Blood and Memory (The Quickening, Book 2)

by Fiona McIntosh

2006

Status

Available

Publication

Harper Voyager (2006), Edition: Reprint, 448 pages

Description

To save two kingdoms from a despot's rule, one man must journey into the unknown, seeking answers to the strange and powerful secret that so plagues him. Wyl Thirsk, loyal soldier of Morgravia, has seen his best friend slain, his sister tortured, and his mentor sent to certain death, all at the hands of his sovereign, the cruel and manipulative King Celimus. Now Celimus, believing himself to be rid of the "moral constraints" of the Thirsk influence, has turned his greedy eye to expansion ... and Morgravia's neighboring kingdom, ruled by the spirited but inexperienced Queen Valentyna. As Celimus pressures Valentyna into a doomed political marriage, Wyl endeavors desperately to preserve both the honor of his country and the freedom of the woman he loves. But fate has other plans for him. Despite his friends and loved ones becoming increasingly tangled in the evil machinations of King Celimus, though war with the dread Northern Kingdom appears imminent and Valentyna is poised to succumb to Morgravia's oily rule, Wyl must leave behind all he knows and cares about and travel into the land from which none return, seeking out the bestower of Myrren's sinister gift.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member villandry
The second book in Fiona McIntosh's series continues the strange plight of her main character and introduces more cast and more world. As a seasoned fantasy series fan, I recognize that second books can be tricky. And okay, I'll be blunt (because I'm not sure what else to say), this one was
Show More
disappointing. Unlike the first book which was a whirlwind once it got started, I labored through this one to the end and never felt caught up in the chain of events. The book ended strangely (not uncommon for the middle book) and I will give this author the benefit of the doubt and pick up the next one. It seemed to me that the "telling" of the story took over the action and character development. (am I getting too picky?)

On a positive note, the world itself has become more enriched through the events in "Blood and Memory." I am convinced that the story plot itself will not ultimately be disappointing and certain that the author has some surprises in store. (Hope springs eternal) We shall see.
Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Some of what happened in book 1 are explained and there's setup for book 3, it's a bridge novel and not really anything spectacular.

King Celimus continues to be an evil tyrant and Wyl Thirsk keeps trying to avoid leaping into another body but Myrren's Gift drives him. He also wants to keep the
Show More
women he holds dear safe. People meet magic and it changes them.

It's interesting but it's somewhat flat.
Show Less
LibraryThing member drpeff
great. hard to put down.
LibraryThing member Annabel1954
An intriging journey through lands depicted at the start of the story. Unknown twists make this interesting reading

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

448 p.; 4.19 inches

ISBN

0060747595 / 9780060747596

Barcode

1602143
Page: 0.1571 seconds