In Shade and Shadow

Noble Dead Saga: Series 2 #1

by Barb Hendee

This title has been removed from sale by Penguin Group, USA.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Fiction, Paranormal, Horror, High Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

[See barbhendee.org]

Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.

We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.

Reviews

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the second Noble Dead series might just have been the best instalment of the whole series! Just like the original series this new Noble Dead book was regular fantasy that had the feel of UF in tone and style. It was also packed with mystery, intrigue, action, and cool magic and fantasy creatures!

The big change in this new Noble Dead series was the fact that Maguire, Leesil, and Chap did not feature. This book followed Wynn as she journeyed home and delivered the scrolls and books she acquired at the end of the first series to the Sages in her homeland.

It was a fun tale. We got caught up in the politics of the Sage Guild and of the politics of Wynn’s home city. There was also some mystery to be had as murders occurred as people tried to acquire translations of the ancient scrolls! I was hooked on the mystery, intrigue, and action of the tale.

Wynn also had to deal with a familiar face in Chane. The vampire tracked her to yet another continent! Which was a good thing in my eyes as the murderous vamp is one of the series more fascinating characters.

As well as the odd familiar face we got to meet a bunch of new characters in this one. None quite as fun as Chane but some were interesting characters in their own right.

All in all the felt a bit like a spin-off from the first series but it all worked out well as Wynn was a great lead character and the story we got here might even have been more engaging than anything we got in the original series. I look forward to reading the other two books in this second Noble Dead trilogy.

Rating: 4.5 stars. I’ll round up to 5 as I found this one really engaging.

Audio Note: Tanya Eby did an OK job with the audio.

[Bearded_Brewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should probably start by saying that I really enjoy the noble dead saga. So, I really enjoyed this chapter in it because at this point the world is familiar and fun to escape to.
However, I will say that it is probably the weakest of them yet, with maybe the exception of the very first noble dead novel. I always found the main character of this series (Wynn)to be one of the most annoying characters of the previous novels. So I was kind of concerned when I realized this was the character they were following, but I am beginning to appreciate her more in her new adventure. The trouble is that there is is soo much setting up of the world to the reader that I feel like you get less story and more setting in a first novel of a series like this. It is fine in the long run, because I love getting involved in a long series. Spending a novel setting up the world is just the price paid. I'm sure I will enjoy the hell out of the next one even more.

If you haven't read any of the other novels and are planning on starting with this one, stop. Put the book down and go out and read the first series of the saga. This will not make much sense without the first series being read. There is a constant reference to events in the first six books. I think the authors try to do a good job of reminding the reader of past events, but it isn't enough to start with this one and have it make much sense.


I recommend this to any fan of the saga, and strongly recommend the saga to anyone who hasn't read any of the novels yet.

cheers

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second Noble Dead series begins with a whimper. The books in the first series were enjoyable, if uneven in their pacing. The characters' interplay and unfolding personal histories kept my interest piqued and helped to support a gradually unfolding journey through the overall arc of the series.

In Shade and Shadow leaves most of the characters from the first series behind -- at least for now. The story focuses on Wynn, who was an integral part of the first series, but not a main character. I like her character a lot as a supporting player, but so far she isn't making a very interesting protagonist. This may be due to the fact that she spends much of the book feeling helpless, oppressed and confused, and hence not really doing anything about her situation. Also, the story itself moves along at a glacial pace, with detail upon detail piled upon not much actually happening for many pages. After 200 pages, the stakes finally become more immediate, and the arc of this second series starts to take form. But for me, it is too little, too late.

If you're going to write a series complete with building maps, multiple languages, detailed breakdowns of social organizations, and a lot of exposition to keep readers reminded of revelations from previous books in the series, then you need to support the weight of all that detail with a brisk, engaging story. Instead, In Shade and Shadow just plods along and, for great swaths, is just plain boring.

I'm sad to leave the world of this series behind, but I don't know that I'll want to dive in again when there is so much out there that am more likely to enjoy.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was ok but my feelings are mixed about Wyn as the MC. She's not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to the undead, and I thought having her guild intentionally setting her up to be seen as mentally inept was just vile.

[Viridian5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Shade and Shadow by Barb & J.C. Hendee is the first book in the second arc of their Noble Dead series. This time the focus is on Wynn, the sage. She's brought some of the ancient texts she found in Child of a Dead God to the home city of the Guild of Sagecraft but never expected the sage authorities to call her delusional about the undead she's seen and confiscate the texts and even her journals. They're translating them but Wynn isn't allowed to participate or witness. Publicly denigrated, isolated, and deprived of everything she brought back with her... this is far from the homecoming she expected.

