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School of Swords and Serpents #2
Eclipse Core
It's back to school time for the world's only Eclipse Core, and the School of Swords and Serpents has never been deadlier.
Fresh off his undefeated tour as the School Champion in the Five Dragons Challenge, Jace Warin is headed back to class as the most popular student on campus. No longer an outcast, Jace struggles to master the amazing abilities at his disposal as he is drawn deeper and deeper into the conspiracies that threaten to tear Empyreal society to shreds.
As unknown enemies close in from every side, Jace must conquer what may be the darkest force of all—the deadly power in his own core.
Eclipse Core is the second book in the bestselling School of Swords and Serpents series, a thrilling tale of conspiracies, cultivation mastery, and inner strength.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this novel. I enjoyed the first in the series, but this one has left me feeling ambivalent.
Oblivious, stupidly overpowered teen with little training. Even with his ability, people on higher levels should be orders of magnitude more powerful. Yet somehow he beats them with little effort, with deus machina power growth. Either during or just before heed needs them, he gains significant power or abilities. The enemies are brain dead - assassin could have done nearly anything to kill him such as a bomb, sniper or poison, but instead gets denied in a surprise attack because of his power jump.
He makes decisions that are against his character. Many cringy teen moments. And generally a narrative that pushes against my suspension of disbelief.
The love triangle feels contrived. I was hoping the new interest would be a plant from the beginning and betray the protagonist (some sort of depth or motivation to the character). But the character is just removed flippantly at the end.
That and there's also waaaaay too much winking and hugging.
Enemy turns up randomly, for no good reason so that they can give vital monologue to the protagonist, who can use that info to save the world.
Overall, the writing is good and the narration (Pavi Proczko) is well done. Feels like it should have been the third book in the series, and as a result feels rushed, missing the low point in a story arc.
The plot is where it suffers - it feels rushed and slow at the same time, with the main character seemingly making decisions to get the plot where the author wants it even when it goes against his character. The poor plot has a detrimental effect on the story.
Not sure how I feel about reading the third book.
Oblivious, stupidly overpowered teen with little training. Even with his ability, people on higher levels should be orders of magnitude more powerful. Yet somehow he beats them with little effort, with deus machina power growth. Either during or just before heed needs them, he gains significant power or abilities. The enemies are brain dead - assassin could have done nearly anything to kill him such as a bomb, sniper or poison, but instead gets denied in a surprise attack because of his power jump.
He makes decisions that are against his character. Many cringy teen moments. And generally a narrative that pushes against my suspension of disbelief.
The love triangle feels contrived. I was hoping the new interest would be a plant from the beginning and betray the protagonist (some sort of depth or motivation to the character). But the character is just removed flippantly at the end.
That and there's also waaaaay too much winking and hugging.
Enemy turns up randomly, for no good reason so that they can give vital monologue to the protagonist, who can use that info to save the world.
Overall, the writing is good and the narration (Pavi Proczko) is well done. Feels like it should have been the third book in the series, and as a result feels rushed, missing the low point in a story arc.
The plot is where it suffers - it feels rushed and slow at the same time, with the main character seemingly making decisions to get the plot where the author wants it even when it goes against his character. The poor plot has a detrimental effect on the story.
Not sure how I feel about reading the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
Pretty good, but where's the revenge?!
This is a really good sequel to the first book, providing us with a better description of the world outside the school, which I love. As well as asking questions that challenge the way we think.
My issue is with the maturity of the main character, the emotions he feels and the experiences that he's had. They don't seem to coincide well enough to make his actions plausible in certain situations.
Other than that I really liked it and can't wait till the next one!
This is a really good sequel to the first book, providing us with a better description of the world outside the school, which I love. As well as asking questions that challenge the way we think.
My issue is with the maturity of the main character, the emotions he feels and the experiences that he's had. They don't seem to coincide well enough to make his actions plausible in certain situations.
Other than that I really liked it and can't wait till the next one!
January 13, 2021
A fun Kindle unlimited read with some issues.
This is the second book of the young adult martial arts / magical school / sci-fi series. The series has a lot going on with it and is appropriate for young adults and above. It is told in the first person perspective from the protagonist Jace in book one he is 15 and at the end of book 2 the author messes up saying he's turning 16 despite 2 years now passing in the story.. It is just one of the handful of continuity errors in and otherwise fast-paced fun story. it does have some reader speed bumps but so long as you don't try to adopt too deep into the world it can be a fun and easy ride. The problem is as readers we tend to dive deep.
