulting dreadful anguish and ceaseless perseverance in the face of heartbreaking loss is palpable and utterly poignant. While his legacy cultivates both fear and reverence, the promise of aid from those around him continues to drive him forward. However, manipulation and betrayal continue to forge his path, leading to a pilgrimage wrought by nothing but lies and agony, and also the dawn of another war where the flame of hope seems all but extingushed.
As we venture for answers, there is such a profound sense of wonder in the environments Spencer constructs around us. Continents showing signs of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian-inspired cultures, each place we’re delivered to is incredibly unique and awe-inspiring. The sprawling farmlands of the Kingdoms, the soaring verdigris-domed towers of Karikesh, the deafeningly silent avenues of Suheylu Ra – the entirety of the world hides dangerous secrets just waiting to be discovered. The effects of potent and fascinating magic siphoned directly from the heart of the land are evident in settings marred by devastation, but most compelling is the unknown that unravels as you continue to read.
"We alone are in command of our own fate, and no other. Not any man. Not any god. We sit in the seat of our own judgment and mete out the consequences of our decisions upon ourselves."
Another aspect I thoroughly appreciated throughout was the introduction and development of a diverse cast that refuses to adhere to the many stereotypes of those typically portrayed in this genre. Willing and sympathetic mages, patient and remorseful rulers, reluctant and uncertain soldiers – there are plenty of instances that challenge beliefs and limitations, always pushing them to adapt to the dire situations at hand. Observing events unfold through the eyes of two seemingly different characters through alternating chapters, it’s apparent everyone has their own agendas. However, as the story advances, each greatly transforms, keeping readers fully invested as priorities shift and new information comes to light. This evolution is so wonderfully executed, and my personal favorite aspect of the entire story.
Chains of Blood is a perfectly paced, gorgeously conveyed, and unforgiving tale filled with relentless action, mystifying magic, and driven characters resistant to surrender their hold on the frayed strings of hope. While this is set in the same world as Spencer’s best-selling series The Rhenwars Saga, no prior knowledge is needed to fully enjoy this remarkable onset of her new narrative The Chaos Cycle. Completely surpassing my expectations, this book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t wait to see where we’re taken next. I highly recommend.
NOTE: A huge thank you to ML for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
thebookinhand_'s review
3.0
★★★ 3 Stars.
While this book wasn't really for me I can understand why folk will and do like it. It is a story of Rylan, a broken man, and his journey to get his daughter back while facing demons, mages and personal trials and tribulations. Unfortunately, I didn't click with this book though still appreciate it for what it is, hence the three stars. Spencer is a fine writer, while her world-building is heavy and massively descriptive (not my cup of tea as I prefer a more moderate level of world-building) she is without doubt a talented writer.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, and was really excited to see it through, the writing was nice and each step grabbed me and wasn't letting go. I was hooked. Then, I'm not sure why, I just lost it. It felt began to feel almost monotone in nature, and epic battle bore no more emotion from me than a mid day conversation over tea and seemingly important events meant very little to me.
I think, in part, this was possibly due to the pacing, the book started off quite fast having already thrown you into the thick of it with Rylan, then plateaued.
I think, for me, the structure was a little off and not one I could really get behind. Which I'm pretty gutted about because it showed such promise, I think the battle around 30 percent happened to early and without much focus on character development, I wasn't able to really get behind the characters or feel the tension and potential loss of this event.
While this book wasn't really for me I can understand why folk will and do like it. It is a story of Rylan, a broken man, and his journey to get his daughter back while facing demons, mages and personal trials and tribulations. Unfortunately, I didn't click with this book though still appreciate it for what it is, hence the three stars. Spencer is a fine writer, while her world-building is heavy and massively descriptive (not my cup of tea as I prefer a more moderate level of world-building) she is without doubt a talented writer.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, and was really excited to see it through, the writing was nice and each step grabbed me and wasn't letting go. I was hooked. Then, I'm not sure why, I just lost it. It felt began to feel almost monotone in nature, and epic battle bore no more emotion from me than a mid day conversation over tea and seemingly important events meant very little to me.
I think, in part, this was possibly due to the pacing, the book started off quite fast having already thrown you into the thick of it with Rylan, then plateaued.
I think, for me, the structure was a little off and not one I could really get behind. Which I'm pretty gutted about because it showed such promise, I think the battle around 30 percent happened to early and without much focus on character development, I wasn't able to really get behind the characters or feel the tension and potential loss of this event.
thebookinhand_43563's review
3.0
★★★ 3 Stars.
While this book wasn't really for me I can understand why folk will and do like it. It is a story of Rylan, a broken man, and his journey to get his daughter back while facing demons, mages and personal trials and tribulations. Unfortunately, I didn't click with this book though still appreciate it for what it is, hence the three stars. Spencer is a fine writer, while her world-building is heavy and massively descriptive (not my cup of tea as I prefer a more moderate level of world-building) she is without doubt a talented writer.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, and was really excited to see it through, the writing was nice and each step grabbed me and wasn't letting go. I was hooked. Then, I'm not sure why, I just lost it. It felt began to feel almost monotone in nature, and epic battle bore no more emotion from me than a mid day conversation over tea and seemingly important events meant very little to me.
I think, in part, this was possibly due to the pacing, the book started off quite fast having already thrown you into the thick of it with Rylan, then plateaued.
I think, for me, the structure was a little off and not one I could really get behind. Which I'm pretty gutted about because it showed such promise, I think the battle around 30 percent happened to early and without much focus on character development, I wasn't able to really get behind the characters or feel the tension and potential loss of this event.
While this book wasn't really for me I can understand why folk will and do like it. It is a story of Rylan, a broken man, and his journey to get his daughter back while facing demons, mages and personal trials and tribulations. Unfortunately, I didn't click with this book though still appreciate it for what it is, hence the three stars. Spencer is a fine writer, while her world-building is heavy and massively descriptive (not my cup of tea as I prefer a more moderate level of world-building) she is without doubt a talented writer.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, and was really excited to see it through, the writing was nice and each step grabbed me and wasn't letting go. I was hooked. Then, I'm not sure why, I just lost it. It felt began to feel almost monotone in nature, and epic battle bore no more emotion from me than a mid day conversation over tea and seemingly important events meant very little to me.
I think, in part, this was possibly due to the pacing, the book started off quite fast having already thrown you into the thick of it with Rylan, then plateaued.
I think, for me, the structure was a little off and not one I could really get behind. Which I'm pretty gutted about because it showed such promise, I think the battle around 30 percent happened to early and without much focus on character development, I wasn't able to really get behind the characters or feel the tension and potential loss of this event.
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