Review: Shades of Virtue (Dragon Rising #2) by Jack Whitsel

Description: 
Nearly two years have passed since the Harhn incursion. While the Hugue recovers from the devastation, the Order of the Secret Throne resumes their agenda. Lord Yannic and his armies march the breadth of the Vol Thaldane to rally the divided human fiefdoms into the new realm of Shyrlandia, while engaging the Braug tribes and Harhn Hordes still plaguing the region.
In the Hugue, a tournament champion is foreseen to have an impact on future events. The Council of Whispers dispatch Lady Lucia and her two apprentices, Dragana and Tallya to oversee the event. Amidst the spectacle of pageantry and martial prowess, Lucia must uncover the dark powers wishing to thwart the Order’s agenda, while supervising her headstrong apprentices. There is more at stake than winning a lady’s hand, for whoever wins the tournament will set events in motion that will forever impact the future realm of Shyrlandia, the Vol Thaldane, and the Hugue.

My Thoughts:
This is an exciting fantasy adventure story in a historical medieval setting. It has sorcery, battles, and jousting knights. There is a tournament and the winner will win the hand of Lady Basina and get her land. The story follows several different characters so it is difficult to predict the outcome. I enjoyed the funny insults and curses. Shades of Virtue is the second book in the Dragon Rising series. You don't have to have read the first, though it helps. 

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Rape, gore, language

My Source: author

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Review: Shadows of Kings by Jack Whitsel

Shadows of Kings by Jack Whitsel


Description:
Steel and sorcery clash as the Harhn incursion sweeps through the Hugue. Mankind faces its greatest peril without the Order Knights of legend to defend them. Crusading deep in the frontier, the Order is unaware of the savage beasts threatening their homeland as the Hugue realms muster their armies for war.

Between a cunning Harhn sorcerer, and an alliance forged with the decadent Darkfey, the Horde threatens to extinguish the domains of Man. Only Lord Baudouin and Lady Lucia, a Dragon Maiden from the Order, stand in the enemy's path. One must find the strength to unify the realms. The other must discover the strength within her, while coming to terms with the agendas of her Order. But only together will there be any hope to repel the onslaught, and preserve the future for a mysterious girl they do not know.

My Thoughts:
This is an exciting fantasy story filled with fighting, magic, elves, dragons, and other creatures.  The story grabs you from page one and just keeps pulling you right along. There are a lot of characters and multiple points of view so you get to see the war from all sides. I thought the characters were well-written because I sympathized with some and hated others.
With the bloody battles and other realities of war, this book won't be for all readers, though fantasy lovers will enjoy it. This is a complete story, yet there are enough unanswered questions to tantalize you into reading the next book in the Dragon Rising Series. I know I will.
Check out the book trailer I included at the end; it's good. Also, pop over to JackWhitsel.com to read the first chapter.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Crude language, blood and gore, talk about rape.

Publication: June 15th, 2012 by Twilight Times Books


Where to get it:
Amazon
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About the author:

Jack is a native Californian, but has made Oregon his home since 1982. He holds a Bachelor's Degree of Finance from Portland State University, but studies medieval history in his spare time. His favorite genres are fantasy and historical fiction with a medieval emphasis. Shadows of Kings, the first novel of the Dragon Rising Series is the love child born of these two passions.

"I love the elements of fantasy when mixed with the gritty aspects of a medieval society. In the worlds I create, there are neither citadels of shimmering glass nor any utopian realms."

The final contributing catalyst to Jack's creative process comes from his two sons, Josiah and Noah. They remind him how important an active imagination can be, and are the first to hear his tales of diabolical wizards and valiant knights.

"Because of my boys, I still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy."

Where to find the author:
Jack Whitsel official site
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