There's a lot of good going on in the story and while the author does borrow heavily it feels from some others in the genres that he's merging it is still a fun and interesting read. I was pulled in to the story and the struggle that our protagonist has with himself. Granted Jace is to a degree blank slate character so to speak sort of like Bella from the twilight series. What I mean by this is we're not given too much on him he is made in such a way that readers can easily slip in to the character. His struggles do give him more character and create a certain sympathy for him. At the same time considering the power Arc he is going through being in just the second book of the series it leads into wish fulfillment fantasy.
It is an interesting story and a pretty strong three-star story at that. What it brings it down a notch is the continuity errors sprinkled throughout the story. One of the first obvious ones of the characters who were cut from the school at the end of book one for falling below a certain percentage however in this book that is forgot both by the main character as he looks for the for him and later on by superiors who tells him the character had been transferred to a different school for his previous actions. There are some other illogical potholes and character issues that float to the surface that also had occurred in book one. The problem is those issues tend to build up treating a story that feels disjointed and separate from its own reality from book to book.
I also think that there is a tangled mess when it comes to plotting out the story. it feels as if the author is throwing down the rail lines as the train is moving. He might know where he wants to end up however small facts slip by or appear out out of nowhere with little or way too soon forshadowing. An annoying detail in this book was that of a bully from book one who yelled at a new side character after they bumped into each other randomly. It just so happens that our main character had interaction with that side character and stood up for her. It turns out later though that he stood up for her against her own brother. The bully actually back down because he was afraid to face Jace in a duel only to otherwise challenge Jace to a duel over some issues with his sister. It had all the feeling of an author who edited and added a plot line without going back throughout the full story to make it smoother.
All the same with our little bumps it was still a fun story to read and I'm interested to see how the author will deal with the power Arc of the main character. He's already turned it up to 11 so I'm guessing Ludacris drive is next. It will be fun lol.
This is the second book of the young adult martial arts / magical school / sci-fi series. The series has a lot going on with it and is appropriate for young adults and above. It is told in the first person perspective from the protagonist Jace in book one he is 15 and at the end of book 2 the author messes up saying he's turning 16 despite 2 years now passing in the story.. It is just one of the handful of continuity errors in and otherwise fast-paced fun story. it does have some reader speed bumps but so long as you don't try to adopt too deep into the world it can be a fun and easy ride. The problem is as readers we tend to dive deep.
There's a lot of good going on in the story and while the author does borrow heavily it feels from some others in the genres that he's merging it is still a fun and interesting read. I was pulled in to the story and the struggle that our protagonist has with himself. Granted Jace is to a degree blank slate character so to speak sort of like Bella from the twilight series. What I mean by this is we're not given too much on him he is made in such a way that readers can easily slip in to the character. His struggles do give him more character and create a certain sympathy for him. At the same time considering the power Arc he is going through being in just the second book of the series it leads into wish fulfillment fantasy.
It is an interesting story and a pretty strong three-star story at that. What it brings it down a notch is the continuity errors sprinkled throughout the story. One of the first obvious ones of the characters who were cut from the school at the end of book one for falling below a certain percentage however in this book that is forgot both by the main character as he looks for the for him and later on by superiors who tells him the character had been transferred to a different school for his previous actions. There are some other illogical potholes and character issues that float to the surface that also had occurred in book one. The problem is those issues tend to build up treating a story that feels disjointed and separate from its own reality from book to book.
I also think that there is a tangled mess when it comes to plotting out the story. it feels as if the author is throwing down the rail lines as the train is moving. He might know where he wants to end up however small facts slip by or appear out out of nowhere with little or way too soon forshadowing. An annoying detail in this book was that of a bully from book one who yelled at a new side character after they bumped into each other randomly. It just so happens that our main character had interaction with that side character and stood up for her. It turns out later though that he stood up for her against her own brother. The bully actually back down because he was afraid to face Jace in a duel only to otherwise challenge Jace to a duel over some issues with his sister. It had all the feeling of an author who edited and added a plot line without going back throughout the full story to make it smoother.
All the same with our little bumps it was still a fun story to read and I'm interested to see how the author will deal with the power Arc of the main character. He's already turned it up to 11 so I'm guessing Ludacris drive is next. It will be fun lol.
June 8, 2020
Enjoyable
The story picks up where the previous book leaves off. Definitely not a stand alone! No longer persecuted by most of the school, Jace is now popular and the school's champion. Anything too good to be true is. Between the inner conflict caused by his new core wanting to cause him to become a monster, the schemes and games between houses, and more of Jade's history being rather violently explained, it is completely impossible to put this book down.
