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Stormlord #2
Stormlord Rising
The second book in this gripping series of a deadly battle ... who will control the water?
Shale Flint is forced to help the devious rainlord, taquar Sardonyx, in his quest to create rain - even though taquar's lust for power threatens to consume all that stands in his path. terelle leaves the Scarpen with her great-grandfather, Russet ... his painting of her future has trapped her into doing his will. Obsessed with regaining his status as a Watergiver lord in his homeland, it seems that Russet will go to any lengths to attain his goal. Meanwhile, Ryka Feldspar has been captured and taken as a concubine by a Reduner tribemaster. Desperate to escape, she discovers her Rainlord husband, Kaneth, in the slave lines ... but, to Ryka's despair, he has no memories of their time together.
Shale Flint is forced to help the devious rainlord, taquar Sardonyx, in his quest to create rain - even though taquar's lust for power threatens to consume all that stands in his path. terelle leaves the Scarpen with her great-grandfather, Russet ... his painting of her future has trapped her into doing his will. Obsessed with regaining his status as a Watergiver lord in his homeland, it seems that Russet will go to any lengths to attain his goal. Meanwhile, Ryka Feldspar has been captured and taken as a concubine by a Reduner tribemaster. Desperate to escape, she discovers her Rainlord husband, Kaneth, in the slave lines ... but, to Ryka's despair, he has no memories of their time together.
619 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
53 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read
About the author
Glenda Larke
26 books375 followersGlenda was born in Western Australia, the daughter of a farmer. She was educated at government state schools and the University of Western Australia, where she obtained a degree in history and a diploma in education. Married to a Malaysian scientist, she has grown-up children, and now lives in Malaysia, where she is actively involved in rainforest conservation.
Author of The Isles of Glory trilogy (The Aware, Gilfeather, The Tainted); The Mirage Makers trilogy (Heart of the Mirage, The Shadow of Tyr, Song of the Shiver Barrens) and, writing as Glenda Noramly, a stand-alone book Havenstar.
Author of The Isles of Glory trilogy (The Aware, Gilfeather, The Tainted); The Mirage Makers trilogy (Heart of the Mirage, The Shadow of Tyr, Song of the Shiver Barrens) and, writing as Glenda Noramly, a stand-alone book Havenstar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 25, 2017
I loved book 0ne and this sequel was every bit as good! Same world, same characters and same magical system as before but it is what does with these things that counts.
And what she does is weave a great story around her characters, several great stories actually which all come together in one marvellous climax at the end. It is a long book but it never flags and in fact the last part is totally gripping as it rushes towards the finale.
Of course it is only book 2 of the trilogy so there hints of problems in the future, but no really massive cliff hanger. Issues are solved and characters come together in a satisfactory way within the book. I enjoyed every minute of it and am very glad that there is still more to come:)
And what she does is weave a great story around her characters, several great stories actually which all come together in one marvellous climax at the end. It is a long book but it never flags and in fact the last part is totally gripping as it rushes towards the finale.
Of course it is only book 2 of the trilogy so there hints of problems in the future, but no really massive cliff hanger. Issues are solved and characters come together in a satisfactory way within the book. I enjoyed every minute of it and am very glad that there is still more to come:)
October 7, 2022
“Somewhere there has to be a smooth middle road. Somewhere between weakness and abuse.”
I really hate writing reviews months after finishing the book. While it is true that the cloud of emotions settles, allowing the more important things to come to the fore, it takes away also the small delicious tidbits that make the reading a unique experience. I am sad to say that I do not really remember much about Stormlord Rising, which does not necessarily mean that it is a bad book (I tend to remember those!). Only, that it is rather unremarkable and thus not entirely memorable. The fact that I was not so pressed to finish the series, but left to on my shelf for months also speaks volumes.
Stormord Rising takes us back to the savage land where an all-devouring heat kills all life. As the old order crumbles, in this instalment we can learn more about the bad guys, the Reduners: keepers of flesh-devouring ziggers and meddlers of the pedestal. They become central to the new (dis)order as the bad guys are finally making their move. At the same time, Terelle goes through a vocation crisis while Shale, or rather Jasper, rises in power but is still irrevocably crippled with his water-sensitivity flawed and incomplete. Simultaneously, there is something awakening between those two, and yet, lo and behold! both feel trapped and so we have rather long angsty passages of coming to terms with the fact that life means also responsibility. Especially Terelle’s POVs became very tedious in this regard. Although, don’t hold your breath forShale Jasper (he’ll do it for you).
In general, the trilogy has a very neat design, and the middle book escapes the deadly boredom trap because the turmoil means a lot of horrifying and exciting things happen all the time. Nonetheless, certain repetitiveness of the main protagonists, meant that Ryka’s POV and story was at times far more interesting than the “growing up” of the two main MCs. This is enhanced by the fact that she has truly been put through bloodcurdling events and her circumstances do bring to light new facets of her character whereas both Jasper and Terelle essentially go through the same arguments time and again, and again, and once more for a good measure.
Religious motif tired me the most and was definitely the most mundane and boring aspect of the whole drama on top of the (already weak) antagonists. Although the mystery behind the Watergivers’ origins had a nice twist to it and definitely the insight into the Alabaster culture was another plus.
Overall, while still a pleasant read, the Stormord Rising scores a bit lower than its predecessor mainly due to the fact that while certain ideas are overexploited, others, far more promising (like the tension between a lenient and taxed governance and the necessity to impose strict rules in the face of environmental disaster) are not given justice. Nonetheless, I would recommend the series to everyone interested in fantasy novels dealing with environmental issues and resource scarcity and not minding the slight YA flavour in their reading diet.
Also in the series:
1. The Last Stormlord ★★★★☆
3. Stormlord’s Exile ★☆☆
I really hate writing reviews months after finishing the book. While it is true that the cloud of emotions settles, allowing the more important things to come to the fore, it takes away also the small delicious tidbits that make the reading a unique experience. I am sad to say that I do not really remember much about Stormlord Rising, which does not necessarily mean that it is a bad book (I tend to remember those!). Only, that it is rather unremarkable and thus not entirely memorable. The fact that I was not so pressed to finish the series, but left to on my shelf for months also speaks volumes.
Stormord Rising takes us back to the savage land where an all-devouring heat kills all life. As the old order crumbles, in this instalment we can learn more about the bad guys, the Reduners: keepers of flesh-devouring ziggers and meddlers of the pedestal. They become central to the new (dis)order as the bad guys are finally making their move. At the same time, Terelle goes through a vocation crisis while Shale, or rather Jasper, rises in power but is still irrevocably crippled with his water-sensitivity flawed and incomplete. Simultaneously, there is something awakening between those two, and yet, lo and behold! both feel trapped and so we have rather long angsty passages of coming to terms with the fact that life means also responsibility. Especially Terelle’s POVs became very tedious in this regard. Although, don’t hold your breath for
In general, the trilogy has a very neat design, and the middle book escapes the deadly boredom trap because the turmoil means a lot of horrifying and exciting things happen all the time. Nonetheless, certain repetitiveness of the main protagonists, meant that Ryka’s POV and story was at times far more interesting than the “growing up” of the two main MCs. This is enhanced by the fact that she has truly been put through bloodcurdling events and her circumstances do bring to light new facets of her character whereas both Jasper and Terelle essentially go through the same arguments time and again, and again, and once more for a good measure.