Then, a few months into the translation efforts on those texts, sages carrying folios of the texts through the streets are being murdered, and the folios are stolen from the bodies, yet the sages and royalty are obstructing investigations of the crimes. Wynn feels that undead are responsible, and since she's the only one who seems to believe in them it's up to her to stop the killer and retrieve the texts.

While most of the series so far has shown a lot of action, In Shade and Shadow is more of a mystery set in a fantasy setting, though it does have some action pieces. Wynn really annoyed me during the first arc so I was glad she's much less annoying here.

Recommended. I'll get to the next book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wynn has left Magiere and Leesil to their adventures and has returned to the Guild of Sagecraft in Calm Seatt with the manuscripts she rescued. The guild has sealed the manuscripts and only a few senior masters are allowed to read them. Wynn, being a journeyor is denied access. When the messengers carrying folios of pages from the manuscript are killed while returning to the guild, the guild has to compromise. They allow Wynn access. The killer is now trying to kill her as well. Wynn is convinced the killer is a Noble Dead but can't convince others that the Noble Dead aren't a delusion.

[J C Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Wynn's not my favourite character in the Noble Dead series; she was overshadowed by Leesil and Magiere in the earlier books, or possibly not as thoroughly fleshed out. I headed all the way down to a mental two stars in the first third of this book, as Guild of Sages daily life went on...and on...and on. And then, thankfully, it picked up, the plot got its rear in gear, Wynn developed a backbone, and one of my more favoured characters from earlier books showed up, and voila, it got about the highest rating of any in the series.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about Wynn and look forward to reading more of her adventures. I'm glad she and Chane have been reunited and can't wait to see what develops there. It will be interesting to see how this series and the other are tied together later.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it too fast to stop and take notes. BUT, I really enjoyed it. There are just some things that are off. Like when you hear 'series 2,' you expect a whole new book, but in the same world. Instead, it's more of a continuation from the other books, only without Magiere and Leesil.

We follow Wynn this time, as she returns to her home town of Calm Seatt, and the story takes a drastic turn. Instead of the action-oriented drive of the previous one, this plot is riddled with politics and more inner politics. Stuck up sages that keep treating her like a child.

That's an interesting part; we're reminded that 'naive Wynn' has grown up now and matured more after the last adventure. It's infuriating to watch how they treat her, when none of the information they have would exist at all without her!

The books are notorious for their jump between point of views, and since we don't have the usual party, we're stuck with Wynn and this officer like character, Rodian. Who is a good guy, and doesn't get enough credit, though the aspect of religion puts a damper on his ambitions.

Everyone in this plotline is shady, and you don't know who to trust. I love this, because when something bad happens, EVERYONE could be a suspect! Without meaning to, it turns into a who-done-it really fast. I found myself claiming 'he did it! I bet it was him!' and it amused the people who've already read it.

I think that if you're expecting a lot of action, you'll be a little bored around the middle of it..and there's hardly any romance if you're looking for it. I WILL say that the book gets better when Chane starts getting involved. I'm just kind of annoyed that the unanswered questions we were left with at the end of the other series continue to be answered a little at a time through this OTHER series.

And yes, there's a dog! But it just makes us miss Chap. :/

[RealmsQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me some time to read this one, as it was an intellectual murder mystery focusing on a character that I did not really care for or focus on in the Noble Dead series. Plus it had been so long since I read the last one that a lot of it felt like news to me.

So here Wynn is off and running again to find more ancient Noble Dead that might still be alive to stop the reassurance of an ancient war. Interesting to see if she hooks up with Magaire and Leesil again. I kinda hope so.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming straight from Series 1, when I realized that Magiere and Leesil weren't in this story, I almost stopped reading thinking maybe I wouldn't waste my time on it then. But I am so glad I kept with it because I really ended up liking this one and read through it quickly. Wynn, Chane and a surprise new character create a new trio, and were enough to keep the story going. But of course I am still wondering where the other trio went and want to hear from them again. Well on to the next.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vampires, wraiths & sages, oh my! :)

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having not read any other books in this series I still found it easy to follow along the story line and not feel lost or confused.
Well written story line, good characters, and interesting twists.

[f00ssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine, but hardly spectacular.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Julie Bergley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story continues Wynn's adventures after returning home. I had a weird sense of deja vu. I don't think I read this before but if I didn't I've read something very similar.

[Linda church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second series continues with Wynn and Chane, on to more adventures!

[Cakester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it was the whole crew together, but a good read nonetheless.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sedmá kniha série Vznešení mrtví. Nevěděla jsem, co mě čeká, předešlých šest knih bylo o Magieře a Leesilovi (které opravdu miluji. :)), proto jsem byla opatrná, když jsem se dozvěděla, že teď bude příběh probíhat z pohledu Wynn. Té Wynn, která mi tak neuvěřitelně lezla na nervy a kterou jsem měla stokrát chuť vyškrtat z děje.
A?
Věřte nebo ne, já jsem si Wynn konečně oblíbila. :)

Dostáváme se do úplně jiného světa než je ten Magieřin, plný násilí a bojů. Wynnin svět učenců je... no svět plný učenců. Autoři ukazují, že umí psát i o něčem jiném, než jen násilí. Ukazují příběh s řádnou dávkou logiky a úvah. :)

"Řekněte mi... když jste poslední příčetná osoba ve světě slepého šílenství, co to z vás doopravdy dělá?" - Wynn (str. 41)

Wynn se vrátila ze svých cest s dhampirkou Magierou, půlelfem Leesilem a psem Chapem do Calm Seattu, do kolébky Bratrstva učenců, a nese sebou staré knihy, které by mohly objasnit slepá místa v minulosti. Byla připravená se podělit i o své vlastní zážitky. Co však mladá učenka nečekala bylo, že jí nikdo nevěřil. Zažila boje se Vznešenými mrtvými - upíry, procestovala se svými přáteli elfská teritoria, navštívila prastaré sídlo, ve kterém Magiera získala zvláštní děsivý artefakt, po kterém tak dlouho pátrala, a z jejíž starobylé knihovny si svazky přinesla... a ostatní to považují za pohádky.
A poté někdo zavraždí učence, kteří sebou shodou okolností nesou přeložené opisy Winniných nalezených knih, které po vraždě zmizely. A mrtvoly vypadají, jako by je zabil Vznešený nemrtvý.
Ale to snad není možné, ne? V této části světa nemrtví nikdy nebyli... nebo ne?

Příběh je zamotaný, což se mi neuvěřitelně líbí. Autoři vedli příběh záludně, pomocí kapitána Rodiana se snažili odhalit původce vraždy z chladně logického hlediska, což bylo příjemné překvapení. A jako obvykle se do toho všeho pletla Wynn.

...i za běžných okolností nepouštěli běžně po setmění návštěvníky dovnitř. Co by řekli, kdyby ji přistihli, jak na pozemky cechu pašuje neznámého muže? - Wynn (str. 327)

Neříkám však, že bych si Wynn neoblíbila. Ta učenka v mých očích konečně stoupla z osiny v zadku na dobrou postavu, která se konečně chová jako poutavý charakter. Wynn se vybarvuje, začínáme lépe chápat její pohnutky a přestože jí tu a tam uteče nějaký ten bolestínský povzdech kvůli tomu, jak je oproti svým přátelům neschopná, už je to mnohem lepší. I když je stále tvrdohlavá a někdy se chová hloupě. Co mě překvapilo, i když ne tolik, bylo znovuobjevení Chana, vraždícího upíra, který v minulých knihách kolem Wynn stále kroužil. V předchozím díle slíbil, že už jej Wynn nikdy neuvidí. Nu, uvidíte, jak jej Wynn neuvidí. x)) Autoři psát umí, co se týká postav, jsou skvělé. Ty hlavní, vedlejší jsou spíše nastíněné, ale pro jednou mit o bohatě stačí. :)

Miluju, když mají knihy své vlastní slovníčky nebo prostě seznamy, kde jsou některé zamotanější pojmy vysvětlené. Miluju přehledy. Autoři v knize rozepsali hierarchie Cechu učenců, velké plus, a někdy se v tom bylo lehké ztratit.

Zápory, zápory, snažím se nějaký vypíchnout, ale jde mi to zatraceně těžko. Možná obálka není příliš, ehm, poutavá. Zdá se mi lehce přeplácaná a věci v ní mi k sobě nesedí. Mezi zápory by se snad dalo počítat i nerozvedení historie, nějaké ty legendy a povídačky přímo se netýkající se děje, takové ty opisy, které mám ráda. Jakožto příběh z pohledu učenky jsem toho čekala více. Na druhou stranu si ale nejsem jistá, zda by to rytmus knihy nenarušilo až příliš. :)) Zmiňuje se tu náboženství kapitána Rodiana, což to trošilinku vyvažuje, ale, nu, ne dost.

