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Company of Strangers #2
Stone of Inheritance
A SPOT OF BLACKMAIL
For months, Sienne and her scrapper team have faced many challenges in their quest to free Alaric’s people from the wizard enslaving them. But when a new, unexpected challenge threatens to end their quest, the companions have no choice but to give in to a blackmailer’s demand: retrieve an ancient stone artifact from an abandoned village.
Their new adventure takes them north to the edges of the Empty Lands, where monsters roam free and even the land is dangerous. Someone else wants what they’re after—someone who will kill to get it. And in a deserted castle past the borders of civilization, the companions encounter evil unlike any they’ve fought before.
A thrilling adventure of powerful magic, dangerous foes, and the triumph of free will.
For months, Sienne and her scrapper team have faced many challenges in their quest to free Alaric’s people from the wizard enslaving them. But when a new, unexpected challenge threatens to end their quest, the companions have no choice but to give in to a blackmailer’s demand: retrieve an ancient stone artifact from an abandoned village.
Their new adventure takes them north to the edges of the Empty Lands, where monsters roam free and even the land is dangerous. Someone else wants what they’re after—someone who will kill to get it. And in a deserted castle past the borders of civilization, the companions encounter evil unlike any they’ve fought before.
A thrilling adventure of powerful magic, dangerous foes, and the triumph of free will.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
85 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McShane
84Ìýbooks848ÌýfollowersMelissa grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 27, 2019
This is second in a series and can probably be read alone. Characters and some relationship arcs are continued from the first so I recommend reading in order, but it's not strictly necessary, I don't think.
My still-non-standard disclaimer applies to this book as with all of those written by Melissa. I'll be as honest as I know how, but we've been married for over half my life, now, and that's not nothing.
This is going to be a rough review because two of my very favorite things about the story don't happen until well into the book and I don't want to spoil any surprises. I'll spoiler-tag the bigger one but not the one that has bearing on my tags. So if you're really sensitive to spoilers you'll want to stop now.
Romance is my genre of choice, so I was thrilled that Melissa chose to have Alaric and Sienne come together in this story (as opposed to dragging it out). Much of the beginning steps have happened in the intervening months since we left them in , so when we pick up here, they're in the "I'm pretty sure, but hesitant" phase of deciding if they want to pursue their attraction. I'm glad we got the "deciding to be together" part here and Alaric and Sienne are such a cute couple. And yeah, I was crushing on both from the first book independently and yeah, I knew they'd be a couple eventually. But I didn't know it'd come together in this story and was very gratified that it worked out as well as it did. I particularly liked that each was there in the others' need. (and note that all my highlights that are tagged "spoiler" are their very awesome interactions).
As in the first story, the successful job is only the beginning of their trials. Melissa keeps the pace brisk and the ending left me nearly breathless as the companions deal with cascading complications. And yet, the character developments were non-trivial as well with some of the hidden aspects of the companions' pasts come forward and complicate things still further. I loved how this illuminated the relationships and trust they have developed for one another and how they support one another even when the issues are deeply personal and private.
Anyway, Alaric and Sienne would have earned the five stars on their own, but the character developments and great adventure all contribute as well. Feel free to adjust that for my obvious bias, but I hope you'll give it a try, anyway.
World building with Melissa - critters: I remember having world-building discussions with Melissa and how she was adamant that there would be no non-human races (like you get in fantasy with elves and dwarves and whatever). I pointed out that we could have some fun with the effect of very powerful ambient magic and some twisted cultural depravities (ala Firefly's reavers). And thus
World building with Melissa - magic: I also love that as Melissa was considering the standard schools of magic and which spells went where, she decided that the entire charm school (aka enchantment) was deeply problematic. It's all about twisting the will and denying choice to others and that's some pretty evil stuff if you scratch below the surface at all. So this world has labeled charm as evil and attached severe consequences to even having it in a wizard's repertoire.
A note about Chaste: There's not a lot of room for sex on an adventure, but Sienne is also a bit scarred from her ex-lover turning out so false. Since neither feel particularly rushed, this book only has kissing. So this is pretty chaste, even if you're fairly sensitive on the topic.