Religious motif tired me the most and was definitely the most mundane and boring aspect of the whole drama on top of the (already weak) antagonists. Although the mystery behind the Watergivers’ origins had a nice twist to it and definitely the insight into the Alabaster culture was another plus.
Overall, while still a pleasant read, the Stormord Rising scores a bit lower than its predecessor mainly due to the fact that while certain ideas are overexploited, others, far more promising (like the tension between a lenient and taxed governance and the necessity to impose strict rules in the face of environmental disaster) are not given justice. Nonetheless, I would recommend the series to everyone interested in fantasy novels dealing with environmental issues and resource scarcity and not minding the slight YA flavour in their reading diet.
Also in the series:
1. The Last Stormlord ★★★★☆
3. Stormlord’s Exile ★☆☆
July 4, 2016
Took a bit to get started and I thought it ended too soon but that's how it is with a lot of books that are part of a series. It's still worth time to read though.
September 27, 2010
Stormlord Rising, the second novel in Glenda Larke’s WATERGIVERS trilogy, starts right where The Last Stormlord left off: Ryka is a captive of the marauding Reduners, Terelle is traveling to Khromatis against her will, and Jasper — the titular last stormlord — finds himself forced to work together with his nemesis (and now de facto ruler) Taquar Sardonyx to create much-needed rainstorms for the parched lands of the Quartern. With almost every main character forced into a situation they don’t want be in right from the start, this novel is a darker and, unfortunately, less enjoyable story than its predecessor.
Ravard is an interesting new character, though most readers will figure out right away who he actually is. Fortunately, that doesn’t spoil what’s possibly the most multi-dimensional character in the series. In comparison, other characters are thin, especially the renegade rainlord Taquar and Davim the Reduner leader. These two villains sometimes lapse into cartoon-like speech that’s so over-the-top evil that, if this were a Bond movie, they’d probably be in wheelchairs, wearing monocles and petting white cats.
The Last Stormlord is a fast-paced read, but there are a few points where Stormlord Rising drags, especially during a number of repetitive arguments between the main characters. Although the chapters focusing on Ryka and Ravard keep the reader’s interest, they unfortunately contain many of the more transparent plot twists. The chapters featuring Terelle’s water painting suffer from the same problem, particularly as Terelle’s abilities become a magical and all-too-convenient fix for seemingly insurmountable problems. At times, this transparency, together with the relative thinness of many characters, gives Stormlord Rising a young adult tone. Re-reading The Last Stormlord for this review, I noticed it actually has the same problem, but that novel is so fast-paced and so much plain fun to read that I barely noticed it at first reading.
Considering its straightforward plot and characterization, Stormlord Rising contains a disproportionately large number of characters that are involved in or are the victim of sexual violence and sexual manipulation. I won’t list examples here, but so many of the characters are at some point either victim or perpetrator (or both) of rape, are threatened with forced prostitution, or use sex to manipulate people, that the plot device unfortunately begins to lose some of its impact. Characters casually say things like “You can avail yourself of her reluctant services if you like. [...] The bitch bit me, though, so be careful.”
Even if I occasionally groaned at some corny dialogue and predictable plot twists, it was exciting to revisit the Quartern in Stormlord Rising. The setting is still fascinating, and the theme of water conservation remains relevant. Despite a few slow spots and some repetition, the novel is otherwise fast-paced. We also learn more about the mysterious Watergivers and the history of the land, which, together with the novel’s action-packed plot, kept me interested enough to finish this second part of the WATERGIVERS trilogy and left me looking forward to finding out how the story ends in Stormlord’s Exile.
(This review was published on 9/27/2010 on FanLit - )
Ravard is an interesting new character, though most readers will figure out right away who he actually is. Fortunately, that doesn’t spoil what’s possibly the most multi-dimensional character in the series. In comparison, other characters are thin, especially the renegade rainlord Taquar and Davim the Reduner leader. These two villains sometimes lapse into cartoon-like speech that’s so over-the-top evil that, if this were a Bond movie, they’d probably be in wheelchairs, wearing monocles and petting white cats.
The Last Stormlord is a fast-paced read, but there are a few points where Stormlord Rising drags, especially during a number of repetitive arguments between the main characters. Although the chapters focusing on Ryka and Ravard keep the reader’s interest, they unfortunately contain many of the more transparent plot twists. The chapters featuring Terelle’s water painting suffer from the same problem, particularly as Terelle’s abilities become a magical and all-too-convenient fix for seemingly insurmountable problems. At times, this transparency, together with the relative thinness of many characters, gives Stormlord Rising a young adult tone. Re-reading The Last Stormlord for this review, I noticed it actually has the same problem, but that novel is so fast-paced and so much plain fun to read that I barely noticed it at first reading.
Considering its straightforward plot and characterization, Stormlord Rising contains a disproportionately large number of characters that are involved in or are the victim of sexual violence and sexual manipulation. I won’t list examples here, but so many of the characters are at some point either victim or perpetrator (or both) of rape, are threatened with forced prostitution, or use sex to manipulate people, that the plot device unfortunately begins to lose some of its impact. Characters casually say things like “You can avail yourself of her reluctant services if you like. [...] The bitch bit me, though, so be careful.”
Even if I occasionally groaned at some corny dialogue and predictable plot twists, it was exciting to revisit the Quartern in Stormlord Rising. The setting is still fascinating, and the theme of water conservation remains relevant. Despite a few slow spots and some repetition, the novel is otherwise fast-paced. We also learn more about the mysterious Watergivers and the history of the land, which, together with the novel’s action-packed plot, kept me interested enough to finish this second part of the WATERGIVERS trilogy and left me looking forward to finding out how the story ends in Stormlord’s Exile.
(This review was published on 9/27/2010 on FanLit - )
August 6, 2013
Sigh...another book falls under the weight of being that Awkward Middle Book, the one that doesn't really need to exist but does so that the author can release a trilogy, because heaven forbid anyone go against what's acceptable and write two books, or even one, because obviously it's trilogies people want and we mustgivethepeoplewhattheywant...breathe!!!!
I can sum this book up very simply. There was walking, and there was talking and not a lot else, unless you count that any strongish female character from the first book had all their strength leached from them as soon a they smelt a potential mate on the horizon! Relationships that help so much promise just withered, dried leaving naught but a formless husk. It's just so relentlessly vexing when female characters go against their personalities, doing stupid things for the sake of their men folk. If the character is weak to start with then fine, at least she's being true to her nature, but when they were once strong willed, it's galling, the brainless things they'll endure. Remaining a slave in an enemy camp because they can't bear the thought of leaving their husbands behind so they won't escape without them, is one example. I can't even tell you the two things that made this even more infuriating as they could be construed as plot spoilers, but both are very good reasons not to hang about being a slave. We were led to believe in the first book that this particular woman was intelligent, strong, pragmatic and yet she seems to forget all that as soon as her man is in trouble. Every page we have to hear her bemoan her fate, how difficult it is to see him suffer, blah, blah, blah. How it hurts her so blah, blah, blah. Easy solution there love, LEAVE WITHOUT HIM. That may seem harsh, but there is a reason for it but like I said, I don't want to give away any spoilers. The woman from the first book would have done what she needed to do to survive. It would have been difficult, but she would have done it regardless. It was so disappointing to see this simpering (slightly harsh but I can't think of a better word) woman taking her place.
Another example. Two characters get thrown together in book 1. Over the course of about three chapters, they start to develop feelings for each other, it's all very rushed and lazily done. In book 2, they go their separate ways, each with their own destiny to fulfil. Well Mr. Man, despite worrying about the lady every page, wanting to know if she's safe, lamenting his broken promises to keep her safe, the wonderings that perhaps his feelings go deeper than friendship, jumps into bed with two other women. Now like I said, they didn't really know each other that well, but because he thinks about her so much, we are led to believe he most likely loves her. So him bedding two other ladies is a bit of a surprise, especially considering he is quite honourable and loyal. It goes completely against his character then that he spares not one thought for this girl he spends a lot of pages mooning over. She doesn't even cross his mind. There's no hint of remorse. Granted they never had any kind of agreement as to their relationship, but Mr.Man knew the girls feelings from an outside source, knew that she probably loved him. Did he care? NOPE!!!! Oh he protested at first, but a pretty face and a bit of transparent flattery and he's on his back. Don't get me wrong, it's not the act that offends. Boys will be boys and I know this isn't the case with all, but a large number think mostly with their penises. It's the fact he didn't feel even slightly guilty with regards to his lady friend. That to me was a severe lack of character continuity and not in keeping with his personality at all.
But that's not the worst part. While he's off dipping his wick, his lady is off doing her thing and not having a particularly nice time, all the while worrying that he's in trouble. Half way across the country, she gets a message, asking her to return. Bearing in mind she's had a pretty arduous journey, she does. She thinks he needs her, that he is in fact, in trouble. So at no small amount of pain and suffering to herself, she returns, only to find him reasonably comfortable. He needs her help certainly, but that's only to use her gifts for his own ends (can't say more...spoiler!!! It's not as dastardly as it sounds either. He has reasonably good intentions, the greater good and all that). Then she finds out about one of the women he slept with. He apologises, but in almost the same breath sticks up for the girl, saying she's been through a lot etc, saying this to a girl he knows almost certainly has feelings for him. In his infinite wisdom. He decides it's best not to mention his other dalliance, not out right lying, but that's still not exactly going to endear him to readers.
But that's not the worst part. The worst part is that she pretty much just takes it all. She grumbles a bit, moans, but ultimately helps him out, without even a bit of shouting or throwing things...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Since when did this character become such a fucking doormat. 'No, no, you bump uglies with whomever you like, keep secrets, while I sit here day after day working tirelessly to help you not look bad when in fact I've got other stuff I need to do and that by keeping from it is actually causing me pain.' It just made me so mad that she just accepted it with so little fuss.
All in all, there were few characters who I liked, mainly because they were generally badly written and inconsistent. That's not to say the writing was bad. The descriptive stuff was fine, a bit too much for my tastes (started skipping paragraphs towards the end I thought weren't integral to the story) it was just the author's characters and their ever changing personalties to suit the story.
There was also a lot of repetition. A lot of conversations that seemed to happen more than once. I would read them thinking, 'didn't you guys already talk about this a few pages ago?' Like I mentioned earlier too, if a character had gone through some sort of trauma, we were reminded about it constantly. Now, in real life, yes, people will dwell on the past, especially the bad stuff, but you can't apply that to a book because is just gets boring. Sure, you can't have a character completely forget an event like it had never happened, that wouldn't be realistic, but a few reminders here and there is all you need. A few words, preferably different words so it makes it more readable. A quick, fleeting memory of the past triggered by something in the present. A moment of weakness where the past comes back to haunt. Not paragraphs of samey sounding recollection!!! It's a difficult balance to strike, but the great authors can do it in a way that feels effortless, natural. Everything the characters felt in this book seemed forced upon them.
Is this review even making sense?
So why three stars instead of two. Simple. Because for some bizarre reason I still needed to know what happened. There's a good story in here somewhere, a lot of it no overly original, but gripping enough to keep me reading. If the characters weren't so bad it would have got more.
Apologies for the hideous detail I go in to. It was just these things bugged me soooo much!!! Hopefully I was successful in avoiding spoilers. I honestly don't understand though how the quality has changed from the first book to this. I actually quite liked The Last Stormlord...
Annoyingly though, I will need to read the third book. I get the feeling it won't get better...
...sigh. Why do I do it to myself?
EDIT: I changed it to two stars. I'd given books I liked a lot more the same amount of stars. It didn't seem right
I can sum this book up very simply. There was walking, and there was talking and not a lot else, unless you count that any strongish female character from the first book had all their strength leached from them as soon a they smelt a potential mate on the horizon! Relationships that help so much promise just withered, dried leaving naught but a formless husk. It's just so relentlessly vexing when female characters go against their personalities, doing stupid things for the sake of their men folk. If the character is weak to start with then fine, at least she's being true to her nature, but when they were once strong willed, it's galling, the brainless things they'll endure. Remaining a slave in an enemy camp because they can't bear the thought of leaving their husbands behind so they won't escape without them, is one example. I can't even tell you the two things that made this even more infuriating as they could be construed as plot spoilers, but both are very good reasons not to hang about being a slave. We were led to believe in the first book that this particular woman was intelligent, strong, pragmatic and yet she seems to forget all that as soon as her man is in trouble. Every page we have to hear her bemoan her fate, how difficult it is to see him suffer, blah, blah, blah. How it hurts her so blah, blah, blah. Easy solution there love, LEAVE WITHOUT HIM. That may seem harsh, but there is a reason for it but like I said, I don't want to give away any spoilers. The woman from the first book would have done what she needed to do to survive. It would have been difficult, but she would have done it regardless. It was so disappointing to see this simpering (slightly harsh but I can't think of a better word) woman taking her place.
