The emotions that Eiren displays in who she really is and that of the goddess that dwells in her is powerful. Kuhlmann does a good in describing the struggle Eiren goes through. Though her constant thoughts of Gannet was a bit annoying and whinny.

Story-telling: 5 Stars
Story: 3 stars

Jillian Kuhlmann continues to spin her seductive, mythical story about gods and men.

The novel takes almost right off where it ended in Book 1 - The Hidden Icon: Book of Icons - Volume One. Eiren -the incarnation of Theba, the goddess of destruction- continues her journey, which is getting even more perilous than she had imagined, to discover and come to terms with who and what she is; the origins/history/legend/myths of herself and her people.

I pretty much have the same issues, positive and negative, with this installment as with Book #1.

There is the lyrical, beautiful writing creating this powerful atmosphere that is very alluring. And then there is the story that stays a bit muddled and not too convincing, for me at least. I was still non-plussed by some of the explanations offered as the story drew to its conclusions.
But the author still managed to keep me in her thrall, so I decided that I should not go after logic when dealing with myths. :)

Scheduled to post on Blue Cat Review on May 19, 2017

Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC for each of these books by Diversion Books and NetGalley in exchange for honest reviews, for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

First response: (Before I realized it was a duology) I am getting really tired of books that aren't complete within themselves. Cliffhangers are so not fun! And this book was breathtaking until then...

My Review:
Jillian Kuhlmann is amazing! Well, her book is. This dark, dystopian world isn't my usual, but I seem to end up here more often lately. It's a scary place. And Ms. Kuhlmann makes you bleed in it. As Eiren tries to squeeze through the sentient cave, you feel the rocks tear the fabric of her clothes and you feel the blood drip down her skin. You feel her fear that she won't ever get out of that spot alive. That the cave will never let her go.

Watching her goddess' life opera explode with the attack of the assassins and as she flees for her life, you wonder with her how many of the icons are behind it. And who. And when she asks, "Did you know?", you hold your breath with her until he answers.

I loved this book! I didn't want it to end, I just wanted answers. For that, you have to read book #2, The Dread Goddess.

My Review:
This is the continuation of Eiren's story to find peace for herself and her people. She learns so much in this second half. So much about Gannet, the man, the icon. And about herself and the selves inside herself now that she is an icon. She comes to understand her magic and how to use it to help her people. She learns that both sides are her people now. She comes to understand many things in her fight to come to terms with the powers inside her and what having these powers will demand of her in the times ahead.

This is a duology, but there is a certain feeling I got when I was done with this second book that it's not over. There is plenty of material to work with and go on. The sign of a really good book, it leaves you wanting more.

I strongly recommend these two books to anyone who likes a good story. This is a great story. Mystery, magic, romance, conflict, betrayal. It's all in there.

"I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding"

The most common of YA cliches. Present in almost every YA book I read. But that's where similarities end, cause this is not like every YA book you've read. It's intense, well developed, and well written. It keeps you on your toes, and it entangles you in its plot to the extent that you can't or don't want to put the book down. It's always growing, always changing, always becoming something better than it was moment ago. A masterpiece at its finest. And a story that's worth being told and read.

But you don't have to trust me on it. Pick it up and find out for yourself