Just noticed this book is book 2 when I hit 30% and checked Amazon. So, decided to pause this one and listen to a copy of the book 1 audiobook. I already know I'll like it well enough to return to book 2.
The framing narrative works for me and I could have read volume 2 well enough without book 1 (was already into the characters), the author's style is consistent, but I love an origin story (the younger years) and I wanted the full experience of these two characters (Ari and Eloise) which in book 1 is "800 pages" of sassy flirting.

You love or you'll hate the framing narrative characteristics: usually very slow to make a point, showing more than telling many episodes of his life until the present. This series is perfect to help us slow down, reduce stress, listen or read outside enjoy a break, or let it keep us company while assembling a puzzle... just traveling into another world with magic and stories from a storyteller. For a fan of Mercedes Lackey such as the Obsidian trilogy like myself.

Thank you, publisher and NetGalley for e-arc

This book is the sequel to a book I really enjoyed, and thus it had a lot to live up to. We pick up the plot pretty much straight away with Ari, our main character, trapped for a deed he didn’t commit. He’s in a prison reliving parts of his life as he tells his tale and reminisces on his many misdeeds. The plot is meandering with many stories inside of stories, very much like the first in the series, and yet this book went in some directions I didn’t anticipate and didn’t love as much as I hoped to.

What I did really like about this book is that we do see Ari learns and grow as a person with his decision-making and his magic. I liked his evolution and I really enjoyed seeing him as a leader and a support for those less fortunate than him that he encountered along the way. His passion for the underdog was a trait I enjoyed in him in book #1 and it’s still the same here, and his many stories being spun into tall tales were also delightful to watch unfold.

With that being said, there’s a long period of this book set in the desert and also in another world altogether. Both of these sections teach Ari a lot and make him confront his quest and how he might be able to achieve his aims, but they were slow and arduous and as a reader I found them a bit dull. I did appreciate the lessons learned but I felt as if these sections (both big sections) slowed the pace of the book immensely and meant that I really took a long time to get into this one. Ultimately these parts have value but I think they could have been streamlined a bit more and then I would have finished this one up a lot faster.

Overall I still really enjoyed the magical bindings of this world and learning about how they work and how Ari has wound up in the middle of so many plots and problems around this world. He is a fascinating character and learning anything about him is fun, but sometimes the slower pace of this one did draw me out of the book a bit and I had a few breaks in the middle of reading for faster-paced books. 3*s and I would like to see where this goes, but be prepared it’s a long journey and if you’re not happy to swerve all around on tangents and other stories and adventures then this one won’t be for you.

An amazing continuation of the story. I couldn’t put it down and am in love with Virdi’s writing style, world building and am eager for more.

I really enjoyed this mythical story to follow up to its book 1! I found it to be coherent and I just love the writing style as well. If you’re looking for a magical, dramatic read that wastes no time catching your attention, this one’s for you!!

YES!!! ANOTHER RR Virdi!!!! I adore this series and am so so thankful to Net Galley, RR Virdi, and Tor publishing for letting me review this early. It’s epic, lively, worldly, and so much fun to immerse in. The poetic and descriptive nature continues on in this sequel from the previous book and is thrilling. Can not wait to dive into more of Virdi’s books!

This series is definatly for fans of the king killer chronicles, or other sweeping epics that have a slower build. I live how this series just allows me to sit down and take in the stories, the world building around me like it was waiting for the perfect time to engulf me into it's embrace.

This book did make me reread the first book but I just like doing that when reading series in general.
If any of the above struck you, pull up a chair and wait for the story teller to take you on a journey!

The Doors of Midnight
by R.R. Virdi
Pub Date: 13 Aug 2024

Some stories are hidden for a reason. All tales have a price. And every debt must be paid.

I killed three men as a child and earned the name Bloodletter. Then I set fire to the fabled Ashram. I've been a bird and robbed a merchant king of a ransom of gold. And I have crossed desert sands and cutthroat alleys to repay my debt.

I’ve stood before the eyes of god, faced his judgement, and cast aside the thousand arrows that came with it. And I have passed through the Doors of Midnight and lived to tell the tale.

I have traded one hundred and one stories with a creature as old as time, and survived with only my cleverness, a candle, and a broken promise.

And most recently of all, I have killed a prince, though the stories say I have killed more than one.

My name is Ari. These are my legends.

And these are my lies.

Fantastically realized fantasy and a worthy sequel to The First Binding! Between the rich worldbuilding and the excellent characters, I found this book nearly impossible to put down! Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a strong sequel in this series, it had everything that I was hoping for. It had a great epic fantasy element to it and enjoyed the idea of this world. The characters worked well with the universe and from the concept. I enjoyed the way R.R. Virdi wrote this. I wanted to read more in this world and characters, R.R. Virdi writes this type of book perfectly and left me wanting to read more.

Immersive and engaging. A recommended purchase for collections where fantasy and the previous title are popular.

