User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Daughter of Lies and Ruin is book 2 of a triology. I haven't read the first book, but I find it safe to say one can read this book as a stand alone.
Dee is a young woman who is an apprenticeship with a witch named Aleida. As Dee and Aleida are travelling to donate some cursed money to a convent when they find strange occurances happening. Dee ends up meeting Kara who is staying at the convent under authority of Lord Belmont because her dad has been missing for several months and as a young lady, she has no parental guidance. Dee is hell bent on finding her dad and she will go to any length to find him.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a quick, easy YA fantasy read. I liked Dee and Aleida's characters. Dee always sees the good in someone which could get her in trouble at times and this seems to drive Aleida crazy.
I guess I need to read the first book to see it fills any missings gaps I may have overlooked.
All in all, I would recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 for this egalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Rating: really liked it
A sequel to A Curse of Ash and Embers which I have been meaning to get to for quite a while (Incidentally I blame Sarah Maas for the Object of Whatever and Whatever, and I find it incredibly difficult to remember this kind of titles. I really wish this had not become a trend).
It is kind of difficult to describe the exact texture of this series, but it is girl-centric, a peasant girl is sent to be servant to a witch, and in the meanwhile gets involved in a lot of witch business and becomes herself an apprentice to one. And Dee´s PoV and her interaction with her teacher is just a joy, Dee is so likeable, so relatable, so pragmatic but kind. There is a realism, no-nonsense to the universe described here which also somehow makes the magic more believable and the characters far more interesting. And the teacher is also a fantastic character.
But I liked this second book less, found it less compelling than the first. I think my issue was this was basically a side quest in the story of the Blackbone Witches. I get the feeling we will get more stories set in this universe, but despite there being real danger to our main characters, it still felt somewhat secondary, in the lack of some bigger plot motivation for our main characters (lifting a curse would be, or some romantic interest or whatever). This is probably not making any sense but I can not describe it any better...
Incidentally the awareness, the talks Dee and Aleida have about interfering, about the motivations of other characters, are just fantastically rich in awareness of ethics, morality.
Rating: really liked it
The story begins several months after the conclusion of A Curse of Ash and Embers, and the relationship between Dee and Aleida has grown quite a bit from the first book. Throughout the first book, the characters were getting to know and understand each other, as well as the new situations they were thrust into. Now, they are more comfortable with each other and seem to understand each other well. Aleida and Dee have embraced the roles of mentor and mentee, and their ease with each other shows that they are close companions with trust and a strong connection.
No longer the naïve and innocent girl who first arrived, Dee has become more confident and self-assured. I like that she is gaining confidence and a sense of belonging. Though she still longs for things that were missing in her past, Dee has found a new family in Aleida. Aleida, in turn, has learned from Dee and isn’t as hard and uncompromising as before. These women are so different in how they think about and deal with the world around them. They contrast each other, and yet they complement each other well.
I love the depiction of strong, powerful women who aren’t daunted by the obstacles that stand in their way. Aleida, in particular, embodies female empowerment and independence. Kara, a young woman searching for her missing father, is another strong, determined character who refuses to listen to the men that try to control her. She is a woman of action, and I like her fiery personality. Of course, there is more to Kara than meets the eye, which totally surprised me! Dee, no longer obedient to her abusive step-father, is finally free to think, speak, and act without fear of retribution. There are so many messages about sisterhood and the strength of women, which is one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
The supernatural elements continue to expand and remain intriguing. We learn more about Dee and Aleida’s abilities, which are so fascinating. Abilities like being able to inhabit the bodies of animals or being able to travel to different worlds are explored. As Dee and Aleida travel throughout the book, they also work on their magic. Even though they have different strengths, Aleida has much she can teach Dee. Of course, this becomes even more imperative as nefarious forces threaten both Dee and Aleida, and Aleida’s curse still hasn’t been cured.
Daughter of Lies and Ruin is an engaging addition to the Tales of Blackbone Witches, and I’m excited to continue the series. Adventure, mystery, magic, and an epic fight scene make for an engrossing read, though there are some parts that felt a bit slow for me. It is the second book in the series, and though you could read it as a standalone, I think reading the first book would provide important context for readers. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Voyager, and Jo Spurrier for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: really liked it
I love that this jumped right into some action. No easing in, just continuing the story where it left off. I really enjoyed this book, it had great pacing and an interesting plot with a lot more magic. We also got to see some magical beings, like earth elementals that were pretty cool. The main plot of this book was wrapped up, but there are still loose threads with Aleida's curse and another dark witch so I hope there will be another book!
