Building on the story of Smoke and Summons, this volume tackles a few of the questions left unanswered in the first book, while bringing up even more. The world continues to be full of grit and ash, with darker shadows growing in the background. Holmberg continues to push outside the comfort zone of her previous works--to stirring effect.

I'm a bit conflicted--some parts of the book were a bit hard to get through, others I couldn't read fast enough; some characters were underwhelming, others took a strong hold on my emotions. In the end, though, I left this book eager to read the next volume in the trilogy, and that feeling speaks for itself. All in all, a solid 3.5 star sequel.

Unlike some other sequels, this book almost certainly requires you to have read book one to really get the most out of the plot. A lot of the character development and plot points hang off the events of the first book, most significantly the relationship between the two POV characters Rone and Sandis. Keep that in mind when you’re thinking about reading this. I actually don’t think this will be too much of an issue since the majority of readers are likely to be Kindle Unlimited readers and you may as well read both books if you can read them for ‘free’. However, if you’re a ‘read the strange thing that came through in the Kindle deal email’ like me then you should certainly look to read Smoke and Summons first.

Let’s talk about Rone and Sandis for a moment, since the emotional arc of the book is tied around these two. This book does on occasion walk into that difficult ‘oh just talk to each other’ place that second books can so often get to. I’m not sure if it was made clear enough why they couldn’t just explain their feelings to one another for any reason other than stubbornness. Perhaps I’m being overly picky but that is one of the things that can so clearly mark out a sequel and it’s a particular pet peeve of mine. Having said that, if that kind of angst building towards something more is something that you happen to enjoy then I think this would be an excellent book for you – to each their own!

This book didn’t go quite so far into explaining the metaphysic of the world as I might have liked, it still isn’t quite clear where the creatures that are summoned into human vessels come from and why Sandis has such a connection with hers. I am assuming that these things will be explained in book three and that I won’t be left with Lemony Snicket levels of untied threads – yes I am still bitter. Since I know book three will presumably be out at some point soon (if the current track record is anything to go by) then I’m not too bothered about having to wait for an explanation.

What I did think was good was that this book took the human depravity of the first book and pushed it even further. I can’t really say too much more without spoiling anything but suffice to say this wasn’t just a continuation of the plot of book one, this goes further – and it’s a little unsettling.

This book has Holmberg’s familiar ‘easy-to-read’ style that’s so familiar from The Paper Magician and so forth, but it dwells far more on the darker details than the previous trilogy did. What I think is good is that Holmberg manages to balance the more romantic aspect of this story with the darker fantasy portions, without drifting into the more weird territory that we went to in Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet. It’s a good read.

I ended up giving this book three out of five stars, I definitely enjoyed reading it but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to re-read it any time soon. I’ll be very interested to see how these books fare as a completed series and where these characters end up!

My rating: 3/5 stars

I received a free digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

*** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***



The follow-up to Smoke and Summons continues straight on. Sandis is no longer connected to her demon of choice, but is safe and free from the (presumed dead) Kazen. Rone is still separated from his mother and running out of time to cross the border and escape the troubled country.

The story focuses more on the characters' feelings than before (where the first book was largely aimless wandering and fighting), with Sandis torn between staying with the only family she has (her estranged uncle) and knowing that he is using her for her powers, as her former master had done. Rone is desperate to escape the country but cannot bear to be parted from Sandis, and there is unspoken tension between them.

The book sees more of the underworld of the city explored as the main characters team up with some undesirables to try and overcome their main enemy.

There are some typical twists and turns along the way, most of which are fairly predictable. The action sequences are good, but I found myself speed-reading the final quarter just to get finished.

A decent story and even though short feels like it could have been edited a bit more. I think I will read the concluding part when it is released, as the ending of this book teased what could be some excited conflicts.

Myths & Mortals (Numina Trilogy,Book 2)
by Charlie N. Holmberg
due 4-16-2019
47 North
4.5 / 5.0

Charlie N. Holmberg has done it again! This series, Numina Trilogy, started out strong, but this one is even better. Her fantastic world building draws you into a place of fascination, mystique and intrigue. Of good and evil. Of Celestials and Noscons; Grifters and Riggers. This is world full of choice and full of emotional tugs, it carries a message and an incentive to think for yourself, and what defines good and evil for you....and how can you be sure....
The last books leaves Rone with hard choices and facing his growing affection for Sandis. In this one we learn more about Sandis life, her family conflicts, and see her become increasingly distrustful. We are also introduced to a new vessel, Bastien and we continue the search and chase for Kazan.
This is a strong and fun series, with a deep yet subtle message that is unforgettable.
Thanks to 47 North for this ebook ARC for review.
#MythsAndMortals #netgalley

Thanks netgalley for the ARC

All I can say is I loved this book. It was exciting, fun and entertaining. It was so original and new that it was a fun read.

