Available Darkness: Book Two

Stormbringers

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I wanted to put this novel down quite a while ago, but my love of Philippa Gregory kept me reading. I rarely ditch a book, but there was just too much religious drudgery too proceed. The writing dragged on slower than molasses and the mystery fell flat.

Philippa Gregory is a writer of great talent but this young adult series just missed the mark. Ich muss zugeben, ich fand diesen zweiten Band nicht mehr ganz so gut wie den ersten. Das liegt zum Teil daran, dass Isobel, eigentlich meine Lieblingsfigur aus dem ersten Band, zwischendurch ausgesprochen unausstehlich wird. Aber das ist bei weitem noch nicht alles, was in diesem Teil der Trilogie offensichtlich wurde, denn es gibt einen Grund, aus dem Vlad II den Beinamen Drache erhielt vermutlich: Er war Mitglied des Drachenordens, eines Ordens, der sich dem Schutz des Christentums vor den Osmanen verpflichtet hatte.

Warum das interessant ist? Weiter geht's mit dem Geschichtsunterricht! Band drei werde ich trotzdem lesen und zwar direkt jetzt: Jan 14, Gabriela Pop rated it it was ok. Y'all,this is over pages spent with these characters with literally 0 development. There remains simply one character that I actually like,my beloved Ishraq,whose writing is pretty inconsistent at times,but who remains my one light in the darkness of this book. I also found myself shockingly rooting for Freize honestly more out of the need to find something to keep myself entertained and engaged more than anything else ,but EH.

I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to Y'all,this is over pages spent with these characters with literally 0 development.

The Name of the Blade, Book Two: Darkness Hidden

I humanly cannot stand Luca and find him to be the most obnoxious protagonist in anything that I have read in as long as I can remember,he is bland,boring,arrogant and lacks depth. Isolde is a weak product of a patriarchal society who only finds herself progressive when it suits her and I honestly don't need this kind of white feminism in my life. Nevertheless,I was engaged enough to read this book in one sitting,so I reckon you could put it in the book-crack category.

Extra points for the good lil' kitten,minus points for poor plot devices,plot holes and introducing Romanian history,which is meant to only get on my nerves sooner or later as I am yet to encounter an author that actually does it justice and that is the tea. Aug 20, Tracey Trigg rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this book as a holiday read. Easy to read and follow.

Did not realise it was the second in a series, but I soon gathered the story. Deciding whether to read the next one. Mar 23, Magulec rated it it was ok. Aug 28, Diamond rated it liked it Shelves: When I saw she was writing a YA series of historical fiction with bits of magic in them, I leaped.

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I mean, I love that combination of genres! The first book in the Order of Darkness series, Changeling, was one I read last year. Stormbringers was definitely more interesting than its predecessor, Changeling. I knew the series had a lot of potential though, and sometimes first books have a hard time because they have so much to develop. Stormbringers was much better than Changeling, and had a lot more of everything I love.

There was more action, more historical elements, more romantic tension, and definitely tons of character development. Frieze was not really one of my favorite characters in the first book. In this book, we really learn more about him and I am surprised to say I completely changed my opinion on him.

We see more of his past, what happened to his parents, and ultimately what led him to live in a monastery and take up in the Order in the first place. Luca is definitely split between his duties. I found the sexual frustration hilarious and at the same time pretty realistic. Ishraq was always more fascinating to me than Isolde. Her upbringing is unique, and I believe historically accurate which I found fascinating. For the enemy is not another person who believes in a god.

The enemy is ignorance, and people who believe in nothing and care for nothing. You should know that by now, Brother Peter. I feel like Gregory did an impeccable job making it feel like it was but that things were basically the same as far as young love, fear, and religions clashing while prejudices reign. The main thing was how long it took me to finish it. Before the plot really started unfolding , it was hard for me to keep picking it up. Isolde was annoying at times, in the way she prescribes to all the ideals that men have set upon women and how she let her jealousy goad her into a fight with Ishraq was disappointing.

Travelling with them are Lady Isolde and her companion Ishraq. I think Philippa Gregory has delivered an admirable sequel to Changeling , building upon the foundation she laid in the previous book and progressing the characters deeper into the mysteries of the time they live in. I love that the characters grow so much throughout this book - especially Ishraq and Frieze.

The more these five spend time with one another, the more they learn about each other and the more their own personal views and prejudices are challenged. In Stormbringers , the foundation is laid for Ishraq's impending crisis of identity as a Muslim maid to a Christian Lady in the time of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the threat they pose to Christendom.

I think the tension between them is cleverly woven, and would love to see how it pans out in later novels. I think the revelations at the end f this book will play a large role in the dynamics of the little group as time goes on. All the action is set in a tiny coastal town, and there are prophets, natural disasters, witch trials and a captain of a slaver-ship to keep readers entertained. The book feels a lot longer than its pages, but I never found it lagging or boring.

