We pick up immediately after the face-walloping cliffhanger from Smoke & Summons. The emotion is high intensity right from the get go and never lets go of your heartstrings. The raw emotion of Sandis as she puts together the pieces of her life is very intense and a little overwhelming at times. There is a lot of angst and sense of betrayal. While being incredibly vivid and real, I actually felt it was a little too much for enjoyable reading at moments.

The action is just a fast-paced and visceral as Smoke & Summons. Sandis and Rone are on another mad dash around Kolingrad in their ever present struggle against Kazen. The action is turned up a notch in Myths & Mortals as Sandis decides to turn her flight into a pursuit. She is not going to let Kazen make her decisions any more. She wants to put an end to the non-stop anxiety and restlessness that is dogging her heels.

There are many highs and many lows to be had on the path to her freedom and the world's salvation. With her new found resolve, Sandis begins to question the order of the universe. As a devout Celestian, she is an abomination. But her personal relationship with the vessels and Ireth pulls at her faith. She is doubtful and seeking. The answers she has been taught don't seem to clear up any of the questions that are being asked.

This is a book that excellently highlights the struggle of reconciling faith with religious teachings. I find the title to be incredibly appropriate for the story. My favorite aspect of this series, though, is the foreshadowing of the conclusion to come--everything we've been taught may not be anything we anticipated to be truth. And again with the conclusion. You know it's coming, but it doesn't take away from the moment in any way.

The series is not perfect and perhaps could have been better developed if given more time before publication, but the deep ties to faith and the struggle to believe are too real to nitpick the mortal details. I can't wait to read Siege & Sacrifice this September.

What is she without her fire horse?

Ireth, the fire horse numen, has been ripped from Sandis, his tattooed name marred and broken on her back. She is alone, betrayed by Rone, leaning on her uncle as the only family she has. But has she traded one set of fetters for another? How many betrayals can she survive? And can she survive without Ireth, the fire horse that she loves and that loves her? What message did he strive so hard to communicate while he still in-dwelled her? Can any of them stop Kazen before he raises Kolossos?

Sandis must grow in strength, character, and forgiveness if she’s to right any wrong against her and Kazen’s other vessels. And she does a lot of growing in this book, while Rone also matures and accepts more responsibility for his actions. It’s not just the vessels, Sandis’ fellow vessel and friends, or Rone that are at risk. They must stop a numen capable of destroying the world that they know.

Myths and Mortals is a magnificent follow-up to Smoke and Summons, Numina Book 1. The world and mythology expand even as the stakes get higher. As usual Holmberg has magnificent world-building, characterization, and plot devices. Her writing is polished and lyrical without being overly wordy or pretentious. Her word-pictures are clear and evocative. (Example: “… silence … clung to the dilapidated buildings like cobwebs…”) Highly recommended for those who love deep, thoughtful fantasies and magnificent storytelling.

I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Charlie has such a spectacular vision and I love losing myself in her fabulous worlds of fantasy.

This is the second book in the Numina Trio so if you haven’t read book 1...stop...go back...devour...now proceed.

I’m totally engrossed of this world of magic and monsters. On the edge of my seat wondering how they will stop the rising darkness and escape this smog laden town full of misery.

Jaw dropping ending in a gloriously cliffy fashion but the ride is more than worth the wait.

Sandis finds herself in the care of her rich Uncle Tabor, the same uncle who originally sold her to Kazen. She struggles with this knowledge and with Rone's betrayal. She struggles with knowing that Kazen is still alive and that the other vessels are still missing. Sandis decides that she must do something and sets off to right the wrongs done to her and the other vessels.
Rone struggles with his betraying of Sandis, his desire to run away to his mother, and his need to stay to protect Sandis. He is still angered that he lost the amarinth and feels he needs to retrieve it . He also finds that he cannot reconcile these feelings and that he needs to act upon them so he sets out to right the wrongs that have been done.
Sandis and Rone decide to work together to finish Kazen and to locate the other vessels, with the hope that they will recover the amarinth along the way. They have no idea of the challenges they will face or the feeling they will have to come to terms with.
This was a good story filled with action and adventure.  I felt that this part of the series emphasized on the romantic aspect of Sandis and Rone more than the first story but since it was significant to the plot, I didn't mind that much. I was disappointed in the ending in that it was slightly predictable. I won't say much more because to do so would be a spoiler. All in all, the story is definitely worth reading and fits perfectly  with the first book in the series. 
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