Thank you, Netgalley and 47North, for the ARC of Charlie Holmberg's Myths and Mortals. I am so pleased to jump right into the series, with books one and two being available for ARC review within days of each other. I am not sure if book three will be available with the same alacrity, since there is no information on Holmberg's website, but book two left me wanting more! I recently reviewed book one of this trilogy, Smoke and Summons, so the details were fresh in my mind as I read through Myths. 

My Take

Book two picks up very rapidly from where book one left off, with Sandis and Rone meeting her uncle and Sandis having the "aha!" moment that she really cannot trust a single person in her life - not her would-be boyfriend, and not her only remaining family. From this scene on, it is non-stop action, a refreshing pace compared to book one's stop-and-go chasing and hiding. New characters are introduced, old ones are more properly fleshed out, and the city slowly devolves into more chaos.

What I liked

The character development. One of my biggest complaints about the last book was how flat Sandis and Rone were, cardboard cutouts filled with tropes. Sandis was the virginal vessel that needed saving, and Rone was the antihero rogue with good intentions and bad actions. Now, they have both evolved. Sandis, while still vulnerable, is beginning to make her own choices, for better and for worse. Rone actually understands what went wrong and is trying to rectify the problem. It was a pleasure to read them grow, both separately and together. 

The new characters. It is funny that the two best things about this book are character driven, since last book was all about setting the scene and the ambiance. Here, the new cast of characters are all interesting and have full backstories. There is Bastien, the new vessel and ally, as well as a street gang that isn't in Kazen's pocket. I am looking forward to see how they fit in the end.


What I liked less

The Villains. Kazen and Sandis' uncle are both driven by very different motivations, but at the end of the day, they are both fairly one-sided. Holmberg did such a good job fleshing out her heroes in this installation, and I hope that she can do the same for her villains in book three.

The predictability. I really did enjoy this book, but many of the would-be twists were a bit predictable, just based on the characters' motivations and motivations earlier in the book and in book one. I wouldn't say this is a deal breaker, just a little surprising since most of Holmberg's other books are pretty surprising.

Conclusion

To say I enjoyed Myths more than Smoke would probably be an understatement; this book is what I wanted this series to be. There is action, mythology, character development, and more cool numen. I can't wait for book three! Four waves out of five; preorder your copy today to have it by April 16!

Feedback
Thank goodness this book picks up right where the first one left off. Right after finding out that the person who hired Rone is actually Sandis’ uncle, their world gets turned upside down. The amaranth is gone which means Kazen is still probably alive and just so much. I was honestly expecting something a little different that what was given - but that’s not a bad thing. After figuring out that Talbur is a total tool (no, duh) Sandis leaves his home and, unwillingly, goes back to Rone. Together they are determined to find out what is going on with Kazen and to free the other vessels. I really like the turn this book took because I wasn’t expecting the events that happened. There were revelations and plot twists that were surprising. Again, Holmberg works fantastically in such a small scenery with her vivid story telling details. I love how intricate she gets without it being too much. The story just flows and kept me on the edge of my seat. Oh, and you thought book one had a cliffhanger. Well, let me tell you that this cliffhanger is not nice.
Sandis and Rone. Ugh, Charlie is the queen of slow burn romances. Rone tries so hard to get back in the good graces of Sandis but she is too hurt by his betrayal. Even though it was extremely frustrating, it made sense the way their relationship didn’t heal right at the beginning. One of my favorite thing about Sandis is how vulnerable she is but at the same time she is so smart and strong. It sounds like it should be a contradiction but it’s not and it works. I still love Rone. The way that he tries to be so tough but inside he is just a loving soul. I’m glad we get to know a little more about the other vessels and some new characters that really bring more depth to the story. And then there are the few Kazen chapters which are just, wow. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next book.