Dee's character development was the only thing I didn't like. I felt like she went backward and was less mature and more whiny. She constantly badgered Aleida to do magic to help others, even when they're criminals and it's not her problem. Then when Aleida is clearly drained and weak, she still berates her for not trying. On the other hand, Aleida is awesome and when she pushed Dee to solve things herself, I cheered her on. She's a great witch and trying her best and my favorite part of the story.
The fight at the end did not disappoint. A lot went on and the characters were pushed to their limits. I liked seeing everyone work together and what the magic can accomplish. This went by quickly for me and I'll be on the lookout for a third book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Voyager and Edelweiss for the copy.
Rating: really liked it
Daughter of Lies and Ruin by Jo Spurrier is the second book in the Tales of the Blackbone Witches, following on (in an episodic way) from A Curse of Ash and Embers, which I previously reviewed and which introduces the main characters. Although the second book follows on from the first, the stories in both are entirely self-contained.
In Daughter of Lies and Ruin we see Dee and Aleida on the road, tending to some business in another region, when they start noticing strange magical things happening around them. When Aleida says they shouldn't get involved... well what stories would there be if protagonists could ignore trouble when they stumbled upon it?
In this book the dynamic between Dee and Aleida is very different to the first book. They are no longer getting to know each other and have fallen into a stable teacher-apprentice relationship, wherein both characters influence the other. So while Aleida teaches Dee magic, it's also nice to see Dee's empathy starting to rub off (a tiny bit) on Aleida. I also appreciated the aspect of magical worldbuilding whereby different witches have different strengths and Dee does not have the same strengths as her teacher so can't necessarily be taught directly in all forms of magic.
And then there's the new characters we meet in this book. We get another spunky teenaged girl, but one who is spunky in a different way to Dee (and introduces her to the concept of trousers on women), there's a surprising number of bandits, and an antagonist who isn't even doing it out of malice. I won't say more for fear of spoiling too much, but the combination made for an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed Daughter of Lies and Ruin and I recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first book or who enjoys epic fantasy. I believe this series is being marketed as YA, however, although the protagonist is sixteen, it feels more like a BFF (big fat fantasy) book to me than a YA book (lengthwise it's probably somewhere between BFF and YA). Jo Spurrier continues to be one of my favourite Aussie fantasy writers, and I will continue buying every book she writes.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
Rating: really liked it
I have received this ARC from NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.I'm not going to lie here guys. When I saw that I was accepted to read this lovely eARC from both NG and Edelweiss I freaked out. Mostly because I knew I enjoyed the crap out the previous book and I was really hoping that
Daughter of Lies and Ruin wasn't going to disappoint me.
Well, it didn't but I definitely didn't like Dee in this one. It's like her character development went downhill a bit. It's weird to me that she didn't really improve in this one because I remember wanting her to grow a backbone in the first book. Now in this one, she is just really naïve and whines so freaking much.
Besides Dee, there's Aledia and honestly I love this girl. I didn't think she could become better but she definitely improved and I'm so happy for that. She was a bad ass and I loved her sass. I just didn't like how Dee was like can you do this and this and this. Like excuse me.. look at this poor witch and realize that maybe you can do something so she can take a nap or something. Hot damn!
In the end, the action was so freaking good and I can't wait for their next adventure. I really hope Dee gets better because if not .. I don't know how I'm going to feel.
Rating: really liked it
Another awesome adventure for the Blackbone witches. In this second book in the series we saw the relationship between Elodie and her mentor Aleida grow. Elodie still has lots to learn about being a witch but she is starting to hold her own more. This book took them away from the cottage and helped to build more of the magical work that they live in. I love the traditional style of magic in these books and cannot wait to read the next instalment.
Rating: really liked it
as fun as the first one, maybe a better story or rounded characters but maybe just maybe a bit lacking in the charm of the first book, or maybe i was looking for more than the first book, had higher expectations. :)
note you can read this without reading the first book, it's a separate story. and i am looking forward to the third story.
Rating: really liked it
Elodie Blackbone is an apprentice sorceress, bygone is the young woman denied an education and labouring on her family farm, now disciplined in the artistry of witchcraft under the guidance of Aleida Blackbone. The two new companions have departed the Black Oak Cottage in Lilsfield and travelling the dusty, lonely roads when ambushed by a band of roadside bandits ransacking the wares and treasures of stagecoaches and travelling merchants.
