Bingmei’s story continues in The Buried World.
Her ensign is still fighting to save the world from Echion, but she doesn’t wish to cross the Death Wall to fulfill her destiny.

This second book in the series doesn't make me love the series anymore than I did with the first. The cliffhanger ending, predictable story line, and weird/not relatable characters don't leave me dying to read the next book. While I think the concept was a great idea the story line and world building left me feeling a little wanting. I had really hoped that the second book would make me love the series more but it once again just left me debating whether I'd even bother picking up the third book.

I'd rate this a 3/5 and would not recommend it to someone who either didn't love the first book or was new to the Jeff Wheeler worlds.

Building off of the first book, this book is really interesting. I love the premise and the character development is so compelling. I definitely wanted to keep turning the page.

Jeff Wheeler is a writer, one of those few writers, who bewitches us with his stories to such an extent that we come to the end of the book and are looking for more pages to read, and then immediately we begin with the next book in the series.
The Buried World is a fantasy story in which the author explores the afterlife, intermingling his story with oriental legends in a masterful way.
This book is part of a series that I recommend even though I just started the third and last book!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This isn't a bad series but i keep finding myself having to reread things or take breaks from it possibly because theres a lot going on idk

this was a really enjoyable read, I've enjoyed Mr. Wheeler's previous book and this has what I enjoyed from them and does improve on it. The characters were great and I loved the world that was built.

Unfortunately, it didn't have Book X from the _____ series, so I thought it was the first one. Some action, some suspense, but I might love it more if I read Book 1.

What in the world is worth saving?
Bingmei can sense what people are really feeling, whether it’s love or disgust, and she can tell if a person is good, evil, or conflicted. She knows exactly what people keep hidden or what they don’t bother to hide. Because she’s different, she faces prejudice. But the same people who despise her tell her that it’s her duty and privilege to sacrifice herself so the world may survive. For a long time, she has believed that the world, with all its hate, prejudice, and deception was not worth saving. But now she sees the death and havoc caused by her refusal to cross into the Grave Kingdom. Echion, the Dragon of Night, is more evil and destructive than she could have possibly imagined.

As her journey progresses, Bingmei discovers more and more people that she considers worth saving. Now all she has to do is make it to the Grave Kingdom.

Jeff Wheeler does his usual masterful character and worldbuilding. Bingmei, our reluctant heroine, grows mightily through this second story, as does Rowen. This is is another enjoyable story that’s hard to put down.

The downside to this book is that it is not the end, and we must wait for the next story. I’d knock off a star for The Buried World pretty much ending on a cliffhanger, as did the first book, but it’s business as usual for this author. Just not my favorite way for a book to not end. Very much looking forward to the next book, though, and hoping it’s the conclusion of the story. Awesome continuation of Bingmei’s tale.

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

I could kick myself, honestly. I thought I had already written a review for this book a long time ago. I’m seriously annoyed with myself, because Jeff Wheeler has become such a favorite author and I love getting ARC’s of his books. I hate to think I didn’t treat this one with the respect it deserves.

This being the second book in the series you can find my review of the first book, The Killing Fog at the link.

I have been enjoying this series. It’s a little different from his other series because it is asian inspired. It is reminiscent of a wuxia type movie. As with other Jeff Wheeler books it features some very strong female characters, and absolutely flies by. The second half of this book in particular was a wild ride. If you enjoyed the first book, you will not be disappointed with this second installment.

I'm gonna admit first, really quickly, that I didn't notice this was the second book before I jumped in. I heard of Jeff Wheeler's books thanks to youtube and always told myself I'd pick one up so I requested it.

This said, as much as there were moments I was confused (my own fault for not stopping to nab the first one, sorry). I enjoyed the setting and the world plenty. I can't give a full review, as I'm not sure how it compares to the first and how it builds on it, but I will admit I'll be going back and reading the first and this one again!


As well as picking up more of Mr Wheeler's books.

The main character Bingmei and her companions travel the continent fighting the Dragon of Night and trying to resist her fate. The Buried World picks up where The Killing Fog left off. This one was a faster then The Buried World which is nice but these books are slow burn. It's still a little slow but I still enjoyed it at the same time.

I love finding a series where the second book is even better than the first. Where it's obvious the author is diving deep and you are along for an amazing ride. I've found that to be the case with most, if not all of Wheeler's work. It gets better as you go, and you never want it to end. Thank goodness he's as prolific as he is talented!