Final Thoughts
Overall, Myth & Mortals by Charlie N. Holmberg was the perfect succession to this story. Tensions are still high everywhere and their quest is nowhere near over. There are twists and turns throughout this book that kept me wanting even more. Sandis and Rone are everything and their relationship builds even more in this book, even if it takes a bit. The additional characters really encompass this world more. I highly recommend continuing this series but be prepared for another cliffhanger that will make you want book 3 in your hands immediately!

**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
As always, Ms. Holmberg's masterful creativity continues to astound me. She has picked up were she left off from her previous book and the story flows, full of forbidden magic and twisted hearts. It's a story steeped in myths and legends in this world-building series that changes the reader's perceptive of their own thoughts on Good and Evil. Her characters will continue to grip you and pull you in to their story until you can't put the book down.

This book definitely made the progress that the first book needed. I feel like Smoke and Summons was more of an introduction of cat and mouse. Then once you jump into Myth and Mortals that's where all the action and development happens. I love that Myths and Mortals left off right where Smoke and Summons ended. I really enjoyed the introduction of new characters. The characters have a stronger voice, bigger battles to face, and you never know who you can count on. The connection that Sandis has to Ireth, the Numen realm, and the mystery behind it all is really what drove my interest in this book. I can't wait to read more from this world.

Myths and Mortals is book 2 in the Numina trilogy.

I enjoyed these books as they sort of remind me of Naruto a little (the nine tails, Kurama, possession). At the beginning I thought the story was a little slow then things started picking up a little. The ending was part mind-blowing and part-predictable, at least for me.

Overall, would love to see how things play out.

The story was excellent. Engaging, fast paced, and unique. All things I look for in a read. I’m excited to read more from this author.

This book was as exciting as the first one. I love Charlie Holmberg books and this one met all my expectations.
It's entertaining, engaging and it keeps you hooked till the last page.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.

Book #2 in the series kicks off with bang - it follows straight on from the end of Smoke and Summons and the pacing doesn't let up. Sandis has a lot to work through - layers of betrayal from (let's face it) everyone in her life so far, not to mention her deep-seated belief that Ireth is more than the monster she knows she should fear, but instead feels an unwavering connection to...

We see Rone grow as a character, dealing with the guilt of his actions and his need to do right by Sandis. But new dangers are forever coming at the duo, meaning Rone and Sandis' relationships is at a pivotal point - for themselves and the wider world. Personally, I love Rone; his devotion to Sandis and earning her forgiveness is heart-pinchingly fierce and unrelenting. On the flip side we have Sandis, whose loneliness and uncertainty is so viscerally painfully I wanted to reach into the pages and give her all the hugs.

I can't wait for book #3. Things I want to see: more Rone (obviously) and a more kick-ass Sandis (that girl has power and I want it unapologetically unleashed).

I didn't like this one as much as Smoke and Summons. It seemed rushed, but slow at the same time. I feel like not that much happened. Although I have to say the last 10% was quick and eventful. I will definitely read the next book after that ending!

Unlike other reviewer's I had not read any of the authors books before,starting the numina trilogy, I am well ans truly sold on the style and story, this is a good sequel and I await the third book avidly

Book 2 of the Numina series and the twists and turns of the plot keep the reader hooked. Book 3 can't come quickly enough!

A great second book in this newest series by Holmberg. I am a big fan of her writing both for their uniqueness and their protagonists who are equal parts strange and relatable. Definitely need to read these in order or you will be totally lost.

The Numina trilogy has to be Holmberg’s best series yet and I really enjoyed this episode. There was plenty of action and adventure, not to mentional emotional moments. I found the characters engaging – even though I didn’t really ship the romance but then I rarely do in any books tbh – and the style and pace just pull you in. Eager for the next book in this series.

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book!*

After really enjoying the first instalment of the Numina series, I was excited to finally read the second book. I loved aspects of the world-building in the first part and was eager to learn more about the other cities/countries, numen and I also wanted the characters to mature and evolve. I didn't get all of that and was disappointed in some aspects because I predicted certain plot twists.

However, this was a fast-paced and well written read. I didn't get the character development I wanted and the world-building wasn't expanded, but the story was full of action, heartbreak and tears.

If you liked the first book by Charlie Holmberg, read this one. I am waiting for book 3 now.

Some minor things that annoyed me:
- why can't people just talk to each other? Would solve 98% of all conflicts
- take more care of your priced possessions
- writing a letter takes 10 minutes, boy, go write your mom a nice, long letter
- Sandis: your ethics are questionable, read up on some philosophy
- bad guys don't die that easy

4 Stars