Another example. Two characters get thrown together in book 1. Over the course of about three chapters, they start to develop feelings for each other, it's all very rushed and lazily done. In book 2, they go their separate ways, each with their own destiny to fulfil. Well Mr. Man, despite worrying about the lady every page, wanting to know if she's safe, lamenting his broken promises to keep her safe, the wonderings that perhaps his feelings go deeper than friendship, jumps into bed with two other women. Now like I said, they didn't really know each other that well, but because he thinks about her so much, we are led to believe he most likely loves her. So him bedding two other ladies is a bit of a surprise, especially considering he is quite honourable and loyal. It goes completely against his character then that he spares not one thought for this girl he spends a lot of pages mooning over. She doesn't even cross his mind. There's no hint of remorse. Granted they never had any kind of agreement as to their relationship, but Mr.Man knew the girls feelings from an outside source, knew that she probably loved him. Did he care? NOPE!!!! Oh he protested at first, but a pretty face and a bit of transparent flattery and he's on his back. Don't get me wrong, it's not the act that offends. Boys will be boys and I know this isn't the case with all, but a large number think mostly with their penises. It's the fact he didn't feel even slightly guilty with regards to his lady friend. That to me was a severe lack of character continuity and not in keeping with his personality at all.
But that's not the worst part. While he's off dipping his wick, his lady is off doing her thing and not having a particularly nice time, all the while worrying that he's in trouble. Half way across the country, she gets a message, asking her to return. Bearing in mind she's had a pretty arduous journey, she does. She thinks he needs her, that he is in fact, in trouble. So at no small amount of pain and suffering to herself, she returns, only to find him reasonably comfortable. He needs her help certainly, but that's only to use her gifts for his own ends (can't say more...spoiler!!! It's not as dastardly as it sounds either. He has reasonably good intentions, the greater good and all that). Then she finds out about one of the women he slept with. He apologises, but in almost the same breath sticks up for the girl, saying she's been through a lot etc, saying this to a girl he knows almost certainly has feelings for him. In his infinite wisdom. He decides it's best not to mention his other dalliance, not out right lying, but that's still not exactly going to endear him to readers.
But that's not the worst part. The worst part is that she pretty much just takes it all. She grumbles a bit, moans, but ultimately helps him out, without even a bit of shouting or throwing things...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Since when did this character become such a fucking doormat. 'No, no, you bump uglies with whomever you like, keep secrets, while I sit here day after day working tirelessly to help you not look bad when in fact I've got other stuff I need to do and that by keeping from it is actually causing me pain.' It just made me so mad that she just accepted it with so little fuss.
All in all, there were few characters who I liked, mainly because they were generally badly written and inconsistent. That's not to say the writing was bad. The descriptive stuff was fine, a bit too much for my tastes (started skipping paragraphs towards the end I thought weren't integral to the story) it was just the author's characters and their ever changing personalties to suit the story.
There was also a lot of repetition. A lot of conversations that seemed to happen more than once. I would read them thinking, 'didn't you guys already talk about this a few pages ago?' Like I mentioned earlier too, if a character had gone through some sort of trauma, we were reminded about it constantly. Now, in real life, yes, people will dwell on the past, especially the bad stuff, but you can't apply that to a book because is just gets boring. Sure, you can't have a character completely forget an event like it had never happened, that wouldn't be realistic, but a few reminders here and there is all you need. A few words, preferably different words so it makes it more readable. A quick, fleeting memory of the past triggered by something in the present. A moment of weakness where the past comes back to haunt. Not paragraphs of samey sounding recollection!!! It's a difficult balance to strike, but the great authors can do it in a way that feels effortless, natural. Everything the characters felt in this book seemed forced upon them.
Is this review even making sense?
So why three stars instead of two. Simple. Because for some bizarre reason I still needed to know what happened. There's a good story in here somewhere, a lot of it no overly original, but gripping enough to keep me reading. If the characters weren't so bad it would have got more.
Apologies for the hideous detail I go in to. It was just these things bugged me soooo much!!! Hopefully I was successful in avoiding spoilers. I honestly don't understand though how the quality has changed from the first book to this. I actually quite liked The Last Stormlord...
Annoyingly though, I will need to read the third book. I get the feeling it won't get better...
...sigh. Why do I do it to myself?
EDIT: I changed it to two stars. I'd given books I liked a lot more the same amount of stars. It didn't seem right
September 8, 2015
This is the second work of Larke's Watergiver series. The fantasy and magic are very intriguing as well as the plot and setting. This book kept me turning pages with the twists. I'm looking forward to reading the next edition of this series to find out what happens to Jasper, Terelle and the rest of the characters - especially the mystery behind Terelle's background. Glenda Larke has created a unique world dry lands, the politics of water and magical interaction, woven with tense relationships between the protagonists and the antagonists. The intrigue behind the actions of characters to gain the upper hand is very entraining - this series won't let you down.
December 12, 2012
First posted
This review may contain spoilers from The Last Stormlord
Not long ago I discovered by chance 'The Last Stormlord,' and it may have been my favorite new read of the year. A well handled "adult" story, it was brutal without ever seeming overly grim. It had a strong cast of characters and a lot intrigue. In some way's it read like a fantasy version of 'Dune," but with enough originality to stand completely on its own. It dealt with a land where water is king, and those with the magic to move it are near godly.
I couldn't wait to get into 'Stormlord Rising,' the second book of the trilogy. The first outing ended with our two main protagonist safe, but tied to enemies through different circumstances. Shale, now called Jasper, is stuck with Taquar(his former kidnapper) as it takes both of them to move water. Terelle is being forced by her Grandfather to go back to his homeland through the power of his water paintings. And everyone is under threat from Davim, leader of the Reduners, who wants to go back to random rains rather than stormlord controlled water.
Larke is still incredibly easy to read, I often lost track of time and read longer than I intended. And a couple of story lines really stood out. Captured rainlord Ryka's struggles are very real. She is going through hell, struggling with her emotions, and at times feeling a bit of Stockholm, but never really loses track of herself. Her captor Ravard is obviously of two minds in how he treats Ryka, exercising complete control but still wanted her affection.
Another great thread came from what I though was going to be a trite long lost identity plot line. Within 200 pages I knew that i had figured out someones old identity, and thought it was a weak attempt on the authors part. But while I had correctly identified the switch, Larke skilfully built up the reveal, and rather than feeling trite it was instead one of the smartest pieces of the story. A real nice surprise for those of us who try to out guess the authors sometimes.
While not an action story, fans of battle will not be disappointed in this outing. The big battle near the end of the book avoids the clash of swords and details of troop movements, and instead relies on the chaos and feelings of the participants. Plus the use of ziggers is a very unique style of weaponry, a single use nasty bug(though I find myself wondering things like where they come from, and what people did against them before they were domesticated as they are painted as almost unstoppable)
While I enjoyed this book, it did not live up to the first one for me. The main reason is Tyrelle. While as a character I enjoyed her, her power from waterpainting is starting to be a magic wand for all problems. It is a smart skill, and very unique in my readings, but right not the only limitation on it seems to be Tyrelle's conscience. This seems more problematic when we learn that it is a fairly common skill in her families homeland.
And it may not bother everyone, but I was personally turned off by the "messiah" like character from this book. It is what made 'Dune' a slog for me, and it had the same affect here. The series already has a worship of the Stormlord, adding another savior for the Reduners didn't add much.
One last complaint, this was very obviously a "middle book." There was no resolution of Kaneth's storyline, nor was there any movement on the rebel reduner Vara. Jasper and Tyrelle still have some details that need to be attended to, but at least their stories progressed and hit a logical end. And while there are some hints that something is under the dunes, we still have no hints at what.