My still-non-standard disclaimer applies to this book as with all of those written by Melissa. I'll be as honest as I know how, but we've been married for over half my life, now, and that's not nothing.
This is going to be a rough review because two of my very favorite things about the story don't happen until well into the book and I don't want to spoil any surprises. I'll spoiler-tag the bigger one but not the one that has bearing on my tags. So if you're really sensitive to spoilers you'll want to stop now.
Romance is my genre of choice, so I was thrilled that Melissa chose to have Alaric and Sienne come together in this story (as opposed to dragging it out). Much of the beginning steps have happened in the intervening months since we left them in , so when we pick up here, they're in the "I'm pretty sure, but hesitant" phase of deciding if they want to pursue their attraction. I'm glad we got the "deciding to be together" part here and Alaric and Sienne are such a cute couple. And yeah, I was crushing on both from the first book independently and yeah, I knew they'd be a couple eventually. But I didn't know it'd come together in this story and was very gratified that it worked out as well as it did. I particularly liked that each was there in the others' need. (and note that all my highlights that are tagged "spoiler" are their very awesome interactions).
As in the first story, the successful job is only the beginning of their trials. Melissa keeps the pace brisk and the ending left me nearly breathless as the companions deal with cascading complications. And yet, the character developments were non-trivial as well with some of the hidden aspects of the companions' pasts come forward and complicate things still further. I loved how this illuminated the relationships and trust they have developed for one another and how they support one another even when the issues are deeply personal and private.
Anyway, Alaric and Sienne would have earned the five stars on their own, but the character developments and great adventure all contribute as well. Feel free to adjust that for my obvious bias, but I hope you'll give it a try, anyway.
World building with Melissa - critters: I remember having world-building discussions with Melissa and how she was adamant that there would be no non-human races (like you get in fantasy with elves and dwarves and whatever). I pointed out that we could have some fun with the effect of very powerful ambient magic and some twisted cultural depravities (ala Firefly's reavers). And thus
World building with Melissa - magic: I also love that as Melissa was considering the standard schools of magic and which spells went where, she decided that the entire charm school (aka enchantment) was deeply problematic. It's all about twisting the will and denying choice to others and that's some pretty evil stuff if you scratch below the surface at all. So this world has labeled charm as evil and attached severe consequences to even having it in a wizard's repertoire.
A note about Chaste: There's not a lot of room for sex on an adventure, but Sienne is also a bit scarred from her ex-lover turning out so false. Since neither feel particularly rushed, this book only has kissing. So this is pretty chaste, even if you're fairly sensitive on the topic.
Read
February 27, 2019This second volume in this series that is fast becoming my favorite series of the author's, besides the Extraordinaries, builds on the first entry, while standing alone. McShane deftly (re) introduces the reader to our scrapper team, almost a year after the last adventure. They've worked together now, cohering as a team . . . but emotions are far from neutral.
A rather odd noblewoman forces them into taking on a quest for her, which leads to far more adventure, and challenge, than any of them expected: they pretty much blackmailed into traveling to the noblewoman's country seat in order to retrieve an artifact that would supposedly prove her identity, as there has been some chicanery among the nobles around the king. All of whom, unsurprisingly, are jockeying for power.
The team makes a chilling discovery once they reach the manor, after some adventures and close calls. The stakes ratchet up, and keep ratcheting up when they discover the artifact, which isn't all it seems.
As in the first volume, I adored Perrin's prayers to his crotchety avatar (who is even addressed as Lord of Crotchets!) though in this volume, this relationship turns a turn that was unexpected and quite involving.
Everyone goes through emotional tests as well as the more usual physical challenges, including some pulse-pounding battles. I was especially interested in their encounter with a certain priestess (and I hope they remember their promise to her!) which hint at another layer of secrets our team might be hiding.
Altogether an enjoyable read, leaving me ready to grab the third volume the moment it is ready.
Copy provided by the author.
