The Last Seer King is the second book in the epic Shadow Sword series whereby our heroes are desperately fighting a war against the Ghoul-God Archanin who is slowly, but steadily, encroaching on the last remaining kingdoms in this world and will soon overthrow them all through his gift to enthrall, using both bloodlust and sorcery. It took me awhile to get to this book because I was busy, but like the first book, I read it in hours, staying up late to finish, and it's a big book, over 600 pages. Like the first one, there are many twists and turns, and the action picks up right where the last book finished, and is relentless in its pacing.

First of all, the character development is awesome. That's not to say that I was overly fond of all the characters, even the so-called heroes, but that's why I liked this book so much because even the heroes were so flawed, making a lot of mistakes, acting on impulse and emotion.

Kaell and Val, the main heroes of the first book, were still font and center of this one, trying to figure where each of them stands in terms of their relationship, through the bitter misunderstandings and betrayals. The focus is much more on Val, which I liked, as I have developed a huge fondness for him, but that doesn't necessarily mean I like him all of the time, if that makes sense. We definitely learn a lot more of his background and his history and some of what he suffered which makes you more sympathetic to his character, but his love for Kaell also makes him impulsive and causes him to misjudge a lot of things, hence the many plot twists that occur. However, I like that he is so flawed and makes mistakes as it makes him more human, even if I get really frustrated with him.

The story is told in multiple POVs and the author has done a marvelous job at making the switch between characters seamless. Some of the new POVs are characters of whom we heard about in the first book but didn't really know anything about so now we have stories about Roaran and Dannon; Roaran is this ancient king and I'm only just beginning to get a glimpse of the role Dannon will play in the story as his role is so new, but the introduction of these two POVs was quite interesting. I've now read enough of this author to understand I will find out exactly their roles in due time. We do know a lot more about Roaran as some of his story was explained in the first book, but not too much about Dannon so I am looking forward to learning more about him. His role is going to be huge, I think.

A lot of the plot occurs in the Icelands this time around so we got learn a lot more about Heath's twisted family, including Myranthe, Griffin, Velleran, and Judith. Those are some twisted people, let me tell you, and some twisted lands. Myranthe is...vile. There is no other word to describe her as the ways she went about torturing Val was just horrendous. I can't wait for the day she gets her comeuppance, and I hope it's Val who does it as she forced Val to reveal his most horrendous and shameful secret which is one of the reasons for his behaviour in this book as he grappled with how to deal with his shame and self-loathing. And Heath...oh my, I'll just leave it there.

Kaell's fate was equally intriguing, but this is all I'll mention about him as there are too many spoilers around his story. All I'll say is that it was the last thing I was expecting, but the journey was quite intriguing and fascinating. The author definitely felt that Kaell's torture in the first book was not enough though. I really empathize with Kaell the most as I am never sure if he is going to make it while I am more sure about Val for some reason. I always have this feeling like I just want to give him a big hug and tell him it's going to be okay, which is weird considering his a warrior of renown as much as Val.

The plot itself moved so rapidly I couldn't put the book down. With an ancient prophecy about to come to fruition, many of the people in this story are trying to manipulate it for their own ends, so there is a lot of action and a lot of things going on, including manipulation and betrayal. What it really does is make you question what is really going on, who is really involved in this prophecy, who the real heroes are, and is the prophecy even real. So many of my favourite characters had to go through some real challenges in both of these books so I can't imagine that what is coming will be easy for anyone and I am guessing the whole world will be turned on its head.

The Last Seer King was a fabulous sequel to the 19th Bladesman, and I enjoyed learning so much more about the world and its characters. The writing is great, the character development is superb, and while a lot of my questions from the first book were answered, so many new things happened, I now need to read the next book in order for those questions to be answered. The author definitely puts her characters through hell, and after one incident, I am now afraid they may not all survive, but that is part of the excitement of reading this book. I am excited to learn there are five books in this series, and will soon be starting book 3, The Sword Brotherhood, but I will need to make sure I have a whole evening dedicated to the book set aside if they are anything like the first two books.