Elodie is no longer the naive young woman summoned to the Black Oak Cottage and although she's wisened to the world of sorcery and alchemy, the young apprentice is continuously experimenting with her newfound abilities under Aleida's guidance. Elodie has the ability to inhabit the body of wildlife and birds, often soaring high about the landscape and observing their journey from the skies. Unlike Aleida, Elodie also has the ability to walk between worlds, opening a fissure and guided by an ethereal sprite.
Aleida slayed Gyssha Blackbone and the protege has now become the mentor, albeit cursed by her predecessor. Weakened by the fissure opening to the otherworld, Aleida and Elodie depart the cottage, along the journey they meet the stoic and resolute Kara, being held at the local abbey since her father disappeared. Armed with her sword, Kara has enlisted the aid of local bandits to escape and is searching for her father, an outlaw masquerading as a mercenary while throughout the arduous, backbreaking landscape, an otherworldly disturbance is gathering. Men have become monsters, manipulated by a mage taking shelter in the desolate mountains.
Kara is an interesting character, surly and unapologetically ambitious. Kara has been unwillingly taken into the care of the abbey, devising her escape to find her father as the arrival of Aleida and Elodie provides the opportunity to disappear under the cover of darkness. Although her father is an outlaw, Kara remembers her father for his kindness, a gentle father and loyal friend and after Elodie's insistence, Aleida reluctantly agrees to assist the young brusque woman. The conflict and intensity within Elodie and Aleida's tentative friendship emanates from Kara and their conflicting opinions. Elodie's humble beginnings have resurfaced as a humanitarian crusade, playing the role of saviour especially where Kara is concerned. She constantly undermines Aleida, questioning her judgement and expertise. It's frustrating but an important learning moment for Elodie, it also brought out a compassionate and gentleness from Aleida who masks her emotions.
The subtle attraction between Elodie and Kara is enchanting, although it seems to impair Elodie's judgement and her ability to make rational decisions. Given her interest in Kian in A Curse of Ash and Embers, Elodie may identify as being bisexual. Friendship and sisterhood are the central focus of the Witches of Blackbone series, independent women in an environment where women are chaperoned by men, often dominated by men and their significance determined by men. Capable women with the ability to slain grown men, those who share a quiet resilience, who encourage and endure. The sisterhood who are reclaiming their sovereignty.
Simply magical.
Rating: really liked it
Originally posted on my blog.
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This is book 2 in the 'Tale of the Blackbone Witches' series (my review for book 1 is here) and my excitement could not be contained when I got my hands on an early copy of 'Daughter of Lies & Ruin'. We find out what comes next for our protagonist, Dee, who is an apprentice to the sardonic, morally grey badass witch Aleida and learning how to wield her own nascent magical abilities.
In the first book, Dee's arc revolved around discovering her inner strength and struggling to deal with the baggage that comes with an unhappy childhood where she was considered little more than the (unpaid) help, whose only value lay in performing menial household chores and looking after her step-siblings. I appreciate that the emotional scarring which naturally affects anyone raised in that situation isn't paid lip service and then promptly forgotten - Dee has more self-worth and confidence in her abilities this time round, but she's still prone to doubting herself and giving in to her insecurities. It's much more realistic this way, rather than developing magical abilities and instantly being cured of all self-doubt!
What I love best about this series is the bond between Dee and Aleida, who is by no means a warm & fuzzy woman, but her brand of stern unwavering faith in Dee and no-nonsense championing of her apprentice even when Dee doesn't believe in herself is so heartwarming. Aleida is a fan of the tough love approach, which is hilarious when Dee is looking for a softer form of validation, but you never doubt that she does care for Dee. A female mentor supporting her protege and helping her grow is something I don't see much in fiction and I adore every bit of it here!
When the story begins, Dee and Aleida have hit the road and are travelling beyond Black Oak Cottage, which was the main setting of the first book. It's fun getting to see more of this enchanting world as the author expands our horizons with a range of exotic creatures and magical abilities explored in this book. The teacher/student dynamic between Aleida and Dee means that there's no annoying info-dumping as details are smoothly incorporated into the story with Dee learning alongside the reader. I love the old-school way witchcraft is depicted with wands & crystals and herbs & incense in a manner reminiscent of Wiccan rituals, making it seem more grounded, and then the next moment we find the ladies taking over the minds of birds and soaring through the skies to see the lay of the land! The skillful writing easily immerses the reader into the narrative and while the high stakes in this book involve complicated rituals and interdimensional entities, the action is easy to envisage in your mind's eye.