However, this book isn't really about the prophets, natural disasters or witch trials, it's about the impact of these events on the devout Christian population of the time. It focuses on the way these people, lacking the scientific knowledge we have now, turn to portents and magic to explain the things around them.

The book also looks at the religious conviction of Brother Peter, pitted against Luca's uncertainty, and the way that horrible things can be done in the name of religion. Again, it is Ishraq, as the heretic in the party, who questions and challenges these things. In some ways, it feels like the plot hangs on her character - she's often the voice of reason, with modern ideas of religious freedom and gender equality.

There are a few things I didn't like about the novel. The first is that, although it is an exciting book, the overall plot progression is basically nonexistent. It's obvious that the Order of Darkness series is going to be long. The second is the author's ignorance on the Islamic religion and Middle Eastern culture. Although forgivable in her sheltered Christian protagonists who are prone to superstition and look for all their answers in the Bible - it's unacceptable in the few Muslim characters we meet.

They use phrases like Insha Allah incorrectly, at completely the wrong time, and seem to be shallowly versed in their own religion. All the best, trademark aspects of Gregory's writing have been translated into this YA novel, and I look forward to continuing Luca and Isolde's journey in the coming sequels. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review. You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic. Feb 15, Chapter by Chapter rated it really liked it. I was so excited to be able to get back into this world created by author, Philippa Gregory.

This guy was constantly making me laugh out loud and giggle. The five travelling companions are continuing their journey together, and the attraction between Isolde and Luca are becoming more and more obvious. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where I was so excited to be able to get back into this world created by author, Philippa Gregory. I, personally, love the start crossed lovers theme happening here…where Isolde wants so much to have Luca as her own, and where they can profess their love to each other, but Luca is on his way to taking his vows into priesthood…which is a huge obstacle.

And Luca is having a difficult time controlling his thoughts and desires towards Isolde. After having received another quest from the lord of The Order of Darkness, their travels take them to a fishing town where an inquiry is in order. It seems that Luca and his fellow travelers are not the only ones who have stopped into town to rest.

A crusade has come into town…a crusade of children who is being led by one they call Johann the Good, who is merely a child himself; 16 years old. Johann believes that God speaks to him and has sent him on a quest to Palestine where he and a crusade of children will face the enemy and change the war, and where miracles will be witnessed. After hearing his very convincing sermon, Luca and the crew decide that they, too, will follow Johann to Jerusalem and bear witness to the miracles he tells.

But what was supposed to be believed to be a miracle turns into a tragedy, and the lives of everyone involved takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Friendships are tested, and rumors of Stormbringers working their magic has made things rather difficult for our group of travelers. If I were to compare book 1 with book 2, I would have to say that book 2 is the better of the 2 so far! I felt quite a bit of emotion in this book due to the events that transpire in the pages. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain that some of these characters go through because of something that I am so not going to tell you.

There was a lot of action in this installment as well! Once one event finishes, something else creeps its way into the story and I was hooked all over again! I was reeling wondering what was real, and what was set up to be portrayed as truth… I also loved that a little bit more about The Order of Darkness is discussed in the book, and a little snippet to another order that I am sooooo hoping will be a huge part of the this series…the Order of Assassins… How awesome would that be? How could I not help but squee just a little bit! I totally recommend these reads to those who love reading about quests and epic journeys, are looking for characters that will not easily be forgotten, and want to be lost in a world of dark secrets and explainable occurrences.

Apr 09, Grace Fonseca rated it really liked it. What an incredible book that never let up at all.

Don't Miss These Previous Books in the Series!

After reading Changeling, I had high expectations that the sequel would be just as thrilling as Changeling and it was in some ways a lot better. The story and pacing seemed to be much more crisp and faster. Being that this was the second book in a quartet, means that the characters have to be even stronger than they were in the first book. What I like about this book is that there are very strong Christian elements and themes to this book.

I felt What an incredible book that never let up at all. I felt that the first book portrayed that well, but this one does it to an even greater extent. There was a pilgrimage and in Christianity this is one of the greatest themes in books that have to deal with Christianity during this century. Johann and the children pilgrimage was one that you would often hear about.

You really come to believe in what Johann is doing. He believes he has been called by God. What Johann reveals during his sermon were things that our four main characters have never told anyone about themselves or their pasts. Yet he speaks to something in them that makes them want to join him. Yet things go terribly wrong in a major way. It was like all hell broke loose.

What happens is one of the worst things imaginable.

Order of Darkness

People die from a flood. At first it appears that something miraculous is happening and then tragedy strikes right at the core of our foursome. Tragedy is not something I was expecting. It was like a gut punch to me and both Isolde and her friend find themselves the victims of another witch hunt.

Because of this accusation, things get even worse for the two women who have to be careful as to what they say and defend their actions. Being accused of being storm bringers is one of the worst crimes possible. Storm Bringers are people who call forth or summon storms to cause pain and suffering, death. If convicted of it, the sentence is death.