A rather odd noblewoman forces them into taking on a quest for her, which leads to far more adventure, and challenge, than any of them expected: they pretty much blackmailed into traveling to the noblewoman's country seat in order to retrieve an artifact that would supposedly prove her identity, as there has been some chicanery among the nobles around the king. All of whom, unsurprisingly, are jockeying for power.
The team makes a chilling discovery once they reach the manor, after some adventures and close calls. The stakes ratchet up, and keep ratcheting up when they discover the artifact, which isn't all it seems.
As in the first volume, I adored Perrin's prayers to his crotchety avatar (who is even addressed as Lord of Crotchets!) though in this volume, this relationship turns a turn that was unexpected and quite involving.
Everyone goes through emotional tests as well as the more usual physical challenges, including some pulse-pounding battles. I was especially interested in their encounter with a certain priestess (and I hope they remember their promise to her!) which hint at another layer of secrets our team might be hiding.
Altogether an enjoyable read, leaving me ready to grab the third volume the moment it is ready.
Copy provided by the author.
Read
February 26, 2025This sequel to continues the story of Alaric, Sienne, and their friends as they attempt to free Alaric's people from the wizard who has enslaved them. My goal for this series was to have each book be a self-contained adventure, but making progress on the overarching quest. I also wanted, if possible, to have a different monstrous creature in each book for the companions to face. My husband helped me develop the one for this book, and I think it turned out well.
I also needed the friendships, and potential romances, to progress in each book. This one takes place nine months after Company of Strangers, so a lot of the progress takes place off-stage. The companions have gone on a number of adventures and have overcome some of the awkwardness that characterized their first adventure, but some of them are still keeping secrets, and they still have a ways to go.
The worship of Averran is in part due to a friend who, when I was telling our gaming group about the religion of the series, suggested that one of the avatars could be a grouchy old man whose worshippers had to cajole him to respond. It's turned out to be a very popular aspect of the series, so I'm grateful to him for the suggestion.
I said in my review of the first book that I'd save the reveal about the genesis of this series for later, and now that the secret of Alaric's identity is out, I can do that. But in case you're reading this and haven't read the first book, I'll tuck it behind a spoiler tag:
I hope people are enjoying the series, because I had so much fun writing it. In book three, Mortal Rites, the team faces the undead, and someone's romance falls apart. It's an intense, creepy story, and I'm looking forward to publishing it.
I also needed the friendships, and potential romances, to progress in each book. This one takes place nine months after Company of Strangers, so a lot of the progress takes place off-stage. The companions have gone on a number of adventures and have overcome some of the awkwardness that characterized their first adventure, but some of them are still keeping secrets, and they still have a ways to go.
The worship of Averran is in part due to a friend who, when I was telling our gaming group about the religion of the series, suggested that one of the avatars could be a grouchy old man whose worshippers had to cajole him to respond. It's turned out to be a very popular aspect of the series, so I'm grateful to him for the suggestion.
I said in my review of the first book that I'd save the reveal about the genesis of this series for later, and now that the secret of Alaric's identity is out, I can do that. But in case you're reading this and haven't read the first book, I'll tuck it behind a spoiler tag:
I hope people are enjoying the series, because I had so much fun writing it. In book three, Mortal Rites, the team faces the undead, and someone's romance falls apart. It's an intense, creepy story, and I'm looking forward to publishing it.
July 10, 2019
Full disclosure. I know the author personally and I like her (and her family). We have been known to do role playing games together and I like those too. Also her sense of humor appears to mirror my own.
OK on with the actual review.
The first that that struck me is that I was surprised to find that the point of view character was Sienne again. For some reason seeing a different silhouette on the cover made me assume that the POV would be another member of the group. I was wrong.
This book feels like a transition book to me. The first one was very lighthearted and I mentioned in my review it was almost cartoon like in feeling. This book introduces a number of more adult themes and has a somewhat darker feel. Let me deal with those one by one
First, the obvious puppy adoration Sienne had for Alaric in the first book is developed into a more grown up relationship. I struggled at first because I hate when characters just don't talk with each other. Fortunately that dithering didn't last too long and both characters manage to open up with each other and begin to form an actual relationship instead of puppy love. However, it still seems to be a tenuous relationship by the end of the book. It felt a little like a foxhole romance since the stress of the adventure was an obvious contributor to their desires for comfort and companionship. Younger readers would probably never notice this.
