Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
As with any fantasy series, it's hard to review a subsequent book without giving spoilers.
The author continues with the stories of her characters. Weaving in intricate and substantial plot lines important to the story as a whole. Many times fantasy can be tedious with it's sub-plots but I didn't feel that way with this book. I was also glad to see this installment did not suffer from second book syndrome, which so many series often have happen. Dare I say this book might even be better than the first.
Once again, Herman brings us into her world with amazing world building and characters who are relatable, fleshed out, and complex. I enjoyed following each of their story lines. I love a fantasy that hits on several points of view. I feel this is truly the way to tell such an epic story.
I didn't hit on the romance in my review of the first book so I'll do that here. I like it. It was not insta-love, perse, but there was definitely a quickness about it. There was a building up of the relationships but if I had one thing to complain about in this series it would be the romance. Herman needs to work on the progression to let it build on itself more, rather than just have the characters jump into each other.
And of course I need to hit on the ending which is a cliffhanger. Thankfully I can move on to book #3 since it's already out and see what happens next!

This book is definitely one that I read for the setting. The story is interesting, but this volume didn’t see as strong as the first. Still, an enjoyable read.

I'm inlove with this book!!! I'm not sure why I wasn't able to post a review earlier but this book is very interesting and I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. I'd sure buy a hardcopy of this.

I love this series. History and fantasy?! I'm in. Can't wait to read more

I am astonished yet again over the research on this historical fiction. While still a retelling I love the twist on how Alexander the Great might indeed be one of the greatest conquerors of all time, but of how the gods of this mythology had to do with his conquests and victories. Honestly, it was a brilliant, brilliant twist!

It still is a slow read much like the first book but since I am more familiar with Eleanor Herman's writing style this time around, I find it no longer boring. I knew then that there will be something in store for me, the reader, I just had to wait and see. And she did not disappoint.

The tangles in love interests, and the shifts in protagonists and antagonists (who is the bad guy, again?) is well crafted and I certainly eager to see how this will turn out. What of Alex's fate? Is he doomed or there still time to save him from a dark and twisted fate?

Give me book 3 now!

Empire of Dust is a compelling and intriguing second in the Blood Gods and Royals series. In this book there are 4 distinct storylines and some side stories as well. It is a bit to keep track of but worth it. Kat and Heph are exploring, Alex is trying to run Macedon, Jacob is proving himself and Zo is in hiding; and along the way there are stories about the others like Olympias and Cynane. I liked that this book gets more into the origins of magic and how things got the way they are.

I am looking forward to the next in the series.

First Line: From the deepest desires often comes the deadliest hate. -Socrates

Summary: Alexander the Great is young and learning how to rule in the absence of his father. His sister Katerina and best friend Heph are traveling on secret missions for him. His other sister Cyn is being held captive. Life in ancient Macedonia is filled with magic and battles.

Highlights: The history and magic is a lot of fun. I haven't read much about Alexander so it's interesting to learn more in a fictional YA fantasy novel.

Lowlights: So many characters and storylines to follow. How are each connected? It is easy to get lost.

FYI: Sexual content, violence and magic.

Sadly I'm not feeling this book at all. This book started out great but I'm not feeling it anymore.