Hmm. This second book in the Shadow Sword series is a difficult review for me. Loved the first book, 19th Bladesman, so I looked forward to book 2. Having finished it a few days ago I still struggle with how I feel about it. Heres the rub for me. The story itself feels complex, but, really not so much. In the end, for all its seeming twists, its a cast of characters trying to defeat (stop) a "Fallen God" from taking over their world. The characters themselves are complex, the world they inhabit has deep history that needs more fleshing out really, not just a few flashbacks and cryptic mentions. Still, it works well enough to be intriguing. What I struggle with is the continuous beat down of many characters. Not the torture per se, I am not squeamish in that regard, but, seriously, how many degradations does one have to go through? How many almost escapes and recaptures? How much perverse mental strife must one be put through? Middle of the book felt like the "Neegan season" of Walking Dead. Beat down after beat down. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes and dropped the book (kindle) in frustration.
And yet, I picked it up and kept going, so there is enough there to keep me interested (curious?) at the outcome.
I had already downloaded an ARC of the third book in the series before reading the second, but, honestly wonder if I will continue. And then to find out that there will be at least two more installments? I don't know. Maybe give it few more days and see if I'm drawn back into it.
It is well written and the sword battles are all quite rousing, that's what kept me around for the entirety of book 2, although there are far fewer of those in this volume. Not a bad book at all, just depressing for me. I don't read for that. Will there be some light at the end of the tunnel moving forward? Thats the question. Again, Hmmm.

This book was SO good, I've gone off and looked for the author's other books. So amazing in fact, that it almost defies description. Compelling, solid characters, great writing, a good plot that meant that I picked this book up at 6 pm yesterday, and stayed up until I finished it. There really aren't many *one sitting* books in my just-finished pile, and to be honest, it was completely out of the blue. I normally have to be interested in the author first, but I'm delighted and grateful that this free review copy let me meet and enjoy a brand new author.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review via NetGalley, with thanks to the author and publisher.

As the second in what seems likely to be a several-book series, The Last Seer King follows the continuing journey of Kael and Val Arques as they fight against the evil god Archanin and his army of ghouls that seek to overrun the world. This is not a black-and-white story, however. In a Game of Thrones way, the characters are nuanced and flawed. Some are horrifically evil, but even the "good" characters have destructive and potentially devastating faults to overcome as they wrestle as much with themselves and their humanity as with the sinister god Archanin. The titular character is an ancient king, returned with a mission the defeat Archanin. However, for him, the end justifies the means, and the carnage he will leave in his wake could make him appear almost as despicable as his foe.

This is a long book, over 800 pages, and I had the disadvantage of not having read the first in the series. There was not much reference to the first novel, which made it feel like I had to hit the ground running with these characters and was often lost and bewildered as to what was going on. I still have little idea of who the main characters are or their backstory but they are intriguing nonetheless, and I enjoyed the novel. Looking forward to seeing how these heroes will complete the task before them, and what it will cost. It is very well written, especially the interactions between Val Arques and the witch who imprisons him.

Hartland has written a compelling tale about fantasty that leaves the reader waiting for the sequel. The book as a fast paced plot and there are no dull spots. I enjoyed the characters and await the next in the series.

The story is very compelling. What Kaell and Val go through in this book really makes you feel for them and want them to succeed. The twists and turns are also fascinating and keep you reading. It is a long book, but the moments are enjoyable.

I received an ARC from netgalley, but this doesn’t affect my review.

Readers: Can A Hero Go To Far In His Quest To Defeat Evil? Can A Reader Claim Temporary Insanity In Court When A Character Is Continuously Tortured Beyond Reason? All That And More In The Last Seer King (Shadow Sword Series Book #2) By SJ Hartland

Truth be told I have written two different reviews for The Last Seer King (Shadow Sword Series Book #2) by SJ Hartland -official website (our interview with SJ Hartland). If you really want to nitpick, I also mashed the two together and so maybe three, which is what you are getting here, for the most part. Does that make four? Ok. Either way. Blame Ms. Hartland, but of course. Why you ask? I'm glad you asked....

The first reason should be obvious. Kaell and Val Arques. Not only does the continued torture continue from 19th Bladesman for both characters. Although, in all honesty, it is still Kaell I want to take home protect with my life and never let leave my apartment again because somehow, I just think Val Arques will just be fine. As for Kaell? Hartland finds the most innovative and abhorrent ways to torture Kaell since Ramsay Bolton got ahold of... well anyone.