Very readable and literally nail biting. Recommend and I will definitely be reading part 3.
The story picks up where the previous book leaves off. Definitely not a stand alone! No longer persecuted by most of the school, Jace is now popular and the school's champion. Anything too good to be true is. Between the inner conflict caused by his new core wanting to cause him to become a monster, the schemes and games between houses, and more of Jade's history being rather violently explained, it is completely impossible to put this book down.
Very readable and literally nail biting. Recommend and I will definitely be reading part 3.
December 25, 2020
I think this will be the last book in the series I read. It isn't going how I thought book one would continue.
This is about "being a super spy and fighting the darkness within". I will pass.
This world is really filthy. No matter where our protagonist goes, there are always rats in the building for him to use.
This book turned so cliche in the end. I'm glad I'm dropping the series.
2/5 Stars
This is about "being a super spy and fighting the darkness within". I will pass.
This world is really filthy. No matter where our protagonist goes, there are always rats in the building for him to use.
This book turned so cliche in the end. I'm glad I'm dropping the series.
2/5 Stars
March 5, 2021
Is it possible to like the storyline, while at the same time hating the MC? He's dumber than a box of rocks. The weird thing is that he shouldn't be this dumb. The character and development growth, all normal, but he's still sooooooooo dumb. I want to know how the story goes and I keep hoping the mc finds a wizard to get a brain. I'll keep on with this series but I'm not all that sure it's worth getting my hopes up.
December 4, 2020
Still good, but lost its uniqueness
We finally got there, the full Harry Potter. This went from close to Harry Potter to fill on cultivation HP. The school experience, love interests we're not sure are or are not live interests. Only beating a challenge because of best friends. Not bad by any means, just that the story lost its uniqueness when it tripped this direction.
We finally got there, the full Harry Potter. This went from close to Harry Potter to fill on cultivation HP. The school experience, love interests we're not sure are or are not live interests. Only beating a challenge because of best friends. Not bad by any means, just that the story lost its uniqueness when it tripped this direction.
July 29, 2021
Slow start, strong finish
This book started poorly. The changes in the people around him were unrealistic and there was no enemy or purpose to him for half the book. Then, just as I was considering quitting it took off and the ending was awesome, so much that I’ll read the next one but not enough that I can give the whole book a good rating. Half bad and half good gets 3 stars.
This book started poorly. The changes in the people around him were unrealistic and there was no enemy or purpose to him for half the book. Then, just as I was considering quitting it took off and the ending was awesome, so much that I’ll read the next one but not enough that I can give the whole book a good rating. Half bad and half good gets 3 stars.
January 8, 2023
It took a turn thematically from the first book, bringing a more spy and espionage sub plot into the fray, which was fun.
I feel like the ending was fine, but I think another books worth of buildup should have happened before this event or at least another 100 pages or so.
It has left me more interested in the next book thank the first did, so let's see where this goes!
I feel like the ending was fine, but I think another books worth of buildup should have happened before this event or at least another 100 pages or so.
It has left me more interested in the next book thank the first did, so let's see where this goes!
May 2, 2023
Excellent.
Great characters and story line. Main character is described like a real person having same type of problems in life minus the super powers of course. Keep up the great work. Look forward to ore books in this story. Thank you.
Great characters and story line. Main character is described like a real person having same type of problems in life minus the super powers of course. Keep up the great work. Look forward to ore books in this story. Thank you.
May 10, 2020
Average follow up
On the plus side the editing is much better from the first book. On the downside, the plot is worse. All around “meh”
On the plus side the editing is much better from the first book. On the downside, the plot is worse. All around “meh”
June 7, 2020
Great read!
This series just seems to keep getting better. I highly recommend this to anyone. You will not be sorry if you picked this book up.
This series just seems to keep getting better. I highly recommend this to anyone. You will not be sorry if you picked this book up.
June 30, 2020
Super sequel! I’m really enjoying the rate that the MC is progressing. There are plenty of cool fights in this book which helps expose a very well thought out cultivation system.
July 14, 2020
Compair to the first book, I was just a little bit bored with the story development. But still it's good work.
July 16, 2020
Eclipse Core was truly enjoyable and as in the previous book, ended well for Jace and his friends. I listened Eclipse Core in audible edition! In overall, great work for now!
September 10, 2020
.
After reading the second book of the series I can’t help but feel like this is a fan spinoff of Cradle. Great!
After reading the second book of the series I can’t help but feel like this is a fan spinoff of Cradle. Great!
