Bingmei’s story continues in The Buried World.
Her ensign is still fighting to save the world from Echion, but she doesn’t wish to cross the Death Wall to fulfill her destiny.

This second book in the series doesn't make me love the series anymore than I did with the first. The cliffhanger ending, predictable story line, and weird/not relatable characters don't leave me dying to read the next book. While I think the concept was a great idea the story line and world building left me feeling a little wanting. I had really hoped that the second book would make me love the series more but it once again just left me debating whether I'd even bother picking up the third book.

I'd rate this a 3/5 and would not recommend it to someone who either didn't love the first book or was new to the Jeff Wheeler worlds.

Building off of the first book, this book is really interesting. I love the premise and the character development is so compelling. I definitely wanted to keep turning the page.

Jeff Wheeler is a writer, one of those few writers, who bewitches us with his stories to such an extent that we come to the end of the book and are looking for more pages to read, and then immediately we begin with the next book in the series.
The Buried World is a fantasy story in which the author explores the afterlife, intermingling his story with oriental legends in a masterful way.
This book is part of a series that I recommend even though I just started the third and last book!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This isn't a bad series but i keep finding myself having to reread things or take breaks from it possibly because theres a lot going on idk

this was a really enjoyable read, I've enjoyed Mr. Wheeler's previous book and this has what I enjoyed from them and does improve on it. The characters were great and I loved the world that was built.

Unfortunately, it didn't have Book X from the _____ series, so I thought it was the first one. Some action, some suspense, but I might love it more if I read Book 1.

What in the world is worth saving?
Bingmei can sense what people are really feeling, whether it’s love or disgust, and she can tell if a person is good, evil, or conflicted. She knows exactly what people keep hidden or what they don’t bother to hide. Because she’s different, she faces prejudice. But the same people who despise her tell her that it’s her duty and privilege to sacrifice herself so the world may survive. For a long time, she has believed that the world, with all its hate, prejudice, and deception was not worth saving. But now she sees the death and havoc caused by her refusal to cross into the Grave Kingdom. Echion, the Dragon of Night, is more evil and destructive than she could have possibly imagined.

As her journey progresses, Bingmei discovers more and more people that she considers worth saving. Now all she has to do is make it to the Grave Kingdom.

Jeff Wheeler does his usual masterful character and worldbuilding. Bingmei, our reluctant heroine, grows mightily through this second story, as does Rowen. This is is another enjoyable story that’s hard to put down.

The downside to this book is that it is not the end, and we must wait for the next story. I’d knock off a star for The Buried World pretty much ending on a cliffhanger, as did the first book, but it’s business as usual for this author. Just not my favorite way for a book to not end. Very much looking forward to the next book, though, and hoping it’s the conclusion of the story. Awesome continuation of Bingmei’s tale.

I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

I could kick myself, honestly. I thought I had already written a review for this book a long time ago. I’m seriously annoyed with myself, because Jeff Wheeler has become such a favorite author and I love getting ARC’s of his books. I hate to think I didn’t treat this one with the respect it deserves.

This being the second book in the series you can find my review of the first book, The Killing Fog at the link.

I have been enjoying this series. It’s a little different from his other series because it is asian inspired. It is reminiscent of a wuxia type movie. As with other Jeff Wheeler books it features some very strong female characters, and absolutely flies by. The second half of this book in particular was a wild ride. If you enjoyed the first book, you will not be disappointed with this second installment.

I'm gonna admit first, really quickly, that I didn't notice this was the second book before I jumped in. I heard of Jeff Wheeler's books thanks to youtube and always told myself I'd pick one up so I requested it.

This said, as much as there were moments I was confused (my own fault for not stopping to nab the first one, sorry). I enjoyed the setting and the world plenty. I can't give a full review, as I'm not sure how it compares to the first and how it builds on it, but I will admit I'll be going back and reading the first and this one again!


As well as picking up more of Mr Wheeler's books.

The main character Bingmei and her companions travel the continent fighting the Dragon of Night and trying to resist her fate. The Buried World picks up where The Killing Fog left off. This one was a faster then The Buried World which is nice but these books are slow burn. It's still a little slow but I still enjoyed it at the same time.

I love finding a series where the second book is even better than the first. Where it's obvious the author is diving deep and you are along for an amazing ride. I've found that to be the case with most, if not all of Wheeler's work. It gets better as you go, and you never want it to end. Thank goodness he's as prolific as he is talented!

I love that Bingmei isn't your typical heroine. Instead, she fights against what is "expected" of her, becoming the hero because of who she is and her desire to be honorable, more than because of the glory. There are some stunning visuals, but also the same magic that makes you love Wheeler's other books.

I can't wait to see what's next!

Book 2 of the Grave Kingdom series builds so well on the first book and really brings life to the characters, the villains and the world. I devoured this book like Echion devours his enemies- swiftly and with no remorse.
Bingmei is just such a great character with so much to learn and we get to learn along with her about the Phoenix powers, the threat to the world, the past lives, and her expanding view of emotions. Rowan has really turned into one of my favorite characters and I just cannot wait to learn more. I hope just like with the Kingfountain series, this has additional books and side stories of the characters. I could read about this world forever.

This is the 2nd book in the Grave Kingdom series, a new stand alone series by Jeff Wheeler. It continues the struggles between the Phoenix and the Dragons as embodied by the undying dragon lord and the young female warrior Bingmei. The world is built off of Chinese lore set amidst mountainous land. Wheeler crafts his worlds with interesting characters and magic, bringing the reader along as the characters discover both themselves and slowly learn about the history of their world and the nature of the unending struggle that lies behind the magic. Although somewhat slow at times with some leaps of action that are puzzling in timing overall the story is interesting, leaving the reader wanting to learn more about this world, its history and its magic.

Thank you so so much to 47North via NetGalley for my e-ARC of The Buried World by Jeff Wheeler!! After reading both Muirwood trilogies, both Kingfountain trilogies, and the Mirrowen books, I can firmly say that Wheeler is becoming one of my favorite authors and I was so thrilled to be able to review this.

The Buried World picks up where The Killing Fog left off, and I will keep this spoiler free so don’t worry. If you read The Killing Fog and felt that it was a little long, rest assured that The Buried World is considerably shorter and moves along at a quick pace.

These books are a slow burn for sure though, Wheeler takes time to build this world and it’s mythology, revealing the legends over time and also taking time to build the characters.

Bingmei had a lot of self discovery and acceptance and personal hurdles to overcome in this novel. She had to lead the ensign while making decisions based off her own instincts…which after book 1 were obviously hard to trust. I loved the friendships and relationship building in this, even between the siblings and the members of the ensign. This is 100% one of Wheeler’s most intricate groups of characters. A little brutality, a little redemption, he puts his characters through the ringer and I just love love love the determination and resolve that the remaining group has mustered.

Have I mentioned how much I love Rowen yet? I like know he’s the other half of the phoenix and wish it would just happen already.

Wheeler also mentions in the afterword that he was inspired by accounts of near death experiences and dreams to write Bingmei’s death sequences. From someone who deals with a lot of death, I really like how he had handled this so far. Wheeler tends to get preachy sometimes but he has done a really good job sticking to the made up mythology of The Grave Kingdom, without bringing a lot of Christianity into this…yet.

I also just want to mention how much I love magical walls – the Death Wall is right up there with the D’yer wall in the Green Rider books, and the Wall in the Old Kingdom books. There is just something magical about walls built on the blood and bones of our ancestors.

All in all – as much as I love this there is something keeping it from being a 5 star read. I think it just burns a tad bit slow for me in some places, then starts racing towards the end. I would call it a 4.5 star and definitely recommend for fantasy fans and people looking for clean reads, clean fantasy, Christian fantasy.

Blog review can be seen at: https://onereadingnurse.com/2020/07/01/arc-review-the-buried-world-by-jeff-wheeler/

Thank you, Netgalley and 47North for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Buried World is the second book in The Grave Kingdom series. The series is Chinese inspired with a fantastical world and a great cast of characters carrying the story forward. I read The Killing Fog, the first book in this series last year, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This series picks up from where the story left off in the first book. We follow Bingmei as she and her ensign is fleeing from Echion and his army of mercenaries. Kingdoms have fallen; Echion is raging war against anyone who dares to defy him. He is forcing Iron Rules on his subjects. Things are rapidly changing in the entire world. Echion wants to raise his Queen Xisi and requires Bingmei to raise her from the dead. Rowen promises to bring Bingmei to Echion to escape cruelty at the hands of Echion. I loved the cast of characters the book offered. All were unique and wonderful. I found a lot of them entertaining and engaging. The dynamics within the group were great to see. I liked how they gave Bingmei her respect despite her being the youngest leader to lead an ensign. The high stakes situations and tension-filled escape sequences were amazing. We get to explore the world as it expands and see more of it. The characters are also developing and it was great to see that as well. The writing is good and the pacing was just right to keep me interested and engaged with the book. I also loved the limits the magic has in this book while being endless with possibilities at times. I loved this book, though not as much as the first book. I gave it 4.5 stars, but I still think it's an enjoyable read. I highly recommend checking this book out if you love YA fantasy set in a different world and interesting magic system that involves killing fog and ancient relics. I believe this book will be perfect for a younger audience who enjoys reading about ancient mythology, kingdoms, and immortal tyrant rulers.

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This is the second book in the "The Grave Kingdom" series and it's full of action. Bingmei and her trusty companions travel the lengths of the continent fighting the Dragon of Night to resist her destiny.

