Hello and welcome to today's blog tour stop for EMPIRE OF DUST! The newest release, and the second book in Eleanor Herman's Blood of Gods and Royals series. After you read my review, be sure to check out the giveaway and enter to win!
ABOUT THE BOOK
By: Eleanor Herman
Published by: Harlequin Teen
To Be Released on: June 28th, 2016
Series: Blood of Gods and Royals #2
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In Macedon, war rises like smoke, forbidden romance blooms and ancient magic tempered with rage threatens to turn an empire to dust
After winning his first battle, Prince Alexander fights to become the ruler his kingdom demands—but the line between leader and tyrant blurs with each new threat.
Meanwhile, Hephaestion, cast aside by Alexander for killing the wrong man, must conceal the devastating secret of a divine prophecy from Katerina even as the two of them are thrust together on a dangerous mission to Egypt.
The warrior, Jacob, determined to forget his first love, vows to eradicate the ancient Blood Magics and believes that royal prisoner Cynane holds the key to Macedon's undoing.
And in chains, the Persian princess Zofia still longs to find the Spirit Eaters, but first must grapple with the secrets of her handsome—and deadly—captor.
After winning his first battle, Prince Alexander fights to become the ruler his kingdom demands—but the line between leader and tyrant blurs with each new threat.
Meanwhile, Hephaestion, cast aside by Alexander for killing the wrong man, must conceal the devastating secret of a divine prophecy from Katerina even as the two of them are thrust together on a dangerous mission to Egypt.
The warrior, Jacob, determined to forget his first love, vows to eradicate the ancient Blood Magics and believes that royal prisoner Cynane holds the key to Macedon's undoing.
And in chains, the Persian princess Zofia still longs to find the Spirit Eaters, but first must grapple with the secrets of her handsome—and deadly—captor.
Epic! It's a rarity when the sequel is almost better than the first book, and I say that having LOVED Legacy of Kings. You can read my review here. I loved this sequel! Everything that I loved about Legacy of Kings was upped in this book, and I didn't think that was possible.
Continuing right were Legacy of Kings leaves off, Herman thrusts readers right back into her world of magic, romance, history, and deceit. The stakes are even higher in this book, as shocking discoveries are made, and new ones are in need of answers. The twists in this series keep coming. Nothing about this story line is predictable and I love that. Some characters have changed, new relationships have formed, and the romance is perfectly developed. I love how each of the characters's live continues to intwine with each other.
Legacy of Kings introduced us to the characters, but Empire of Dust allows us to see some of the characters for who they really are. I love how each of these characters has changed, whether for good or not. Herman continues to surprise me with her characters, and the choices they make. Now that there's a lot more at risk, loyalty is tested, love blossoms in unexpected places, broken hearts fuel a bitterness that easily leads to hate, and betrayal can easily be bought. Murder is a constant threat, shocking betrayals happen, and nothing is ever as it seems. The plot definitely thickened with this book, and it is awesome!
Intriguing characters, and mesmorizing storytelling aside, I absolutely LOVE the history in this book. I am fascinated by Herman's ability to weave together historical references with that of fantasy elements, and create something that feels natural. I love the history that is at the heart of this series. I admire Herman's ability to not just tell a story, and bring it to life, but to bring to life history in such a way that makes you feels as though for a moment you're experiencing it first hand. It's so incredibly easy for me to get swept up in this series. If this series was endless, it still wouldn't be enough!
Herman's writing is addicting, and it makes you wish you could just crawl inside her book and stay awhile. Empire of Dust is another epic edition to a fantasy that has it all. If I thought the ending Legacy of Kings was brutal, this ending has me wising book 3 was already in my hands! My word, I can't wait another year to find out what happens next. I need answers!
ABOUT THE AUTHORContinuing right were Legacy of Kings leaves off, Herman thrusts readers right back into her world of magic, romance, history, and deceit. The stakes are even higher in this book, as shocking discoveries are made, and new ones are in need of answers. The twists in this series keep coming. Nothing about this story line is predictable and I love that. Some characters have changed, new relationships have formed, and the romance is perfectly developed. I love how each of the characters's live continues to intwine with each other.
Legacy of Kings introduced us to the characters, but Empire of Dust allows us to see some of the characters for who they really are. I love how each of these characters has changed, whether for good or not. Herman continues to surprise me with her characters, and the choices they make. Now that there's a lot more at risk, loyalty is tested, love blossoms in unexpected places, broken hearts fuel a bitterness that easily leads to hate, and betrayal can easily be bought. Murder is a constant threat, shocking betrayals happen, and nothing is ever as it seems. The plot definitely thickened with this book, and it is awesome!
Intriguing characters, and mesmorizing storytelling aside, I absolutely LOVE the history in this book. I am fascinated by Herman's ability to weave together historical references with that of fantasy elements, and create something that feels natural. I love the history that is at the heart of this series. I admire Herman's ability to not just tell a story, and bring it to life, but to bring to life history in such a way that makes you feels as though for a moment you're experiencing it first hand. It's so incredibly easy for me to get swept up in this series. If this series was endless, it still wouldn't be enough!
Herman's writing is addicting, and it makes you wish you could just crawl inside her book and stay awhile. Empire of Dust is another epic edition to a fantasy that has it all. If I thought the ending Legacy of Kings was brutal, this ending has me wising book 3 was already in my hands! My word, I can't wait another year to find out what happens next. I need answers!
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Eleanor graduated with a degree in journalism from Towson University, studied languages in Europe, and for thirteen years worked for NATO’S Nations & Partners for Peace magazine. Fascinated since childhood by the ancient world, she has visited most of the well-known sacred sites, palaces, and arenas still in existence, from Homer's Troy to the great temples of the oracles. She lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband and four very dignified cats. Legacy of Kings is her first novel, and marks the beginning of the Blood of Gods and Royals series.
ENTER TO WIN
Thank you to Harlequin Teen, 2 winners will each receive a paper back copy of Legacy of Kings, and finished copy of Empire of Dust. *US only
FOLLOW THE TOUR
Week One:
6/20/2016- The Cover Contessa- Interview
6/21/2016- Zach's YA Reviews- Review
6/22/2016- Fiction Fare- Guest Post
6/23/2016- My So-Called Book Reviews- Review
6/24/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Interview
Week Two:
6/27/2016- Lisa Loves Literature- Review
6/28/2016- A Dream Within A Dream- Guest Post
6/29/2016- Mundie Moms- Review
6/30/2016- Once Upon A Twilight- Review