Second, the primary theme of this book is what does killing someone, even when fully justified as the correct action, does to a persons character. Both Alaric and Sienne go through different phases of this personal change, and both have expositions of what it means to them and how they can justify feeling in the right even in terrible circumstances. The subject is dealt with honestly and not too deeply still making this appropriate for younger readers.
Third, this touches very lightly on addiction and addictive behaviors. This was the least satisfying of the three more adult or grown up themes. The character with the issue doesn't really deal with any of the issues behind the behavior just switches to “white knuckling� behaviors which is when through sheer willpower an addict tries to modify their behaviors. Addiction is driven by emotional flaws almost always caused by childhood wounds. The character revealed the source of some of those wounds but has done nothing to address them head on in a way that can lead to a resolution, so I fully expect this theme to continue in later stories since in my opinion, there is literally no way that this character is not going to relapse. Younger readers will likely never really notice this theme at anything other than a surface layer.
It's entirely possible that I am reading too much into the third theme but it's touched my family before and like I said, I have some familiarity with the behaviors and processes of addition.
The story was well told for being a simple fetch the thing for an employer quest. The plot twists were executed well and believable given the set up of the world. One thing that I didn't enjoy was the way the artifact they retrieved was ultimately dealt with. That bit felt rushed to me. The story seems to be secondary to the characters anyway, and it's the strength of the characters that make this an enjoyable read.
The characters still continue to remind me of actual people playing characters in a role playing game setting, and the humor and party interactions capture that amazingly well. There is not a one of the party that I don't like, and I've also enjoyed the patterns they have set into. Finally, as they return to civilization I liked that Sienne and Alaric have more or less openly announced their relationship and are determined to explore it more outside of the stress of an adventure.
Will I read more? HECK YEAH. I really enjoy these books and look forward to reading the rest.
OK on with the actual review.
The first that that struck me is that I was surprised to find that the point of view character was Sienne again. For some reason seeing a different silhouette on the cover made me assume that the POV would be another member of the group. I was wrong.
This book feels like a transition book to me. The first one was very lighthearted and I mentioned in my review it was almost cartoon like in feeling. This book introduces a number of more adult themes and has a somewhat darker feel. Let me deal with those one by one
First, the obvious puppy adoration Sienne had for Alaric in the first book is developed into a more grown up relationship. I struggled at first because I hate when characters just don't talk with each other. Fortunately that dithering didn't last too long and both characters manage to open up with each other and begin to form an actual relationship instead of puppy love. However, it still seems to be a tenuous relationship by the end of the book. It felt a little like a foxhole romance since the stress of the adventure was an obvious contributor to their desires for comfort and companionship. Younger readers would probably never notice this.
Second, the primary theme of this book is what does killing someone, even when fully justified as the correct action, does to a persons character. Both Alaric and Sienne go through different phases of this personal change, and both have expositions of what it means to them and how they can justify feeling in the right even in terrible circumstances. The subject is dealt with honestly and not too deeply still making this appropriate for younger readers.
Third, this touches very lightly on addiction and addictive behaviors. This was the least satisfying of the three more adult or grown up themes. The character with the issue doesn't really deal with any of the issues behind the behavior just switches to “white knuckling� behaviors which is when through sheer willpower an addict tries to modify their behaviors. Addiction is driven by emotional flaws almost always caused by childhood wounds. The character revealed the source of some of those wounds but has done nothing to address them head on in a way that can lead to a resolution, so I fully expect this theme to continue in later stories since in my opinion, there is literally no way that this character is not going to relapse. Younger readers will likely never really notice this theme at anything other than a surface layer.
It's entirely possible that I am reading too much into the third theme but it's touched my family before and like I said, I have some familiarity with the behaviors and processes of addition.
The story was well told for being a simple fetch the thing for an employer quest. The plot twists were executed well and believable given the set up of the world. One thing that I didn't enjoy was the way the artifact they retrieved was ultimately dealt with. That bit felt rushed to me. The story seems to be secondary to the characters anyway, and it's the strength of the characters that make this an enjoyable read.
The characters still continue to remind me of actual people playing characters in a role playing game setting, and the humor and party interactions capture that amazingly well. There is not a one of the party that I don't like, and I've also enjoyed the patterns they have set into. Finally, as they return to civilization I liked that Sienne and Alaric have more or less openly announced their relationship and are determined to explore it more outside of the stress of an adventure.
Will I read more? HECK YEAH. I really enjoy these books and look forward to reading the rest.
February 28, 2019
Stone of Inheritance is book two in the Company of Strangers series. I think it's much better if it is read in order after the first book. Jumping in here you will still get a good idea as to who and what you're dealing with, but it lacks some of the punch that information from the first book gives.
This is a fun romp as a troop of scrapers trying to solve a piece of the bigger series arc are effectively bullied and blackmailed into fetching an item for a noble woman who needs help claiming her ancestral lands. She probably would have done better to just ask them or pay for their help, but the blackmail is effective and our crew are off to the border of the Empty lands where a lot of badness awaits them.
I love seeing the crew continue to develop in this outing. Everyone has moments where you see them grow, and Perin's arc is particularly touching as he deals with some of the aspects of his past - not close to all of them - and his relationship with his Avatar. His challenges affect his entire crew much as a problem for one member of a family can make waves for the rest, and waves there certainly are.
The romantic arc is cute and satisfying, and I'm glad to see it coming together now as it creates some ground work for potential problems and growth in other books. It could have been drawn out a lot longer, but I find this timing fun.
The political aspects of this book are intriguing on several levels, but the thing that really got me was the interactions with the carvers. These creatures creep me RIGHT out, and I had serious concern for our heroes. I can't imagine they won't have nightmares in the future.
Contentwise there's some fantasy violence and mind control. A little kissing *le swoon* and a smattering of mild curses.
If you love high fantasy with a DnD flavor these series is a can't miss.
This is a fun romp as a troop of scrapers trying to solve a piece of the bigger series arc are effectively bullied and blackmailed into fetching an item for a noble woman who needs help claiming her ancestral lands. She probably would have done better to just ask them or pay for their help, but the blackmail is effective and our crew are off to the border of the Empty lands where a lot of badness awaits them.
I love seeing the crew continue to develop in this outing. Everyone has moments where you see them grow, and Perin's arc is particularly touching as he deals with some of the aspects of his past - not close to all of them - and his relationship with his Avatar. His challenges affect his entire crew much as a problem for one member of a family can make waves for the rest, and waves there certainly are.
The romantic arc is cute and satisfying, and I'm glad to see it coming together now as it creates some ground work for potential problems and growth in other books. It could have been drawn out a lot longer, but I find this timing fun.
The political aspects of this book are intriguing on several levels, but the thing that really got me was the interactions with the carvers. These creatures creep me RIGHT out, and I had serious concern for our heroes. I can't imagine they won't have nightmares in the future.
Contentwise there's some fantasy violence and mind control. A little kissing *le swoon* and a smattering of mild curses.
If you love high fantasy with a DnD flavor these series is a can't miss.
February 19, 2019
Stone of Inheritance is the second installment from the Company of Strangers series. I enjoyed this story. It is full of action and adventure It was so easy to keep turning the pages. I had no problem having the whole book read in one sitting.
I am giving Stone of Inheritance four and a half star. I recommend this read to other readers. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the Company of Strangers series.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Stone of Inheritance four and a half star. I recommend this read to other readers. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the Company of Strangers series.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
July 8, 2019
It’s a dangerous journey, filled with betrayal and deception; attacks from an mythical group of beings called “carvers� and others who want the artifact; and a little bit of romance thrown in. Just when they think they’ve got a clear passage to their goal, they are beset by one challenge after another.
I loved this story—perhaps even more than the first book. The romance between Alaric and Sienne finally gets to first base. The characters are distinct and well-written. I think my favorite is Perrin, the often drunken priest of Averran.
The writing drew me in and held me fast, with the descriptions of the lands as they travelled, and the taste and smell of their food. I felt I was right there.
