I was rather captivated by the first book in this series, Blood Road, that I read last
year (review here). Book two picks up where the first one ended and the her is
again in the middle of it all. Read my full review and enter the giveaway below...
year (review here). Book two picks up where the first one ended and the her is
again in the middle of it all. Read my full review and enter the giveaway below...
Blood Oath
(Blood Oath #2)By Amanda McCrina
YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, ? Pages
June 19th 2018 by Month9Books
Summary
The aftermath of what happened in the capital has shaken Torien to the core. Battling self-doubt and bitterness, he must find his resolve as he is sent back to Tasso to quell a violent uprising on the Road.
But Torien will need more than resolve to navigate the deadly path before him. His troops are inexperienced and his new adjutant untrustworthy. A series of murder attempts leaves the whole camp on edge. As the threat of mutiny builds, the mission seems doomed before they even reach Tasso—and Torien is beginning to suspect it was meant that way. He and his men are being set up to fail.
With his best friend in the hands of the rebels, his commanding officer refusing to negotiate a peace treaty, and his own men ready to turn on him at any moment, Torien must decide once and for all how much he’s willing to sacrifice for an empire he no longer believes in.
My Review
BLOOD OATH is an intense, bloody, page-turner follow-up to the first book. There is constant danger, betrayal, loyalty, and risk. Torien again must find his way in spite of those who would see him killed or destroyed and the prince who reigns with fear. Those who enjoy tales set in Ancient Roman-like times, with strong characters, set against an impossible path, will enjoy this one.
It took me a little bit to remember who all the characters were, as it's been a year since I read the first book. This one also starts with a flashback and so that confused me a little, although I also knew it had to be important to the story in some way, and it does come into play, particularly in a symbolic ending. I mostly got the gist of what was going on and slowly remembered who the characters were. The reader isn't given much time to get their barrings since the story just jumps right in to a precarious situation and keeps going to the very end.
The writing style really pulls the reader in, as do the characters. Torien has this state of morality and justice that is contrasts quite strongly to those around him who serve for greed or for survival, but have no qualms about shedding someone else's blood. He commends loyalty, even when he doesn't want it, while at the same time putting a target on his back. What is interesting to me is how intense and engrossing this story is while not a whole lot going on per say. They are mostly situated in the dessert priming for battle, but there is still so much that happens between the characters that you don't feel like there isn't a lot happening. Torien, and those around him, continue to face heartbreak as well as impossible choices throughout the story time after time, and have a rather dire future at the end of this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Torien really stands out in the ruthless life he is set in. He is the perfect underdog to cheer on. I enjoyed doing so and am curious as to what he will face in the next book. If you're looking for a bloody story of power and conflict, with a moral main character who is equally complex, and page-turning storytelling, then pick up this series.
Content: Lots of violence and a few swear words.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books in the Series
Blood RoadBy Amanda McCrina
YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 329 Pages
April 25th 2017 by Month9Books
Summary
Nineteen-year-old Torien Risto has seen dissidents dealt with before. He knows the young local girl who just knifed him will hang for assaulting an Imperial officer, unless he can stop it.
Someone inside the provincial government is kidnapping Imperial citizens and selling them across the desert to the salt mines, silencing anyone who tries to intervene. The girl’s brother is one of those who has been taken. Rejected by the corrupt courts, she’s waging a personal war against the Empire.
Determined to save her life, Torien sets out in search of answers on the Salt Road, the ancient trade route running deep into the heart of a desert—territory claimed by the hostile Mayaso tribe.
Now, Torien is no longer sure where his own loyalty lies, or how far he will go to break the cycle of tyranny, political bullying, and social injustice in an empire that seals its borders in blood.
You can read an excerpt HERE.
(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)
About the Author
Amanda McCrina has studied in Italy, taught English in Japan, and currently tutors Latin in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History from the University of West Georgia, and is now pursuing her MA. She writes stories that incorporate her love of history, languages, and world travel. She drinks far too much coffee and dreams of one day having a winning fantasy-hockey season.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
One (1) winner will receive a $15 Starbucks gift card or B&N gift card, plus a digital copy of Blood Oath by Amanda McCrina upon its release.
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