Finally, a warning. If a reader wants to avoid rape in their fantasy, stop at book one. While I found it realistic and handled appropriately (i.e. never sensualized, nor used for shock value, and the characters struggles with the aftermath are shown), it is present throughout. Several characters are dealing with the aftermath of assaults.
Despite my complaints, I still loved most the book and flew through it. Our protagonists' relationship was fun, as were the solutions they found by combining their powers. While Taquar was something of a caricature of a villain, his wife is wonderful in her scenes. Ziggers are just way too cool, and I love the world Larke has created.
3 Stars, and I am still very much looking forward to the third book, for I am very invested in this story.
This review may contain spoilers from The Last Stormlord
Not long ago I discovered by chance 'The Last Stormlord,' and it may have been my favorite new read of the year. A well handled "adult" story, it was brutal without ever seeming overly grim. It had a strong cast of characters and a lot intrigue. In some way's it read like a fantasy version of 'Dune," but with enough originality to stand completely on its own. It dealt with a land where water is king, and those with the magic to move it are near godly.
I couldn't wait to get into 'Stormlord Rising,' the second book of the trilogy. The first outing ended with our two main protagonist safe, but tied to enemies through different circumstances. Shale, now called Jasper, is stuck with Taquar(his former kidnapper) as it takes both of them to move water. Terelle is being forced by her Grandfather to go back to his homeland through the power of his water paintings. And everyone is under threat from Davim, leader of the Reduners, who wants to go back to random rains rather than stormlord controlled water.
Larke is still incredibly easy to read, I often lost track of time and read longer than I intended. And a couple of story lines really stood out. Captured rainlord Ryka's struggles are very real. She is going through hell, struggling with her emotions, and at times feeling a bit of Stockholm, but never really loses track of herself. Her captor Ravard is obviously of two minds in how he treats Ryka, exercising complete control but still wanted her affection.
Another great thread came from what I though was going to be a trite long lost identity plot line. Within 200 pages I knew that i had figured out someones old identity, and thought it was a weak attempt on the authors part. But while I had correctly identified the switch, Larke skilfully built up the reveal, and rather than feeling trite it was instead one of the smartest pieces of the story. A real nice surprise for those of us who try to out guess the authors sometimes.
While not an action story, fans of battle will not be disappointed in this outing. The big battle near the end of the book avoids the clash of swords and details of troop movements, and instead relies on the chaos and feelings of the participants. Plus the use of ziggers is a very unique style of weaponry, a single use nasty bug(though I find myself wondering things like where they come from, and what people did against them before they were domesticated as they are painted as almost unstoppable)
While I enjoyed this book, it did not live up to the first one for me. The main reason is Tyrelle. While as a character I enjoyed her, her power from waterpainting is starting to be a magic wand for all problems. It is a smart skill, and very unique in my readings, but right not the only limitation on it seems to be Tyrelle's conscience. This seems more problematic when we learn that it is a fairly common skill in her families homeland.
And it may not bother everyone, but I was personally turned off by the "messiah" like character from this book. It is what made 'Dune' a slog for me, and it had the same affect here. The series already has a worship of the Stormlord, adding another savior for the Reduners didn't add much.
One last complaint, this was very obviously a "middle book." There was no resolution of Kaneth's storyline, nor was there any movement on the rebel reduner Vara. Jasper and Tyrelle still have some details that need to be attended to, but at least their stories progressed and hit a logical end. And while there are some hints that something is under the dunes, we still have no hints at what.
Finally, a warning. If a reader wants to avoid rape in their fantasy, stop at book one. While I found it realistic and handled appropriately (i.e. never sensualized, nor used for shock value, and the characters struggles with the aftermath are shown), it is present throughout. Several characters are dealing with the aftermath of assaults.
Despite my complaints, I still loved most the book and flew through it. Our protagonists' relationship was fun, as were the solutions they found by combining their powers. While Taquar was something of a caricature of a villain, his wife is wonderful in her scenes. Ziggers are just way too cool, and I love the world Larke has created.
3 Stars, and I am still very much looking forward to the third book, for I am very invested in this story.
February 18, 2018
Oh god..
First of all, full disclosure. I quit around 53% in.
Even though it was mildly entertaining, I had no interest in any of the characters, I didn't care what was going to happen to them, and I wasn't at all immersed, and I didn't wanna waste a few more days reading the last 350ish more pages.
First of all, full disclosure. I quit around 53% in.
Even though it was mildly entertaining, I had no interest in any of the characters, I didn't care what was going to happen to them, and I wasn't at all immersed, and I didn't wanna waste a few more days reading the last 350ish more pages.
January 24, 2020
“Our cage has no visible bars, but they’re there nonetheless. But I swear it, I’ll break them somehow, because this is where I belong.”
3.5/5.0 Stormlord Rising is the second in the series, written by Glenda Larke. While I did thoroughly enjoy the book and found it quite good, there were things that I thought held it back from being as good as the first in the series. While Larke still, in my mind, is a master of world building and setting as well as character development, I felt some of it was overshadowed but pace issues and story. First I thought the first half of the book was slow but granted it did pick up drastically when I really needed the boost. My favorite characters by far (Shale and Terelle) had uninteresting story-lines up until the end and I found my self relying on Ryka’s perspective to push my attention further. That is too say they were not bad story-lines, just that they did not hook me the way that I wanted them to. The character development continued to be the best part of the series as Larke grew Ravard, Laisa, and Senya’s characters and made them come to life. Overall I enjoyed my experience, I thought it was a solid book in a (so far) good series. I look forward to finishing off the trilogy soon!
3.5/5.0 Stormlord Rising is the second in the series, written by Glenda Larke. While I did thoroughly enjoy the book and found it quite good, there were things that I thought held it back from being as good as the first in the series. While Larke still, in my mind, is a master of world building and setting as well as character development, I felt some of it was overshadowed but pace issues and story. First I thought the first half of the book was slow but granted it did pick up drastically when I really needed the boost. My favorite characters by far (Shale and Terelle) had uninteresting story-lines up until the end and I found my self relying on Ryka’s perspective to push my attention further. That is too say they were not bad story-lines, just that they did not hook me the way that I wanted them to. The character development continued to be the best part of the series as Larke grew Ravard, Laisa, and Senya’s characters and made them come to life. Overall I enjoyed my experience, I thought it was a solid book in a (so far) good series. I look forward to finishing off the trilogy soon!
June 5, 2020
Builds well on the promise of the first book, (my review).
Shale has styled himself as Jasper Bloodstone (in memory of his sister Citrine) and makes his bid to become the new Cloudmaster of the Quatern behind his Taquar's back. Since he still can't form clouds from salt water, he reluctantly works alongside Taquar - shifting the clouds his nemesis makes - while working out a covert way to contact Vara Redmane's Reduner rebellion and Terelle.