There were some political machinations toward the end that I’m not sure I trust—could be a set-up for the next book. Which, by the way, I’ll definitely be reading.
There is quite a bit of drinking in the story, some mild kissing and intimating of sex (when a guy tries to pick up Sienne at an inn) but it’s not graphic. Moderate fantasy violence, blood and death. Some swearing, but not too bad.
I give it 4 1/2 STARS and recommend it to readers, ages 14+, who like fantasy and strong female characters.
I loved this story—perhaps even more than the first book. The romance between Alaric and Sienne finally gets to first base. The characters are distinct and well-written. I think my favorite is Perrin, the often drunken priest of Averran.
The writing drew me in and held me fast, with the descriptions of the lands as they travelled, and the taste and smell of their food. I felt I was right there.
There were some political machinations toward the end that I’m not sure I trust—could be a set-up for the next book. Which, by the way, I’ll definitely be reading.
There is quite a bit of drinking in the story, some mild kissing and intimating of sex (when a guy tries to pick up Sienne at an inn) but it’s not graphic. Moderate fantasy violence, blood and death. Some swearing, but not too bad.
I give it 4 1/2 STARS and recommend it to readers, ages 14+, who like fantasy and strong female characters.
November 14, 2021
Another fun adventure story, with the same complaint of a straightforward, linear plot.
Content goes up (sort of) in this book. The relationship felt extremely forced to me, like Sienne is attracted to Alaric simply because there needed to be a relationship in the book. Unfortunately, the developing relationship meant there is a lot of page space devoted to kissing, and thinking about kissing, and wanting to be kissing. Again, nothing more explicit happens, although casual sex is discussed many times. And there is a bit more violence in this book, although not too graphic.
Content goes up (sort of) in this book. The relationship felt extremely forced to me, like Sienne is attracted to Alaric simply because there needed to be a relationship in the book. Unfortunately, the developing relationship meant there is a lot of page space devoted to kissing, and thinking about kissing, and wanting to be kissing. Again, nothing more explicit happens, although casual sex is discussed many times. And there is a bit more violence in this book, although not too graphic.
May 9, 2020
The company, after some routine jobs, is taking a step toward Alaric's quest: buying a magical knife at an auction. Except that someone outbids them, and extorts a job from them: they will go to her ancestral home and retrieve something for her, that will let her press her claim to a title with the king.
It gets more complicated from there. Intrigue between nobles, an attacker, Perrin's drinking, attempts to flirt with Sienne, the religion of the world, monsters that are legendary, invisibility, and more.
It gets more complicated from there. Intrigue between nobles, an attacker, Perrin's drinking, attempts to flirt with Sienne, the religion of the world, monsters that are legendary, invisibility, and more.
August 14, 2019
An excellent fantasy series with plenty of action, adventure, and magic - with added dashes of romance and even some scary bits!
This is the second book in the series. While each novel has a standalone story, the books build on each other and I recommend reading them in order to get the full experience.
The series follows the young wizard Sienne and her fellow scrapper companions, who make a living by venturing into the wilderness and searching for valuable artifacts. In this novel, they are basically blackmailed by a noblewoman who has something they need into going on a quest to her family's abandoned country estate and looking for a specific item that will prove her lineage.
This book jumps forward in time by about nine months from the end of the first novel, when the team had just formed for their first adventure. As a result, they are acting more like a cohesive unit in this story. And just as I enjoyed their growing pains as they learned how to balance their strengths with their weaknesses, I enjoy seeing them work together better here.
However, some of the group still have secrets and issues they must work through. We learn more about the priest Perrin's past in this entry, and some of the demons he's been burying came back to bite him. I also enjoyed the glimpses we got of the other priests and temples in this book, because I want to learn more about the six avatars of God and how they and their priests differ from each other.
One of the things that seriously impressed me about this novel was that I could tell who was speaking in dialogue because of the way they talk. The author did an incredible job of making all of the characters unique in their speech patterns. I honestly can't think of any other book that has accomplished this - I think that most characters in most books sound nearly identical to each other - and I was amazed by it.