Myths & Mortals is a book I couldn’t put down. It has everything you could want from a sequel and more. We get the continued story that started with the brilliant Smoke & Summons, following Sandis and Rone as they attempt to free the city of the evil summoner Kazen. In this second book, we get so much more. We see Sandis continuing to grow into her powers, to accept her connection with her numina and to strive for its return. We see Rone become the hero he was meant to be as he attempts to make amends for his previous betrayal. The threat of Kolosos continues to haunt the imagination. All of this, combined with a mysterious assassin and a bevy of new characters, makes for a wonderful addition to the series.

There’s a definite action-adventure feel to the book, throwing in more fight scenes and death-defying acts by our newly expanded group of protagonists. Action sprouts up when least expected, keeping you on your toes from start to finish. The mysterious assassin adds an interesting flair of unexpectedness, showing us extreme fighting moves straight out of the best kung-fu movie.

The numina are made very real and we see them in all of their glory. This time, they’re helping Sandis and Rone, making them worthy adversaries to the many enemies lurking in the city. We also begin to see a more positive side to some of these demons. There’s still evil in their realm, to be sure, but seeing Sandis’ growing relationship with Ireth reveals a kind of hierarchy that might not be all bad.

In a way, the feeling of this second book is much different from the first. In Smoke & Summons, there was a deep fear that permeated the pages. We were afraid for Sandis and the man who had enslaved her. At the time, he was the greatest threat. In Myths & Mortals, Kazen seems like a fly compared to the terrors of Kolosos. We continue to learn more about this beast and, as we near the end, a massive reveal shows just how horrifying it truly is.

In the end, Myths & Mortals is a perfect sequel, providing a story that’s just as compelling and breathtaking as its predecessor. The ending is a definite surprise, leaving a desperation for the third book to come out. I’ll definitely be lining up to read this epic conclusion in September.

Review to be published on 5/1: https://reviewsandrobots.com/2019/05/01/smoke-and-summons-book-review

When it comes right down to it, I just don't think the darker themes in this series are best suited to the style of Charlie N. Holmberg . The charming books that make up her Paper Magician series are fun, light, and sweet. Everything that I found delightful in that series is lacking in this one. The Paper Magician series had likable main characters who fit well within the settings and the universe created around them. Here I found many of the same flaws repeated in this sequel, and while I hesitate to pigeon-hole any author into a single genre or style, I just don't think this one works.

Getting past the long introduction that served as the first book, Smoke & Summons, I hoped that this second book would really open up the world and explain the unexplained...or at least lay out a firmer path for the mystical portions. However, I found that instead of laying better groundwork, new questions were just created. I still don't think the world-building has been dealt with—the city, the black market kind of culture, the slavery trade, the summoners, the vessels, the ancient spirits...I know next to nothing...or simply not enough.

While the pacing and the action sequences were improved, and there were fewer run, run, run scenes leading into more run, run, run scenes, I still think there was a lot of nothing happening in this book. At least not enough to keep me engaged. Same to be said for the two main characters. I am surprised at how little I find to either like or care about Sandis and Rone. I don't know enough about them, and the narration is very removed with feelings and emotions being told to me (the reader) instead of being played out.

The amount of dialogue improved, as well, but I still found it lacking and aimless. Sandis is angry with Rone because of his betrayal from the first book, and I do really like how she takes quite a while to open back up to him and try to be friends. However, there is a definite lack of chemistry between them and I cannot figure out how they are romantically attracted to each other. It just doesn't seem to fit. They also seem too cute for the dark themes that stretch over the surface of this book. I don't think I'll continue with this series from Holmberg, but I still won't hesitate to check out another work by this author.

MYTHS AND MORTALS is a strong second installment in Holmberg's Numina Trilogy! I was worried at the end of the first book about Sandis' relationships and how she might be able to repair them (or not) in this book. I was pleased to find that sufficient attention was given to the relationships so that they progressed believably.

