Series: Eidyn #2
Release date: December 5 2023
Publisher: Orbit Books
Pages: 560
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars
Synopsis
A war once held in the shadows now escalates into full-scale revolution in the second novel of Justin Lee Anderson’s epic Eidyn Saga. The fog of war is lifted and the conspiracy at the heart of Eidyn finally exposed. Now that they know the truth, Aranok and his allies must find a way to free a country that doesn’t know it’s held captive. But with divided loyalties and his closest friendship shaken, can their alliance hold against overwhelming odds? The quest to retake the country begins here.
Review
Justin Lee Anderson’s The Lost War was my first five star read of 2024. It was a brilliantly addictive read and after that ending, I knew I’d need to immediately pick up The Bitter Crown. Following on from the events in book one, Aranok and his group of allies are now trying to do everything they can to restore Mynagog to the throne, cure the blackened, and return the country to some semblance of normality. But with danger and conspiracy at every turn, will they succeed and will their friendship be the same after all they’ve faced?
Much like The Lost War, I was immediately hooked on The Bitter Crown. This installment is just as fast paced and action packed and there were plenty of moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The world of Eidyn is really fascinating and I love learning about the magic and seeing the range of abilities people have. I also love that the world is based on Edinburgh and noticing all the similarities between the two. I really enjoyed the plot of The Bitter Crown as the group moves towards trying to undo everything that has gone wrong in the country. There were lots of twists and turns and there were so many times I found myself saying ‘Oh just one more chapter’ because I had to know what was going to happen next.
This story has a really brilliant mix of compelling plot, fascinating world, and complex characters you can’t help but grow attached to. The characters really do go through hell and back and it was so interesting to see how the dynamics shifted within the group as the story progressed. Aranok and Samily in particular undergo quite a big shift and it was so compelling to read about. I think Allandria is still my favourite and I’m also still hoping that all of them make it out alive, though I have my suspicions that they won’t.
The Bitter Crown was an easy five star read for me and I’m so excited to see where Anderson takes the story in book three. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that will give you a unique world full of dark monsters, twists you will never see coming and brilliant, vivid characters – the Eidyn Saga is one you do not want to miss.
Justin Lee Anderson’s The Lost War is a fast-paced, action-packed start to a new fantasy series. The story follows Aranok, the King’s Envoy. While the war might be over and peace might be settling over the Eidyn, the problems are just beginning. There’s a plague spreading across the land, mercenaries attack anyone in their path and demons continue to ravage the farmlands and destroy food supplies. When Aranok is tasked by the King to go and find an exiled foreign queen and return her to her throne, he has no choice but to start out on this dangerous quest alongside a group of allies. As the group travels further across the land they come across a new threat and a conspiracy darker than they could have imagined.
The Bibliophile Chronicles 