Hey all, Dani here.
It is time for another backlog review, because I have honestly been mostly ignoring them as of late. Sorry for that. But I am trying to get ready for the end of the year and the beginning of next year, so I might be having a couple posts up each day for the next few days. Tomorrow I’ll definitely be posting up my Underwhelming Reads of 2019 post, and perhaps another review, and then I’ll have my Top Ten Reads of 2019 (Part Two) post up on Tuesday. Wednesday will be my Weekly Wrap Up/Dec Wrap Up, as well as my Goals for 2020 post. So basically I have a lot of posts to write up.
Anyway, let’s get this review started so I can get back to the blog writing and prep.
Summary
A failed mage turned outlaw must use guile and a handful of spells to challenge a dangerous rival in the second book of an exciting adventure fantasy series from Sebastien de Castell.
Forced to live as an outlaw, Kellen relies on his wits and his allies to survive the unforgiving borderlands.
When he meets a young woman cursed with a deadly plague, he feels compelled to help. But her secrets draw powerful enemies and it’s not long before Kellen is entangled in a conspiracy of blackmail, magic, and murder. As the bodies begin to pile up, Kellen fears he’s next.
The second novel in a compelling six-book series, bursting with tricks, humor, and a whole new way to look at magic.
My Thoughts
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one, maybe not quite as much as the first book, but it was still a fun adventure, and I am absolutely looking forward to reading the third book very soon, especially since the series is now complete. I will say that this Spellslinger series has caught my interest far more than de Castell’s Greatcloaks series.
I like the wild west outlaw feel to this story, and I especially like the bluffing and guile of those who are spellslingers here.
The character relationships were still fun, though Kellen and his squirrel-cat companion are my favorite duo. Of course, I think Farius Parfax still might be my favorite character.
The worldbuilding from what I remember is pretty decent, I enjoy the magic system, there is decent intrigue and adventure, and I’m curious to see how it all develops even farther into the series.
I feel bad that I’m trying to write up this review over a year after reading this book. Seriously I checked Goodreads and I read this book in September 2018, so yeah I feel like an awful book reviewer. I do still want to keep reading this series, so I’m hoping to pick up the next book soon.
Where to Get a Copy
You can get your own copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local independent bookstore.
You can also check with your local library.
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