I love that Bingmei isn't your typical heroine. Instead, she fights against what is "expected" of her, becoming the hero because of who she is and her desire to be honorable, more than because of the glory. There are some stunning visuals, but also the same magic that makes you love Wheeler's other books.

I can't wait to see what's next!

Book 2 of the Grave Kingdom series builds so well on the first book and really brings life to the characters, the villains and the world. I devoured this book like Echion devours his enemies- swiftly and with no remorse.
Bingmei is just such a great character with so much to learn and we get to learn along with her about the Phoenix powers, the threat to the world, the past lives, and her expanding view of emotions. Rowan has really turned into one of my favorite characters and I just cannot wait to learn more. I hope just like with the Kingfountain series, this has additional books and side stories of the characters. I could read about this world forever.

This is the 2nd book in the Grave Kingdom series, a new stand alone series by Jeff Wheeler. It continues the struggles between the Phoenix and the Dragons as embodied by the undying dragon lord and the young female warrior Bingmei. The world is built off of Chinese lore set amidst mountainous land. Wheeler crafts his worlds with interesting characters and magic, bringing the reader along as the characters discover both themselves and slowly learn about the history of their world and the nature of the unending struggle that lies behind the magic. Although somewhat slow at times with some leaps of action that are puzzling in timing overall the story is interesting, leaving the reader wanting to learn more about this world, its history and its magic.

Thank you so so much to 47North via NetGalley for my e-ARC of The Buried World by Jeff Wheeler!! After reading both Muirwood trilogies, both Kingfountain trilogies, and the Mirrowen books, I can firmly say that Wheeler is becoming one of my favorite authors and I was so thrilled to be able to review this.

The Buried World picks up where The Killing Fog left off, and I will keep this spoiler free so don’t worry. If you read The Killing Fog and felt that it was a little long, rest assured that The Buried World is considerably shorter and moves along at a quick pace.

These books are a slow burn for sure though, Wheeler takes time to build this world and it’s mythology, revealing the legends over time and also taking time to build the characters.

Bingmei had a lot of self discovery and acceptance and personal hurdles to overcome in this novel. She had to lead the ensign while making decisions based off her own instincts…which after book 1 were obviously hard to trust. I loved the friendships and relationship building in this, even between the siblings and the members of the ensign. This is 100% one of Wheeler’s most intricate groups of characters. A little brutality, a little redemption, he puts his characters through the ringer and I just love love love the determination and resolve that the remaining group has mustered.

Have I mentioned how much I love Rowen yet? I like know he’s the other half of the phoenix and wish it would just happen already.

Wheeler also mentions in the afterword that he was inspired by accounts of near death experiences and dreams to write Bingmei’s death sequences. From someone who deals with a lot of death, I really like how he had handled this so far. Wheeler tends to get preachy sometimes but he has done a really good job sticking to the made up mythology of The Grave Kingdom, without bringing a lot of Christianity into this…yet.

I also just want to mention how much I love magical walls – the Death Wall is right up there with the D’yer wall in the Green Rider books, and the Wall in the Old Kingdom books. There is just something magical about walls built on the blood and bones of our ancestors.

All in all – as much as I love this there is something keeping it from being a 5 star read. I think it just burns a tad bit slow for me in some places, then starts racing towards the end. I would call it a 4.5 star and definitely recommend for fantasy fans and people looking for clean reads, clean fantasy, Christian fantasy.

Blog review can be seen at: https://onereadingnurse.com/2020/07/01/arc-review-the-buried-world-by-jeff-wheeler/

Thank you, Netgalley and 47North for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Buried World is the second book in The Grave Kingdom series. The series is Chinese inspired with a fantastical world and a great cast of characters carrying the story forward. I read The Killing Fog, the first book in this series last year, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This series picks up from where the story left off in the first book. We follow Bingmei as she and her ensign is fleeing from Echion and his army of mercenaries. Kingdoms have fallen; Echion is raging war against anyone who dares to defy him. He is forcing Iron Rules on his subjects. Things are rapidly changing in the entire world. Echion wants to raise his Queen Xisi and requires Bingmei to raise her from the dead. Rowen promises to bring Bingmei to Echion to escape cruelty at the hands of Echion. I loved the cast of characters the book offered. All were unique and wonderful. I found a lot of them entertaining and engaging. The dynamics within the group were great to see. I liked how they gave Bingmei her respect despite her being the youngest leader to lead an ensign. The high stakes situations and tension-filled escape sequences were amazing. We get to explore the world as it expands and see more of it. The characters are also developing and it was great to see that as well. The writing is good and the pacing was just right to keep me interested and engaged with the book. I also loved the limits the magic has in this book while being endless with possibilities at times. I loved this book, though not as much as the first book. I gave it 4.5 stars, but I still think it's an enjoyable read. I highly recommend checking this book out if you love YA fantasy set in a different world and interesting magic system that involves killing fog and ancient relics. I believe this book will be perfect for a younger audience who enjoys reading about ancient mythology, kingdoms, and immortal tyrant rulers.

