On the Horizon – the tyranny of faith (Richard Swan)

Ahoy there me mateys!  I received an eArc of this fantasy novel through NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings . . .

Title: the tyranny of faith
Author: Richard Swan
Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication Date: Tomorrow!!! (hardcover/e-book)
ISBN: 978-0316361880
Source:  NetGalley

This was a satisfying second book in the series which was hampered a bit by the slow pacing and the subplot of a missing prince.  I didn’t find the book boring or anything.  It just took a while for the pieces to connect and I kept waiting for the characters to make discoveries that this reader suspected.

This book takes place in the capital city of the Empire, Sova.  Helena is back to telling the story of the decline of the empire and where her boss Justice Konrad Vonvalt fits into the political machinations.  I continued to enjoy the four main characters of her group.  Helena is still the favorite and I still loved the story being told from her perspective.  Bressinger and Sir Radomir are excellent characters.  I was bit less enamored of Vonvalt this go around but can’t get into the whys because of spoilers.  There was nothing particularly wrong with the plot but it is the relationships between the characters and how they develop in the book that I enjoyed the most.

The slow pacing eventually turned into a rather dramatic last quarter and finale.  Claver has become an excellent villain and the magic consequences were used to great effect once he is back in the action.  Helena in battle was so very enjoyable.  And I want more of the monster dog.

Where the characters end up by the end of the novel makes me seriously want the next in the series.  It is supposedly out in 2024.  Arrrr!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

A Justice’s work is never done.

The Battle of Galen’s Vale is over, but the war for the Empire’s future has just begun. Concerned by rumors that the Magistratum’s authority is waning, Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova to find the capital city gripped by intrigue and whispers of rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, while fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets.

Yet facing down these threats to the throne will have to wait, for the Emperor’s grandson has been kidnapped – and Vonvalt is charged with rescuing the missing prince. His quest will lead him – and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir – to the southern frontier, where they will once again face the puritanical fury of Bartholomew Claver and his templar knights – and a dark power far more terrifying than they could have imagined.

To visit the author’s website go to:
Richard Swan – Author

To buy the novel visit:
the tyranny of faith – Book 2

To add to Goodreads go to:
Yer Ports for Plunder List

Previous Log Entries for this Author
the justice of kings – Book 1 (Fantasy e-Arc)