There's also a new type of creature the scrappers come up against in this novel, and they give me the creeps. They are called carvers and are apparently at least partly inspired by the reavers in the TV show Firefly. The carvers were really interesting and frightening foes, made all the more unnerving by the fact that the don't make any sounds.
**SPOILER WARNING**
**END OF SPOILERS**
Overall, this is a great fantasy adventure that I devoured just as quickly as the first book. I jumped immediately into the third book after finishing this one. If you're looking for a new fantasy series to read, check this one out.
Disclaimer: I do know the author, if only through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, and while that is the reason I was aware of and decided to read this book, it has not influenced my rating. She did not contact me to ask me to read or review this book.
This is the second book in the series. While each novel has a standalone story, the books build on each other and I recommend reading them in order to get the full experience.
The series follows the young wizard Sienne and her fellow scrapper companions, who make a living by venturing into the wilderness and searching for valuable artifacts. In this novel, they are basically blackmailed by a noblewoman who has something they need into going on a quest to her family's abandoned country estate and looking for a specific item that will prove her lineage.
This book jumps forward in time by about nine months from the end of the first novel, when the team had just formed for their first adventure. As a result, they are acting more like a cohesive unit in this story. And just as I enjoyed their growing pains as they learned how to balance their strengths with their weaknesses, I enjoy seeing them work together better here.
However, some of the group still have secrets and issues they must work through. We learn more about the priest Perrin's past in this entry, and some of the demons he's been burying came back to bite him. I also enjoyed the glimpses we got of the other priests and temples in this book, because I want to learn more about the six avatars of God and how they and their priests differ from each other.
One of the things that seriously impressed me about this novel was that I could tell who was speaking in dialogue because of the way they talk. The author did an incredible job of making all of the characters unique in their speech patterns. I honestly can't think of any other book that has accomplished this - I think that most characters in most books sound nearly identical to each other - and I was amazed by it.
There's also a new type of creature the scrappers come up against in this novel, and they give me the creeps. They are called carvers and are apparently at least partly inspired by the reavers in the TV show Firefly. The carvers were really interesting and frightening foes, made all the more unnerving by the fact that the don't make any sounds.
**SPOILER WARNING**
**END OF SPOILERS**
Overall, this is a great fantasy adventure that I devoured just as quickly as the first book. I jumped immediately into the third book after finishing this one. If you're looking for a new fantasy series to read, check this one out.
Disclaimer: I do know the author, if only through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, and while that is the reason I was aware of and decided to read this book, it has not influenced my rating. She did not contact me to ask me to read or review this book.
February 14, 2020
"I'm sorry I threw up on you" - and lo, with these words, a heroine became deeply entwined in my heart. Sienne, you're awesome, never change. A great sequel to the excellent foundation of Company of Strangers, and thank gaaaaawd we poor readers weren't subjected to many books of misery with regards to a certain plot thread established in book one. This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy, even amidst the adventure and the death and such, and I am really having to restrain myself from immediately downloading book three now, as there are clearly lots more adventures to have with this crew, and I seriously cannot wait.
March 16, 2019
I enjoyed the first of this series enough, and have found the author consistent enough, that I preordered this one - something I rarely do. I wasn't disappointed, either.
This is essentially D&D fiction, but with enough original touches to the magic system and the world that it doesn't feel too derivative. One difference I appreciated from a lot of D&D-style fiction (and most actual games as they are played): there are competent authorities in this world, and people generally assume that they're safe, that their enemies won't start anything in a public place because the authorities would deal with them capably and justly.
There are a couple of minor weaknesses. As with the earlier book, the tension is pretty low for a while; it's a slowish start, though the excitement at the end is well worth waiting around for, and it's interesting even when it isn't action-packed. It also seems to recycle a couple of features from another of the author's books, which I read around the same time; The Smoke-Scented Girl also feature spells that cause the caster to taste things, and the image of a ride along a road cut into the landscape with high banks on either side. But those are good features, and no harm in reusing them.
There was a moment - and you'll know it when you get to it - when I was powerfully reminded of my favourite line from Yahoo Serious's Young Einstein: "Oh, come on, Marie! If you can't trust the governments of the world, who can you trust?"