Meanwhile, Terelle is trapped on a hellish journey, compelled by waterpainting magic to travel towards a long-lost homeland she's never seen, with her mentor/captor Russet. But Russet, overconfident in the magic of his paintings, has neglected all practical considerations and their crossing through the unforgiving salt flats of the Alabaster Quarter turns into a nightmare.
As the fight for the control of water begins in earnest, several important plot threads come together, signifying an epic battle to come!
Shale has styled himself as Jasper Bloodstone (in memory of his sister Citrine) and makes his bid to become the new Cloudmaster of the Quatern behind his Taquar's back. Since he still can't form clouds from salt water, he reluctantly works alongside Taquar - shifting the clouds his nemesis makes - while working out a covert way to contact Vara Redmane's Reduner rebellion and Terelle.
Meanwhile, Terelle is trapped on a hellish journey, compelled by waterpainting magic to travel towards a long-lost homeland she's never seen, with her mentor/captor Russet. But Russet, overconfident in the magic of his paintings, has neglected all practical considerations and their crossing through the unforgiving salt flats of the Alabaster Quarter turns into a nightmare.
As the fight for the control of water begins in earnest, several important plot threads come together, signifying an epic battle to come!
December 6, 2020
New comments:
Again, on reread I don't think I read it as critically and found it a compelling and exciting read. You are again struck by the fact that it's not going to turn out well for everyone, and I love the nuance given to a few of the "baddies". I was also really interested in the overarching theme that comes out more and more that the societies portrayed are full of injustices, and that the fight on both sides should not be to restore the world to the way it was before the current upsets, but to find a new and better way forward. I felt this was another thing that gave it a feel of realism.
Original review:
Pretty exciting read, although sometimes the characters' motivations and choices aren't completely convincing.
Again, on reread I don't think I read it as critically and found it a compelling and exciting read. You are again struck by the fact that it's not going to turn out well for everyone, and I love the nuance given to a few of the "baddies". I was also really interested in the overarching theme that comes out more and more that the societies portrayed are full of injustices, and that the fight on both sides should not be to restore the world to the way it was before the current upsets, but to find a new and better way forward. I felt this was another thing that gave it a feel of realism.
Original review:
Pretty exciting read, although sometimes the characters' motivations and choices aren't completely convincing.
November 15, 2010
The third book is supposed to be out sometime this next summer.
September 30, 2012
Couldn't put the damn thing down...
August 31, 2011
This, the second in the 'Watergivers' trilogy, picks up exactly where the previous one left off, in the immediate aftermath of battle, and the surviving characters are all plunged into crisis without preamble. Having grumbled in my review of book 1 that so many major characters died, my complaint this time is over the number who miraculously survived, despite being believed dead. I suppose there's just no pleasing some people. Given all these unlikely reincarnations, maybe we will yet see Lyneth and Moiqa? Well, maybe not.
The events of the previous book and the background of the Scarpen cities and their rainlords and stormlords are sketched in rather briefly here and there, but it might not be enough for anyone coming back to the story after a long gap. The pace is rapid from the start and never lets up, so anyone who's not up to speed on the story so far is liable to get left behind.
All our main characters are trapped in situations not of their making. Terelle is a prisoner of Russet's water-painting magic, Shale is forced to work alongside the devious Taquar, while Ryka and Kaneth are slaves of the Reduners, the dune nomads. This creates real tension, and the plot races along as they all work to set themselves free (with varying degrees of success), although not without useful dialogues which serve to keep the reader well informed about all the various options. It is a little surprising, actually, how often these people sit down in the midst of dire circumstances to talk at great length, and this reaches ridiculous levels near the end when Shale and Ravard hold a full conversation in the middle of a massive battle.
The world-building is necessarily less detailed in this book, but we do move out of the Scarpen cities and into some of the other regions. We saw a little of the Gibber plains last time out, but this time we also see the Red Quarter (home of the dune tribes) and the White Quarter (the salt plains of the Alabaster folk), and both of these are interesting scenically and in their societal structures, as well as giving us some insight into the economics of Quartern life. We haven't yet seen the coast or the mysterious Khromatis region, but perhaps that will come in book 3.
It is nice to learn more about the indigenous lifeforms, notably the seriously scary ziggers, truly the stuff of nightmares, and the ubiquitous pedes, used for both riding and carrying. Rather delightfully, the pedes turn out to have personalities and memory, and even affection for humans who treated them kindly in the past, which is unexpectedly charming. I never would have thought I'd consider giant creepy-crawlies in terms of 'Ah, how sweet!' but that's fantasy for you.
We also learn something of the various religions - the dune gods of the Reduners, the One True God of the Alabasters, and the delightfully earthly origin of the Sungod worshipped in the Scarpen cities, the giver of water-powers. This is hugely entertaining stuff. I particularly liked the thought tossed out, almost as an aside, that the innate water-sensing ability is god-given and not magical at all, while the power of water painting is sorcery and therefore totally evil. This is, of course, a question which should be considered by all fantasy writers (and readers, for that matter) - what exactly is magic anyway?
The characters continue to be interesting and (sometimes) to behave in unexpected ways. The changes to Kaneth as a result of his injuries are particularly intriguing, although his rapid recovery is slightly implausible. Most of the main characters are likeable and believable. The bad guys are still a little too bad to be truly credible, but on the whole (Taquar and Ravard in particular) they have enough depth to be more than just cartoons. I particularly like Kaneth and Ryka (and Kaneth's friend), and all the squabbling rainlords (even Laisa and Senya). And I love the slightly bonkers Iani. And Shale and Terelle are OK too. Shale has grown up big time in this book, although still with an adolescent's peculiar combination of angst and over-confidence, and Terelle is getting there too.
Ravard is especially interesting. I don't suppose the revelation of his identity surprises anyone, but it's still fascinating to see the man he's become. I do have an issue with his behaviour, however. I'm not a psychologist, but I would have expected a boy who was abducted and enslaved, and who then worked his way up to leadership amongst his abductors would have wanted to show the strength of his loyalty by being even more committed to the tenets of his new society than everyone else. The Reduners espouse slavery and rape as well as bravery and warrior skills, yet Ravard keeps no slaves and is remarkably gentle and tolerant with Ryka. In fact, his whole relationship with Ryka felt quite unbelievable to me, given his age and the ethos of the society. Choosing an older woman, and visibly pregnant too? Odd behaviour. Choices of this type would be more consistent with a mature, self-confident character, which Ravard definitely isn't. And yet, the author makes even this bizarre arrangement seem quite understandable.
The magic system is coming into its own now. I was astonished at the number of inventive ways that Shale could find to use his (rather limited) skills to good effect in battle. Who would have thought that a shower of rain would be so effective a weapon? I very much like that all the rainlords have different levels of ability. This makes for a much more realistic type of magic (if there is such a thing, of course). Terelle's water painting is becoming exceptionally convenient from a plot point of view, but this type of magic was flagged up from early in book 1, so it's not a cheat, any more than Shale hurling water around is - both are just extensions of a form of magic already in existence.