After a short break in their compound, Bingmei and her friends flee through caves and mountains once Eichon's minions find her with orders to capture, not kill. Despite her efforts to help cities shore up their defenses against Eichon's forces, the cities fall one after another. Bingmei is able to escape Eichon's clutches several times, but she cannot escape her fate. She finally decides she has no choice but to go over the Death Wall and face her fate head-on. I can't wait to see how the story ends in the next book.

This book was entertaining, but looking back it seemed like one long, fight montage. Bingmei and her fighters find a place they think is safe, they are found by Eichon's forces, and flee. Eichon's forces chase them. Rinse and repeat. Occasionally Bingmei and her friends are captured and then escape at the nick of time, only to be captured again. Rinse and repeat. I enjoyed the book, but it was fairly repetitive and appeared to be mostly filler to stretch the series into three books. This book didn't do much to advance the story.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book picks up right where the first one left off. Bingmei and her rag-tag ensign are traveling through the mountain passes being chased by soldiers intent on capturing Bingmei and returning her to Echion. Echion must have Bingmei, for she is the only one who can wake his sleeping queen. Without his queen, Echion cannot obtain his full power.

Bingmei is still determined to escape her fate to sacrifice herself for a world beyond saving-but at what cost? Echion continues to kill and enslave all who oppose him. Their deaths and sacrifices for Bingmei weigh heavily upon her and she begins to regret her earlier decision to flee her fate. Is there anywhere she can go to escape Echion’s clutches?

Despite the evil and oppression Echion forces on the people, Bingmei represents hope and forgiveness. Her character grows immensely as her heart slowly begins to change and opens to the love and sacrifices made for her. As her heart softens she becomes aware of instructions and power given to her as she begins to embrace her role as the phoenix-chosen. Is she too late or will she still be given the chance to save them all?

The Buried World by Jeff Wheeler takes us on the next leg of Bingmei’s heroic journey to save her world from the evil Echion, the recently revived dragon king who is as evil as the evilest despot that you can imagine.

What I Loved

The tone of this installment of the series fluctuates between hopelessness and determination, whereas the first book was full of wonder and fear. Echion does not leave room for a positive tone as he proves his absolute might to an unexpecting world. No one can escape him, though many have died trying. He knows all, sees all, and is more than willing to kill all, of which there is no doubt.

Bingmei is feeling the weight of being the Phoenix-chosen, the only one that can stop him. She fights her destiny, as her natural inclination toward survival kicks in - her choices to save the world conflict with those she instinctually makes to save herself and her friends. It’s a harsh realization for her to make, and that is adequately reflected in the weighty tone.

All of the characters, who help Bingmei, face individual challenges. These challenges aid in the growth, development, and complexity of each character that I have grown to love and admire. Each death that takes place, though inevitable, is one more character I will miss along the way. And each success against all the odds is ones that I celebrate for the characters as they have too much work to do to allow themselves to take the time to rejoice.

My favorite character is still Quion. I can imagine him running along, hefting his too-heavy backpack full of essentials, pots, and pans jangling, and his snow leopard companion by his side. He is so endearing with his unfailing determination and friendship. His survival skills are so ingenious that they alone reflect the complexity of his character, who otherwise would seem inconsequential in a fight for life against an unstoppable foe.

The power of forgiveness sticks with me. Bingmei is compelled to forgive one of the last people she would ever expect to bestow this gift upon, and in its subtle way, it truly begins to turn the tide and is more magical then than any Phoenix blade, mei wood staff or mei wood cricket. Sometimes it’s the small things that can make the difference when all hope is lost.

I also sympathize with Rowen’s struggles as he tries to find where his destiny lies. Instinctively he knows he has a role to play, but challenges and people try to convince him otherwise. Whereas Bingmei wears her specialness, Rowen does not have any outward markers, which proves more challenging than the weight of Bingmei’s destiny.

I love everything about this story – it’s intricately woven characters who each reflect characteristics that are as strong as the smells that emanate from them, it’s beautiful and deadly setting and its universal themes that are just beginning to emerge. I especially love the rune magic and the dragon lore, as these add more wonder to an already beautiful world.

To Read or Not to Read

Lovers of epic fantasy will be missing out if they don’t pick up this new series by Jeff Wheeler. I give it six stars on a scale of 1-5 and whole-heartedly rave about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I did not even realize Jeff Wheeler had new books coming out till I seen this. I was so PUMPED. So had to get them and I was lucky enough to get my hands on this too. He always has the strongest female characters and. I love that! And his writing is so detailed I swear I am really there. It really is a gift he has to be able to engulf you in the world of his writings.

Much like his other books this one takes place right after the first and if he sticks to what he usually does it's only going to get better from here. It is a bit

The characters growth is gorgeous.

It's just perfect.