Nádeník, Tvůrkyně a Snílek.
Otec Swenen - Nádeník - shromažďoval to, co minulo a zabezpečoval potřeby Matky. Matka Wyrthana - Tvůrkyně - pečovala a připravovala to, co bylo zapotřebí v přítomnosti. Dítě - Méatenge - Snílek - si představovalo budoucnost a to, co může být.
Trojice udržovala minulost, přítomnost a budoucnost pro všechny vnímající bytosti, a vždy tomu tak bude. - Rodian (str. 134)

Děj knihy je zajímavý. Stejně dobře je i podaný, styl psaní manželů mi sedl, četlo se mi lehce a kniha v podstatě utíkala sama. Atmosféra knihy? Skvělá. Propadnout se do děje knihy není samozřejmostí, ale série Vznešení mrtví si mě získala už svým prvním svazkem a já ji mám prostě ráda. Charaktery - nice. Samotná Wynn během děje knihy dospěla, její vývoj byl neuvěřitelný. Možná trochu smutný, ale perfektní. A konec? Nu, mohl být lepší, přesto uspokojivý. Doporučuju přečíst i těm, kteří nečetli předchozích šest knih, kniha je vysvětlena dost dobře. :)

[Severind Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

So...remember when I said I'd never give a Noble Dead book less than five stars? I must have forgotten about In Shade and Shadow, then. Because now I clearly remember giving this one four stars and finding it my least favorite of the series up to this point. I guess that's what I get for writing all these reviews five years later, right? Forgetfulness.

Anyway, this one was an abrupt departure from what we know about this series. For one, it comes from Wynn's perspective, which I didn't hate...but I also didn't love. Here's the thing: although the plot is immense (it has to be, to span a total of 14 books), this is very much a character driven story. Naturally, I was drawn to Leesil and Magiere first because they were our main protagonists of the first six novels. And while their story is by no means over, we don't get to see them again until book 10. That bothered me a bit, because I would have preferred alternating chapters, where half the book came from Wynn and Chane's perspective, while the other half came from Leesil and Magiere's. It's not that I dislike Wynn, but I wasn't drawn to her in the same way I am Leesil and Magiere. Alternating chapters also would have worked for two reasons: their paths may separate for the time being, but their stories still intertwine and eventually weave back into each by book 10, so it would have made sense to just continue on with both perspectives for the sake of continuity. The second reason is directly related to the first, in that once we DO meet up with Leesil and Magiere, we spend a lot of time playing catch up, because we just spent three points singularly focused on Wynn and Chane...while Leesil and Magiere went off and did their own thing and we didn't get a word of it. This may be starting to sound like a review for book 10, but I say this because if book 7 were set up different, it would have made for a smoother transition later, when we return to Leesil and Magiere's perspective and leave Wynn's behind in the dust (even though she's still with them). And to be frank, while I recognize Wynn's side of the story is important, it wasn't nearly as interesting as Leesil and Magiere's side.

Speaking of departures, this reads more like a murder mystery set in a fantasy world than it did the big traveling adventure we'd gone on with Leesil and Magiere in the previous books. We're mostly stuck in the same place, and in a city no less. While I have no qualms with this, the overall plot was very different and resulted in me getting slightly bored at times. Some of the characters were downright unpleasant or plain annoying. But despite my complaints, I actually found this to be a unique plot. Sure, it was different from the previous books, but I also knew that going into it. And it sets itself apart from other fantasy books, which rarely follow this almost...procedural set up.

But I'll tell you the worst part about this book (and arc in general), is Chane. First off, I could never properly figure out how to say his name, and that bugged. Nothing ever sounded right. Second, he irked the shit out of me. And the way he enraptured Wynn made me broil with irritation. I don't understand WHAT that woman saw in him and never will. I definitely wasn't pleased to have to read MORE about him, when I would've happily left HIM in the dust if I could.

But despite my complaints, I am still easy to satisfy, especially with the Noble Dead Saga, so the four stars are still justified. If this were any other book, belonging to any other series, it might have gotten two stars, but my obsessive ass was too damn in love with this series to really care that it didn't stack up compared with the others, because at least I had something to read from the noble dead saga even if it wasn't completely what I wanted.

And I read it in a day. That must account for something.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited about the next series of the Noble Dead saga following Wynn because I started to feel that a new adventure with Magiere, Leesil, and Chap would have been an old adventure in a new city. Further, I found myself identifying with Wynn more than any other character by the end of the first series. (This is what happens when I don't go out and make friends.) I was a little surprised that Wynn never crawled into her bed and stared at the wall, especially since I kept hoping an action like this would make someone go, "Oh. Whups. She's not crazy, just lonely." Or something. Also, if it had been me, I probably would have crawled into my bed and stared at the wall. With some self-pitying sob-less crying thrown in. So now that I've finished the book and thought about it for a day or two, I'm really glad that Wynn isn't all that much like me. The staring-at-the-wall bit would have gotten really old, really fast.

The problem with following a new character in a new country is, as others have pointed out, the tendency for the novel to get bogged down in details. I did, on occasion, find my eyes glazing over when these details started to overwhelm slightly, but I also want to mention that this tended to be when I should have been sleeping instead of reading. The wealth of information, while not fun, was helpful in understanding lots of little aspects of the story. If I hadn't understood these things, I would have been so caught up in the not-understanding-this-tiny-tidbit that I wouldn't have enjoyed the rest of the book.

Overall, In Shade and Shadow was an enjoyable read, and it did a wonderful job preparing readers for the rest of this second series of novels. While a little heavy on the details, it is these intricate details that make the world of the Noble Dead Saga so sophisticated and captivating, qualities that will prod this expectant reader to crack open the next novel as soon as she can get her grubby little mitts on it.

[Richard Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great tale set in the rich world of the Noble Dead begins here.

I miss the wonderful characters from the first series, Magiere (a dhampir: a vampire/human hybrid), Leesil (a half-elf, an elf/human hybrid, with a dark past), and Chap (an elemental Fay born into the body of a majay-hì, elven hounds of a wolf lineage), but so does Wynn Hygeorht, their friend and the sage protagonist in this story.

SPOILER START: We are introduced to Chap's majay-hì daughter, and reintroduced to another old 'friend' of Wynn's, who have both come to aid and protect her, though Chane Andraso (one of the Noble Dead) still clings to hope that he could one day be more to Wynn… not just a monster. I like that the potential of a forbidden romance that hovers at the edges of their relationship. Wynn still cares for him, though she resists showing it, and he loves her: SPOILER END.

The story kicks off as a murder mystery, and pulls you along as Wynn struggles to gain confidence, faces a new and incredibly powerful undead enemy, and make life-changing choices on the road to her own destiny. This is an awakening for Wynn, and the start of a quest to save her world from an ancient enemy that few even remember.

Highly recommended, but read series one first!: Dhampir, Thief of Lives, Sister of the Dead, Traitor to the Blood, Rebel Fay, and Child of a Dead God.

[Linda Fast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to purchase this book based on the cover alone. The picture was very interesting, it consists of a girl holding a glowing orb with a large wolf/dog beside her and a menacing cloaked figure standing aways back of her in an alley between old buildings that reminded me of old England.
Wynn Hygeorth has just returned to reside in the Guild of Sagecraft which is in the first castle of Calm Seatt, Malourne. She has brought ancient scripts from a vampire castle which are seized by her superiors. She is treated unfairly and no one seems to believe any of her stories. The Guild sends out her scripts to scriptoriums for copying and the journeyors who deliver the copies are murdered and the scripts are stolen. Several other journeyors are murdered as well as a few gaurds and suspicions grow as to what is written in the scripts.
Wynn tries to find out what or who is committing these murders and almost gets killed herself. An Undead seeks her out who she had met on her previous journey and together they try to find out who the murderer is and why it is stealing the scripts.
I had not read the previous books which would have given me a better understanding of the story itself but all in all I thought it was an ok read.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first installment of Wynn's series was a bit of a disappointment

Wynn returns to her Sage home base with the books and documents Wynn Magiere and Leesil took from the Castle in the Pock Peaks. She is treated like a pariah and a slow witted simpleton. Chane has followed Wynn to the city. Meanwhile the sages have undertaken a massive decoding of the Wynn's documents. Someone is hunting the decoded pages and the Sages who are carrying them, Wynn is the only one who realizes what is happening and she has an idea who is doing it and has a plan to stop it. Unfortunately nobody beleives her or trusts her.

I really didn't like the book that much. A lot of the story was treading water and I really dont have a clear idea of where the story is going, other than revealing to the world something happened in the past that was so horrifying that everyone has blocked it out. I had a problem with how everyone was sidelining her. They wanted her out of the way because the documents she brought back revealed a heresy but it almost seemed that everyone actually believed she was actually slow-witted. I did like the ending and Wynn changed tables on them.