The book ends, inevitably, with a huge battle (or perhaps a series of battles would be more accurate). I found it a bit difficult to work out exactly where everyone was (the map on my Kindle version is minute) so I was a bit unsure who was going up the hill and who was going down. After a while I stopped trying to work it out and let it flow over me, but then I found myself surprised when Ryka bumped into the Reduners again. The author is remarkably good at gently reminding the reader of key information, and she also describes the scenery very clearly and succinctly, so the fault is mine for not paying proper attention. This was the only point in this or the previous book where I went into 'wait - what?' mode. Not that there aren't twists in the plot, of course, but mostly it's very clear who's where and what's going on.
The book ends with the immediate crisis resolved, but the big long-term problem (the shortage of stormlords to provide water) is still hanging by a thread, and everything is now in place for the final showdown. The Reduners are still looking to return to the pre-stormlord era of random rain, while Shale and Terelle try to find a new source of water power, Ryka and Kaneth head for the dunes, and Laisa, Senya and the priest manoeuvre for their own interests. And Taquar is still around, and will undoubtedly come into play again very soon. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a series so much that I wanted to move straight from one book to the next, but this is one that I just can't put down. Four stars. [First written August 2011]
The events of the previous book and the background of the Scarpen cities and their rainlords and stormlords are sketched in rather briefly here and there, but it might not be enough for anyone coming back to the story after a long gap. The pace is rapid from the start and never lets up, so anyone who's not up to speed on the story so far is liable to get left behind.
All our main characters are trapped in situations not of their making. Terelle is a prisoner of Russet's water-painting magic, Shale is forced to work alongside the devious Taquar, while Ryka and Kaneth are slaves of the Reduners, the dune nomads. This creates real tension, and the plot races along as they all work to set themselves free (with varying degrees of success), although not without useful dialogues which serve to keep the reader well informed about all the various options. It is a little surprising, actually, how often these people sit down in the midst of dire circumstances to talk at great length, and this reaches ridiculous levels near the end when Shale and Ravard hold a full conversation in the middle of a massive battle.
The world-building is necessarily less detailed in this book, but we do move out of the Scarpen cities and into some of the other regions. We saw a little of the Gibber plains last time out, but this time we also see the Red Quarter (home of the dune tribes) and the White Quarter (the salt plains of the Alabaster folk), and both of these are interesting scenically and in their societal structures, as well as giving us some insight into the economics of Quartern life. We haven't yet seen the coast or the mysterious Khromatis region, but perhaps that will come in book 3.
It is nice to learn more about the indigenous lifeforms, notably the seriously scary ziggers, truly the stuff of nightmares, and the ubiquitous pedes, used for both riding and carrying. Rather delightfully, the pedes turn out to have personalities and memory, and even affection for humans who treated them kindly in the past, which is unexpectedly charming. I never would have thought I'd consider giant creepy-crawlies in terms of 'Ah, how sweet!' but that's fantasy for you.
We also learn something of the various religions - the dune gods of the Reduners, the One True God of the Alabasters, and the delightfully earthly origin of the Sungod worshipped in the Scarpen cities, the giver of water-powers. This is hugely entertaining stuff. I particularly liked the thought tossed out, almost as an aside, that the innate water-sensing ability is god-given and not magical at all, while the power of water painting is sorcery and therefore totally evil. This is, of course, a question which should be considered by all fantasy writers (and readers, for that matter) - what exactly is magic anyway?
The characters continue to be interesting and (sometimes) to behave in unexpected ways. The changes to Kaneth as a result of his injuries are particularly intriguing, although his rapid recovery is slightly implausible. Most of the main characters are likeable and believable. The bad guys are still a little too bad to be truly credible, but on the whole (Taquar and Ravard in particular) they have enough depth to be more than just cartoons. I particularly like Kaneth and Ryka (and Kaneth's friend), and all the squabbling rainlords (even Laisa and Senya). And I love the slightly bonkers Iani. And Shale and Terelle are OK too. Shale has grown up big time in this book, although still with an adolescent's peculiar combination of angst and over-confidence, and Terelle is getting there too.
Ravard is especially interesting. I don't suppose the revelation of his identity surprises anyone, but it's still fascinating to see the man he's become. I do have an issue with his behaviour, however. I'm not a psychologist, but I would have expected a boy who was abducted and enslaved, and who then worked his way up to leadership amongst his abductors would have wanted to show the strength of his loyalty by being even more committed to the tenets of his new society than everyone else. The Reduners espouse slavery and rape as well as bravery and warrior skills, yet Ravard keeps no slaves and is remarkably gentle and tolerant with Ryka. In fact, his whole relationship with Ryka felt quite unbelievable to me, given his age and the ethos of the society. Choosing an older woman, and visibly pregnant too? Odd behaviour. Choices of this type would be more consistent with a mature, self-confident character, which Ravard definitely isn't. And yet, the author makes even this bizarre arrangement seem quite understandable.
The magic system is coming into its own now. I was astonished at the number of inventive ways that Shale could find to use his (rather limited) skills to good effect in battle. Who would have thought that a shower of rain would be so effective a weapon? I very much like that all the rainlords have different levels of ability. This makes for a much more realistic type of magic (if there is such a thing, of course). Terelle's water painting is becoming exceptionally convenient from a plot point of view, but this type of magic was flagged up from early in book 1, so it's not a cheat, any more than Shale hurling water around is - both are just extensions of a form of magic already in existence.
The book ends, inevitably, with a huge battle (or perhaps a series of battles would be more accurate). I found it a bit difficult to work out exactly where everyone was (the map on my Kindle version is minute) so I was a bit unsure who was going up the hill and who was going down. After a while I stopped trying to work it out and let it flow over me, but then I found myself surprised when Ryka bumped into the Reduners again. The author is remarkably good at gently reminding the reader of key information, and she also describes the scenery very clearly and succinctly, so the fault is mine for not paying proper attention. This was the only point in this or the previous book where I went into 'wait - what?' mode. Not that there aren't twists in the plot, of course, but mostly it's very clear who's where and what's going on.
The book ends with the immediate crisis resolved, but the big long-term problem (the shortage of stormlords to provide water) is still hanging by a thread, and everything is now in place for the final showdown. The Reduners are still looking to return to the pre-stormlord era of random rain, while Shale and Terelle try to find a new source of water power, Ryka and Kaneth head for the dunes, and Laisa, Senya and the priest manoeuvre for their own interests. And Taquar is still around, and will undoubtedly come into play again very soon. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a series so much that I wanted to move straight from one book to the next, but this is one that I just can't put down. Four stars. [First written August 2011]
July 3, 2017
Good stories poorly written seem to be a bit of a theme as of late. The story here, indeed, keeps on being interesting. The plot is overall a bit more innovative than the first book, which is only good. Indeed, the author also seems to have slightly given up on her tendency to feature every plot twist fifty pages ahead, settling mostly for about ten or five in this volume. One can only hope that this entirely disappears in the next book.
