I loved the first book and I couldn't wait to read The Gauntlet and the Burning Blade. I loved diving back into this world and I loved how the characters are even more developed in this book. I can't wait to see what happens next

Book two in the Rotstorm Series is just as highstakes, fast paced and emotional as book one. A cavalry charg of a book with one take-no-prisoners warrior mother willing to do anything to save her child against a backdrop of magical and political upheaval. Absolutely brilliant.

First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The book starts a few weeks after the previous book ended. From a brief respite the characters are thrust into a new adventure that tests their resolve, continues to challenge their moral compass, and pushes them on a journey of destruction and death. We discover more of Flore, Janos and Benazir's past, and the events that made them who they are. We understand more about the horrors that Anshuka's revenge has created and the human suffering it unleashed. We go on a journey of self discovery with Thomas, and explore forgiveness and right and wrong. We get to know several new characters, and learn about the global impact of local events. Finally, we understand a bit more about the magical underpinnings of this universe.

All in all, it's a solid sequel. The author continues to amaze in the quality and creativity of worldbuilding. At a time that fantasy novels are basically a dime a dozen, new ideas are few and far between. This novel absolutely delivers on novelty, despite drawing a lot from other contemporary novels. The magic system is interesting, the moral ambiguity of both sides of the conflict is refreshing (a propos Way of Kings), and the richness of species is refreshing.

On top of this what I continue to like is the richness of personality the characters have. Flore in particular is spectacularly complex and multi faceted, oscillating between softness and murderous rage. Brilliant depiction of how people react to tough situations, and what it takes to make them go on. The fact that much of the motivation for the characters is personal (eg saving Marta) rather than saving the world is also great.

What I really didn't like is the rhythm and pacing. It really threw me off. Some of the flashbacks felt unnecessary and jarred with the flow of the story. Many I struggled to even concentrate on! I also struggled with a couple of the battle scenes. The minute detail added zero value to the plot progression or to character development. It felt like a Rambo scene in the middle of a character driven Lars Von Trier grim drama.

I very much look forward to the next installment, and hope the editors do a better job....

This is the second book in this series and it's another entertaining, fast paced, and gripping story.
There's plenty of emotion, actions, there's a mother who fight for saving her daughter.
It's well plotted, the world building is well done and I love the storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

If THE GAUNTLET AND THE FIST BENEATH is a book about a woman on a quest to save her daughter (and the various people caught up in the quest with her), then THE GAUNTLET AND THE BURNING BLADE is about a world plunging towards chaos. The scope of this book is so much wider than the previous entry (as demonstrated by the three maps at the start of it!)

We still follow Floré's quest to save Marta, this time to find out why the people who might be able to help with her magic have withdrawn, but there are also gods and wronged-peoples planning vengeance. There are deceptions and plans afoot that could unravel everything Floré has fought for. I am intrigued to see where some of the revelations and side-changes are going to lead in the final book.

A lot happens in this book - there are more POV characters (I think I counted past 8?) and more plot threads and threats to keep track of. I suggest reading it when you have time and mental space so you get the best possible reading experience - given there are some events in the past, I don't think it would be all that easy to dip in and out of this book.

The epic fantasy feel of the first book continues in this one - instead of quest fantasy, we're getting the starts of an epic battle between nations, and gods and men. All the monsters are back, with more focus on the all-power wyrms, which are pretty intimidating to come up against. There's also a big epic battle of magic, which was so fun because epic magic battle of spells. (The outcome was NOOOOOOO though - there is a big emotional rollercoaster in the final act that I did not see coming - it is very cruel.)

I’m still fairly new to fantasy/sci-fi stories but have found myself being drawn into the world building, along with varying characters both good and bad I would say with this one that you do need to read book one before book two. I had to try and remember the characters from the first book but once I did I was back on track. It did take me a little while to get into the story with a slow start but once it got going you become gripped. It’s a book you need to focus on as it switches from character to character and kingdom to kingdom. With characters from book one Flore and Benazir have been promoted from Captains to bolt Commander’s, they are working for the Grand Council helping to make plans for the defence of the protectorate.
Marta, Flore’s daughter is dying from the skein magic she inherited from her father. Flore is determined to get her the help she needs. Knight Commander Starbeck has orders for Flore, Benazir, Yselda, Cuss, Tomas. Tomas has been on a fact finding mission but what is with the odd glasses he is wearing, he has been acting slightly different.

There is still fear of the orbs despite there not being so many, when the orbs struck the Whitestaffs fled to their island home of Iskander, to the monastery of Riven, but not one boat that had sailed to Riven has returned, leaving the docks of Undal City almost empty, the Grand Council had sent envoys out to find out why all the esteemed teachers, healers and leaders had abandoned them but none of the boats have returned either. The only Whitestaffs that had stayed behind had been the ones working in the military hospitals, or stationed at the Stormwall.

The orders given to the commanders are to go south to try and retrieve the Whitestaffs and to remove whatever it is that is blocking their way back. With hardly any navy left in Undal City the defence is low. Knowing that the rust-folk have taken Port Last and the Northern Marshes things are not looking good for the Protectorate.

There is so much going on within this story with goblins, Wyrms, skein mage’s , along with Tullen One-eye later in the story. The battles are brutal. Can they all survive?. A Claw Winter is also expected meaning extreme cold, snow.

If you like fantasy novels then don’t miss out on this terrific series. The world building is superb, the characters are believable. I was rooting for Yselde and Cuss. There are extra evil characters in this story at one stage I was in tears. If you do decide to read this then definitely read book one first, because then you will understand the characters and what powers they have. You will definitely not be disappointed. I look forward to the final part.


This was a gripping, suspenseful, engrossing read the tension building and building as you get further into the story. the imagery described is brilliant at times you feel you are there. I found myself squirming at the Wyrms for some reason, it’s not as if the goblins are cute with there teeth.