While there's a lot to enjoy here, one flaw I can't overlook is Dee's frustrating new habit of questioning Aleida, calling her cold-hearted and undermining her in front of others. The first book was more balanced between Dee's tender heart and Aleida's ruthless pragmatism with both presented as equally valid, but in this book, Dee appeared exceptionally naive in expecting Aleida to save every single person and right every wrong, no matter the cost. I waited for the moment where she would finally realize the situation wasn't that black & white, but it never came. I didn't understand why she cared so much about violent bandits and a petulant conniving young woman with no respect or loyalty to them rather than the woman who has taken her in and mentored her, but your mileage may vary on this point.
Overall, the complex well-rounded characters, captivating writing and vivid world-building make this a treat for fantasy readers. If you haven't started this series, I highly recommend you pick up 'A Curse of Ash & Embers'; if you're already a fan, then hurray, the wait is over as 'Daughter of Lies & Ruin' comes out tomorrow!
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Disclaimer: Physical copy provided by publisher free for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: really liked it
An enjoyable entry in The Blackbone Witches series!! This book picks up fairly quickly after the events in A Curse of Ash and Embers, with Aleida and Dee on the road and taking a break from Black Oak Cottage. Dee has been learning quite a bit of magic, although she still has many doubts about her abilities and place in the world. Aleida wants to use some of the ill gotten gains from Gyssha to do some good and so they stop at an abbey to give them a goodly sum of money. There they meet a young girl, Kara, who is staying there because her father has disappeared. Dee befriends her and of course gets drawn into all the drama of trying to rescue Kara's father. This leads to ambushes, fights with griffins, and another witch trying to summon a hell beast. Just another adventure for Aleida and Dee.
I felt the pacing was much better in this book compared to book 1. Events seemed to flow much more evenly, it of course helped that I was already familiar with the characters and the world, so it was much easier to get engaged in the story. I like the progression of the relationship between Aleida and Dee, and Dee finding her abilities and her confidence. I enjoyed all the action, the creatures , the different magical spells and Toro!! A fun and engaging world!!
ARC provided by Harper360 and Netgalley
Rating: really liked it
3.5 Stars
You can read my full review on my blog here.
I'd have enjoyed this book better if Elodie hadn't annoyed me so much. She looked at this world with rose-colored glasses and denied that Kara couldn't have lied to her. It was just too much for me to bear, and if not for Aleida's patience and wits, I'd have DNF-ed this one for sure.
It's not every day I get to read about witches meeting griffins on the road or escaping hellions using them.
Daughter of Lies and Ruin is a promising sequel that uncovers the darkness that's waiting to devour the people inside-out. Some of my questions went unanswered, but I'm hoping that the next book won't fail to answer them.
(Thanks a ton to the author, Harper Voyager, and Edelweiss for sending me the DRC in exchange for an honest review.)
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Rating: really liked it
I didn't vibe as hard with this book as I did with the first.
I didn't understand why Dee was so committed to saving Kara from her own choices, and so committed to befriending this girl who clearly was not looking for her friendship. Eventually I just came to the conclusion that Dee has been trained to care for people who want to use and abuse her, but it wasn't a satisfying conclusion to come to.
I also didn't understand why Aleida moralized about how all the highway robber people were inherently bad and had not a peep to say about how the lords hoarding wealth creates poverty. She's so cynical and aware of everything else, defending wealth hoarders seemed inconsistent.
CW: ritual killing of animals/pets, references to state sanctioned killings
Rating: really liked it
[Nothing is as it seems in
Daughter of Lies and Ruin. All of the characters have ulterior motives, secrets hidden, and frien
Rating: really liked it
This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins - Voyager in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was an adventure in the making. All of the characters had a significant meaning that was easy to relate to all escaping and wanting the same thing. At first, I thought everyone was looking to kill the witch but it just so happens that Elodie herself has multiple personalities and she transforms into the evil witch herself and nobody saw it coming. This is why I absolutely love books like this with plot twists. I know our teen book club will really enjoy it and will not be expecting what's to come and I can't wait to discuss it with them.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
