Ashley
Written on Jul 14, 2018
As the end of an age approaches, blood soaks the earth, twisted prophecies wield immeasurable power and tyrants demand impossible sacrifices
Prince Alexander of Macedon’s mind has been touched by an incomprehensible evil, even as his betrothed travels from afar to unite their kingdoms against a terrible darkness that threatens both realms: the Spirit Eaters.
From the distant shores of Illyria to a small deserted island, the deadly consequences of Smoke Blood magic loom and lost civilizations emerge to reveal the existence of a weapon that may do the impossible—kill the last living god. As magic rises and warriors clash, the fate of all Macedon rests in the hands of the unstable prince and those whose loyalty can no longer be trusted.
- ISBN10 037321233X
- ISBN13 9780373212330
- Publish Date 27 June 2017
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Harlequin Teen
- Edition Original ed.
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 336
- Language English
Reviews
jeannamichel
Written on Jul 18, 2017
The adventures continue in Reign of Serpents, the third book in the Blood of Gods and Royals series. Alexander is not acting himself, not only has he gone back on everything he has fought so hard to accomplish while in power, but his eyes have changed color. Something seems amiss. When Princess Cynane’s ship docks on her betrothed’s land, she soon realizes her husband-to-be is insane. She must be cautious in her plan to gain the power that is her birthright. Eleanor Herman, once again, surprises readers with gorgeous stories and well-written characters that intricately weave fact into fiction.
It wouldn't be a book of the Blood of Gods and Royals series without a gigantic cast of characters. Herman does a fantastic job at making each of her characters’ point-of-views unique enough to differentiate between. Although, the perspectives change with every chapter. At first, it is a bit confusing; however, readers will quickly adapt, falling prey to the complex and developed plot.
I highly recommend binge reading this series. This way, you won't need a refresher and you can jump into each storyline without confusion.
There seemed to be several time gaps. To disguise them, Herman adds even more perspectives to the ever growing cast. However, I wished the book was a bit longer, not only to stay in the immersive world of true history and fiction but also to fill in the time gaps so the plot flows even more elegantly.
Aristotle makes his character debut in Empire of Dust. Aristotle is given a much larger role in Reign of Serpents. It's such a surprise. Herman captures Aristotle's curiosity gorgeously, having his character stay true to life in his research but also developing further when faced with magical obstacles.
Exactly as the two previous books—since there is such a large cast of characters—readers will not know when the story of each character will end. Unfortunately, readers are left with so many questions regarding different characters because of this. A "wait, but what about this character" sort of reaction which will have you returning for the next and final installment.
The book begins with a bang. When Herman starts the book nearly right where readers left off with each character, I knew right then we were in for a treat. She wasted absolutely no time in setting up the story, just threw us right into the action, amongst all the stories happening simultaneously.
With each book in the series, I've always picked a favorite story arc but with Reign of Serpents, I couldn't find a favorite. Each story was action packed with on-the-edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it would be too difficult to pick just one.
I can imagine how fun this book must have been to write as it was tons of fun to read. With high expectations and even higher stakes, Reign of Serpents does not disappoint.
Don’t miss the author’s note in the back of the book. Not only does it emphasize how Herman has intertwined true history with that of her fiction, but the facts are extremely interesting.
Reign of Serpents is an unforgettable adventure. Eleanor Herman sweeps readers off their feet. The novel will have them hungry for more, eagerly awaiting the sequel.