If you've read the first book of the Quickening, Myrren's Gift, you would indefinitely proceed with reading Blood and Memory. The 2nd book of the Quickening definitely tests the capability of readers with withstanding the cruel tortures of innocents and near impression of the insignificance of human lives. Myrren's Gift was a chariot ride in comparison, with far less innocent deaths than in Blood and Memory; although most would already presume this was the case from the title of the novel. Fynch and Knave (the awesome Scooby Doo pup)'s journey to find the manwitch holds itself independently throughout the whole novel, though they still remain intricately linked with this well-told tale. All I'm thankful for is that they remain the safest out of all the characters. Valentya is still in a much, I see no progress in her position against Celimus. This novel felt like a polar circle. When it feels as though things are about to turn up bright for a character, the path laid before it is pulled to misery and inevitably, death. If I've ever thought a character would survive through character development and build up of emotional experiences; oh boy, did Fiona Mcintosh prove me wrong. Efforts become equivalent to nothing. Even the poor child, Jhorn couldn't escape Celimus' wrath. Damn him. To be honest, it felt like nothing really happens in this novel other than Wyl attaining a new admiring ally. This novel lifts your spirits and extinguishes it in the same manner. Just when you think new characters can finally get involved and cause an uprising against Celimus, they're eliminated. Easy enough. The basic concept is: We'll try doing something --this leads to--> we die so nothing happens. On the up side, I still enjoyed the novel. The one star reduction is because none of the mercernaries have done a bloody thing or have even whipped out a blade to knock the brains out of Celimus! His character, as obvious as it can get, has shown no development. This is the same case for Cailech and Rashlyn. Gosh, if you all know your kingdoms are doomed, why not get rid of the problem already? I know he's royalty and you have to be wary but if the rumors have already been floating about, that king of yours is clearly the problem. Save us the torment of having Will, somehow adapting relatively well to his female bodies, run about searching for answers and tragically even killing one of the only people left of his bloodline. Why hasn't anyone been running about screaming, "Foul Play!" when it's clear you King has been conspiring amongst his own. In addition, when did mercenaries become so bloody loyal? I'm certain it's not just the pay. Another question, where are the royal guards?
As usual McIntosh's writing is superb, however unlike her Trinity series by the second book (this book) in The Quickening you can kind of tell where the story is going. No spoilers, however there is really only one avenue for the story to take for it to end well for the characters. That's not to say it isn't worth reading because the story itself is a magnificent bold tale that root for the underdog as he faces multiple adversaries, with a truly evil, and powerful nemesis to round out the story. Plus love. It is my recommendation that when you read Blood and Memory to have Bridge of Souls close at hand and read through both together as one giant book, for one it continues better this way and for another you'll want to read it right away (it's addictive).
What do You think about Blood And Memory (2006)?
In Book Two of The Quickening Wyl has learned from Romen’s death that Myrren’s gift is continuing and he is now in the body of Romen’s assassin. He still must protect his sister, Ylena, from Celimus and rescue Lothryn from Cailech and as he moves to do so he discovers new strengths and new knowledge in his new body. Celimus is still moving forward in his suit of Valentyna in order to control Briavel but complications arise when Wyl finds Myrren’s father and comes to understand the intertwining of the magic behind the curse and the political maneuvering between the lands.
—Neill Smith
Read this book if you: + like a book full of action / betrayal / intrigues / honesty / loyalty+ interested in middle/old ages, knights, kings and queens+ never know where the story is heading too+ when you think you know what's going to happen, half of the time it is going to happen and half of the time you think: "huh, what just happened???"Don't read this book if you:- don't like magic / paranormal subjects- don't like series (it's the second book that prepares for the third and last book)Even the 'disadvantages' are minor. The book can stand by itself and the magic theme is present but not overwhelming. Where would your loyalty lie in this book??????
—Annemieke
c2005. Oddly, for a second book of a series, quite a lot happened whilst setting up for the forthcoming book. Had some unusual twists that I was not expecting. The style of writing was even better than the first book. Loving it......Poor old Wyl (and Faryl and Ylena) and what about Lothryn? Fynch and Knave - a wonderful partnership and the new character of Aremys (reminiscent of The Three Musketeers) Who would have thought something like this could have happened to Lothryn? ? All the characters are great even the bad ones. Roll on the next one! "The news from Morgravia is extraordinary"..it is indeed!
—Ruth