Overall, though, it's a good ride. Dastardly villains, fearsome foes, desperate fights, a sweet, clean romance, determined and principled characters, and a fresh approach to both wizards and clerics combine into an entertaining story. I will happily read the next in the series; I may well preorder it, even.
This is essentially D&D fiction, but with enough original touches to the magic system and the world that it doesn't feel too derivative. One difference I appreciated from a lot of D&D-style fiction (and most actual games as they are played): there are competent authorities in this world, and people generally assume that they're safe, that their enemies won't start anything in a public place because the authorities would deal with them capably and justly.
There are a couple of minor weaknesses. As with the earlier book, the tension is pretty low for a while; it's a slowish start, though the excitement at the end is well worth waiting around for, and it's interesting even when it isn't action-packed. It also seems to recycle a couple of features from another of the author's books, which I read around the same time; The Smoke-Scented Girl also feature spells that cause the caster to taste things, and the image of a ride along a road cut into the landscape with high banks on either side. But those are good features, and no harm in reusing them.
There was a moment - and you'll know it when you get to it - when I was powerfully reminded of my favourite line from Yahoo Serious's Young Einstein: "Oh, come on, Marie! If you can't trust the governments of the world, who can you trust?"
Overall, though, it's a good ride. Dastardly villains, fearsome foes, desperate fights, a sweet, clean romance, determined and principled characters, and a fresh approach to both wizards and clerics combine into an entertaining story. I will happily read the next in the series; I may well preorder it, even.
July 29, 2019
For book two, we go back to the world of company of strangers and we get to learn more about these characters and this world and it definitely made me like them even more. There was even a splash of romance in there this time. It was a really nice fun read filled with just the right amount of mystery and intrigue. Time to move on to book three and see what waits for me next time.
* I received a copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
* I received a copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2021
Love the characters and their travels together. However, it felt pretty inconsistent when they just handed off the emerald falcon to the king, who conveniently knew of a place to dispose of the indestructible, world-ending device, and they all went on their merry way after spending so long in the book worrying about where to dispose of it. That’s the problem with making a larger-than-life evil weapon that no one is able to destroy- their original plan to dump it in the ocean was more plausible than happily handing it over to the king so easily, whom they didn’t even know was a good person or not, after going to so much effort in keeping it out of wicked people’s hands.
February 27, 2019
Yeah we like this series. Continues (and improves on) the very good first book in the series. Comforting 80s-style adventuring party quest fantasy with a modern update, really appealing characters, and a nice emerging romance subplot. A complete plot arc in itself, but raises some interesting questions that I'm eager to see explored in future books (I believe there will be 6).
Recommended.
Recommended.
April 15, 2019
Well paced, good story, looking forward to the next.
As a side note, I would totally play a D&D campaign set in this world. The world building, the magic system, the GM's characters... all fabulous. I love the "post-apocalyptic" setting applied to a magical world rather than a technical one; it gives added meaning and justification for adventurers to go forth into the wilderness.
As a side note, I would totally play a D&D campaign set in this world. The world building, the magic system, the GM's characters... all fabulous. I love the "post-apocalyptic" setting applied to a magical world rather than a technical one; it gives added meaning and justification for adventurers to go forth into the wilderness.
August 6, 2019
It's a shame that the romance ruined these. I'm not opposed to romances, of course - far from it - but this one was diiiiiire. There was no particular romantic tension and the relationship got all weird and sexist with jealousy tropes and like, a woman regretting she was no longer a virgin? I might give the next one a go because the first in the series was really fun but, ugh.
September 15, 2020
The first book was better. This one felt rushed. While I do like Sienne and Alaric, I wish more time was spent on the other group members, especially since one was going through a religious crisis. Hopefully, the third book makes up for this.
March 14, 2019
Not bad
The magic system is ok but I'm ready for the MC to get a little more powerful. I also don't like the romance.
The magic system is ok but I'm ready for the MC to get a little more powerful. I also don't like the romance.
March 26, 2019
Loved it. Can't wait for the next one.
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