January 23, 2021
It was worse than the first book. My goodness! I can’t believe I finished this.
Read
May 4, 2021Good follow up, but may be running into the problem of main character getting too big too soon, will see in book 3
June 7, 2021
Fun/entertaining book series. Character of Rachel was a good addition, as was the development of the Eclipse Warriors. Interested to see where it goes
August 1, 2021
Ahhhhh!
Ah! I didn't want this to end and I can't wait to dig into the next book! The way Jace grew and the way the story unfolded, just kept in!
Ah! I didn't want this to end and I can't wait to dig into the next book! The way Jace grew and the way the story unfolded, just kept in!
September 15, 2022
Eclipse nature
The author says "Eclipse Nature" over 100 times and Eclipse over 300 times, once a page. .. Other than that, enjoyable book
The author says "Eclipse Nature" over 100 times and Eclipse over 300 times, once a page. .. Other than that, enjoyable book
February 17, 2020
Wink, Gullible children, wink
There were plenty of times I was groaning, facepalming, and yelling at the MC in my head. You grew up on the streets, in the camps, you got taken for a ride last year by powerful people with agendas; why are you trusting anyone??? Wink
The MC's near blind faith in the next organization to want something from him irked me. Wink. No questions, no conditions, no realization of what I said, just a "Let me... Ok!" Same with other characters in the world. I get it. Outcast now gets attention, super stoked, also teenager. Wink.
As for the story, it's pretty interesting. Lots of fun developments, but there was a bit too much emphasis put on an upgrade. Wink. Again, I get it, cultivation levels, higher tiers, exponential power increase. However, everything was justified by that upgrade. ”Before the upgrade, I couldn't..." "Thanks to the upgrade, now...." I just felt like I was beat over the head with it.
Wink.
It also appears that the characters learned how to wink over the summer. Students, teachers, elders, everyone was suddenly winking. It was noticeable. Wink.
I liked book one more. I'll probably read book three, but I need a break first.
There were plenty of times I was groaning, facepalming, and yelling at the MC in my head. You grew up on the streets, in the camps, you got taken for a ride last year by powerful people with agendas; why are you trusting anyone??? Wink
The MC's near blind faith in the next organization to want something from him irked me. Wink. No questions, no conditions, no realization of what I said, just a "Let me... Ok!" Same with other characters in the world. I get it. Outcast now gets attention, super stoked, also teenager. Wink.
As for the story, it's pretty interesting. Lots of fun developments, but there was a bit too much emphasis put on an upgrade. Wink. Again, I get it, cultivation levels, higher tiers, exponential power increase. However, everything was justified by that upgrade. ”Before the upgrade, I couldn't..." "Thanks to the upgrade, now...." I just felt like I was beat over the head with it.
Wink.
It also appears that the characters learned how to wink over the summer. Students, teachers, elders, everyone was suddenly winking. It was noticeable. Wink.
I liked book one more. I'll probably read book three, but I need a break first.
November 22, 2019
Wow what a great follow up to book 1, this book is just as jam packed with action, great fights and skills and Jace our main character seems to be growing from strength to strength. He returns to school for his 2nd year as the school champion, a far cry from the bullied student he was in year 1 at the school of Swords and Serpents where a group of people tried to have him killed. This year this same group of elders want him to work for them and Hagar the person who tried to kill him is to be his mentor. From a life with a hollow core Jace had managed to gain an eclipse core and this had been the point where all things had changed in his life, those who had ridiculed him when he was weak were now much weaker than him, and though this was very satisfying it came with its own challenges. The eclipse core brought forth dark images and urges which if not controlled could prove a danger to Jace and those around him. Poor Jace this wasn't the easiest of years, he had a soul eating monster trying to burst out of his core, he was going on deadly secret missions with Hagar for the elders of the Shadow Phoenix Clan and two of his best friends, Clem and Rachel were competing for his attention and he hadn't even realised this. But these were the least of his problems even though they were overwhelming him at times. Jace was worried about his mother and he wanted to find out where she was, seems she had many answers to questions he did not even know he had!! Whilst the plot thickens, only he can save the Earth or was he endangering it without knowing this? Dying to read book 3 in this very exciting series which has now taken us out of the school and into the far horizon.
Read
December 26, 2019Good but not perfect
The worldbuilding is less subtle in this one compared to the first book in the series, which isn't a bad thing but it comes at the cost of character building. I was disappointed to learn that a vital piece of Jace's development happened out of frame. We never get to see it, though it is referenced often. I prefer to experience moments like that with the character rather than just learning about it after the fact. That was my main problem, the other was with regards to editing. There are many moments that, i think, we're unnecessary and should have been cut and other moments that should have been expanded.
