The Blood of the Prophet
The Fourth Element, #2
By: Kat Ross
Publish Date: September 12, 2016 by Acorn Publishing
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fantasy
Pages: 417 Kindle
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Visionary. Alchemist. Savior. Saint.
The Prophet Zarathustra has been called many things. Now he spends his time drawing pictures of weird-looking goats. That's what happens when you've been stuck in a prison cell for two hundred years. But the man who might be mad, and is definitely supposed to be dead, has suddenly become very valuable again…
It's only been a few weeks since Nazafareen escaped the King's dungeons with her daēva, Darius. She hoped never to set foot in the empire again, but the search for the Prophet has led them to the ancient city of Karnopolis. They have to find him before Alexander of Macydon burns Persepolae, and Darius's mother with it. But they're not the only ones looking.
The necromancer Balthazar has his own plans for the Prophet, and so does the sinister spymaster of the Numerators. As Nazafareen is drawn in to a dangerous game of cat and mouse, her newfound powers take a decidedly dark turn. Only the Prophet understands the secret of her gift, but the price of that knowledge may turn out to be more than Nazafareen is willing to pay…
The Prophet Zarathustra has been called many things. Now he spends his time drawing pictures of weird-looking goats. That's what happens when you've been stuck in a prison cell for two hundred years. But the man who might be mad, and is definitely supposed to be dead, has suddenly become very valuable again…
It's only been a few weeks since Nazafareen escaped the King's dungeons with her daēva, Darius. She hoped never to set foot in the empire again, but the search for the Prophet has led them to the ancient city of Karnopolis. They have to find him before Alexander of Macydon burns Persepolae, and Darius's mother with it. But they're not the only ones looking.
The necromancer Balthazar has his own plans for the Prophet, and so does the sinister spymaster of the Numerators. As Nazafareen is drawn in to a dangerous game of cat and mouse, her newfound powers take a decidedly dark turn. Only the Prophet understands the secret of her gift, but the price of that knowledge may turn out to be more than Nazafareen is willing to pay…
*********************************
The story picks up in book 2 with Nazafareen sailing with her deava, Darius, to Karnopolis to search for the elusive Prophet. Naz is pretty tough as she’s already been through a lot but is putting in her all to find the missing Zarathustra with her small crew. So she’s a strong female MC going into the search which won’t be easy or safe.
This book is replete with magic of many kinds. From a straightforward “pond” gateway to the shadowlands, to magical metal cuffs and neck rings that bind the wearer in some kind of connection or servitude to the owner. Some of these are quite evil. Then there are the magical beings like daevas, wights, magi, Immortals, Nazafareen herself, and even Queen Neblis, who all wield various kinds of power over different elements.
There are in fact many different kinds of magic, so lots to keep track of. I really liked most of these and wanted to know more about how they actually work, especially the fire magic that Nazafareen discovers she has, though I think it would have helped the story to bring in fewer overall as at times it gets a little overwhelming and confusing.
My favourite quote is, “There is magic in everything. The trick is making it do what you want it to.” (3702/4971).
I was drawn to Blood of the Prophet also for the ancient Persian cultural references. Zarathustra, for one, is one of the names of Zoroaster, the real life founder of the ancient Persian religion. There is even Alexander getting ready to attack the city. All these give a great historical reference point for atmosphere and visualizing the scenes.
The author also gives lots of unique descriptive details, and observations about the characters, and even gives human feelings to animals. These really add to the story which is well written and easily paced. There isn't too much action through most of the book but we learn some of the background of the characters and a little about the magi, the Numerators, and evil necromancer, Balthazar.
I really like that Nazafareen and Darius have a special close connection that is beyond just their magical bond of the cuffs that makes them both reluctant to break that bond even when it becomes possible. It’s interesting too that Nazafareen is also bonded to another, which we will learn more about in the next installment. The only thing I found about her was that I didn’t especially feel that close to her though I found her to be a likeable and courageous character.
Loved the cliff hanger. You just know there are going to be amazing things happening in book 3.
A really good historical YA read that I would highly recommend to historical fantasy lovers. Stunning cover. 4.4 Stars!
*****************************************
Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She lives in Westchester with her kid and a few sleepy cats. Kat is also the author of the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day (Skyscape, 2014), about a world where the sea levels have risen sixty meters. She loves magic, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Preferably with mutants.
Great review, Kristin! This sounds like a unique, well written and action packed series! Glad you liked it! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Giselle, thanks for popping over. Book 3 is going to be action-packed!
DeleteThanks so much, Kristin! Yes, the magic systems evolved and became more complex as the series went on, but I hope I tie up all the loose ends and make everything clear in the last book!
ReplyDeleteHi Kat, glad to be a part of your book tour. Love learning and reading about magic so pleased to review Blood of the Prophet. All the best!
Delete