However, even with the above in mind, the story is weighed down by a lot of problems. The main one of these would be, for me, the number of contradictions in the world the story takes place in. The religious systems of the various factions are an example of this, but there are many others: the "'Baster" accent is another one of the very annoying things, where an entire race (nation? faction?) is differentiated by the fact they use a single tense wrong and always say "Ye" instead of "You". I mean... surely, the author could have thought of something more? Something imaginative perhaps?
The characters are likewise shallow and meaningless. Ryka's ridiculous adventures strain my patience with the number of u-turns she goes through, especially with every fourth thought of hers being the same; Davim and his successor are fools, having no grasp of strategy or planning; Tarquar is 'evil' because he is bored (what a jolly good reason!); Terelle's thoughts are articulated as if she was five; etc. The only person with a modicum of moral complexity is our stormlord, who is thereby also rendered incapable of acting. Overall, the only character who has managed to maintain being interesting is Iani.
I will only add here that I will read the third book, more because of I don't like not knowing what's going to happen rather than looking forward to the book, but that's that.
However, even with the above in mind, the story is weighed down by a lot of problems. The main one of these would be, for me, the number of contradictions in the world the story takes place in. The religious systems of the various factions are an example of this, but there are many others: the "'Baster" accent is another one of the very annoying things, where an entire race (nation? faction?) is differentiated by the fact they use a single tense wrong and always say "Ye" instead of "You". I mean... surely, the author could have thought of something more? Something imaginative perhaps?
The characters are likewise shallow and meaningless. Ryka's ridiculous adventures strain my patience with the number of u-turns she goes through, especially with every fourth thought of hers being the same; Davim and his successor are fools, having no grasp of strategy or planning; Tarquar is 'evil' because he is bored (what a jolly good reason!); Terelle's thoughts are articulated as if she was five; etc. The only person with a modicum of moral complexity is our stormlord, who is thereby also rendered incapable of acting. Overall, the only character who has managed to maintain being interesting is Iani.
I will only add here that I will read the third book, more because of I don't like not knowing what's going to happen rather than looking forward to the book, but that's that.
November 19, 2021
After 2 time skips of 4 years each, the plot is going along coherently. But there is a serious lack of character development. They cooked up Taril and Jasper with very strange morals in tact without previous indications. Both hopelessly naive; doesn't want to hurt anyone, doesn't agree with enslavement, doesn't want to kill even the antagonist whom tortured and murdered their family. I'm not against this notion, I'm saying it doesn't make any sense when 100% of people they interact with lead with the example of doing the opposite. Our social behavior doesn't grow out of our marrow, we have to learn it. And when eventually when it comes back and bites them in the ass; which it will; they still won't learn. How do these characters not die in a ditch at the age of 5 and other more careful characters gets struck by lightning? Plot armor?
March 26, 2025
Stormlord Rising by Glenda Larke is the second book in the Stormlord trilogy. This one picks up right where the first book left off. Shale, now calling himself Jasper Bloodstone, has become a Stormlord but still cannot bring rain without help. He finds he must rely on his enemy, Lord Taquar. They form an uneasy alliance for the good of Scrapen. Meanwhile, a pregnant Ryka has been kidnapped by Kher Ravard and is taken back to the Red Quarter with little hope of escape. Terelle is also taken away against her will by Russet Kermies. As they journey toward the White Quarter on their way to Khromatis, she plots to escape, but she soon finds that she is bound to Russet by his water magic. It will take all three together to free the Quartern of the violence and division and return a Stormlord to power to provide the much needed life saving water.
December 22, 2023
I did like this more than the first one, though there is still a lot of dark stuff (sex slavery, death, war, etc) and some of the conflicts feel manufactured. My favorite character from the first book gets a lot more time here which I liked (though unfortunately she is one of the aforementioned sex slaves), and I am still invested in the two main characters. There were some parts that just made me like cringe though, and some obvious things that take too long to be revealed. I do think the magic stuff is cool and I enjoy the politics and plotting. Onto book three. B+.
April 23, 2019
Middle book in a trilogy. Excellent world-building: I love the myriapedes and water tokens as currency and the way clouds covering the night stars freaked people out. Book one ended with the fall of Breccia and the main characters in varying degrees of trouble. The story picks up immediately after book one, though it does focus a lot more on Ryka (who had only a minor plotline in book one) as she had a more dynamic storyline in the first half of the book. But worry not, there is still plenty of Terelle and Shale as they come fully into their powers. A strong ending.
September 16, 2018
What starts as separate hopeless struggles against a common foe ramps up into a breakneck fight of desperation. Side characters are further fleshed out with consequence, the younger ones come into their own, and world events truly come to a new head. Larke spares little mercy for your favorite characters, instead holding them in corners to test them as well as the reader. A satisfying nail biter to the end
October 19, 2024
This has all the time-honoured, familiar pieces of great fantasy, but somehow put together in a way that feels new. It’s fresh and exciting and full of detail. Great characters with real depth. Their stories are woven together in a way that’s compelling and familiar, but not always predictable. Simply put, it’s excellent.
December 11, 2021
Solid sequel to the first book; characters are still strong and enjoyable, not falling into stereotypes. The ending might have covered all the bases a little too easily, but this is an enjoyable series and I'll be wanting to read the third.
April 13, 2024
I stayed up till after 4 am reading, it was so good and I didn't want to put it down. The book had unexpected twists and turns and kept me on my toes. I hadn't read book 1 but still enjoyed it so much. Reminded me in some ways of Brandon Sanderson's cosmere.
July 2, 2025
Following up from the malestorm from the first book, this takes it to another level. Jade figures out how to escape and become a stormlord. Leading an army, defeats an army of Redrunners.
Now to see how the third book rolls out. Will there be others? Will the gods come back?
Now to see how the third book rolls out. Will there be others? Will the gods come back?
July 18, 2018
A great to sequel to an a really good book. I can't wait to see where the series goes next
March 10, 2019
A great continuation of the Stormlord series, left me excited to continue the third book.
June 22, 2019
If you liked the first book, you'll like this book.
April 10, 2021
It is fantastic!
January 30, 2024
I enjoyed this natural continuation of the story started in the first book. Shale is coming into his own as a stormlord and finds himself betrayed by Laisa and under Taquar's thumb. He must work to get out from under his thumb while supplying the Quartern with water and repelling attacks from rebel Reduners.
Ryka having been taken by the Reduners along with her husband who lost his memory. She must fine a way to escape and save their baby, if only he could remember her.
Terelle is on a search for her homeland, driven by a waterpainting.
The author does a good job about keeping you engaged with the characters, keeping lots of challenges and finds creative ways for the characters to solve them, and throws in a couple twists.
Ryka having been taken by the Reduners along with her husband who lost his memory. She must fine a way to escape and save their baby, if only he could remember her.
Terelle is on a search for her homeland, driven by a waterpainting.
The author does a good job about keeping you engaged with the characters, keeping lots of challenges and finds creative ways for the characters to solve them, and throws in a couple twists.
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