Today we have Civil Blood, the second book in the Best Left in the Shadows series by Mark Gelineau and Joe King. This book came out last month but I was only able to read it a couple of weeks ago. I read it in one sitting not only because it’s a novella but it was fast-paced and so easy to read.
Read more about the book and check out my review!
About the book
One city. Two worlds.
The King of Aedaron reigns in splendor, while far below, in the streets and alleys of the underworld, a different kind of king emerges.
Alys and Dax have always been caught in the middle. Once they fought for love, and their worlds tore them apart. But now as they are forced back together, they must choose whether to fight once again.
But for what? And against whom?
In the world of Lowside, nothing is as it seems.
Even each other.
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About the bookAction, a hint of romance, and a whole lot of mystery
In Civil Blood, Alys enlists the help of Dax, her “old friend” and new Justicar of Lowside, when she’s accused of gruesome killings in Lowside. Though he is unsure how he can be helpful since Lowside has its own rules, Dax can’t help but go along even when he’s dealing with a few secret things of his own, problems that has to do with his family. As they try to get to the bottom of Alys’s problem, their loyalty and trust in trust in each other – or lack thereof – are put into question as things become more complicated than ever.
Like the first book in the series, this was a really good read. It’s a great follow-up to Best Left In The Shadows. The interesting dynamic between Alys and Dax is still there and it continues to make things exciting. Some details about their past are revealed so we also begin to understand more about their relationship and why they are who they are. This book is also big on mystery and there are a few great twists that make things even more intriguing and exciting. I kind of guessed the ultimate reveal at the ending but it’s such a great twist that I can’t wait to find out more in the next book!
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the authors. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.
By the way, Best Left in the Shadows is only 99cents on Amazon right now!
The Echoes of the Ascended
Best Left in the Shadows is only one of the four mini-series in the Echoes of the Ascended series of series which follows five orphans from the fantastical world of Aedaron. The Reaper series follows the story of Elinor; Rend the Dark follows the story of Ferran; Best Left in the Shadows follows the story of Alys; and Faith and Moonlight follows the story of Roan and Kay.
Check out my reviews of the other novellas in the Ascended series:
- A Reaper of Stone
- Broken Banners (Reaper #2)
- Rend The Dark
- Skinshaper (Rend the Dark #2)
- Best Left In The Shadows
- Faith and Moonlight
Read an excerpt from Civil Blood
The man opened one eye before shrugging.
“What the hell. Been a long time since I was out amongst the shade folk. Could use a bit of excitement.” He dismounted from his stool and stretched his long arms out, pulling his shirt’s fabric tight across his ample belly before walking to Dax and extending a hand. “Name’s Donner,” he said.
“Dax,” Dax replied, taking the hand.
“You prefer the short version, then? I think it suits you better than ‘Your Lordship.’”
Dax smirked. “I always thought so.”
Alys turned and walked out of the store. As she did, she heard them talking.
“Just like old times?” Dax asked.
“Ha!” Donner said. “For your sake, let’s hope not!”
Alys tensed slightly.
“What do you mean?” Dax asked.
As they exited the shop, Donner flipped a little, wooden sign hanging from a nail by the door to proclaim the shop closed. “Last time Alys had a crew together is when we almost killed your father,” Donner said with a grin.
About the Authors
Mark and Joe have been writing and telling stories together for the last 25 years. They share a love for the classic fantasy tales of their childhood. Their Echoes of the Ascended series brings those old epic characters and worlds to new life.
Visit their Website and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Mark’s Amazon Page and Joe’s Amazon Page.
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