[Jenifer1223 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who simply loves Wynn's character...I am super excited about this second series in the Noble Dead Saga that will focus on her as the protagonist.

What I love about Wynn is that she is not the super strong heroin..her strength is in her mind. In this book she has yet to realize this strength as she does spend a frustrating amount of time wishing for her friends Magiere, Leesil, and Chap...but all things in due time I think.

My suggestion when approaching this book...look at it as a brand new start. Do NOT read it with the mind set that "oh I loved the other books..this will be the same as those." If you do this, you will be disappointed. Wynn is NOT Magiere and, therefore, her story must be told differently.

Because this book has to establish a new setting, it does take on some of the qualities of "first books," such as extensive descriptions of people and places.

For those who want the head taking, sword clanking action...you probably won't enjoy this book as much as you did the others. But, if you can appreciate the battle of the minds and enjoy strategy..then I think this book, and series, are going to be to your liking.

[Shanon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the 1st Noble Dead series so I was very excited for the 2nd series to come out and watch the story unfold. However, I had a hard time getting into this book. It was slow moving and nothing much seemed to happen until the end. The ending left me excited for the rest of the books & I have high hopes there will be more action.

Part of my dislike could be that I missed Margierie and Lessil. Wynn, the sage that travelled with Margierie & Lessil, returns as the main character. For most of the book she is weak and I had a hard time continuing reading. By the end she had gained a backbone and was the strong Wynn from previous books. I only wish she would've come around sooner.

I was teetering between 2 & 4 stars. (I settled on 3) Had I been asked to rate just the 1st part of the book it would have been only 2. The last part was easily a 4. So if you are a fan of the 1st Noble Dead series and are struggling to get through this book - keep on going. It get's better & I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in this saga.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 of the 2nd series of the Noble Dead Saga, this volume centers on the journeyor Sage, Wynn Hygeorht, and the events that transpire when she returns to her Guild with the hardwon texts from her adventures with the dhampir Magiere, elf Leesil and majay-hi' Chap. Suddenly, Wynn is an outcast from her peers and superiors and her journals and the mysterious texts have been sequestered away from her. The texts are being laboriously and secretively translated but suddenly murders are occurring sequentially linked to the work being performed upon the texts. Wynn gains an unexpected ally mysteriously tied to Chap but struggles to decide who else is a true friend versus who wants to suppress her discoveries. Chane, the conflicted Undead who has longed after Wynn,has a major role in this novel that is entertaining but filled with characters who remain somewhat two-dimensional. Hopefully Wynn will mature in future volumes as the mysteries surrounding her continue to unfold.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favourite Character: Ghassan il'Sanke

Wynn is back from her journey with Magiere, Leesil and Chap, she is now at her homeland guild in Calm Seatt. However, she is unhappy, the texts she brought back were taken from her and she cannot have access to them or the translations. Everyone thinks she's crazy, when she tries to explain what happened to her on her journey. They won't believe she saw vampires, that Chap is a majay-hi or that Magiere is a dhampir. Not only that but someone or something is killing sages in order to get the translated folios from the guild. Wynn suspects it's an undead but no one especially the captain of the guard will believe her.

Although, I still really liked this novel, I didn't like it as much as the previous series with Magiere and Leesil. Wynn isn't my favourite character and without the others, she's kind of boring.

Other than that, it was a good novel and I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice start to the second part of the Noble Dead series. I definitely missed the presence of Magiere, Leesil and Chap, and the fact that Wynn wasn’t really one of my favorite characters in the first part of the series didn’t help my initial hesitation at beginning this second part. However, the reader is introduced to a few new characters, whether or not they appear later on in the series will remain to be seen, and Wynn is reunited with Chane.

Forewarning, the first 2/3 of the book is kind of slow and filled with plenty of explanations, descriptions and what could be considered borderline information overload. However, I’m sure much of it is ground work being laid for the next book(s) in the series. The real action doesn’t get going until the latter part of the book.

Overall, it wasn’t earth shattering but rather a pleasant beginning.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was not too excited about this book when I found out that while it was a continuation of the series I was reading, it didn't have the main characters from the previous six books. I was hesitant if it would even be any good but I was surprised! It was probably my favorite so far out of all of them! I had started it just as a book to read when I went to bed but all homework was pushed aside for two days while I read the entire thing. It left me craving more and I can't wait for the next to come out. It was a good thriller and keeps you interested with every turning page. I really like how it was told from different perspectives and thought it made the story even more engaging. Highly recommend the series and this book.