What!?!? This was what a sequel book should be! Holy hell so good! Characters are great and the world building is out of this world! Do yourself a favor and read the best book of the year hands down!!!

I think it's solid but not especially life changing. I think if you loved the first one, then you'll love this one even more.

R.R. Virdi's second book in the series was even than his first: The First Binding. I absolutely loved this book, but am waiting eagerly for the next book in the series. While the book is long, there is a lot of world building and the magic system used is great. Following the story of Ari kept me on the edge of my seat, jumping from past to present and back again.

I enjoyed the writing and the characters but it didn't hook me in as I hoped it would. I can see how others would really enjoy it especially if they enjoyed the first one.

Congratulations to Shola for giving me not one, but two heart attacks.

The Doors of Midnight is the epic fantasy sequel to The First Binding, and it is every bit as beautifully written...and as daunting. My copy of the e-book was 1163 pages, and each "page" was technically two e-book pages worth of swipes, making it really 2836 pages... Was it worth it though? Probably.
Once again, the novel is told through two main plotlines - the past and the present - with other stories and folklore woven in throughout. My first bit of advice for this book? Try harder than I did to find a summary of the first one to refresh yourself because going in blind is a bad idea. Most of the events of the first one came back to me, but the names were a bit confusing. I do think that the "present day" of this book was better than the last, but I'm not so sure on the "past" because I did find it to be a bit slow at times, although I suppose that's to be expected from a book that's 134 chapters. The style definitely makes up for the pacing.
We're introduced to a lot of new characters in this story. Shola is still my favorite little orange cat, and Ari remains a very intriguing narrator (I keep forgetting he's only 16 in his past right now). I wish there was more time spent with Radi and Aram because I didn't like Qimari as much. I really like Sham even though I'm scared he's going to turn into Fishcake from The Mortal Engines (if you know, you know). Eloine is growing on me, but I still have trust issues, so...
If you enjoyed The First Binding, you won't want to miss The Doors of Midnight.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

3.5/5

Myths begin, and a storyteller's tale deepens, in the essential sequel to R.R. Virdi's breakout Silk Road-inspired epic fantasy debut, The First Binding.

Ari the Binder's legend spans continents and eras. Moving in and out of myth as easy as the wind, as tales and their echoes spread across a sun-drenched land.

Now, the storyteller himself awaits judgment for the murder of a prince. The stories say he has killed more than one. But what is truth and what is a man if not a liar?

As the telling of the storyteller's past grows, so too does the list of his enemies―and of mysteries yet to be solved.

This is an ancient Indian inspired fantasy series that I've come to love. This is book two of a planned trilogy, and while I did very much enjoy it, I don't think it was as good as the debut book one. A lot of people compare this to Name of the Wind, and while I do see the comparisons, I think there is enough unique content here that fans of the fantasy genre will enjoy. If you liked name of the Wind, or that style of narration, then this should be right up your alley:)

I didn’t personally find it hooked me. The writing is incredibly competent, Probably three stars, four for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

In the much-anticipated follow-up to his captivating debut, R.R. Virdi returns readers to his enthralling ancient India-inspired fantasy world for another sweeping and thrilling adventure. Protagonist Ari has earned his foreboding moniker "Bloodletter" through a dark past filled with violence and near-mythic encounters interwoven with secrets and legends. When we reconnect with him, he has recently narrowly escaped death itself after passing through the ominous-sounding Doors of Midnight.

The rich and immersive prose pulls you into Ari's tall tales of trials and tribulations involving creature encounters, perilous passages across deserts, clashes with merchant kings, and now fleeing from the consequences of killing a prince. The narrative voice colors his wanderer's chronicle with just enough embellishment to leave you wondering how much is based on truth versus fiction. This story-within-a-story construct heightens the intrigue as more fantastical layers unfold.

Virdi commands an impressive imagination combined with skillful writing that transports you to a fully realized fantasy realm brimming with magical promise. Fans of the first entry as well as genre giants like Brandon Sanderson will welcome sinking their teeth into this fresh expansive saga steeped in unique Hindu cosmology. The Doors of Midnight proves Virdi is a rising talent spinning mesmerizing tales destined to envelop readers for books to come.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Being a huge fan of Pateick Rothfuss & the King Killer Chronicles, I see aloooooot of similarities but its certainly a different story and can stand on its on merits.

You can either enjoy it for what it is and use it to tide you over, until Rothfuss releases the final book, or you can sit back, cast aspersions, spit venom, and deride a book that is going to be successful anyway.....who comes out better?

R.R. Virdi has some flowery prose that's good, not quite Rothfuss but still succinct, clear, and flowy.

The main character is interesting, the magic, the action, the world building, " the mysteries" are all well done and resonate with the quality you come to expect from a Tor book and as compares to the first binding does show progress & improved character development.

Take a walk in the "storytellers" shoes. Only this time it's in a prison, not an inn....

You'll be happy you did

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.