Not a fan of the love triangle. Too cliche and in the end I think I would have preferred to spend time with the existing supporting characters rather than add another not so well developed character.
The worldbuilding is less subtle in this one compared to the first book in the series, which isn't a bad thing but it comes at the cost of character building. I was disappointed to learn that a vital piece of Jace's development happened out of frame. We never get to see it, though it is referenced often. I prefer to experience moments like that with the character rather than just learning about it after the fact. That was my main problem, the other was with regards to editing. There are many moments that, i think, we're unnecessary and should have been cut and other moments that should have been expanded.
Not a fan of the love triangle. Too cliche and in the end I think I would have preferred to spend time with the existing supporting characters rather than add another not so well developed character.
October 31, 2019
From champion to ?
The book went from slow starting to feeling like I was strapped in a rocket barely seeing what was passing by. I think the pacing needed some work. I like Jace the MC. I didn't feel like I had long enough to get to know the new Jace. I'll gladly continue the series. I'd like more character interactions. The epic battle towards the end felt rushed. So this one was almost awesome for me. Parts of this have an almost Harry Potter feel. But darker and without many fun weird bits. It felt rushed and I hit the end feeling confused about what just happened. I did enjoy it and think it's a worthwhile read.
The book went from slow starting to feeling like I was strapped in a rocket barely seeing what was passing by. I think the pacing needed some work. I like Jace the MC. I didn't feel like I had long enough to get to know the new Jace. I'll gladly continue the series. I'd like more character interactions. The epic battle towards the end felt rushed. So this one was almost awesome for me. Parts of this have an almost Harry Potter feel. But darker and without many fun weird bits. It felt rushed and I hit the end feeling confused about what just happened. I did enjoy it and think it's a worthwhile read.
November 5, 2019
Engaging story
This story and the struggle Jace goes through pulled me in during the last book and even more in this one. Jace still struggles with his true nature in this story and has some coming of age moments mixed in with everything else; he is only getting close to 16 at the end of this book.
I found the pace both steady and yet fast at times, as the challenges Jace faces shift throughout the story and he slowly gains insight and maturity. I hope there will be a book three, as the next challenge seems a bit daunting and promises more wild adventures.
This story and the struggle Jace goes through pulled me in during the last book and even more in this one. Jace still struggles with his true nature in this story and has some coming of age moments mixed in with everything else; he is only getting close to 16 at the end of this book.
I found the pace both steady and yet fast at times, as the challenges Jace faces shift throughout the story and he slowly gains insight and maturity. I hope there will be a book three, as the next challenge seems a bit daunting and promises more wild adventures.
November 13, 2019
Great Climax
A great story with so much climactic action that it could nicely be the last book in this series. Whether or not it actually is remains to be seen.
Far too much action and mayhem to describe, except to say that fans of the series have been waiting for this book. For them, it’s a must-read. If you haven’t read the other books stop here and do so. Then enjoy. Recommended.
A great story with so much climactic action that it could nicely be the last book in this series. Whether or not it actually is remains to be seen.
Far too much action and mayhem to describe, except to say that fans of the series have been waiting for this book. For them, it’s a must-read. If you haven’t read the other books stop here and do so. Then enjoy. Recommended.
October 31, 2019
Condoned Gencoide
This book essentially involves an individual whose entire segment of humanity is wiped out, and he is indoctrinated by the killers to the point of preventing any resurgence of his people- The Eclipse Cores. In addition to this, the divine infouence in this piece also condones the mass killing, making the moral of this tale entirely immoral.
This book essentially involves an individual whose entire segment of humanity is wiped out, and he is indoctrinated by the killers to the point of preventing any resurgence of his people- The Eclipse Cores. In addition to this, the divine infouence in this piece also condones the mass killing, making the moral of this tale entirely immoral.
October 30, 2019
What a great follow up
The events of book 1 have made for some great opportunities in this book and Lee takes full advantage of this by allowing a lot more of the Eclipse warrior history to come into the fore.
With the added threat of the court there is plenty of action to enjoy and with the school friendships causing added angst this is a must read story.
The events of book 1 have made for some great opportunities in this book and Lee takes full advantage of this by allowing a lot more of the Eclipse warrior history to come into the fore.
With the added threat of the court there is plenty of action to enjoy and with the school friendships causing added angst this is a must read story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews