[Review] 'Reign of Mist' by Helen Scheuerer (ARC)
"Thus is the nature of life, is it not? Love and loss so intricately entwined. You cannot have one without the other, unfortunately."
"We're not all born equal in strength and agility, but a mind can be as sharp as any blade, if you know how to wield it."
"But beneath the shimmering fabrics and cosmetics, death smiled."
"The collision of both forces came in a roaring wave. The clang of steel, the first cries of the wounded and the tang of fresh death exploded as they struck their first blows."
"Not all wars were fought with blades and shields. Not all courage was found in the heart of battle"
Reign of Mist is the second book in the Oremere Chronicles by Helen Scheuerer, following the adventures of our favorite warriors and rebels as they prepare for war. A fight against evil, a fight for freedom, a fight for justice.
Thank you, Helen, for sending me an ARC of this formidable book!
Holy shit. That's all I can think right now after finishing Reign of Mist. From start to finish, this book has you on the edge of your seat. There is no dull moment, no moment where you can calm your nerves for a little while. Chapter after chapter, thrilling action scenes come at you that will leave you shaking and breathless. Helen has a unique way with words, submerging you deep into the magical world she's created. Her books read so fast you feel like you're flying through the story, turning page after page. It's so good that you cannot help yourself from turning the next page because you have to know what's going to happen.
Where Heart of Mist was the opening to the magical world that is The Upper Realm, introducing the characters, the world and the politics, Reign of Mist focuses on character development and action. The world is built, the characters are created, now it's time for action. And boy do we get some. Trust me, you're not ready.
We are introduced to new characters, fierce rebel warriors with a strong mindset to match that of the character we already know. Bonds are forged, risks are taken, blood is spilled.
And if you, for even a second, think you are ready for this book and the ending it has in store for you, I advise you to think again. Because HOLY CRAP THAT ENDING LEFT ME SHAKING!
Below, I will talk a bit about some of the characters in more detail. This may contain spoilers so if you'd rather stay safe then best not read what is between the *** (You can keep reading all the way below after the next ***!)
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First of all, I want to talk about Bleak and how she has grown formidably as a character throughout this book! She starts off her journey as a weak girl, broken by grieve, struggling with alcoholism. She has no purpose in life, refuses to acknowledge her past and who she really is, and keeps pushing people away. And above all, she despises her magic. She's no fighter. But then things change, and we get to watch Bleak grow, become stronger, more confident. We watch as she slowly comes to love her magic, use it, hone is like the weapon it is. We watch her befriend some great Valian warriors. She becomes the leader she was born to be. People follow her now rather than the other way around.
Then we have Henri, our Valian queen, who never once strayed from the path that is the Valian way. But then we watch her open her mind more, realizing that the Valian way isn't the only possibility. It is great to see as she too, starts growing closer to people.
Then we have Commander Swinton. I'm not going to lie I was getting angry with him at the beginning of the book for choosing the coward's way. But part of me always knew that he was going to turn around and make the right choice eventually. What I love so much about his character is that Swinton is as flawed as they come. He makes mistakes, chooses wrong time and again, but in the end, he does what feels right. His character development is a slow but steady one, one needs more time than the other because of all that he stands to lose. It's only normal he cannot make such a big decision with a snap of his fingers.
Also, can we talk about the kitty cats that are the teerah panters!! They are my favorites! I absolutely adore cats and to see such cute felines being a part of this story just warmed my heart. The relationship between Bleak and Rion is one I have with all three of my cats. And it's even more fun when you know that one of them has a black fur, with a subtle grayish shine just like Rion!
Okay and now we need to discuss the end because I am still screaming about that. Somewhere deep inside I've always known (or hoped) that Ermias was still alive. But I never, in a million years, would have guessed who he was and that he's been part of the story all along. He was so cleverly hidden that I can only admire Helen for being so sneaky.
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If you're not yet convinced whether you should give this series a chance then let me break it down for you.
- Thrilling action and a unique world building
- LGBT romance
- Fierce warriors and badass Princesses and queens
- Great character development
- A fast-paced plot with dazzling twists and crazy cliffhangers
- Beautiful writing
Reign of Mist comes out September 13 so that's plenty enough time to catch up and start reading Heart of Mist if you haven't already because this dazzling, heart-racing, sequel is one you do not want to miss!