You really see what happens when the fear of the unknown sets in or even being different can happen. Isolde and her friend find themselves in a perilous situation to say the least. They have to fight some very harmful accusations and people are very much out to get them. I want to see how the new villain is going to interact with the two women. We also get a surprise that is a welcome one.

I really want to read the next book in this series. I received a free edition of this book from the publishers as in conjunction with a Goodreads giveaway. Ok, now I've got that out of the way, let's get on with the review. As you can see from my rating, I thought that this book was ok. As with the previous book in the series, it is a quick and easy read. So, what did I like about the book?

As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of som Disclaimer: As opposed to the previous book, this book has just the one setting where the action took place, so it felt like one continuous story, instead of some smaller ones. Also, I love the character of Freize - he is, in my opinion, the standout best thing about this book. He is such a likable character, which makes me wish that he was the main character.

In fact, I would love it if he and Ishraq teamed up and went off on their own to solve mysteries. What I didn't like. The characters of Luca and Isolde. I know they're meant to be the main ones, but I find them flat and boring. Also, in the first page yes literally the first page of this book, it is shoved down the readers' throats that these two characters are in love with each other.

This book takes place a few days after the action of the previous one, and suddenly these characters are deeply in love. A romantic subplot is used through this book, which resulted in a love squiggle I was going to use the term love triangle, but squiggle is a better word for this situation. This felt unresolved by the end of the book, so this may continue into the next one.

Parents say

Continuing on the romance side, I feel that the characters are likely to be paired up - which I hope doesn't happen because this would be too predictable. I would love a situation where the gang are all just friends and go about solving mysteries - which is far more appealing to me. Talking about predictable, this book is very much so. The last quarter of the book is a big set up for the next book s in the series, and I think I'm already able to solve the mystery that has been set up, which I hoping is the literary device the audience knows a crucial piece of information that the character doesn't.

One thing that particularly annoyed me was the whole Stormbringers situation. It felt like a random diversion, albeit one that could happen in this historical period, and it was solved in a couple of chapters, with a predictable outcome. To me, this part felt pointless, and the story could have gone on without it. This book was entertaining enough if you are looking for a quick, simple read, but I'm not yet as to whether I'll read the next book in the series or not.

Jul 08, Monica rated it it was amazing Shelves: Five stars where Changeling got a 4- and a 4 only because Frieze was dryly hilarious, Luca young but self-possessed, and the setting was in the medieval period, one of my favorite time periods. Stormbringers gets five stars because 1 it has a MUCH better plot, one much more interesting and less microscopic than Changeling's small town feral child; 2 loved the author's clever use of a natural phenomenon- the tidal wave- to explain the miraculous "parting of the sea"; 3 Ishraq rocks!

Somethi Five stars where Changeling got a 4- and a 4 only because Frieze was dryly hilarious, Luca young but self-possessed, and the setting was in the medieval period, one of my favorite time periods. Something growing between Luca and Ishraq while Isolde stews in her piety, modesty and cluelessness? Things to look forward to in the next installment: More of the dazzling, powerful Radu Bey who isn't intrigued by the connection or possible connection between him and Ishraq?

As long as you have the right mindset when you pick up this book- it's a fun, fairly shallow YA book, not a serious, politically-complex historical tome with deep social commentary- then you will surely have as much fun as I did. Aug 04, Bookdragon Sean rated it it was ok Shelves: Frustrating, so frustrating , as with the first book the author has decided to end the main body of the plot around sixty pages before the book finishes. The problems are resolved, the mystery solved and inquiry dealt with. The only problem with this is the ending of the book falls flat. The sequel hints should be plastered in with the main plot because after the main plot is res Frustrating, so frustrating , as with the first book the author has decided to end the main body of the plot around sixty pages before the book finishes.

The sequel hints should be plastered in with the main plot because after the main plot is resolved the reader loses their interest in the book. Learn how we rate. For Your Family Log in Sign me up. Is it OK for kids to read books outside their reading levels? Column 4 Our impact report: How Tech Is Changing Childhood. Want personalized picks that fit your family? Set preferences to see our top age-appropriate picks for your kids. The Brink of Darkness: The Edge of Everything, Book 2.

Gripping, romantic, edgy fantasy sequel does not disappoint. Jeff Giles Fantasy Sign in or join to save for later. Parents say No reviews yet Add your rating. Kids say No reviews yet Add your rating. Get it now Searching for streaming and purchasing options Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Get it now on Searching for streaming and purchasing options A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book. A few food, retail, clothing, and car brands mentioned for character, mood, or setting. Continue reading Show less. Stay up to date on new reviews. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox.

User Reviews Parents say Kids say. There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title. Is it any good? Talk to your kids about Bloomsbury USA Publication date: July 10, Publisher's recommended age s: Great Boy Role Models. Great Girl Role Models. For kids who love fantasy. The Edge of Everything. Fantasy and real-world violence mix in soaring series start. Fiercely imaginative, lushly told fantasy for mature teens.

The Love That Split the World.

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