Post AZWPrTULLaK9p8PLw8 by lesleesheu@www.minds.com
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 (DIR) Post #AZWPrTULLaK9p8PLw8 by lesleesheu@www.minds.com
       2023-09-07T04:11:30+00:00
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Here is my review of Fatal Whims, the second book in the Wilting Blood series by @mekebesequence. It's a very entertaining mortals vs. vampires high fantasy story. Special thanks to @mattwaterhouseauthor, who read the book around the same time I did, which made it twice as fun. Two great authors whose works I can highly recommend.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBZPRSDK-------------------------------------Fatal Whims takes place in the aftermath of the Blutsauger goddess Aswia's re-awakening. She has disappeared again, however, so there is a respite from battle as everyone wonders where she is and prepares for her inevitable next move. This breather allows for building on Isaac's story and introducing new characters to the series. The calm doesn't last long, as near the end of the book the magic-wielding Mortals and terrifying Bluts clash once again in grisly battle. Random thoughts in no particular order:— The Wilting Blood series is full of colorful and memorable characters. I think it's one of this author's greatest strengths. Every new character introduced in Fatal Whims adds a different and interesting layer to the story. I can't say more without spoiling things. (Lani in particular was the subject of much water-cooler talk between myself and a friend who read the book at the same time.)— I love that the reader is shown fairly quickly exactly where Aswia is and what she's up to. As with the first book, we get the POV of many different characters, whether they are Mortals or Bluts. — There are many scenes in Fatal Whims that have a cinematic look and feel, just like in the first book. It's another strength of this author and series.— There is a surprising amount of humor that fits perfectly well within the dark and gory tone of the story. The humor usually comes in the form of dry and witty banter from characters like J'heno and Ishtin (a slightly less sadistic soul-brother to J'heno, I'd say). I chuckled out loud several times while reading.— The concept of servitors is explored more in this book, with a tie-in to Isaac's character growth which is really satisfying. That's not to mention several other magic concepts and creatures that are introduced and/or given special attention in this book. — One of my favorite things about Fatal Whims is how we get a lot more of Captain Cinq Nadine and his adopted daughter Velonia. We get their back story and we get to see them both in action. They are not the only intriguing characters in Fatal Whims, but they might be my favorites.— It's really hard to describe without spoilers, but another favorite aspect is the callbacks to what Isaac lost in the first book, and how in this part of the story he has a new opportunity for friendship with someone his own age. Not only that, but I think it's the first time we've seen Isaac have an intentional, positive impact on another person and that person's growth.— I've barely touched on the actual mysteries and plot that play out in this book but suffice to say it had me enthralled.I have a few minor quibbles with Fatal Whims, for which I'd give the book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.— I was frustrated with one of the main characters because he had some information that he very much should have shared with the one person who would want that information. I didn't really buy his reasons for continually keeping the information and troubles to himself.— It was difficult to get a handle on the passage of time in this book. I was surprised when I realized months had passed instead of days.— There are some questionable grammar choices/habits that crop up occasionally in the prose. For the most part, the prose is absorbing and reads very smoothly. So whenever these repeated grammar "quirks" happened, it would stick out to me and distract me from the story. Note, it's very possible that these are just grammar pet peeves of mine. Other readers might not be bothered by it or even notice it.Despite these quibbles, I loved this book because it was hard to put down. I love the larger-than-life characters and the cinematic storytelling. Highly recommended.