Customer Reviews

Shadow War (The Ruby Throne Trilogy, Book 2)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book takes place over a year after the finish of 'Reign of Shadows'. Caelan is now a champion gladiator and the most famous slave in the city, still fighting to try and regain his freedom. He is a changed man from the first book, as the continual slaughter has made him cynical and he has developed and an almost stupid loyalty to his master Prince Tirhin..

Elandra is about to be crowned empress in her own right, but can she hold the throne with plots of treason and betrayal surrounding her? Caelan discovers a treasonous plot that could bring down the empire and end all they know, even before the emperor dies, but can he, a mere slave, get the emperors ear and warn him before it comes to fruition?

Caelan and Elandra finally cross paths in this book, the plot of which takes place over a few days. Its an enjoyable novel, slightly marred by great jumps in unexplained time, whether this will be a series worth reading again will be determined by how well book 3 in the series brings together the plot threads in books 1 and 2. I'm not sure if this deserves 3 or 4 stars, but given I haven't read the conclusion yet, I'll go with 4.

The second installment in the Ruby Throne trilogy, Shadow War picks up where the first (also awesome) book left off, and doesn't let go. Caelan's trials as a slave/gladiator are awesomely detailed (great fight scenes), and the growing tension between him and Elandra is a great prelude to the third book. I was dying to know how it would all turn out. This is a truly amazing series and I hated having to wait for the third installment. Caelan's dual powers of healing and destruction (severance and sevaisin) are beautifully described, and very believable. Chester's colorful, sensuous settings and writing style really sets a great mood - I couldn't put these books down. I can't wait for her to write another series!

It was not as good as the first one... but a great book just the same. I love fantasies and this was surely one. The characters are enough to fall in love with and the story... although somewhat predictable... was thrilling and creative. Excellant.

I love this trilogy. Deborah Chester makes you feel all the feelings the characters in the book feel. Deborah Chester has yet to disappoint me.

I bought the book knowing it was used and in acceptable condition. The front cover of the novel received was torn 'quarterway' down, not halfway. More than half of the pages were folded inward round the edges - no further damage than mentioned. Personally, I am satisfied with the book's condition being better than expected. I've read the prequel 'Reign of Shadows' several years ago. If were not for author Deborah Chester's admirable story-writing skills, I would have been neither attached to the characters nor eager to read the sequel 'Shadow War'. Parts of betrayal and hopelessness were most emotional for me. Caelan's fate advises one not to be spoiled but satisfied with what is given. If one such person as Caelan exist, I would admire that person for doing what most could not. Shadow War (The Ruby Throne Trilogy, Book 2)

This was a great book, I don't know if it was a good as the first one but it was really good. I love Deborah chesters books this series in my oppinion was almost or just as good and the Sword the Ring and the Chalice triligy. A must read.

This book is an excellent follow-up to Book 1. The story really takes off and keeps you interested!

The first book is better than this one. It was a good read but I was hoping for more after the first. The characters in the story are flimsy, not reallife and the plot is predictable. If you liked the first book then I recommend that you buy the second in order to see what is going to happen. However I would not recommend that you buy the third book. I do not have the third and I do not expect to buy it in the future either.

An extremely disappointing sequel to a promising 1st novel. Reign of Shadows looked like it would become a series of at least decent quality, but suddenly dropped by the 2nd novel. I thought, what the hell, it'll still be good for nice bouts of mindless reading. Nope.