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This is the second book in the "The Grave Kingdom" series and it's full of action. Bingmei and her trusty companions travel the lengths of the continent fighting the Dragon of Night to resist her destiny.

After a short break in their compound, Bingmei and her friends flee through caves and mountains once Eichon's minions find her with orders to capture, not kill. Despite her efforts to help cities shore up their defenses against Eichon's forces, the cities fall one after another. Bingmei is able to escape Eichon's clutches several times, but she cannot escape her fate. She finally decides she has no choice but to go over the Death Wall and face her fate head-on. I can't wait to see how the story ends in the next book.

This book was entertaining, but looking back it seemed like one long, fight montage. Bingmei and her fighters find a place they think is safe, they are found by Eichon's forces, and flee. Eichon's forces chase them. Rinse and repeat. Occasionally Bingmei and her friends are captured and then escape at the nick of time, only to be captured again. Rinse and repeat. I enjoyed the book, but it was fairly repetitive and appeared to be mostly filler to stretch the series into three books. This book didn't do much to advance the story.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book picks up right where book 1 ended. As always with most of Jeff Wheeler's works - you're fighting the urge to skip ahead to see what happens because you just got to know! Classic book of "One more chapter then bed..." and your work alarm is going off and you realized you never went to bed.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

This book has a different feel to it. Whereas Book 1 explored the world and gave us feelings of wonder and fear, this book dives deeper into the character builds and we really get a feel for the turmoil they experience as the journey continues.

True to Jeff Wheeler's style, the action is never ending and you have windows into the character's head and their heart. You really feel the struggles, losses, and fear of each of them.

This book continues to build on some of the world building we saw in book 1, developing different talents and magic. We also start to learn more about the rich history/myths/legends of this world.

Now of course, Book 2 ends with a cliffhanger that makes you slightly mad you have to wait for book 3. As any good series does.

This book picks up right where the first one left off. Bingmei and her rag-tag ensign are traveling through the mountain passes being chased by soldiers intent on capturing Bingmei and returning her to Echion. Echion must have Bingmei, for she is the only one who can wake his sleeping queen. Without his queen, Echion cannot obtain his full power.

Bingmei is still determined to escape her fate to sacrifice herself for a world beyond saving-but at what cost? Echion continues to kill and enslave all who oppose him. Their deaths and sacrifices for Bingmei weigh heavily upon her and she begins to regret her earlier decision to flee her fate. Is there anywhere she can go to escape Echion’s clutches?

Despite the evil and oppression Echion forces on the people, Bingmei represents hope and forgiveness. Her character grows immensely as her heart slowly begins to change and opens to the love and sacrifices made for her. As her heart softens she becomes aware of instructions and power given to her as she begins to embrace her role as the phoenix-chosen. Is she too late or will she still be given the chance to save them all?

I have recently read The Killing Fog and was absolutely hooked from the start. Jeff has a way of introducing the initial characters and storyline in such a way that you feel like you've been reading the series forever.

I will try and make this as Non-spoiler as possible as the twists and turns are truly what makes reading these books a joy.

The second book, The Buried World, picks up from where The Killing Fog has left off. Bingmei is on a quest to save the world from domination by the evil Echion, who she brought to life in The Killing Fog. Bingmei is still fighting her fate of the Phoenix-chosen and resisting crossing into the Grave Kingdom to stop Echion's (the emperor of the Grave Kingdom) rise to true domination. Echion desperately needs his queen (Xisi), resurrecting so he can gain his full power and be an unchallenged ruler once more.
The Buried World also builds on the individual characters personalities and desires which makes the book so addictive, you won't be able to put it down for long. There are many characters in this book who I have grown to love with every chapter, Quion and Marenqo are two of these. Quion has my respect as he is the reliable, resourceful type and Marenqo never misses a moment to make lighthearted jokes, especially about food!
Other characters have come into their own in this book also and I cannot wait to see where book three will lead them.

I cannot wait it see what the next instalment has for Bingmei and her quest. If you like all things dragons, mystery and magic, then this is for you!

A massive Thank you to Jeff Wheeler and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book pre publish day in exchange for this review.