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A review by barb4ry1
Prayers in Steel by Michael McClung
3.0
Breaking the world appeals to Princess Anya more than staged marriage with a man she doesn’t know, much less desire.
As she spent her childhood in a convent of nuns who held a number of ancient dark magic books in the library, she's gained some impressive skills and powers. It's quite possible she may have the power to bring an empire to the knees.
Early in the story, she meets warrior monk Caida. His sword is his soul and when it’s needed he prays with steel wreaking havoc amongst his opponents.
Brother Caida was raised by Andines and he’s a dedicated monk. Soon his faith and worldview will be challenged. It’s possible that what he believes in is twisted and false.
Also, even though he’s taken celibacy vows Anya may have the power to challenge them as well.
Skin Walkers, as the title suggest, do appear in the book. They're not the folks you would want to mess with. Unless you want your body taken and becoming a skin-walker mount.
It's the first book in McClung's newest series. The book was enjoyable and fast-paced. There wasn't much world-building and we're thrown in the middle of the action fast. The pacing doesn't really slow down. Blood is spilled, people die, dark secrets are revealed.
Some ideas were really nice. I enjoy Andine monks mythos
and the magic book and its secrets. Skin Walkers are intriguing and their plan remains to be fully uncovered in the future.
On the other hand, I didn't relate to any of the characters. I don't particularly like Caida who's a bit of a naive oaf. Anya is quite interesting, but not fully fleshed. The character development feels rushed. Truth be told, I just don't buy it.
All in all, it's a decent book that I liked more than not. I didn't love it and I didn't find characters genuinely fascinating. While it won't make it to my favorite books of the month, it's worth considering in between longer, more difficult reads. Especially when you look for something shorter and fast - paced.
As she spent her childhood in a convent of nuns who held a number of ancient dark magic books in the library, she's gained some impressive skills and powers. It's quite possible she may have the power to bring an empire to the knees.
Early in the story, she meets warrior monk Caida. His sword is his soul and when it’s needed he prays with steel wreaking havoc amongst his opponents.
Brother Caida was raised by Andines and he’s a dedicated monk. Soon his faith and worldview will be challenged. It’s possible that what he believes in is twisted and false.
Also, even though he’s taken celibacy vows Anya may have the power to challenge them as well.
Skin Walkers, as the title suggest, do appear in the book. They're not the folks you would want to mess with. Unless you want your body taken and becoming a skin-walker mount.
It's the first book in McClung's newest series. The book was enjoyable and fast-paced. There wasn't much world-building and we're thrown in the middle of the action fast. The pacing doesn't really slow down. Blood is spilled, people die, dark secrets are revealed.
Some ideas were really nice. I enjoy Andine monks mythos
and the magic book and its secrets. Skin Walkers are intriguing and their plan remains to be fully uncovered in the future.
On the other hand, I didn't relate to any of the characters. I don't particularly like Caida who's a bit of a naive oaf. Anya is quite interesting, but not fully fleshed. The character development feels rushed. Truth be told, I just don't buy it.
All in all, it's a decent book that I liked more than not. I didn't love it and I didn't find characters genuinely fascinating. While it won't make it to my favorite books of the month, it's worth considering in between longer, more difficult reads. Especially when you look for something shorter and fast - paced.