While this Numina Trilogy is unlike any of Holmberg's other works, it is equally as gripping and fun to read. Currently counting down the weeks until book three is released!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book much more than the first (and that one was really good). I loved the way the characters grew and the way the story continued. It definitely flowed seamlessly from the first, picking up immediately where the other had left off. The side characters that were introduced are excellent and well-fleshed out. Even though this is definitely more of a YA novel, Holmberg doesn't shy away from difficult plot points. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I was extremely excited to get approved for an ARC of this via NetGalley! This has been an anticipated read for me after the first one of the series came out. Loved it!

I was excited to pick up where I left off after finishing Smoke and Summons. Thank you, NetGalley for having the second in the series! Myths and Mortals smoothly transported me back to another world choked with smog and corruption hides people who can be “vessels” for creatures visiting from the ethereal plane. This series has all the fantasy ingredients: monsters, a band of heroes working together against an enemy, and a little romance. Myths and Mortals started off a bit slow, but as the story went on, more action and creatures made appearances. The book also stops on an EXCELLENT cliffhanger.

We continue further with Sandis and Rone, Kazen, Talbur and the other vessels through betrayal after betrayal.
They run, they fight and run again until they find out what Kazen intends to do.
I have to say that I like Rone as a character more than Sandis. Sometimes she doesn't make much sense to me (she's afraid to go outside alone and find somewhere to sleep and in further along she's gunning someone down). Her character development feels a bit off.
I enjoyed reading the second installment, but I've got to admit I prefer the first book. Might be middle book syndrome.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.

Very well written. Engaging characters and smooth conversation. You definitely need the first book to fully understand the plot.

Sandis and Rone are back!

Sandis is still reeling from Rone's betrayal. Though he helped her escape, she is still not safe from Kazen who was injured but not killed during the escape. Life with her great uncle isn't the loving family scene she had imagined either, and she soon finds herself alone and on the streets.

Rone is trying to make amends, desperate to earn her forgiveness, but Sandis is too hurt and angry to want much to do with him - but Kazen must be stopped and Sandis needs help. Together they set off to save the world from Kazen and the demon beast Kolosos that he seems intent on releasing.

The numina series is a wonderful, unique story. I can always count on Holmberg to create new and original worlds, and characters that are well developed and easy to connect with.

Having recently finished the first book in the series - Smoke & Summons, I couldn't wait to start this book! Now, after the explosive end of Myths & Mortals, I will be eagerly awaiting the final book in the the trilogy, Siege & Sacrifice - which is due out in September.

Happy Reading,
Christine

What an ending! I’m really enjoying this series so far - it has a sort of western dystopia, almost steampunk feel to it. At times, it did feel a little circular with little direction as Rone exhausts all his contacts on a fruitless mission. But his relationship with Sandis is endearing, and her grief and trauma is well fleshed out in a sympathetic way. The twist at the end felt a little ‘thrown in’, and this book of the series seems almost like a tangential story to the overarching danger. But the growth of Rone and Sandis is well played out and the concentration on their development redeems any issues with the pacing and trajectory of the plot.

This is a great book, I powered through the first before I read this one and it carries on so well.

The story of Sandis and Rone continue and I swear there were so many times I didn't know what was coming next, and the ending was amazing.

I am excited for the next book, Holmberg does it again!

This was an amazing book. I have a hard time reviewing without spoiling so I will just say the plot is outstanding. Every detail is well thought out and the action flows incredibly smoothly. The characters are very believable also. Great book.

As with the first book, Smoke & Summons, I received a free eARC from NetGalley and publisher 47North. Like the first book, Myths & Mortals feels like original and competent urban fantasy. Charlie N. Holmberg adds more layers to the saga of Sandis Gwenwig, such as it is. However, this book does little to assuage my grumping from the first book. Another cliffhanger ending, and not all that much development of Sandis’ character either.

Spoilers for the first book but not for this one.

Sandis has successfully escaped Kazen, for now, although he has Rone’s amarinth and the 1-minute immortality it grants every 24 hours. Rone is trying to win his way back into Sandis’ good graces, but it’s not really taking. Sandis is too enamoured of her new uncle, Talbur—or at least, she is for a little bit, until she realizes how cold a man he can be. With nowhere else left to turn, Sandis finds herself throwing in with Rone again. Soon they’re trying to stop Kazen from summoning Kolossos again, with or without whatever allies they can find.

