Oh I absolutely bloody loved this!

After reading the first book I couldn't wait for another adventure with Cetrik and Locan and I wasn't disappointed. It's witty, funny and this time there's DRAGONS!!!

We catch up with them after the events of the last book on travels with Huratio (who is such a great side character!) and the crew of the Red Fiend. Instantly they have found themselves in another pickle.

I really enjoyed the humour in this book. Locan had me absolutely cackling. His attitude is to hilariously insult his target and then fight if needed. He throws insults as well as he throws blades and I absolutely love it.

"Then you made up some shit about the Underrealm to try and make it seem like you've not spent centuries wasting your time and wanking over your own cleverness."

Cetrik bless him is still naïve but more battle hardened and determined and I love his character. He wants a better world, and is growing braver.

I found myself at times thinking - how do they find themselves in these situations?! 🤣🤣

The world building is really great and the plot was very easy to follow. The magic system is not complicated as we already understand Locan's abilities from the first book. The side characters are great and the characters in this book really make it what it is.

If you want an epic tale of adventure, with action, humour and a completely unorthodox friendship then this series is it.

I can't wait for the next book. From that ending I know it's going to be epic!

Thank you to NetGalley, Second Sky and the author R.S. Moule for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for this arc.

I liked the first book, but it took.a while to build up a head fo steam. I thought the second book would pick up where the last book left off, but once again was a bit of slow burn. The end action built up, but the start and early middle was very slow and a bit repetitive with the annoying anti-hero narrative, The payoff at the end was good, but hopefully the next one will keep the momentum from the start.

Wjy should I be frigging surprised that I set aside almost all my ither reading to get to the second book by Moule. A new adventure from the reflection of an ostracized prince, who embarks further from safety, with the great assasin.

Moules story drags you in with his ability to use every fantasy trope available but twist & turn it to his own devices and create a further amazing story. The characters, tye adventure, the story, the magic, myth, and mystery. Its all there, in dramatic fashion and these pages will turn with the ferociousness to slice a finger.

Start with book 1, but if you already have, start book 2 now

I definitely want to read a dozen more adventures regarding Locan and Cetrik!

This book was a clear improvement on the first installment of the series, which was still decent enough, but still trying to find its initial footing. The second book takes a clear step forward, creating a semi-bromance between our two main characters. (I say "semi", because they don't even like each other really, but can't resist saving the other from a tricky situation). The plot was exciting and just projected buddy adventure, full of everything- siege, politicking, betrayal, love, dragons, and even zombie horror show.

The worldbuilding is picking up too- it combines a Tolkien style setting with modern grimdark politics and rulership. The characters outside of Locan and Cetrik are looking interesting too- such as that surprisingly friendly pirate crew that they travel with (from the end of the first book/beginning of the this book). There's an assortment of one-book characters I could discuss too, but there's major spoilers by really talking much at all about them- though I will say that their personalities were certainly interesting, and had me surprised on multiple occasions.

To Mr. Moule- please write more! This series is pure fun!