Let's see... when we left Kaell he had been captured by those he'd sworn, as a bonded warrior to kill, Ghouls and now had been forced to take their blood, promise allegiance to their God Archanin. Now slowly turning into that which he was slowly sworn to kill, Kaell finds help in another prisoner, Azenor (captured by the Ghouls in the first book while on her way to be wed). Together they plan their escape. Kaell not realizing that she has pledged fealty to the Last Seer King, Roaran. He needs Kaell in order to bring down Archanin. But wait for it... because we aren't to that treachery just yet.
Kaell and Azenor do escape Archanin's kingdom and go in search of Val Arques, Kaell believing his lord will do the right thing and put him down before he turns into a full-blown Ghoul. During this time Azenor does everything in her power to keep Kaell believing in her good intentions and loving concern. Upon finding his lord, Val Arques does agree to do the right thing but delays due to the pain it is causing him. He delays too long and all hell breaks loose.
After many plots, twists and turns.... and multiple people come back from the supposed dead, Azenor's plan comes to fruition. And while Kaell is spared death at the pyre by others that find out of his Ghoul blood, he is not spared a fate worse than death. Instead, as Roaran planned he awakens... trapped in Azenor's body.
Roaran intended this. Roaran had planned for this. Because Roaran has plans for this. There are three bloodlines needed to bring Archanin down and Kaell now bonded with Azenor, has two of them. I won't go further. But... just. Poor Kaell. What I will say is that before that is even revealed to him? He gets hit on, attacked by multiple groups from different kingdoms. He gets drugged I don't know how many times (truthfully, I don't even know why he keeps drinking wine) and has his skull crushed to the point that I'm shocked doesn't actually believe he is Azenor ... and this whole entire time? He thinks Val Arques is DEAD. Why do you ask? GOOD! Let me go back in time a bit...

While Kaell was busy being trapped in Azenor... Val Arques is captured while trying to help find Azenor (yes that Azenor because he doesn't know that Kaell is in Azenor and is trying to help her brother who saved his life and then find Kaell and they were together lest he knew) by Heath Damadar. Her brother (also back from being supposedly very dead) had set him up because he really thought Azenor was with Heath (and she was- but it was Kaell, of course- but he escaped) ... almost one hella reunion there.

Quick side note- Heath is an incredibly complex character and best written character across the series, so far. Quick witted, funny, arrogant and a brilliant swordsman. He is easy to hate but at the same time you want to like him and over the course of the second book him and his sister Judith begin to win you over. Playing their part in the shadows for most of the 19th Bladesman, they really come to the forefront in Last Seer King. With their characters fleshed out, they truly get the chance to grip readers attention and thrive.

But at this point, Heath sets a scene of carnage making sure everyone, Kaell included will believe Val Arques and Aric is dead... again. The Damadars will then be able to imprison them so that any sibling can do as they choose with him, Myranthe, a powerful sorceress to the Gods, included. Unfortunately for Val Arques, even he is no match for her mind, body and soul magic. Thus, his torturous journey begins and continues throughout the story- unravelling many secrets from 19th Bladesman, while leaving his sanity in the balance.

Underneath all of this is that all of them- those you hate, love and love to hate- are all pawns for Roaran. And that is where everything is woven together. Hartland shines most when the chess board comes to the forefront of the plot. The intricacies of watching the chess pieces move is spectacular but knowing who the puppet masters are that move the chess pieces along are what make the series riveting.

You expect to be the devious and villainous to cast spells and control others against their will- and oh believe me, they do. They don't disappoint. And it is in these moments that so many juicy secrets we've been waiting for are revealed (yet so many are still yet to come).

Roaran means to do well. He wants, at the end to take down Archanin before Ghouls overrun the lands for centuries to come. It is a noble goal. However, he is playing with lives and moving people around without regard for anyone. The question becomes, even if you mean well, at what point does the price become too steep?

SJ Hartland satisfies my craving for quality fantasy writing in The Last Seer King. Adventure, action, larger than life characters — all are featured here.