There are some betrayals you can’t come back from, and I’m partly of the mind that Rone’s is one of them. So I like how Holmberg handles Sandis’ reluctance to see Rone again or accept his help. It would have been so jarring if the book had started with Sandis flying back into Rone’s open arms the moment she realizes that Talbur is up to no good. As it is, being forced together by circumstance is believable and interesting. I’m not sure Rone really deserves Sandis’ forgiveness, but at least he’s trying to repent for what he did.

There are some new characters here, like Bastien, and more page time for characters we only really glimpsed in Smoke & Summons. However, these characters don’t receive much in the way of development. Even Bastien seems very stock. He has … some kind of thing with puns? Other than that, he’s a vessel and therefore a convenient plot device for Holmberg to hook Sandis up with Ireth again.

I think when I really stop and ponder why these books don’t excite me more, it has to come back to this problem of characterization. We get a few scenes here from Kazen’s limited third person perspective. While somewhat illuminating, these scenes also portray him as a madman bent on revenge—which he might very well be, at this point. The Angelic is the world’s worst father once again—but then we see him a second time, later in the book, with slightly different behaviour (not necessarily better) without much in the way of setup or prompting. Even the no-good Talbur, whom any reader will peg as a bad dude from the first page, is one-dimensional in that respect.

The whole concept of summoning demons—uh, numina—into vessels is great. From there, Holmberg branches out into similarly interesting lore and ideas. Even the plot itself, although somewhat basic, is stimulating. Alas, the characters just don’t work for me. This doesn’t change by the ending of Myths & Mortals. Once again, not a fan of the blatant cliffhanger ending—although I will say I at least liked this one a good deal.

There are things to like, perhaps even love, about these books. Will I read the third? A definite maybe on that one: whereas I hoped Myths & Mortals might surprise me by being much improved over the first book, it has instead mostly confirmed the mediocrity of this series. Enjoyable enough as a distraction, but I’m not sure I’ll be talking about them that much.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Myths and Mortals Numina, Book 2 by Charlie N. Holmberg from NetGalley and 47th North

…created another brilliant series, one filled with brilliantly crafted plotlines, compelling and unique characters and her world building…

True to form Charlie Holmberg has created another brilliant series, one filled with brilliantly crafted plotlines, compelling and unique characters and her world building skills are well…out of this world!

Myths and Mortals picks up right where Smoke and Summons left off. Sandis is no longer a vessel for Ireth and living with the only family she has, her Uncle. Although grateful for having somewhere to go now that she is no longer a numina, she is still grieving, terrified and feels alone in the world. Still destroyed by Rone’s betrayal and plagued by bad dreams of the vessels left behind and of Kolossus, a numen, who can destroy humanity. Although she lives her life doing unusual jobs for her corrupt Uncle. When she refuses a particularly unsavoury one, he kicks her out without anywhere to go, there is only one person she can think of…Rone. Rone managed to get his mother across the border to safety and even though he had papers to join her, he has stayed behind. Rone won’t rest until he knows Sandis is alright and he hopes to have her understand why he betrayed her.

Although Sandis doesn’t completely trust Rone when they are hunted by an assassin and learn that Kazen might still be alive and looking for a new vessel for Kolossus they team up. The two start out trying to find the other vessels to save them from a fate worse than death. On their journey, they pick up allies and make enemies as they find clues to Kazan’s whereabouts all leading to one terrifying cliffhanger.


All in all, a fantastic, fun series that I would highly recommend for young and old alike.

Charlie Holmberg knocked it one out of this realm! This trilogy has been an amazing journey with character growth and I'm already counting down to the release of Siege & Sacrifice in September!

I loved the way this book continued the journey of Sandis. I loved her from the very beginning and this book only made me love her more. The adventure in this book was just as good as it was in the first book. The ending of this book was a major cliffhanger and I cannot wait to know what comes next, so the author did a great job of pulling me in, and now I will be eagerly waiting for the third book in this series, which I am hopeful will come. The authors voice was very clear and descriptive.