The Gauntlet and the Burning Blade

I’m still fairly new to fantasy/sci-fi stories but have found myself being drawn into the world building, along with varying characters both good and bad I would say with this one that you do need to read book one before book two. I had to try and remember the characters from the first book but once I did I was back on track. It did take me a little while to get into the story with a slow start but once it got going you become gripped. It’s a book you need to focus on as it switches from character to character and kingdom to kingdom. With characters from book one Flore and Benazir have been promoted from Captains to bolt Commander’s, they are working for the Grand Council helping to make plans for the defence of the protectorate.
Marta, Flore’s daughter is dying from the skein magic she inherited from her father. Flore is determined to get her the help she needs. Knight Commander Starbeck has orders for Flore, Benazir, Yselda, Cuss, Tomas. Tomas has been on a fact finding mission but what is with the odd glasses he is wearing, he has been acting slightly different.

There is still fear of the orbs despite there not being so many, when the orbs struck the Whitestaffs fled to their island home of Iskander, to the monastery of Riven, but not one boat that had sailed to Riven has returned, leaving the docks of Undal City almost empty, the Grand Council had sent envoys out to find out why all the esteemed teachers, healers and leaders had abandoned them but none of the boats have returned either. The only Whitestaffs that had stayed behind had been the ones working in the military hospitals, or stationed at the Stormwall.

The orders given to the commanders are to go south to try and retrieve the Whitestaffs and to remove whatever it is that is blocking their way back. With hardly any navy left in Undal City the defence is low. Knowing that the rust-folk have taken Port Last and the Northern Marshes things are not looking good for the Protectorate.

There is so much going on within this story with goblins, Wyrms, skein mage’s , along with Tullen One-eye later in the story. The battles are brutal. Can they all survive?. A Claw Winter is also expected meaning extreme cold, snow.

If you like fantasy novels then don’t miss out on this terrific series. The world building is superb, the characters are believable. I was rooting for Yselde and Cuss. There are extra evil characters in this story at one stage I was in tears. If you do decide to read this then definitely read book one first, because then you will understand the characters and what powers they have. You will definitely not be disappointed. I look forward to the final part.


This was a gripping, suspenseful, engrossing read the tension building and building as you get further into the story. the imagery described is brilliant at times you feel you are there. I found myself squirming at the Wyrms for some reason, it’s not as if the goblins are cute with there teeth.

This is the second book in this series and it's another entertaining, fast paced, and gripping story.
There's plenty of emotion, actions, there's a mother who fight for saving her daughter.
It's well plotted, the world building is well done and I love the storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine